Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DIY Spiced Fabric Pumpkins: Fall Inspired Decor

DIY spiced fabric pumpkins fall decor (centerpieces)



With October just around the corner and my addiction to Starbucks Pumpkin Scones and Pumpkin Spice Lattés no secret, I'm just giddy about fall and clearly have pumpkins on the brain! In between the fall baking I've been doing, I still need to get my fix of Pumpkin Spice and these are a lovely (100% fat free) treat that seem to last a little longer...

This is a simple sewing project and not only is it a wonderful way to use up some of your scrap fabric stash, but you get to 'spice' up your decor with warm fall colors while making your home smell like Autumn! These lovely little handmade pumpkins make great Halloween decorations or Thanksgiving centerpieces, and would be perfect as a hostess gift if you're enjoying your Thanksgiving feast as a guest.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Starbucks Inspired Pumpkin Scone Recipe



I don't know about you, but I am just over the moon that it's Pumpkin Spice Latté season again at Starbucks. But both thankfully (for my pocketbook) and unfortunately (for my cravings), we don't have a convenient Starbucks in our neighborhood. I suppose at this time of year that's also good (for my figure) because every time I get a Pumpkin Spice Latté I have to complement it with a delicious Pumpkin Scone.

Now, as a former barista, it is not difficult for me to recreate the superbly aromatic and creamy flavored beverage at home, but up until now there has always been something lacking. You'd be right if you guessed that the missing ingredient was a heavenly side of Pumpkin Scone, the trusty ol' companion to my sweet beloved PSL!

Not only is it one of my favorite caffeinated beverages, but the arrival of the glorious Pumpkin Spice Latté means that we're on the cusp of fall...therefore nearing the end of triple-digit heat here in Texas...which in turn means that the (self imposed) ban on using the oven has been lifted and I can start baking again...and THAT means that I can bake my own Starbucks inspired Pumpkin Scones!

Well I did. Today. And guess what? Now you can too because I'm sharing the recipe :) Of course, I didn't do a side-by-side taste test or anything, but I swear these are just as good as the pumpkin scones from Starbucks. But I'll let YOU be the judge of that!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Wire Wrapped Hoop Earring Tutorial

Learn how to make these fun wire wrapped hoop earrings with my best-selling jewelry tutorial!

Large high quality photos and step-by-step instructions will show you how to make a pair of 1.5" diameter hoops just like these (plus instructions for how to make other sizes) from scratch, including the hoops themselves. 

Tutorial is 8 pages including front and back cover pages and includes 19 detailed images along with written explanations. File size is 3.6MB.

A link to the downloadable pdf file tutorial will be emailed to you automatically upon purchase. 

$7.99 USD







TOOLS & SUPPLIES:

• 9.5” 20 gauge round wire, half hard
• 28” 26 gauge round wire, dead soft
• 34 faceted round 4mm beads
• round nose pliers
• flat needlenose pliers
• wire cutters
• 320 grit (extra fine) sandpaper
• 1.25” diameter cylinder or mandrel

• jewelry hammer (optional*)
• anvil or bench block (optional*)

* Optional items would be required if your preference is to hammer the hoops flat as shown in photos; it's not necessary but a matter of taste. Earrings made without this step are very similar, the wire will just be round and not flattened.



COPYRIGHT: 

 All images, text, and graphics within the tutorial are the intellectual property of the author and are therefore subject to international copyright laws. This tutorial is not to be shared or reproduced, in whole or in part, by any means without express written consent of the author. Purchasing this tutorial grants you permission to sell earrings made as a product of following these instructions.