Gifts in a Jar recipes - free e-book

Here is another free e-book that has many gifts in a jar. It uses those mason canning jars for many of the projects. Super cute and so easy.

Enjoy!

Nancy

Christmas Cookie Recipes - Free e-book

Dear Friends,
A free downloadabe 99 page e-book that contains 50 yummy cookie recipes.
Enjoy!
Nancy

Share a Basket Sunday - Basket Weaving - Pattern Testing

Dear Friends,
I recently tested a basket pattern for Cheri Parker. I wove her "Bell Bottom Basket" pattern. This is a sweet pattern with a double base. A surprise inside the base is that it contains jingle bells! I chose not to include the handle on my basket but the pattern has a beautiful decorative handle design. Right now I'm using this basket in my kitchen to hold my utensils like spatulas and wooden spoons. It is the perfect size for those items and sits near my stove (but not too near). This and another pattern she has written titled a "PS3 Game Basket" are now available through Basketpatterns. Please be sure to visit and view her beautiful work. The "Bell Bottom Basket" is an intermediate level.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Nancy

What We're Working on and McKlinky

I am surely a day off. I went to bed last night thinking that tomorrow (today) was Wednesday. I don't know how I got so confused. Anyway, we are doing What We're Working On Wednesday today! Have I confused all of you now?
Post your links to your sites about what you've been working on this week. Remember to link directly to your post and not to your site's home page so we can find your project easily.
Also remember this is a family friendly site and I don't want to have to delete anything inappropriate.
What are you working on? I can't wait to see!
Nancy

Preparation for Menu Planning - Part 2

Over the past few weeks as I've been thinking about menu planning, I've done a bit of preparation for my resolution as well as the upcoming Christmas holiday. I might as well start menu planning now with company coming soon.

I've been:

1. Cleaning out the refrigerator, freezer and pantry.


2. Going through cookbooks.


3. Purchasing a small spiral book to take notes in.

The notebook is a weekly school agenda book that is divided into sections. It is going to be my right hand when it comes to my menu planning. I'll share with you the notebook in a future post.

Are any of you interested in menu planning with me? I'm not trying to twist anyone's arm here, but if any of you have some interesting web sites, tips and tricks with menu planning, I hope you send them my way.

For now, how about a fun photo. Can you all say ratatouille?

The rat's name is Cinnamon and she belongs to my nieces who we saw over Thanksgiving. I don't know if you can tell by my expression, but I was saying through my smile, "GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF ME!!!" So what does my 12 year old son do? Tim takes the rat and drops it down my shirt! I was frozen. Do you know what little tiny rat claws feel like on your stomach? I was doing a little menu planning for some rat soup... I was!
Everyone had a great laugh.....except the mama.
Love and blessings,
Nancy

Benefits of Menu Planning - Part 1

I've been giving serious thought to a New Year's Resolution this year. As a child growing up, I always made a list of resolutions I wanted to accomplish. Usually I had broken at least several of those resolutions in the first week and most in the first month. About 15 years ago or so, there seemed to be a push 'against' making resolutions due to their very low rate of success. It seemed that the magazines stressed just make a list of goals or things you want to attempt. (well, that is sort of like a resolution) Then for about the past 4 years people have focused on one word or phrase to think about throughout the year. I did the word and phrase the past three years. Year one being the word "enough", year two "simple" and year three the phrase "keep ahead of the game".
This year I've decided to return to the good ol' New Year's Resolution. Difference being, instead of a list of resolutions, I have one resolution in mind. One resolution I intend to do for the year. One resolution to be successful with. That resolution is to "Menu Plan."

The way I look at it, Menu Planning gives several great results.

1. I eat healthier.
2. I feed my family better.
3. We save money.
4. I can possibly lose those stubborn 10 to 15 pounds. (It's 15 pounds now since Thanksgiving.)
5. Having a meal plan will aid in my organization.
6. Having a meal plan will save time in both cooking and fewer trips to the grocery store.

Now I have menu planned in the past. I've done planning for 1 week at a time as well as 1 month at a time. The trouble is that I don't do it consistently. That is where my resolution comes in. I intend to menu plan consistently. This is something that has been on my mind the past month. I CAN do this! If I can blog NaBloPoMo for a month, then I can menu plan for a year.

In up-coming posts I will show you some of the steps I'm currently taking in order for my New Year's resolution to be achieved.

Blessings,
Nancy

NaBloPoMo End of the month results

I did it!  I actually did 37 posts this month.  It was a challenge yet so much fun.  Count me in to do this again.

Happy Blogging Everyone,

Nancy

Basket Weaving, Basket Making Video - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the Braided Rim Part 5

We finish our basket! Today we do the final step to our braided rim and we put the bow on the front. Enjoy your basket! If you've made this basket I'd love to see a picture of it.

As always, this and all my videos are on my youtube channel HERE.

Happy Weaving,
Nancy

Basket Weaving, Basket Making Video - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the braided rim part 4

The next step here in our braided rim.

Happy Weaving,

Nancy

Living a DIY Lifestyle - My Life

Dear Friends,
One of my husband's favorite quotes throughout our 21 years of marriage has been, "It's not brain surgery." He would say this to anyone feeling self doubt about whether or not they could perform a specific task. He would encourage anyone to learn and figure out how to accomplish their project. "You can do it, it's not brain surgery or it's not rocket science."
This has saved us literally thousands of $$$ over the years. We've done all our own home and vehicle maintenance projects. We've built many things in our home and have done our own major remodeling projects. If we can avoid hiring out the project, we do so. Mike and I married at the early ages of 21 and 23. He knew and was never afraid of taking things apart to find out why it was broken and then to replace the broken part.
Bring this down to a more domestic level and I cook for my family and have done much sewing in the past although now it is more cost effective to purchase some ready made clothing for a couple of dollars than it is to buy fabric and a pattern along with zippers, buttons and other notions. I still sew most all the curtains in the house as well as other home decorator items and an apron as you saw HERE. As you all know, I enjoy basket weaving (of course) and scrapbooking as well as all forms of crafting.
I enjoy gardening and do what I can in my small space. (We live on just under 1/4 acre).
There are times when we know our limits and must hire out some work or the amount of time involved is just to great. Sometimes we don't have the proper tools to do a project.
Doing it yourself gives a great sense of accomplishment.
It is satisfying to say, "I did this."
Blessings,
Nancy

Creative Ideas for the Holiday Home

You all know how much I truly enjoy FaveCrafts. Let me tell you. I like them so much because their projects are crafty, not artsy. It is crafts I can do in an evening. It is crafts that are beautiful and many times I have the supplies already at home to make them. The finished projects are simply sweet. Well, they've come out with another free e-book for the holidays starting with Halloween and going through Christmas. The projects are for decorating your home as well s gifts.

FaveCrafts Creative Ideas for the Holiday Home can be downloaded HERE. It has some charming projects in it. I hope you enjoy!
Blessings,
Nancy

Happy Thanksgiving

Cornucopia with rewoven border.  The spokes in this basket become the beautiful rim.

Dear Friends,
As with every year on this day it is a chance to really reflect on what we have to be thankful for. I try to always remember to give God thanks each and every day for my blessings. It is easy to be generically thankful. Lord I'm thankful for all my blessings.
I've been thinking of the specific things I'm thankful for. Yes, some are material things, but I'm still thankful for those material things because some make my life easier, some are fun, and some are just pleasing to look at.
Below is my list. What are you thankful for?
With love and blessings on this special day.
Nancy
My list of blessings I'm so thankful for.

1. That Jesus died on the cross to erase our sins and give us everlasting life.
2. My dear sweet husband Mike.
3. My three beautiful children.
4. My extended family.
5. My friends.
6. My internet and blogging friends. (That's YOU!)
7. That Mike has a good job.
8. Our home.
9. My backyardand garden. (I love spending time outdoors)
10. My health.
11. Our vehicles.
12. Our church and church family.
13. My computer and the internet (I learn so much here)
14. Our library.
15. That I know how to cook.
16. That all my shopping and errands are only 10 minutes from home.
17. My neighbors.
18. Food to eat.
19. Farmers.
20. That we have medicine for many of our ailments.
21. Comfortable and warm clothing.
22. Our onery yet very loving beagle Cindy.
23. Online schooling for my children so they can be home with me.
24. Pretty flowers
25. Butterflies
26. Airplanes and Amtrak
27. Duct tape
28. My list keeps going on but I figure after saying duct tape that you will think I'm just being silly. I really am thankful for all the small things in life, even duct tape. I'm thankful for the person who invented it.  One time I was able to hold my car together and drive it home just because of it!

Point being, remember to be thankful even for all the small things in our lives.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving,
Love,
Nancy

What's on Your Thanksgiving Table?

I've been a busy cook these last few days.

Here is our Thanksgiving menu for tomorrow:

• 
  
  Turkey
  
• 
  
  Dressing
  
• 
  
  Gravy
  
• 
  
  Cranberry Salad
  
• 
  
  Texas Potatoes
  
• 
  
  Green Beans
  
• 
  
  Rolls
  
• 
  
  Pecan Pie
  
• Pumpkin Pie
  
• Chocolate covered pretzels and nuts
  

What will you be on your table?

Love and blessings,

Nancy

Thank you God for this food and for the family we have to share it with.  Amen

Copycat Recipes

FaveCrafts has partnered up with Recipe Lion to create this free e-book of copycat recipes. Below is the link to download the recipes. The recipes are listed below.

http://www.recipelion.com/Restaurant-Recipes/27-Secret-Restaurant-Copycat-Recipes-eCookbook

Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac 'N Cheese

Applebee's Bourbon Steak

Chili's Boneless Buffalo Wings

KFC's Coleslaw

Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza Crust

Boston Market-Style Squash Casserole
Wendy's Frosty
Cheesecake Factory Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
Melting Pot Green Goddess Dip

Red Robin-Style Bonzai Hamburger

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Hash Browns

T.G.I. Friday's Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Panera Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Pizza Hut Dessert Pizza

Chicken Fried Rice Benihana Style

Cinnabon's Cinnamon Rolls
McDonald's Big Mac Sauce
Panda Express-Style Orange Chicken
Ruby Tuesday Chicken Quesadilla

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Fried Apples

Pizza Hut Thin Crust Pizza Dough

Enjoy!

Nancy

Candy Bar Box - Stocking Stuffer - Craft Video

This is a fun, easy, quick and frugal craft. It is making a candy bar box. What a great stocking stuffer this would make. Make several of these and put them in a basket as a gift. Write peoples names on them and use them as place cards at your holiday dinner. They could be made for any holiday. I hope you enjoy.

Below is a picture of the template for cutting and scoring to make this box. I've made about 20 of these little boxes now. You can easily make one box in about 2 minutes.

Enjoy!

Nancy

Share a Basket Sunday - Basket Making - Doorknob Basket

Dear Friends,
This is the fifth basket I first made about 15 years ago. I've come a long way. (Look at that hole in the twining!) The French randing was fun and is still fun to do. I painted the little flowers on the large strip near the top.
I no longer have this basket, but it was fun to find a photo of it.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Nancy

Basket Weaving Video - Basket Making - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the braided rim part 3

We are continuing on with our braided rim in this video.

Happy Weaving,
Nancy

Where I've Been On the www. this Week

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share with you where you can find me on the web this past week.
The first is on the live Facebook chat with Inspired at Home.
In case you missed the chat of inspiring crafters, you may listen to it archived HERE.
I'm about 1 hour into the chat.

Second, I've been featured on One Pretty Thing. The Round-up I'm in is HERE. Have you been to this site? It is amazing. It's like the perfect magazine that comes to you daily, but it's free and it doesn't create clutter! I subscribe to it through my google reader. Rachel, who runs this site follows over 4,000 blogs. Yep, you heard me right, over 4,000. She brings to us the best of the best in the world of crafting and home decor. (Does that mean I'm one of the best?) Rachel has round-ups of all things crafty where she lists 8 to 20 items in each round-up. Not only that, she puts up several round-ups a day! Let me just list off a few....Christmas Round-up, Twilight Round-up, Daily DIY Round-up, Crafty Reading Round-up, Holiday Prep Round-up, Kids Craft Round-up, Jewelry Making Round-up, Hand Made Gift Guide Round-up and on and on. What a thrill to find I was on her Daily DIY Round-up.

This is so cool. I feel like I, my blog, is moving up in the world and getting noticed. Thank you to all of you!!! Now, if only Martha Stewart would contact me. I would so ♥love♥ to be on her show with her or even featured in her magazine. DO YOU HEAR THAT MARTHA STEWART TV PRODUCERS AND MARTHA STEWART MAGAZINE EDITORS!!!! Maybe if I say Martha Stewart a few more times it will move me up to the top of the Martha Stewart search engines where they can find me. ;-) Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart....

With hugs and blessings to you all,
Nancy

Pink Pot of Hope - Guest Blogger - Basket Weaving - Basketry - Basket Making

Dear Friends,
A couple of days ago I came across this post by my fellow blogger and friend Juliana Deen. It was so touching to me because every older woman on both sides of my family has either passed away from breast cancer or is a survivor. My own mother is a survivor. I have even spoken to an oncologist about caring for myself because of this strong family history. The oncologist was very encouraging and said to me that awareness, monthly self exams and yearly mammograms are the best for early detection.
Please read through this post and I encourage you to get your pattern of Pink Pot of Hope through BasketWeavingSupplies.com The author of this pattern is Jennifer Rhodes.
I have spoken, through written word, to both Juliana and Jennifer. Juliana has agreed to let me use her post and Jennifer is very happy for us to get the word out about her basket pattern.
I've ordered my pattern and am anxious to weave the basket.
Thank you Julie for the use of your post and thank you Jenn for creating a basket pattern that is helping such a worthy cause.
With love and blessings,
Nancy

Nancy's added note: If you order just a pattern from BasketWeavingSupplies.com, their computer doesn't distinguish patterns only when it comes to s/h. You are initially charged $5, but they refunded me $3.

Pink Pot of Hope - by Juliana Deen - Deen Homestead Basketry

Last week I discovered three basket weaving groups on Facebook after becoming friends with Claudia Hopkins .

One of them, called "Addicted to Basket Weaving", is moderated by Jennifer Rhodes, of Basket Weaving Supplies.

It was there that I first saw her basket design called The Pink Pot of Hope.

It was not just the beauty of this basket that drew me in, but also the reason why Jennifer created this basket in the first place.

A client of hers who had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, asked Jennifer to design something that she could give as a gift to thank all of those who had helped her through that difficult time.

What I find so very touching is that this woman, who had gone through a terrible ordeal, was still thinking about others, and that she chose a BASKET as the gift of choice!

I am sure that Jennifer felt very honored by the request, and the pattern she came up with was surely a labor of love.

What is even MORE special is that you can purchase this pattern, and for every one sold, Jennifer will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Fund.

I'm sure that most of us know someone who has had breast cancer. As you know, our family recently lost a beautiful woman to this disease, and not too long ago, a high school classmate lost her battle with it at the age of 47. It seems that everyone you talk to has had their life touched in some way by breast cancer.

Jennifer's pattern has inspired me to want to do MY part in helping to defeat breast cancer.

I ordered my pattern this weekend, and am planning to make and sell these gorgeous baskets and donate a portion of my profit to breast cancer research.

Jennifer notes:

" The “honey pot” shape is significant because it seemed like a good place to store good things: thoughts, hopes, prayers, dreams, thanks, etc. "

I would like to encourage everyone to go over to BasketWeavingSupplies.com and purchase your pattern today.

McCall's Apron Pattern Finished - Sewing - Crafts

With this I made........



This!
I finished it this morning but haven't had time to post it up on the blog.

I think I look like a gingerbread girl cookie with the over sized rick-rack along the bottom. Looks like frosting. The kids all give it two thumbs up. I'm going to enjoy wearing it and especially now with all the upcoming baking and candy making.

Blessings,

Nancy

What We're Working On Wednesdays and MckLinky

It's Wednesday today so that means it's "What We're Working On Wednesdays."


This gives us an opportunity to share with one another what we are creating. I am not limiting this to just basket weaving. It is open for you to share any craft or kitchen culinary creation or even any home decor project you have been working on this past week. It is intended to spark ideas with one another and to help us get to know others all around the blog world. We bloggers all want to know you are out there and to say hello to you! So please don't be shy and jump right on in. So What are you working on this week? I've posted my link!

Here's how:

1. Go to the specific blog post on your blog and click on the title of just that post. Then at the top of the page where it has the e-mail address that starts http://www/......... Just copy and paste that into MckLinky. This will take us directly to your blog post (not your blog home page) and we won't have to search through your blog to find the basket you want to show us. MckLinky is also going to ask you how you want to title your link.

2. Please mention and link to my blog on your blog. This is such a great way for others to know we are blogging and encourage your blogging friends to hop over here and participate. We all like to meet new friends! You may copy the picture above and paste it in your post or on your sidebar if you desire.

3. Remember this is a family friendly site. Any links to anything inappropriate will be deleted.

4. This list will close in one week.
I hope you all jump right in.

Nancy

Tip Technique Tuesday - Basket Embellishments - Basket Weaving - Basket Making

Dear Friends,

As I'm sure you've seen on many of my baskets, I like to adorn them with some type of embellishment. The holiday season is the PERFECT time to pick up some fun little things for your basket. Pictured above are two packages of tree ornaments that are made for miniature or small Christmas trees. They are great on the front of a basket. These ornaments can be tied and hung from a basket handle. You can wire them on or glue them to the basket.

Be on the lookout during the Christmas season for things that will give your basket that extra boost. As it gets closer to the season, ornaments like these will go on sale up to 40% or 50% off. If you're willing to wait until after Christmas, things may be picked over but you could save 75% or more. Keep in mind pretty ribbon to embellish your basket as you are shopping as well as tags. Some Christmas tags don't look too Christmasy (is that a word?) and these tags can be used year round. Another item I watch for are small floral picks. You can stick these picks into a basket and as the seasons change, pull them out and replace with something else. Raffia is another item that can be found year round, but at this time of year will be found in Christmas colors. Tying some raffia onto your basket gives it a beautiful country look.

What ways do you embellish your baskets?

Nancy

Basket Weaving Video - Basket Making - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the Braided Rim Part 2

In today's video I will get you started with creating the first step of your braided rim.

Enjoy and Happy Weaving,

Nancy

Inspired at Home Live Facebook Chat

Begins in about 5 minutes. See you there!
Nancy

Reminder Inspired at Home LIVE Tomorrow

You're Invited!

Inspired at Home LIVE!
Spotlight on Creativity
*Live webcam event on Facebook*

Monday November 16, 2009
10 am Eastern
Hosted by Tiffany Windsor

Live interviews. Live demos.
Live Q&A.

See you Monday morning on Facebook!
(10 am Eastern, 9 am Central, 8 am Mountain, 7 am Pacific)


Join Tiffany and her guests:

Maria Nerius
Arnold Grummer Papermaking

Ana Araujo
When Creativity Knocks

Heidi Borchers
Aleene's Vintage Crafting

Fran Valera
Little Windows
Brilliant Photo Jewelry

Alyson Dias
iLovetoCreate

Nancy Jacobs (That's Me)
Basketmaster's Weavings

Brenda Pinnick
Brenda Pinnick Color U


* * *
Inspired at Home LIVE is a unique, fun new way for the creative community within Facebook to connect, share and chat LIVE on webcam from anywhere in the world! It's about sharing ideas for a creative and inspired life. We share up-to-the-moment information, ideas and news in the craft and creative world. From product information to designer tips, new project ideas, creative news and more, this is the place to gather and share creativity - LIVE!

Share a Basket Sunday - Woven Indian Corn - Basket Weaving - Basket Making

I came up with this woven Indian corn after seeing a photo of it. I did mine all in 1/4" flat space dyed reed and then added raffia for the husks. I didn't put a rim on the corn, The ends are just tucked to the inside.

Have a very blessed Sunday,

Nancy

Testing A Basket Pattern - Basketry

The mountains I see taken from the arial tram. The world's longest tramway here in Albuquerque.

Today has been quiet.
I live on the west side of the mountains where it is cloudy, but I can see that it is raining/snowing at the top of the mountains. It is only a matter of time before we get snow. We actually did have snow at the end of October. It came down as a blizzard lasting a whole 10 minutes and then it was gone!

I've been testing a basket pattern for a new pattern writer. No photos though. I don't show photos of the basket until the pattern goes up for sale. It is a nice pattern and I plan to use it in my kitchen. Am I just teasing you since I won't show you? I'll just zip my lip. I do want to say though that I won't be testing any more patterns until after the holidays. Our schedule is filling up fast and I have many things I want to do. Tonight I plan to sew an apron. With luck, I'll show you that tomorrow. I'm also wanting to get out my Christmas dishes and start with the preliminary decorating. I've also been spending time menu planning. Seems there is always so much to do around the holidays I have to start early.
What are you doing this weekend?
Nancy

Friday Etsy Finds - Beautiful Baskets - Basketry

Snowman basket by Countryside Basketry

Handwoven Fabric Basket by Lazy Kate's Online

Mantel Basket by Baskets by Rose

Horsehair basket by Bazketmaker
Dear Friends,
Be sure to stop by Etsy and check out these amazing baskets made by other talented weavers.
Blessings,
Nancy

Basket Weaving Video, Basket Making - Mini Muffin Basket - Beginning the Braided Rim part1

Hi Friends,
In today's video we get started with our braided rim. Today we will be inserting the round reed into our twining in preparation to braid.
Happy Weaving,
Nancy

What We're Working On Wednesdays and MckLinky Basket Making Crafts

It's Wednesday today so that means it's "What We're Working On Wednesdays."


This gives us an opportunity to share with one another what we are creating. I am not limiting this to just basket weaving. It is open for you to share any craft or kitchen culinary creation or even any home decor project you have been working on this past week. It is intended to spark ideas with one another and to help us get to know others all around the blog world. We bloggers all want to know you are out there and to say hello to you! So please don't be shy and jump right on in. So What are you working on this week? I've posted my link!

Here's how:

1. Go to the specific blog post on your blog and click on the title of just that post. Then at the top of the page where it has the e-mail address that starts http://www/......... Just copy and paste that into MckLinky. This will take us directly to your blog post (not your blog home page) and we won't have to search through your blog to find the basket you want to show us. MckLinky is also going to ask you how you want to title your link.

2. Please mention and link to my blog on your blog. This is such a great way for others to know we are blogging and encourage your blogging friends to hop over here and participate. We all like to meet new friends! You may copy the picture above and paste it in your post or on your sidebar if you desire.

3. Remember this is a family friendly site. Any links to anything inappropriate will be deleted.

4. This list will close in one week.

I hope you all jump right in.

Nancy