tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64897094076946290042024-03-12T22:31:44.416-05:00Midwest GreenworksLynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-56711014550271422732013-07-04T19:21:00.001-05:002013-07-04T19:21:15.937-05:00Homemade Peanut ButterI really love my peanut butter on a piece of toast in the morning. I've tried the generic brands and was less than impressed with the smell and taste. So either it was go expensive or find an alternative. I found a post online about making my own and thought ok I'll try that. So I bought some honey roasted peanuts. <br />
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Put them in my generic magic bullet processer. </div>
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and a grinding I went. I was a little learry that this was going to work. As the post said..don't add anything, no water, no oil just grind till peanut butter. I used the flat blade that came with the blender. I tried the other blade but it didn't work as well. After about 5 mins this is what I got. </div>
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It is absolutely delicious. So much better than store bought. Best part is I can make it as creamy or crunchy as I want. If you make it real creamy I'd suggest storing it in the fridge otherwise the natural oils will come to the surface. Just stir before spreading and its perfect. From what I understand you can use any type of nuts with the same results. </div>
Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-62393656143825947842013-07-04T18:57:00.003-05:002013-07-04T18:57:58.598-05:00Natural Soothing SalveDid you know that a tiny little tube of neosporin costs almost $6.00. Since my husband has been out of work for more than a year and a half that is a bit expensive when I can make 10oz of homemade salve for way less than that. Best part is I can find all the herbs I need in my backyard. I use Comfrey, Calendula, Yarrow and Broadleaf Plantain. If you don't know what that last one is, google it. I think you'll be surprised. I have it growing all over in my grass and always thought of it as just a weed. It has some amazing properties. I infused 1/4 cup of each in a clean spagetti sauce jar along with olive oil. After a few days of infusion I add 1 cup of this oil to 1 cup of coconut oil and some beeswax. Thats it...a wonderful salve for sunburn, bug bits, cuts, scraps, excema. I've been using it on dry cuticles for the last few days and they are nice and soft again. I've even used it on my dog who got into something and has been scratching his stomach. He's felling much better now. Its a great anti-itch salve too. <br />
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-47148957240133271762013-07-04T18:49:00.001-05:002013-07-04T18:49:39.882-05:00Homemade Lip BalmsI was never really a fan of store bought lip balms. They always felt waxy when I used them. So I decided to try and make my own. I use 5 ingredients, coconut oil, mango butter, vitamin e oil, beeswax and zinc oxide. The zinc oxide is there to add some sun protection. I ordered some sample flavor oils from <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/">www.brambleberry.com</a> to try out. I tried vanilla icing, mint, lemon pound cake, rainbow sherbert and watermellon. I love the vanilla, lemon, mint and watermellon. They are fantastic. The rainbow sherbert really didn't smell like rainbow sherbert, its kind of has a hint of floral to it. But I still like it. I'm really pleased with the way these turned out. I carry at least on of them on me at all times. <br />
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I got the containers from <a href="http://www.elementbathandbody.com/">www.elementbathandbody.com</a>. They even have these really great shrink wraps for the tubes. I started just pouring in the tubes by hand but a lip balm tube tray to fill the tubes is so much easier. I even used the same recipe to make a homemade sunscreen that works great. I'm not a burner in the sun so this recipe might now work for those with more sun sensitive skin. Just keep that in mind when making homemade suncreen. Some people are more sensitive than others. </div>
Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-11098976219435951012013-07-04T18:40:00.005-05:002013-07-04T18:40:49.864-05:00Homemade Lime DeodorantHave you ever looked at the ingredients on your store bought deoderant. Its pretty scarry. Try googling a few of those ingredients. Many contain Aluminum Chlorohydrate as a main active ingredient. Besides being linked to cancer and Alzheimers, I don't think applying anything with aluminum is a good idea to apply to my skin. So I looked for an alternative. I found I could easily make my own deoderant with 3 simple ingredients, Coconut oil, arrowroot powder and baking soda. Wow really...coconut oil and baking soda can be found in any grocery store. Arrowroot powder is alittle harder..you can find it at health food stores or online. I got mine from <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/">www.brambleberry.com</a>. I can get it by the pound, besides I can use it in cooking too. You'll need some beeswax too, thats what holds it all together. I like the lime essential oil because of its antibacterial properties and its a nice scent, but you can leave it unscented. I found these really great 2oz push up containers from <a href="http://www.elementsbathandbody.com/">www.elementsbathandbody.com</a>. They are perfect for deoderant. I love this deoderant, I'll never buy store bought again. Go ahead try it yourself, or if your too busy I do sell these at $4.00 for 1 or $10 for 3. I have 3 types, lime, lavender and unscented. If you are interrested send me an email to <a href="mailto:midwestgreenworks@wi.rr.com">midwestgreenworks@wi.rr.com</a>. Let me know what you want and I can set it up for you to buy from my esty store.<br />
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-77912996697918566752013-07-04T18:16:00.002-05:002013-07-04T18:16:30.467-05:00My adventures in Making Homemade SoapSo keeping with my nature them, I've started an adventure into making homemade soap. I was a bit leary as it required me to use sodium hydroxide, which is know as lye. I did my research and in I jumped. Not wanting to wait for my new soap to cure, I decided to try what they call Hot Processed (HP) soap first. It requires the use of a double boiler, which by the way is almost impossible to find locally, or you can use a crockpot. Ooooh I have one of those. Plus you need some sort of mold. I chose to not invest in something expensive till I get the process down a bit, so I used an empty, clean pringles container. I infused some olive oil with calendula petals (thats marigold flowers). I also used crisco, coconut oil and castor oil. A pretty simple recipe. Plus lye and water and off I went. Here is a picture of my first batch of HP soap. <br />
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It really turned out great. I was able to try my soap the next day and I absolutely love it. It has a nice lather and it doesn't dry out my skin. I have sensitive skin so this made me really happy. This batch is unscented. I made a second batch the next weekend and got a bit more ambitious. I used crushed lavender and used a lavender essential oil. It smells lovely. I'm not big on scents so I kept this one real mild. Here is a picture of the lavender HP soap.<br />
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After 2 sucessful attempts at HP soaps I decided it was time to go for it and try Cold Processed (CP) soap. What is the difference you ask? Well with HP soap you speed up the process where the lye and the oils react with each other called <strong>Saponification. </strong> This makes the soap usable immediately after cutting. The heat from the HP process helps the water to evaporate. However, if you let it air dry for a week or so it will last longer as the bar hardens. With CP soap the soap needs more time to get the water to evaporate. This type of soap needs to cure (sit) for longer 4-6 weeks before use if you want a harder bar of soap. It can be used sooner but will not last nearly as long as it would if you wait. I decided to really be adventurous with this batch. I figured if I was going to mess it up, I'd like to go big. I used the same recipe as with the other two batches but this time I added alkanet root to half the batch to add a purple color. I also added a red apple fragrance that I got as a sample from and order I placed with <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/">www.brambleberry.com</a>. Well I'm happy to say, I was pleased with the results. I forgot to pack the mold so I had some air pockets but it was mostly all good. Now to wait before using, but it smells and looks delicious. </div>
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Now the only question is what am I going to make next. </div>
Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-44139378691688470072013-04-13T19:34:00.000-05:002013-04-13T19:34:56.569-05:00No ShampooIn honor of Earth Month I have been trying to go more natural. As you have seen from my previous post I've made my own homemade laundry detergent. <br />
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I have been searching and searching for a really good shampoo alternative. I have relatively thin hair and I find that by the end of winter my ends look like a frayed mess. I've tried several different shampoos and conditioners that work for a little while and soon I'm back to the same old problem. Searching the inter net I found several post called No-Poo, meaning no shampoo. Well I thought that could be interesting. This method calls for using baking soda and water. That's it! Wow that's pretty simple. I figured I could handle that. So a week and a half ago I tried it for the 1st time. WOW, I am amazed. Not nly was my hair clean but I was able to comb through it with no conditioner. It was soft and I found that I had less hair loss during the washing/conditioning process. I have continued to use this method 3 times a week, with rinses only in between. I'm going to give it at least a good month.<br />
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The thing about shampoos is they are made to strip all the natural oil from your hair. This is bad because your body produces those oils for a reason. So if you take all the oils out, you could end up with overly dry hair or hair that is too oily because your body will over produce oil to compensate.<br />
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So far I have been happy with the results. However, my cousin tried this method and she didn't like it. She said her hair she said her hair seemed oily. I have read that this can happen. Give it a little time for your body to re-adjust itself. I say give it at least two weeks minimum.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-56749139430212947532013-04-06T15:31:00.000-05:002013-04-06T15:31:32.029-05:00April is Earth MonthIn honor of Earth Month, I want to share my homemade laundry detergent recipe with you. I use 3 simple ingredients and my clothes have never been cleaner, softer and fresh. After looking at the ingredients of most of the store brands, I've decided that my family is much better off with this simple eco-friendly recipe. Here are the 3 things I use. <br />
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I have found the borax and the washing soda pretty much everywhere. My local grocery store has it, Walmart, Ace Hardware, etc. Just look around in the stores laundry isle and I'm sure you'll find it. So that's the easy part. Now the Zote on the other hand I only found at Walmart, however there is an alternate washing soap you can use called Fels Naptha. I have found that at 2 other stores. It will have the same result. So now the question is what do I do with this stuff. The recipe is easy. </div>
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Use a cheese grater and grate the entire bar of washing soap (zote). I find it easier if I unwrap and let the bar of soap sit out for a week or so to let it dry out some. I grate it into a 5 gallon bucket just for ease of use. Now that you have your grated soap bar you can make the laundry detergent.</div>
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1 Bar Grated washing soap (zote)</div>
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1 Cup Borax</div>
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1 Cup Washing soda</div>
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Now you can use it like this, but I find the cheesy like soap a little odd, so I take a cup at a time and put it in a blender and blend it up. This make a real nice consistent powder. Now its ready to use. Use 1-2 Tablespoons per load depending on dirt. </div>
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What is great is:</div>
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No suds, so safe for top, front and High Efficiency washers</div>
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Safe for delicate items</div>
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Safe for sensitive skin (I have sensitive skin, eczema, and if works great)</div>
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Great price..if you buy 6 bars of soap and 1 box of borax and 1 box of washing soap you can make enough soap for 365 loads of wash. One wash a day for approx. $15.00 depending on where you get the ingredients. </div>
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So there you have it. Simple, easy, eco and pocket friendly laundry soap. It also makes a great carpet cleaner too! </div>
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-8209945848831096512013-01-27T18:57:00.002-06:002013-01-27T18:59:07.622-06:00Silver wire necklace with matching earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the complete necklace and earring set</div>
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Close-up of the earrings</div>
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Close-up of the necklace</div>
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This necklace/earring set were made from standard jewelry wire purchased from Michael's craft store. I was actually somewhat surprise at how easy it was to create the shapes on the necklace. I really had no idea what I was going for when I started. I started with a simple wire coil that I then stretched the coil and wrapped it again. I just went with it and this is the final result. Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-36774778753376538652013-01-27T18:51:00.001-06:002013-01-27T18:51:10.954-06:00Necklace made from waste welding wire. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had a bit of crafting block for the last few months. I haven't really even had the urge to create anything but a few simple thank you cards. Well the block is now gone and I'm back on track again. My husband is a welder by trade and is out of work at the momment. He has been picking up some odd jobs using his own welders he has in our garage. Many times the welder will spit out extra wire that he can't use again. He was just throwing this wire in the trash until I stopped him. I told him I could make something with that. Here is my first attempt at making something out of the waste welding wire. I was going to post it on my new esty shop but I brought it to work to show off and my boss snatched it up before it ever made it to the shop. Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-15051814620869564732012-01-15T20:39:00.000-06:002012-01-15T20:39:36.869-06:00Martha Stewart knitting loom setSince I loved my round knitting looms so much, I figured I'd invest in the long loom set. I contemplated between the Boye set and the new Martha Stewart loom set that just came out. After a bit of research I decided to go with the Martha Stewart set. It was $39.99 at Michael's. I bought it with a 50% off coupon. Here is a picture of everything that comes in the set. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRC8HZc8Nb0/TxOL04iD9lI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Gk_lXCHtYyE/s1600/Martha+Stewart+Loom+Set+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRC8HZc8Nb0/TxOL04iD9lI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Gk_lXCHtYyE/s320/Martha+Stewart+Loom+Set+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is everything laid out on the table. What I liked about this set is that I can make many different configurations for whatever I might need. You can make round, square, oval and rectangular looms with this set. It also comes with a knitting tool, weaving tool, crochet hook. It also comes with a small and large yarn needle. The knitting tool is very flimsy in comparison to the one that came with the Boye set. In fact at Michael's you can buy extra knitting tools just like the ones that come in the Boye sets for only $.99. I bought two extras. I'll be using those rather than the Martha Stewart one. I haven't used the looms to make anything yet, but I have tried to assemble the pieces. I found assembly to be very easy and the pegs go into the holes very easy and seem very solid when they are in the holes. I look forward to using this loom set. I'm going to try making some scarves and maybe even an afghan. </div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-2665378685715679372012-01-15T20:27:00.000-06:002012-01-15T20:27:28.336-06:00Boye Round knitting loomsWhen I was younger I my Aunt taught me how to crochet. I haven't done it in years. I had heard and seen knitting looms and thought it would be interesting to try them. So I bought the Boye round loom set. They were $16 at Michael's and I used a 40% off coupon. Yarn was also on sale so I bought two skeins of yarn. Total investment less than $15. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxgEJBLzBaQ/TxOHqr2HUjI/AAAAAAAAAKg/L2UNweKzjeA/s1600/Boye+Round+Knitting+looms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxgEJBLzBaQ/TxOHqr2HUjI/AAAAAAAAAKg/L2UNweKzjeA/s320/Boye+Round+Knitting+looms.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The set comes with 4 round looms in various sizes. I've only used the orange loom and the purple loom so far. The also come with a plastic needle and a hook. They come in a plastic carrying bag. The bag is nice but its suppose to have a slider lock on the top which mine came broken. I still use it to store the looms when I'm not using them. I've made several hats already and it was really easy. It took me a little while to get things started the first time. Once you get the hang of it the process is really easy and I can do it while watching tv. I'm going to be making hats for the work project that I talked about in my last post, Caps for Cancer. I'm really glad I made this purchase and several of my co-workers have already asked me if I can show them how to do this. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIPrm6ImWrI/TxOJ4dUtvNI/AAAAAAAAAKo/JF68vQ1CqmQ/s1600/Caps+for+Cancer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIPrm6ImWrI/TxOJ4dUtvNI/AAAAAAAAAKo/JF68vQ1CqmQ/s320/Caps+for+Cancer.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are 3 of the hats I've made so far. I also made one for my mother and my husband. My co-worker loved the hats so much, she asked me to make one to match her coat. She paid me $20 for it. My husbands friend also asked me for 1 for himself and one for his mother. I can make one a day if I want but my hands get alittle sore if I do that much at a time. Its found it to be really relaxing though. </div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-51910643207893463572012-01-12T19:31:00.001-06:002013-04-11T16:44:30.410-05:00Caps for CancerMy work, AAA Milwaukee, this year has come up with a community ambassador project that anyone can participate in. We are going to be collecting hats, scarves, booties and plush stuffed animals for cancer patients. I bet that if you ask anyone, they can think of someone who has been affected by cancer. We are going to donate these items to our local area hospitals where cance<span class="text_exposed_show">r patients will be able to pick out an item of their choice. If you would like to participate we are looking for items for all ages and both male and female. Items must be new if bought, please keep the tag on when you send it. Also we welcome handmade items. In both cases, new and handmade, try to choose soft materials, no wool please. We will be collecting items all year. Spread the word and tell your friends. Items can be sent to AAA Wisconsin, 4433 S. 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221. Attn: Caps for Cancer. We appreciate anything you can donate. I will be making some hats myself and welcome any left over yarn you may have have.</span><br />
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Update: I am so proud of my co-workers and the community I live and work in. At years end we were able to donate over 768 items to our local cancer center. The hospital has been so appreciative of our donations. Everytime we dropped off a box they were so excited because they said they were almost out. I think there is a bit of a misconception that people think these cancer centers get this kind of stuff all the time when if fact they never have enough. My workplace has decided to continue to collect itmes this year as well. Every little bit we can give helps. Thank you again to everyone who has sent donations. Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-56575247280456317852011-10-26T20:53:00.000-05:002011-10-26T20:53:43.745-05:00Aluminum can earringsI've been very busy making these earrings. I'm going to be participating in a art/craft fair at my local botanical gardens in December and need to get some inventory up for that show. I've been very pleased with the results. One can actually produced 6 completely different looking earrings. Plus its they are fun to make.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHAvgk-Dnn0/Tqi5b3wPjSI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/RIqiNOf5R3c/s1600/PA260221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHAvgk-Dnn0/Tqi5b3wPjSI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/RIqiNOf5R3c/s320/PA260221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLu619pZucI/Tqi5dhXt_kI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/3frWgTuJqvc/s1600/PA260222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLu619pZucI/Tqi5dhXt_kI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/3frWgTuJqvc/s320/PA260222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-62057890415084019862011-10-09T20:03:00.001-05:002011-10-09T20:06:29.501-05:00Too Cute not to share<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Id8QnMmrF_c/TpJDuPiT0lI/AAAAAAAAAJE/2dUSZHCrVbU/s1600/PA070205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Id8QnMmrF_c/TpJDuPiT0lI/AAAAAAAAAJE/2dUSZHCrVbU/s320/PA070205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My husband and I visited Lakewood zoo in northern Wisconsin this past weekend. We have a cottage near this family zoo (animal rescue). This past August we visited and found out they had some baby tigers. The one in this picture is only 7 weeks old so she can't be touched yet. She has 3 sisters. <br />
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The other 4 were born 3 weeks before the one above. As of September 24th you are able to touch, pickup and play with the first set which is now 10 weeks old.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT9rM6o6yGc/TpJFClFoiFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/A2VDO9CmqFE/s1600/PA070190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT9rM6o6yGc/TpJFClFoiFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/A2VDO9CmqFE/s320/PA070190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-41013684808252972742011-09-25T20:14:00.000-05:002011-09-25T20:14:26.355-05:00More recycled flowers.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I made some more flowers from aluminum cans and plastic soda bottles. The two larger flowers on the left and the two plastic ones on the top right I used alcohol inks for the color. The bottom right I used regular spray paint. Kyron seems to work the best. Its really best if you put a coat of primer on first, otherwise the color tends to want to run. Also you need to careful not to put too much spray on at a time. This causes the paint to crackle. I really like the alcohol inks. They coat well on both the aluminum and the plastic. The alcohol inks can be a bit expensive. $10.00 for three .5fl bottles, but if you get them while they are on sale or use a coupon its not so bad. I just picked up 3 for $6.35 today at Michaels. </div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-60028961031427220012011-09-20T21:58:00.001-05:002011-09-21T21:29:30.212-05:00Recycled water bottlesYes I'm kind of on this recycling kick. Of course that is not a bad thing. My work is giving out water bottle this week to people that come in. Alot of empty bottles are ending up in the garbage and I thought, what a waste. So I took some home and thought what can I make out of these. Well here is my first attempt at flower. I used oil paints to color the pedals, which really took very little paint to coat. I wanted retain some of the clear transparancy so I didn't want to completely cover the plastic in paint. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2F8RqQFLQcs/TnlSsKPYMTI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Jfa51DMJCVo/s1600/Waterbottle+flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2F8RqQFLQcs/TnlSsKPYMTI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Jfa51DMJCVo/s320/Waterbottle+flower.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Update: So I figured out today that oil paint is not the best type to use on the plastic. I goes on good but takes forever to dry. Still wet in the morning. I tried paint that is used on ceramic and glass. It tried really quick for me. I'm also going to try using some alcohol inks. I saw it used by someone else but not sure how fast it will dry. </div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-61236110632449342522011-09-20T21:53:00.002-05:002011-10-02T23:28:02.764-05:00Recycled aluminum cansI like to call them re-inCarnations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcZLBzniBE0/TnlRBkRbWEI/AAAAAAAAAI0/DYTx7DXIJbs/s1600/Re-inCarnations+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcZLBzniBE0/TnlRBkRbWEI/AAAAAAAAAI0/DYTx7DXIJbs/s320/Re-inCarnations+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNYUAvrLSvg/TnlRDmRoDCI/AAAAAAAAAI4/RCy8QO8EP98/s1600/Re-inCarnations+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNYUAvrLSvg/TnlRDmRoDCI/AAAAAAAAAI4/RCy8QO8EP98/s320/Re-inCarnations+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Yes these are made from aluminum cans. The only new thing on these is the brad in the center. Otherwise I used an empty can and some spray paint my husband had left over in the garage. I put a clip on the back of one that I can use as a pin. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with the other one yet.<br />
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Update: So I tried to make some more of these. I used the same method but this time I tried to paint the pieces before I put them together. I think I put the paint on too thick because as it dried it started to crack on me. Good thing is I didn't have alot invested in the materials. The other problem is I painted these outside as it was starting to get dark. As they dried the crackling in them actually added some character so I'm going to use it. I did find a better coloring material. Alcohol inks !!. I've had a set of these that I used like once on something and didn't like it. My co-worker suggested I try them on the aluminum. Oh my, I'm in love with alcohol inks now. Went out and bought 2 more sets of 3. I now have 9 colors. I bought the the little stamper thing for the inks and found that they use simple felt stuck to the velcro on the pad. So I bought a big sheet of white felt and cut it into squares to use on the stamper. Cost me $0.25... much cheaper than the $4.00 they charge for the pre-cut ones that Tim Holtz packages. I can't believe anyone would buy those. I also found out that you can use punches on the aluminum as well. Its a bit hard but if you put it on the floor and push your knee into the punch it goes right through. Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-19135226758763477102011-07-23T21:27:00.000-05:002011-07-23T21:27:36.650-05:00New Stamping Company Check them outFor those of you who are stampers, there is a really unique new company that I learned about today. They are called Raisin Boat. I don't really get the name but the concept they came up with is an excellent idea. They have a really great assortment of original stamps that you have the option to buy straight out or you can rent them. Yes I said rent them. Just like Netflix. They have different rental plans that you can sign up for and the shipping is free to you and back again. Its great for people who don't have alot of room to store stamps or if your like me, you just can't see investing in a stamp set that you may only use for one project. <br />
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Here is their website if you'd like to check them out. <a href="http://www.raisinboat.com/">http://www.raisinboat.com/</a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-69469440700103160802011-06-19T23:20:00.000-05:002011-06-19T23:20:07.636-05:00Vinyled Water BottlesMy co-worker asked me if I could put names on some re-usable water bottles she bought on clearance at Kmart. Her and her girlfriends are going to have a girls weekend up north in July and everyone brings something. She thought it would be neat to have everyones names on the water bottles so they wouldn't mix them up. So I did that for her using outdoor vinyl so when the bottles sweat it wouldn't fall off and of course then they would be washable. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She loved them and couldn't believe that I finished them in one night. It was so super easy to do.</div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-24783478003765607732011-06-19T12:25:00.002-05:002011-06-19T12:25:48.926-05:00Card for my Father-in-lawMy father passed away a little over a year ago. Although I miss him so much I am so gratefull to have my Father-in-law. He has been really great and treats me like I am his daughter. This is the card I made him for Fathers day this year. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCoxLmDGFkM/Tf4xEsnMLUI/AAAAAAAAAIs/u2AxEHgtG2Q/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCoxLmDGFkM/Tf4xEsnMLUI/AAAAAAAAAIs/u2AxEHgtG2Q/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-47338956469397608282011-05-23T22:23:00.000-05:002011-05-23T22:23:32.224-05:00New tool I bought, Geo-Die, and the cards I made with it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILm7SEenaZs/TdsjezmeiQI/AAAAAAAAAIk/XpDUUkDWFx0/s1600/P5230086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILm7SEenaZs/TdsjezmeiQI/AAAAAAAAAIk/XpDUUkDWFx0/s320/P5230086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought a new tool this past Saturday at the Rubber Stamp and Scrapbooking expo in Milwaukee. They are called Geo-dies. I absolutely love them. I remember seeing templates like this a few years ago that you had to cut the slits out by hand. Some brilliant person came up with a die that can be used in embossing type machines like the Cuttlebug, which I own, that cut the slits for you. Of course there is still some work involved but it cuts the time to make these designs substantially. The card on the bottom I made for my Mother, her 68th Birthday is tomorrow. I also bought her this really cute hanging flower. She loves getting those for your back porch. </div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-41554858716130232122011-05-18T22:48:00.000-05:002011-05-18T22:48:09.084-05:00Skater T-Shirt for my nephew's BirthdayMy nephew, like most 12 year old boys, likes skateboarding. He's likes to watch it and dress like them more than he likes to actually skateboard. So I made him a shirt with t-shirt vinyl for his birthday. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEsG7KbDNtY/TdSSqow-7vI/AAAAAAAAAIg/vX4UgGVPFHw/s1600/P5180084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEsG7KbDNtY/TdSSqow-7vI/AAAAAAAAAIg/vX4UgGVPFHw/s320/P5180084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-44940186589018114452011-05-15T22:24:00.000-05:002011-05-15T22:24:22.073-05:00Recycled candlesI haven't been able to craft much in the last week and a half as I have been in pain from what I thought was a shoulder issue which seems to come out of nowhere. I've been told by the doctor and my chiropractor that the pain in my shoulder is actually a result of a pinched nerve in my neck. I am finally feeling somewhat better today after the doctor prescribed me some anti-inflammatory medication and one for pain. So decided to work on something for my husband. <br />
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About a week ago my husband asked me if I could buy him some cheap candles. He likes to burn them while out in the garage. It warms the garage a bit and makes it smell better. Rather than buy new ones I chose to recycle some of the old ones. You know how after you burn a candle as much as it will burn, your left with all sorts of leftover wax around the edges and the center part is burned all the way down. I'm talking about the kind that come in some sort of glass. Well here is what I did to recycle these old candles into new ones. <br />
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1) You need an old pot to put water in for boiling.<br />
2) Fill half way with water and boil on stove. Turn down so it's not rolling but still very hot.<br />
3) Place one or two (depends on the pot size) into the boiling water. <br />
4) You will need at least 1 empty jar and some wicks (bought at the craft store, candle making area).<br />
5) The wax will begin to melt just by having them in the water. Once the wax melts you will need to pick up the jar. I used an old gardening glove so It was easier to handle and just in case I slipped I wouldn't burn my hand with the hot wax. <br />
6) Set the new wick in the empty jar and slowly poor the melted wax into the jar. Continue doing this until the jar is full with the wick sticking out enough to light. You can mix the colors if you want. I layered two and the other two are the same solid color. <br />
7) Once all the melted wax is out of the jar I wiped out the jar to be used for the next one. <br />
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I was actually able to make four new candles for only $2.99 which is the cost of 10 wicks. I can still make 6 more so really that is only .30cents a candle. Its kinda of time consuming but was fun. I still have some old candles to make more so when he needs more I know how it do it now.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-85265888370470439482011-05-05T22:10:00.001-05:002011-05-05T22:11:12.913-05:00A few quicky cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0RuQUBDZCzQ/TcNmyB4WxpI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NZ4VjuyTiw4/s1600/P5050081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0RuQUBDZCzQ/TcNmyB4WxpI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NZ4VjuyTiw4/s320/P5050081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489709407694629004.post-54148673489300823862011-05-05T22:09:00.000-05:002011-05-05T22:09:19.262-05:00Grape Ceramic Tile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUSzC5xqK2w/TcNksZmP0DI/AAAAAAAAAIY/_1g2aVbQTvk/s1600/P5050079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUSzC5xqK2w/TcNksZmP0DI/AAAAAAAAAIY/_1g2aVbQTvk/s320/P5050079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is another ceramic tile coaster that I made. I used the same method as with the Have a cup on me tile. However, I learned something very important when I made this tile. It is in reference to the acrylic coating. You only get one shot to coat the tile. DO NOT apply a second coat. When I tried to apply the second coat it somehow reacted with the 1st coat I applied and started to turn a brownish color and became hazing looking. This can also happen if you apply too much acrylic the 1st time so you need to really pay attention to how much you are applying. Also if this happens do not try to wash off the tile..I make a bigger mess than its worth. The vinyl will come off and you will end up with this nasty sticky acrylic mess to clean up in your sink. Better option, throw it out and start over. The extra tile and new vinyl don't cost that much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My next challenge will be to make some of these tiles in multiple colors of vinyl. It will be interesting to piece it together just right. I plan on selling these in the future, when I have enough of them. I will probably sell them in a set of four for $15.00 or if they want only one for $4.00. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235978463857279694noreply@blogger.com0