Mary's bedtime

Mary and Daisy

When my daughter Mary was an infant, every day at around 6 p.m. she would start to cry for no reason at all. She didn’t need to be changed, she wasn’t hungry and she didn’t care if you held her, rocked her or lay her in her crib.  She just cried inconsolably.  Perhaps her tirade is better described as screaming like a banshee. Her face turned beet red, with her eyes tightly closed and her cherubic cheeks scrunched up.  We started calling it the 6 O’clock crazies.  The doctor seemed to think that it was just a normal build up of the days events that just had to be released somewhere. 

After the outburst was over, she slept.  Her face again took on that sweet, angelic appearance.  I grabbed a camera to capture this oh so serene moment.  When the photos were developed (those were the days of film and developing) I so loved the way she looked asleep that, much to her chagrin, I continued taking...and taking sleeping photos of her.

Throughout her life no matter how naughty she was during the day, when her eyes closed the halo was there.  So being the annoying mother (so I’m told) I am I grabbed my camera and snapped away.  When I wanted a smile, I pulled one of those photos out and I couldn’t control the involuntary “Awwwwwwww.”

Years passed and I snapped photo after photo.  I have dozens of sleeping Marys. I love and cherish them all, even the ones that show a gaping, drooling mouth. Of course she didn't appreciate them as much as I did, especially when I pulled the scrapbooks out for friends and relatives.  

From the archives of my old sketchbooks, is one of my very favorite sleepers…Mary and Daisy.  Yes she loved to sleep with kittens, hamsters, puppies, ducks, bunnies and whatever other cuddly critter she could sneak in.  "Awwwwwww!"

P.S.  This will be my last post for a few days because Wednesday I am on my way to Texas to witness the graduation of my son from basic training.  See you all on Sunday….with tales of my western adventures Yee ha!

I believe that this also qualifies for Mr. Toasts "Creative Tuesdays." Many thanks for getting me thinking about my old "Bedtime" memories.

goodteatoo.blogspot.com

Spring is near...

time to come out of hiberation, ya think?

Jumping off places week three

What follows is my third entry in atticreflections.blogspot.com "Jumping off" places hosted by Linda.  Please stop by and read everyone's story started from a choice of first lines.  Why not join in?

The texture of the fabric was intoxicating and I knew it was expensive.

I never went in this store.  The prices, well, the prices just floored me.  As I picked up the red scarf and rubbed it on my cheek I just knew it was perfect.  The softness, the touch, it was just beyond belief.

I have never bought such an extravagant thing.  It just was not feasible.  This scarf would take the majority of what I call my cookie jar cash. Cash meant for emergencies. Think!  I whispered to myself would this qualify as an emergency?

I reached deep in my pocket and felt around for my wallet.  In what seemed like seconds I was on my way out the door holding my bag tightly.  I walked briskly and reached my destination in no time. 

I got on the elevator and smiled a guilty smile at those who rode it with me.  The door to the elevator opened.  As I emerged I had a self-satisfying spring in my step as walked down the hall.  I opened the door and went inside.

The woman lay in the bed surrounded by IV’s and wires.  Something shabby and gray covered her head. I placed the scarf in her hands and I could see as she lifted it to her cheek, that yes, this qualified.

Easy Craft- Scrap cardboard 3 x 5 photo frame

This frame uses only some glue, corrugated cardboard and a piece of scrapbook paper.  How inexpensive can you get???  With a little help older kids can create these frames and give them as gifts to friends and family.  There are so many beautiful scrapbook papers available you won’t be able to stop at just one.  Get creative with the embellishments.  I used simple buttons but any number of things would be great. Cardboard boxes are available free at your local warehouse store or grocers.

You will need:

Corrugated cardboard

Lightweight cardboard (cereal boxes are perfect)

Scrapbook paper of choice

Buttons or rhinestones for embellishing the frame

Scissors

Craft knife (Optional for adults only)

Tacky Glue

Ruler and pencil

1.     Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard 6 ½” x 4 3/4.

2.     Measure one inch from the edges all around and cut out.  You may use an X-acto or craft knife but since the scrapbook paper covers the opening, it is not necessary to cut it perfectly. The opening should be about 2 ¾” x 4 ½.”

3.     Cut a piece of scrapbook paper 8” x 6.”

4.     On the non-colored side, place the cardboard on top and trace the center opening.  Measure ½ inch smaller from the marked line around and cut out. 

5.     Make slits in the paper around the opening of the scrapbook paper to the line that represents the cardboard openeing.  Add a bit of glue on the edges and fold up the scrapbook paper.

6.     On the outer edges fold in at the corners and glue the sides.  Do this all around to finish. Let dry.

7.     Cut another piece of cardboard the same size as the frame, 6 ½” x 4 ¾” and glue on to the back of the frame on three sides only, leaving the top edge unglued.  You may use lighter weight cardboard here.  (Cereal boxes are great sources of cardboard.)

8.     Make a stand and cut out. (See photo)  Fold 1/2” from the top and glue this section to the back.  Make sure it is in the correct position for standing.  Let dry.

9.     When completely dry glue some buttons or other baubles of choice to the corners as an embellishment and to hide any slight imperfections.  Slip a photo into the top and enjoy.

Another super idea...Why not dress up your fridge?  These are so easy and so lightweight that instead of attaching a stand try gluing a magnet on the back and use it for displaying recent photos.  

My big fat Greek soup

I know that Jewish mothers have a patent on culinary penicillin so I won’t step on any toes here.  Their chicken soup is safe with me.  I do want to mention, however, that Greek mothers have their own miracle-cure-all in chicken soup form and it’s name is Avgolemeno. 

The name Avgolemeno roughly translates as Egg-lemon.  Egg lemon!  Where is the chicken? It’s in there, now you know the answer to the age-old question of what came first the chicken or the egg!   Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

I learned how to make it from my mother like most Greek-American cooks.  My mother was a wonderful cook, but she didn’t own a cookbook.  Specifically marked spoons or cups were not necessary in her eyes.  She drank coffee out of a cup, and stirred it with something called a teaspoon, right?  I can see you cringing so stop it.  Everything that came out of that Greek inspired kitchen tasted, well, heavenly.  If it wasn’t exactly what she was looking for, then it was something new altogether, Opa! 

Now you may think that I am going to give you the recipe for this wonderful soup that makes a cold disappear overnight, but you are wrong.  My daughter tells me that my mother would probably haunt me for that infraction.  And besides I don’t have a recipe…I just toss in this, and stir in that, and heat up this.  Somehow by miraculous intervention, it comes out, well, heavenly!

If you happen to be intrigued and want a recipe there are hundreds of Greek cookbooks out there that contain recipes for Avgolemeno.  Just be aware that there are probably as many variations as there are Greek Islands.  Don’t let it scare you.  Just toss in this, stir in that, and heat up this….

Fortune Kooky

What is it with Fortune cookies and me?  Picture this, the meal is over and the waiter brings the check along with the fortune cookies. My dining partners crack theirs open one by one.  They read their fortunes aloud, don’t we all? 

“You are going to have a visit from a wonderful friend.”  “

“You are going to come into a bit of money.”

“ You are wise beyond your years.”

And then it’s my turn.  “Wow! A secret message from your teeth!”

Seriously?  What kind of cryptic fortune is that?  My teeth are fine.  I just visited the dentist last month and she tells me that they are great, no gum disease, no cavities and absolutely no vocal chords. So let me get this straight, a message is hidden in my teeth?  I go the restroom and check it out.  Nope, no message, no one has planted any sort of miniature device holding a secret formula.  So what’s the message?  I am thinking that a comedian must be working in the fortune cookie factory and he has his sights set on me. 

Oh yes, this is not the first time I have sat there with my jaw on the table as I read yet another ridiculous fortune to the amusement of my friends and family.  It’s getting to be a running gag, as they all sit waiting for Crystal’s newest fortune.  Silence looms as I read, and then the whole table bursts into fits of laughter. 

“You are ignorant beyond understanding.”  I practically choked on that one.  Would you really want to announce that fact in a crowded Chinese restaurant?  How’s that for a boost to the ego?

Another day, another meal and the check arrives along with the appropriate amount of cookies.  I slide down a bit further in my seat.  Maybe the conversation will steer this out of the cookie announcement phase.  No such luck, my sister appoints herself the great distributor and puts a cookie at each place setting.  If I was quick maybe I could try the old switcheroo, but no they’ve all seen their particular cookie.  The time has come.  I brace myself for the inevitable.  They all read their normal fortunes about life, love and the pursuit of happiness and then, its my turn.

I crack it open.  I pull that little piece of paper out and look at it.  It says…. nothing, it’s blank!  Silence to match the emptiness on my fortune.  And then the table erupts into the usual roaring laughter.  I aim to please.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jumping off places- week two

What follows is my second entry in the Jumping off places writing prompt hosted by linda at atticreflections.blogspot.com  She says:


Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing). Our first week was very interesting, to see what each writer/blogger chose as their jumping off place! Today I'll provide a new list of first lines for you to write about next week. If you have written something for week two, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL so we will all be able to read your creativeness! Visit atticreflections to get a list of the prompts for this week.
 A review of how it works:
1) First Lines provided.
2) Write a post on your blog using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story!
3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in!
4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy!
Mine goes like this...


She was sitting, all crouched down, in the corner of the room, staring at the side wall.  Her wild heart was not used to the confines of the place that she had stumbled upon. She had left the green tendrils of her true domain following a scent that enticed her.  A door carelessly left ajar had allowed entry.  The heat, oppressing and omnipresent wrapped around her like a cloak.

Fierce eyes blazed bright orange and matched her striped fur.  Her tail twitched restlessly as her ears pressed back against her head. She readied herself to leap at her target.  Hunting had never been her favorite thing.  Too often prey had slipped her grasp.  Still, she waited.  Watching.  The man entered.  He knew not what was waiting for him as he returned to his imagined safe haven.

She sprang.  He jumped. 

And then…she spiraled though his legs, rubbing her fur against him and purring loudly.

Got ya?

Robbie’s back

Robin ACEO

I am not looking forward to Robbie. 

Robbie is an American Robin, a red-breasted thrush.  I saw him and a couple of his friends today so I guess the season’s harbinger has returned from his winter home.

He’ s back and he’s ready to start dating.  Yes, Robbie is looking for a girlfriend.  He knows he’s a catch and I must admit he is rather dapper.  Any female Robin would be lucky indeed to become the new Mrs. Robbie.  The trouble is Robbie is a bit of a narcissist and extremely competitive.  Whenever he sees himself in a mirror, window or any other reflective surface he mistakes his own image for that of a very handsome Robin that must have moved in on his territory.  And Robbie will have none of that! 

 Soon, he will be dive-bombing the windows on my garage doors.  Or he will sit on car mirrors and continuously attack the reflection.  I assume he will keep this up till he finds Mrs. Right or he sustains so many concussions that the cat starts looking good to him.

The really down side for me is that when he sits on the side mirrors he insists on leaving the remains of his meals down the sides of the doors.  And boy he must eat a lot!

In an effort to deter this determined little warrior, I’ve printed photos of owls (natural enemies right?) and pasted them on the garage door windows.  I’ve even covered the windows completely with paper and wrapped the car’s side mirrors with bags.  Still he sits and waits for the moment these protective coverings come off.  In seconds he has left his mark, literally.  Having a two-car garage and three vehicles leaves one poor unsuspecting coupe at Robbie’s mercy. No one, and I mean no wants wants to visit me in the Spring unless they come on foot. Constantly washing the droppings off the sides of the car gets a little bit old.  I’d almost rather be shoveling snow…I said almost. 

He hasn’t started yet, but it’s only a matter of time.  I’m ready.  I have my bags to cover the mirrors and if all else fails, I guess there’s always the garden hose.  (To wash the car, of course!)

Craft project ideas

If you missed some recent  Craft instruction posts you can also see them reprinted on Favecrafts.com.

http://www.favecrafts.com/bracelets/recycled-paper-bag-bracelets

http://www.favecrafts.com/valentines-day/heart-felt-earrings

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Lucky Shamrock magnet, a recycled craft

I have amassed a large quantity of advertising magnets.  Pizza places, credit card companies and various others constantly send out little sheet magnets with their names and numbers.  Seriously how many magnets to a local pizza joint do you need on your fridge?  So I figured if they are going to keep sending them I am going to put them to a more “seasonal use.”  This is a great kids craft!

You will need:

A shamrock sticker or clip art printed off the computer

Black felt

Sheet advertising magnet (or if you don’t have any you can purchase sheet magnets at the craft store)

Tacky glue

Gold glitter dimensional fabric paint

Pen, scissors

1.     Spread some tacky glue on the back of the sticker.  This is to insure that it stays stuck.  Attach to the black felt.  If using clip-art, cut out and spread some glue onto the back.  Attach to the piece of black felt.  Let dry. 

2.     Cut around the motif leaving a quarter inch of black felt showing.  Place the prepared shamrock on the advertising magnet and trace around with a pen.  Cut out the shamrock shaped magnet.  Spread some glue on the back of the felt shamrock and attach to the magnet. Let dry.  Trim up any overhanging edges.

3.     Draw a line with Gold dimensional fabric paint all around the shamrock shape.  It can be a thin line or a thick one as desired.  Make sure you test the fabric paint on scrap paper first so that it comes out in an even line.  Let dry.  Stop throwing those advertising magnets away and make as many shamrocks as you want and deck out your fridge for St. Patty’s Day.  While you are at it why not try some Easter designs as well?

I believe in Happy Endings, a Valentine’s Day story

I don’t like books that are dark and dreary, unless of course they are ghost stories or mysteries.  Even so, they must end well.  I like happy endings.  Those books that do not have a joyful conclusion may be fine for winning Pulitzer prizes but they just don’t spin my wheels. 

The guy gets the girl, the team wins the game, and the child finds his dog, all perfect in my thinking.  I get it.  I am just a naive dreamer and I am not being realistic.   Things don’t always end that well.  Get a grip, right? Ah but you are wrong.  A good story goes like this…

There was once a woman who was living a happy life with her husband and beautiful daughter.  One day, her husband did not come home from work.  There was an accident, they told her.  The woman and her daughter were alone.

The woman became very, very sad and she retreated within herself.  Then one day she decided that enough was enough.  She picked herself up by her proverbial bootstraps and went to a group comprised of others who had also lost someone. 

She met a man, a man who had lived through a painful ordeal much like her own.  The man did not believe in happy endings of course, he was realistic.  The days passed and then one day he smiled that shy, boyish smile that caused her to, yes, smile as well. 

One thing led to another and soon they fell in love.  Ah, too soon the realists would say, but who can put a time constraint on love? Then, on Valentine’s Day the man proposed.  On her plate instead of the expected entrée sat a ring and across from that ring was that familiar intoxicating smile. Everyone said it wouldn’t work.  They all predicted doom; after all they both had children.  They both had responsibilities.

12 years have passed since that February day in a Mexican restaurant when a ring sat on a plate instead of the expected enchilada. The woman is happier than ever and every day beams at the man who helped her find her smile once again.  Who doesn’t like a happy ending?  Who thinks that they do not occur?  You don’t have to convince me because, you see, that woman is me. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Drum roll please....

The names of those who posted on the "Spring is almost here giveaway" were all printed on little scraps of paper and put into a jar...And the winner is...

Marlene!  Congratulations and just contact me with your address and your ACEO will be on its way.  Check out Marlene's blog at marlenes-musings.blogspot.com  

Thanks to everyone who participated.  Have a great weekend!

This is a new Friday Activity, hosted by Linda at atticreflections.blogspot.com

In Linda's words:
"Sometimes, we all need a place, a reason to just 'jump right in!' I want to provide a list, on Friday's, for us to Jump Start our writing skills. I will provide first lines, you "jump right in" and try your hand at creative writing! Any exercise of your writing will help you improve your creative thought processes, inspire you and others who read your piece, and it might be a significant discipline in creativity!"

Here's how it works:
1) First Lines provided here.
2) Write a post using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story!
3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in!
4) We'll read each other's work and Enjoy!

Today's FIRST LINES:

1. A pencil, a tape measure, and a stack of old newspapers sat on the conference table as we entered.
2. A calender is a funny thing, with it's blank spaces and numbered days.
3. Remembering vanilla being her favorite ice cream flavor as a second grader, Amy wondered why her taste had been so unadventurous.
4. My eye was caught by a book on the shelf, pushed back from the others with a tattered orange dust jacket and white letters.
5. I watched the wind in the tree tops and thought . . .
So here is my take on one of them...


My eye was caught by a book on the shelf, pushed back from the others with a tattered orange dust jacket and white letters.

I carefully took it out and examined the cover closely.  The letters were faded and the title not easily read.  As I held it, something fell to the floor; a folded scrap of paper that had been tucked in the ancient pages. 

I picked up the fragile, yellowed scrap of paper realizing at once it was a letter.  I chastised myself for my curiosity, and I opened it. Had the recipient ever read the tender words written in an unsteady hand?  I began to read.  As my eyes took in it’s meaning, I smiled.

Wishing you all a wonderful and love-filled Valentine’s Day!
Don't forget to leave a comment to win the Spring ACEO in the previous post!  The drawing is Sunday.  :-)

"Spring is almost here" ACEO giveaway

Hybiscus ACEO miniature art

Today I want to recommend a website, Favecrafts.com. There are lots of cute ideas for crafts on this website from designers all over the world. I was directed to this website by my blogging buddy Liz Revit.  If you haven’t been to Liz’s blog you need to check it out.  You are in for a wonderful treat as you enjoy her amazing creativity.
lizrevit.blogspot.com

Favecrafts has featured one of my designs on their site, but you saw it here first.

http://www.favecrafts.com/Valentines-Day/Mini-Heart-Quilt-Candy-Box

I would also like to have my first blog giveaway.  We had a dusting of snow last night, but honestly I think that the winter is finally over.  The weather report for this weekend calls for temps in the 50’s.  March is right around the corner and that pretty much means winter is over in Virginia.  Anyway, I am rambling.  So in honor of Spring, I am offering an original ACEO painting of a hibiscus flower. My hybiscus and geraniums spend the winter in my basement but will soon reappear in all their glory on my deck.

This is my first giveaway so bear with me.  My rules are pretty simple; just leave a comment and a way to contact you if you win.  You don’t have to follow (although that would be nice) because I know there are hundreds of wonderful blogs out there and you can’t follow them all.  So…lets review.  To enter the Crystal Clear “Spring is almost here” giveaway, just leave a comment.

I will be drawing a name out of a hat on Sunday so stay tuned. 

Crystal Clear

Mini stenciled fabric Valentine bags for the horse lover

You can create these cute little bags in a flash, just in time to fill them with your favorite Valentine candy.  They are easy enough for a child with some adult supervision.  I found farm cardboard animal stencils in a little book form for only $1.50.  These little stencils are available from Dover books and you can pick them up in gift ships and craft stores.  You can, of course, use any other stencils if desired.  Or you can even make your own stencil.  Future posts will explain how to easily create you own original stencils.

You will need:

Mini 6” x 6” fabric bags (I got mine at the craft store and they came three in a package)

Horse stencil

Acrylic paint (choose your favorite color)

Stencil brush

Small pre-cut felt hearts

Fabric glue

Masking tape

Clear sparkle dimensional fabric paint

Piece of scrap cardboard

Paper plate to use as a palette

1.     Prepare the bag.  Place a piece of cardboard inside the bag in order to keep the paint from bleeding through.  Attach a few pieces of masking tape to the stencil edges to hold it in place while painting.

2.     Squirt a small amount of acrylic paint (I used metallic) on the paper plate.  Using the stencil brush, dip into the paint but do not over load the brush.  You do not need much paint on the brush.  The brush should be almost dry.

3.     Use a swirling circular motion to apply the paint starting at the edges and working to the center.  Make sure the stencil stays in place and doesn’t shift. Remove the stencil carefully and let dry.

4.     Glue the felt hearts across the top edge of the bag with the fabric glue.  Alternate the colors of the hearts.  Let dry.

5.     Use the dimensional fabric paint to outline the stenciled horse randomly. 

 

Since the bags came in a pack of three why not make two more?? 

An uphill climb

My husband spoils me.  I know this and usually when he buys me gifts, especially the electronic or technical kind he researches the heck out of them.  Consumer reports is a like his bible.  Most of the time I am ecstatic over his choices.  This Christmas he bought me Photoshop Elements. 

At first I was excited because I wanted software that would help me adjust and print some of my photos for reference.  As I looked at the box I was immediately intimidated.  This program was obviously way beyond my limited abilities. 

I installed the program.  What is this?  What does that do?  How do you do this?  Questions and more never to be answered questions hit me one after the other.  I realized I was looking at hours, no make that weeks, of trying to learn this program. 

“From all my research everyone says that this program is the best,” he says.

I start to ask around and I find that anyone who can actually use Photoshop is in an elite club, “the fraternity of the Photoshop”. 

So I try something else.  I purchase a dummy book.  You know the kind, the ones where they try and explain things in very elemental ways.  Even the dummy book is as thick as a New York phone book!  I soon learn that I am even dumber than that!  This is not good for my self-esteem.  So I put the program on hold.  There it sits, its little icon, at the bottom of my computer home screen, mocking me. 

I’m no quitter so I won’t give up.  I could take a class I suppose, but finding the time for that may be a little difficult.  Any suggestions, anyone, anywhere, anyhow?

Winter,spring, summer and Fall, Guess I love it all

White Iris ACEO

That groundhog in Pennsylvania came out and didn’t see his shadow…so winter (according to him) is on the way out.  I’m going to go out on a limb here and risk the wrath of many of my northern buddies…and my husband and just say it.  I like winter.

You can find a lot of good things to love about winter if you look hard enough.  I particularly like a cozy roaring fire and fleece sheets.  You can’t do that in the summer. 

The pace is slower in the winter and you can get more sleep, right?  There is tailgating and hot chili, and hot cocoa with marshmallows.  There are steaming bowls of soup to greet you at the end of the day.

There are big, cozy, warm sweaters that hide the Christmas cookies.  Oh yes, there is Christmas cookies, and presents galore. 

There is a time to profess your love…ala Valentine’s Day and dare I say it?  Snow!!

There are snow men and women, snow angels and forts. And there are mittens!  Snow days and games, and time to craft. 

I guess I must admit I do love winter, but …

Oh well, seasons must change and Spring is almost at the doorstep with ideal temperatures and colorful blooms. 

You can find a lot of good things to love about Spring…

Super?

Jack Russell terrier watching the game ACEO

Tomorrow marks another Super Bowl in Dallas, Texas.  I admit that I am a football fan and have been for as long as I can remember.  No, my team is not fortunate enough to be playing in the big game, but I watch nonetheless. It matters not who wins or loses; its how they play the game that counts, right?

Unfortunately, football is just not like it was in the past. Players are no longer loyal to a team.  They come; they go, gravitating to the highest bidder.  There are scandals and brushes with the law that seems more likely to be on a soap opera than a gridiron.  It’s sad.  And the big game only makes it easier to escalate salaries to an unbelievable height.  And then, they leave; they go elsewhere, dropping one uniform for another.  Football is a business and sometimes we forget this when we cheer for our favorite team or favorite player.  The reality of it, however, is apparent when we fork over an exorbitant price for a seat.

Ahhh, but I remember a time when a player started and ended his career with the same team.  There were no stars elevated to unrealistic heights.  They were a team.  And that is what we need to remember as we watch the game. A team is what creates the win.  Cheese is important to a pizza but without the sauce and crust, it would be just cheese. 

Enjoy the game.

A word (or two) about packaging

Most people think about saving the environment these days.  We try to buy things that are recycled.  We carry our re-usable bags with us to the store.  We recycle.  Unfortunately this hasn’t really made an impact on companies that package the items we buy every day.

When I open a bag of chips, I discover that the bag is half empty.  It isn’t as if someone decided to sneak a snack at the factory. The manufacturer, I learn, sells by weight, not volume.  I wonder, did they get heavier in transit or did they just make the bag way bigger than it needed to be?  Ok, maybe I’ll buy the excuse that air protects from crushing, but what about…Frozen Pizza?

Frozen pizza is another thing that comes in a deceptively large package. Have you ever taken a pizza out of its huge box and discover the little bitty thing inside? The crushing excuse doesn’t hold water.

There are many items put into bags, boxes and cartons that are a bit large for them.  Weight, not volume I read those words over and over.  A half empty box of cereal is not really half empty; it’s just heavy.  And please…the plastic liner that holds the cereal itself, well you pretty much need a pair of tin snips to get inside those things. Or…you can try to be herculean and rip it only to end up with most of in on the floor.

So I continue with my shopping and pick up a bottle of ibuprofen. I’m starting to get a headache from all this pondering about packaging. 

I go home and open the bottle but not without another little problem.  Why is it I can never line up that little arrow which unless properly aligned, won’t open?  After several turns of the cap, I finally know how Aladdin must have felt when the genie appeared. 

I peer into the cavernous interior. Hmmm, a few tiny little pills in a giant, too big bottle. Is that an echo I hear?

Here’s my Heart mini crazy quilt candy box

I admit it. I love quilts. I have them on beds and I hang them on walls. My favorite of all quilt patterns is a crazy quilt.  Some say that I can be a bit loopy so maybe that is why I gravitate to that particular quilt.  In reality I just like the rich colors and the fact that anything goes. What sets these particular quilts apart from others is the fancy embroidery stitching that usually adorns all the seams.

One of my antique crazy quilts

In honor of one of my favorite holidays, Valentine’s Day, I have created a little crazy quilt heart box, and you can too!

You will need:

White Mini paper mache heart box available in craft stores

Scraps of scrapbook paper in pink or red prints

Tracing paper

Graphite or carbon paper

Ruler, pencil, scissors

Tacky glue

Decoupage glue

Small paintbrush

Black dimensional fabric paint

Scraps of lace for trimming edge

1.     Place the top of the heart box on the tracing paper and trace the shape.

2.     Using the ruler, section the heart you just traced in random shapes for a total six sections. Number the pieces.

3.     Use the carbon or graphite paper to trace each section onto a different piece of scrapbook paper and cut out.  Put a corresponding number on the back for easier placement. 

4.     Brush some decoupage glue on the back of each piece and attach to the top of the box.  Continue until all the pieces are added. Don't worry if the pieces do not abut perfectly.  Any imperfections will be covered with the dimensional fabric paint.  Brush a coat of decoupage glue onto the top to seal.  Let dry.

5.     Using the photo as a guide and the dimensional paint draw stitch lines on the seams.  Practice on a piece of scrap paper before working on the box top.  Be creative and invent some of your own.  Let dry.

6.     Spread some tacky glue on the edge and add some decorative lace.  Let dry, fill with candy, and present  it to your favorite Valentine.