Happy Easter!

Sorry I've been away for so long.  I was enjoying a wonderful birthday visit from my sister.  The weather has also taken a turn for the better in the past few weeks and it's been hard to stay indoors and do things like write a blog.  However, I did manage to complete a couple of crafts.

The first is an Easter tree complete with ornaments.  I made the tree by gluing a branch onto a piece of scrap wood.  The ornaments I made by hot gluing ribbon to plastic eggs I bought at Hobby Lobby.  Then I wrapped the base in some scrap fabric, embellished with some more ribbon and a few eggs, and fini!

I later added this little felted bunny.  I made him by needle felting over a styrofoam form and then adding pipe cleaner ears, arms, feet and carrot.  

The other project I made is a lost sock board.  I found the idea for this at Somewhat Simple.  She provides a supply list and instructions so I won't repeat here.  I will say that this is a very simple project that is both cute and useful!

Crafting on the cheap

Being as I'm currently unemployed I'm having to find creative ways to decorate the new house.  The guest room, which remains a work in progress, is in desperate need of some wall art.  As I mentioned earlier I'm going with a bit of a country/shabby chic look.  Here's what I was able to come up with using craft supplies I had on hand.

Supplies

Scrapbook paper (I used "Hello Beautiful" Ciao Bella Stack)

Cardboard box lids (mine are from old Christmas card boxes)

scrapbook tape

scissors

I cut the paper to cover the boxes and adhered them using scrapbook tape.  I also cut out some of the paper decorations from the scrapbook paper stack and layered them.  I then cut slits in the top of the box and threaded ribbon through, tying in a knot at the back.  

Noskedalen and pasta

This past weekend we attended the Sweet Sweet Spring event at Norskedalen.  We got to watch them tap the first Sugar Maple tree of the season and also a demonstration on how they boil the sap down and turn it into syrup.  One thing I'm started to really understand is that people up here in the north take Spring seriously.  I mean SERIOUSLY.  And being as this was one of the first outdoor events of the year it was pretty crowded.  I guess we weren't the only ones that had a hankering to cast off our heavy coats and scarves and venture out into the sunshine.  Ok, well maybe we still needed heavy coats and I did see a scarf here and there.  But it was sunny and overall a beautiful day.  Welcome Spring!  We've missed you!

In an effort to use up the pot roast from Friday's dinner I wanted to make some beef stroganoff.  Unfortunately, I discovered I was out of egg noodles.  Not to worry!  I also discovered that making egg noodles is pretty simple.  In this case I made my own version of No Yolks.  Here's the recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 beaten egg whites
1/3 cup water
2 tsp olive oil

Mix the flour and salt together.  In a separate bowl mix together the remaining ingredients.  Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the wet mixture in.  I use a stand mixer with a kneading hook but this could also be done by hand.  Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.  Divide into 4 equal portions and run through pasta machine until 1/16 inch thick. Let rest for another 20 minutes then cut into strips.  Dry overnight and then cook in boiling water until tender.  Mmmmmm!

Guest Bedroom

Now that things are generally put away I'm beginning to realize two things.  a) I don't have enough furniture to fill this house, and b) I really need to redecorate.  The guest bedroom has been bothering me particularly probably because of all the white walls and complete lack of character.  Who wants to stay in a room like that?  If I hope to lure anyone here for a visit I'd better spice it up a bit!  Now, as most of you know I'm not really one for country style but I have this quilt that my great grandmother made which has never been backed but which I really love and I've always wanted a place to display it (and hopefully I'll be inspired to back it one of these days).  That being said I went about trying to spruce up the guest room a bit.  Here it is so far.  It's not anywhere near to being done but since my sister will be here for a visit in just over a week (squeal!) I'm sure I can employ her to help finish it.

Before

                                                                                     after

I found a metal wall decoration thingy and screwed it to the wall for a headboard.  I also found a similar metal towel rack at the store so I bought that and screwed it to the closet door to display my quilt.

I also decided this would be the perfect room to put my great aunt Marie's steamer trunk.  I love this trunk.  My aunt sent it home with my sister after my wedding.  It was also full of dolls but not sure if those will go out (might be too creepy).  

Still need lamps and some window treatments and maybe a big squishy chair in the corner, but it's a start.