Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Mini Address Book Tutorial



This is a great little rainy day project that's perfect for teens-- a fun way to spend the afternoon.  I found these cute mini address books at Hobby Lobby for $2 just begging to be cute-ified! Have fun crafting it up!


Ingredients


scrapping paper
scissors
glue
felt pen  (I use Sakura Microns)
adhesive laminating sheet- optional (I use Avery sheets)
mini address book


Prep It


The covers of the books have plastic-coating which doesn't like to stay glued to paper, so you'll need to peel that off first-- just the top layer, not the whole cover.   Now you can cover your book with a cute paper of your choice.  Then, set your little book under a heavy one for a bit while it dries.


Decorate It







After that, it's all up to you!  I cut a strip of patterned paper and a few birds and leaves from the cover paper and made a little collage. Then I drew a few doodles and added a little "bookplate" on the inside cover.  You could use stickers, ribbon, rubber stamps or rub-ons.  Look around the house for cool stuff like magazine clippings, postage stamps and candy wrappers.  It's a great way to reuse and recycle, plus it doesn't cost a penny!


Seal It


This step is optional.  My address book is going in my purse, so I thought it would be a good idea to seal it so it doesn't get all crummy.  Just cut a piece of the laminating sheet, stick it on your book, trim around the edges and rub it on really good with a spoon or something.


Share It- Gift It- Use It!

That's it!  Wrap them up with a cute gel pen to give as party favors, a teacher's gift, a Secret Santa or for yourself!  They would also be a fun activity for a girls slumber party.  Afterward, they can pass them around and fill in their addresses and cell numbers, for emergency texting only of course (like who's crushing on who)!

*tip--  Hobby Lobby only keeps a few address books in stock at once, so if you plan to make several to give as gifts or need a bunch for a group activity, you can purchase larger quantities in packs of 12 here.

***Update-- it looks like the address books aren't available on the office supply website any longer.  Try these Moleskine books or these Mead books instead.  You can also use mini composition books which are super cute.


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Monday, August 8, 2011

Pineapple Fudge



This one is delish!  I had my doubts-- I generally find pineapple in sweets too strong-- but in this recipe, it isn't overwhelming.  Yum!

Fudge is tricky, it took me twice to get it right.  First, I didn't cook it enough to let the sugar dissolve so when I poured it in the pan, it didn't set and it was really grainy.  So, I reheated it and added some more milk cooking it very slowly.  I was lucky that I'd undercooked it because if you over-cook, there's no saving it! Enjoy!




Ingredients
3 c sugar
1 T corn syrup
1/2 c drained crushed pineapple
1/2 c condensed milk
2 T butter
1 t vanilla
1 c chopped pecans

Method
1. Combine sugar, syrup, pineapple & milk in a well-buttered heavy saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly.
3. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until candy reaches soft ball stage, 236ยบ.
4. Remove from heat.  Add butter but do NOT stir.
6. Cool until saucepan fells lukewarm, add vanilla & stir until your hand falls off, then stir with the other hand.
7. Stir in nuts.  The candy should thicken and will be ready to pour when the tracks of the spoon don't disappear.
8. Pour candy in buttered 8x8 pan.  Allow to cool 2 hours, then cut into cubes.


Click on the recipe card below to print out your very own!




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