Christmas Presents on a Budget by Stepchange

 Hello my wackys, do you have everything ready yet?!! Did you decide to buy the presents or be crafty and imaginative and make them yourselves?!! 

 Well If you still don't have everything you need or are too skinned to actually buy something why not try this ideas from StepChange.


1. A cookie kit that’ll cost you crumbs
Putting together a cookie making kit is a doddle.
Start off with a glass jam jar big enough to store things in (mason jars are very cheap on eBay).
Find a cookie recipe and put together the dry ingredients needed for them. Measure the ingredients out and wrap them up in sweet wrappers or little squares of cloth. Layer the ingredients in the jar with the first ingredients needed on top.
Now, remember the recipe? Copy the recipe from the website or type it out from the book and then put it in an old fashioned font such as Blackadder or Edwardian script on Word. Print it out to about a quarter of the size of an A4 piece of paper and cut it to size.
Take a little saucer and fill it halfway with cold coffee. Place the cut out of the recipe on the coffee and swirl it around until it’s completely covered, then place it on a dry surface that won’t stain. Don’t leave the paper in there too long or it’ll go soggy! If it’s taking a while to dry, you can help it along with a hairdryer.
Once dry, you’ll see that you’ve created what looks like parchment. You can then put a ribbon through one corner of the slip of paper and tie it to the jar. Ta-daaah!
If you’d prefer a demonstration, this handy video explains it all.

2. Mirror image
This idea is great if you’re buying present for a teenage girl. Pick up a cheap mirror (you can get beautiful mirrors for cheap in charity shops) and some glass paint and fine detail brushes (you can buy these cheaply online or at any craft shop).
Open up Word on your computer and find a really pretty font. Once you’ve found the right one write something to make the recipient feel good every time they see it, such as “gorgeous” or “beautiful”. Print it and cut the letters out so you have a stencil in the sheet of paper.
Take the paper and place it over the top of the mirror face. Paint over the letters with your glass paint in whatever colour you like. Once the letters are dry, you can go over the outlines with black glass paint or glitter glass paint. Jazz it up with some pretty rhinestones or butterfly stickers. Keep a cotton swab handy to dab away smudges.

3. Homemade handwarmers
We all know someone who has ice blocks for hands (that’s me in our house). Take some soft material like felt, wool or cashmere and cut into four rectangles, all a good three inches (ten centimetres) longer and wider than your hand. Split into pairs and sew them on three sides so they look like little pillows.
You can buy ceramic pie weights for cheap. They’re small, heat resistant pebbles traditionally used for padding out pie crusts (too costly? You can also use rice). Fill up the pillows you made with the pie weights or rice and stitch each of them shut.
Now, you can warm up your coat pockets and your fingers by bunging these cute handwarmers in the microwave for a couple of minutes (mind you don’t get them too hot). No more chilly fingers!

4. A secret place



This is a fun gift idea for bookworms or for people who like to squirrel things away. Take an old leather-bound book (once again, charities can be counted on for a whole array of dusty tomes) Here’s a great video that’ll show you how to do it step by step.

Christmas Cards on a Budget

Hellllooooooo!!!!

 My God it looks like this year has gone by so darn fast... I mean, I can still remember almost everything I've done in January!! Is it just me?!!

 Well here we are, its the 15th of December and there's only 10 more days until Christmas, my Christmas shopping and handmade stuff is almost all done, missing only 1 or 2 things really...

 Today I instituted on my self to make a pillow, some drawer fresheners, and the Christmas Cards for my neighbours... Yeah you read it right the first time, here in the uk it seems that you give cards on every little or big occasion that you might think off, being it Easter, Christmas, birthdays graduations, being poorly, loosing a tooth, you name it, they make it lol :)

 So to make this cards I used a Digital Software called Serif Craft artist, I personally love it really you can do so much with it, cards, invitations photo books, journals, table decorations etc., they have all sorts off digikits which are amazing.

 I also used the Marta Stewart Scoring Board, to score and fold them as well has the envelopes to which I also used my Sizzix eclips; and here's the result:

 

Hope it will inspire you in doing your own, and it does save a bit of cash has you can always make personalised cards with your fam pics.

 

See you soon xxxx

Handmade Xmas cards by a 6 year old :)

Hello my lovers,

 

Well today is the last day off rest before another chaotic working week for many of us, my little/big angel have been receiving some Christmas cards from her classmates at school, but we didn't leave the house this weekend has there's been an awful so much to do, plus I'm a really homy kind of person...

 

 My God she was going on and on and on about the cards " mommy we have to do them, mommy everyone gave me one so I've got to give some as well -that's fair" - Ok OK lets do some then... what size do you want?! what about the shape?! , what colour card would you prefer?, what about the design on the front?! " MOMMY... can we put some glitter on them as well please" - Yes honey, which colour?!! "Can we have a santa as well" - Yes, sweetie... it is your cards after all.

 

 So here's the end result:

 

We used : Big Shot Machine, Martha Stewart Scoring Board, the second biggest square from the framelits, the snowflake embossing folder, modgepodge and white glitter,1 small red rhinestone &  here comes santa stamp...

 

I helped with the scoring, placing of the framelit, putting the glue around the snowflake and the rhinestone in the middle, she then wrote all her class mates names on her own, I hope they like it, she had so much fun and I'm one proud mommy :D .

 

I hope that this incentivates you to make your own cards instead of buying them, they don't have to be like this they can be has elaborate has you wish, I suppose I'm trying to give her the crafting bug lol.

 

 

See you soon!!!

xxxx

 

DIY Christmas Presents on a low budget

Hello my friends,

 I've been overwhelmed with all the blog views I've been having lately, for that a thank you very much for all of you out  there :).

 Now the subject in matter here today is Christmas presents and more importantly a low budget, if it means giving one or more people a similar thing then let it be it, there's nothing wrong with that is there?! Plus hand made by you as a lot more meaning to your family and friends...

So I been here thinking and thinking pondering on the budget issue of things and I reached the conclusion that you can do it  for less than £5 for each person, so lets tackle the groups one by one

CLOSSE FAMILY ( Mother, Father, Sisters or/ & Brothers, Grandma's, Grandpa's, Son, Daughter, etc.)
CLOSE FRIENDS (Best Friends, Life friends, School mates etc.)
WORK MATES (presents exchange)

 So regarding the closse family, think... do you have children yourself if so, your mum and dad would love something that they could look at and remember them of their grand kids or of family fun, like for example their hand print, foot print, something written by them, a journal or photo book with their pictures (grandparents with grand kids); and this my lovers you can definitely do yourself :)

 Here's a list of supplies for different projects, and some suppliers here in the uk (I'm sure you'll find and have craft stores in your country as well)

 www.hobbycraft.co.uk ; www.bakerross.co.uk ; www.craftycrocodiles.co.uk
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porcelain paint pens or whatever you need for your project ( the pens would cost around £2.20 each)
porcelain plate; mug; egg cups or anything related to your project it could even be a tile ( this item range in between £0.35 and £1.50), the end result however is priceless :)

Here's some examples:

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Fabric bag, Plain t-shirts, Plain aprons etc. ( this items cost in between £0.95 and £2.50 per piece)
Fabric Pens, fabric paints, Fabric Dies ( this will cost in between £1.95 for pens and £3.95 for pots)

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For Journals or Photo books you can do a lot of different things, use different materials, stuff that you might even already have at home : cardboard patterned paper, photos, stamps, fabric and wadding for the covers who knows the world is your oyster, here's some pictures;

 

If you don't own anything whatsoever than to keep things on a low budget you can always buy a scrapbook ( which is +- £1.00 depending on the size, update the cover with either some fabric or patterned paper and print the pictures and cut shapes to decorate, write stuff in it, just be sure to take your time has it is supposed to be something with a lot of sentiment in it)

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 For other family like brothers/sisters you could have a really nice picture frame with you and them and this would definitely cost less than a fiver specially if you print the picture yourself, if you'd like to personalise it even further make some a mattboard behind the picture, you could use your patterned paper for that or some wall paper depending on the size that's really up to you, you could also stencil & paint a plain frame to add some character to it.

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NOw, FRIENDS AND PRESENTS EXCHANGE  why not do a batch of home made jam, I have some recipes on my blog or you can search the internet and recipe books for others ( to save some extra cash you can reuse old jars, don't forget to sterilised them tho)  make a really nice label either with your pc or patterned handwritten card stock and add some ribbon and fabric on the top to cover the lid. ( it will certainly make more than only one jam jar, so you'll have more than one gift right there.

 

You can also make some biscuits or cakes and decorate the outside with some cute packaging or make a little box to put it in if you don't do it yourself you can find some cute boxes in this website www.craftcompany.co.uk.

 

Make some scented drawer or wardrobe freshener with just some fabric and dried lavender, dried lemon grass, you name it... you can also personalise this little tokens with your friends initials or a drawing in case the fabric is plain.

 

This are only a few ideas there is so much you can do without having to spend tons of money on shop bought presents... I know you will come out with great ideas, even better than mine to be honest. So why not start right now, have a brain storm and put your hands to it, I would love to have your feedback and hear about your ideas .

 

See you soon my lovelies :) 

 

xxx 

Air Drying Clay Christmas Decor. with your kids

Hello my lovers,

Well I wasn't feeling very well, so I decided to stay home and try to have some rest, you may be thinking " you had all weekend for that"... well that's actually not the case... with this 2 little pretend to be monsters and all the house work one has to do, cause it can't possibly be tackled during the week for work reasons has you may well know... I'm already knackered even before the working week starts ... oh well...

 So it got me thinking well I may not be able to walk due to a pain in my leg buuuuttt I can sit down, I may not be able to right or read a book due to my headache but I can still craft...hummmmm

 So I grabbed the air drying clay, my fimo moulds called my little one (she's nearly 3, if you do it with your kids be very careful, not to let them touch their face or swallow any bit) to help me as well, she sat on my side and looked eager to start "What are you doing mommy she asked" - "we're going to make some Christmas tree decorations" I told her; Yeihhh she said with the chickiest smile you could ever see on a child...

 So the material you'll need and that we used is:

- air drying clay
- moulds or cookie cutters
- rubber stamps for patterns or designs
- plastic bags to cover the table
- 1 toothpick ( to make the hanging holes)
- some ribbon or cord
- gloves (optional - if you don't want your hands to get all mucky)
- an hard surface covered with foil or plastic bags to let them dry
- acrylic paints ( spray, etc. - your choice really)
- PVA glue + Glitter ( you choose the colours)

NOTE: it obviously only gets decorated after completely dry which may take around 24h depending on how deep it is; Let it dry away from any windows or sun exposure or it may crack.


How to:

1- take some clay and shape it into a ball or several balls that's up to you, with a pvc roller or one you would only use for crafts roll the clay out into about 0.3mm thickness;

2- place it on your moulds, or use the cookie cutters at this stage, and demold or stamp with the designs you want them to have;

 3- Place it on the hard surface covered with a plastic bag or foil and let it dry;

 4- when completely dried, paint it and decorate it;

 5- attach the ribbon when the paint is dry, and finally hang it up, and enjoy your and your kids work of art.

Hope you enjoy doing it has much has I did.

Go on have some fun and quality time with your little ones, there's nothing like creating memories with them :)



xxxxx

St. Mary's Cathedral Christmas Raffle DIY Prizes

Hello my lovers,

Sunday seems to go by really fast... in fact faster now then ever before, Christmas is nearly here, Kids are going crazy asking for this, that and all the rest and to top it off school holidays are upon us :) yes yes I know we all love it...

 So, St. Marys Cathedral is holding a raffle after the show that the kids will present before the holidays start, parents friends and family were asked to help out with some prizzies to get people interested and then raise funds that would then go towards the school; SO you ask?! - well, I decided to get crafty and make some prizies...

I made a list of things that I could do, and this is what I came up with:
* a x-mas saying canvas
* a blue soft toy
* a box of x-mas tree decorations
* 1 set of Gift boxes
* 1 stationery set
* 1 mini album set

I already made one of the prizies " Christmas saying canvas", I used the sizzix eclips machine some vinyl , a canvas board, some modge podge and some glitter .
Here's a video off some of the steps.

I apologise in advance for my english has its not my native language :) hope you like it, it was my first video ever so hopefully the following ones will be better ;) .

My baby Girl is 6

Hello everyone how have you lot been?!!

Busy yeah, I can believe that more than you think this day to day shores, Christmas run, and in eventuality b-days or other party's do take the better of you every now and then, the secret is "FOCUS" yes you heard me.. "Focus " is the key ingredient in any recipe, any shore or any project, don't loose hope it will all get better or done soon, and then a wonderful thing happens you "will" be able to relax in the knowing that all you had to do is now done... so start it early so that you can finish it early and then  RELAX...

Anyway, with all I had to do this week I also had to prepare two birthday cakes, yeahp not one not 3 2. I cant believe that six years and 3 days ago I had the most traumatic, intense, amazing moment of my life or any women's life GAVE BIRTH... there is no words to describe it really at one point we just want it out, and another we just feel so much love when we see and hold that  little sprout for the first time; it is magical.

 We didn't make any party per say because it was a school day, instead my lovely sprout :D asked me to make her a cake so that she could celebrate with her school friends and colleagues, and another one so that we could sing happy b-day with her, that was her day and she decided what she wanted to do, so we ended up going to Macdonalds as well.

Here's some pictures of the cakes:

 

She is an Hello Kitty fanatic, so I designed the topper and then e-mailed it to a lady on e-bay that printed it onto icing "paper"

 

This one was my first ever done with Icing I think it came out quite alright don't you?!

Now, If I were to buy this from a shop it would cost me at least £15 to £20 each and making it myself I spent £15 including the boards and cake box to take it all the way to school ( inc. the hello kitty topper) 1 kg of flour costing at around £0.80 the same on sugar and eggs plus butter it all brings me to less than £20, so there you go 2 cakes for the price of 1 :) I'm one happy mommy, and whats best is that she loved it .

See you soon my lovers and remember sometimes it pays off to do things yourself, and it has a whole different meaning to it obviously :)

xxxx

Letters for Santa

Hello my wackys,

 How has everyone been lately?! Yeahp that time of the year is arriving once again, and there's only 6 weeks until Christmas the most busy time of the year in any shop, everyone is rushing around buying this that and all the rest, many people I know have all the Christmas shopping sorted, me however is a whole different story, I haven't done a thing yet the work, my girls, housework and this pregnancy... yes yes I know... its true Pregnancy are leaving me drained;

 However in the hope of changing this little fact I'm making this letters to Santa Template for my little ones, I saw some in the shops but I believe they are charging way to much for what it  is £2.00 to £3.50 for a couple of A4 cute letters with 2 envelopes and 2 pretend Santa stamps seem a bit of a highway robbery :), so little old me thought, if they can do it why couldn't I?!

So here they are, I used a software called craftartist:

 

Now , all we need is a red or green envelope and a pretend stamp, and voila your own letter to santa, you can ask your child to make the stamps themselves, and that way it will be much more magical, and santa will get it way faster.

 

If you don't have the software I used you can always do it with word and some google images :)

 

Go on, you have a try I'm sure the kids will love whatever you do.

 

*****

Halloween Holidays, Keeping Kids Busy

Hello my wackys,

 Now, we all know how demanding motherhood is, now I'm not saying it cant also be rewarding... we never forget the first smiles, when they first started to eat the first time they started to talk and walk, the first day of school and so on...

 Now what about the bit that drives us crazy, the tantrums, the winning, the moaning, the arguing with the parents, the mess, etc. you know where I'm coming from.
 
Most of us work, and at school holidays we would then leave them at the nursery or take the same amount of time of so that we can take care of them and not spend tons of money in childcare.

 Now, speaking for myself, I would love to spend more time with my kids but it is granted that they drive me completely nuts, they cry they moan they fight over the smallest things ever and on top of it all they never stop, it is definitely draining; so I thought I cant possibly be the only one feeling this way, what can WE do together so that they don't drive me nuts here's some ideas:

 * Take them to the kitchen and make some cookies for when daddy comes home from work;
 * Make time for art, like finger painting, drawing, colouring, etc.
 * Have some home cinema time, prepare some popcorn and drinks in advance and darken the room for a more truthful experience;
 * Ask them for help to tidy up and them give them a reward;
 * Have a treasure hunt
 * Have a picnic, if the weather allows, if not why not a tea party

This are just a few ideas, and you could always go to websites like www.bakerross.co.uk ; or www.craftycrocodiles.co.uk; which have craft kits available and many other things that would help keep your kids busy, why don't you have a look I bet you'll be surprised.

Hope I helped you some how.

See you soon my wackys ***

Cancer Support Event Ideas

Hello my wackys how have you lot been?!

Here at the Lilis handmade Crafts household we've been busier than ever, Christmas orders are already coming through, and having only weekends to craft is definitely a bit tight, but we'll manage ;); anyway that's not the reason for this post is it?! Nope definitely not...

 So here it goes, on the coming 26th of October there is currently a campaign here in the UK called Cancer Support Wear it pink, many of us have been affected by this illness or know someone who may or may not be with us that has been affected by it, My hunt for example died with it she had a bowel cancer and unfortunately it spread to fast and she is no longer among us in presence but still in our hearts and minds.

 SO?! You might be asking, right... I would like to propose to everyone and I mean everyone, to make a small gesture to help in funding the researchers to find a way to cure this (I mean a more efficient way), and in order to help with the funding why not make a coffee morning at your work place, or  a Tea party for example.... at the place where I work everyone is going to wear pink and have pink ribbons and I'm thinking about making a cake ( with a pink ribbon topper obviously) and some sweets gift bags or boxes with the ribbon design as well, every penny earned by it will be directly sent to the fund.

Here's some images taken from the Internet to give you some ideas if you're interested, or would actually like to do something that could help so many people that are currently affected by this reality in their lives...

 

 

 

See you soon my lovelies, hope you have a wonderful weekend.

 

****

Its been too long...

Hello everyone,

 My God it has definitely been ages since the last time I posted, not for option I might say, but you know how it goes, we all are busy bees in our busy life's... plus I've been on Holidays back home (Portugal) it was a lovely lovely time  bearing in mind that I drove there, yes yes I k now you might be asking yourself, DRIVE/ CAR/ ACROSS THE ATLANTIC and Yes will I reply again....

 I must say it was the most 2 and 1/2 painful days of my life 30h drive yeah you heard me alright 30h on a Dam car sorry for cursing there but by the end of the trip I couldn't even look at the car (sigh)... Geeee ... On the way we stopped several times to eat and freshen up a little bit my oldest princess manged to fall asleep 3 times and wake up and we were still in France .... I was going mental about it so tirening, but it was definitely worth it to see my Nana and my mommy again, plus friends and the rest of the family obviously.

 The weather over there was and still is great, 35 degrees yeahp 35 degrees of pure heat hardly any breeze at all, perfect for the beach, bbq, and going to the pool Yeahp Sure did miss that, I hadn't been there in ages.... MY girls absolutely loved it....

 And because I'm so proud of my little and unfortunately in crises here's some pics of Portugal.

 

Sao Jorge Castel

 

Bairro Alto, Lisbon

 

The Tower of Belem Lisbon

 

Expo 98, Lisbon

 

Sintra Castel

 

Hope that you liked the Photos we are a small country but we are full of happy and friendly people.

Thanks for looking and see you soon with loads of alloween ideas :)

****

 

Food Colouring Nightmare

Hello my wackys how have you been?!! Busy?

 I bet You've been pretty busy, if not with your crafts and you live in the uk Perhaps catching the sun?!! Hummm, yeahp it doesn't come around this areas all that much so when it does you might as well enjoy it, there's no such thing has a summer in the UK I must say, which is a shame really its great to take the kids outside when its warm , blow up a little pool for them to play or simply go for walks on the beach ...

Anyway my food colouring nightmare happened 2 nights ago, when I had an order of 2 cake toppers, yeahp my printer when crazy, not quite sure of whats wrong has it isn't quite working yet, and its actually driving me mad... I suppose I'll have to spend a couple of hours searching the web to see how to fix it.... well that night though I did almost anything I could think off, I cleaned the nozzles I aligned the whole thing, I topped up the cartridges with the food colouring ink and got it all over my hands .... DISASTER.... That's what I thought, how on earth am I going to remove it from my skin?!!!

 I tried rubbing it with washing up liquid it faded lightly but I was still a mess :); my fault really next time I have to remember to use some silicone gloves or something, and then a light flashed on my head,You know What?!! There's a little thing called Internet and there it was "How To Remove Food Colouring From Skin" YEIHHHHH, I was saved ( what a relief has I had places to be on Saturday, I couldn't possibly show up with my hands looking like an abstract painting could I ?! NOP)

So I decided to share the method with all of you even though this is not the only place where you can see it or read about it ;

- first wet your hands and then got get your partners (if you have one) shaving cream or foam, yeahp you heard me shaving foam , I had the same reaction I bet you're having lol ;
- put a walnut sized amount on your hand and rub it like crazy all over your hands for about 3 minutes
- wash it out, and do it all over again
-after that, if there's still some remain of the colouring soak a cotton ball, pad or whatever in vinegar and pass it in the coloured areas it will lift up its remains and voila you'll be safe from being considered a living walking  Picasso painting ....

Hope this helps and see you lot very soon ***

Yeihhhh a Sizzix Eclips machine.... hummmm?!?!!

Hello my wackys how have you lot been?!

Same old same old eih... Yeah I know just how you feel, it is the end of a Sunday here in the UK, in a couple of hours it will be Monday, Yeihhh ( just joking really), another days work...

 Anyway the reason Of this post is to talk about the sizzix eclips machine, I heard so many praises for this little "OK" NOT so little machine, I had so  many high hopes for it I search and read review after review... I must say I am a little bit disappointed, my hubby bought it to me after months of PLease please can we buy this I could make this or that or even this I thought... How stupid could I be, Pathetic, OK so here's the thing I have a manual die cutting machine " the Big Shot" completely love it amazing little thing pros can cut almost anything you could imagine cons small width and the dies are quite costly plus you'll need a good deal of storage for them.... Has I said I love it, so I must admit I reallly reallllllllyyyyy had High expectations for the eclips I mean its electronic cuts 12''x12'' and 12''x24'' IDEAL  I thought; even better the cartridges bring more than one design, are small so don't actually ocupy much space PLUS it has a software where I can actually do whatever designs I wish plug the machine to the computer and voila (ok this one is actually a good one)..... hummmm after getting it and putting it all together, the first blade I used in the machine was crap it was lifting the card and not making clean cuts has it was actually supposed too ( good thing it comes with 2); ok I changed the blade and it now makes clean cuts HURRAY!!I tried the backing board I usually use in my big shot to make my mini albums and I realise I couldn't actually cut the grey backing board, has it was too thick ( a bit like me probably), SO... I discovered the hard way I must say that this little gem is only actually good to cut stuff up to 300 micrograms or gms has you like it, if you use any thicker than this be prepared to make double cut or jamming your sweet machine....

Now onto the cartridges and the handheld remote I'm a complete beginner so I purchased another cartridge the bags boxes and albums one because that's what I wanted the machine for to be honest... it goes in ok a little tricky to remove by hand But if you have the accessory pouch its pretty easy just use the blue bit of the spatula and it will come right of- they have a variety of cartridges with super cool designs and great phrases OK but how the hell can I cut the Box templates instead of the sample that shows on screen ?!!! Humm shall I press this button or that button geeee!!! I discovered I needed to press the FILL button on the remote to cut the box template but that's not what they tell you in the videos is it?! NOP they say just press the ok button to select the image and the press cut ( the scissors image) BOLUX... do you know what happened it just cut the image of the box, not the template to actually make the Dam box  - yes yes I know the instruction manual might say it you say hahaha no it doesn't I know I'm not british but it just says it will cut a bunch of shapes " FILL: takes the selected shape and automatically fills the material with has many as possible. this function can also be used to cut multiple shapes from the queue" WHAT?!!! HUM leaves you wondering doesn't it?! well it sure did me....

Software , well cant really complain much although could be a little bit more user friendly, has I said I'm a complete beginner, and forgive me if I might need to spend much more time on it, but being a mum of 2 , working, cooking & cleaning doesn't leave me much time.

SOOOO, overall if you would like to know if I could go back in time would I buy it?!! Probably not is the answer... Maybe it will become a yes in future when I learn all the tricks to it but for a beginner, I wouldn't recommend, the truth is that it can make beautiful stuff yes I agree but mainly out of card stock or thinner, if you want something thicker you'll need to cut the same shape at least 3 or more times and glue it together ( like to make covers for example)

Sizzix Eclips machine I Give you a 3 out of 5, way to expensive for the materials range that it cuts.

Hope this helps someone out there, that is actually thinking in buying this....

See you lot soon ****

One Chaotic Morning....

Hello my wackys,

I must say today was one really stressful morning, completely my fault and lack of organisation really.... So let me explain, my little girl had a birthday party (2in1 actually) at 12pm (noon) I had all week after work to either buy a present for the b-day girls or make something; but after 10h shifts and cooking dinner baths and putting the girls in bed I felt drained and couldn't really bring myself up to doing nothing at all... RESULT it was Saturday 9am and I still didn't have gifts for the girls it was a costume ( princess) party by the way so on Friday I had to spend a little ££££ to buy 2 princess outfits needless to say I was out of cash for any presents....

 As  I was sayin' it was Saturday 9 am and I decided to make the girls 2 personalised pillows with their favourite characters witch were Hello Kitty, and Mini Mouse, so here I was all ready to start my project; transfer paper in the printer pillow design all done when I noticed my printer ink cartridges actually didn't have any ink at all, SO in a hurry I dressed myself my girls and went to the market shop that refills cartridges, I asked if they were able to refill kodak ones, but guess what  A BIG FAT NO was the answer, so I tried another office supplies store and HUrray finally I had the cartridges, but not without the tantrums from my beautiful and incredibly annoying at times like this children- geeeee.... ok so when I actually got back it was 10.30 am yeahp I was seriously late already....

 Printing done aside I had to cut the pillow shapes Iron it cut the images for both pillows press them and remove backing.... Forget 10.30 it was 30 past eleven by then; The party was suppose to start at 12pm... GOD!!!

Next stage get the girls into the princess dresses, sort out their curly mad hair, putting up with winning, sobbing and God knows what, Sewing up the pillows turning them on the right sides iron them again, fill them up die cut a heart to cover the hole ( used for turning and filling) and VOILA!!!

Now I needed to find proper bags to put them in to give them has gifts, result couldn' find any , had to improvise and use my A4 Cellophane bags....Yes you guessed it I WAS LATE unfortunately...

It was 13pm When we got there the kids were already having their snacks but thankfully hadn't sang happy Birthday and there was still plenty of games for the kids and a BOUNCY CASTLE Yeihhhhhh you may say ( oh noooo!!! I thought, guess what I was so right) My 2 year old wouldn't listen to me or wouldn't even care to be honest it was the longest 1 HOUR of my life .... BUT  hey they loved it they had so much fun running playing bouncing.... I was in such a hurry that I even forgot to take pics of the pillows to post here, BUT I will ask Ker and post it after.... Lets just hope that all my stress was worth it Hopefully they enjoyed their little gift , my  girls surely enjoyed the play time, the good thing is that this doesn't actually happens every day ....

And that's all from me today, for now an incredibly messy and chaotic house awaits me and calls for my services.... see you soon my lovelies 

Pamper Yourself at Home

Hello my sweet wackys,

I know I know its just been too long right....
 Today I'll bring you a couple of tips for you to treat and pamper yourself, cause its never really to much is it?!, in this stressful world nowadays it looks like we don't even have time to breath, we're always in a hurry running around doing this, that and all the rest... It's School Runs, going to work , cooking , cleaning picking them up, kids at each others throats... yeahhh I feel you.... By the time you put that pretty little head on your pillow its just has if there's an off button...

Well then this post is to help all of us that need a little time to ourselves, if you have a partner and kids why not telling them to go to the movies ( fatherly bonding is very important in any child's life), if not leave them with a friend or grandparents, or wait for them to have a little nap so that you can wind down and treat yourself.

FACIAL Care:  

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin:

Egg White Facial
Egg whites tighten the pores and contain proteins that both repair skin and absorb excess oil, making them a powerful tool for dealing with acne. Separate the egg white from the yolk (save the yolk for cooking!). Whisk together the egg white with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for one minute. The mixture will be messy, so apply it to your clean, dry face over a sink. Keep the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes — start whipping up your favourite dessert with that egg yolk while you wait! Once the mask starts cracking, wash away with warm water.

Green Clay Facial
A green clay facial will attack unwelcome breakouts by extracting impurities from your skin. In a glass bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of green clay powder (available at health stores or online) with water to make a thick paste. Add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice — we like rosemary for relaxing. Apply the paste evenly to clean, dry skin. It should take about 15 minutes for the paste to harden, so while you wait, relax with some music or your favourite book. Once the mask is hard, wash it off with warm water and pat dry.

Avocado Facial Mask
The fatty oils in avocado are great for moisturising dry skin. Mash up half an avocado until creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, a cleaning agent, to the mix. If your skin is irritated, add a bit of plain yogurt for a soothing effect. If your skin is cryin’ for extra moisture, add 1/4 cup of pure virgin olive oil. Once all ingredients are well combined, apply the mixture onto your clean face and neck. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. For added relaxation, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the mixture before applying.

Dull Skin 

Papaya Mask:

The enzymes in papaya make it a natural exfoliant that fights free radicals, so say goodbye to dullness with this facial ! Peel and remove the seeds of one papaya, then chop it into small pieces. Add 1/4 cup of honey for a natural cleanser. Using a blender or food processor, mix the ingredients until a paste is formed. Apply the paste to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then splash off with warm water. Wash thoroughly, or the papaya juice could make your face look orange!

A lemon juice mask:

A lemon juice and sea salt facial not only smells delicious, but it’s simple to make and great for rejuvenating skin! combine 1/4 cup of sea salt with lemon juice. It’s up to you whether you want the mixture to be thick or runny, so add lemon juice accordingly. Apply the paste to your clean, dry face, avoiding sensitive areas. Close your eyes and relax for a few minutes while you let the lemon juice slough off dead skin cells, then wash with warm water.

Oatmeal facial ( its not just for eating) :

The uneven edges of oatmeal make it a gentle exfoliant, ideal for sloughing off dead cells to reveal the bright skin underneath. Combine 2 tablespoons of uncooked and unflavoured oatmeal with 1 cup of whole milk in a small pot, heating them until a thick mixture forms. The lactic acid in milk will also remove dead skin cells. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for moisture. Wait until the mixture is warm but not hot then apply to your clean, dry face. Wash off the mask with warm water after 20 to 30 minutes.

BODY Scrubs

Sugar Body Scrub:
1 cup raw brown sugar (this is the chunky kind)

1 cup avocado oil

teaspoon of aloe vera gel

combine all ingredients in a bowl. The oils and other ingredients will dissolve into the sugar.

take a scoop and massage the sugar mixture onto your skin. Leave on and massage for a few minutes.

Rinse and enjoy your soft skin

Sea Salt Body Scrub:
1 cup Epsom salt
1 cup course sea salt
1/2 cup jojoba oil

Gather all your ingredients and measure out the potions you will need.

Incorporate the salts together using a spoon or your hands.

Pour in the jojoba oil along with the drops of essential oil. Smell the scrub as you add the essential oil to determine the desired potency of fragrance.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a spoon to ensure that the essential oil is well distributed throughout the mixture. Spoon the finished product into your airtight containers.

Add more oil if the mixture appears to be too dry. Too wet? Then add equal parts of the salts.

Store the scrub in an air-tight container to retain moisture.

Apply the scrub in the hot shower and allow the scrub to rest on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing. Moisturise with a soothing lotion after the shower.

Strawberry Body Scrub:

5 large strawberries (fresh, not frozen)

1/2 tbsp. fresh ginger (finely grated)

1/4 cup olive oil (you may also use canola, grape seed or sweet almond oil as well)

Puree the strawberries to a thin liquid in a blender or food processor.

Combine fresh strawberry puree, ginger and canola oil in a bowl. Using a fork, mix thoroughly.

Add the salt and baking soda once the first three ingredients have been thoroughly combined Make sure that the liquid is completely combined with the solid. The salts need to be thoroughly saturated. Set aside and let sit for an hour.

Check your salt scrub mixture after an hour. There should be about 1/2 inch of oil on the surface, separated from the mixture. If you need to add more oil, do so now. Mix again and set aside.

Add the fragrance if the ingredients are fully combined. Mix gently with a fork.

Spoon the mixture into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator when you're not using it.

Apply the mixture to wet skin and exfoliate in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

******* Also if you would like to hydrate your body after shower you can rub in some extra virgin olive oil while you're still wet and then pat dry*******

  Go on people enjoy your day, and most important enjoy yourself ;) 

Welcome baby

Hello my sweet wackys, how have you lot been?!! good I hope

This is just a quick post to show you a card that I've made for sweet Melanie wich was born last Wednesday. For it I used my new sizzix eclipse machine that my sweet hubby bought for me last week, I'm still getting usted to it and had a couple of pressure and speed hicups with it but hopefully with a bit more experimentation and trial and error I'll be able to be up and running in no time, fingers crossed.

Here's the picture of the embossed card I did for her

Materials used :

eclips machine
holiday cartridge
starter rockin cartridge
big shot machine
flowers embossing folder
card stock
pinking shears


Seee you soon ****

Easy Peasy .... Personalised Pillow

Hello my wackys ,


How have you lot been lately?!! And more importantly what have you created...


Me ... haven't done much I'm afraid, there's been a really crazy couple of weeks at work where everyone is busy busy busy, and with the school run , bus catch and pick ups from the nanny at the afternoon (18.30) then getting home cooking dinner and do homework with the girls, WHEN and yes I dare say it again, WHEN I put this little head of mine onto a pillow I simply crash Has if I have an Off button or something...


Anyway that's not why you came here is it?!! Of course not, You came here 'cause you like to do stuff to create something from scratch to give wings to your imagination ( just don't drink to much Redbull OK?) anyway here it is couldn't be simpler....
<><> <><> <><>

I did this one has a gift for a niece  of a work colleague

What will you need:
Iron on Transfer paper
Cotton Fabric
A computer
A printer
A sewing machine ( or you could sew it by hand)
 Rectangle or Square cardboard Template
Polyester filling
Lavender Oil


Instructions:
1- Wash dry and Iron your chosen fabric, (plain cottons work best)

2- With your PC and use of the internet find an image you really like save the image

3- Now you can use word or any other program
you like to edit the image or add any text of your liking

4- On the printer settings click on the mirror image, place the iron paper in the printer and press print ;)

5- Now cut 0.5mm around the images place them on the right side of the fabric exactly where you'll like it, and with a really hot iron and NO STEAM ON iron it or press on it for +- 1 minute

6- When the paper cools off peel it carefully , and place the other piece of the fabric  on top of it, Sew around it ( you can leave an opening in the seams or if you like just sew it all around and make a cut at the middle back of the pillow, so you can turn it around and fill it)

7- Fill the pillow and with some sort of cut image and a hot glue gun disguise the hole, and voila, a personalised pillow just for you or whom ever you'd like to offer it too, or even sell it who knows.

Hope you lot liked this instructions , and has always if you have any questions just leave a comment here or on our facebook page...


See you soon my crafty wackys,


*****

how to degrease home appliances

Hello my wackys,

 I must say its been a while since I've posted but I can't honestly say that I haven't been crafting has you may well know if you follow my facebook account, any way that's not why I'm posting. So lets ear it the reason that drives housewives and man alike so crazy and turned out with the house work, some of what I'll be writing here may sound slightly crazy but I guarantee to you that it actually works wonders, its environmentally safe, cheaper than buying all the different types of products to clean your house thoroughly has I might imagine you do and OH ! so Easy, yeahp that's right I said easy has easy has 1 2 3.

Microwave Cleaning
 yeahp has so many of us insist in using the Microwave without a cover it can actually get awfully smelly and dirty with all those splatters of food and drinks every where; so in order to clean it properly and getting rid of smells I usually put a little bowl of vinegar in it doesnt need to be much, and run it for about 3 minutes, the vapours will help loosen the grease and get rid of the smells, then with a cloth I dampen it slightly on the hot vinegar and wipe the whole thing, in and out and guess what it doesn't stink has you might think.

 Stainless steel appliances
we all  hate our stainless steel decors or toaster and kettles full of finger prints or splatters, so why not steel use the hot vinegar method has mentioned above, by the way don't forget to use a dry cloth to buffer it after.

 To Degrease oven or grill shelving
I  must admit that I ousted to do a lot of  elbow grease with scourers and God knows what, but since I read a little something on a book, well I must say Never again!!!! What I do now might sound crazy to you but I will never change again... I run a little hot bath just enough water to cover the shelves in and put a bit of washing powder, like half a cup for example (the one intended for the laundry, you can use the cheap stuff has it does the same effect) lay the shelves in there and leave it for a bit while you busy yourself doing other stuff... then when you're ready wipe it all out with a dish sponge, how easy is that you can do the same with the top bits if you have a gas cooker.

This are just a few things that you can do, I'll post some more later on has today I'm a bit pressed on time...

Hope this helps you to get some more time to enjoy yourself.

See you soon,

Lili ****

Handmade T-Shirt painting super cute

Hello my wackys, I'm a bit pressed for time today so I just wanted to leave you with this project that you can make in less than half an hour and is super easy really, just remember to let it dry completely for at least one hour and if you intend to wash it after wards yoou'll need to leave it for 72h ok....

The material used in this video is:

3D fabric paints ( with aplicators)
white 100% cotton t-shirt
a board ( so the t-shirt is nice and straight)
1 brush
a rectangle board template
temporary fabric spray ( to hold fabric in place)


And that's all really the rest my lovelies is completely up to you, go on then lets start imagining new sings to draw on ;)

See you lot soon
xxxxxx

Handmade Make Up or Jewelry Organizer

Hello, Hello!!!

Would you just look at this?! Would you ?!!!
This is a super Fabulous Project, you gotta love it really.
 You can do so many types of boxes really , they are used for anything nowadays, like storing make up, Jewelry, wine boxes, etc.

The Measurements: Box WIDTH 13cm x 4 Times  Box LID 13.5cm x 4 Times

Material Needed:

Thick Cardstock (like grey backing board 4 example)
X- Knife
Brush
PVA Glue
Good Quality Present wrapping Paper
Pencil ( 4 markings)
Sticky Tape
Super Strong Glue  ( like Gorilla glue to attach the drawers)
Ruler

( follow the instructions shown at the video)

Baby & Children Rabbit soft Toy Gift

Good Morning People, How you doin' today?!

 Its been a while  I'vent posted, but I've been working 50h a week and then have to come home to my girls and hubby and givve them the attention they deserve as well has doing the house work.... Sometimes I think it sucks to be a women we have so much to do and so little time.

 But has I often say to you guys I never forget about you, ever.... so today here's oine more tutorial on doing this super cute softie , to do it you'll need a sewing machine, white fleece (or any other color you would like), matching Thread,  a Template ( you can actually take it from the net), some blush for the cheeks and some black thread; then you'll just need to follow the video instructions you dont really need to understand what they're cause the images are self explanatory.


 Enjoy making your little ones this special gift!!!

See you soon

*****

How to make "Embroidered" table Towels with Fabric ink

WOW!!!!! I HAD NO IDEA that this could be made this way, what am I telling you this brazillian program is just to good, I mean it's amazing, who would even imagine that all these beauties could me made this way I mean WOW

Embroidered?! Really?! I mean I love it but machines are so expensive nowadays, why spend tons of money, if you can get the same effect this way... Think about it :)

Well you know that because I love you so much I had to share this with you its just so cool,
you only need any tipe of cotton / polyester even voile fabric, transfer paper, templates, fabric paints in little tip bottles or you can use 3D liner pens its just so cool .... Oh my God I'm having an epiphany looooool

See you lot soon.

Hope that with all this videos I'll be able to help you all get some more jing a ding (meaning money) to come your way.

******

The cutest Key rings ever

Hello my lovelies

I just reaaally needed to post this one, I know its my 2nd post about keyrings but just look at them they are so CUTE, and amazingly easy to do has well.

Just follow the video you really don't need to understand what they are saying has it is self explanatory.

Here's the list of the materials:

* felt
* fabric
* key ring
* white cotton
* blush
* fabric pen
* fabric paint
* a bit of wool
* needles and thread
* polyester filling

Now my sweethearts, go enjoy yourselfs, create something has special has you and enjoy the whole process while your at it.

Thank you for watching

See you soon,
******

magic £ (notes) wallet - Recycle milk cartoon

Hello there my wackys,

Another great sunday it seems, sorry its been so long..... OH GOD  gotta love this silence, everyone's in bed sleeping, dreaming about their future :).

 Anyway I found this website the other day, " Programa Vida Melhor" its a brazillian show and I must say I'm kind off addicted to it really it teaches you to do so many stuff out of recyclable materials like milk cartoons, plastic bottles and even those aluminium cans ( pepsi / coke/ etc.)

I know the tutorial is all in brazillian but I think its self explanatory if you watch it all, but I'll leave you guys some pointers on waht materials to use ok?! so here it goes

Materials needed:

* empty and washed milk cartoon
* scissors
* pva glue like mod podge
* a brush to spread the glue
* chosen cotton fabric
* matching ribbon 1cm large

How to:
 - Cut 4 rectangles out of the milk cartoon round the corners if you wish so
 - Spread the glue in 2 of the rectangles only on one side, and put the fabric on it, make it all nice and pretty
 - Now attach the ribbon just like in the tutorial above, , one as to make a cross and the other goes in straight but both binding both rectangles together
 - Glue the other 2 rectangles already covered with the fabric and glue them into the other ones in order to cover the ribbon
- now if you'd like you can put some modge podge to cover the outsides has it will dry clear it will become sort of a varnish.

Hope you liked this tutorial has much has I did, by the way don't forget to close the wallet on one side and open the other way just like in the video ;)

******

Making Chocolate Easter Eggs & Bunnies

Well, Hello Hello my lovelies ;)

 Today as promised yesterday by yours truly, the how to make make easter that little bit more special and cheaper heheheh, between you and me nowadays is veeeeeryyy important to save some pennies.

 I must admit I love a bit of chocolate of course who doesn't?!!! Sometimes when we're feeling like eatin' something sweet what's the first thing that comes to mind?! Go ON- lets be honest here.... CHOCOLAT Yeah my lovelies I share your pain/ pleasure ;o)

So here it goes, hope you enjoy and actually manage to do them ...

Firstly grease your mould with some cooking spray & melt your chocolate in a bain marie ( for those who have not a clue of what a bain marie I'll explain, you put a pan with some water and another heat resistant recipient on top of the one with the water, put the chocolate chunks into it and let it melt gently) mix the chocolate up with a spoon so that it is heated evenly. Repeat this until all the chocolate has melted. The second step obviously will be to brush the melted chocolate in both half's off the mould ( if making a big choc. egg or bunny ) or completely fill both half's if making a smallish one. Be careful not to over-fill the mold and allow the chocolate Easter eggs to set thoroughly, inside the big ones you can put little pressies (presents) or even more chocolate like m&m's for example that's up to you really.

Separate your egg-halves from the mold and paint each one with melted chocolate. be sure to put the two sides together even if with the aid of a rubber band in order to make a little pressure ans stabilise them, leave them in the fridge cause chocolate gets tougher when cold. If you want to give them has easter gifts there are various cellophane papers/ wrappings available just wrap them on it and use a gift ribbon as well has an elastic rubber on top.

OUR little Secret: when melted chocolate can act has glue to secure both of the half's.

Thank you for watching, see you soon ;)

xxxx