Today I’m sharing a sure fun tutorial.  It’s not only fun, but it’s useful, will make your packages pretty and is a major scrap fabric buster!

Let’s make some fabric tape!   :)

Fabric Scraps (cut the width of your tape – my tape was 1″ wide)

Masking Tape

Wax Paper

Paint Brush

Mod Podge

Pull out your wax paper and lay it on your table.  The length of your wax paper can be as long or short as you want… it all depends on what length you want your tape to be.

Now, take your masking tape and lay it stick it to your wax paper.  From end to end…

Now completely cover the masking tape with mod podge.

Now take your fabric strips and align them on top of your tape, pressing the fabric as you go so it adheres properly to the mod podge covered tape.

Now cover the fabric with mod podge… by cover I mean really cover.  Make sure you have a nice coating on your fabric.

Let the mod podge dry, use scissors and cut the wax paper away around the tape.  Leave the wax paper under the tape!

Once you’re done, roll it up, use a little bit of masking tape to hold it down and you’re done!  Now you can go crazy with it!  :)

Enjoy!

Remember to link me to your finished projects!!

Don’t forget to go check out the other 14 tutorials!

Tutorial #1 – Handmade Candles

Tutorial #2 – Stamped Clay Tags

Tutorial #3 – Small Clay Doily Bowls

Tutoral #4 – Zipper Pouches & Clutches

Tutorial #5 – SheyB (Inspired) Camera Strap Slipcover

Tutorial #6 – Front Door Wreath Alternative

Tutorial #7 – Spray Painted Doily Canvas

Tutorial #8 – How To Use A Ruffler Foot

Tutorial #9 – Ruffly Door Wreath

Tutorial #10 – Leather Wrapped Bling Headband

Tutorial #11 – Camera Accessory Clip

Tutorial #12 – Redneck Wine Glass

Tutorial #13 – Scrap Fabric Garland

Tutorial #14 – Glow In The Dark Firefly Jar (by my husband)

Tutorial #15 – JUICE!

31 Random Facts About Me

1. Tell one thing you’ve never told your blog readers.

I used to make handmade soap.  That required lye.  I loved it.  I had high end hotels interested in purchasing soap from me when we lived in California.  We moved and I never made soap again.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

- Spiders.  *shudder* They’re just creepy!  But this fear was cemented in me when I saw that old time movie, Arachnophobia. 

- Clowns.  Not sure where this fear originated but they’re just CREEPY!

- Heights.  This became a fear the very first time I was up high and looked down.  Eeep!

3. Describe your relationship with your parents.

- Awww.  I love my parents very much.  They live in North Carolina, while I reside in Arizona, so times are hard sometimes because I don’t see them as often as I’d like.  But I definitely soak up my time with them when we’re together.  And since my dad was diagnosed (and cured) of cancer, we’re closer than ever.

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

- You’ll have your first baby in 5 years.

- You’ll marry an amazing man in 4 years and he’ll provide for you exceptionally well.

- You’ll own your own business one day!

- Don’t rush things, take your time and enjoy life as it happens.

- You’ll move to North Carolina and then to Arizona.  (my 16 year self would have gasped and gagged and never believed the moving to Arizona part was true – haha)

- You’ll learn a lot about people.  How mean they can be.  Then, how nice some of them are.

- You’ll gain a lot of weight, and then lose it.  Then struggle some more with it, but you’ll be happy through the struggle.

- You’ll go mostly vegetarian… again!

- You’ll have 2 beautiful little girls whom you’ll love more than life itself.  They’ll test you and frustrate you but ultimately, they’ll love you unconditionally.  Your life is complete with them in it.

- What’s important at age 16 will be nothing when you’re 31.  So chin up!  You’ll be just fine.

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

- Focusing on eating correctly and healthily.  For myself.

- My girls.  They always make me happy, even when they make me want to scream.  :)

- My husband.  Everyday that goes by, I love him more. He has his faults but so do I.  We’re pretty perfect for each other.

- Air conditioning!  

- My dad is cancer free.  (I love you dad)

6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

- Being ridiculed, gossiped and lied about would probably be one of them.

- Getting the call from my mom “your dad has cancer”.

- Watching my girls grow up so fast.

7. What is your dream job, and why?

- I have 2, actually.  1. I want to be a fashion photographer.  I might not give 2 craps about dressing myself in the latest fashion, but I absolutely adore photographs that involve high fashion.  All the crazy outfits and makeup?  Perfection.  

-And, 2. I’d love to be a wardrobe/costume designer for the movies.

8. What are 5 passions you have?

- Reading.  I absolutely adore getting lost in a good book.

- Sewing.  

- Crafting… I love to make something from nothing

- Photography.  Looking through a camera lens and seeing a story.  <3

- I can’t think of another one… 

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

- My mom – She has taught me priceless things through my life.  I’ve taken several things away from those teachings and utilized them in my life. 

- My dad – He is so caring and loving.  Plus he’s really good with money.  He’s taught me things I need to know as well as my mom.

- My husband – He is the epitome of work hard and be a success.  Everything he touches turns to gold.  He works harder then anyone I’ve ever met.  (I need to teach him the word: Vacation) :)

- My girls – They’ve taught me to see things differently.  Things are new all over again when you have kids.  They’ve also taught me patience, compassion and how to love bigger and better.

- Stephanie Rager – She’s shown me that laughing amid really tough times does wonder for you and makes you realize it’s not that big of a deal.

- Liz Ekstrom – She’s shown me what a good friend really is.

- Jessi Sanfillippo – High kicks are good for the mood. :)

- God – Isn’t it obvious?  

- Chelsea – I learned that reaching out to, and listening to someone can bring a new friend into your life.

10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.

- I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and I can’t remember one.  I know I’ve had MANY!  But one just doesn’t jump out at me.

11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

- smacking

- drama

- lying

- people eating cereal

- negativity

- close-mindedness 

- arrogance 

- leaving the toilet seat up

- clothes that don’t match

- whining

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.

Get up, brush my teeth, clean something, drink some juice, blog, create, clean something else, laundry, help girls with homework if need be, cook dinner, say goodnight to girls, read, relax, bed.

13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

- I wear my heart on my sleeve

- I’m brutally honest

- I’m blunt

- I don’t take crap from people

- I’m impatient

14. Describe 5 strengths you have.

- I’m caring

- I’m a good listener and learner

- I don’t take crap from people

- I’m creative

- I’m loving and open-minded

15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

- A horse.  Because they’re beautiful, strong intelligent creatures.

16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

- Owning my own successful business

- Becoming a mother

- Becoming a wife

- Letting go of negativity in my heart

- Learning what’s truly important in my life

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

- Sewing.  I wish I had better and more skills.

18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

- Myself.  For various reasons.  I believe it’s always hardest to forgive oneself than it is to forgive others.

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

- MONTANA!  Open space, cooler weather, and list goes on!  ;) 

20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

- Cinnamon rolls with mom at 3am

- My dad adopting me

- Watching my parents get married

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

- Super speed.  I’d run.  Everywhere.  :) 

22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

- 5 years – In Montana.  With my kids and husband growing our own food.  Maybe a horse or 2?  And Vlad.  :)  

- 10 years – Still in Montana.  On a large horse ranch.  A large garden.  Visiting Angelina at college.  Teaching Zoe how to drive.  eeeep!

- 15 years – Still in Montana.  Visiting Zoe at college.  Visiting Angelina wherever she moves after college.  Mike and I living the empty nester life.  With our horses, farm animals and veggie/fruit garden.

23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

- Really?  This one is so obvious.  My passions are my hobbies.  I try and do them every day. 

24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

- Not sure how to answer this one… I don’t remember a ton of my childhood.  And my kids aren’t really old enough for me to really compare this.  Ask me in 10 years. ;) 

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

- My husband’s grandma.  I doubt we’d eat.  I’d be drilling her on all her sewing knowledge.  Dang!  I miss her so much!

26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

- The customer is always right.

27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?

- My boobs.  (keeping it real!!!)  LOL!  Why?  Because they’re a good size.  Need a say more?  Didn’t think so. 

28. What is your love language?

- I have no idea what this means.  

29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?

- Oh gosh.  haha!  A lot of people misunderstand A LOT about me.  But I think where I’m most misunderstood is my personality.

30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

- Loving with all of my being.

- Being creative

- Being a good mom.  I don’t want my kids to be relieved when I die.

- Being helpful

- Being a good wife.  I want my girls to always remember me as being good to their father.  And I want people around me to see that too.

- Being a good daughter.  

- Being a good friend.

{I think that’s probably good.  I think if I’m remember for those things, then I’ve truly lived a good life}

31. List 4 random things you’d like to do at some point in your life.

- Learn to dance salsa.

- Blow glass

- Eat escargot in Paris

- Go to the movie theatre right when it opens and see as many movies as I can until it closes.

Today I’m sharing a different type of tutorial.  But it’s more like a recipe (or a few) for fresh juice in a juicer.  I was asked to share these here, so I’m obliging.  :)

I have been talking a lot on Twitter and Facebook about my diet lately.  After watching Forks Over Knives, I have completely changed it a ton!  I’ve done from eating whatever to eating a plant based diet.  I only eat meat 2 times a week.  I’ve also removed all processed unnatural sugar from my diet as well.  And everything I’m putting into my body is 100% organic.  All meats are 100% organic, cage free, free range, grass fed as well.  This isn’t just what I’m eating, nope.  My whole family eats what I cook, so that means more plants for them too.  My kids eat a little more meats than I do in their sandwiches, etc.  But more on that later.  I’m going to be starting a series soon with THIS GIRL called “What’s In My Grocery Cart”.  Stephanie and I will be sharing tips on how we shop for the more expensive foods but manage to keep our food bills manageable still.  It will be a linky, so if you want to join us in changing our lives, we’d love to have you link up!  Stay tuned for the announcement.

OK.  Let’s move on, shall we?

A Juicer – I have a Waring Pro.  It is now $60 on Amazon… when we bought it a long time ago, it was over $200!  You can get juicers pretty much anywhere for any price.  Target, Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.  Get one that fits your budget now and maybe eventually you’ll upgrade.  :)

Fruits & Veggies

Juicing is simple.  Our juicer requires no preparation for the most part.  We don’t have to deseed anything.  The only thing we have to prepare are things with peels or rinds.

Let’s start with the Strawberry Blueberry Juice.

I juiced 2 pints of Strawberries (cut off the green top) and 2 containers of blueberries.

Pour into a canning jar and drinking immediately or refrigerate for no more than 24 hours.  The longer the juice sits, the more the nutrients weaken.

Green Grape & Pear Juice is next…

Juice 1 cup of grapes, 1 pear, 1 lime and 2 cucumbers

I actually cut the lime in half and threw the whole thing in my juicer – including the peel.  Surprisingly, there was no bitterness at all.

This juice was really good!  Refreshing.

Carrot Apple Ginger Juice is the last one I’m sharing today…

Juice 3 carrots, 2 apples and 1 small piece of ginger (about a 1 inch piece)

This juice was so good, my daughter didn’t want to give it back!  :)

And that’s all there is to it!  Juicing may sound daunting, but it really isn’t.  And it’s incredibly good for you.  My favorite is the green juice we make.  I’m making some this week, so I’ll share that recipe with you all soon.  All of these juices may sound weird, but I promise you they are so very yummy!  :)

Do any of you juice on a regular basis?  

Anyone wanting to juice but afraid to do it?

If you aren’t interested in juicing, why not?

Don’t forget to go check out the other 14 tutorials!

Tutorial #1 – Handmade Candles

Tutorial #2 – Stamped Clay Tags

Tutorial #3 – Small Clay Doily Bowls

Tutoral #4 – Zipper Pouches & Clutches

Tutorial #5 – SheyB (Inspired) Camera Strap Slipcover

Tutorial #6 – Front Door Wreath Alternative

Tutorial #7 – Spray Painted Doily Canvas

Tutorial #8 – How To Use A Ruffler Foot

Tutorial #9 – Ruffly Door Wreath

Tutorial #10 – Leather Wrapped Bling Headband

Tutorial #11 – Camera Accessory Clip

Tutorial #12 – Redneck Wine Glass

Tutorial #13 – Scrap Fabric Garland

Tutorial #14 – Glow In The Dark Firefly Jar (by my husband)

Hey Sheyb followers!  Mike (Shey’s husband) here!  Since it was Mother’s Day promptly followed by Shey’s Birthday I figured I would do a quick tutorial to give her a break. This is a simple project that you could let you kids do to add to a shelf in their room.

While this tutorial does not cover the electronics you will be able to find that tutorial at Gangplank Labs by the end of the week.

To make this jar you will need some Glow in the Dark Hot Glue and Glow in the Dark Paint.

Fill the lid with paint (using the lid will let it glow as well as give you one less thing to clean up).

Lay the jar on its side

Stick the paint brush in the jar with one hand and with your other hand pull the bristles of the brush back allowing them to “fling” the paint all over the inside of the jar. Roll the jar on its side to make sure you get all of the sides.

Now set the jar to the side to dry for a little while (the lid will take the longest). Once it is dry you can take you Glow in the Dark Hot Glue and dot the outside with it and if you have an electric firefly you can hot glue that to the lid and go hide in a dark closet.

Your mileage will vary with the different paints, the one used in these photos was a more transparent paint and didn’t work as well as hoped. This Rustoleum paint (while more expensive) is significantly better.

-Mike

Don’t forget to go check out Shey’s other 13 tutorials!

Tutorial #1 – Handmade Candles

Tutorial #2 – Stamped Clay Tags

Tutorial #3 – Small Clay Doily Bowls

Tutoral #4 – Zipper Pouches & Clutches

Tutorial #5 – SheyB (Inspired) Camera Strap Slipcover

Tutorial #6 – Front Door Wreath Alternative

Tutorial #7 – Spray Painted Doily Canvas

Tutorial #8 – How To Use A Ruffler Foot

Tutorial #9 – Ruffly Door Wreath

Tutorial #10 – Leather Wrapped Bling Headband

Tutorial #11 – Camera Accessory Clip

Tutorial #12 – Redneck Wine Glass

Tutorial #13 – Scrap Fabric Garland

Today is my birthday!!!

And because of that, I will make this tutorial short and sweet.  I NEED to get back to reading THIS book. SO SO SO good!  Enjoying the quiet as my girls are at school and Vlad (my great dane) is asleep.  Sigh.  School gets out next Thursday, so I’m not taking these quiet days for granted ANYMORE!  :)  Tomorrow I will reflect on turning 31 years old, but for now, here’s the tutorial for today.

My oldest daughter turns TEN this Sunday.  Good heavens where does all that time go?  I can not believe I’ll soon have a daughter in the double digits.  Crazy.  Anyway, her birthday party is this Friday evening and it’s a Paris theme.  (she’s SO my girl – haha).  I’m having loads of fun planning it.  We’re doing simple but chic.  And she’s even more awesome because she did not want to do a pink and black Paris party.  She decided to go with blue, white and red… the color of France’s flag!  Woot!  Got to love being different.  So I spent most of Saturday making paper chains for a backdrop and then my ADD (that I don’t really have but believe all crafters have a form of) set in and I decided to work on the scrap fabric garland.  In asking people on Instagram if I should make it  a tutorial, I was met with a resounding YES!  So, here we go.  Best of all… no sewing required, so anyone of you can do this.  I plan on making lots more for my girl’s rooms and for their play/relax room.  Once your kids get to a certain age, it’s no longer a play room.  That makes them feel like babies apparently.  haha!

Strips of fabric – Mine were 2″ wide x 14″ long, but you can make them whatever size you’d like.

Twine – My husband got this for me at Walmart – in the camping section.

Basically what you’re doing here is tying the same type of knot you would on the wreath I shared with you in THIS post.  But you’re just tying it on string instead of wire.

Tips & Tricks-  The trick is NOT to pull the fabric to tightly, otherwise it’ll be hard to slide around to space out, etc. Also, try and keep the twine pulled tight.  I put the spool on the floor and place my foot on it to keep it from unraveling more than I wanted.  That worked just fine.

Keep knotting the fabric onto the twine for as long as you wish.  It’s really up to you to decide how long you want your garland.

When you’ve finished then just knot the end of the twine (leave a small loop for hanging on either end) and you’re finished!

After Angelina’s party I will post pictures of this garland all hung up.  :)

Like I said, you don’t have to just make these for parties!  They’re made of fabric, so they can be made just as decorations for your home!  And they’re really easy to make!  I have a billion yards of fabric so I believe I could make TONS of these!  ;)

Enjoy!

Remember to link me to your finished projects!!

Don’t forget to check out the other 12 tutorials I’ve shared so far this month as well!

Tutorial #1 – Handmade Candles

Tutorial #2 – Stamped Clay Tags

Tutorial #3 – Small Clay Doily Bowls

Tutoral #4 – Zipper Pouches & Clutches

Tutorial #5 – SheyB (Inspired) Camera Strap Slipcover

Tutorial #6 – Front Door Wreath Alternative

Tutorial #7 – Spray Painted Doily Canvas

Tutorial #8 – How To Use A Ruffler Foot

Tutorial #9 – Ruffly Door Wreath

Tutorial #10 – Leather Wrapped Bling Headband

Tutorial #11 – Camera Accessory Clip

Tutorial #12 – Redneck Wine Glass

p.s. no giveaway today.  it’ll be next week instead.  and that means it’ll be bigger.  ;)