Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe!

1. Carve pumpkin, save seeds. If I'm carving mine in the kitchen, I put a strainer in the sink and just throw the seeds in it as I go.
2. Once I have all the seed removed, rinse them well, removing all the orange bits. (One way I found to do this is to put the seeds in a bowl of water, the seeds will float and the pumpkin - as long as it's not attached will sink. Just scoop out the seed and into the strainer)
3. Try to shake out as much water as possible.
4. Place in bowl and add seasoning. I typically use salt and garlic powder. Try those and black pepper or cayenne pepper, seasoning salt or what ever seasoning you prefer. I put in what feels like a lot and that is usually about right.
5. Add about a teaspoon of oil per cookie sheet batch.
6. You'll want to place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Depending on how many seeds you have it may just be one batch (I just made 5) or more!
7. Bake at 350.
8. Stir every 8-10 minutes, should take about a 1/2 hour.
9. Roast until golden brown. Enjoy!

Picture 1: All my pretty little pumpkin seeds!
Picture 2: Baking seeds on cookie sheet.

Craft Night It's Finally Here!!

I want to touch on 2 main things in this blog today, first what I've all been up to, and second, CRAFT NIGHT (can you tell I'm excited?!?!)!

What I've been up to, craft-wise, anyway! After 2, yes, 2 years, I finally finished a quilt for my most beloved niece, Bianca. Sept. 29th was her 6th birthday. She has always loved horses, so of course I made here a horse quilt. I was my very first quilt, so even though I've finished others, this one holds a special place in my heart! Awww

I also made the cutest tote bag. I found some festive and colorful material. It's Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos themed fabric. I like this bag so much I don't know if I can even put it up on etsy to sell it... We'll see! I also bought fabric to make another tote, this one with trees and leaves. The liner will be plaid, I seem to really be into plaids lately.

I have two more projects in line for family members, okay, wait that's a lie, I have all these Christmas projects swimming around in my head, but actual projects, I have 2. One for a cousin, it's a long decorative pillow to sit on her bead. It's aqua and lime green fabrics and I'm appliqueing all these flowers on it. It's mostly done, and I hope to finish it up this weekend! The other project is a Packers quilt for my brother. I have the fabric and the pattern for my blocks I just need to get started, which I am super pumped to do. But first, there is one thing I NEED to finish first.

What could that be? My Halloween costume, of course. I've been putting it off like it's got the plague. I'm actually very excited to have my costume, but the making of it, yuck... I'm going to be an Ol West Saloon Girl. I can even wear the costume again for Steamcon. I need to JUST DO IT!!

On to Craft Night!

What is craft night? Let me tell you, craft night is when I get together with 5 friends and we do crafts.

We select someone to host craft night, they then find a day and time that will work for everyone else (typically via email, so everyone is in on the planning thread). We show up at their house and we are greeted with 'snacks or light refreshments' aka a ton of super yummy food. Even if my friends were shitty people, I would possibly keep them around for what amazing cooks they are! (But they are all super amazing outside the kitchen, too!) There is normally a wine or a select cocktail. We get some munchies, pick a movie to watch, and get to work. We tend to talk the whole time, so we usually pick a 'chick-flick' we've all seen before. Some favorites are: Never Been Kissed, Mean Girls, Bridget Jone's Diary, 2 Week's Notice, etc. Or we pick funny movies, like Wayne's World or Dodgeball, a True Underdog Story!

It's so nice to connect after a couple of weeks at our busy lives and just relax. There are 6 of us, and none of us do the same thing, we have a knitter, a crocheter, scrapbooker, jewelry maker, and 2 of us that do all sorts of things. When I host, I'll sew, otherwise I bring a more portable craft with me. I'm just learning to knit, so it's nice to have an expert right there to ask questiong and give guidence. I think the jewelry makers can borrow tools and teach each other techniques.

I finally broke down while hosting this time and made craft night a pot luck. I tried my darnedest to come up with a clever theme, but it never came. So our theme is DIP. I asked my friends to each bring a dip and the dippers to go along with it. We have a bottle of sparkling wine and a rose. My roommate will pick up 2 six-packs, one PBR or Coors Lite like beers, and one a mirco brew.

We've even set up a 'play-date' for the boys. All the spouses, are gathering at a different house for Scotch and Cigars???? Our goal is a craft night about every 6 weeks or so. Over the summer it was impossible, but now we're back on track to craft away!

PODCASTS! I heart podcasts!

A few years back I saved and got an iPod nano! I loved it! Then the iPhone came out and I wanted one soooo bad, I had to have it. About a year ago I got one! I was so excited and I still am. One of my favorite things to do is to listen and/or watch podcasts. I wanted to take a few minutes and mention the ones I listen to on a regular basis. I'm gonna list them in alphabetical order so I don't play favorites. They are all from iTunes (I don't even know where else to look for podcasts...) Let me know if you check any of them out and what you think. Also, let me know about some of your favorites.

Best of YouTube: video, they show all kinds of things, usually entertaining, funny or educations ranging from about 30 sec to 10min

Brian Stuff: audio, from How Stuff Works (Love these guys!) host answers a daily question, Why do some doors open inward? is in my que right now, usually less than 5min

The Coolest Stuff on the Planet: video: again from How Stuff Works (HSW), sorta a travel and mini history lesson of places all around the world, it is a slide show format not an actual video is the only think I don't like about it, typically 5 to 10 min each segment at end for viewer mail

The Crafty Pod, audio, host typically interviews someone that works in the craft field and is an expert in their field often topics are how to create or run your craft business, this host seems so helpful and personable, I want her to be my friend! 20 to 30 min

Easy Entertaining with Cindy Harris, video, host select a dish and very thoroughly takes the viewer step by step also gives helpful hints and tips. The few dishes I have made from the podcast have been super! 5 to 10 min

Farmer's Market Gourmet, video, also with Cindy Harris, she selects a product that is in season and bases her dish on it, 5 to 10 min

Gardenerd Tip of the Week, audio, quick gardening tip or idea, have been pretty useful in my gardening, 2 to 3 min (I wish they were longer!)

Get Fit Guy: audio, from the Quick and Dirty Tips folks (Q&DT), host discusses exercise techniques and common misconceptions about fitness, 5 to 8 min each

Get It Done Guy: audio Q&DT, host gives tips on how to be more assertive and organized in the work place setting (I think a lot of it applies to life also) I also in enjoy his quirky humor and examples, 5 to 8 min each

The House Call Doctor: audio, Q&DT, host is a doctor and discusses common health issues and diseases explaining the condition and treatment, he is very down to earth and practical, 8 to 12 min sometimes doing series on more involved topics

Let's Quilt, video, host selects a project and breaks it down into steps, several steps are in each podcast, 10 to 15 min

Matt's Today in History, audio, host selects historical topic and discusses it, I like the podcast buy find the host tends to spend a lot of time explaining his format, 10 to 20 min

Modern Manners Guy, audio, from Q&DT, I love this podcast, it's about how to be polite and proper etiquette in modern times, there is a new host and I have yet to listen to him... 5 to 8 min each

The Nutrition Diva, audio Q&DT, host talks about eating and food- awesome! Topics often discuss diet or food fad and how our bodies use those foods, she is very good at telling listeners both sides of a health argument and lets you decide what's best for you and your needs, 5 to 10 min

One Minute How To, audio, each week the host has a different guest talking about a topic they know something about, topics really vary anything from how to invest in stocks, to making stock (soup), to surviving a zombie attack, I always expect the podcast to only be a min (it's in the name!) but they are around 3 to 5 min and the guest is almost always plugging something

Podictionary, audio, hosts selects a word and give the background and origin of it, 2 to 5 min

Quilting... For the Rest Of Us, audio, host discusses her quilting progress and selects a topic to discuss, usually pretty educational and thought provoking, considering. She also has a lot going on with the web (facebook, twitter, newsletter, webpage, blog, and forum) if you want to get involved with a web based quilting community, 1 hour talks about listener feedback (which I like!)

Stash Resolution, audio, host kinda talks about life and crafting/quilting, easy to listen to and gives useful tips. She seems to be a very DIY kinda gal. 1 hour

Stuff from the Science Lab, audio, from HSW 2 hosts and they select a topic in the science field and talk the heck out of it. I find I only listen to things I find interesting, 20 to 30 min segment at the end for listener mail

Stuff Mom Never Told You, audio, from HSW 2 hosts discuss women's and gender issues, sometimes serious, sometimes playful, 20 to 30 min segment at the end for listener mail

The Stuff of Genius: video, from HSW, quirky short videos about inventors and what they did that was so awesome, 2 to 5 min

Stuff They Don't Want You to Know, video, HSW, conspiracies from secret government agencies to UFOs, some times creepy but thoughtful and entertaining, 3 to 6 min

Stuff You Missed in History Class, audio, HSW, 2 hosts discuss historical figures or topics. They explain complex issues very well and topics are always interesting, I usually want to find out more or look at pictures afterward, 20 to 30 segment at end for listener mail

Stuff You Should Know, audio, HSW, 2 hosts are very entertaining and select interesting and intriguing topics, by the end of the podcast, you may not be an expert buy you could hold your own in a conversation with an expert, 20 to 30 min with a listener mail segment at the end

Threadbanger, video, this was one of my first podcasts and favorite, DIY fashion how tos, I'm not sure if they are still at it or not, haven't had a new episode since May, they were changing the format and getting at least one new host (I should re-subscribe?), 5 to 10 min very viewer based, it was cool to see the viewer submissions

Vegetable Gardening, audio, hosts quickly discusses one garden topic, 2 to 3 min

Weird Worm, audio, wacky topics in a list, for example 6 Weird World Championships, always entertaining, writers are very witty, 5 to 10 min

60 Second Civics, audio, in less than 60 seconds one topic of civics is discussed, often segment are spread though out several episodes, not that much info but educational none the less, 1 min

Yikes, that's a lot!! Again, let me know if you listen to any of these or if you check em out, what you think! I'm always looking for new things so let me know your favorites!!!

Worm Composting Part I

Recently I read parts of Urban Homestead book by Kelly Coyne. It really motivated me to create my own worm composting bin. So I did it. I've posted a link to the book at the bottom of the blog if you want to check it out. So far it is NOT available at my local library... bummer.

Anyway the basic instructions for making your own bin system is as follows (there are many ways to make it, but this is what I did, I have no idea if it is the best way to do it, we'll see)!:

You'll need two 10gal plastic bins.
Make sure they are not clear or see through, worms like it dark...
I drilled holes in the side of the bin about 3 or 4 inches from the top and drilled 22 (I think) holes around the sides. Picture 1
I drilled 8 holes in the bottom also.
The holes, as I understand help with ventilation. In some systems you can drill holes in both containers and at some point get the worms to travel from bin to bin. To start with, I'm only using one bin for composting and the second bin to 'catch' any juices (ew gross).
The lid will remain tightly on top and needs no holes.
I bought 2 PVC pieces to place in the bottom container to ensure air is getting to the bottom holes for ventilation. Picture 2

Once the bins are prepared it's time to get ready for some worms! Picture 3
Line the bottom the (top) bin with wet newspaper, think soggy sponge.
I've read several different things some say don't add any food scraps until your worms have been there for a week or so, and some say to add a little food in sections of the bin (put some in this corner, then put some in that corner, etc), and one that said put a ton of bedding in there and then layer with food scraps and bedding until it's almost full. Wait about 3 weeks and then add worms.
I made a thick bedding layer and added some food scraps and then waited 4 or 5 days and then added my worms. Pictures 4 and 5, bin with newly added worms and then covered in more fresh bedding!
I just added my worms today, so I will continue to post with any exciting updates!

Here are some tips I've read about:
Don't add fat or animal product (except egg shells)
The calcium in egg shells aids in reporduction!

Your bins should not be stinky (so far so good, even after having my food scraps in the bin for several days without worms, it's not stinky)

Link to Urban Homestead book:
http://http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Homestead-Expanded-Revised-Self-Sufficient/dp/1934170100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281648505&sr=8-1

Link to Worms Eat My Garbage:
http://http://www.amazon.com/Worms-Eat-My-Garbage-Composting/dp/0977804518/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281649189&sr=1-1

This website is great for beginners and also a great place to buy worms online.
http://http://www.unclejimswormfarm.com/

There are also many video how-tos on youtube!

Selling and consignment, here I come!

So I've been making these really cute cocktail and pillbox hats and I want to sell them. I've had little to no luck selling them. So Plan B. Why not sell them in stores??

I went on a mini holiday yesterday to Bainbridge Island on the other side of the Puget Sound. While in town, checking out the shops, we walked into an Indie craft store. All the sellers are local and everything is handmade. I asked how could I get my stuff in the shop. After looking at my awesome wares online, I'm in! I just need to fill out a contract and send my stuff! I can't wait. I'm gonna go back next week and drop it off. She is also gonna help me reprice my items. She says they are way too cheap!!

This all got me thinking that, maybe there are closer shops that would want my stuff! Doesn't hurt to look. So I looked, and while I didn't have the best luck, I'm gonna email 4 stores, call back and talk to the buyer of another, and have 1 more appointment. This is so exciting. I want to spend all weekend making hats and hairpieces!

I'll keep the blog updated on my progress and let you know if/when I'm in any stores.

My Soda Making Adventure!

Facebook Your Notes: "I first heard about making my own soda through a podcast. It's called CRAFT: Craft Podcast the episode is from 4/30/10, if you'd like to check it out. I've also looked it up online.

So I made mine with about a 1/2 to 2/3 cup of frozen apple juice concentrate (I think it was apple, it might be mixed fruit), boiling water, frozen blueberries, and 4 tea bags of BerryBlossom White. I didn't add any additional sugar, just the sugar from the juice.

I let the mixture cool to 110F (per the directions of the yeast I used). Using a cheese cloth I strained it into the 2L bottle using a funnel. I added 3/4t of Dry Active Yeast. This was way too much! I expected the bubble formation to take 24hrs. It only took 4 or 5, I think because of the lack of extra sugar the yeast didn't completly ferment (which for me was good!)!

I tried it, and it's pretty yummy, it's not very sweet (which I like, but it probably should be sweetened a little more). There is a bit a sediment in the bottom, and it does have a bit of a yeasty after taste, but it's not so much to be put off by it.

Next time I want to try it with more fresh fruit and a different yeast. Let me know if you try to make some and how it turns out!"

Knitting Part Deux...

So I am trying my hand at knitting for the second time. Both times I've taught myself. What can I say, I'm a self starter! Anyway the first time I borrowed a book and needles from a friend.
And while I was able to do it, sort a, I didn't like the result and it seemed more difficult than I imagined.
This time around, about 6 months later, I'm using youtube.com videos. I just searched casting on and purl stitch. Very many videos came up so I randomly picked a couple and tried it again! I had much better luck this time, for one: I guess I'm a visual learner. I always felt the books weren't telling me a step, or I lost something in translation. With a video, I'm able to pause and rewind as needed to pick up the nuances of each step.
So while the 6 or inches I've knitted so far won't earn me any awards (due to a dropped and then half assed picked up stitch and very loose ends and who knows what else)... I like it anyway! I have been alternating between knit and purl rows. I like this pattern much better than just straight knit stitches. I can't wait to master this and try a new stitch! Maybe I'll get good enough to follow a pattern and make something other than a scarf...

What I've been up to...

I was house sitting for two weeks, so I was really able to work on much while I was away. Now that I'm back home (yay!) I've been working on a glittery Mother's Day project. I'm making my mom two fabric covered scrap book albums. I think it has been more work than what I bargained for, but she is gonna love them. I'll post pictures on FB after next week Sunday.
In addition to that, I've been making a lot of homeade bread, and will most likely make another batch today, with whatever flower I have on hand. A mix of white, whole wheat, and spelt flours. Yum, yum. I have also been working in the garden plot. This week I planted some parsnips and beans, and repotted some tomato plants I started a few weeks ago. I need to get out to the garden and weed it, plus plant some some lettuce! I can't wait for summer and to be eating my very own fresh, organic veggies!!
As for as etsy, I've renewed a few items in my shop, and I'm looking and joining etsy teams. Hopefully this will help promote and get my items out there! Also a huge benefit of join teams are the meet ups. I'm really looking forward to meeting some super awesome folks that are doing what I'm doing!
I think that's all for now, I have some sewing to do!!

Finally Found It!

I have been looking everywhere for some French/Russian veiling. For a long time I didn't know what it was called. Well, what is it? It's like tulle, but the holes are larger. It's the veiling on cocktail hats. I've been looking everywhere. Mostly all I could find was veils already made but not the actual netting. Anyway, I found some in the supply section of etsy.com and ordered some online. Should be here sometime next week! I ordered 2 varities metalic gold and black. I can't wait!

I made four pillbox/cocktail hats the other day. I still need to take pictures of them and post em on etsy. They should be up in the next couple of days.

That's it for now, I'm too tired to even type any longer...

First Blog...

Hey,
So this is my first blog via Blogger! I'll tell you a little about myself and the purpose of my blog.
I'm currently 31 and trying to start a craft/sewing business from my home. I mostly make tote bags, quilts, feather and flowery hair pieces along with dabbling in many other things. I have an etsy shop, and that is where I try to sell my wares. So without further ado, here is my shop address: etsy.com/shop/yellowlinedesign. Check it out. I started by teaching myself to crochet from library books a few years ago. Since then, I have taught myself to sew, saving my Christmas money to purchase a 'cheap' but new sewing machine. I also own a glue gun, lots of beads, tons of fabric, zippers, and feather!

The main purpose for this blog is to express where I'm going and what I'm doing with my creations and business. I also hope to get inspiration and inspire others with ideas and techniques. I would love to hear your comments and share my blog with your friends!

Here is an actual link to my etsy page
http://etsy.com/shop/yellowlinedesign