Cabinets

When I first toured what is now my apartment, I first noticed that my kitchen leaves a lot to be desired.  It is small and has no counter space.  I have resorted to putting the ironing board down and using it as an island. Its not very pretty, but hey, I'm not picky yet. 

This video shows a relatively easy project to do to fix the no counter space dilemma. Unfortunately I do not have the requred materials to do this project so I am going to use a sink base from Lowe's. With a little stain and some polyurethane it'll be a great addition to a small kitchen. 

Even home improvement projects can be viewed as crafts which is great for me.  It gives me a chance to be less of a girly-girl and get right in the dust and come out smelling like a wood shop.  

When I was littler, my dad made my mom a kitchen hutch that is gigantic.  I got to help sand down the little railing at the top and I thought it was the coolest thing ever!  Since then, I have developed an appreciation for people that can take a blank piece of wood and turn it into something amazing.   

Cake Decorating



Simple beginners project



One of my favorite shows to watch is probably Cake Boss.  It gives me great ideas for how to decorate cakes and cookies.  I've recently tried to start getting back in to cake decorating as it is a great craft to learn.  It can be used as a cheaper way to do birthday cakes, celebration cakes, or as a great mother-daughter activity in the kitchen. 

The other day, I had a cupcake/cookie decorating party with my sorority.  It got so messy! But I rediscovered my love for cooking and decorating.  It's a great craft to do in big groups or small, as long as you have plenty of towels to clean up afterwards!

I first got in to decorating as a class with 4-H and it made me realize that I could do just about anything if I wanted too.  For anyone that wants to try it, I'd suggest going to Hobby Lobby and getting a couple disposable bags and some tips and couplers (to hold the tips on to the bag), then making a cake and trying it out.  You'd be suprised at how good it can turn out without trying very hard.  With a little luck, you just might find a new way to channel some inner stress or decide that's your new calling in life. 

How I got interested in the crafty side of life

For me, doing crafts has always been a big part of my life.  By nature, I am a quilter.  I have only owned two store-bought blankets in my life, all the rest have been made by my mother, grandma, and me.  Both of the store-bought blankets have fallen apart and the stitching is no longer all there but my quilts that my mom and grandma have made are still going strong. 

The above quilt is one that I made to raffle off for my sorority, Sigma Alpha.  I know that football is a big part of Maryville, MO and with part of the proceeds going to St. Jude's, it was a great project for me. I took the finished top to my grandma's house and she and my mom quilted it themselves, as I was too scared I would mess it up.

Although working with fabric has become quite expensive, it is something that I have in common with my mom and grandma.  Working along side them and talking while we work on a project is a great way to have a strong relationship with the both of them. 

Quilting is just one of the many crafts enjoy doing.  I think that more people should make their own crafts because it is a way for parents to connect with their children, and every craft would have its own story to tell.  For me, each of my four quilts tells its own story and one day, I'll be able to tell those stories to someone which will hopefully inspire them to create their own unique craft.

First post

Welcome to the blog for all things crafty