Nonflammable

The Charm of Chimes

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Digging through boxes in the attic,

I discovered a set of tarnished flatware.

I believe they were my father-in-laws.

Looking at the discolored pieces, I knew there was no

chance I would ever take on the task of cleaning them.

Chimes from flatware are nothing new.
Still, they are a charming adornment for an outdoor space
and quick to assemble.

Less than one hour from start to finish.

I think these held syrup

Many things around the house will work:

cookie cutters, kitchen utensils, keys, small glass bottles.
You can find all of these items at the thrift store.

For drilling into metal you will need a power tool
and a small cobalt drill bit.

After drilling a hole all the way through the handle,

file off the burrs before stringing with fishing line.

Pull line through drilled hole, double knot and again

after securing to the mesh basket,

fashioning various lengths for each utensil

It is easier to start from the middle and work outwards.

Make sure there's at least 1" of space

between each secured item.

Afterwards, apply a dab of cement glue to all the knots for a permanent fix.

15 pieces of silverware and glass bottles made this too heavy

to hang with fishing line, so I purchased 4ft of black chain

at the hardware store (sold by the foot).

4 equal chain lengths, 1 for the middle, and 3 evenly spaced

around the top perimeter of the basket creates balance.

An old drapery ring joins the 4 lengths of chain for hanging.

I had all items on hand, except the black chain.

Total cost, $4.49.

They chime beautifully.

The Crab Nebula

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:41:00 +0000

smoky haze reminds me of swirling gases in outerspace

Last summer, I painted the tv/game room a pumpkin orange.

album frames are from Restoration Hardware

A couple of space themed movie posters and framed album covers

helped turn the once bland walls into a cozy, modern, fun room

with a hint of retro appeal.

However, I was drawing blanks when it came to decorating

the large wall space behind the pool table.

Adding more album covers or movie posters seemed excessive.

The bar mirrors that used to hang on the wall

no longer suited the ‘family’ décor.

I had purchased a poker table for my husband over the holidays.

The table top was protected in the carton by

(2) 48"x48" x1/8" mdf boards.

They took up a lot of space but I'm glad I saved them.

After months of debating, a recent viewing of the Crab Nebula

set in motion an idea for the vacant wallspace.

One of the boards would make an ideal canvas

for my "interpretation" of the Crab Nebula and
a perfect compliment to the movie posters.

I lightly sanded the sheen with 100 grit sandpaper,

cleaned, and followed this up with 5 coats of gesso.

I also applied gesso to the back as well.

The size of this board would be expensive to frame

and the thinness (1/8") would make it display more like a poster.

Not the impact I was going for.

My solution was to attach a hidden frame

made from square wood stakes

that would allow the board to set out from the wall,

creating a shadow effect.

The frame is reinforced with L-brackets

making the mdf very sturdy but not too heavy.

Picture sits out approx. 2" from the wall.

The rough cleat also provides a convenient way to hang on the wall.

I created the effects by applying acylic paint

with rags, cellophane, feathers, and sponges.

The vibrant colors and scale of this painting did not stand out

until I added stars using qtips.

Amazing how that little detail, really transformed the picture.

Total cost, < $20.

That pleases me the most.

My Favorite Kitchen Gadget

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The Bread Machine!
For me, in terms of convenience, it rivals the crockpot.

Ma machine de pain, decorated with the kids magnetic gears,

symbolize this kitchen work horse.

Focacia: The Ultimate Bread Machine Book

We love the smell and taste of fresh baked bread.
The aroma permeates the house and gradually
brings everyone into the kitchen.

Lavash: The Ultimate Bread Machine Book

My Welbilt bread machine has earned a permanent place
on the kitchen counter. I use it that often.

I mastered most of the basic bread recipes that came

with my first Welbilt bread machine, 15 years ago.

When it shot craps, I immediately got another
Welbilt bread machine.

Looking to expand my bread making knowledge

I purchased The Ultimate Bread Machine Book,
by Jeannie Shapter.
This book showcases 150 recipes, including popular breads
from many countries, full-color photographs,
step by step techniques and tips.

The book's recipes use the bread machine's dough feature
(for mixing and rising the dough),

then shaping the loaves by hand and baking them in the oven,

demonstrating that most any bread machine will work.

Focacia (ready to bake)

Using fresh ingredients, will produce the best results.

Lavash (ready to bake)

Two of my family’s favorites are Focacia and Lavash,
rustic flat breads that use basic ingredients

and are quick and easy to prepare using the dough setting.

Focacia with red peppers

Baked Lavash topped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and fresh parmesan cheese.

This bread is delicious as a snack,
and with soups and salads.

Rocker Chick Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:40:00 +0000

I’m back…..and revving up with this easy, easy diy.

I purchased this necklace at the thrift store for $3.

The gray beads and chain are gunmetal and in excellent condition.

However, I needed to replace the pink bubble gum beads
before I would wear this out in public.

gunmetal jump rings and headpins, olive jade and quartz crystal beads

After some deliberation, my choices

came down to olive jade, faceted cones and

40 mm rough cut, faceted quartz crystals that I've had in my stash

forever.

I chose the quartz crystal as the

beads took up more space creating an even chunkier look.

My local craft store did not carry gunmetal findings

so I had to purchase the headpins and jump rings on line.

I made a connector and attached a jump ring for each crystal (4),

and attached to the chain.

(jewelry making basics)

Because of the extra weight of the quartz crystals,

I replaced only 4 of the 7 pink beads.

The center metal bead hung longer

so I adjusted the link to be the same as the other metal beads.

As for those left over pink beads,

maybe I'll assemble a molecular geometry mobile for my boys.

Just kiddin'!

I am still here in spirit.

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Work is crazy for me the first two months of the year.

I barely have time to read others blogs. I realize now,

I should have offered up an explanation sooner as to my lack of posts.

My load will lighten up considerably

around the week of Feb. 22nd, at which time, I look forward to

getting back into the swing of things with weekly diys.

I hope that the new year finds everyone happy, healthy and harmonious.

I offer a glimpse into diy 2010.

quartz crystals + gunmetal necklace (a thrifty purchase)

= a quality piece

Breadmaking 101

Inspiration

and the interpretation

vintage restored

Dumas' work reinvented

I Propose a Toast

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:00:00 +0000

The boots were hung by the chimney with care

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Update: Some of the pics were not loading correctly.

Look no further than your closet for inspiration

to create these whimsical boots err…stockings.

Throughout the year, I acquire deeply discounted

upholstery remnants and ribbon/trims at the fabric store,

or find drapes in rich brocades at the thrift store
for less than $5.oo a panel.

These are not traditional holiday fabrics, deliberate on my part.

Iron on applique trim.

Thinking out of the box....anything goes.
Using embelishments already on hand enhances creativity.

Rhinestone strand removed from old t-shirt.

I think these stocking boots are festive.
They make great gifts.

I make the pattern out of a grocery sack or newspaper
and tracing about ½” out and around the entire boot.

The pattern is also used to make the lining.

Better to pin, but I used soup cans as weights instead. !Laaazzy!

Cut out 2 boots and sew up the bottom and sides

I use the end of a small paint brush and

gently push out the toe and heal of the boot.

Press seams.

Pin trim to the boot and sew. The seam will later be hidden.

I used a silk ribbon, leaving the tails long to tie a big fancy bow.

Cut out the lining.

Notice: The lining is cut so it stops at the ankle of the boot.

*You’ll see why.

Sew up the lining leaving about a 5” opening along the back seam.

Do not turn out!

Place the boot inside the lining and sew along the top opening.

Press the seams of the lining and push down into the boot.

*Take some batting and push it down into the foot of the boot

through the opening in the lining,

giving a nice full shape to the boot.

There is plenty of space for the goodies.
This boot will hold a bottle of wine!

Pull the lining back out and sew up the 5" opening.

The hook is actually part of a hoop earring.

I’ve attached the hook and tied the bow.

I'm done!

HA!

The old earrings occupy my thoughts a lot lately.

Now I'm done.

Jester Stocking (on either end) made with Dawn Anderson, Vogue Pattern 7375.

The Gift of Glitz

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Last week, I wore my earring(s) out in public.

This bauble stood out, arriving at the fête a split second before me.

When I shared with a few who commented on the ring

that it was fashioned out of old earrings,

they could barely believe it!

I’m not quitting my day job....

heartily convinced that these women,
business professionals like myself,

would soon be rummaging through their junk jewelry
to see what cast offs they could transform into
'one-of-a-kind' wearable treasures.

Their enthusiasm,

inspired me to make one as a gift for a friend.

This earring is probably from the late 60's. However,

the black glass beads remind me of the Victorian Era.

I know you’re reading this…and I got your message.
You're right! It will look great with your gray sweater dress.

You're tantalized!

No you can't swing by to pick it up!

You’ll just have to wait until girls nite out.
(Wear the sweater dress.)

Besos y abrazos!

EarRings

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:05:00 +0000

In my quest to secure fancy adornments for my person

(the tree is already trimmed)

I again searched through my junk jewelry.

The earrings are becoming my favorite for ideas this season.

With specimens like these, who could blame me?

Most of these are fairly old but very well made,

and as beautiful as the woman who wore them.

My grandmother would cheer my efforts for finding

new ways to enjoy them as much as she did.

I know she would approve of the ocean pebble cuff.

She would also suggest that I need a cocktail ring.

Ring blanks.

You can get these from any costume supply store.

I decided to use the blue stone for my cocktail ring.

With a little more effort than my time permits

(I leave town tomorrow)

the other ear rings will make great stocking stuffers

for a few friends.

The scale is pretty impressive but a little boring.

It needs a hood ornament!

My selectiveness and the fact that the back needs to be flat for a

permanent fix will limit my choices considerably.

Three to be exact.

I remove the post and carefully file (dremel)

any rough spots then attach with E6000 or a 2 part epoxy.

This earring I used is 14ct gold with a sterling silver center.

I lost the other one a few years ago.

I think it is a nice compliment to the color and scale of this ring.

Festive, non. 'Tis the season!

The First Thanksgiving Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Little is known about the first Thanksgiving dinner in the Plymouth Colony in October 1621. The feast was attended by some 50 English colonists and about 90 native Wampanoag men in what is now Massachusetts.

We do know that the Wampanoag killed five deer for the feast, and that the colonists shot wild fowl, which may have been geese, ducks, or turkey. Some forms of Indian corn were also served.

Jennifer Monac, spokesperson for the living-history museum Plymoth Plantation said the feasters likely supplemented their venison and fowl with fish, lobster, clams, nuts, and wheat flour, as well as vegetables such as pumpkin, squash, carrots, and peas.

"This was the time of year when they were really feasting. There were lots of vegetables because the harvest would recently have been brought in."

Traditional Thanksgiving fare that certainly wasn't on the table: potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

If you want to eat like a Pilgrim, try some of the Plymoth Plantation's recipes, including stewed pompion (pumpkin) or traditional Wampanoag succotash.

Here is the entire article from National Geographic News.

Happy Thanksgiving

Ocean Pebbles

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:36:00 +0000

The month of Dec. presents me with many opportunities

for holiday socializing with clients after work.

If I had to pick only one accessory item this season that would
put me in a more festive mood as well as spiff up
my work attire for these after hour functions,
I would choose the cuff bracelet.

Studded Leather

Roberto Cavalli

Medina Cuff

Monica Vinader

Black Onyx

Kara Ross

Ocean Pebbles

Nonflammable

This far, I have managed to stay within the boundaries of
my ~~significantly reduced~~ personal spending budget.
(Negative adj. for prev. months purchase of Fiorentini and Baker Boots)

Until I find one of my wish list items in my stocking (hi honey),

I will rely upon the imposing resouces at hand.

The junk jewelry drawer.

A selection of old earrings.
Most of these were my grandmothers.

Hmmmmm.

Not feeling it yet.

A few alterations and additions resulted in a haute mess.

I blamed my wine consumption.

Back to the cast aways

where I came up with a clearer plan.

After making my selection, I carefully remove the earring back

and the frame around the cabochon, if there is one. For tough

settings, hold under water to loosen the old adhesive.

After removing,

clean in warm, soapy water to remove all residue.

Plan the design.

Hint: Apply thin strips of masking tape to the back
of larger cabochons to get an idea of how
the pieces will look together on the cuff blank.

You can get cuff blanks at a costume supply store

for very cheap. This one is brass and cost less than $3.00.

I use E6000 adhesive, but a two part epoxy works just as well.

Use in a well ventilated area. (OPEN A WINDOW)

I don't recommend applying pieces to the back side of the cuff.

Metal, plastic, or glass....use your imagination.

As long as there is enough of a flat surface

to apply the adhesive, anything will work.

Use tweezers to affix smaller components.

A toothpick will clean up excess residue

without marring the surface and goop off

will help remove sticky residue from cuff base.

Let setup overnight and go back over

with a toothpick to see if any beads are lose.

I really like this assembly.

The brass beads compliment the pearl cabs nicely.

I was unable to effectively capture the lustrous details of this cuff.

It turned out so well (better than I expected), I plan on wearing

this next week while in Quebec City.

Breakfast Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:53:00 +0000

I make this breakfast casserole almost every Sunday.

It's quick, easy, and everyone likes it.

There are never any leftovers.

I use tater tots instead of hashbrowns as they help

the ingredients hold together better.

Put tater tots (or hashbrowns) in a casserole dish

and cook at 400° for 10 minutes.

Brown sausage and drain.

Scramble 10 - 12 eggs over low heat; add salt, pepper,

or seasoning such as cayenne pepper,

drained sausage, and green onion.

You want the egg mixture slightly undercooked.

Remove tater tots and break them apart until crumbly.

Add egg/sausage mixture to the tots and blend well.

Using a spatula, press firmly into the dish.

Add paprika, shredded cheese, and parsley.

Bake 300° for 12-15 minutes.

Remove from oven and let setup for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with hot sauce.

EYE SEE YOU !

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Spooky, mysterious, bulging, or innocent,

eyes are a spectacular feature to enhance at Halloween.

If you’re sporting an extra one, you’re sure to get some attention.

Be forewarned: Friends will demand that you make one for them too.

I made 8 of these t-shirts last year.

Black button still affixed a year later.

Mine has faded quite a bit. I now wear it to the gym.

Time to make another more dramatic eyeball t-shirt!

A (cheap) t-shirt . Launder first if it is new.

Eyeball image. Look online, at the library…

T-shirt transfer paper for lazer or ink jet printer.

Follow enclosed instructions carefully.

Determining where I want my image before ironing.

This turned out fantastic and would be perfect to wear as is,

but I’m not one to leave well enough alone.

Fabric Paints

Fabric/Jewelry glue

A large button

Sequins (didn’t use this time)

I am not practiced with the fabric paint applicator tip,

so I pour out what I need, sometimes mixing colors, and use a brush.

I have much more control this way.

A large 1 1/4" faceted black button, like a compound eye! Yes!

Remove the shank with wire cutters and sand smooth.

Apply jewelry glue and affix to the center of the shirt.

It really adds the finishing touch!

It's getting pretty creepy around here

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:07:00 +0000

My kids enthusiasm for Halloween always rubs off on me.

Do you want eggs or eyeballs with your toast?

I know our home would be haunted as early as July.

I manage to hold off their decorating till September.

Still, their tactics to get me in the mood are second to none.

Aghhh…a snake in my bed. Good one!

Wall color in the game room; pumpkin.

A centerpiece that would impress the Adams family.

The butler did it.

Broken branches pilfered from the neighbors yard.

Busted! He came over and thanked me.

Sink the branches into styrofoam in a decorative container.
Trim carefully!

It's only fun until someone loses an eye.

Add black flowers, feathers, lights, webbing, spiders, a femur, eyeball...

The skulls are motion sensor lights that run on a battery
and play the theme from ~~Friday the 13th~~ Halloween.

The display is more frightful in person.

PB: Inspiration for DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Mauve/decopauged thrift store table, $15. Stripped, refinished, and added new hardware

to resemble a PB table for use as a nightstand in my son's room.

Whether its repurposing furniture,

Beaded fringe added to Asian lamp shade for a Victorain flair.

spiffing up existing items with clever accents,

Son's junk art guitar, made from a Gateway box, wood trim remnants, and acrylic paints.

PB Teens for inspiration. It really is acoustic.

Wood composite trim; Primed, painted, distressed,

added (10) drawer pulls, and hung the trim 5 feet from the floor

in the laundry room to hold totes, raincoats, backpacks...

Odd sized frame, garage sale find, $.50.

Barbed wire from the 1800's.

Wood shelving from great, grandfathers barn.

This assembly nearly came together on its own

at which time my husband claimed for his office wall.

or creating distinctive displays, using color, texture, and imagination,

PB is a source for ideas and inspirations, when I'm 'drawing' blanks.

My son wanted Euro pillows similar to some we had seen in PB Teen.

I borrowed a friends PB Euro Pillow Case and took measurements.

They look complicated but in fact are very easy to make.

The finished pillow measures 30x30 with a 2” flange
for a 26x26 Euro Pillow.

Before cutting, launder/iron your fabric.

Use a ruler or straight edge and draw the panels right on the fabric.

Make the length (for the back pieces) with the grain and

be sure to mark the grain direction for the front panel.

Cut 1 panel 31” x31” for the front (ex.a)

For the back you need 2 pieces that create an over flap
to insert your pillow form.

Cut (1) 17”x31” (ex. b) and (1) 21” x 31” (ex. c.)

For the 2 back panels, fold and press the middle seams ½”,

then fold over 1”, press, stitch close to the inner edge.

Hint: for visible stitching, increase stitch length to 3.5mm for a professional look.

Assemble pillow in this order.

Front panel (ex. a) print side up

17x31 (ex. b) print side down and lined up to one side

21 x 31 (ex. c) print side dorn and lined up to other side

Make sure the fabric grain is in the same direction as back pieces.

Pin sides and stitch all the way around the pillow using a 1/2" or 5/8 seam allowance".

Trim seams to 1/4". Press open seams.
Turn pillow right side out pushing out corners, press.

Stitch around the pillow 2” from edge to create the flange.

Hint: Put a piece of masking tape on your sewing machine,

measure 2” to the right of needle, draw a straight line with ruler.

Use as a guide, lining up the outer edge of the fabric as you sew.

Insert pillow form

My son loves them….

so I made some for my other son.

He loves them too!

DIY Fabric Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Photos, qoutes, meaningful words!

Send them off in a fabric card.

What you need for this diy.

Cereal boxes (heavy duty) or chip board

Fabric remnants

Scrap (book) paper, tissue paper, wall paper...

Ribbon

Spray adhesive (use in a well ventilated area)

ruler

exacto knife

scissors

Use a straight edge and exacto knife to size your cardboard.

For this example, I cut 2 pieces of cardboard 5.5" x 7.5" to
display a 4" x 6" photo.

Lay cardboard pieces on fabric. Cut fabric to extend 3/4" on all sides
for folding over. Spray board pieces with adhesive.

Use a brayer or ruler to smooth the fabric.

Flip boards over, spray adhesive and fold the fabric at the corners (inward)
on to iteslf forming 45° angles, (creates a mitered corner).

Fold all four sides on to the board.

With ruler, mark and cut your decorative paper for the inside.

Cut your paper 1/2" smaller than your board sizes.
For example, I cut my paper 7” x 5”

This forms a .25” border along the inside edge for a finished look.
Don’t glue yet.

Determine the length for your middle ribbon.

To tie a bow, you want the ribbon to extend 6"-8" past the sides,

plus 2 times the length or width (portrait or landscape display)

Cut 2 more pieces of ribbon to stabilize the top and bottom.

Affix ribbon and paper.

Place under heavy object for an hour.

Once you get going, it’s easy to make several up at a time

Vegetable Conspiracy?

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:15:00 +0000

This is a story about a kid who shunned vegetables.

We’ve all known one.

There may even be one living in your home.

My attempts at sneaking vegetables into our meals always fails,

leaving me with the feeling I have betrayed my son with my duplicity.

As a child, there were many vegetables I didn’t like but I do not recall

refusing to eat a meal just because I discovered one in the mix.

I would just pluck out the offensive morsel, usually an onion,

and continue eating.

I now eat vegetables daily, including onions.

Several times a week, I prepare Ramon noodles.
I ate them in college and swore

afterwards that I would never eat them again.

Ha ha.

Ramon noodles are a hefty dose of carbs, but when teamed

with fresh vegetables, sans the MSG packet, it is a quick, healthy,

and economical lunch option.

I follow the instructions on the package, bringing water to a boil.

Into this, add 2 eggs, noodles, fresh broccoli, green onion,

and (precooked) thawed shrimp. When 3 minutes are up, drain off

most of the broth and pour the mixture over uncooked spinach.

Add low sodium soy sauce and pepper.

It tastes great and is nutritious.

One Saturday, my son observed as I prepared the veggies and noodles.

"I'd like to try some of that. Will you you make me some?" he asked.

!Huh?!

“Excuse me. Did I hear you say you want some of this?

These are vegetables son. See! Broccoli, green onion, spinach,”

as I pointed to each one.

“Yeah mom, I know. I want some. It looks good.”

I couldn’t believe my ears or my eyes as my 10-year-old stood

before me requesting that I make him noodles loaded with every

vegetable he despised.

I immediately wanted to touch his forehead and cheeks just to

make sure he wasn’t running a fever. Perhaps I used too much

comet while cleaning the toilets that morning.

What the hec. I made it for him then watched in awe (and shock)

as he devoured every last bit of noodle, vegetable and egg.

The kid who would leavethe table in disgust after discovering a

vegetable in his food was now a convert.

This miraculous event occurred Sat. June 13th 2009.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

I prepare this for my son almost daily. He asks me to

make it for breakfast. Just this morning he suggested that

I bring some up to the school for lunch. When he gets

home, he often requests that I make it for his snack.

Since that historical Saturday, I have introduced him to other vegetables;

bok choy, bean sprouts, leeks, zucchini, snow pea pods and sugar snap peas.

He will not try carrots and he does not like zucchini or leeks.
I’m still pleased!

This is the story about a kid who only wanted to eat ice cream….

One Last Spin, Before Summer Ends

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:15:00 +0000

JCrew Spring 2009

Charmed by this cover,

Michelle Jank Jewelry

smitten with this designer,

and spurred into action by Maegan's tutorial,

I cultivated my own neck bouquet.

I know what you're thinking…

Summers almost gone!
I'm just not quite ready to move on

You see, the frequent rain forecast has me dismal and gray
Perhaps I'll perk up with a beautiful bouquet

With four layers of tulle, a needle and thread
I anchored my flowers in an eye catching spread

Cut away excess, affixed trim, doodads, and a teal feather
Attached felt to the back and defied the raunchy weather

Today, I donned my neck bouquet for the 3rd time this season
Tomorrow, I'll accept the end of summer for an inspiring reason....

I'm gonna make one for fall!

What I used for my neck bouquet:

4 layers of tulle
needle and thread
silk flowers
embellishments
ribbon
o rings
fabric glue

wool felt

Maegan's instructions are excellent.

Be sure to check out her bouquet......perfect for fall.

Custom (Wine) Corks

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Jewel toned drawer pulls and

crafty corks

combine to make unique wine stoppers

This is a quick, easy project (my favorite kind)

that makes a nice grab bag item for a wine tasting party.

Everyone gets something!

What you need:

An assortment of unused wine corks

You can get these at any craft store.

No affiliation with these mfgs.

Drawer pulls with hardware
Wood glue and
Cement Glue
Drill or skinny nail

Make sure the hardware that comes with your drawer pull will go

two-thirds of the way through the cork without going through the bottom.

You can easily resize the hardware with a dremel.

Drill a small pilot hole into the top of your cork

or use a skinny nail and work it half way through the cork

Do not go through the bottom of the cork.

Dip the thread of the screw (with drawer pull in place)

into the wood glue, and into cork.

Use a rubber mallot and tap screw until there is just

enough space between the top of the cork and drawer pull

Use a tooth pick and apply cement glue to the top of cork

and bottom of drawer pull.

Use a rubber mallot and tap the screw

the rest of the way into the cork,

leaving no space between cork and drawer pull

Let set up about 1 hour.

Ode to Mother Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

O Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds of

our Mother Earth,
I walk in the beauty of those that walked before me
and behold the wonder of the dawn and the
red and purple hues of the sunset

I am small and weak and need your strength and wisdom
to learn the lessons you have hidden
in every leaf, rock, and stream

Make my hands respect the things you have given me,
never taking more than I need

Give me the patience to teach my children the things
you have taught me and the humbleness to listen and
learn from those that came before me

I seek strength, not to be greater than another,
but to fight my greatest enemy—myself

When life fades as the passing sunset,
my Spirit will come to you without shame

An Indian Prayer

From my Grandfather,

original source unknown

DIY Water Fountain

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

A fun, creative, and green, diy summer project that is easy on the budget
but has a big decorating impact is to make a water fountain.

Click on images for closeups.

Since we recently remodeled our outdoor living area,

I'm focused on adding 'comforting' details with visual appeal.

I considered purchasing a fountain for a corner space

after noticing the nearby outlet.

Unfortunately, the only fountains

I liked were $300.-$400.

I have a knack for sniffing out the priciest items.

A thrifty compromise.

My diy fountain was assembled with items we already had,

including the pump, stored away after the demise

of my husband’s salamander, Newt.

Imperfections add charm.

I had purchased this warped, plaster stand at

the thrift store last year for $3,

painted it, and was using as a plant stand, till now.

What you will need for this diy;

Submersible water pump.

You can get a pump at any home and garden center

for around $20. You will need to purchase 1/4" or 1/2" plastic tubing,

cut to length after you decide how the water will flow.

Container to hold water and deep enough to submerge your pump.

This one is approx. 4” deep.

An assortment of rocks, shells, marbles, etc… for the water to cascade down.

Tile remnants from a kitchen remodel.

Use rocks, tile, anything that will add height and volume.

Save your decorative pieces for the top.

Fill spaces with smaller objects like sea glass, marbles, shells...

Place your container on a stand or small table.

After it was all put together,

it didn't quite soothe me.

The base and container were a perfect unit but the colors clashed.

So I painted both pieces to resemble aged metal.

I often do things in reverse.

Sometimes this backwards thinking produces fantastic results!

Add water.

It works! Now that's harmony!

Paint Y'er Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Most of my jeans are stained with paint or hole ridden.

Not by design.

I paint regularly in them and have earned every rip, tear, and stain. Remarkably, people come up to me and ask where I got my jeans.

A candid experiment.

When working on a project, I wear my paint jeans several times

before laundering.

Therein lies the success of this diy.

Be prepared: It's a drawn out process but worth the effect.
Click on images to see what I mean.

These jeans were on clearance for $20.

I see a future project with these scraps.

Going for a cropped look, I used a straight edge and a razor,

and removed 8” off the length.

A razor gives a better effect than scissors!

Next, I washed and dried the jeans. Do this if they are new.
Using a ruler, I striated various colors with a palette knife into the denim.
The trick to using acrylic paint on jeans is

to apply the paint thinly…don’t glob it on or the paint will crack.

Dry thoroughly after each paint application.

Do not put in the dryer!
Sand lightly with 120 grit, use a shop vac or brush off dust.

Repeat until the desired effect is achieved.

Do not wash the jeans for a week after painting them,

which will allow the acrylic to set up in the denim.

They will fade a little with each washing.

This can be minimized by washing in cold water,

inside out, and drying on low heat, or air drying.

I used a bit of metallic paint on mine.

Unfortunately, the sheen is gone after the 2nd washing
However, the acrylic is permanent.

Try it, you'll like it.

DIY Reworked Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:25:00 +0000

Once or twice a year, I painstakingly clean out closets and storage areas, drawers and cupboards, and deliver unwanted items to charity.

My junk jewelry drawer is an accumulation of more than 20 years of 'stuff', which I can't seem to part with. Broken jewelry and other trimmings usually wind up here.

It has been boxed up and moved to a new residence 3 times, each time weighing a little more than before. I find myself raking through this trove, looking for ways to rework these cast offs.

These earrings were originally on a dangling gold ball post.
One broke and they were tossed into the 'drawer.'
It was a task finding the other one.

These earrings I never wore, but I liked (needed) the ear wires. Maybe someday I will find a purpose for the other components.

I placed a vintage crystal and Chinese turquoise bead onto a head pen, forming a connector to attach to a gold jump ring, fastening this dangle to the ornate hoop, adding the ear wire last.
Prêt-à-porter

Simon Says DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:35:00 +0000

While browsing at Hobby Lobby,

I found these kerchiefs in an assortment of styles and colors.

4/$1.00, normally $.99 each.

They make great napkins for dining outdoors

Add napkin rings.....

I used an assortment of beads from broken jewelry,

and strung them up within an hour of my guests arrival.

What you need:
kerchiefs or napkins
assortment of beads
stretchy thread
possibly a needle for stringing
cement glue

Cut about 6” of string
Add 12 –15 beads per string depending on size of bead

(my beads are approx. 5mm-8mm).
Tie a square knot, add a dab of cement glue to knot, cut off excess string.

Green Project: Wood Art Collage

noreply@blogger.com (Nonflammable) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:54:00 +0000

I have an accumulation of wood scaps from various home remodel projects.

Recently, my dad gave me a box of some interesting looking scraps.

Of course i couldn't say no.

I decided to make a wood collage with them

for a unique art piece to hang near our outdoor dining area.

What you will need for this diy;

½ thick plywood cut to size.
assortment of wood scraps/trim pieces
paints and stain, optional
wood sander
miter saw
wood glue
findings; hardware, kitchen utensils, nails...

I left off the fish

Square nails from the 1800's

It comes together better if the sizes and shapes are similar.

Working from the outer edges of your plywood to the center
allows for a clean finish

whether you intend to frame it or not.

You may have to layer up as you work towards the middle;

the depth adds interest.

Make sure you have a general layout before gluing.

Use a wood saw towards the end to fill gaps, or layer up.

I found it easier to paint after all pieces were in place,

and made a frame with cedar left over from our deck remodel.
If it hangs outdoors, apply a protective sealant.
Embellish your collage with your findings.