Homemade With Love - Instructions

Here are most of the recipes, pictures, and instructions for all of my homemade gift ideas. Please forgive the pictures -- some are blurry, and the color is bad on others, but what can you expect with a two year old hanging on me saying... "I hep! I hep! I HOLD!" Also, sorry if it takes a while to load!

Have fun!

Thanksgiving Gift or Decorating Ideas -- Instructions

Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins: Total Project Cost - $4.28
Various fabrics: $3.29 (2-1/2 yards from Wal-Mart)
Raffia: $0.99 (from Wal-Mart)
Toilet Paper: free (already had)
Paper bag: free (already had)

Iron 1/2 yard of fabric (in fall colors). Lay flat. Place roll of toilet paper centered on top of fabric (wrong side up). Draw in all the corners and tuck them into the center of the roll of toilet paper. using pinking shears, cut off a strip of fabric as the "leaves" of the pumpkin. Add a couple strips of raffia and tuck them into the middle of the roll. Tear off a square of paper bag and roll into a "stem" and tuck into the middle of the roll.

Pumpkin Topiary: Total Project Cost - $19.46 (for one topiary)
3 Foam Pumpkins: $4.99 ea x 3 = $14.97 (from Michaels, on sale 50% off)
1 Dowel Rod: $1.50 (from AC Moore)
1 Flower Pot filled with soil: free (already had one)
1 vine of fall leaves: $2.99 (from Michaels, on sale 50% off)
Hot glue gun or some kind of outdoor-safe glue

Cut off the stem of two of the pumpkins. Drill holes at the bottom and top of two pumpkins, and at the bottom of the third pumpkin, big enough for the dowel rod to slide in and fit tightly. Stack the pumpkins on the dowel rod, add leaves in between the pumpkins, and then glue the pumpkins together. Slide the topiary into the pot filled with soil so that the bottom pumpkin is resting on top of the soil.

Painted pumpkin Paver: Total Project Cost - $10.40 (only $2.44 if you already have all the paint) [see picture above]
Stiff stenciling brush: $1.67 (from Wal Mart)
Detail paint brushes for face and vines of pumpkin: free (already had)
Hexagon shaped paver: $0.77 (from Lowes)
Orange outdoor paint: $1.99 (from JoAnnes Craft and Fabric Store)
Green outdoor paint: $1.99 (from JoAnnes Craft and Fabric Store)
Black outdoor paint: $1.99 (from JoAnnes Craft and Fabric Store)
White outdoor paint: $1.99 (from JoAnnes Craft and Fabric Store)

Using a stiff stenciling brush, paint the bottom part of the paver orange, and the top part (the stem) green. You will need to paint "aggressively", making sure that the paint gets into all the nooks and crannies. With the detail paint brush, paint face, pumpkin markings and a few vines on pumpkin using appropriate colors. You may need to stipple it a little so that the paint for the face and markings gets into the little nooks and crannies, too.

I highly recommend that you use outdoor paint that is specifically made for terra cotta pots, cement, etc., as it goes on smoother, thicker, and better than other outdoor paints (I think it's called Patio Paint at Michaels, AC Moore, or JoAnne's).

Christmas Gift Giving Ideas -- Instructions

Homemade CDs: Total Project Cost - $1.77
CD-R (however many you need - I used 3): $0.54 (see note 1 below)
CD Jewel Case: $0.23 (I got them in bulk online - see note 2 below)
Cover: free -- you can just print this out on card stock and cut it to size
Labels: $1 (pack of 30 from Dollar Tree)

While the CD pack was my idea, I gave our Associate Pastor cart-blanch with the design of the cover and CD labels. He and his wife selected some wonderful artwork (our flower for the retreat was a sunflower) and made beautiful labels for me. I asked for his template (MS Publisher), then changed out his artwork with my artwork for the Homemade with Love CD collection, and voila ... a CD collection was born. I simply downloaded the songs I wanted from iTunes, burned all the CDs, labeled them, and packaged them nicely.

Note 1: You will need to purchase CD-Rs for media (music). I purchased the Shop-4-Tech brand: 52X High Speed Branded CD-R 80min/700MB Bulk at $18 per 100 = $0.18 each.

Note 2: Jewel cases were purchased (along with the labels and covers) from Shop-4-Tech.

There really isn't a need to buy on line, because I'm pretty sure you can find everything you need at Wal-Mart, the Dollar Store, or an office supply store.

Frame Art

11x14 Colored Scripture Frame: Total Project Cost - $10.99
Rubber stamp: (already had)
Ink for stamp: free (already had)
Background paper: $1.00 (I used scrapbooking paper that I ordered online)
Mounting paper: (solids from AC Moore)
Watercolor paper: free (already had, but you can get a pack for $8.00 at AC Moore)
Bond paper: free (already had)
Glue stick: free (already had)
Watercolor pencils: free (already had, but you can get a basic set for $6.00)
Double Mat: $4.99 (from AC Moore)
Frame: $5.00 (2 for $10 at AC Moore)

There are ways to do this craft for little to NOTHING, because chances are ... if you're a crafty person, you'll have almost everything at home. Finding an inexpensive frame and mat is the hardest part of this craft. You can find nice frames at the dollar store, but I just wanted a simple frame that wouldn't detract from the "busy-ness" of the whole and completed look, and I wanted specialty sizes for the next two crafts.

First, I used the rubber stamp (cross) on watercolor paper (you can get it at Michaels). I gave the cross a hand-inked look by coloring it in with the watercolor pencils and then brushing water over the color using an applicator like a q-tip or even a small paint brush. You don't want a heavy hand with the water, because it will ruin the look. Then, I cut out the cross in a rectangle using a paper cutter (for even sides), mounted it on solid scrapbooking paper with a glue stick. Make sure you put plenty of glue on all the corners.

Next, I selected a scripture and printed it out on bond paper, cut it out with a paper cutter, and mounted it on solid scrapbook paper with the glue stick (again, use plenty of glue). I selected a nice scrapbook paper for the background, centered the cross and scripture the way I wanted it, and adhered it on with plenty of glue. I found that it helped to mount everything onto a large piece of watercolor paper (the size of the frame), because it was a nice, stiff surface to work on.

Finally, I placed a matching mat over my work and finished it off by framing it. Simple, plain, yet elegant.

11x14 Brown and Blue Scripture Frame: Total Project Cost - $10.99 [see picture above]
Rubber stamp: (already had)
Ink for stamp: free (already had)
Background paper: $1.00 (I used scrapbooking paper that I ordered online)
Mounting paper: (solids from AC Moore)
Watercolor paper: free (already had, but you can get a pack for $8.00 at AC Moore)
Bond paper: free (already had)
Glue stick: free (already had)
Watercolor pencils: free (already had, but you can get a basic set for $6.00)
Double Mat: free (came with the frame from AC Moore)
Frame: $9.99 (from AC Moore)

5x10" Holiday Scripture Frame: Total Project Cost - $9.99 [see picture above]
Image and scripture: free (used graphic clip art from computer)
Christmassy Background paper: $1.00 (scrapbooking paper from AC Moore)
Glue stick: free (already had)
Watercolor pencils: free (already had, but you can get a basic set for $6.00)
Double Mat: free (came with frame)
Frame: $8.99 (from AC Moore)

Four Painted Pavers: Total cost for all four: $23.86

Snowman Paver -- Total Project Cost: $7.90
Stiff stenciling brush: $1.67 (from Wal-Mart)
Detail paint brushes: free (already had)
Paver: $0.77 (from Home Depot)
White outdoor paint: $1.99 (from AC Moore)
Black outdoor paint: $1.99 (AC Moore)
Red Pom Poms (2-pack): $0.49 (AC Moore)
Craft Wire - 18 Gauge: $1.99 (AC Moore)
Wooden Snowflake: $0.99 (AC Moore)
Gorilla Glue: free (already had)

Same basic painting instructions as for the pumpkin (above). Glue on any decorations with Gorilla glue. You will need to touch up the gorilla glue with paint to disguise it.

Gingerbread Paver -- Total Project Cost: $8.23 [see picture above]
Stiff stenciling brush: free (already had)
Detail paint brushes: free (already had)
Paver: $0.77 (from Home Depot)
Brown outdoor paint: $1.99 (from AC Moore)
Black outdoor paint: $1.99 (AC Moore)
Red outdoor paint: $1.99 (AC Moore)
White Puffy Paint: $1.49 (from JoAnnes Fabric and Craft Store)
Decorative Ribbon: free (already had from last Christmas)

Same basic instructions as for the pumpkin (above). Glue on any decorations with Gorilla glue. You will need to touch up the gorilla glue with paint to disguise it.

Dragonfly Paver -- Total Project Cost: $7.73 [see picture above]
Stiff stenciling brush: free (already had)
Detail paint brushes: free (already had)
Paver: $0.77 (from Home Depot)
Light blue outdoor paint: $1.99 (from AC Moore)
Sage green outdoor paint: $1.99 (AC Moore)
Lighter green outdoor paint: $1.99 (AC Moore)
Black outdoor paint: free (already had)
Pipe Cleaners: $0.99 (AC Moore)

Same basic instructions as for the pumpkin (above). Glue on any decorations with Gorilla glue.

Ladybug Paver -- Total Project Cost: $0 [see picture above]
Stiff stenciling brush: free (already had)
Detail paint brushes: free (already had)
Paver: free (manufacturer gave it to me)
Black outdoor paint: free (already had)
Red outdoor paint: free (already had)
White outdoor paint: free (already had)
Gray outdoor paint: free (already had -- mixed black with white)
Pipe Cleaner: free (already had)
Decorative Ribbon: free (already had from last Christmas)

Same basic instructions as for the pumpkin (above). Glue on any decorations with Gorilla glue. You will need to touch up the gorilla glue with paint to disguise it.

Hand Decorated Kitchen Towel: Total project cost: $6.25 (approx.)
White Kitchen Dish Towel: $5.00 (approximately, I already had some new ones at home with a nice waffle weave which will help you embroider)
Embroidery Floss & Needle: free (already had at home)
Red Pom-pom trim: $1.25 (at Wal-Mart)

I already had a high-quality kitchen dish towel at home that I was going to do something else with, so I used that, and I simply decided what I wanted to embroider on the towel, centered my idea and began backstiching. Now, all I have to do when I have a free moment is to adhered the pom-pom trim with the sewing machine. An easy-peasy, one-afternoon project.

Garden Stone: Total Project Cost: $9.54
Stepping Stone Cement Mix: $5.99 (from Michaels)
Glass Marbles: $2.57 (AC Moore)
Plastic Form: $0.98 (10" clear plastic plant saucer from Lowes)

When you mix the cement mixture, be sure it is the right consistency as indicated on the box. My husband helped me with this, and he mixed it in a large bucket with a free wooden paint mixer stick thingie you can get from Lowes. Then, he poured it into the plastic saucer, tapped the saucer against the counter to get out any air bubbles, and skimmed the top with the side of the mixer to ensure an even and flat surface. We then waited 10 minutes for the cement to set a little, and made Hunter's hand prints and he popped the glass marbles wherever he wanted them. A word of caution: Wash your skin immediately after you come in contact with the cement. Allow it to dry on a flat surface (in your home) for 24 hours, and it should slide easily out of the form. You can reuse the plastic form, and once you have the marbles, all you need to re-purchase is the cement mixture.

Picture Ornament: Total Project Cost: $0.76
Picture: $0.17 (or free if you have one laying around)
Ribbon: free (from Christmas last year)
Beads: free (I already had a lot of them)
Wire: free (already had)
Mod Podge: free (already had, or you can purchase it for under $5.00)
Sponge brush: free (already had)
Wooden rectangle: $0.59 (AC Moore)

On the back of the picture, center the wooden rectangle and trace it around the picture. Cut the picture out and punch two holes at the top. Attach it to the wooden rectangle with mod podge. Cut a length of ribbon and tie a bow in the middle. Wire the beads and wrap it around the ribbon. Drill the holes out of the wood and tie the ribbon and beads on so it can hang. This is so easy to make, that I'm certain you could do it blindfolded. Almost!

Snowman Tin for Goodies: Total Project Cost: $1.99
Tin bucket: $1.99 (AC Moore)
White paint: free (already had)
Red paint: free (already had)
Green paint: free (already had)
Black paint: free (already had)
Clear acrylic coating spray: free (I already had this, but you can get it at AC Moore, Wal-Mart or Michaels for under $6.00)
Goodies: Various

Paint bucket with a Christmas theme. Allow to dry. Spray with clear acrylic coating and allow to dry. Decorate with ribbons and fill with whatever you desire ... food, candy, plant, etc. In this bucket, I put a cellophane bag with spiced pecans and a jelly jar with homemade poppy seed dressing, and the instructions for a winter salad that consists of mixed greens, chopped apple, dried cranberries, crumbled roquefort cheese (a mild blue cheese), the spiced pecans, tossed with the dressing. They can add, if they want, some grilled sliced flank steak or even leftover turkey on top as a complete meal.

Spiced Pecans
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups pecan halves
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt

In a large skillet, melt butter. Add cumin and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Add the pecans, sugar and salt. Toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool and place in a sealed container.

Sundae Basket: Total Gift Cost: $19.03
Basket: $2.96
4 acrylic bowls: $8.00 ($2 each at Wal-Mart)
Ice Cream Scoop: $1.23 (Wal-Mart)
Homemade Candy Cane Ice Cream Topping: $0.98
Hot Fudge Topping: $1.98
Sprinkles: $2.00
White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Topping: $1.88
Chopped Nuts: free (already had)
Decorative Tissue and Ribbon: free (already had from last Christmas)

Homemade Candy Cane Ice Cream Topping
1-1/2 cups finely crushed peppermint candies (60 Brachs-brand candies)
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until all the candies are melted. MUST stir, and MUST use medium heat (DO NOT BOIL) otherwise, candy will harden and make a mess. If it does, it's probably still okay--just taste it and see what you think. Pour into a jelly jar and store in refrigerator.

Recipe Album: Total Project Cost: $13
Album: $13.00 (Target)
Ribbon: free (already had)
Pictures of food: varies on number of prints
Recipes: free

Print out your favorite recipes on your color printer to place in the recipe album. Bake the recipes and take pictures of them to include with each recipe. Tie off with a ribbon.

Scripture Journal: Total Project Cost: $5.20
Black Vinyl 3x5 Journal: $3.47 (from Wal-Mart)
1 pack refill cards: $0.67 (from Wal-Mart)
Cover photo: $0.17 (free if you already have one around home)
Ribbon: $0.99 (from Wal-Mart)

Print out a nice photo with a scripture for the cover. Hand write a set of "starter" scriptures to share with your loved one. Tie off with a bow.

Spicy Rub Basket: Total Project Cost: $4.50
Basket: $4.50 (from Wal-Mart)
jelly jars for rubs: free (already had them)
Ingredients for rubs: free (already had them in my pantry)
Labels for jars: free (used leftover scrapbooking materials)
Ribbons: free (already had)

Select your favorite rub recipes. Gather your ingredients and place them in clean jelly jars. Label them and package them nicely in a basket. Include a card with the ingredients and/or recipe/instructions so your recipient can re-make them.

Here are two rub recipes to get you started --

Spicy Cajun Chicken Rub
6 tab paprika (I used sweet paprika)
3 tab chili powder
6 teaspoons onion powder
6 teaspoons garlic powder
4-1/2 teaspoons salt
4-1/2 teaspoons white powder
4-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3 teaspoons dried oregano
3 teaspoons dried thyme

Combine all ingredients and store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

Award-Winning Texas Beef Rub

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons dark chili powder
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon dry oregano
1 tablespoon dry thyme
1 tablespoon dry sweet basil
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder

Combine all ingredients and store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.