Prim Ideas and Simple Stuff...

*Wrap your homespun scraps around paper mache or styrofoam eggs instead of ball shape for a fun new look. A drop of scented potpourri oil will make them nice and smelly.

*Wool fruit is all the rage. Add a bit of mica flakes for a very vintage look. Just spray a shot of hairspray on the fruit, then shake on the flakes. Shake off extras onto a paper plate and repeat until desired coverage.

*Save all those great prim and quilty greeting cards. Cut the front off and resend as a postcard. The oversized will take a first class stamp.

*If in doubt, paint it black! Give it a sanding and then a hit with antiquing.

*Instead of buying gift bags, wrap up your presents in homespun towels. Tie the package with a raffia bow and it will be adorable!

*Instead of making a gift basket, make a gift flowerpot! Paint the outside of the pot and the entire saucer with acrylic paints. Seal with a poly varnish. Add seed packets, herbal teas and soaps, lotion, sunscreen, garden gloves, new garden magazine, votive candles, floral fat quarters of fabric...

*Embroidery lil' 5 x 5-inch designs and make them into bags with wool handles for favors. Fill with seasonal candies.

 Hot Chocolate Mix *2 pounds box of Nestle Quick *25 oz powdered milk*1 pound powdered sugar*6 oz coffee creamer. Mix thoroughly. Add 1/3 cup mix to hot water to make one cup hot cocoa.

Instant Orange Tea Mix *1 large jar of instant tea *large jar of orange flavored instant drink mix (like Tang) *1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly. Add 2 teaspoons to a 8 oz glass.

When I say I am making "cookies" at my house my family knows I am...*1 container of ready made frosting *1 box of graham crackers. Break crackers into 2 squares. Frost and top with another 2 square section. Yummy!

 

New things to try...

*Walnut Crystals---A little or a lot, great prim color either way.

*Basting Spray---Love it for sandwiching larger wall hangings and quilts.

*Modge Podge---And oldie that has made a come back! I prefer the matte finish.

*Mica Flakes---Makes anything look old and vintage! A bit of a shabby chic look also.

*Instant fabric stiffener and tea dye---Mix 2 teaspoons of instant tea or coffee and 1/2 cup very boiling water. Stir well to dissolve. Let cool. In a separate cup or small bowl, mix instant stiffener and enough tea mixture to color. Use a sponge brush to apply. Mixture will dry a bit lighter. Save the leftover tea to darken more if needed.

*Clear or neutral paste shoe polish---Rub over fabric to give the feel of leather or oilcloth. Great on dolls.

 

Friends are a sheltering tree against life's storms. And like the willow tree, they bend but do not break.