Homestead & Bread 
 
I am not ashamed to say it: I love scrunchies!
Since scrunchies are not considered fashionable they come mostly in black and little variations.
I am very happy to have found this tutorial to make my own!
http://cally-cruze.blogspot.com/2009/08/scrunchie-tutorial.html

Many Blessings,
Melanie

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My first handmade scrunchies!!!!
 
 
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There are no measurements.
Mix according to your liking the following:
- crushed cinnamon
- orange peel (I use my dehydrator for leftover peels, or dry on a cooling rack)
- cloves
- crushed bay leaves
- (optional allspice berries)

Add 2 tablespoons of mix to a small pot filled with water, let simmer on stove. When finished flush mix down garbage disposal for a nice clean scent.

Add 1 tablespoon of mix to a bowl of water, microwave on high for about 3 minutes ( keep an eye on the water so it doesn't boil over), let sit for about 5 minutes, remove mix and the wipe down microwave with a towel. The steam loosens all the splatters and leaves a nice fresh smell!

 
 
Decorating for Thanksgiving does not have to come with a hefty price tag.
The material for the curtain was $2.
The fabric for the table runner was also $2.
I keep the centerpiece (basket with pine cones, dried orange slices with my dehydrator, cinnamon sticks from a gift) year round, I just add a few things for the holidays.
The basket was $5.
Pine cones: Free, collected during an afternoon walk. I keep them scented with a few drops of cinnamon oil every few weeks.
I added some leaves: Free and a garland I bought 90% off last year for 75 cents.
The gourds cost $1.50.
Centerpiece Total: $ 7.25

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More Baby Sewing 11/15/2009
 
A few more things for the baby.
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Burp in Style 11/03/2009
 
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  Why not burp in Style?

Great for using up all that leftover fabric, I used flannel and soft cotton. For the backside I used terry cloth and some leftover fleece.
Choose a colorful, decorative pattern for one side and an absorbent fabric for the backside.  I prefer terry cloth; you can also use Gerber cloth diapers.


-Cut 2 pieces 12X24 inches.

-Pin right side together.

-Beginning in the middle of one of the long sides, back stitch and sew around the blanket, leave an opening to turn cloth.

-Turn right side out. Straighten out the hole in the side and pin it closed, even with the rest of the fabric.

-Start sewing a top stitch right next to the edge sewing the hole closed first and continuing around the entire cloth.


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Another Baby Hat 10/25/2009
 
Another baby hat finished!
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A mix of “mini pumpkins” and cinnamon sticks combined with Kitchen Spice Oil.

  Check out my Etsy store!

http://homesteadbread.etsy.com

Many Blessings,

Mel

 

 



 
 
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  Pinecones rose hips, cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves and cedar tips combined with a sparkling pine scent creates this wonderful Holiday Potpourri.

Pinecones and cedar tips are hand collected.

I have been crafting potpourri for almost 10 years and try to hand collect or dry ingredients myself as much as possible.

I never use cheap potpourri fillers and only use the best oils available!

Whenever possible I use essentials oils only.

Check out my Etsy store!

http://homesteadbread.etsy.com

Many Blessings,

Mel

 





 
 
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Turn a plain baby hat into something unique with leftover ribbons.

Machine or hand stitch to hat.

I will add more pictures as I finish hats, you can find the pattern for the hat here:

http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/infant-cap.html

 

Have a blessed day!

Melanie


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I just love the colors of Fall.

Here is a real easy way to preserve those beautiful leaves:


-       Melt wax in double boiler or use the melted wax from a candle melted on a warmer, just make sure it is of light color. We happened to use a vanilla candle; the scent is an added bonus.

-       Dip leaves once, lay on wax paper to dry

-       I prefer to press the leaves for a few days in a heavy book, but it is not necessary.

-       Add to your table centerpiece or mantle

 

Many Harvest Blessings from our Home to Yours,

Melanie



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