INCREDIBLY Quick and Easy Wire Candleholders

Hi guys!

Today, I'm sharing this INCREDIBLY quick and easy wire candleholders.  I mean, seriously, these assemble in seconds and only cost a couple of bucks!

Beautiful Coffee Filter Flowers

I love fresh cut peonies for the home.  Problem is...I can't grow peonies!  Having 8 acres, you would think I could find a spot that they would love and thrive in.  So far, I haven't found it.

However, I came up with this easy to make "peony" using coffee filters and washable markers.  They are a quick DIY project.  The hardest part is waiting for them to dry!

Here's what you'll need:

1 package of white coffee filters
washable markers in the color of your flower choice
craft glue
natural peat pots
burlap ribbon
scissors
a paper plate
a shallow bowl

To begin, grab about 10 filters (doesn't have to be the exact amount) and cut the ridges off of the filters.  You don't even have to be exact in cutting the same amount off of each.  Cut some short and some long.  This will make the petals of the flower.

Next, take the washable marker that you've chosen for your flower color.  Color (like a 2 year old) around the top of the filters.  You don't have to separate the stack.  Just color the tops of the inside filter and the outside filter.  The color will bleed through to the others.

I used a dark pink and a purple for this color.  They will bleed into one beautiful color as we go along.  No worries ;)

Fill the bowl with about an inch of water.  (Ignore the orange color in the photo...took the pic after making the orange flower.)

Now take the stack of filters with the colored edges and dip the tips into the water.  Hold it there for about 5 seconds so it will absorb water.

 Look at those colors beginning to bleed...beautiful!

Now for the hard part.  Waiting.  Place the stack of wet filters upside down on a plate and allow to dry.  It may take a few hours.

Once they are dry, pull the filters apart and pinch each filter together at the bottom.  Do this to each filter EXCEPT ONE in the stack.  You will keep the last one to glue the others into.

After you've pinched each of the filters, take the last one and begin gluing the others into the center.  I basically just put a glob of glue into the center of the last one and added the pinched filters one by one.  Pinch them together once they're all in and you should have your "peony" bloom!

Now, I decided I wanted to use these cute peat pots that I picked up at the DG (less than $2 for 8) to hold my flowers.

Before adding the bloom, let's dress the peat pot up with some burlap ribbon and a bow.

Wrap a length of the ribbon around and glue.  Since the pot is tapered, it won't lie flat unless you angle the ends up.  Tie a burlap bow and glue to the peat pot.  To secure the bloom in the pot, run a bead of glue around the top edge of the peat pot and carefully mash the bloom in.

That's it!  Let's see how they look.

Click on any picture to PIN IT for later!

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the Something To Talk About Link Party!!  Incredible projects being shared each week!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie


I'm linking here:

RAIN ON A TIN ROOF    THE STYLE SISTERS    JENNIFER RIZZO    HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS    COMMON GROUND    HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY    FRIDAYS UNFOLDED   FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS    TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW    SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE    STONEGABLE

UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING    A DELIGHTSOME LIFE      DIY SHOWOFF      ART IS BEAUTY
CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP   IT'S OVERFLOWING   THREE MANGO SEEDS    ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS    PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY    THOUGHTS FROM ALICE   HYMNS AND VERSES

MISS MUSTARD SEED   CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

2-in-1 Easy DIY Farm Animal Cutting Boards

At our house, we are forever asking, "Where's the cutting board?"  I guess it's because we home school, which means we eat all three meals at home most days, which means we are always preparing food, which means the cutting board is constantly being used.  Know what I mean??

We definitely needed more cutting boards.  Not just more, but smaller ones for those small jobs like cutting lemons for tea or slicing veggies for a sandwich.  That's when I decided to just make some.

Here's what you'll need if you want to make your own:

a piece of 1" pine shelving
pencil for drawing or transferring your design on the wood
120 grit sandpaper
coconut oil (or food-grade mineral oil)
scroll saw or jig saw
drill and drill bit (if making interior cuts)
safety glasses

1.  Choose your design and draw or transfer it onto the board.  I knew I wanted to make a farm animal design and the traditional chicken on the back of a pig on the back of a cow seemed perfect.  I cut a puzzle shape between the cow and pig so that the board could be used as a whole or as two separate boards.

2.  Wearing your safety glasses, begin cutting your design out of the board.  Be slow and careful as you cut any curved shapes.  A scroll saw is great for making these cuts...just take your time and don't rush the cutting process.

3.  When I made the interior cuts between the pig and cow, I first drilled a hole.  This gives you room to turn the blade (if using the scroll saw) or it gives you a place to begin (if using a jig saw).

4.  After all the cuts have been made, sand the edges and any remaining pencil marks with the sandpaper.

5.  Now you're ready to seal your board.  I used coconut oil because it's natural and will not turn rancid like vegetable oil.  You do not want to use a protein or vegetable based oil!  Begin by rubbing in the coconut oil with a clean cloth.  Cover the entire board in an even coat.  Let it sit for 12-24 hours in a warm place.  Apply more to any areas that may need more and allow to sit again.  Repeating until no more oil is absorbed.  Wipe any remaining oil with a dry cloth and buff until it shines!  You can repeat after a few months to keep your board conditioned.

They're ready to use!!

Pretty easy!  ;)

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!!
Angie


I'M LINKING HERE:

RAIN ON A TIN ROOF THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

Quick & Easy - How to Repackage Bulk Ground Beef WITHOUT Getting Your Hands Dirty!

Today I'm sharing a super easy tip for dividing and repackaging bulk ground beef.  You know, those huge, bulk ground beef packages that we all get at the grocery store because the price of ground beef is cheaper by the pound that way, but then you get home and you're tired from shopping but that 5 pounds of bulk ground beef is staring at you and you're tempted to just throw it in the freezer as is!  Yeah, I've done it.  And regretted it.  That's when I came up with this oh-so-easy method of dividing the beef and putting it in freezer bags, all without even getting your hands dirty!

Start with your bulk package.  Save the plastic bag that you put it in from the store.

Using freezer bags, turn down the tops of each so that they stay open.  

Using a serrated knife, cut the beef into portions.  This is a 3 lb. package so I cut it into thirds.

Now, grab one of the portions.  The ends are easiest.   

Placing it in the bag, I begin twisting the end.  The beef will slide out nice and clean that way.

Here's the middle portion.  I pick it up by the plastic that's still around it.  Use the serrated knife to slice open the plastic, leaving the beef free to fall into the bag.

Now, the three pounds of beef are in bags and ready to freeze.  I try to remove as much air as possible.  I also pat mine flat so that they'll stack in the freezer AND take less time thawing.

Don't forget that meat department bag I told you to save.  I toss the packaging into it and throw it all away.  Now, you've just got a serrated knife to wash and you're done.  I can usually do this in just a matter of minutes and minimal mess.  No more dreading having to divide the bulk beef or regretting that I threw it in the freezer whole!

I hope this tip saves you some time in the kitchen!

Thanks so much and God bless!!

Angie

Here's a pic to pin!  

I'm linking here:

THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

Super Quick and Easy Valentine Gift

These are super quick and easy gifts to make this week for a teacher, co-worker, friends, whomever.   It's the ol' Sharpie dots trick ;)

Start with a plain white ceramic coffee mug and the cut-out shape of your choice.  I'm using the ever popular heart.  You can cut your shape out of a sticker page or plain paper with a bit of glue stick lightly added to the back.

Select the Sharpie colors you would like to use.  

Begin with one color and simply add dots around the edge of the cut out.  Then add more dots.

And add more and more dots, changing colors as you move away from the cut out.  Once you're happy with the amount of dots, remove the cut out and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  

That's it!!  Once it's cooled, fill with your favorite candy and it's ready to give.

There are so many options for this technique.  My oldest made party favors for her friends using their initials on each cup.  What design would you do?

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

Carved Rocks: Easy Valentine Craft with Dremel Tool

A couple of years ago, I saw a article about using a Dremel tool to carve designs in rocks.   So, the other day I was thinking about a Valentine craft that would be easy to make and be a keepsake as well.  It dawned on me...a carved rock!  Kinda like the carving your initials in a tree thing!

I'm here to tell you.  It was super easy and I love the results.

I'm a rock hound so I had plenty of river rocks around the house, but if you don't, try simple landscaping rocks from the home building store.  I'd bet you could even find a great one while on a walk :)   A Dremel tool can be purchased online or at big box stores.  They start at less than $20 and are a great tool to have around.

Here's the other items you'll need:

rock(s)
Dremel 7700-1/15 MultiPro 7.2-Volt Cordless Rotary Tool Kit
drill bit (usually included if you have the drill kit)
marker or chalk
safety glasses (there will be dust and possibly fragments)

Ready?  Let's get started.  Choose the sentiment you want forever carved in stone.  Write it on the stone with the marker or chalk to get the placement and size right.  I chose a silver Sharpie so that it would blend with the color of the rock.  You want to use something that won't be seen afterwards.

(sorry for the fuzzy phone pic...daughter needed her camera for a wedding!)

Once you like the placement and size of your sentiment, begin carving using the Dremel tool.  Go slowly and try not to carve too deeply at first.  You can go back over the lines again and again to make them deeper.  Important:  make sure to hold the drill firmly as it may want to jump a little, making crooked lines, ruining your design.  If that happens, just toss the rock out in the backyard and hundreds of years from now an archaeologist will find it and will be so confused!  Lol!  I so want to carve something crazy and throw it outback just for the fun of it!  Ok, I digress.

Don't worry, even going slowly, this craft only took me a few minutes to complete.   Take a look at the ones I created...all in less than 30 minutes!

I'm pretty excited with how well these turned out.  I think they would make a great gift for anyone but especially for that special guy in your life...a Valentine that's not too frilly or heartsy or red!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie


The above is an affiliate link to Amazon.  The little amount I earn helps bring you more of The Altered Past.  Thanks!

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT