Book Club Ornament

 

I'm a part of several book clubs, but I made a commitment to one of my friend's book clubs, or rather, to myself.  I decided I was going to read every single book this year.  We have a rule-it's for fun, there is not shame, if you don't read the book, still come.  So, I have, and I do, but this year, I decided to personally challenge myself.  

Last year, I saw this super cute ideas for making an ornament with tiny replicas of all the books you read throughout the year, and I decided to adapt this to the 12 from our book clubs, so I made each girl one of these ornaments I'm going to gift them at our Christmas get together (and book exchange).  

I bought a package of plastic, empty ornaments, and I printed off little books using thumbnail size prints.  I'm going to post the whole process on youtube.  I also added the year with some vinyl and a little book charm to the top.  

I don't think I'll commit to that next year b/c there was one that was so not up my alley, but it was a fun year regardless, and it will encourage me to pick up more of them, in between all my 'regular' reading.  

Homemade Vanilla

I'm about to head out on my annual girl's retreat in October.  We decided to do a 'favorite things' exchange (I do this in the summer with a group of crafting friends I've been retreating with for over a decade and we love it).  My favorite thing is probably something sweet.  I was planning on getting a favorite cupcake or cookie, but I brought cookies last year from an Austin bakery I love, so I decided to bring something sweet related-an ingredient.  

These would also make awesome gifts for Christmas.  It's not super 'cheap' to make, but it is fun.  I found a pack of 9 bottles on Amazon that even came with tags (I didn't use) and a funnel (I did).  I bought 8 oz bottles, but in doing that, they do use a lot of Vodka, which upped the price.  

I also bought some vanilla beans on Amazon.  I read the reviews really carefully to find some that were not already split (apparently some people split them and take out the 'good stuff' and then sell the rest of the bean, which impacts your vanilla).  This company also had good reviews when it came to returns (if the seal breaks while shipping, they can mold).  I split my whole beans down the middle, but left about an inch together at the end b/c you just want it to infuse your alcohol and not have too many pieces floating around.  You can strain your vanilla after a few months, but....I'll leave that to the girls that get these.    

I then did some alcohol research and I learned not to use a bottom shelf Vodka, and not to use one infused with flavors.  Tito's was one that was recommended, so I went with that.  1 liter fills 4-5 bottles, depending on how full you make them.  

I put two beans (split in two) in the bottles, poured vodka over it, and sealed the bottles.  I also made some little tags for the front and I'm going to add an instruction tag.  I read these can be used within 8 weeks, but are best after 8 months.  It also says you can continuously refill your vanilla bottles, using the same beans for years.  I guess I'll let you know this time next year!  

The vodka is already amber (a few hours later), and I'm planning to shake them up every few days until I gift them away.  I probably spent almost $10 a bottle, but the bigger bulk you buy, the cheaper your vanilla will be.  

DIY Charcuterie Board

I made 12 of these as a part of a bigger project I HOPE happens this summer.  I did some research to find out what kind of wood makes the best cutter board, or-charcuterie board-whatever the purpose this will take.  

I bought some wood via Etsy, but when I proudly showed the slice to my brother he said it was wormy-which was fine with me, but he was able to get my some scraps (with his bosses permission), BUT-just a tip-if you are looking for wood and don't want to use your whole stimulus check-check out a place that works with wood (door stores etc) and see if they have scraps.  I cut down the slices, and some of them had splits (which was why they were rejects), so I tried to cut some fun shapes.  I'll move to fun handles etc on my next round.  

My brother let me borrow a drill bit and he showed me how to drill a hole, but then made me do the rest.  You drill half way (on another board below) until the tip pokes through the bottom, then turn it around and drill from the second side until the whole pops out.  

 I sanded down the boards and rounded off the corners.  Quality control swung by and licked saw dust like a weirdo.

I then used mineral oil and rubbed it all over the board and they are ready to roll.

Tarnish Be Gone

Things are weird.  And scary.  So I'll blog.

 I'm at home (as are most of my friends around the world).   I'm crafting, cleaning, and I finally put away that dog medicine that's been sitting on my nightstand since May.  I'm also in the middle of a bathroom remodel.  I bought this spoon via etsy for my bath salt awhile back.  It tarnished.

 Did you know, you can rub toothpaste on tarnished silverware, mirrors, jewelry, trays etc and it works just like polish?  I usually use an old toothbrush b/c it gets all the nooks and crannies.  Today I used my finger because I can.

See, one quick rub and wash and it's as good as new-old silverware.

Donut/Bagel Board

Admittedly, I don't have an 'in use' photo for this board, but I decided not to wait to share, but....I will revisit this and add a picture of it in use soon!  I made this bagel board for something coming up, though I hope to be able to use it for lots of somethings (donuts) etc.  I found the board in the unfinished wood section at Hobby Lobby and, with my coupon, it was about 11 dollars.  I also bought 3 dowel rods.  

 I read that most bagels/donuts are 4 inches wide, so I measured the boards so that each hole can fit a donut that is about 4 1/2 inch from the next hole.  Then I had my brother drill holes into the board and cut down the dowel rod to 4 inch pieces.

 I like it because the dowels can be popped in and out.  If I just want to do 12 donuts or bagels, I'm going to put a sign or word across the top where the four dowels currently live.

I also have extra dowels in case I lose any, and my plan is to get some doilies, create a small x in the middle and push them around the dowel so the bagels aren't touching the board directly and getting it greasy.  Not gluing the dowels into the wood will allow easier storage, but I may eventually make these more permanent!
I could cover this with mineral oil if I wanted to make it more food safe, but for now, I think it'll work for it's next purpose!