Crafty Blogger Blurbs

Carmi's Art/Life World 
Carmi has a two part name tag making project highlighted this week. 

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world 
This week at Craftside there is a tutorial on how to paint a bee and dragonfly, draw a pilgrim, Native American and English Guard, videos on how to sew a yo-yo and a preview of the new show Brew Masters and how to paint on a vintage postcard. 

Crafty Princess Diaries 
After much feeling around, Tammy has definitely determined which baby yarn she thinks is the softest.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter 
Who couldn’t use another tote bag? Here’s a Koi Beach-Themed Tote from Eileen for your beach holidays or just to use when you miss the beach and warm weather.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter 
Madge's lovely and talented daughter Avalon whips up a super cute embellished hat and scarf this week for ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts!

Mixed Media Artist 
Cyndi is working away at finding more uses for expanded squares.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery 
Book Review-Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes

Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Pomegranate Liqueur Part 2

I recently posted about making pomegranate 
liquor (click HERE to read previous post) 
from the pomegranates off our tree. 

After letting the juice and alcohol steep the 

specified amount of time I just finished 

bottling my Pomegranate liquor. I did make a 

change to the recipe and instead of adding lemon 

peel I added orange zest. They'll need to

age a bit longer before it can be consumed.

Above are the labels I created for the bottles. Since I couldn't find the actual bottle labels I have! I used Avery brand name tag labels then sealed them with PYM II.
The bottles are from specialty bottles.com or you can find decorative bottles at your craft store.


If your looking for other gifts from the heart ideas
Click HERE

Download a freebie background I made 
using a picture of pomegranate arils by 
clicking the image above to download 
and print from your computer.


Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Dazzle your friends and family...

...with a zazzle gift!
If your in search of unique gifts you 
might find just the thing at zazzle.com
I now offer the following in my zazzle store:

IPhone Cases

IPad Cases

and 
Christmas


Also if you visit my zazzle store and would like to see one of my designs on a specific product just let me know and I'll design it for you!
otm@outsidethemargins.com

Crafty Blogger Blurbs

About Family Crafts 
Are you wondering what kind of crafts to make for local craft fairs and church bazaars? Check out these ideas and share your own. 

Carmi's Art/Life World 
Carmi is inspired by a magazine cover to make a cute pine cone tree. 

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world 
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of The Complete Photo Guide to Paper Crafts, ideas for dressing up twinkle lights with die cuts, a tutorial on how to watercolor and transfer images on old postcards, info on different types of compositions, and 3 blue-ribbon recipes. 

Crafty Princess Diaries 
Tammy has great news! Her new book is one step closer to being out on bookstore shelves. 

Eileen - The Artful Crafter 
Have you heard about Crafters’ Anonymous? We’re tackling our stash, one step at a time!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter 
Madge Crafts from the Couch and Shares a Retrofabulous Christmas Stocking!

Mixed Media Artist 
Expanded squares are a fun way to create a repeating fabric pattern!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery 
See how to make an illuminated broken windshield glass filled vase inspired by the book Eco Craft.

The Crochet Dude 
Drew unveils the November purse as part of his Purse Pattern of the Month Club! It's a sexy little number with a metallic copper finish. 

Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Thrift Store Jackpot!

The hubby and I went antiquing and thrift store shopping

and I hit a mini goldmine at the thrift store!

Whoohoo, I found a bag of mini tart and chocolate molds 

for only a couple of dollars! I love using the tart tins in 

shrines and for ornaments!

Next I found two brand new baby outfits 
with the tags still on each for only a couple of 
dollars!  I also found a shirt and pants for myself for 
only a few dollars each with the tags still on-JACKPOT! 


I love when I find good deals!


Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Proud Moment

I have to brag a moment son #3 has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout this week.  It's been a long road, but well worth the commitment on his part and our part as his parents.  I realized that between both our son's becoming Eagle Scouts that we've been part of scouting for 15 years.
Click Here to see Morgan's Eagle Scout Project


Here's some interesting facts regarding scouting:

This has been around quite a while. The number of Scouts who make Eagle changes periodically. The number listed was reported as accurate in 1998. Probably some of the other statistics have changed also, but the impact is still the same.

Of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out in their first year. Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure, but later in life, all of these will remember that they had been in Scouting and will speak well of the program.

Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge. Twelve of the one hundred will be from families that belong to no church. Through Scouting, these twelve and many of their families will be brought into contact with a church and will continue to be active all their lives. Six of the one hundred will become pastors.

Each of the one hundred will learn something from Scouting, and all will develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the rest of their lives. Approximately one-half will serve in the military, and in varying degrees, profit from their Scout training. At least one will use it to save another person's life, and many may credit it for saving their own.

Four of the one hundred will reach Eagle rank, and at least one will later say that he valued his Eagle above his college degree. Many will find their future vocation through merit badge work and Scouting contacts. Seventeen of the one hundred boys will become adult leaders and will give leadership to thousands of additional boys.

One in four boys in America will become Scouts, but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion and politics, three out of four were Scouts.

This story will never end. Like the 'Golden Pebble' of service dropped into the human sea, it will continue to radiate in ever-widening circles, influencing the characters of men through unending time."

Another way of saying this is:
Of 100 Boys in Scouting -
* Only rarely will one appear in juvenile court.
* 12 will receive their first church contact through Scouting. 
* 5 will receive church religious emblems. 
* 1 will enter the clergy due to his Scouting relationships. 
* 18 will develop hobbies that will give them a lifelong interest. 
* 8 will find their future life vocations. 
* 1 will use Scout skills to save another's life. 
* 1 will credit Scout skills with saving his own life. 
* 2 of the 100 will reach the Eagle Rank. 
* 17 will later become leaders in Scouting and will pass on their skills, inspiration and leadership to countless youth.

Sheet Music & Recycled Starbuck's Bird Ornaments

 The original inspiration for the bird ornaments below started from this paper bird ornament I found hanging on a tree at the store.At first I thought I would make them out of stiffened felt sheets, I did tried it  but they were too plain looking.What I really liked about the bird ornaments I originally saw was the sheet music they used on one side.  I still like the idea of felt but I think I'd like to actually make some and stuff them.

Paper Sheet Music Bird Ornaments

For the above ornaments I  first downloaded a bird template HERE.  You can print them out onto decorative paper, but I decided to print out only one and use it as the template and then traced the bird shape onto decorative cardstock so that I could get several birds per sheet of cardstock.. 


After I cut them out I ran them through the 
Xyron and then laid the adhesive side onto 
Vintage Sheet music I had scanned. 
(click HERE to save and download a 
copy of the sheet music.)


Once the sheet music and cardstock were adhered I cut around the bird shape and then added silver glitter glue.  I just used the cheap glitter glue found in the craft section at the store.  You can use German glitter glass  or any loose glitter.  I think I would have preferred the sprinkle glitter because the glitter glue took FOREVER to dry!


After they were Finally dry I punched two small 
holes to tie the jingle bell on for the eye and 
for the hanging ribbon.

Upcycled Starbuck's Bird Ornaments

Again with these I used the bird template I had previously 

printed out (see link above) and traced around it on

on a open coffee sleeve from Starbucks (see below) 

then finished it off by embellishing them.

For the last 4 or 5 years I have been using Starbuck's Christmas coffee sleeves to make cards and other projects with.  I actually look forward to seeing what each year's sleeves look like.  They usually have a saying on the front that will lend itself well to making it into a Christmas card.  Click HERE to view some past projects using Starbuck's coffee sleeves.

Here I've used a Christmas themed Starbuck's 
paper coffee cup to make a paper bird ornament.  
I just cut the cup down the seam, tore off the 
bottom and traced the bird onto the cup then cut.


Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Calendar Grlz--October

Its been awhile since I posted pics from the 

Calendar Grl Round Robin I'm in. I had a really 

hard time getting into this calendar this time around, 

not sure why but I just wasn't feeling inspired.

If you'd like to view past calendar pages click

HERE and scroll down.

Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Pumpkin Biscotti Printable Recipe Card

Printable recipe card 
(save and print)
If you love pumpkin flavor you'll love these 
pumpkin biscottis I made this yesterday.  My 
sister gave me some she baked and I fell 
in love with them and had to make some 
of my own.


Make them ahead and have them available 
Thanksgiving morning or give as a gift 
with the above recipe card printed out and 
attached to them.


Click HERE to scroll down & view 
other printable recipe cards


Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Crafty Blogger Blurbs

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery 
See how to make a recycled bottle lid broken heart charm inspired by the book Fantastic Recycled Plastic

Mixed Media Artist 
Cyndi is giving away a copy of her new ebook on using found objects and unusual materials in your bead embroidery! 

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter 
Heidi Goes Glam Necklace and Madge's Pre-Debut Debut on JTV!

Eileen - The Artful Crafter 
Here's a cute tote idea incorporating a sticker embellishment made of cardboard and coated with epoxy. Yes, just plain cardboard!

Crafty Princess Diaries 
Square time! Tammy is working on creating a simple (and hopefully fast) baby blanket pattern

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world 
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of 1,000 Type Treatments and my Sizzix twist cube project it inspired, a tutorial on how to make serged thread chain and braid, a dining room mixed media assemblage and one of the quilts from the book-Journey of Hope.

Carmi's Art/Life World 
Carmi makes a set of meaningful Remembrance Day cards with a free digital download.

About Family Crafts 
If you are looking for an almost instant Thanksgiving activity, check out these free, printable Thanksgiving projects. 

Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Christmas Themed Wood ATCs

I'm participating in a wood Christmas 
themed ATC swap with a couple of
 friends.  Above are a few I've 
finished...instead of the 4" thick size 
some people use I used 1/2" thick.


Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Pomegranate Liqueur

Picture of the Day
Don't these look tasty....what are they you ask? Arils aka Pomegranate seeds (thanks to my friend Kris I never knew they had another name).  As a kid I loved eating pomegranates, I think part of the thrill was getting the treasured seeds out.  We have a pomegranate tree so for my kids they were treasured gems to be traded at school for sugary treats they didn't get at home.  Here's a little bit about the medicinal qualities of pomergranates: More recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease (American Journal of the College of Cardiology, Sept. 2005). Other researchers report that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction.

My mother in law use to make pomegranate jelly 

which my husband loved....that seemed like way too much work 

to me for jelly, but pomegranate liqueur now that's a different story LOL

Pomegranate Liqueur Recipe

Ingredients:

Pomegranates should be as ripe and red as you can get them. Too young, and the flavor may be weak. Too old, and they will, of course, already be rotten. Larger pomegranates are preferred, if only for yield. I generally get 12 ounces of juice (separate from the pulp) for each pair of pomegranates.  If your fruit yields much less than that, toss in another one or so, so you get about 12 ounces of juice total.  If unsure, err on the side of plenty.  I've run with as much as 16 ounces.

• 2 large pomegranates, pods only
• 1 1/2 cups vodka
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 3/8 cups water
• 1/2 peel, lemon, scraped

Preparation:

Remove pods from pomegranates. Throw away rind and pith. Press out all the juice with a good, sturdy press. Put the resulting juice and pulp in a 1-liter mason jar (any glass jar you can effectively seal works; I use Arc jars from France, and Fidenza jars from Italy). Prepare lemon peel, toss in jar. Add vodka. Seal jar.

Steep two weeks (though I have left it as much as four with no ill effects), turning it over once a day. Strain and filter. Squeeze the pulp moderately hard, but realize that the harder you squeeze, the harder will be the job of filtering later on. It's a tough balance to make.

Now, boil the sugar and water together. Let stand a moment to cool. Add syrup to mixture, and seal quickly. Age another month. Remove, filter again, bottle. You should note that there's a thick haze or sludge on the bottom of your jar, and you will find it incredibly difficult to filter out with anything but a serious wine filter. Instead, you might consider racking the liqueur (siphoning the good liqueur off the top, and discarding the sludge on the bottom). You lose a little bit of liquid along with the sludge, but you sure save yourself a lot of work filtering.

Yield: Total liquid (1.5 cups vodka, .75 cups syrup, 1.5 cups pomegranate juice) 3.75 cups. Proof: about 35.  Recipe compliments of: http://www.guntheranderson.com/liqueurs/pomegran.htm

Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com

Starbucks Coffee Sleeve Projects

It's about that time of year again for Starbucks to change their coffee sleeves to Holiday themed ones.  For those of you who haven't seen my previous coffee sleeve projects I'm reposting a link to them HERE.
(Once you click the link above scroll down past this post to see the other projects)


Here's this years 2010 
Starbuck's Coffee sleeves.

Card open 

I used glitter card stock and 

will add a couple of pictures

Artistic Inspirations to help you create!

www.OutsideTheMargins.com