Friday, August 29, 2014

Homemade Lavender Linen Spray

Spray
Ingredients
  • 40-50 drops (or approx. 1/2 tsp) lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup unflavored vodka
  • 3 1/2 cups distilled water
  • glass container for storing (I used a 32 oz. repurposed vinegar bottle)
  • small spray bottle
Instructions
  1. Mix the vodka and lavender essential oil in the bottle.
  2. Then, add distilled water to the bottle until it is almost full
  3. Shake the bottle to disperse the oils evenly throughout.
  4. Store the linen spray in the large glass bottle.
  5. To use: fill a small spray bottle with a fine mister.
  6. Shake lightly before each use. Use a bottle that has a fine mist to ensure proper dispersion of the spray.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Cut in one piece top

Miss Conover's blouse, 1921 | via blueprairie

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Recycled Newspaper Bowl With Lid DIY

Are you a fan of handicrafts, recycling or green living? I was browsing the Wayfair site and came across a handcrafted newspaper bowl priced at eighty dollars. How outrageous when the materials used to make this is virtually free. As a crafter I always try to say, "don't buy, just make!" Here's how:

  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
Divide newspaper into three strips per page. Place skewer at a right angle on corner and start rolling until just before reaching the opposite corner. Place a dab of glue and roll to the end. A paper rod is formed! You'll need lots of rods to make a bowl and lid depending on the size. I initially made fifty! Relax, turn on so music and ROLL!
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
Coil your rods very tightly making sure there's no hole in the center. Firmly wrap the rod into a coil, pulling it slightly and gently until you reach the end. Additional rods can be added by putting a bit of glue on one end and inserting another rod. Continue coiling and adding rods until you reach the size you want for a bowl.
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
Don't worry if you pull a rod apart. Just glue it back together. Don't glue anywhere else on the coil. You want your bowl to move freely when shaping.
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
Coat coil with glue all over and while wet start shaping the bowl by gently pushing the center and moving slowly around being careful not to push too bard. It will come apart! Check the layers to make sure they are even and the bowl sits level on a table.
  • recycled newspaper bowl with lid diy, crafts, go green
Add another coat of glue and allow to dry. Make a lid the same way, only smaller, adding a knob (rolled short rod) in the center. Completed bowl and lid should be varnished. You can also paint with your choice of colors.
Knowing how to make these bowls and lids out of newspaper is a wonderful way to recycle. Try making your own version, the possibilities are unlimited!



THE SERENITY PRAYER

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY
TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE;
COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN;
AND WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

LIVING ONE DAY AT A TIME;
ENJOYING ONE MOMENT AT A TIME;
ACCEPTING HARDSHIPS AS THE PATHWAY TO PEACE;
TAKING, AS HE DID, THIS SINFUL WORLD
AS IT IS, NOT AS I WOULD HAVE IT;
TRUSTING THAT HE WILL MAKE ALL THINGS RIGHT
IF I SURRENDER TO HIS WILL;
THAT I MAY BE REASONABLY HAPPY IN THIS LIFE
AND SUPREMELY HAPPY WITH HIM
FOREVER IN THE NEXT.
AMEN.

--REINHOLD NIEBUHR