Monday, May 17, 2010

Country Living Napkins and Napkin Rings

I saw these napkins made by Country Living (which I love) and knew I could make them. I used muslin for the fabric and bought crocheted doilies/lace at my local JoAnn craft store. I cut the muslin in 18 in. squares. For the off-white napkins, I matched the lace color and sewed it on about 3 in. from the bottom. Then I folded the edges under twice all the way around to make them neat. I found it's easier to sew them if you have ironed the folds down first. For the white ones, I sewed the edges first, then positioned the doilies in the corner and sewed in a circle.
I also saw these easy napkin rings on Martha Stewart. I used buttons with a shank on the back. I cut the satin ribbon to the size I wanted, putting both ends through the shank and tying a knot...and you're done! You place the ribbon under the napkin and wrap the loop around the button.(notice top pictures with them on the napkin)

Stawberry Jam

At our R.S. activity this week, I learned how to make strawberry jam. I was so excited to go home and try it out! I followed the directions for the cooked strawberry jam from inside the MCP (pectin) box. The only thing I did different was how they sealed the bottles. I boiled the jars, lids, and rings while I was making the jam part. When it came time to fill them, I took the hot jars out and filled it with the hot jam and tightened the lid. Something about the two being hot makes the jars seal after a little bit (couple of minutes?). You will hear a pop.
I used the little jars because the jam is only good for about 3weeks-1 month after it is opened and I wanted to make sure we'd be able to eat it all. I was glad I was able to see someone make it before I tried it. It was really fun to eat our own jam. Yummy!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Welcome

I just wanted a place to write down my home ideas...anything from recipes, crafts, decorating, books, things I do with my boy, etc.