rock candy

Rock candy is a treat from my childhood that still tastes great.  I needed some rock candy to make my Grandfathers cough syurp recipe, it's called Jessie James Cure All and you can find it under recipes on this bolg.,and didn't want ot drive anywhere to get it.  I decided to make my own and it was really easy.  Now if I can just keep AH out of t long enough to make the cough syurp.
3 1/2C sugar
1 1/2C corn syurp
1C water
1C powdered sugar
1-2 tsp flavoring oil I used cinnamon in one batch peppermint in the other
food coloring
Put the sugar, corn syurp and water in a pan, bring to a boil and stir constantly until the sugar disolves.  Stop stiring and cook until it reaches 300-310 degrees on a thermometer
While the syurp is cooking line a cookie sheet with sides with a double layer of foil and spread on 1C of powdered sugar evenly.

When the syurp reaches the correct temperature put in flavoring oil and food coloring, mix and pour on to prepared tray.  Let cool and break into small pieces( I used a hammer with a paper towel on top of the candy) store in an air tight container with all the extra powdered sugar..

Woe is me

Three shows and a Christmas bazaar in four weeks, going to work, all the insanity of an everyday life, did I have to get a cold too?  I know whine, whine, whine.  As a diabetic I have to be extra cautious about medications that I take.  I've had a couple of very bad reactions to over the counter cold and flu meds so I try to treat myself with natural cures as much as possible.  I read about putting eucalyptus oil on your feet before going to bed to stop coughs.  I tried it and it really worked.  I had been coughing my head off every time I laid down.  I put on the oil with a cotton ball, pulled on some socks and didn't cough again for seven hours.  I'm a believer.  You can buy the oil in most health care stores or on line.  You could even try using Vicks but that would be a little messy.

quick pillow

When I was accumulating sweaters to make pumpkins with I picked this heavy knit one for $1.00.  I used the sleeves for pumpkins but decided to use the body to make a quick pillow cover.  Lay the sweater out flat, measure the pillow form you want to use and cut the front and back 1/2" bigger all around.  Sew your seams and turn the cover right side out by opening the buttons, insert form.  If your sweater doesn't have buttons leave one side open, insert your pillow form and hand stitch.  A less than 30 minute project.

tiny light

I found this light fixture in a pile I bought from a sale recently.  It was tarnished brass and filthy but there was something cute about it anyway.  I took it apart, painted the metal part white, glued the crystal piece to the metal shade and now I have a tiny candle holder about 3-4" tall.  I'll probably use a battery tea light in it.  Easy redo for a few pennies.  Don't pass things by because they are dirty or tarnished, take them apart and re stack to make something different.

painting glass

I wanted to make some soap pumps in different colors and decided to paint the glass jars.  I've seen several recipes using Mod Podge but they are not water proof.  I got out some glass paints a friend had given me and gave them a shot. They were the Delta transparent glass paints, you can wash them off for ten days and then the color is permanent.  I brushed on a coat and let it dry.  FAIL!! it was a streaky mess.  Washed that off and tried again using a foam makeup sponge, I patted it on let that coat dry and did a second coat.  It worked, I did them in green, purple and pink and they turned out great.
Don't be afraid to try something new, you can always to it again and learn from your mistakes.  The colors look much brighter in the picture than they do in person.

VCB

If you live in the down state Illinois area come and see us this week end.  We will be at the Chris Cringle craft show in Champaign, Il.  Friday November 2, 3-9PM and Saturday November 3, 9-5.  This is the biggest show in the area and is 100% handcrafted products.  No import and flea market booths allowed.  Mention this post and receive a free gift!

fitted jacket

I almost never sew clothes for myself, but this turned out so cute I may have to make a couple more.
I've seen several jackets made out of sweatshirts on the web lately but I wanted something a little more upscale and fitted.  It was a simple project and took very little time.
You need 1 pullover sweatshirt 1 size larger than you would normally wear
Cut off the cuffs, bottom band and neck band
Mark with chalk and cut straight up the front of the shirt, using a plate add a curve to the bottom of each edge
Slip the jacket on inside out and have a friend place pins at each side to nip in the middle and form darts in the back and the front if necessary
Stitch in the darts and sides.  My sweat shirt did not have side seams so I started at the seam of the sleeve and sewed down to the bottom of the side  in a gradual curve to the narrowest point and back out at the bottom.
Once you are happy with the fit fold under the raw edges 1/2" and top stitch around the sleeves and the body of the jacket.  You could add a button to the top or middle of the front as a closure.  I'll probably use a pin.
No model again and the dog refused to take my picture, so you'll just have to take my word for it that the fit is great and the jacket is cute enough to wear to work if your place is more casual.

darts in the back