As it turns out, the crafting world is too cut-throat for this ginger. I just can't handle the social pressures and cyber ridicule that comes out of a bad craft. So it's my time to leave. Leave and never look back. Keep on trucking. Carrying on like the wayward son I am. Maybe you'll find peace when I'm gone. Layin' my weary head to rest. I won't cry no more. I'm moving on to bigger and better things: bakin and bloggin. Don't fret. I'll live in your hearts forever.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sugar Wax Hair Remover
This Persian waxing technique is supposed to remove hair without any toxic chemicals that can be found in regular waxing strips, and using ingredients that you can find in your home. It is suggested you have hair at least 2 cm long before attempting to wax.
Start by combining 1 cup of brown or white sugar, 2 Tablespoons of water, 1.5 Tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of salt (optional) in a saucepan on low heat. When the mixture thickens and turns golden-brown, stir it with a spoon to dissolve all of the sugar crystals and let it simmer for approximately 8 minutes, until it has a syrupy consistency. You'll know its been overcooked if its stopped being syrupy and goes back to being liquid, in which case you will have to start over because it will cool into a solid instead of a dough. Once it is syrupy, take it off heat and let it cool into a wax. Once cooled it should have a doughy consistency. Simply apply it to your skin and pull away in the direction opposite of hair growth.
My results: The mixture cooked just as the website said it would, but when I applied it to my leg and tried to wax it, the only thing that it succeeded in doing was putting my in pain. Little no none of my hair was removed, I just had a dull ache. I would suggest sticking to regular waxing or shaving.
Start by combining 1 cup of brown or white sugar, 2 Tablespoons of water, 1.5 Tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of salt (optional) in a saucepan on low heat. When the mixture thickens and turns golden-brown, stir it with a spoon to dissolve all of the sugar crystals and let it simmer for approximately 8 minutes, until it has a syrupy consistency. You'll know its been overcooked if its stopped being syrupy and goes back to being liquid, in which case you will have to start over because it will cool into a solid instead of a dough. Once it is syrupy, take it off heat and let it cool into a wax. Once cooled it should have a doughy consistency. Simply apply it to your skin and pull away in the direction opposite of hair growth.
My results: The mixture cooked just as the website said it would, but when I applied it to my leg and tried to wax it, the only thing that it succeeded in doing was putting my in pain. Little no none of my hair was removed, I just had a dull ache. I would suggest sticking to regular waxing or shaving.
Your Guide to Mod Podge
Any crafter can spend hours telling you the wonders of Mod Podge. It is a glue/sealant/finish/miracle maker used in a variety of crafts. It has even been featured in some of my blogs such as the glitter Mason Jar, the glitter dipped Mason Jar, and the tinted Mason Jar. It comes in different styles such as matte, glossy, original, but there are also many other kinds that aren't as popular, but can be just as useful. It is fairly cheap for how multi-purpose it is, costing around $7-$8 depending on where you shop.
Let's start with your basics: Glossy and Matte. These are your classics, nothing too fancy. Best for basic crafts with no special needs. The only difference between the two is that when the Glossy Mod Podge dries it is shiny and Matte dries without any shine.
Paper Mod Podge: Even though the original Mod Podge can be used on paper, this was mad specifically for it. It's great for scrapbooking project and will help you pages last longer without any yellowing.
Sparkle Mod Podge: This Mod Podge gives you the same effect as adding glitter the original Mod Podge, without having to buy the glitter! I only wish they sold them with different concentrations of glitter, but instead you can just continually add layers until it is sparkly enough for you.
Extreme Glitter Mod Podge: This Mod Podge contains ultra fine glitter in mass amounts so don't use it lightly. When they say extreme glitter, they mean extreme glitter!
Glow In the Dark Mod Podge: Oh, the world is so full of possibilities with this one. It tries as a clear finish that isn't visible when the lights are on, but when the lights go out, your craft will glow! The more coats you have and the longer it is exposed to light, the brighter it will be.
Kids' Wash Out Mod Podge: Mod Podge is made to never come out, but with this formula you don't have to worry about letting your little crafters help because it can be washed out of fabrics and off counter tops, but still leaves a glossy finish on your crafts.
Hard Coat Mod Podge: This one is specifically designed items that might get some bumps and bruises, giving the fullest protection with a slightly glossy finish.
Fabric Mod Podge: This is a multi-purpose Mod Podge that you can use to decoupage fabric to other surfaces, decoupage things to the fabric, or apply it to fabrics before cutting them to eliminate fraying.
Antique Mod Podge: Normally if you want to make a project look aged, it requires acrylic paint in various shades of brown and lots of skill, but with the brown tinted Mod Podge, you can brush on a few strokes and give your project an antique look in a fraction of the time.
Satin Mod Podge: Similar to the classic Mod Podge, this dries clear, glue, finishes, or seals, but dries as a "satin", somewhere in between glossy and matte.
Outdoor Mod Podge: This give super protection to any craft project that is going to be used or left outside, without any harm from weathering.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge: This can be used to seal or apply paper to any of your dishes-as long as you only hand wash them or put them in the top rack. Also be careful to not put them on anything that will come in direct contact with your mouth. I would suggest reading the directions extremely carefully, and follow them entirely.
Sheer Colored Mod Podge: Tinted Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple and Yellow, this is perfect for tinting glass, like in my Mason Jar recipe.
Mod Podge also sells finishes, that won't glue, but can be used in specialty projects such as Mod Podge Crackle Medium, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium, and Mod Podge Super Gloss, all of which vary in prices. They also sell a clear, spray acrylic that I would suggest you use in all of your project using Mod Podge to provide more protection and to get rid of the sticky feeling that Mod Podge often leaves behind.
Let's start with your basics: Glossy and Matte. These are your classics, nothing too fancy. Best for basic crafts with no special needs. The only difference between the two is that when the Glossy Mod Podge dries it is shiny and Matte dries without any shine.
Paper Mod Podge: Even though the original Mod Podge can be used on paper, this was mad specifically for it. It's great for scrapbooking project and will help you pages last longer without any yellowing.
Sparkle Mod Podge: This Mod Podge gives you the same effect as adding glitter the original Mod Podge, without having to buy the glitter! I only wish they sold them with different concentrations of glitter, but instead you can just continually add layers until it is sparkly enough for you.
Extreme Glitter Mod Podge: This Mod Podge contains ultra fine glitter in mass amounts so don't use it lightly. When they say extreme glitter, they mean extreme glitter!
Glow In the Dark Mod Podge: Oh, the world is so full of possibilities with this one. It tries as a clear finish that isn't visible when the lights are on, but when the lights go out, your craft will glow! The more coats you have and the longer it is exposed to light, the brighter it will be.
Kids' Wash Out Mod Podge: Mod Podge is made to never come out, but with this formula you don't have to worry about letting your little crafters help because it can be washed out of fabrics and off counter tops, but still leaves a glossy finish on your crafts.
Hard Coat Mod Podge: This one is specifically designed items that might get some bumps and bruises, giving the fullest protection with a slightly glossy finish.
Fabric Mod Podge: This is a multi-purpose Mod Podge that you can use to decoupage fabric to other surfaces, decoupage things to the fabric, or apply it to fabrics before cutting them to eliminate fraying.
Antique Mod Podge: Normally if you want to make a project look aged, it requires acrylic paint in various shades of brown and lots of skill, but with the brown tinted Mod Podge, you can brush on a few strokes and give your project an antique look in a fraction of the time.
Satin Mod Podge: Similar to the classic Mod Podge, this dries clear, glue, finishes, or seals, but dries as a "satin", somewhere in between glossy and matte.
Outdoor Mod Podge: This give super protection to any craft project that is going to be used or left outside, without any harm from weathering.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge: This can be used to seal or apply paper to any of your dishes-as long as you only hand wash them or put them in the top rack. Also be careful to not put them on anything that will come in direct contact with your mouth. I would suggest reading the directions extremely carefully, and follow them entirely.
Sheer Colored Mod Podge: Tinted Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple and Yellow, this is perfect for tinting glass, like in my Mason Jar recipe.
Mod Podge also sells finishes, that won't glue, but can be used in specialty projects such as Mod Podge Crackle Medium, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium, and Mod Podge Super Gloss, all of which vary in prices. They also sell a clear, spray acrylic that I would suggest you use in all of your project using Mod Podge to provide more protection and to get rid of the sticky feeling that Mod Podge often leaves behind.
Monday, May 12, 2014
At Home Temporary Tattoo
Tattoos are often used to symbolize something important in someones life, but as you grow up, what is important to you can change. Instead of branding yourself with a tattoo that will remain with you for the rest of your life, perhaps you could try this temporary tattoo instead. It's also a fun activity to do with kids or at a party with your friends! To start you will need an eyebrow or eyeliner pencil, baby powder, a soft bristle brush, liquid spray bandage, and an idea of the design you would like to trace. Don't feel the need to stick to only black sharpies. They make markers in all sorts of colors, so use them! If you aren't confident in your drawing abilities and want to draw out your design and then transfer it onto your skin, you will also need tracing paper, a pencil, scissors, a wash cloth, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls.
If you plan to free-hand your your tattoo, skip to the next paragraph. Begin by tracing your design onto the tracing paper with a pencil. You can write words, draw a picture, or anything your heart desires, but I would suggest doing a simple design for your first time. Flip your tracing paper over and darken the outline of the design on the back of the paper using a pencil. Cut the paper around the design, leaving about an inch of blank paper around the design. Wet the cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and rub it across your skin where you are going to place the design. Place the tracing paper, with the design facing right side up, onto your body and rub a damp wash cloth to transfer the design to your skin. When you peel back the tracing paper, it will leave behind a faint outline of your design. Go over the design using the eye coloring pencil.
Draw your design using the eyebrow or eyeliner pencil. Sprinkle baby powder over the design and press it in using a soft bristling brush-being careful not to smudge the design. Gently blow off any excess powder. At this point the design should look faded from the powder. In a well ventilated area, spray the liquid spray adhesive, which brings the color back into the tattoo.
The website I found it on claimed the tattoo would last 3-4 days without coming off in the shower, but I can tell you that it faded on its first contact with water. When soap was applied it was nearly gone. It looked like it would have if I had simply drawn it with a Sharpie, so I have the feeling my skin will be stained for the next few days. All that was left was my slightly sticky wrist, the smell of adhesive, and the faint outline of three stars. While you could get away with wearing it for a day, as long as you have no water activities planned, I don't see how you could make it last 4 days.
Getting Rid of Hair Build Up
Build up can gather on your hair for a myriad of reasons: if you get your shower water from a well, the hard water causes build up, environmental factors, or using different styling products, even shampoos and conditioners leave build up. It makes your hair frizzy and less manageable, but fortunately, is extremely easy to get rid of.
Just mix 1/3 cup of baking soda and 4 Tablespoons of water into a paste, apply it to your hair, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then wash it out and wash your hair as usual. The 1/3 cup mixture is the amount needed for shoulder length hair. I started with this amount and only covered about half my hair. I made another batch (for a total of 2/3 cup of baking soda and 8 Tablespoons of water) and it covered my shoulder-blade length hair nicely. The website I got the recipe from said you could start with either wet or dry hair, but since she started with dry hair, so did I.
My results: After washing it off in the shower, I noticed that my hair didn't seem to absorb my shampoo and conditioner as well as it normally did, no matter how much I applied. I worried that my hair would end up being more unruly than normal, simply because it hadn't gotten the moisture it needed from my conditioner. To my surprise, my hair felt just as clean and soft as it normally did after being washed. I would say that it did not live up to its reputation of a miracle cure for frizzy hair, but you could save some money by applying it before your shower so you can use less shampoo or conditioner.
An additional method that I have not tried but I encourage you to try is a mixture of 1/2 cup of malt vinegar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of lime or lemon juice. Follow the same directions, leaving it in your hair for 10-15 minutes then follow with your normal hair washing regiment. Let me know what your results are!
An additional method that I have not tried but I encourage you to try is a mixture of 1/2 cup of malt vinegar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of lime or lemon juice. Follow the same directions, leaving it in your hair for 10-15 minutes then follow with your normal hair washing regiment. Let me know what your results are!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Spring Cleaning- Norwex Review
Spring is here, and as I've pointed out in recent blogs that means outside fun and getting to wear shorts, but unfortunately it also means spring cleaning. Fortunately, there are certain cleaning supplies that can make the job much easier for you. My environment science class has been making me more aware of the chemicals that I'm putting in my home and then dumping into my environment. A company- Norwex- started in 1994 with a simple goal: bring chemical free cleaning supplies into the homes of people around the globe. That seems nice, but if their supplies don't clean, they're not worth your money. Luckily for you, I've tested some of their most popular items and am going to share my results with you.
Micro Cleaning Hand Pads: These are pretty much the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser of Norwex, but you don't have to worry about getting a headache if you inhale it for too long because there are no chemicals. Simply wet it in warm water and scrub on any surface to remove stains. The possibilities are endless.
Descaler: This is without a doubt my favorite Norwex cleaning agent. It comes in a spray bottle and is great for cleaning your shower. I have used it on persistent limescale that I had all but given up on ridding myself of, and after sitting for five minutes is wiped right off.
Mop: This is admittedly one of my least favorite products from Norwex. You have to buy the mop handle, mop base, and mop pad separately, which total around $80. Besides not being economically feasible, I saw no difference between the Norwex mop or the $5 disposable mop you buy at Walmart.
If you are interested in buying Norwex products for yourself, look on Norwex.com to find a seller near you.
Micro Cleaning Hand Pads: These are pretty much the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser of Norwex, but you don't have to worry about getting a headache if you inhale it for too long because there are no chemicals. Simply wet it in warm water and scrub on any surface to remove stains. The possibilities are endless.
Descaler: This is without a doubt my favorite Norwex cleaning agent. It comes in a spray bottle and is great for cleaning your shower. I have used it on persistent limescale that I had all but given up on ridding myself of, and after sitting for five minutes is wiped right off.
Mop: This is admittedly one of my least favorite products from Norwex. You have to buy the mop handle, mop base, and mop pad separately, which total around $80. Besides not being economically feasible, I saw no difference between the Norwex mop or the $5 disposable mop you buy at Walmart.
If you are interested in buying Norwex products for yourself, look on Norwex.com to find a seller near you.
Cinco de Mayo Piñata Cookies
Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated one the 5th of May. Many people think of it as their equivalent to America's Independence Day on the 4th of July, but is actually the celebration of a battle won by the Mexicans in the city of Puebla against the French. Even though it was not a major victory strategically, it bolstered the Mexican citizens' moral when ill-equipped 4,500 man army defeated the 8,000 soldiers of the French army, considered to be the best army in the world at that time. Now, Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. If you're going to a Cinco de Mayo party, or want to have a little fun at home, try making these party piñata cookies!
To make the cookies you will need 1 cup sugar, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup butter, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 5 cups flour, 1 Tablespoon vanilla, 6 different colors of food coloring ( I suggest black, blue, orange, yellow, purple, and pink), mini M&M candies, and a donkey cookie cutter. To make the frosting simply whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons milk in a small bowl.
To make the dough, combine the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl and then set aside. Cream the sugar and powdered sugar with the butter. Beat in the eggs and oil. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients. Mix in the vanilla and almond extract. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and color each portion a different color.
Next line a rectangular container that is a bit wider than your cookie cutter with plastic wrap. Build up layer of each color, excluding black. Once each color has been added twice, add 2 layers of black (this side will be the donkey's hooves). Let container set in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
Use the plastic wrap to lift the dough out of the container, while keeping the rectangular shape. Slice the dough so it is 1/4 of an inch thick and lay them on a cookie sheet.
Place the cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Each individual pinata cookie will take 3 slices of cookie, so use the cookie cutter to shape 3 donkey cookies.
Use a small square cookie cutter to cut a hole in one of the donkey's mid section.
Take one of the whole donkeys and outline it in frosting.
Place the donkey with the hole in the mid section on top of the whole donkey. Fill the hole with miniature M&Ms and outline it once again with frosting.
Place the last full donkey on top of the frosting. Wait at least 30 minutes for the frosting to harden and then you can stand your creation up!
Now, when you bit into it, candies fall out just like a real piñata.
Tips:
Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake, because they are very thin and if you over-bake them-even slightly- the colors turn a golden brown, which takes away from the bright piñata look.
If you use gel food coloring the colors will bake much brighter.
If you don't have any cream of tartar on hand, use 1 teaspoon baking powder instead but if you do only use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
To make the cookies you will need 1 cup sugar, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup butter, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 5 cups flour, 1 Tablespoon vanilla, 6 different colors of food coloring ( I suggest black, blue, orange, yellow, purple, and pink), mini M&M candies, and a donkey cookie cutter. To make the frosting simply whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons milk in a small bowl.
To make the dough, combine the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl and then set aside. Cream the sugar and powdered sugar with the butter. Beat in the eggs and oil. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients. Mix in the vanilla and almond extract. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and color each portion a different color.
Next line a rectangular container that is a bit wider than your cookie cutter with plastic wrap. Build up layer of each color, excluding black. Once each color has been added twice, add 2 layers of black (this side will be the donkey's hooves). Let container set in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
Use the plastic wrap to lift the dough out of the container, while keeping the rectangular shape. Slice the dough so it is 1/4 of an inch thick and lay them on a cookie sheet.
Place the cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Each individual pinata cookie will take 3 slices of cookie, so use the cookie cutter to shape 3 donkey cookies.
Use a small square cookie cutter to cut a hole in one of the donkey's mid section.
Take one of the whole donkeys and outline it in frosting.
Place the donkey with the hole in the mid section on top of the whole donkey. Fill the hole with miniature M&Ms and outline it once again with frosting.
Place the last full donkey on top of the frosting. Wait at least 30 minutes for the frosting to harden and then you can stand your creation up!
Now, when you bit into it, candies fall out just like a real piñata.
Tips:
Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake, because they are very thin and if you over-bake them-even slightly- the colors turn a golden brown, which takes away from the bright piñata look.
If you use gel food coloring the colors will bake much brighter.
If you don't have any cream of tartar on hand, use 1 teaspoon baking powder instead but if you do only use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
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