November 6, 2013

Burlap Bunting

I am in charge of a craft day for my church.  I saw some different versions of Burlap Bunting floating around and decided it would make a cheap, simple craft.

















1.  Use a paper template to draw 4 triangles onto burlap for my Noel bunting.  Adjust the number of triangles based on your word choice (ex. 3 for Joy, 5 for PEACE).  Be careful as you cut these out, because the burlap will slide a little.

















2. Use an iron to fold about an inch of burlap over.  This is where the cord/yarn will be glued later.

3.  If you don't have a stencil and don't feel comfortable drawing your letters free hand, simply print off letters in your favorite font, cut them out and trace around each letter.  Be sure to draw each letter in about the same spot on each triangle.

















 4.  Use paint to carefully fill in each letter.  You don't need any special fabric paint.  I used basic acrylic paint.  You'll want to put something under it so you don't get paint on the table. Duh.






5.  Once your letters are dry, glue your choice of ribbon, twine, yarn or cord to the back of each triangle.  You can also sew the burlap over the cord if you don't want to glue.  This is the step that will really customize your bunting.  You can leave it simple with no ribbons. Maybe add some big brass jingle bells?  Pine cones would look cute at each end.  I may make one for my house using tinsel ribbon and ric-a-rack for more of a retro look.

For the ladies at my church I created a rustic look by adding torn strips of fabric and thick yarn for the string.




November 4, 2013

Pinterest Caramel Apple Semi-Flop





My friend told me she had tried this inside out Caramel Apple recipe from Pinterest, and that it worked perfectly.  Basically you melt caramel squares and pour them into apple halves that have the core scooped out by a melon baller.  Let the Caramel set and drizzle with toppings.



My attempt was not so perfect.  My mistake was that I made the caramel myself- I couldn't find the squares of it at the store.  It didn't help that my husband poured more cream into it, ever time he walked by ( I have no clue why...).

 
I hope your laughing as hard as I am at this!
They could not be sliced, so they stayed little cups.  It tasted pretty good, even if they looked a little deformed and slimy.


I think this recipe is actually a fantastic idea- if you follow it correctly.  It makes them way easier to eat.  Next time I will be sure to use a thicker caramel recipe or just find the caramel squares.

Do you have any interesting topping ideas for caramel apples?  I like white chocolate and graham cracker crumbs