Hoedown #43

Hello!

To read all about this week's Hambo Hoedown click here. 

I am in the process of cleaning out my craft room.  Came across this fleece...thought it'd work for this challenge.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Computer-Digi, K&Co.-tag
Fleece-scrap

Courtesan Ribbon Tote and Shoulder Bag

I really love the style of this purse.  It reminds me of all those Juicy Couture purses...but better because it has a zipper closure.  Here is a link to the pattern. 

Now, I have to say again....I LOVE the style of Hot Pattern's Patterns but the instructions SUCK!  The zipper sizes stated on the pattern were too small.  Overall, this bag was very frustrating to put together!!!  But look how cute the bag is!  :) 

Inside there is a zippered pocket on one side and a sunglasses and cell phone pocket on the other. 

There are also instructions and pattern pieces included to add a cute pocket on the outside side.  I opted not to add it because of my level of frustration when making the bag.  I might attempt it, if I were to make this bag again.

Have a great day!

Greek Dip

My favorite type of food is Mediterranean food.  More specifically, I LOVE Lebanese food!  However, most regions of Mediterranean food will work.  A friend  from collage introduced me to Lebanese food...I've been addicted ever since. 

I don't think I've shared any recipes, yet.  Most of the recipes I use are generally quick, and easy.  Especially if they contain veggies, because I am the only one that will willingly eat veggies in this household.  I do actually like most veggies, too. 

I always adapt this recipe to fit what I have on hand and/or what I'm in the mood for.
I don't even know exact measurements....just make to your taste. 

Sorry no fancy dishes or photography.
For some reason pics taken from this angle make me kind of  "sea sick." 

The original recipe calls for:

1 container of  hummus

Feta cheese

diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and diced kalamata olives.

To make:

layer the hummus, top with feta cheese then the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and diced kalamata olives. serve with pita chips. 

I  use what ever type of olives I have on hand. I also use what ever veggies too, like diced green onion, what ever color sweet peppers... 
I have eaten this with crackers and rice chips, too.

If you'd like the original exact recipe 5 Layer Greek Dip.  Their pic looks more appetizing.  When searching for the recipe, I saw more recipes I need to try.  :)
Enjoy!

Cross Body Messenger Bag

Well, I had to make a purse for myself.  I was at the store the other day and the handle on my purse (store bought) broke.  SO, I needed to make a new bag for me...not that I have about 50 others sitting in my closet that I could use or anything.  :)

I decided I would make myself a cross body bag.  I've never been too big on cross body bags.   Actually,  on looks alone,  I tend to like the handbag style...with a short handle.  However, they aren't very easy to carry.   I have a few people that I sew bags for that love cross body bags.  So, I thought I'd give this one a try. 

I used the Hot Pattern's Cross Body Messenger Bag Pattern. 

Long cross body strap

I added this flower...not part of pattern

side view:  nice and thick strap

Inside:  zipper pocket on one side, cell phone/sunglasses pocket on other. 

 There are two magnetic closures on this bag.  One on the strap that wraps around the bag and one that is on the inside facing of the bag.  You could also use hook and loop closure instead of the magnetic snap. 

I'm kind of excited to use this bag...no more bag handles to slip off shoulder or have to hold on to.  This bag is pretty roomy. 

As for the instructions that are included in the pattern, I usually struggle with Hot Pattern's instructions.  They are somewhat lacking.  :)  While the previously mentioned is true with this pattern, I have to say that these are the best instructions I've come across with this company.  They are still lacking but better. 

Hambo #42

Really week #42 for the Hambo Hoedown?  Time flies when you're having fun! :)

To check out this week's challenge click here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Hambo Stamps-Wee Henry Turkey-digi, PTI-Mat Stack 4
Dies:  Sizzix-Crescent Tag, Eyelet, Buckle, PTI-Mat Stack 4

Make it Monday # 41

Here is a quick card I made for this week's Make it Monday Challenge.  I just wanted to play really quick.  :)  I have this glue pad and flocking and never use them. 

The black and white polka dot is fabric...I just finished a project using this fabric...it was a scrap.  I can't help but play sometimes.  :)
Supplies Used: 
Stamps:  PTI-Iconic Images, A Little Argyle, Faux Ribbon, Stampers Anonymous-Urban Grunge
Glue Pad:  Tsukineko-The Essential Glue Pad
Flock: Doodlebug Designs-Crushed Velvet Flock

Crochet Flower Ear Warmer

Sorry, I tried and tired, but this is as good of a picture as this ear warmer would take.
Walking through stores, I'd notice these neat knitted/crocheted flower headbands.  They began to grow on me; to the point that I HAD to make one.  Since I LOVE to put flowers on most things I make, I, of course, had to search for a pattern.   Got to LOVE the Internet for this purpose.  :)
Here is a free crochet pattern I came across Flower Ear Warmer.    I used the flower pattern as listed, but I changed the band part some.  However, I do think the band pattern will work as listed. 

I just haaaad to try to take a better picture....UNCLE! 

I also made another style of ear warmer....

This one has an adjustable band.  I added bling to the center of the flower.    Here is the pattern for this Crochet Flower Headband.  (click on name).

Enjoy your day!

Magnet

Happy....well, whatever day it is.  :)  I'm kind of frazzled lately.  One thing I know for sure...it is some day of the week...maybe....I hope. 

It IS HOEDOWN TIME!  Yippee!

To read all about this week's Hoedown Challenge click "You've Been Framed".

Here is my project:

I made a FRAME!  It is actually a magnet frame. 

How great this week's Hambo image (Camera Guy) is!  It makes me smile. 

The second picture is a pic of the frame stuck to the refrigerator.  But, the lighting wasn't soo great in the kitchen when I was trying to take the pic.  So, I took it outside (first pic) to get a better picture.

The pic. is of my two dogs.  The smaller dog (mixed breed) is almost 15 (human) years old.  The bigger one eared golden retriever is almost 4.  The picture was taken at when we went to the coast last weekend.  I love it there!

Anywho, it actually looks like my dogs are well trained...but really this is a very rare picture where I was able to get a picture of both their faces.  I do believe it is the very first time this has happened.  They are watching a dog pass behind me.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Camera Guy-digi
Dies:  Sizzix-Rectangle Frame, Jelly Frame, Tag
Paper:  Scenic Route

MFT Sketch #44

Just a quick card for this week's My Favorite Things Sketch #44

Supplies Used: 
Stamps:  MFT-A La Modes-What's cooking?, Martha Stewart Crafts-flower, Cornish Heritage Farms-Ads, Stampington &Co-Polka Dots
Dies:  Nestabilities-oval, PTI-Bloom Builder#2
Paper:K&CO.-Sweet Nectar

Hoedown #40

For this week's Hoedown Challenge, I used a few different techniques (of MANY listed) at the Splitcoast Stampers technique resources page:  Gamsol Magic, Dazzling Diamond Dust, and Crinkled Cardstock.

There are several more techniques I think I need to try.  :)  I go through long periods of time attempting to avoid the Splitcoast Stampers site.  I can get lost for hours/days with all the AMAZING and FUN things to find there.

I first attempted the Dazzling Diamond Dust Technique using clear glittery embossing powder and a beaded circles nestabilities die cut.  I used ink pads to color the beaded part brown and the inner circle green.  I ccovered this with embossing ink then sprinkled glittery embossing powder and used my heat gun.  But in the process I think it caught on fire...just briefly.  LOL!  Anywho, I ended up not liking the beaded circle.  So,  I cut out the center circle (sentiment), and used the beaded part down the left side of the card.  :)

close-up of Dazzling Diamond Dust

So then I decided I should try the Crinkled Cardstock Technique.  I thought it'd be fun to do this with die cut and punched leaves.  I crinkled them up and sanded some and inked others. 

Close-up of crinkled cardstock

Since I don't have Copics, I almost always color images by the Gamsol Magic Technique.

Close-up of Gamsol Magic

Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Snail Rake-digi
Dies:  Sizzix-leaf #4, Nestabilities-Beaded Circle, Scalloped Circle
Punch:  Mary Uchida-leaf