| RE: Organizing a Church Dinner Party |
For decorations, visit the Dollar Store in the teacher section to see if there are flags of the nations borders for bulletin boards. Use this to "frame" a large world map. Then use stickers or self-stick marker tabs (the ones that look like a small arrow) to post peoples names and their country of origin (since it sounds like you have lots of people from other countries). If there are not a lot of countries represented by families, what about an "I've been here!" map with name tabs for places people have visited. It will surely fill up fast as some people travel a lot and others don't. Several markers on one area will start discussions.
As for the food, why not arrange it by local or type on tables around the room: South American dishes on one table, African on another, European, Asian, and American. This way people can either try something new and adventurous or safe and familiar. Labeling all of the dishes with dish name and country of origin helps too. ... View related article. |
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| RE: Try Tobacco String Instead of Crochet Thread |
Why is it called tobacco string and what is/was its intended purpose? Just curious since I have never heard of it before now.
Thanks. ... View related article. |
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| RE: Using Less Toilet Tissue |
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I have gotten into the habit of flattening my roll of TP before putting it on the roller. (This has gotten harder to do with the double and triple rolls but still can be done. Good upper body workout! lol) This makes the roll a bit harder to pull and it goes "thunk" as you pull so you automatically go slower. It saves paper because you are more aware of each thunk. ... View related article. |
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| RE: Paper Bead Roller Tool (Bead Crafter) |
Below are listed just a few of the many websites that tell how to make paper beads. Not all are the tubular beads, some are round, barrel, etc.
I have never used a specific tool. I have used everything from a hairpin, wire from a twist tie, a large eyed needle, the needle itself and even a bamboo skewer (I don't recommend this one!). Have fun.
http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/
http://www.tappi.org/paperu/art_class/paperBeads.htm
http://beingnatashafialkov.blogspot ... per-bead-tutorial-lots-o-photos.html
... View related article. |
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| RE: Homemade Jelly as Christmas Gifts |
This is a good idea and probably a beautiful gift but wax sealing for canning is no longer suggested. There are potential problems of edges becoming unsealed, air bubbles, getting dislodged, etc. that allow the "bad stuff" to grow in your preserves.
A nice set of jelly jars with sealed lids (jelly just needs a water bath) would look equally nice in a box or basket. If you give to the same people every year, you could even include a note asking for the jars and rings back to be refilled for the next year. Most people are so grateful to get "homemade" that they are happy to return them to you.
If you want to make the jars fancier, just tie a cute fabric circle or square over the lid and ring before putting in a box. Be sure to label the jar lid (since it can't be reused) with the type of jelly, year/date made, and your name or greeting for the recipient's use. That way you never have to try to remove labels from the jars. ... View related article. |
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| RE: The Can Opener |
Great story! You should submit this to Pampered Chef and even some journals (Family Circle, Woman's Day, even Readers Digest) because it is a hoot. We have all had those "Ah Hah" moments and, as you noted, things just don't work the way they used to.
Keep up the writing along with the crafting and reading (also my passions :} ) because you have a talent for it. ... View related article. |
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| RE: Inexpensive Facial Toner |
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Witch Hazel! Been using it for decades and have now introduced my 15 year old daughter and 13 year old SON to this great product. It is inexpensive, readily available, easy to use and works great, plus, I like the smell. My daughter has even told at least one friend "on the sly" that she has found this wonderful product to use to clear up most of her pre-menstrual/stress acne. The word is spreading. ... View related article. |
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| RE: Refacing Cabinets |
For a temporary fix you could:
-stencil a design on the doors in a coordinating color for your kitchen. This should help disguise the white paint job while still using it as a background.
-find a contact paper that you like and either put it on as a center panel (framed with painted trim like 1/2-round or even stacked popsicle sticks) or even cover the entire door.
-sand and repaint with a shiny enamel (only if you can get the surface really smooth).
-repaint with another color or series of colors for a marbled effect
-try some of the granite (or other stone) paints in a can. They look pretty good if you follow the directions.
-try taking the doors off and turn them "inside out". (use the former inside of the door as the new outside. Requires resetting the hinges on the doors and patching the old hinge holes to seal them.) ... View related article. |
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| RE: Organize Unused Greeting Cards |
I bought an accordion folder (the kind with 12 pockets) after tax time a few years ago and use it to store my cards. I spent a bit extra and got one made of plastic instead of paper and with a good closing latch. Then I just sorted the cards into the 12 sections, it even holds the "tall, skinny" cards easily. I have one section devoted to an address list and stickers to add to the cards or envelopes. The whole thing stores in my filing cabinet.
On large categories, like birthday cards, I have separate pockets for kids and adults. You could also divide by humorous, cute, sweet or whatever you like. When I see cards at yard sales or thrift stores I add them to my collection. ... View related article. |
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| RE: Creatively Reusing Chop Sticks |
Do a google search on "chopstick crafts" and you will find sites that will show you crafts from hair ornaments to cd racks, frames to games, knitting needles (in a pinch) or even a canoe (I kid you not! Here is a link to the story and photo) http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/canoe-built-from-chopsticks.php
You can even find crafts using the chopstick paper wrappers, too. Enjoy! ... View related article. |
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