octo-cutey

I call myself a guerilla crafter-- but not because of some political statement I'm trying to make through cardstock and hot glue. It takes a lot to motivate me to craft these days so, when I come across a project I deem worthy of my time, I strike aggressively and seemingly out of nowhere. And so it was with this cutey-patootie yarn octopus.

I came across this gem in the August issue of Martha Stewart Living and *knew* this was the project to bring me out of my crafting coma. The materials were easy enough - cotton yarn, scissors and a styrofoam ball, plus a little thread for the eyes. The instructions were simple, too. And with our little bundle on the way this winter, I thought this would be a lovely homemade token of Mama's love.

I'm happy with the way he turned out, though I think he could use a few touch ups and an accessory-- a bow tie perhaps? We shall see. You can find the step-by-step instructions for this little guy right here.

Have a great weekend! x 

MS baking printables

Martha, Martha, Martha.
I know there are wide-ranging opinions on the reigning Queen of Domestic Goddesses and personally, I fall somewhere in the middle. I think that some of her projects are completely and utterly frivolous. I mean, did you see all those glitter crafts?! There's even a whole section devoted exclusively to using the "herpes of crafting". I know she's trying to promote her new glitter line but, who wants to paint a portrait of their cat in glitter? Seriously?

Fortunately, Martha and her amazing team of crafty mavens are also responsible for some truly fantastic recipes (check out the Light General Tso's chicken under 'recipe recommendations' ovah there yonder ----> ), brilliant ideas and helpful tidbits, like these *free* baking printables.

In addition to being super cute, these printables pull their weight around the kitchen, making those pesky measurement conversions and search for baking temperatures a snap. You can print out and laminate them for safe keeping in your recipe stash, or convert them into refrigerator magnets for a reference that's easily accessible. The perfect cheat sheets for manic bakers like myself.

You can find instructions and downloadable templates here:

*pie chart

*cook's helpers (there are 3: measuring equivalents, pan substitutions & candy-making temperatures)

I feel my self-imposed Baking Ban may have to be lifted sooner rather than later. x


{images: Martha Stewart}

Halloweenie

Hello there and Happy Weekend!

We're off to the Rock & Shock Horror Convention and Music Festival tomorrow and its really putting me in the mood for Halloween! I'll be working on my costume today to get in spirit. Are you dressing up? What are you going to be??

I *love* Martha's toadstool pumpkins! and have a go at that little snail!

I hope you can make time for some Halloween tricks and treats this weekend! Check out Martha Stewart's Halloween Central for all kinds of ideas - pumpkin carving designs, decorations, DIY costumes and themed recipes - and have a look at Etsy's Halloween gift guides for more spooky inspiration. (I think I'm going to make some Creepcakes next week-- so cute!)

Enjoy my dears!

xxx,
Mrs. M