tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118665554134055492024-02-19T09:52:30.879-05:00Nifty Thrifty BitsNifty Little Bits of Thrifty GoodnessMiss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-2733144789946842002017-12-28T19:41:00.000-05:002019-04-06T21:44:41.103-04:00Art Journaling: Whimsical Watercolor Flowers Hand Painted on Newspaper DIY How To Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qbX2DfFsf7RJF8YV9EXeOBl-JPGlp065kehyp3DICp9YLyiiGisp74zLF7wMylDCV_E9w3BQahUpzNDe-TYq7Sqgsop5J77hzAekxPZ8kl9PS0h4I6PiaaWq8pV0M_qkcNiX1wZRNFkC/s1600/whimsy+flowers+watercolor+and+newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qbX2DfFsf7RJF8YV9EXeOBl-JPGlp065kehyp3DICp9YLyiiGisp74zLF7wMylDCV_E9w3BQahUpzNDe-TYq7Sqgsop5J77hzAekxPZ8kl9PS0h4I6PiaaWq8pV0M_qkcNiX1wZRNFkC/s400/whimsy+flowers+watercolor+and+newspaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1528935326">Whimsical Watercolor Flowers Hand Painted on Newspaper</a></div>
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Today I had a bit of an art day and created these watercolor flowers. I plan on using them in my journals to add a little bit of artistic whimsy to my pages. I thought I would share how to make them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgvsCIw51ECpOfA_AjQ3DmUeLwc_4QUY2t6NE-HoonlEVoYrMzV8YBL3sg-mySAQrDaADgAcOVhjeMOwmjHcJGGheSiMsmuhUiboVYPacysPCzkCQMcHM0ZcDC0vzX6GVO6Ps2jR-cmPe/s1600/newspaper+and+watercolor+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgvsCIw51ECpOfA_AjQ3DmUeLwc_4QUY2t6NE-HoonlEVoYrMzV8YBL3sg-mySAQrDaADgAcOVhjeMOwmjHcJGGheSiMsmuhUiboVYPacysPCzkCQMcHM0ZcDC0vzX6GVO6Ps2jR-cmPe/s400/newspaper+and+watercolor+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2017-12/art-journaling-whimsical-watercolor.html" target="_blank"> Art Journaling - Making Watercolor Flowers</a></div>
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Supplies are minimal and basic! </div>
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Watercolors (inexpensive watercolors, even children's watercolors work just fine for this)</div>
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Wax Paper to protect your surface</div>
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Newspaper</div>
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Watercolor brush</div>
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Gel Pens - I used white</div>
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Sharpie Pens- I used black</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2017-12/art-journaling-whimsical-watercolor.html" target="_blank">Newspaper and Watercolor Flowers</a></div>
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The directions to make these whimsical cuties is simple as well!</div>
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Spread out your newspaper. I used wax paper underneath the newspaper to protect my working surface.</div>
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Paint random round shapes in various sizes with the watercolor paints all over the newspaper. You will need various sizes so that you can stack the flowers if you want a dimensional flower. I mixed my colors up but you could paint them in a solid color if you prefer. </div>
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Next choose some paint for your leaves and paint random leave shapes on your newspaper.</div>
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Allow the paint to dry and cut out the shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2017-12/art-journaling-whimsical-watercolor.html" target="_blank">Watercolor Flowers, Doodles, Art Journaling</a></div>
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With a black Sharpie I drew lines and doodles on the flowers and leaves. Next I added white dots / and or lines with a white gel pen. You can use whatever colors you would like to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2017-12/art-journaling-whimsical-watercolor.html" target="_blank">doodle</a> little designs on your flowers.</div>
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I wanted some of the flowers to be dimensional so all I did was scrunch them up so that they were all crunched up. Then I opened them up. I chose various sizes so that I could make a layered flower. I glued them on layer by layer beginning with the largest flower on the bottom and adding smaller flowers as I went along until I had what I wanted. Next I glued the leaves in place.</div>
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So there you have it! <a href="https://www.blogger.com/niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2017-12/art-journaling-whimsical-watercolor.html" target="_blank">Whimsical watercolor flowers</a> for your projects, scrapbooks, journals, etc.</div>
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I hope you enjoy these little flowers and I hope that maybe, just maybe, that I have inspired you to create your own!</div>
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What have you been creating lately?</div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-69425132616128008432017-02-27T17:39:00.000-05:002017-02-27T17:45:02.696-05:00Frugal Handmade Gift Idea - Crochet Slippers and a Free Pattern Link<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLc9pnJu5z9GZNiT-HvxgYCsW3Azjo81JoGqy7TIAqUe1X2eMDpmyKeyQKybdnjK6OnqhyphenhyphenekAzvWGKqcdUnWhV1rQ-bBstgG55_dJNH1wqqHMKhowdHH5-nTweBz8LJzt0ogo9cxL7_Qt/s1600/Crochet+slippers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLc9pnJu5z9GZNiT-HvxgYCsW3Azjo81JoGqy7TIAqUe1X2eMDpmyKeyQKybdnjK6OnqhyphenhyphenekAzvWGKqcdUnWhV1rQ-bBstgG55_dJNH1wqqHMKhowdHH5-nTweBz8LJzt0ogo9cxL7_Qt/s400/Crochet+slippers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2017/02/frugal-handmade-gift-idea-crochet.html" target="_blank">Crochet Slippers</a></div>
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I LOVE it when I find cute, simple patterns that are suitable for gift making and giving! I think these adorable crochet slippers fit the bill perfectly! And better yet is that there is a <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/cottage-slippers" target="_blank">FREE CROCHET PATTERN</a> made available thru the Redheart website! You can find the pattern by clicking <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/cottage-slippers" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>!</div>
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I changed up the trim around the slippers just a bit by crocheting a picot border instead of that in the pattern. I really like how these slippers turned out. So much so that I made another pair in a colorway similar to that on the website! </div>
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It takes less than a skein of yarn to crochet the slippers. You can even use yarn scraps to make the flowers, leaves and border using yarn stash that you have on hand. That is a pretty <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2017/02/frugal-handmade-gift-idea" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">frugal and thrifty gift idea</span></a> in my book! And they are SUPER CUTE! </div>
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I am happy to add these slippers to my gift stash! </div>
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Do you keep a stash of handmade gifts on hand too?</div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-21967445591816983342015-11-20T21:52:00.000-05:002015-11-20T21:53:33.274-05:00Lemon Chicken Soup<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWI36g2qGhbP9TKEmtSNQ0GsEDWODV2oDmFnrPSWTkpj5yhdUAYTuodp2YL8lVZFGgrCOiEQjZiN1IWl5t0gn19cRI8R6EfvnRkUG3btQN67qFjk_uvQgPaqOGt6DV6utJyoZ0bIa3ZGJ6/s1600/Lemon+Chicken+Soup+Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWI36g2qGhbP9TKEmtSNQ0GsEDWODV2oDmFnrPSWTkpj5yhdUAYTuodp2YL8lVZFGgrCOiEQjZiN1IWl5t0gn19cRI8R6EfvnRkUG3btQN67qFjk_uvQgPaqOGt6DV6utJyoZ0bIa3ZGJ6/s400/Lemon+Chicken+Soup+Graphic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For cool fall days not much beats a pot of homemade soup to warm you to your core. This week is one that called out for something hot, soothing and delicious, so <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/11/lemon-chicken-soup.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Lemon Chicken Soup</span></a> is what I cooked up for the family.</div>
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Lemon Chicken Soup</div>
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8 cups of homemade chicken broth is best or substitute with store bought </div>
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2 cup Orzo</div>
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3 cups shredded chicken</div>
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2 - 3 lemons for juice and jest</div>
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3 large eggs</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Parboil one whole chicken and shred or pick up a precooked rotisserie chicken at the grocery. You will use approximately three cups of shredded chicken.</div>
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Pour eight cups of chicken broth into a large pot and let come to a boil. Add two cups of Orzo and allow to cook for about five minutes. Reduce heat to simmer and add the shredded chicken to your pot. In a separate bowl break open three large eggs and whisk. Juice 2 - 3 lemons (remove any seeds) and add to the eggs and whisk mixture together. Reserve some of the lemon zest from the lemons to add to the soup. Temper your whisked eggs by taking one cup of the hot chicken broth and add it slowly to your egg and lemon mixture a little bit at a time whisking as you add the hot liquid. Now you can slowly add your eggs to the pot of soup. Allow to simmer for about 25 - 30 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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Enjoy your hearty bowl of lemon chicken soup!<br />
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What is your favorite soup?<br />
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-74639884228686394462015-11-02T14:24:00.001-05:002015-11-02T14:30:01.818-05:00Chicken Mull - A Southern Favorite Comfort Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiOShWPy9dbSk-cDlAUkFtxf62D4AhB8cCbajdV5KrqWLx0SBjdqJP38hmB6hU0alJStnvPR6ZoEfGTg7HQPQabY0iDPAdpiN7MUrRN4dJTYixkWQg-lXkKKOSW2ElMBdM7HVVM4uktUO/s1600/Shabby+blogs+Vintage+Bluebird+freebie+by+fptfy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiOShWPy9dbSk-cDlAUkFtxf62D4AhB8cCbajdV5KrqWLx0SBjdqJP38hmB6hU0alJStnvPR6ZoEfGTg7HQPQabY0iDPAdpiN7MUrRN4dJTYixkWQg-lXkKKOSW2ElMBdM7HVVM4uktUO/s400/Shabby+blogs+Vintage+Bluebird+freebie+by+fptfy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Graphic Courtesy of FPTFY</div>
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When I was a child we lived in the city and most of my father's birth family lived in the country. They lived a couple of hours away but we visited often. I loved going to my uncle Ed's and aunt Ethel's house around meal time because my aunt Ethel was a wonderful southern country cook and you were bound to be fed delightful, made from scratch, home cooked meals.<br />
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I giggle when I recall how she would busily, but happily, be running all around in the kitchen and would bring out about every pot, pan and dish she owned in preparation for her feasts. There would be multiple runs to the root cellar and to the pantry, which was filled with her home grown and home canned fruits and vegetables. She was delightful! <br />
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Cast iron or stainless steel pots and pans and skillets filled her kitchen. And her kitchen cabinets held mostly common ironstone dinnerware. She had no fine china or silverware. But every inch of her home was filled with love and her kitchen was filled with the best home cooked food you would ever want to put in your mouth. And when you were there you knew you would not leave hungry! <br />
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Most of the rest of my father's family lived near to my aunt and uncle and sometimes they would all just gather there when we came to visit. Come mealtime all of the women folk would gather in her huge country kitchen to help prepare the meal. It was a wonderful time in the kitchen and some of my fondest memories of my father's family were made right there in my aunt Ethel's kitchen. <br />
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One of my favorite dishes that my aunt Ethel made was a dish called <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/11/chicken-mull-southern-favorite-comfort.html" target="_blank">Chicken Mull</a>. I know that this is a southern dish and many of you may have never heard of it. I also know the name of this dish is not a very appetizing sounding kind of name! But it is a really good and satisfying and is a simple dish with not a lot of ingredients. It's a family favorite comfort food for a cool weather, snuggle up kind of day. <br />
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/11/chicken-mull-southern-favorite-comfort.html" target="_blank">Chicken Mull</a></div>
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my version of my aunt Ethel's chicken mull</div>
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Ingredient list:</div>
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1 whole chicken (cooked and shredded) and the liquid that you cooked your chicken in</div>
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1 12 ounce can of evaporated milk</div>
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12 - 16 ounces of whole milk</div>
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if more liquid is needed add an additional quart of homemade or store brand chicken broth </div>
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2 tablespoons of butter or margarine</div>
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1 - 2 stacks or sleeves of saltine crackers</div>
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Salt and Pepper to taste</div>
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In a large pot cover one whole chicken with cold water and add some salt and pepper and cook until tender. Once the chicken is done and fall off the bone tender, remove it from the pot and place it on a plate. Save the liquids left from cooking the chicken. Allow the chicken to cool enough to handle so that you can remove the chicken and shred it. Once shredded, place the chicken back in the pot</div>
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and add 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine, and if needed add a quart of homemade or store bought chicken broth, a 12 ounce can of evaporated milk and 12 to 16 ounces of whole milk. Allow to come to a rolling boil. Once a rolling boil has happened, take your stack (or two) of saltine crackers and break them up and add them to your pot. Allow to boil for just a few minutes and then turn down to low heat allowing the crackers to cook a bit and absorb some liquid into them. Season to your taste with salt and pepper. </div>
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This recipe is very forgiving. If you want it thicker add more saltines or less liquid. Want it not so thick? Just add more liquid.</div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-81786696634452648672015-10-23T20:22:00.000-04:002015-10-25T19:56:09.274-04:00Vintage Vera Neumann Linens and Tablecloths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltjy-Swnq6r_5Vve6eb6-XxMoQUTtREMb6rUaqtNwzMyGta_f5ZH7FQ-ileHdDrcf3SgRQgc42T8g5Qus3Wy94r-oK53NBqy0_96Mj5pEizm0SrmPZZR_23m69xRTEzhNjr5cv7mziGwT/s1600/Vera+Spring+Song.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltjy-Swnq6r_5Vve6eb6-XxMoQUTtREMb6rUaqtNwzMyGta_f5ZH7FQ-ileHdDrcf3SgRQgc42T8g5Qus3Wy94r-oK53NBqy0_96Mj5pEizm0SrmPZZR_23m69xRTEzhNjr5cv7mziGwT/s400/Vera+Spring+Song.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love vintage linens and have a few pieces that I have collected. Not only do I love all of the handiwork of hand crocheted or hand embroidered pieces, but I also love the colorful and beautiful prints of vintage linens from Wilendur, Vera Neumann, and others. Today I thought I would share some of my <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/10/vintage-vera-neumann-linens.html" target="_blank">vintage Vera Neumann</a> collection with you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-t20wFRbWeSJD_0R8wBjrz3t73V-r0egeLa4J9pjfOznBY1Nf4niEqOyZcdrEB4RJN3rlYNu2WZjNAUqwWiXMkm1KgyAYJJlvr98vDnXkfhZmYd2Jgm661sdH4amqtN8J-ucCYzepPmo/s1600/Vintage+Vera+NeumannTablecloth+Spring+Song.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-t20wFRbWeSJD_0R8wBjrz3t73V-r0egeLa4J9pjfOznBY1Nf4niEqOyZcdrEB4RJN3rlYNu2WZjNAUqwWiXMkm1KgyAYJJlvr98vDnXkfhZmYd2Jgm661sdH4amqtN8J-ucCYzepPmo/s400/Vintage+Vera+NeumannTablecloth+Spring+Song.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the beautiful bold designs of Vera Neumann!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhnT-U7t5bf3Vr014LcPX4zzavpnhiJUalQAY7WWeiMjfcZTtZLf0_WSS5SeLrD54He_Ok4bhKcYivHObesMwtlp9oVRJcDDzpx16_Rp7QCi031X7i8ZZiXdPGeOhn4bq8cXHAVdegwVI/s1600/Vintage+Vera+Yellow+Tulips+Tablecloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhnT-U7t5bf3Vr014LcPX4zzavpnhiJUalQAY7WWeiMjfcZTtZLf0_WSS5SeLrD54He_Ok4bhKcYivHObesMwtlp9oVRJcDDzpx16_Rp7QCi031X7i8ZZiXdPGeOhn4bq8cXHAVdegwVI/s400/Vintage+Vera+Yellow+Tulips+Tablecloth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/10/vintage-vera-neumann-linens.html" target="_blank">Vera Neumann famous ladybug logo</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5jXfyKk4Gmmn3bVlW6YnOtI5fvF846g535vq98nTQdC6VTUg2eWsiJoJ2NRfZdUPLpaWRUSt_98C2AZae8-m11_gcVr1SWUjGoc174_HXDNCsfjet4HFI0U9z_JnM381XJjCmHkyBgyT/s1600/Vintage+Vera+signature+mark+w+ladybug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5jXfyKk4Gmmn3bVlW6YnOtI5fvF846g535vq98nTQdC6VTUg2eWsiJoJ2NRfZdUPLpaWRUSt_98C2AZae8-m11_gcVr1SWUjGoc174_HXDNCsfjet4HFI0U9z_JnM381XJjCmHkyBgyT/s400/Vintage+Vera+signature+mark+w+ladybug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/10/vintage-vera-neumann-linens.html" target="_blank">Vera logo with the little lady bug</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpMcTxCqfi1fSEofBAg2CUh5RGb2joRdv2GxaD4h8nVZKgq-NxCqS3XQnLoH6FptqIH6eNY7Ll_NY3y9HHrYPo6yapUIb632mULj1Lt6LMBPnZ0v6Jiy1b2NdL82qWl09-TuVolZTB_A0/s1600/Vintage+Vera+napkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpMcTxCqfi1fSEofBAg2CUh5RGb2joRdv2GxaD4h8nVZKgq-NxCqS3XQnLoH6FptqIH6eNY7Ll_NY3y9HHrYPo6yapUIb632mULj1Lt6LMBPnZ0v6Jiy1b2NdL82qWl09-TuVolZTB_A0/s400/Vintage+Vera+napkins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Notice that the ladybug is not present on this set of napkins. </div>
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There are still Vera Neumann linens, scarfs, fabric and dinnerware available on the market today, so if you love her designs you may find something that you like on the internet at places like Ebay and Etsy. </div>
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I am including some links for those who may be interested in learning a bit about vintage Vera Neumann linens.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/gds/Vintage-Vera-Signed-Table-Linens-Silk-Scarves-/10000000000813377/g.html" target="_blank">Collecting Vintage Vera Neumann by BohoBetty on Ebay</a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vera_Neumann" target="_blank">Vera Neumann on Wikipedia</a></div>
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Do you collect vintage linens? What are your favorites?</div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-57038272911305905802015-10-11T17:51:00.000-04:002015-10-11T17:56:06.810-04:00Dehydrating Oranges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNFcU7qQ3Gk6QowMKcOIfcLQzQVk7EbkKMM98JF_6EoG2Gs0Xs8yQByQDDA8GmkTvOj4WQf8S7KJc38l_ltyKeVBfrqzpt731SbTqEIlc0WCxaC-ms57Y1DTX0u21H233-PfNbPx7qB21/s1600/Dehydrated+Oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNFcU7qQ3Gk6QowMKcOIfcLQzQVk7EbkKMM98JF_6EoG2Gs0Xs8yQByQDDA8GmkTvOj4WQf8S7KJc38l_ltyKeVBfrqzpt731SbTqEIlc0WCxaC-ms57Y1DTX0u21H233-PfNbPx7qB21/s400/Dehydrated+Oranges.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/10/dehydrating-oranges.html" target="_blank">Dehydrated Orange Slices</a></div>
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My new found kitchen appliance love is my Nesco American Harvest Gardenmaster dehydrator! Talk about a space saver for food storage! I had been researching and trying to decide which dehydrator to purchase and my decision was narrowed down to an Excalibur and a Nesco American Harvest dehydrator. When I found a brand new unused Nesco on craigslist for $40, that became my decision breaker and so I purchased it and brought it home.<br />
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One of the first fruits that I dehydrated was some organic, seedless navel oranges. Preparation was easy. I simply soaked the oranges in a water / vinegar / salt solution for about 15 minutes, rinsed them well and sliced them with my mandoline slicer approximately 1/4 inch thick.<br />
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/10/dehydrating-oranges.html" target="_blank">How to Dehydrate Oranges</a></div>
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I arranged the orange slices on the shelves of the dehydrator in a single layer and dried them for about 12 hours. Drying time can vary according to the size of the load, the thickness of the fruit and the moisture content of the fruit as well as the moisture in the air. It's helpful to keep a written journal or record of your dehydrating times for future use.<br />
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Lemons and Limes can be dehydrated using this same method.<br />
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Do you dehydrate any foods? What is your favorite?Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-58236608969034148752015-09-27T20:26:00.003-04:002015-09-27T20:40:13.605-04:00Seed Saving: Harvesting Heirloom Yellow Crookneck Squash Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fall is here and our garden is coming to it's end. If you are a gardener you are probably like me and are already thinking about next year's garden! <br />
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One thing that I do is to observe varieties that did well for me so that I can replant successful varieties next year! At the end of the season I allow some of my best producing heirloom vegetable plants to grow their vegetable well beyond their maturity in order to harvest some mature seeds to save for next year's planting. <br />
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So here I will show you how I harvested some heirloom yellow crookneck squash seeds. It's a simple process and <a href="http://niftythriftyblogspot.com/2015/09/seed-saving-harvesting-heirloom-yellow.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">saving heirloom seeds</span></a> allows you to <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/09/seed-saving-harvesting-heirloom-yellow.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">grow free food</span></a> next year. Isn't that a great thing? <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/09/seed-saving-harvesting-heirloom-yellow.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Free food</span></a>! I love that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Sbl3jL3BKs4VQCoqTXk-ws1X1ojdDH1VlpFozEyPbhZrNmnynk_iCKDFZwToEfYnj101Y6KHKp0VRrB6hc_8wWgHSPpXAovY_PgnSAlfQ8g5gDgLHUIQyDYTf5PSyVjF3vQmhpNzlFLm/s1600/Seed+Saving+How+to+Harvest+Heirloom+Yellow+Crookneck+Squash+Seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Sbl3jL3BKs4VQCoqTXk-ws1X1ojdDH1VlpFozEyPbhZrNmnynk_iCKDFZwToEfYnj101Y6KHKp0VRrB6hc_8wWgHSPpXAovY_PgnSAlfQ8g5gDgLHUIQyDYTf5PSyVjF3vQmhpNzlFLm/s400/Seed+Saving+How+to+Harvest+Heirloom+Yellow+Crookneck+Squash+Seeds.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/09/seed-saving-harvesting-heirloom-yellow.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Heirloom Seed Saving</span></a>: How to Harvest Heirloom Yellow Crookneck Squash Seeds</td></tr>
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Choose a mature squash that is well beyond it's picking peak for consumption. It will be large and bumpy and will therefore contain lots of seeds.<br />
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Slice the squash into sections and remove the seeds. I try to go thru and choose the most mature, plump seeds for harvesting.<br />
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Heirloom Yellow Crookneck Squash Seeds</div>
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Work thru the gooey membrane and pull out the seeds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrffrgcssoa26mgLRHjEnHx7u6XWi0pn-mgn3LKCAnJ5m2moInfU0kMAQF8yC_kCb4c5InwW0nzDz1n99lyk1v2kRtgjVbMi99pja0habLWU-pqIIfIlRCXsuh3Fc47VsieaLjcTl7mqyC/s1600/squash+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrffrgcssoa26mgLRHjEnHx7u6XWi0pn-mgn3LKCAnJ5m2moInfU0kMAQF8yC_kCb4c5InwW0nzDz1n99lyk1v2kRtgjVbMi99pja0habLWU-pqIIfIlRCXsuh3Fc47VsieaLjcTl7mqyC/s400/squash+5.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/09/seed-saving-harvesting-heirloom-yellow.html" target="_blank">Seed Saving Heirloom Yellow Crookneck Squash</a></td></tr>
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Lay the seeds in a thin layer on a paper towel and allow them to dry out completely. It will take several days for this to be accomplished. You want to make sure they are dried out completely because you do not want any moisture left remaining so that the seeds will not mold.<br />
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Once you are sure that the seeds are completely dried out, place the seeds into an envelope. Clearly mark the seed variety and the date that they were harvested on the outside of the envelope. Store in a cool, dry place until time to plant next year!<br />
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Do you <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/09/seed-saving-harvesting-heirloom-yellow.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">harvest your heirloom seeds</span></a> too?<br />
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<br />Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-64894663838181323622015-09-07T21:32:00.002-04:002015-09-07T21:35:38.191-04:00On the Spindle - Polwarth and Silk Blend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/09/on-spindle-polwarth-and-silk-blend.html" target="_blank">Spinning Polwarth / Silk Fiber</a><br />
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I recently purchased some 85 percent Polwarth / 15% Silk blend of fiber. Polwarth is a breed of sheep that is a cross between merino and lincoln sheep. <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/09/on-spindle-polwarth-and-silk-blend.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Polwarth fiber</span></a> is next to skin soft and has a nice staple length that makes it easy to spin even using a hand spindle. It has been a joy to spin! I am hoping to get around five hundred yards of two ply yarn off of this four ounces of top roving. </div>
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Do you have any experience spinning polwarth? I would love for you to share your handspun so you are welcome to link in the comments!</div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-49249946004487481932015-06-10T04:03:00.001-04:002015-06-10T04:03:47.679-04:00Recycling Fabric: Make a Fabric Basket<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/06/make-fabric-basket.html" target="_blank">Make a Rag Fabric Basket / Bowl</a><br />
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/06/recycling-fabric-make-fabric-basket.html" target="_blank">Recycling</a> is a good thing in my book! So, with leftover fabrics from the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-make-rag-rug.html" target="_blank">rag rug</a> that I recently made, (<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-make-rag-rug.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">tutorial here</span></a>) I decided that I would make a small rag basket. Little baskets like these are great for holding all kinds of small things. This <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/06/recycling-fabric-make-fabric-basket.html" target="_blank">rag basket</a> / bowl was crocheted using only two types of stitches..... a chain stitch and a single crochet stitch. Simple and very easy to do. I found several free patterns over on<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Ravelry</span></a>. For those of you who do not know, Ravelry is a free to join knit and crochet community and has thousands and thousands of patterns with many of which are absolutely free! I hope you will give this simple little basket a try! <br />
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-91454936376717737252015-05-25T19:46:00.001-04:002017-02-28T16:17:24.239-05:00How to Make A Rag Rug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love recycling when I can. I especially love to be able to upcycle discarded or unused items into something that is pretty or useful in my home. So enter into the world of rag rug making with me!<br />
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I love thrift shopping and often find pretty fabrics, sheets, clothing and such. Sometimes the fabrics are still in very good condition or even new condition. The cost of fabric at the fabric store for new fabric is getting out of sight, especially when the purpose is for rug making. So why not take advantage of re-using and repurposing fabrics, sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, curtains or old clothing into something practical and useful?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank">How to Make a Rag Rug</a></td></tr>
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I thought I would welcome you into the world of rag rug making with something very simple. This rag rug is crocheted using a large hook (I used a size M hook) and strips of fabric that are upcycled from found fabrics.<br />
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First, look thru what you have at home in your linen closet. Look for unused sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, curtains, or whatever kind of fabrics you can find that you no longer have need of. If you need more fabrics go shopping! Yay! I especially l-o-v-e bargain shopping!!!! It's all about the thrill of the hunt, right folks? <br />
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So, keep your eyes open for fabrics that you can incorporate into your rugs. Ashamedly, I have to admit that I have a more than ample supply of fabrics that I can recycle into rugs. But if you are a rug maker it is nice to find fabrics that coordinate with one another, right? Yes! But, if you can not find coordinating fabrics I have seen many beautiful rugs that are just all different colors of fabric. Strip by strip they all incorporate into a nice rug! It all works! <br />
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Now you have some fabric. So start tearing your fabric into strips. First snip down about two inches long across the width of the fabric about every two or three inches. I usually tear the strips about a couple of inches wide. The wider the strips, the larger the hook you will use. Yes, I tear my fabric strips. I then pull off as many of the strings that I can. I don't stress over what I can not pull off. As the rug is being made, washed and used everything just works out. Ok? So.....don't stress! It will be beautiful! <br />
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You can also cut your fabric strips with scissors or a rotary cutter. Not my way of doing things but if you are that kind of a gal then go that route. All of that tearing up of the fabric is actually kind of fun and very stress relieving! Do this job outside! Lots of fiber dust comes off when you are tearing those fabric strips. For that reason I recommend that you wear a dust mask. And especially make sure to wear a dust mask if you have any respiratory issues. Protect those lungs! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank">Fabric strips for rag rug making</a></td></tr>
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After I tear my fabric into strips I fold my fabric strips and put them into neat little piles and store them in see thru zip lock bags. That way when I am ready to begin my rug making I have already accomplished that part of the process and can go to my stash and grab out the fabrics that I want to use. <br />
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There are several ways to<a href="http://nitfythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #444444;">join your fabric strips</span></a>. You can hand or machine sew them together. Or you can use the "fold, snip, and attach" method, as I refer to it! Do not make this harder than it is. It is really very, very simple. Ok? When you are ready to add a new strip of fabric follow these steps: Take your time..... and just follow these directions step by step! Don't make it harder than it is! I apologize that I can't add a photo for this step, but I only have two hands! <br />
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First, as you are crocheting along and near the end of your WORKING fabric strip, fold the end of the fabric down about an inch and with a pair of sharp, pointed scissors just take a little s<em>nip into that fold</em> (only big enough that when unfolded back out that your next strip of fabric will fit into the hole that you just cut).<br />
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Next, choose a fabric strip that you want to connect to your working fabric strip. We will call this the NEW strip. Do the same thing. Fold the end of the fabric strip down about an inch and cut a little <em>snip into the fold of the NEW fabric strip</em> about the same size as the cut that you made into your working strip. Easy enough, right?<br />
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Place your NEW strip that you are adding ON TOP of your WORKING strip aligning the little hole snips in the fabric. <br />
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OK..... now pick up the tail end of your NEW strip and<em> from the bottom or underneath </em>the two strips being held together just <em>insert the tail end </em>of the NEW strip into the holes cut in the two strips that you are holding together on top of one another. <br />
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Pull the tail end that you just fed thru the cut all the way thru until your strips are joined. Tug gently on the strips and that will join the WORKING strip to the NEW STRIP. Viola!! You have now added your two strips together without sewing! <br />
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The above rag rug was made in a square(ish) shape. You can make them round, oval, rectangular and more. For simplicity we are making this one square(ish). <br />
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This rag rug was made using only a chain stitch (which made the foundation row) and single crochet stitches. Both of these stitches are very simple. If you do not know how to do a chain stitch or a single crochet stitch I am going to refer you to the wonderful world of YouTube. Simply type into the YouTube search bar "crochet chain stitch" and "single crochet stitch" and you will find many tutorials of how to do these simple stitches.<br />
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So LET'S MAKE A RAG RUG! <br />
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Supplies:<br />
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Fabric Strips<br />
A crochet hook that is the appropriate size for your strips<br />
( I used a size M or 9 MM hook)<br />
(The wider your strips are the larger hook you will need)<br />
Yarn rug needle with a big eye<br />
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Foundation: Chain 41 stitches <br />
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Row 1: Single crochet into the first chain stitch and into each chain stitch to the end of the row. Chain 1. Turn.<br />
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Row 2: Chain into the first single crochet and into each single crochet to the end of the row. Chain one. Turn.<br />
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Repeat Row 2 until you have made the rug as long as you want it to be. <br />
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Bind off (YouTube videos will show you how) <strong><span style="font-size: large;">OR</span></strong> you can first single crochet around the entire rug for as many rounds as you would like in order to give your rug a more finished look) To accomplish neat corners simply single crochet three stitches into your corner stitches to allow for a smooth transition in the corners. Then bind off if you choose to crochet around the entire rug.<br />
With a large eye yarn needle, weave in any ends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank">TUTORIAL: HOW TO MAKE A RAG RUG</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank">Handmade Rag Rug</a></td></tr>
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That's it!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdU1rNGK6cL7DE0VNbkwJFGvGFGNLwBH3hAMf37xE-RZYHzsdhEwJAJ3t5BBIxHsuRPxzfZYCSaXj1SjNiOhgKDUtimk8OUGLrPHUNEtdXmvJWngBzD2wyaF3a7kWy7Wi3crwPVuT4rVQ/s1600/Fabric+Rag+Rug+May+2015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdU1rNGK6cL7DE0VNbkwJFGvGFGNLwBH3hAMf37xE-RZYHzsdhEwJAJ3t5BBIxHsuRPxzfZYCSaXj1SjNiOhgKDUtimk8OUGLrPHUNEtdXmvJWngBzD2wyaF3a7kWy7Wi3crwPVuT4rVQ/s400/Fabric+Rag+Rug+May+2015.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank">Crocheted Rag Rug</a></td></tr>
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I hope that this <a href="http://www.niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">tutorial on how to make a rag rug </span></a>is helpful for you to be able to make your own rag rugs! <br />
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Are you excited and ready to <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">make a rug</span></a>? I hope you will come back to tell me all about it and to show me your creations!! <br />
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Happy <a href="http://www.niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015-056/05/how-to-make-rag-rug" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">rag rug making</span></a>!Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-63946712834127921702015-05-04T19:51:00.002-04:002017-02-28T16:18:20.619-05:00Paper Crafts: Make Handmade Embellished Gift Tags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love quick little <a href="http://http//niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/paper-crafts-make-handmade-embellished.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">craft projects</span></a> and <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/paper-crafts-make-handmade-embellished.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">handmade gift tags</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span>are just that! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXU0nLDgkQA8b0O-m_0V8TprvQ6J_NMDoNYGbx0KIUwNIPBHyii0j7XL6iVhTzs9qOO8z14bDKI_GHBUnsHrQIrfKkR-TThKQKAWvly8tHySQ2Y7gKedK76NiJNGBrP_5WEOGZ9s2uTiQ/s1600/a+Vintage+Fashion+Dresses+Gift+Tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXU0nLDgkQA8b0O-m_0V8TprvQ6J_NMDoNYGbx0KIUwNIPBHyii0j7XL6iVhTzs9qOO8z14bDKI_GHBUnsHrQIrfKkR-TThKQKAWvly8tHySQ2Y7gKedK76NiJNGBrP_5WEOGZ9s2uTiQ/s320/a+Vintage+Fashion+Dresses+Gift+Tags.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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And I love that little bits and pieces can be turned into something useful and pretty. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoqZVQY5cAuTFidG-7qnDoDBFEHzJt4C11hPqoDTYUvvrJMqhuVffgdsu1Ed0w6qJ8jFSE_teJ3O4fP43kxyyTacodgJXy6imrXz8BMiMQffgrKN9ikLpOiYVL9AwZSBypVz_hrIYgEiN/s1600/A+Vintage+Fashion+Lady+in+Blue+Gift+Tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoqZVQY5cAuTFidG-7qnDoDBFEHzJt4C11hPqoDTYUvvrJMqhuVffgdsu1Ed0w6qJ8jFSE_teJ3O4fP43kxyyTacodgJXy6imrXz8BMiMQffgrKN9ikLpOiYVL9AwZSBypVz_hrIYgEiN/s320/A+Vintage+Fashion+Lady+in+Blue+Gift+Tag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Scraps of lace, trims, old buttons, photos or artwork, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj4KqG0awmrlbiRJt-tkBATfNLLfqf5hvw-2obLyBUGD5T_Y_RV5Yf-xQGgmfnHUAwHWBGMntJeyO-TeMiwlKd1ZHMruQVxuCSHEOkyiJM9SO0ubj2NhmmAdoeoq8kX5EFL9uCmd3_Q-4/s1600/Handmade+Amour+Gift+Tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj4KqG0awmrlbiRJt-tkBATfNLLfqf5hvw-2obLyBUGD5T_Y_RV5Yf-xQGgmfnHUAwHWBGMntJeyO-TeMiwlKd1ZHMruQVxuCSHEOkyiJM9SO0ubj2NhmmAdoeoq8kX5EFL9uCmd3_Q-4/s320/Handmade+Amour+Gift+Tag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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stamped or vintage images, watercolors, paints, inks, and so much more </div>
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can all be incorporated into little art projects and <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/05/paper-crafts-make-handmade-embellished.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">handmade gift tags</span></a>!</div>
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The next time that you have a wee bit of time, grab your craft box, pick some pretty papers, </div>
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baubles, bits, trims, stamps or whatever you have on hand and create something beautiful!</div>
Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-2649082428647048832015-04-25T18:11:00.000-04:002015-08-23T11:34:26.904-04:00Can I Grow a SCOBY?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplgepL1cXPOH6Xk7bQwh2m59I2ICwyCexlFB0LldPPummfm93HH3aMcD98UTzqtgXK2baOGsk2l5JxnZnThXIFu7yEoxtp_vQ7e-11c0_wgZs8Wt-KOjolj6GxdYfZhjPJ_16aiaAJiBR/s1600/How+to+Grow+a+Scoby+for+Kombucha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplgepL1cXPOH6Xk7bQwh2m59I2ICwyCexlFB0LldPPummfm93HH3aMcD98UTzqtgXK2baOGsk2l5JxnZnThXIFu7yEoxtp_vQ7e-11c0_wgZs8Wt-KOjolj6GxdYfZhjPJ_16aiaAJiBR/s400/How+to+Grow+a+Scoby+for+Kombucha.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can I <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/5/04/can-i-grow-scoby.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Grow a SCOBY for KOMBUCHA</span></a>?</td></tr>
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I have recently been drinking kombucha purchased from my local health food store. What is kombucha? It is a fermented black tea drink that supposedly has good gut health benefits because of the probiotics that are in the drink. But at nearly $4.00 (current price as of this writing) for a 16 ounce bottle of kombucha it can get a bit expensive. So, I decided that I wanted to try to brew my own. To do that I needed a SCOBY and <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/04/can-i-grow-scoby.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">kombucha starter</span></a>. <br />
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What is a <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com2015/04/can-i-grow-scoby.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">SCOBY</span></a>? Well SCOBY stands for <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/04/can-i-grow-scoby.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast</span></a>. So basically it is a culture. And in the case of a kombucha SCOBY, it is made up of yeasts that thrive on black tea and sugar. <br />
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If you have a friend who makes their own kombucha you may have a resource for some starter and a SCOBY, but after asking around all I got were blank or confused looks and questions like what<em> IS</em> kombucha and what <em>IS </em>a SCOBY. Next, I looked at my local health food store but I could not find a SCOBY there either. I know that a SCOBY and starter can be purchased online but my thinking (right or wrong) was maybe I grow my own SCOBY? Once upon a time I used to make make sour dough bread and I had to use a starter culture in my bread making. So, I figured that maybe I could make my own starter for my kombucha. If it can be done for sour dough bread starter, then maybe it can be done for kombucha.....of course not the same starter as used for sour dough bread, but a starter and SCOBY used for the making of kombucha.<br />
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So after doing a bit of research this is what I did to try to make my starter and to try to grow a SCOBY.<br />
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I sterilized a one half gallon Ball canning jar and the utensils that I was going to use. <br />
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Ingredients that I used:<br />
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6 cups (48 ounces) of bottled purified drinking water<br />
one tablespoon of loose organic black tea<br />
1/2 cup of raw organic sugar<br />
one cup of GT's Original Raw Organic Kombucha (at room temperature)<br />
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I brought the water to a boil and added the loose black tea. I steeped the tea for about 10 or 15 minutes. I strained out the tea leaves and added the sugar while the tea was still hot, stirring until the sugar dissolved. I let the tea cool to room temperature. After the tea cooled I added one cup of room temperature GT's Original Raw Organic Kombucha. I did not put a lid on my jar, but instead I covered my jar with an unbleached coffee filter and secured it with a rubber band and then covered it with a cotton flour sack material (I got that at Walmart years ago). I will keep it sitting out on a shelf or counter where it does not get any direct sunlight. <br />
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<em>SO, this is a test</em>! <em>An experiment!</em> I am not sure how long it will take for my tea to ferment and for the SCOBY to grow. In fact, I don't even know <em>if</em> I will be able to grow a SCOBY. But I am giving it a try. If you are interested and want to grow your own, check back and see if I am successful. I will update this blog to let you know what happens! <br />
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I am keeping my fingers crossed! I am even whispering sweet little things to it as I pass by ......like......"hello my sweet little baby SCOBY " and "grow my little baby SCOBY, grow!" Not sure if it will help, but I talk to my plants too...... Yes..... I do.<br />
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******UPDATED 8/23/15: Yes, I was able to grow my own scoby using the above method! I have been happily making and drinking my own homemade kombucha ever since! As of today, August 23, 2015 I have two very full scoby hotels full of healthy scobys! Give it a try if you love kombucha and skip the nearly $4 per bottle cost by making it yourself! Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-73196295416757561052015-04-24T00:11:00.000-04:002017-02-28T16:15:10.676-05:00Tutorial How To: Make A Needle Felted Crown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Wc4Zof1cxgZl7y9F-ijZcy6ANmJiqIHVajE9K3SrHvvVehsL2LqM_MSaKt_dFLbjlZTs4CjlwSI5MHj46ZN27ye1yZR8Al2GY02A8gd3tEyJrqtGah-uA5GGf5rNDcISHr4NHKKIa3U/s1600/Needle+Felted+Crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Wc4Zof1cxgZl7y9F-ijZcy6ANmJiqIHVajE9K3SrHvvVehsL2LqM_MSaKt_dFLbjlZTs4CjlwSI5MHj46ZN27ye1yZR8Al2GY02A8gd3tEyJrqtGah-uA5GGf5rNDcISHr4NHKKIa3U/s400/Needle+Felted+Crown.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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Here is a great way to use up some of your fiber that you have left over from other fiber projects. <a href="http://nitfythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/04/tutorial-how-to-make-felted-crown.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Make a needle felted crown</span></a>!</div>
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What you will need:</div>
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A crown shaped cookie cutter</div>
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Felting needles or a Clover Felting tool </div>
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A Clover Felting Mat or a piece of thick foam</div>
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Embroidery floss and an embroidery needle</div>
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beads</div>
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a tiny satin rose</div>
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optional - any other embellishments that you would like to add such as buttons, sequins, etc.</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Place your cookie cutter on top of your <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/04/tutorial-how-to-make-needle-felted-crown.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Clover felting mat</span></a> or a thick piece of foam </div>
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2. Place some fiber into your cookie cutter. </div>
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3. Using your <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.co/2015/04/tutorial-how-to-make-needle-felted-crown.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Clover Needle Felting Tool</span></a> or felting needle begin to poke gently at the fiber, being careful not to hit your felting tool on your cookie cutter. Watch out for your fingers!! Those felting needles hurt so be extra careful! Ask me how I know........</div>
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4. Continue poking your fiber with your needle felting tool or felting needle, turning it over and poking your felting tool on both sides until the fibers have felted together nicely.</div>
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5. Now make a second felted crown. </div>
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6. Enjoy the stress relief that all of that jabbing and punching is freeing you of! </div>
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7. Embroider, add beads, and a tiny satin rose, or other embellishments if you would like such as buttons, sequins, etc. I only embellished one side of the crown because I wanted to add a pin back to the back side of the crown so that it could be worn as a brooch or to be able to use it as a removable embellishment to a bag, scarf or whatever. </div>
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8. Place the two crowns together. I took a single felting needle to slightly felt the two hearts together, a bit.....being careful to not jab my felting needle into my embroidered design, beads or little satin rose. </div>
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9. Sew the two crowns together using a blanket stitch or whatever stitch you would like to use. </div>
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10. Sew a pin back to the backside of the heart if you want to make it into a brooch or a removable embellishment that you can pin onto a scarf, hat, bag or whatever!</div>
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Have fun and happy needle felting! </div>
Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-10909487036107224212015-04-21T21:32:00.002-04:002017-02-28T16:23:12.865-05:00Off the Spindle: Handspun Blue Faced Leicester <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHpF9U3MN9HdVcNpnEtB0owfGJl6Dirgu3eRu6Qqaz6nibPcajxqKEFOvwvQnDDNIq7fvjKsvmWf3m-Bk7CnSQT9E7s4E1U5lvYbuseijahRu9BVdicOxUCP5Vnri8j0SWwJjO4a4W3SS/s1600/Handspun+BFL+Blue+and+Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHpF9U3MN9HdVcNpnEtB0owfGJl6Dirgu3eRu6Qqaz6nibPcajxqKEFOvwvQnDDNIq7fvjKsvmWf3m-Bk7CnSQT9E7s4E1U5lvYbuseijahRu9BVdicOxUCP5Vnri8j0SWwJjO4a4W3SS/s400/Handspun+BFL+Blue+and+Brown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/04/off-spindle-handspun-blue-faced.html" target="_blank">Handspun Blue Faced Leicester (BFL)</a></div>
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Blue Faced Leicester is a long wool breed of sheep. It has a nice long staple length usually 3 to 6 inches long.<br />
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I recently purchased some beautiful hand dyed BFL roving in a colorway of brown, blue and grey. I spun and plied it completely by hand using one of my tibetan style hand spindles. This particular fiber had a stable length of a little over 4 inches and a micron count of 25 - 28 microns but to me it felt softer than what the micron count would indicate.<br />
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From the 4.2 ounces of fiber I ended up with approximately 340 or so yards of two ply yarn. So I should have enough yardage for a pair of fingerless gloves, a hat or a scarf. <br />
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If you are interested in learning to spin, I think that BFL would make a nice fiber for the beginner spinner. But it is certainly not just a beginner fiber. It is a beautiful fiber with lovely drape and this particular fiber was quite soft too! BFL makes for some lovely <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/04/off-spindle-handspun-blue-faced.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">handspun yarn</span></a>. Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-64909016685704518912015-03-30T23:49:00.000-04:002015-05-10T23:23:38.518-04:00Thrifty Seed Starting Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CFJWCXv0iSWTImJ31iNUZL4gOazv7PuBA57ptg1cyteNlPMN04G2nbGBMC8BZW_wbU3UqVT78EyBvY8s5EbMJdsO69rKlCim2EYSZ2RICaumBMKOV4dhIlvrPYRjZJYl0ezHUI0b_V9/s1600/Pow+Wow+Echinacea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CFJWCXv0iSWTImJ31iNUZL4gOazv7PuBA57ptg1cyteNlPMN04G2nbGBMC8BZW_wbU3UqVT78EyBvY8s5EbMJdsO69rKlCim2EYSZ2RICaumBMKOV4dhIlvrPYRjZJYl0ezHUI0b_V9/s640/Pow+Wow+Echinacea.jpg" width="561" /></a></div>
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This time of the year, a few warm days and a bit of sunshine and the local gardening centers start calling out my name so I recently stopped in to check out all the new bedding plants that are coming in. I can not help but want to get these hands into the soil when I see all of the beautiful bedding plants! Color, color everywhere!!<br />
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One thing that I love to do when I have the time is to grow my plants from seeds or from cuttings. This means planning ahead! During the winter I order seed and bulb magazines and dream of what I will be planting the upcoming spring season. I enjoy the process and it helps to keep my mind dreaming on what my garden will look like come spring. There is just something about planting a seed and having a beautiful plant grow from it that makes my heart sing!<br />
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When I was looking at all of the beautiful bedding plants I realized that along with everything else the price of them has gone up. Some money can be saved by implementing some of the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/03/thrifty-seed-starting-tips.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">thrifty gardening tips</span></a> that I am going to share with you. If you're a gardener you probably know about every tip here, but if you are new to gardening you may learn a bit! And I will have more gardening tips in future posts, so come back and visit again sometimes if you have an interest! <br />
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1. Plan ahead. Order seed catalogs early. It is much less expensive to plant seeds than to buy plants. Many seeds do well when sown directly into the soil. But it is always a good idea to start your seeds growing inside ahead of time. </div>
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2. Save those egg cartons! Although any of the egg cartons can be used to plant your seed, I prefer the biodegradeable cardboard ones. When you get ready to transfer your plants to the garden you can just put them right along with the plant into the garden.<br />
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3. Cardboard toilet tissue tubes and napkin tubes can also be used to plant your seeds. Just cut and fold in the cardboard on the bottom to hold the soil and insert your seeds. Again, biodegradeable so plant it right into the ground once your seedlings are ready to go into your garden.<br />
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4. You can even roll newspapers and fold them to make a bottom and use the newspaper <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2015/03/thrifty-seed-starting-tips.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">seed starting</span></a> pot to plant your seeds. And when you are ready to transplant the seedlings you can plant them in the ground along with the newspaper pot because it is biodegradeable too! I don't use newpaper for food type seedlings because I am just not sure of the safety of the ink used in the newspaper print, but I do use them for flower seeds.<br />
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5. Save your film cannisters and medicine bottles. Wash and sterilize them and dry them well and you can reuse them to store seeds for next year's plantings. Labels to identify the type of seeds and the date that you collected them. Store in a cool, dark place.<br />
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6. Eggshells can be washed out and you can break away the tops of the eggshells, insert your seed starting soil and plant your seeds in them. Again....... biodegradeable!<br />
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7. Save your popscicle sticks to use for plant markers. They can be washed and recycled. Write the name of the seeds, the variety and the date sown on the popcicle sticks. Another recycling tip for making your own plant markers is to save plastic food containers. You can cut the lid and the packaging into strips and write on them with a marker.<br />
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8. Plastic food containers from yogurt, butter, non-dairy topping, etc. can also be used to plant your seeds. Wash the containers well and then sanitize them by soaking them in a 10% bleach solution for ten or fifteen minutes so that they are clean and free of germs. Make sure that you put holes in the bottom of the containers so that they have adequate drainage and place them on some sort of tray to catch water.<br />
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9. Follow the directions on the seed packets. A tip to check larger seeds for viability is to soak them in water for a few hours. Some seeds have a thick coating and may need to be nicked prior to soaking. You can accomplish this with a pair of clean, sterile nail clippers or by slighly sanding the surface of the seed with a bit of sand paper. In most instances the seeds that are still living will sink to the bottom and the ones that are not usable will float to the surface.<br />
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10. Plant your seeds in pre-moistened seed starting mix and plant more seeds than you think you will need because all of them may not germinate or you may just loose some of the tender seedlings for whatever reason and also because you will want to be able to choose healthy seedlings when you begin to thin out the weaker or smaller ones. Once you have sown the seeds in in your seed starting container of choice make sure that the soil does not dry out. And once the seedlings emerge make sure they get plenty of light.</div>
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If you are anything like me when you see those little seeds pop their little heads out of the soil you will rejoice and be glad of a job well done! Ah.....it makes my heart SING with glee!! <br />
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I hope that you found a tip or two to help you along in your seed starting adventures.<br />
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Til next time......<br />
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Many thanks to<a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/2015/04/link-party-tuesdays-with-twist.html" target="_blank"> Stone Cottage Adventurers</a> for featuring this post on her wonderful blog! Hop over and check out her lovely blog! <br />
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-63353846049853171382014-12-17T10:10:00.000-05:002015-05-10T23:28:31.956-04:00How to: Make a Needle Felted and Embroidered Heart - A DIY Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, you have a bit of fiber and want to make a quick something? Go grab yourself some felting needles or a Clover Felting tool, a Clover felting mat or piece of thick foam, a heart shaped cookie cutter, some <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspotcom/2014/12/how-to-make-needle-felted-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">embroidery</span></a> floss and an embroidery needle, and let's get started! </div>
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1. Place your heart cookie cutter onto your Clover Felting Mat, or a block of thick foam.</div>
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2. Place some fiber into your cookie cutter. </div>
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3. Using your Clover Needle Felting Tool begin to pounce gently at the fiber, being careful not to hit your felting tool on your cookie cutter. And be extra cautious to keep your fingers out of the way of the felting tool! Let me tell ya, that thing hurts!!!! It has lots of little barbs on the needle and is very, very sharp! OUCH.......</div>
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4. Continue pouncing and punching (don't get aggressive now.....haha!) your fiber with your needle felting tool, flipping it over and pouncing both sides until the fibers have felted together nicely.</div>
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5. Now make a second heart. </div>
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6. Enjoy the stress relief that all of that jabbing and punching is freeing you of! </div>
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7. <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-make-needle-felted-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Free hand embroider</span></a> a design onto one or both of your hearts. I only did one side because I wanted to add a pin back on the back side so that it could be worn or added to a bag, scarf or whatever. But if I were going to make an ornament or something out of it, I might have chosen to embroider both sides. I just embroidered a few little leaves, a vine and embroidered <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-make-needle-felted-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">French knots</span></a> to represent flowers. Do whatever you wish! It's yours to play with and have fun with! </div>
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8. Place the two hearts together. I took a single felting needle to kind of felt the two hearts together, a bit.....being careful to not jab my felting needle into my embroidered design(s). </div>
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9. Sew the two hearts together using a blanket stitch or whatever stitch you would like to use. </div>
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10. Sew a pin back to the backside of the heart if you want to make it into a brooch or an embellishment that you can pin onto a scarf, hat, bag or whatever! </div>
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You can also add beads, buttons, ribbon or whatever other little embellishments that you wish to incorporate into your design. </div>
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Just have fun and enjoy being creative!! </div>
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Happy <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-make-needle-felted-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">needle felting</span></a>! </div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-86678271358954839882014-12-15T22:41:00.000-05:002015-05-10T23:33:25.867-04:00Enjoying the Journey - Handspinning Fiber Into Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the hustle of the daytime settles down and the calmness and peaceful quietness of the night settles in,</div>
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what a joy it is to pick up my<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2014/12/enjoying-journey-handspinning-fiber.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">spindle</span></a> and spin my cares away. </div>
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I find comfort in the feel of the fiber as it passes through my hands. </div>
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And I find contentment and joy in the making of a <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2014/12/enjoying-journey-handspinning-fiber.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">handspun yarn</span></a>. </div>
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Simplicity is satisfying. <br />
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Life is good. </div>
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Yes, .......very good.</div>
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I am enjoying the journey.<br />
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-70771548448407830432014-12-14T23:00:00.000-05:002014-12-14T23:00:01.038-05:00Knit Stuff Owl Toy A Handmade Gift Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cute owls..... they are everywhere! On bedding, purses, clothes, socks and so much more! And it is no wonder! They are adorable! So, while I was over on Ralvery I saw the cutest little <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2014/12/knit-owl-toy-handmade-gift-idea.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">hand knit owl</span></a> pattern. Wouldn't it be cute to knit up several of these and attach them to a knit I-cord for an owl banner for the baby nursery! Or as an owl ornament! Cute, cute cute!!! And they don't take very much yarn or very much time at all. A very <span style="color: #444444;">thrifty gift</span> that is sure to be loved by a wee one on your gift list!<br /><br /> Instead of using felt for eyes, as the pattern suggested, I just hand crocheted a circle and added cute buttons to the center. Make sure to use safety eyes if the owl will be used by a child. <br /><br /> Want to make a knit stuffed owl for someone on your list? You can get the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-puffs" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">knit owl pattern</span></a> for FREE! Many thanks to Jenna Krupar for sharing her pattern! You will need to sign up for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Ravelry</span></a> first to access the pattern. It's free to join Ravelry and there are lots and lots of free patterns there and many that can be purchased too. You should check it out! <br />
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Have you made any <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2014/12/knit-stuff-owl-toy-handmade-gift-idea.html" target="_blank">handmade toy gifts</a> this season? I would love to see if you want to share!<br />
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Happy knitting! <br /><br /><br />
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-87882018491172884292014-12-13T18:40:00.001-05:002015-05-10T23:35:19.505-04:00Flower Loom Flowers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span id="goog_492828711"></span><span id="goog_492828712">What to do with little bits of left over yarn? Make Loom Flowers! They are as cute as a button, simple little bundles of colorful joy! They look so cute on little flower clips and hair pins, and as embellishments on all kinds of things like bags, t-shirts , hats, scarves! Think scrapbooking embellishments or decorate a gift package. Make a garland, or a blanket with them......Well, you get it! Lots of fun stuff to do with them! </span><br />
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And making them keeps little children's hands busy. And busy hands are happy hands and happy hands keep little ones creative and out of mischief! And that's all good in my book! <br />
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I made mine using a Boye Bloom Loom. You can order one on line or find them at your local craft and hobby stores. Use those craft store coupons and this is near nothing in cost. <br />
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Remember.... busy hands are happy hands! <br />
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What do you do with your loom flowers?Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-54029290372217209202013-11-20T19:37:00.003-05:002017-02-28T16:22:25.620-05:00Pumpkin Orange Fall Cowl<div>
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<span class="post-author vcard">Fall...I love it! Cool, crisp morning air. Clear blue skies. The changing of the leaves. Snuggling. </span></div>
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<span class="post-author vcard">And my knitting needles are clicking. And here is one of my projects. This simple cowl. Pumpkin Orange. No other color reminds me of fall more than the beautiful, warm and vibrant color orange. </span></div>
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Have you been doing any crafts this fall season?</div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-62066847007968376362013-08-17T12:00:00.001-04:002015-05-10T23:43:00.065-04:00In the Garden: PowWow Wildberry Echinacea Purpurea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoDlB3iUVtVdCldZ9bIO3apYlH5MTZenSE-TXeldLRo4JhZ-YRmMQBzeKsZpJ6v6tNaN30gVPtF4kVHJccyLVSG84gSQK_kRBKNyInE2GfU6oGrBKfrRgXISiH0-ZQt98j9qabIzq_r6y/s1600/Pow+Wow+Echinacea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoDlB3iUVtVdCldZ9bIO3apYlH5MTZenSE-TXeldLRo4JhZ-YRmMQBzeKsZpJ6v6tNaN30gVPtF4kVHJccyLVSG84gSQK_kRBKNyInE2GfU6oGrBKfrRgXISiH0-ZQt98j9qabIzq_r6y/s400/Pow+Wow+Echinacea.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
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Herb: <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-garden-pow-wow-wildberry-echinacea.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">PowWow Wildberry Echinacea Purpurea</span></a></div>
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Talk about packing a punch of color to my flower garden! <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-garden-pow-wow-wildberry-echinacea.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">PowWow Wildberry Echinacea Purpurea</span></a> does it fantastically! When I saw the beautiful blooms of this herb I knew that I had to have it in my garden. The flowers are a vivid rose-purple color with the orange cone like center that are about 3 or 4 inches in diameter . They are a perennial so I can look forward to their returning blooms year after year! </div>
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What is the most colorful flower or herb in your garden?</div>
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Linking with: <a href="http://www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/farmgirl-friday-blog-hop-121-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farm Girl Friday</a></div>
Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-57595369730683964052013-07-02T22:36:00.000-04:002015-05-11T11:41:48.814-04:00How To: Wind a Center Pull Yarn Ball or Yarn Cake From a Hank Using a Nostepinne <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-wind-center-pull-yarn-ball-or.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">How to Wind a Center Pull Yarn Cake with a Nostepinne</span></a></div>
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When I purchase a hank of yarn at my local yarn shop I sometimes ask them to go ahead and wind the hank of yarn into a ball if I plan on using the yarn soon. If I don't have the yarn shop to wind the yarn for me I end up winding it myself by hand since I do not have a yarn swift or a yarn winder. But the other day I was at Hobby Lobby and saw this handy little gadget called a <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-wind-center-pull-yarn-ball-or.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">nostepinne</span></a>. </div>
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The cost of the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-wind-center-pull-yarn-ball-or.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">ball winder</span></a> or nostepinne was $6.99 but with my 40% off coupon it only cost $4.19 plus tax. So I bought it..... Love those 40% off coupons!</div>
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To use the nostepinne to <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-wind-center-pull-yarn-ball-or.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">wind a center pull yarn ball</span></a> or <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-wind-center-pull-yarn-ball-or.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">yarn cake</span></a> this is what I did:</div>
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First, lay the hank of yarn out in a circle on a flat surface and find the ties on the yarn hank. There will most likely be several of them. With scissors snip the ties off being careful not to cut into your yarn hank.... only cut the ties that hold the yarn together. </div>
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Tie a slip knot.</div>
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Undo a length of yarn from the hank and begin to wind the yarn around the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-wind-center-pull-yarn-ball-or.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">nostepinne</span></a> an inch or so from where you tied the yarn onto the nostepinne rotating the nostepinne as you go along. It helps keep your yarn ball or yarn cake looking neat by keeping your thumb at the bottom of the yarn ball and your pointer or first finger at the top of the yarn ball. As you wind the yarn lay the yarn as close as you can to the prior string of yarn and rotating your nostepinne as needed. I hold the nostepinne and the yarn ball in my left hand and I wind the yarn using my right hand.</div>
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Continue to wind and wind and wind and wind! When you finish winding the entire hank of yarn into a yarn ball untie the slip knot and slide the center pull yarn ball off of the end of the nostepinne. Tuck your yarn ends under a few strands of yarn on the ball.</div>
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So there you have it!! A pretty little <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-wind-center-pull-yarn-ball-or.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">yarn cake</span></a> or yarn ball!! If you aren't going to use your yarn immediately you can tie your yarn tag onto the yarn ball for future use or fold it up and insert it into whole created by winding it onto the nostepinne. </div>
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Why hand wind your yarn into a center pull yarn ball? Well, for one thing if there are any knots or breaks in the yarn you can take care of that at this time before you start knitting and happen upon it while knitting. Also a center pull ball allows you the opportunity to knit from either end of the yarn ball. This comes in handy particularly when you are working with several balls of hand dyed or kettle dyed yarns. And they stack so pretty in your storage container!</div>
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While I was outside clipping some of my hydrangeas to bring inside I noticed that my pretty yarn cake is about the same beautiful color of some of my hydrangeas.</div>
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Have a wonderful day!</div>
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Partying over at: <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2013/07/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no170.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/07/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-82/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #82</a></div>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-62909715685086540542013-06-05T02:39:00.001-04:002017-02-28T16:24:44.173-05:00How To Tutorial: Basics for Painting on Glass <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4KUNQFh6rV0rNOD7zOCLO-vslzP3TZxQh9NI8nA2axLq_P8V0-_W-s4og_01IhdgAdHTkw8jNsGXzCT2JQHrzN64MaoRTdfkW5ZWzIOoc7-0TjociyAIPmPfjzzNLOHEMriuNiO5m9Dk/s1600/Hand+Painted+Sundae+Glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4KUNQFh6rV0rNOD7zOCLO-vslzP3TZxQh9NI8nA2axLq_P8V0-_W-s4og_01IhdgAdHTkw8jNsGXzCT2JQHrzN64MaoRTdfkW5ZWzIOoc7-0TjociyAIPmPfjzzNLOHEMriuNiO5m9Dk/s400/Hand+Painted+Sundae+Glasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Hand Painted Glassware</span></a></div>
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Want a fun crafty project that is quick, easy and also makes a <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">great gift</span></a> idea? Paint this simple cherry design on ice cream sundae or dessert glasses.</div>
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Basic Preparation for Painting on Glass:</div>
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Wash in warm soapy water</div>
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Wipe down the area you are going to paint with alcohol and allow to dry. I usually allow them to dry for 15 to 30 minutes before I paint.</div>
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Supplies:</div>
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Clean Sundae Glasses (See basic preparation directions above)</div>
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Suggested <a href="http://shop.plaidonline.com/folkart-enamels-2-oz/42/product.htm" target="_blank">Folk Art Enamels Paint</a> for Glass and Ceramic in the following colors:</div>
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Engine Red</div>
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Evergreen</div>
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Fresh Foliage</div>
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Licorice</div>
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Umber</div>
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Wicker White</div>
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<a href="http://shop.plaidonline.com/folkart-enamels-mediums-clear-medium-2-oz/45/4035/product.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Folk Art Enamels Clear Medium</a></div>
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Small Artist Brushes, I used a small flat brush and a liner brush</div>
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Foam plate</div>
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Disposable cup for cleaning brushes between paint changes or </div>
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a brush basin</div>
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I freehand painted the cherries around the glasses. But if you don't feel comfortable with freehand painting you could first draw the design on paper and tape it to the inside of the glass and paint the design on the outside of the glass. </div>
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Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Apply Clear Medium over the painted design only. The Clear Medium will help the paint adhere to the glass. (The Clear Medium can also be used for shading and to for transparent effects.)</div>
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To cure the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">painted glassware</span> </a>air dry for the specified number of days or bake in the oven by following the manufacturer's directions. I chose to bake according to the manufacturer's directions.</div>
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I always hand wash my <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">painted glassware</span></a> but the manufacturer states that the painted glassware is top rack dish washer safe. I figure that if I took the time to hand paint them that I will also take the time to hand wash them.</div>
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<strong>Caution:</strong></div>
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Do NOT allow the painted glassware to soak if you are hand washing.</div>
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Do NOT microwave painted glassware.</div>
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Do NOT allow food or liquids to come into direct contact with painted surfaces. Therefore for example if you are painting a plate you would need to paint on the backside of the paint using a reverse painting technique or if you are painting glasses you would need to paint on the outside of the glasses.</div>
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DO allow a 3/4 inch border ( the lip line area) at the top of painted glasses to assure that lips do not come in contact with the painted surface.</div>
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Do NOT use Folk Art Enamels for Glass and Ceramics on plastic. </div>
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<strong>Follow all manufacturer's directions and precautions for safety and use of product</strong>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6imAmF-gvdf3-HxPxbYAluIgfoTquweKg7g3ySXc-qkKQjeUMeke7aOU1JVrXn_qf8aeZW55u_JuPmxBg5cF6sQ6zmpzqAfE4nuhqb-pFPU_-tbDihD7SneatYuXjenkayvfkvZEyA613/s1600/Hand+Painted+Wine+Glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6imAmF-gvdf3-HxPxbYAluIgfoTquweKg7g3ySXc-qkKQjeUMeke7aOU1JVrXn_qf8aeZW55u_JuPmxBg5cF6sQ6zmpzqAfE4nuhqb-pFPU_-tbDihD7SneatYuXjenkayvfkvZEyA613/s400/Hand+Painted+Wine+Glasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Hand Painted Wine Glasses</span></a> </div>
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Here is another example of <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">hand painted glassware</span></a>. These <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">hand painted wine glasses</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span>were also painted according to the basic directions above. Wouldn't these be a great thrifty <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">handmade wedding gift</span></a> or <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">bridal gift</span></a>? You could paint them in the colors that the bride chose for her wedding colors as a sweet remembrance of her special day! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsQiRHZgIqzXLWSEZY_SVQWOcZ3OGXi5uZrVBycYjoV2-5jKNosOj_TLtW6sqEWGtvEDXWZIk1lSYRViW_AjC423vP9ymkZM2zVZYKgPFr4wyx_lX0ADUXdmK8SMEclCDi97DuWviAM7U/s1600/Hand+Painted+Cheese+Dome+Dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsQiRHZgIqzXLWSEZY_SVQWOcZ3OGXi5uZrVBycYjoV2-5jKNosOj_TLtW6sqEWGtvEDXWZIk1lSYRViW_AjC423vP9ymkZM2zVZYKgPFr4wyx_lX0ADUXdmK8SMEclCDi97DuWviAM7U/s400/Hand+Painted+Cheese+Dome+Dish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Hand Painted Glass Cheese Dome</span></a></div>
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Have a friend who loves a <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">cottage style kitchen</span></a>? Hand painted glass cheese domes, cake domes, water glasses and much more can be custom painted to match her <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">cottage chic decor</span></a>!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFUj8hPCOwsjPuIs7mVDZR6I6tQiaY0gEsnP2R8YqJNAEq9-6f75bJYzVwEVGhmIakMq9aEHY2_7lh5ydcBvABbMNDoazR9DMYhkS8M_fxYhyzkqWan558V64tji0FHZjaGKcNrSK43k/s1600/Hand+painted+cake+dome_+jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFUj8hPCOwsjPuIs7mVDZR6I6tQiaY0gEsnP2R8YqJNAEq9-6f75bJYzVwEVGhmIakMq9aEHY2_7lh5ydcBvABbMNDoazR9DMYhkS8M_fxYhyzkqWan558V64tji0FHZjaGKcNrSK43k/s400/Hand+painted+cake+dome_+jpg.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Hand Painted Glass Cake Dome</span></a></div>
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I find that the Folk Art Enamels for Glass and Ceramics do an excellent job and hold up very well to every day use when the glassware is prepped, cured and cared for according to the manufacturer's directions. </div>
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Have fun and use your imagination to create some beautiful hand painted glassware that might possibly become an <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-tutorial-basics-for-painting-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">heirloom gift</span></a>!</div>
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You are welcome to Pin to Pinterest! Ma</h2>
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Many thanks to <a href="http://www.mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maria</a> for featuring this tutorial on her lovely blog:</div>
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Linked in with: <a href="http://adiamondinthestuff.com/2013/06/time-to-shine-party-119.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Time To Shine,</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/06/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-75/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways</span></a>, <a href="http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com/2013/06/party-time-at-bouquet-of-talent-39.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">A Bouquet of Talent</span></a>, <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/2013/06/tuesdays-at-our-home-14.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Tuesdays at Our Home</span></a>, <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2013/06/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no168.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday</span></a>,<span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2013/06/16/that-diy-party-21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">That DIY Party</span></a></div>
Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-32188575032484424772013-04-06T00:14:00.001-04:002015-05-11T00:31:34.127-04:00Decoupaged and Glittered Eggs Egg Art and a DIY How To Tutorial<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzvS5Q-W8QWoVtFEoJLdMR7r3o-KValcjYUr5mq1dzyBX-SEoek7uNc-omj7XQajWUmLR6ZUMXR0ugopnffwkbY_27rxN490h4drY3z4lZm31UZbDHvnoqche7FDqLsQ3ZHofq7tbbU6K/s1600/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Eggs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzvS5Q-W8QWoVtFEoJLdMR7r3o-KValcjYUr5mq1dzyBX-SEoek7uNc-omj7XQajWUmLR6ZUMXR0ugopnffwkbY_27rxN490h4drY3z4lZm31UZbDHvnoqche7FDqLsQ3ZHofq7tbbU6K/s400/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Eggs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Glittered Easter Eggs</span></a></div>
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Better late than never I suppose! I was really pushing it this year to get the childrens keepsake <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Easter eggs</span></a> decorated in time for Easter! It is a family tradition each year that I make some sort of <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">keepsake eggs</span></a> for them. The children look forward to them and each year they bring out their past years eggs to display. Each year I gift them a new <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Easter egg </span></a>to add to their collection. Eggs from the past years have included hand <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">sequinned eggs</span></a> and also <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">hand painted eggs</span></a>. This year I opted for a quick way to decorate the eggs since I was so pressed for time.<br />
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Here is a <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">DIY egg decorating tutorial</span></a> for decorating your own eggs and a list of supplies that I used, but use your imagination and choose what you like! <br />
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Large Wooden <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Ostrich Eggs</span></a> with Flat Bottom<br />
<a href="http://www.plaidonline.com/folkart-acrylic-colors-2-oz/38/product.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Folk Art Acrylic Paint</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.plaidonline.com/martha-stewart-crafts-paint/146/product.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Martha Stewart Glitter Paint</span></a><br />
Jolee's Butterfly Stickers<br />
<a href="http://www.createforless.com/Aleenes+Decoupage+Collage+Pauge+Matte+8oz/pid150610.aspx?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&cagpspn=pla&CAWELAID=1439849091&catargetid=1552964125&gclid=CP-TqsSCtbYCFQQEnQodOT8Avw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Collage Pauge Matte Finish</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.createforless.com/Eclectic+Adhesive+E6000+.5oz+Carded+Clear/pid218517.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">E6000 Glue</span></a><br />
Recollections Adhesive Faux Pearls Flat Back<br />
Crystal Clear Glitter<br />
<a href="http://www.createforless.com/Krylon+Glitter+Blast+Paint+Clear+Sealer+6oz/pid191910.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Krylon Glitter Blast Sealer</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br />
Sandpaper<br />
Foam Sponge Brush<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iFcIM-v_cabk5XtPwBnIBcGnO0UXLK4q889gQYTsLaGUIx1yW7rv2lk6dDU3WXuKldFqhgwwMhCwaYfmaOmZ9U9Ud934T68gsyoGI4HBMIxCpRLUnIgczrKPtwqtOTjOZ6EZXsqIderN/s1600/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Egg+Art+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iFcIM-v_cabk5XtPwBnIBcGnO0UXLK4q889gQYTsLaGUIx1yW7rv2lk6dDU3WXuKldFqhgwwMhCwaYfmaOmZ9U9Ud934T68gsyoGI4HBMIxCpRLUnIgczrKPtwqtOTjOZ6EZXsqIderN/s400/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Egg+Art+2.png" width="390" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Shabby Cottage Style Easter Eggs</span></a></div>
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Sand the eggs with sandpaper to ensure a smooth painting surface. Paint the eggs using a foam sponge brush applying a couple of coats of the<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;"> Folk Art acrylic paint</span></a> until complete coverage has been achieved. Allow paint to dry between coats and sand slightly between coats for a smooth surface. Next I painted surface with the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Martha Stewart Glitter Paint</span></a> to add a bit of glittered shimmer. Allow to dry thoroughly. <br />
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Keepsakes Easter Eggs</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
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If your stickers have any mounting tape adhesive on the back remove them so that your stickers will lie flat on the eggs. Apply a small amount of <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Collage Pauge</span></a> to the eggs wherever you would like to place the Jolee's stickers and also apply a small amount of Collage Pauge to the back of the sticker and apply the sticker to the egg. Press the sticker firmly onto the egg. This may take a while to get the sticker to adhere. Once adhered to the egg, apply several coats Collage Pauge over the stickers allowing to dry between coats. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9NBQQvaqRXoorTotWbAFX6HZD54hqb0llH5GVeAxnuHXXe7D-R7zSZFeJWeZN_P1lx_0skx-K9NnHwXl-D33wZijYA-ds2Rk7-vsC1WIHC3lv2e7a86WFsRHGVhxr92A_pBGfAJrayMz/s1600/Shabby+Glittered+Pink+Easter+Egg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9NBQQvaqRXoorTotWbAFX6HZD54hqb0llH5GVeAxnuHXXe7D-R7zSZFeJWeZN_P1lx_0skx-K9NnHwXl-D33wZijYA-ds2Rk7-vsC1WIHC3lv2e7a86WFsRHGVhxr92A_pBGfAJrayMz/s400/Shabby+Glittered+Pink+Easter+Egg.png" width="377" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Shabby Cottage Style Pastel Easter Eggs</span></a></div>
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During the final coat of the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Collage Pauge</span></a> and while the egg is still wet with the decoupage medium sprinkle the crystal clear gitter over the egg covering the entire surface. Be careful in handling the egg taking care to not remove the glitter during handling. If some does get removed allow the egg to dry and reapply more decoupage glue and more glitter on the places that have lost the glitter through handling. Allow to dry overnight. Seal with several coats of <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Krylon Glitter Blast Sealer</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">,</span> allowing to dry between coats.<br />
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Egg Art</span> </a></div>
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If you wish to add the Recollection Faux Pearls add a dab of the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">E6000 clear glue</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span>to the back of the faux flat back pearls and press firmly in a pattern of your choice. Allow to dry. The faux pearls already have a sticky back but the <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">E6000 glue</span></a> should hold the faux pearls more securely. It's strong stuff!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzvS5Q-W8QWoVtFEoJLdMR7r3o-KValcjYUr5mq1dzyBX-SEoek7uNc-omj7XQajWUmLR6ZUMXR0ugopnffwkbY_27rxN490h4drY3z4lZm31UZbDHvnoqche7FDqLsQ3ZHofq7tbbU6K/s1600/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Eggs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzvS5Q-W8QWoVtFEoJLdMR7r3o-KValcjYUr5mq1dzyBX-SEoek7uNc-omj7XQajWUmLR6ZUMXR0ugopnffwkbY_27rxN490h4drY3z4lZm31UZbDHvnoqche7FDqLsQ3ZHofq7tbbU6K/s400/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Eggs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Decoupaged Easter Eggs</span></a></div>
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Enjoy your <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">decorated eggs</span></a>! Great for collecting or <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Easter gift</span> </a>giving! And a sweet little keepsakes for the children!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iFcIM-v_cabk5XtPwBnIBcGnO0UXLK4q889gQYTsLaGUIx1yW7rv2lk6dDU3WXuKldFqhgwwMhCwaYfmaOmZ9U9Ud934T68gsyoGI4HBMIxCpRLUnIgczrKPtwqtOTjOZ6EZXsqIderN/s1600/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Egg+Art+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iFcIM-v_cabk5XtPwBnIBcGnO0UXLK4q889gQYTsLaGUIx1yW7rv2lk6dDU3WXuKldFqhgwwMhCwaYfmaOmZ9U9Ud934T68gsyoGI4HBMIxCpRLUnIgczrKPtwqtOTjOZ6EZXsqIderN/s400/Shabby+Cottage+Style+Easter+Egg+Art+2.png" width="390" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Easter Crafts</span></a></div>
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Did YOU do any <a href="http://niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/2013/04/decoupaged-and-glittered-eggs-egg-art.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">Easter crafts</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span>this year? I would love for you to share!!</div>
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*Always follow manufacturers safety directions for their products! Be safe!</div>
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Linking in: <a href="http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/shabbilicious-friday-link-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Shabbilicious Friday</span></a><span style="color: red;">, </span><a href="http://www.alittleknickknack.com/2013/04/ebtks-link-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">EBTKS Link In</span></a><span style="color: red;"> , Lovely Crafty Weekend, Frugal Friday, </span><a href="http://www.twiggstudios.com/2013/04/sunday-show-off-linky-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Sunday Show Off</span></a><span style="color: red;">, </span><a href="http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com/2013/04/a-bouquet-of-talent-linky-party-30.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">A Bouquet of Talent</span></a><span style="color: red;"> , DIY Show Off, </span><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/pink-hippo-party-121.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: red;">Pink Hippo Party,</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2013/04/tuesday-confessional-link-party.html?showComment=1365471359465#c2222787870291368989" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: red;">Crafty Confession Tuesday</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/knick-of-time-tuesday-81.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Knick of Time</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/2013/04/whatever-you-want-wednesday-116/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Whatever You Want Wednesday</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/04/wow-us-wednesdays-113.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Wow Us Wednesday</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.thevintagefarmhouse.com/2013/04/creative-things-thursday-link-party.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Creative Things Thursday</span></a><span style="color: red;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: red;"><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/04/transformation-thursday-no-199.html" target="_blank">Transformation Thursday</a></span> </span><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2013/04/under-100-linky-party_10.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Under $100 Linky Party</span></a> <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/04/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-68/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Frugal Days Sustainable Ways #68</span></a></div>
Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611866555413405549.post-67918682419245238872013-03-12T23:21:00.001-04:002015-05-11T11:33:48.508-04:00Thrifty Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nR69Fw6zmXqs_Sbwv8iQWExlc-v3ZbSnUUFkiPQnBqvtdgQixXMVynijUficjP1COBVbJEGRo2IHtSTYB43OZCVD0U2bsj5lkou1N3bQSWKBzgjJzwm8QFUCC6_p3HukSHvc2CW_epP0/s1600/Homemade+Laundry+Detergent+Powder+Label.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nR69Fw6zmXqs_Sbwv8iQWExlc-v3ZbSnUUFkiPQnBqvtdgQixXMVynijUficjP1COBVbJEGRo2IHtSTYB43OZCVD0U2bsj5lkou1N3bQSWKBzgjJzwm8QFUCC6_p3HukSHvc2CW_epP0/s400/Homemade+Laundry+Detergent+Powder+Label.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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All around the internet you can find recipes for homemade laundry detergent. I have tried both the liquid and the powder laundry detergent and for now I think that I prefer the powder version mainly because it is quick and easy to make and I don't have a big mess to clean up when I get thru! Ok, maybe I'm <strike>sloppier</strike> <strike> messier</strike> more neatness challenged than some of you (smile) but the powdered version is currently my preference.<br />
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I can easily find all of the ingredients that I need to my make my homemade laundry detergent recipe in the laundry aisle at my local Walmart and also I usually don't have a problem finding them at the grocery store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc_r4TrqPwCWH_NPEeupGoSBE2vQGav2g3XZQKr928SPA-p7k6NOEHmuWfbEOBHcbotcYT4J54qAHmUPIcb2ct0OafLFscSzJsLUv2cfkCSmeJKlTREDTOnrllF-mJqqY8Huz4UNVEwTf/s1600/Homemade+Laundry+Detergent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc_r4TrqPwCWH_NPEeupGoSBE2vQGav2g3XZQKr928SPA-p7k6NOEHmuWfbEOBHcbotcYT4J54qAHmUPIcb2ct0OafLFscSzJsLUv2cfkCSmeJKlTREDTOnrllF-mJqqY8Huz4UNVEwTf/s400/Homemade+Laundry+Detergent.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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All you will need to make your own thrifty laundry detergent are three very inexpensive ingredients: Borax Laundry Booster, Arm and Hammer Washing Soda and a bar of soap. I have used various types of soap ranging from castille soap bars, soaps I have found at the Dollar Store and laundry soap bars in the laundry aisle of the grocery stores so you too can just experiment to see what you like. <br />
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So I was out of my laundry detergent. While in the laundry section of Walmart buying my supplies I decided this nerdy girly girl (don't hate me) needed some PINK soap and picked up Japon ZOTE Laundry Soap.<br />
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I have also used a brand called Fels Naptha Laundry Soap Bar. Cost wise they were about the same price, currently at $.97 per bar. But the Zote bar is a LARGE bar of soap. I also found Zote Laundry Flakes, which is a nice option if you don't want to spend the time grating your own soap or if arthritis of the hands limits your ability to grate the soap easily! The box shows that two bars of soap is equal to the box of Zote Laundry Flakes wasn't too much more expensive than two bars of the soap. <br />
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The Zote site lists their ingredients as follows:<br />
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<strong>"MAIN INGREDIENTS</strong></div>
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The main ingredients are beef tallow and coconut oil,which are <br />
neutralized with caustic soda for the saponification process. It contains <br />
salt (sodium chloride), glycerin, perfume, optical brightener and dye, <br />
in the case of pink <span class="marcar2"><strong><span style="color: #ff3333;">ZOTE </span></strong></span>and blue<span class="marcar"><strong><span style="color: #00ccff;"> ZOTE</span></strong></span>."</div>
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<strong>OPTICAL BRIGHTNERS</strong><br />
<span class="marcar3">ZOTE</span> soap contains an optical brightener which bleaches clothes<br />
without fading their color. Optical brighteners are the <br />
compounds providing clothes with brightness. Their function is to <br />
absorb light with certain wave lengths in the washed garments<br />
and thus reflecting a visible blue; its work is most <br />
noticeable in white clothes." <br />
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Here is the recipe I used:<br />
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Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder<br />
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2 Cups Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda<br />
2 Cups Borax Laundry Booster<br />
2 Cups Grated Zote Laundry Soap or Zote Laundry Flakes ( I added <br />
about 3 cups since my soap didn't grate as finely - explained below)*<br />
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<strong>Use 1 to 3 tablespoons of laundry detergent per load depending on </strong><br />
<strong>size of laundry load and how soiled your laundry may be.</strong> <br />
<strong>This laundry detergent will not suds up in your washer. But don't </strong><br />
<strong>think </strong><strong>that no suds means ineffective cleaning. </strong><br />
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Grate the laundry soap. I used a hand grater. *I find that it is so much</div>
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easier to get a nice finely grated soap bar when I take the soap out of the </div>
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wrapper and allow the laundry soap to just sit several days prior to grating </div>
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the soap. The soap will harden a bit and will result in a finer grated soap. </div>
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Since I was out of laundry powder and since this was a new bar I didn't </div>
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have several days to let the soap sit for a few days, so you will see that </div>
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it is not as finely grated as it could have been if I had allowed it to </div>
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sit out a few days before grating. </div>
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The above picture shows my grated laundry soap used for this recipe: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KvCNcf1GXJS0eevAVkxPhjZdwcc8GZGosEUoXvXdFJidUCE35kI3MfJzQb0Nmh2VYRJU_yvpgKrC4e4AA2dzBEKk1baLkyusZt3EEp0kNw8tobBZIo0n5Bqt8I9B2blXlplq3Kofk9fO/s1600/Grated+Zote+Laundry+Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KvCNcf1GXJS0eevAVkxPhjZdwcc8GZGosEUoXvXdFJidUCE35kI3MfJzQb0Nmh2VYRJU_yvpgKrC4e4AA2dzBEKk1baLkyusZt3EEp0kNw8tobBZIo0n5Bqt8I9B2blXlplq3Kofk9fO/s320/Grated+Zote+Laundry+Bar.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
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And the picture above reflects a much finer grated soap due to me having<br />
unwrapped a bar of soap and giving it a few days to sit out and harden<br />
a bit before grating. I think the difference is significant enough to <br />
remember to do that! A finer grated soap will dissolve easier in your wash!<br />
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Mix the washing soda, laundry booster and washing soda together. I <br />
keep mine stored in a glass storage container with a lid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8bUXYDjLzJ1L6A2rbvSTCzSqWoBXyU7e_pSdmHwRjoMlT07RiksoNic32pvvw-eEa2tOUZuUAR0NkN-Qeyn5jqIjKGnt4CB60rpsmjAebfxsiaNkHsTJg_Y7490K1IM_jMuoOPxrmeyY/s1600/Homemade+Powder+Laundry+Detergent+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8bUXYDjLzJ1L6A2rbvSTCzSqWoBXyU7e_pSdmHwRjoMlT07RiksoNic32pvvw-eEa2tOUZuUAR0NkN-Qeyn5jqIjKGnt4CB60rpsmjAebfxsiaNkHsTJg_Y7490K1IM_jMuoOPxrmeyY/s320/Homemade+Powder+Laundry+Detergent+2.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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Again..... you don't need much of this laundry detergent to get clean <br />
clothes!! So remember to use very little! Only 1 - 3 TABLESPOONS <br />
per load depending on load size and amount of soiling.<br />
<br />
The Zote soap has a nice delicate, clean scent that is not overpowering to me. <br />
The <a href="http://www.zote.com.mx/english/about.htm" target="_blank">Zote website</a> states the following: <br />
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"Another of the distinctive features of <span class="marcar3"><strong>ZOTE</strong></span> is its fragrance: <br />
essential citronella oil, a plant that originally came from Europe, <br />
which posseses a pleasant smell similar to lime; thanks to this ingredient, <br />
the clothes washed with <span class="marcar3"><strong>ZOTE</strong></span> smell fresh and fragrant for several days."</div>
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So there you go! Clean laundry, delicately scented, cost effective, <br />
very little product required to get clean, fresh laundry, quick and easy as<br />
it doesn't take but about ten minutes or so to make. It's all GOOD in <br />
my book my friends! Add a pretty label and directions for use and you also have a nice, <br />
useful, and <a href="http://www.niftythriftybits.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">thrifty gift idea </span></a>too! <br />
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Let me know if you decide to give it a try!<br />
<br />
Do you use homemade laundry detergent? What is your favorite homemade <br />
laundry detergent recipe?<br />
<br />
I cannot speak as to the safety of use for washer or septic systems. As with <br />
anything do your very own research, read cautions and literature that may <br />
have been given to you upon purchase of your products used and<br />
or your equipment or consult professionals with any concerns you may have. <br />
You may also go to the following websites for information regarding <br />
ingredients listed in this recipe:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.zote.com.mx/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Zote Laundry Soap</span></a><span style="color: red;">, </span><a href="http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/about/what-is-borax/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Borax Laundry Booster,</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.armandhammer.com/FAQ/FabricCare.aspx#Super" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda</span></a><br />
<br />
Linked in with the following: <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/04/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-67/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">Frugal and Sustainable Thursday</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><br />
<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2013/03/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no154.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2013/03/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-14.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Frugal Crafty Home</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/03/wow-us-wednesdays-109.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Wow Us Wednesday</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/2013/03/whatever-you-want-wednesday-113/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Whatever You Want Wednesday</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-100th-farmgirl-friday-birthday.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">Farmgirl Friday</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></td></tr>
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Miss Nifty Thriftyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00724025119724035950noreply@blogger.com23