Gettin' Crafty

I had heard of Pinterest from friends, but never gave it a second thought. I assumed the website was a wedding planning site, but my friend Laura told me all about the great ideas she had for her house. Where did she get these creative ideas.....? Duh, Pinterest! So I joined the bandwagon, and started pinning away. The site has been helpful for getting sparks of inspiration on how I want to paint and decorate the house. Plus, it's a much easier way to share the images with my husband. The old fashioned way of emailed individual photos took so much time. While my husband is deployed, I plan to paint the kitchen and living room, add decorations, and give the house a homey touch. I've got to keep busy somehow :)

So, I started with a small project: Earring Rack. And here's how I did it!

Large picture frame
Picture frame mat
Radiator grate cover
Snips
Packaging tape
Hot glue

I measured and cut the grate cover, so it would fit in the frame mat.

I used packaging tape to secure the grate cover to the back of the frame mat. The grate wasn't flush to the front of the mat, so I used hot glue to the back corners. Much better.

           

Make sure to carefully remove the glass from whatever frame you are using. Also, depending on the type of metal grate you use, the edges can be sharp. I cut my finger a bit.
With the glass removed, insert the photo matting in the the frame and use the tabs to fasten it all together.

  

All done and ready to be displayed!!

Now I need to go find the rest of my earrings... or buy some more!

Altogether this took me probably 45 minutes. I had enough radiator grate cover to probably do another Earring Rack. Christmas gifts maybe!

My next project is a Magnetic Board. Stay tuned!

Halloween Candy

Halloween has come and gone... but the candy remains. I do love me some Reese's Peanut Butter Minis, but I really don't need to consume a whole bag of them. So I found a great recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Just like chocolate chip cookies, but with Reese's! Again, I don't need the cookies either, so they will be a treat for my husband. I know he'll love them! Brian, make sure to share with your friends :)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Reese's Peanut Butter Minis, chopped
• 
  

Directions

Heat oven to 375° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. 

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the peanut butter cups.

Drop tablespoon-size mounds of dough 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until light brown around the edges, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a baking rack to cool.

ENJOY!!