Sunday, February 26, 2012

Handmade Gifts in No Time {Ruffled Towel Tutorial}

Do you ever need a quick gift and want that handmade touch, but have a large to-do list to knock out at nap time?  No problem! You may know that I've been trying to de-stash my fabric stash this month and so far I think its working.  This project was made with leftover scraps.  These are quick and can be done in about 3-4 minutes per towel if you use a ruffle accessory foot on your sewing machine.  Here we go!


Cut 4" x 44" wide strip of fabric.  Iron down 1/2" from the front to the back on the top and bottom edges the entire length of the fabric.

Run the top and bottom edges through the accessory foot ruffler.  
Don't you just love this sweet little tool? That was less than a minute flat!

Pin the ruffle 3" up from the bottom of the towel.  This should be plenty of ruffle length for any normal sized hand towel.  Stitch down on all four sides and cross the finish line.

I think a set of three towels with a hand pump soap tops the gift off nicely.  

I like to put them in an Izze drink 4-pack case, which I save for just such an occasion...and because I struggle to throw anything useful away.  {You should see my bottle cap collection!}
This is a cute way to display the towels and repurpose the cardboard carry case which I love.  Add a handwritten card and Voila, done.  Now back to that pile of laundry!

Friday, February 24, 2012

{Fabulous Fabric Friday} Amy Butler Temple Tulips Azure

Can you think of a better way to start a Friday off than by gazing at a fabulous fabric?  I can't!  Above is a new bolt in the Ahmelie Shop.  This is Amy Butler's Temple Tulips in Azure from her Soul Blossoms collection.

Here are a few ways Amy is showing off this stylish print:

Tote Bag
 

Must Have Pillow

Tunic/Dress

I'd also enjoy this made into an apron, coffee cuff or as a border on a hand towel.  How would you use this fabulous fabric?  I made a braided headband by tearing three strips of fabric and braiding them together. 
It adds a touch of fun and whimsy to any outfit!  Tell me in the comments below what you would do with this fabric to win a yard of this delicious print.  For extra entries you can:

Follow me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Sign up for my newsletter (see sign up box on page footer)

Please leave one post for each entry.
Can't wait to hear all your ideas!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Caramel Corn Sweet Treat {Share the Love}




Ok, if you're anything like me you have a ton of things you'd like to do, but very limited time to get them done.  This is the typical mom's life.  So, here is a recipe for a sweet treat to share a homemade gift with the ones you love on Valentine's Day that doesn't take a lot of time.

{This recipe is on the package for Old Dutch Puff Corn}

Caramel Corn
1 package Old Dutch Puff Corn
1 Cup Butter
1 1/4 Cups Brown Sugar
2/3 cup Light Corn Syrup
1 Tsp Baking Soda

  • Preheat oven to 250°F.
  • Combine butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup in a 2 quart sauce pan.
  • Cook on medium heat until mixture has melted.
  • Once mixture has melted add the baking soda. (Note: This will cause the mixture to foam)
  • In a large roaster pan pour Puffcorn and pour caramel mixture over the Puffcorn and stir until mixed.
  • Place in oven for 45 minutes, stirring at least every 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, pour on wax paper and break apart.
  • Let cool and ENJOY a few!


After it cools, put in in a decorative cellophane bag.  Twist tie them shut.  Add a ribbon.  I tore strips of fabric for mine.  Add a personalized note and tie them on with Divine Twine.
My kids love taking a bag of baked goodness around to the neighbors.  They also like giving these to teacher's and the mail man.  Enjoy sharing the sweet love.  Happy Valentine's Day!