::TIP GRAB BAG::

Here's some handy tips from our test lab in Ole' Cold Colchester!

- Tough Top Turning? Have you ever encountered an old bottle of craft paint where the cap has seemingly fused to the bottle threads? We have a quick tip for you. Next time you finish using the bottle wipe any dribbles off the threads, place a thin layer of Vaseline on them, and recap. Next time you use the bottle it will open like a charm!



- Fabulous Flowers! When you receive flowers (hopefully as a gift) place the whole bouquet in a sink full of water for an hour, submerging them. While underwater, cut each stem on an angle with a sharp knife (Exacto, etc) not scissors. Scissors will crush the stems! While the flowers are soaking find a vase and wash it out with soapy water. Make sure all the gunk is gone! Rinse it out, fill it, and add at least 2 drops of bleach. Arrange the flowers. Remember to change the water and trim the stems every two days. They should last twice as long!



- Unbustable Balls! We have the perfect hiding spot for all your small valuables (Thieves stop reading!). Take a tennis ball and cut a slit in it. Slide in your family jewels! No one will suspect that canister of tennis balls in the garage is worth a million bucks (literally)! PS Do not let your dog play with these balls!



-Cluttered Kids Rooms? Here is a life saver for all you moms out there! Does your little one have stuffed animals all over the floor? Round up the stuffed posse and bring them to the craft room. Add the soft side of strips of self-adhesive Velcro to the backs of the animals. Next, place the other end on the wall. When it comes time to clean up you can just grab the stuffed critters and attach them neatly to the wall! Best of all your little one can help too!




-Puffy Paint lives again! Calm down and put down the over sized sweatshirts and back away from the acid washed denim. Hear is a great updated tip for the 90's craft staple. Add a enough beads to covers he bottom side of a pair of new socks. Once the paint dries, you will have another 90's staple, slipper socks!

::THANK YOU KRISTIN::

As our newest follower, today's posts are dedicated to you! Thanks for following us! We hope you enjoy the blog and tell all your adoring friends about us!

::Fabulous Valentine's Day Gift Ideas::

Hello Everybody!

Here are some fabulous DIY gift ideas that you can make for your Valentine that personal and sweet!

TEA BAG TAGS: Remove tea bag tag carefully. Cut two matching hearts or other Valentine's themed shapes out of a sturdy paper such as card stock. Write a sweet message and trim the edge with glitter glue if desired. Put glue on the back of one of the hearts and place the strng on it then place the second heart on. Think of this as a string sandwich with the hearts/shapes acting as the bread! Enclose one in a Valentine's card to a favorite friend or relative, or make a box of of them for your tea time sweetie.



HEIRLOOM PHOTO PLATES: Buy a clear glass plate in a size and color of your choice. Next, make a photocopy of a favorite photo. Spread a collage glue such as Modge Podge over picture and place face down on center of plate back. Smooth out any bubbles (you could use a bone folder). Let dry this dry completely. Next, spread another coat of Modge Podge all over the back of the plate. Layer tissue paper over the entire surface. Smooth and tap down removing any air bubbles. For a lighter background, layer white or light colored paper down first and for a darker background, use darker papers. Experiment with different shades, shapes, or patterns with strips of different hues. When dry, trim the edges with a craft knife or sharp scissors. Now you are ready to seal your work. We set out sheets of newspaper and placed full soda cans on the paper on which to balance the plates. Place the plates face down on the cans and spray the backs with a sealer and let them dry completely. Don't stack the plates for a few days to make sure they are really well cured, you don't want them to stick together! Even though the plates have been sealed, don't put them in the dishwasher or in a bucket of suds. Spot clean with moistened paper towels and gently towel dry. These plates are best for things like chocolates or chocolate dipped strawberries. Voila!



VEGGIE ROSE STAMPS: When you think of Valentine's Day, you always think of roses. Here is a clever, inexpensive, and easy rose stamp idea for all your paper goods! It's perfect to stamp roses on cards, envelopes, love letters, gift tags, etc. Take a head of Radicchio, fresh Brussels Sprouts, or even Romaine Lettuce found at your local supermarket produce department. Rinse them and dry them completely. Using a very sharp knife, trim the veggie a few inches from the stem, be sure to make sure the cut is even and level. Next, wrap a rubber band around the leaves to hold the veggie together while you use it. Press the cut side onto a stamp pad and stamp onto your paper. You should have a nice rose shape. Blot on paper towels between presses.

::HAPPY HOLIDAYS::

From our family to yours!

Create Your Own Snow Globe

Try this quick and simple idea to make your own personalized snow globes at home!

1.) Pick out a jar with a screw top.

2.) Take the lid and sand the inside so that glue will stick.

3.) Glue a figurine or whatever else fits to the inside of the lid. Set aside and let it completely dry.

4.) Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water, a pinch (or more) of glitter, and a few drops of glycerin (available a drugstores).

5.) Apply a ring of glue to the mouth of the jar and screw the lid on tightly. Let dry completely.

6.) Turn over and voila! A snow globe!

Fast Festive Napkin Rings

Here are two ideas to add a little holiday cheer to your cloth napkins.

1.) Slide your napkins thru holiday cookie cutters.

2.) Glue minature ornaments to wide velvet ribbon and create a loop (glue the ends of the ribbon together) to slip your napkin thru.

After the holidays, you can store your napkin rings on an empty cardboard paper towel tube!

::Sugared Fruit Feast::

Add a festive touch to your holiday tablescape with fabulous sugared fruit! Here's how:

1. Gather small pieces of fruit, such as Seckel pears, lady apples, and grapes.

2. Prepare powdered egg whites according to the package's directions. Brush apples and pears with whites and roll in course sanding sugar; shake off excess. Let dry on parchment-covered sheet pans for 3 hours. Store at room temperature in a non-humid environment for up to 24 hours.