Favorite Recipes

Had the chance to spend ahe day with many from the Smith family today.  This was our annual 'Grave Tending' luncheon in Woodland, Texas.  Years ago, the families with loved ones buried in the Woodland Cemetary would meet to work on the grounds - trimming trees, clearing weeds, repairing fences -that sort of thing.  Not so much tending going on these days, but the tradition of bringing these local (and sometimes far-flung) families together lives on.

Bobby Smith asked for my recipe for Ramen Noodle Slaw, so, Bobby, here it is:

Ramen Noodle Slaw

Slaw:
2 packages Ramen Noodle Soup-Chicken f;lavor
1 large can of Mandarin Oranges, drained
1 package of cole slaw mix (I use the large bag)
3/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup sliced almonds
3-4 green onions, chopped

Dressing:
3/4 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup white vinegar
2 packages of seasoning mix from the Ramen Noodles

Break-up the noodles before opening the package.  Blanch the noodles in boiling water - 2-3 minutes is plenty of time.  Mix all the slaw ingredients in a large bowl.  Bring the dressing ingredients to a boil; pour over the slaw ingredients.  Chill for several hours - overnight is even better.  Enjoy!

Love to all.

Really Cool Picture Holders

I've always said that I'm a better mimic than I am creator, and here's a fine example of just what I mean.  I was poking around in a small boutique in McKinney, Texas and found the cutest picture holder - made of nothing more than a giant binder clip!  I couldn't wait to try these for myself, and here are a few that I made myself:

I have gone absolutely MAD for these things!  There are an endless number of combinations of scrapbook paper and ribbon and embellishments.  I've used mostly scraps so far from other random projects that I've worked on.  These could easily be adapted as Birthday Party Favors, Shower Favors, Teacher Gifts, College or other School-themed gifts, Office Gals' Gifts, and so much more!

I thought a domino was the world's smallest pallet for creativity, but these photo holders come in a close second.  Try them - you'll be hooked just like me!

That's all for now.  Next time I hope to show you some bead work that I've been playing with.  Oh, no - yet another addictive craft!  Stop me before I create again!

Two New Crafty-cute Projects

I have had so much fun with these wonderful frames, I just had to post a few here.  This pink and gray giraffe-print frame was made for a very special 7-year old who has the best taste (she loves everything I make - thanks, Sydney!).  The frame has a basic flat-front profile that really lends itself to dolling up!  The black and red frame is also just a basic frame, with a two-layer ribbon and a great brooch embellishment. 

And, the last frame is very decorative all on its own, but I just had to add 'a little something' to it to up the bling-factor.  I absolutely LOVE this copper mesh wired-ribbon.  It glams-up anything you use it on!

I've also been playing around with these bottle stoppers that I found at Michael's.  The rod that runs down the middle is threaded on both ends, so you can remove it and put your beads on.  Word of warning - it takes beads with LARGE holes to fit onto the rod.  I found several in a bag that all looked like they SHOULD fit, but then ended up not being able to use most of them because the hole was too small. This is a great way to use up those random beads that are too big to use on anything else. I'm thinking that a couple of these will make fabulous hostess gifts when the holidays roll around.

Next time, I hope to have some pictures of a sewing craft.  Hint:  think 'Grandma's bedspread'!  That's it for now.  Happy crafting!

PS:  Look for more pictures on my Facebook Page.  Find me as Deborah Ivie at debivie@gmail.com.  Thanks!

Spicy Cracker Recipe

This isn't exactly crafting, but it's what's on my mind!

Smiths and Poors,

Here's the cracker recipe that I promised you all at the Reunion a few weeks ago.  Thanks for the reminder, Aunt Donah!

Spicy Crackers recipe


One whole box of Fat Free Saltine Crackers
1 Package of Hidden Valley Salad Dressing Mix (not the dip)
1 1/2 cup Canola Oil (Canola works best)
1 TBS Red Pepper Flakes
1 TSP Dill Weed
2 TSP Tony Cachere's Original Creole Seasoning

Mix everything but the crackers together really well. In a large container (at least 1 gallon), put in the dry crackers, then pour the liquid over the top. Turn the container over several times to coat the crackers. Then, every half hour or so, turn the container over again and give it a little shake. Do this for about 4 hours. Remove the crackers from the container and put in another air-tight container. These will stay crisp for at least a week, maybe longer. Enjoy!

What's on the craft table today?

I've been doing a lot of the beaded flower rings I mentioned in my last post. Some days I hardly get in the door at the office before someone wants to buy some of them! I must admit, they are awefully cute, and so appropriate for bright summer clothes. Here are few that I've made from special orders around the office.  These are so much fun to do.  You never really know exactly how they are going to come out.  Some are perfectly round, and others turn into more organic shapes as you work with each petal. 

I've had several people express interest in a smaller version appropriate for an older child. These and others I've done are made with 10/0 and 11/0 beads. I've seen 15/0 beads, and if my old eyes can focus on something that small, I'll try those out for the smaller versions. If you use too few beads, the curve at the top of each petal is awkward and doesn't look right, so a smaller bead may be needed to get the look I want.

I want to thank Tricia again (http://ohsocrafty.blogspot.com/) for the inspiration.  Not sure if its a good thing or not, but this new craft has led me to look for new supplies - besides the beads.  See the little embellishments in the center of each flower?  Well, you won't believe how many options are out there that make perfect coverups for the mechanical bit in the center of each flower!  I'm obsessed with scrapbooking embellishments and little girl's button earrings.  They are perfect for these projects.

Well, that's all for now.  I hope you're enjoying your creative time as much as I'm enjoying mine!

OK, I've really got to get serious about this blogging thing.  I've spent many hours cruising the 'net to see who is cool and crafty, and found the MOST darling bead/wire rings at http://ohsocrafty.blogspot.com/2009/02/beaded-flowers.html.  I made a flower and attached it to an adjustable ring in under an hour!  Tricia's tutorial is so clear that it was a snap to follow.

I'm still working on my custom-made initial dominos.  Here's a picture of some that I did for a local drill team's end-of-year banquet - they look like Easter eggs, don't they?  They were a big hit with the high school crowd.

I've also added other charms to the dominos - crosses, peace signs, crowns - anything less than one-inch wide!  The possibilities are nearly endless!  I must look like a real head-case, walking around with that blank domino in my hand - holding it up to every piece of jewelry and scrapbook embellishment that I see.  Here are a couple that I've been working on...

I've done more than 100 of these so far.  I get great satisfaction from seeing my friends and co-workers wearing something I made!  I also love to hear the stories when they are given as gifts.  It so special to be asked to help with a special gift for a loved one.

Being a life-long Texan, I can't resist a stylized version of my home-state's flag.  Forgive the focus - I'm still working on a light box to capture better pics.

OK - that's it for now.  Gotta scoot!

This is my first blog posting. I am looking for a topic that will be interesting and useful to those who visit. I would welcome your suggestions.