Getting Started with Card Crafting

Card making is one of my favorite pastimes;it is relaxing and fun, and the end product is something you can share with your friends. But if you have never ventured into the paper crafting realm getting started may be a little daunting. So here is my summary of the basics to get you started.

1. Get your creative juices flowing!

The best thing to get you going is seeing what lovely things are available and what can be done with them. I would suggest visiting your local library and borrowing some books and magazines on card making. My favorite is Paper Crafts magazine, but there are others that are great too, whatever you can find.

2. Get your supplies!Check around your own house first, you may be surprised at how much can be used to make cards: buttons, lace, ribbon, old blank note cards ( to re-cover), decorative paper, edging, staples and what-not. Then you can make a trip to the craft store or even your local Wal-mart. I have a few items in my my aStore that you may find helpful too. I buy nearly all my stuff from Hobby Lobby (if you sign up for their weekly e-ad you will get notices when they have 1/2 off sales, which is about every couple months), especially my stamps because they sell many scripture and religious stamps and you can't beat 1/2 off!
Here is a short list of some basics:

Decorative Paper

The cheapest way to get paper is to buy the BIG stack for half off, 180 sheets for $9.99, but if you want to hand pick your patterns get the by-the-page ones.

Stamps

I use the text stamps the most; the new way I have been buying stamps is clear unmounted, this means you buy as many clear stamps as you want and one mounting block to fit them and you can just stick them on to the block to use, clean it and peel off to store.

Ink Pads

Black is the most use but a few other colors are fun to use also.

Card Stock

This is to make your cards, one 8 1/2x11" page makes two cards. You can also buy this by-the-page, I like to keep a variety of colors on hand.

Envelopes

You can buy these at the store, a thrift store, or make your own using a template.

Glue Stick

An absolute necessary! White glue will warp your paper.

Sharp Scissors

I guess that is a no brainer.

You may also find these helpful:

Embellishments

Like I said, these you may already have but there are plenty on the market to tempt your fancy.

Paper Trimmer

You can just use scissors, but this makes it so much easier.

Exact-o Knife

This is nice to have for precision cuts.

3. Craft your cards.

Now you should be ready to put those things to work. Collect all your supplies and on a large surface lay it out and choose what you want to go into your card. If you need a starting point try using some card maps. That has really helped me, I guess you might call it "my secret". Most of all, just be creative and put together a card of all the things you love.

Show and Tell: Spring Cards

I like to look ahead to Spring when the dead of winter is all around me, so I thought I would make some Spring cards today. I think my favorite is the three flowers one.



God Bless, and may you have a blessed Christian Sabbath!

5 Keys to Successful Dinners

1. Plan Ahead
Every time you go shopping have a menu and a list for the amount of dinners until next shopping trip. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate just a few things jotted down for each night (like: Mon.~ chili, corn muffins, toppings). Then, each night after dinner, choose which meal you are having tomorrow night and do any necessary preparations ( i.e. soak beans, put frozen meat in fridge, etc.). It is also nice to write yourself a note of what needs done in morning or just make a mental note.


2. Prepare Early
Do as much preparation as possible early in the day when you are bright and fresh. This will go a long way to having a peaceful afternoon. Employ your slow cooker when practical, this is especially nice in the summer when you don’t want to heat the kitchen up and slave over a stove top. ( At the end of this I will share one of my favorite slow cooker meals.)


3. Allow Plenty of Time
Dinner preparation always take longer than I think. Even if most of it is done before noon, I still need to set the table, make the beverage (that is tea around here), prepare the vegetables and do any last minute sides. If you have little helpers-in-training (younger siblings or children) be sure to plan time so they can be a part of the preparations, this will save you time in the future as my mom daily attest.☺


4. Clean as You Go
When you finish with a dish rinse it and put in the dishwasher or sink, wipe counters when you are finished with them, throw away trash as you make it, and clean up spills immediately. It may take a while to develop this good habit, but if you have allowed enough time it will be much easier.


5. Leave the Kitchen Spotless
If possible, as soon as dinner is done clear and wipe counters and table, wash all dishes, and sweep the floor. By leaving your kitchen thus you will wake up to a clean and orderly start in the morning.



My Favorite Crock-Pot Meal:

Sour Cream and Dill Chicken

Ingredients:

8-10 pieces chicken (thawed the night before)
pepper to taste
2c. sour cream
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
1 onion soup mix packet
2 T. lemon juice
2 t. dill

Place chicken in bottom of large slow cooker and sprinkle with black pepper. In large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4.
Serve over rice (recipe following) with a side of mixed vegetables.

Soaked Rice
(Nourishing Traditions Recipe)

2 c. brown rice
4 c. warm water
4 T. whey, yogurt, buttermilk or keifer
1t. sea salt
2-4 T. butter

In saucepan combine rice, water, and whey (you can also substitute lemon juice or vinegar). Leave in warm place for at least seven hours (I usually do this right after breakfast). Bring to boil and skim foam, reduce to low and stir in salt and butter; cover tightly. Without removing lid, cook over lowest heat possible for about 45 minutes. Yummy!

Note:
These are not original ideas, I have gleaned them over the past couple of years from all the wonderful older women in my life.

A New Excellent Website

I would like to introduce you to my mom's new website:

eHomebody~One whose focus is on the home.

After working on this project four months it is finally published and up and running. Here are some things about it you may find interesting:

eHomebody blog (offering interesting articles on saving money, homemaking, homeschooling, ect.)

Open House for the monthes of January and Febuary (this includes a gift basket giveaway!)

Homebody newsletter (she is offering three free ebooks for signing up!)

Each week, when you sign up for Homebody e-newsletter, you will recieve
~timely articles regarding issues which affect you, your home, and your
world

~helpful hints and handy tips for making your life easier and more
frugal

~exclusive offers only for subscribers to Homebody

~exciting websites and products for you to explore and enjoy

~book, movie, and music reviews to save you time in wondering whether something is appropriate for you and your family and so much
more!

I hope you will check it out and tell your friends about it!

Recipe for a Happy Home

Half a cup of friendship, and a cup of thoughtfulness, creamed together with a pinch of powdered tenderness, very lightly beaten in a bowl of loyalty, with a cup of faith, one of hope and one of charity. Be sure to add a spoonful of gaiety that sings, also the ability to laugh at little things. Moisten with sudden tears of heartfelt sympathy, bake in a good natured oven and serve repeatedly.

Taken from:
Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping: Timeless Wisdom and Practical Advice
by Miriam Lukken