Simple Scrapbook Pages Using Your Stash

 

 

I'm coming to realise that I am a pretty simple scrapbooker and crafter.

I love simple clean lines most of the time. It's what appeals to me and what I am drawn to. I also think that in my quest for the inexpensive I try and make good use of my supplies and the stuff that I already have. I'm always trying to re purpose and see if something can be used in a different way. For this layout I wanted to capture the quietness of my son playing. I couldn't find the right red patterned paper so I ended up using a sewn calender page I had in my stash. I covered up the days of the week with strips of paper at the top. The star (with the button on top of it) was from a Heidi Swap sequenced pack I had gotten, I just turned it over and used the non-sequence side. I also roughed up the photos by using a sanding block and "scratching" along the photos edges. I always love the feel of old vintage :) So, here's to using your stash and old stuff made new again!  

 

 



Chocolate Bird Nests



This is such a fun and easy treat to make with the kids. Although there will be lots of licking of chocolate fingers in the process! Start off by covering a cookie sheet or counter top with wax paper. Put one 12 oz bag of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 min, then 10 seconds thereafter until chips are melted. Be sure to stir in between the 10 second intervals and not over cook. The chips will get clumpy if you over cook them. Stir in the Chinese chow mien noodles and mix until coated with the chocolate. Depending on how chocolaty you want your noodles will determine the amount of noodles you add in. Start off with fewer noodles than you think, because you can always add in more if you don't want the nests too chocolaty. Once you have the noodles all coated scoop out some from your bowl and mold into a mount on the wax paper. I use a big kitchen silver tablespoon, but the kids love using their fingers of course! Once you have the mound, take the tip of the spoon and tap it in the middle to make the nest center. Then take candy robins eggs and place in center while the chocolate is still wet. Let stand overnight or for several hours until the chocolate is "dry".  I place one nest in a clear plastic bag, tie with ribbon and give to my kids teachers for a Easter treat. This year I'm going to include a tag that says "Happy Easter~From Our Nest to Yours"..enjoy!