This and That Creative Blog

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Valentine Gift Box Printables

I used the blog backgrounds that I made earlier to make some Valentine gift box printables!

I've seen these before and found a free template for it at PaperCraft Art Creative. I used their idea but incorporated my backgrounds in my own template to make some that have Valentine patterns and a fun matching heart for the top.

Click on the valentine box template that you like, and it will enlarge. Click again to zoom in.
Then right click on the enlarged image to save and then use to print.

To make your box, follow the instructions on this template that I found.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Guest Post: Tea Rose Home and her Swaddle Blanket

I just love Tea Rose Home. Sachiko is seriously talented! And I was so excited she agreed to post today! :) You have to check out her blog. Everything she makes turns out amazing!!

Hi everyone! I am Sachiko from Tea Rose Home. On my blog I share sewing, quilting, repurposing ideas (and don't miss the free tutorials!) and sometimes yummy recipes too. I host link parties every Wednesday. If you love to see what people are working on and want to be inspired, come visit me and join the fun!

Amanda asked me to be a guest blogger for her blog, and I am totally honored to be here. Thank you for inviting me Amanda!

Today, I am sharing a tutorial for a self binding method to make swaddle blankets. I hope you will enjoy it!

I have made so many blankets in the past. I think this is one of the most easiest ways to make baby blankets. It might be a little confusing at first, folding the corner, but once you get used to it, you can finish a blanket in no time!

{You will need}

1- 43" X 43" flannel (It was 44" wide flannel, I cut off the sides to get rid of the writings and thickness. This fabric will be the outer border.)

1- 36" X 36" flannel

Matching thread

{How to}

1. Mark the middle for all sides for both fabrics. Lay them together with right sides together. First, pin the middle of the four sides. Then pin the edges starting in the middle make your way outwards to the corners.

2. Start sewing using 1/4" seam allowance. Remember to leave a 5" opening for you to turn the fabric inside out later.

3. Fold the corner. Draw a line to help you to know where to sew. Use the picture as a guide.

4. Cut the excess off. Repeat the process for the other corners.

5. Press the seam towards the outside with an iron.

6. Turn the fabric inside out. Iron. Pin the opening and top stitch all around the blanket.

7. Ta-da. That's it!

Wasn't that fun? I have been going through my stash and made some in the past few weeks. They always come in handy for baby showers and such. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Update!

Starting now, all of our contributors are free to post about whatever creative topic they want!

We are also starting a Creative Spotlight Week each month when we will each feature blog posts/blogs that stand out from the crowd and will be awarded a Creative Spotlight Award. A link to their blog/post will be indexed in our Creative Spotlight Award section that we will be adding!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Creamy Vegetable Soup

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
1 onion, diced
4 c. milk
1 head cauliflower, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1c. peas
1 c. corn
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled (omit for veggie version)
8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
salt & pepper to taste

Boil cauliflower and carrots in water (or chicken/vegetable stock) until fork tender; drain them when they reach your desired "doneness." Saute onions in melted butter in a large pot. Add the flour to make a roux; cook briefly. Slowly stir in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Incorporate all veggies, bacon, and shredded cheese. Stir constantly until cheese has melted thorough. Add salt and pepper to taste. Even though this recipe was done with onions, cauliflower, carrots, peas, and corn, other veggies could be added or taken for a similar dish (broccoli, potatoes, etc.).