Mail from Malaysia

Not too long ago I was interviewed for an article about the Japanese art of zakka. The article ended up being published in the Star Weekender and some of my comments made it into the story. For me the idea of being mentioned in a newspaper from another country is pretty cool; call it my 15 minutes of fame. Naturally, I wanted a copy of the paper. There was just one problem, how to get it?

I remembered one of my blog friends, Caca from I Like Paper Cutting lives in Malaysia. When I asked her about the Star Weekender, she new exactly what I was talking about and was kind enough to send me a copy. She even sent me a beautiful Malaysia Batik (pictured above) with the paper. How thoughtful is that! I truly have the best blog friends.

Thank you Caca. You made my week!

Craft: Spring Egg Cups

About a week back I was crafting with egg cartons, you may remember this post. Well, I couldn't just stop at one craft. Who can, right? I wanted to see what else I could make with the egg cartons. That's when I came up with these cute little egg cups. They're easy to make and would be perfect for a kid craft.

Supplies:
Egg carton - picture above
Glue
Paint
Clear Acrylic paint
Decoupage glue - something non-toxic

Cut egg cartons into individual cups. You will need two per egg cup.

Glue together, refer to picture.

Paint anyway you wish. Once dry, cover with a layer of acrylic paint. Paint the inside (where the egg sits) with non-toxic decoupage glue. Let dry. Done.

* I don't recommend eating out of these egg cups. They're just for display.

Giveaway: Kids Wall Decor

Today I've got a fun giveaway for all of you, kid wall decor by Stephanie Brandt of Just Bunch Paintings. Stephanie has offered to give one lucky reader three prints of their choice (personalized paintings excluded). All prints are created from her original mixed media collages. Stephanie's artwork has a fresh and contemporary feel. One of the features that I like about her pieces is that most of the prints are created in sets of three (see pictures above). This gives you the option to cover a larger space while still keeping a polished look.

I got to choose a couple prints to see her work firsthand. I picked out the teacup and teapot print. They came packaged neatly secured between cardboard so they were in perfect condition when they arrived. The prints looked just like the Etsy listing, colors and all (very important if you're coordinating a room by color). The artwork was printed on quality archival photo paper. The prints even got a thumbs up by my 5 year old and we all know that's the true test.


To enter the giveaway, please visit Just Bunch Paintings Etsy Shop and leave a comment telling me your favorite print. One entry per household. Please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win. The last day to enter the contest is Sunday, April 3, 2011. I'll announce the winner Monday, April 4 2011. If I do not hear back from the winner after two weeks, I will choose a new winner. International friends welcome :)

We're Obsessed with My Milk Toof!

My kids and I are big fans of the blog My Milk Toof by Inhae Lee. The site is about the adventures of two curious adorable milk teeth, ickle and Lardee. When I first introduced the site to my kids they had me read every single entry on the blog, they were hooked. From that point forward they've been asking me everyday if there's a new story on the site. So when the book came out this March, I knew I had to buy one.

When the book first arrived my son was so excited that he declared it an ickle and Lardee holiday. That night he read the book to his sister, both curled up under a blanket. That's how I know they love this book because that never happens. They even begged to bring the book to school. They want to show all their friends.

But their obsession didn't stop there. They started making fan art.

Salt dough milk teeth - these are a work in progress.

And they watched this video about a thousand times while they made their fan art.

Video of behind the scenes of making the book.

So Inhae, my kids have one question for you: When are you going to make a plush ickle and Lardee? My kids will be your first customers.

Craft: Cloud Card

You may remember a while back I was sharing about all the different brads you can now buy. I even created a post on how to make your own decorative brads. Well, I've been playing with the brads and trying to find new uses for them. In the process I discovered a way to make a closure for a card. This is more of a card technique than a craft so you can put your own spin on it. Have fun.

Supplies:
Brads
Card stock 11" x 4 1/2"
Twine - 7 " in length
Hole punch or exacto knife
Paper scoring tool - some paper cutters sell a scoring blade that you can use in replace of the cutting blade

Score paper where you see the black lines. The numbers refer to inches.

With the inside of the card facing up, fold the first set of scores in (refer to top picture). Now fold the second set of scores facing in (refer to picture). Unfold.

In the inside of the card punch a hole (refer to picture). Thread about one inch of twine in the inside. Tape down. now add the brad so the back side is with the twine. Add glue, fold down one inch flap to cover twine and back of brad.

Repeat on opposite side minus the twine.

The front of your card should look like the left picture. Use the twine to secure the card by wrapping it around the brads in a figure 8 shape. Decorate the inside any way you wish. Done.

That happy little cloud stamp came from a blog friend, Mushroom Meadows. She doesn't actually blog anymore but her site is still up if you want to see it. I'm not sure why she stopped blogging but I think it was because of work. Which leads me to this question, ever wonder what happens to people when they stop blogging? I always wonder what they're doing now? Do they miss blogging? Do they still lurk on other sites? It's all an enigma to me.

Free Printable Spring To-Do Lists

Creative Mamma via Sweet Tidings

Need a little motivation to get started on spring cleaning? Write out a to-do list on these cute free printables by Creative Mamma. If lists aren't your thing, check out her other freebies. There's plenty of cuteness to choose from.

Upcycle Craft: Easter Egg Containers

Looking for a green alternative to plastic Easter eggs? Then try out these egg containers made out of egg cartons. They're easy to make and can be used year after year. Not to mention, it's a fun craft for kids (and adults).

*I don't recommend placing loose candy in these containers. Instead use candy like chocolate kisses or tiny toys.

Supplies:
Egg carton
Japanese masking tape
Paint

Here's what you'll start with, a basic egg carton.

Cut out into individual little cups.

Paint the tops of the cups. If you plan on hiding these outside, paint a couple coats of decoupage medium on them as well. They'll hold up better that way.

Place two cups together and seal with Japanese masking tape. To make the tape lie flat on the cups, cut little slits on the edges of the tape. Done.

These little containers can be used for other occasions such as parties and gifts.

Kid Craft Inspiration

In case you missed it, Sweet Paul has a new e-zine out and it's a special kids issue! In this issue you'll find inspiring crafts, recipes, and drool worthy kid products. If you were in need of some creative inspiration for the weekend, look no further.


Kathreen Ricketson, author of Whip Up has created a printable mini magazine for kids called Action Pack. I've been reading Kathreen's blog, Whip Up, for years now and can say that she has a talent for finding the most interesting crafts. I'm sure this magazine will be just as wonderful as her blog, a plethora of exceptional projects.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Recipe: Shamrock Chips

I always like to prepare a snack for the kids when they get home from school and for the holidays I like to make something extra special. So in honor of St. Patrick's Day, I came up with these shamrock chips. The chips are quick and easy to make, perfect for St. Patty's parties.

Shamrock Chip Recipe

Ingredients:
Cooking Spray
Salt for taste
Spinach tortilla wraps

With shamrock cookie cutter, cut out as many shamrocks as possible from tortillas. I was able to get about 7 shamrocks per tortilla.

*Sometimes the cookie cutter will not cut all the way through the tortilla. To get a better cut, push the cookie cutter down firmly and move the entire tortilla back and forth while pressing. For those stubborn edges that will not cut, use cooking scissors.

*Save scraps to sprinkle on soups and salads.

Place on baking sheet. Spray shamrocks with cooking oil. Sprinkle with salt. Bake at 375 degrees for about 7 - 10 minutes. Check often, they burn quickly.

Serve with your favorite dip.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Recipe: Cocoa Mochi Cake

I had planned on sharing a snack idea for St. Patrick's Day but the weather was just not cooperating for pictures. I really need to invest in a photo light box. Fortunately, I had taken pictures a while back of this cocoa mochi cake I made so I'm sharing this recipe instead. The recipe comes from a friend who is an exceptional baker. Her recipes never disappoint. If you're looking for something different for dessert, this just might be the recipe for you. Enjoy!

Cocoa Mochi Cake Recipe

Ingredients:
1 lb Box of mochiko (rice flour)
1 T Baking soda
3 T Cocoa powder
1 3/4 Cup white sugar
1/4 Cup melted butter (1/2 cube)
2 Beaten eggs
12oz Can evaporated milk
120z Can coconut milk
1 tsp Vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease 9" x 13" pan

1. Mix mochiko, sugar, cocoa, and baking soda.

2. Add all the liquids, mix well until batter is smooth.

3. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes.

4. Cool completely and cut with a plastic knife.

*A regular knife will stick to the cake; that's why it's good to use a plastic knife.

Craft: Shamrock Pin

Today I felt like making something to wear for St. Patrick's Day (March 17th). After all, I am one eighth Irish. This shamrock pin is nice and simple, not to fussy. It's also quick, easy and inexpensive to make. The kind of thing that's perfect to make for a large group.

*I know this is technically not a shamrock, it's a four leaf clover. I just like the way "shamrock pin" sounds rather than "four leaf clover pin".

Supplies:
Four leaf clover punch or Shamrock punch
Scissors
Glue
Rhinestone brads - can be found at the craft store or you can make your own
Green paper in assorted shades and prints

1. Punch out one shamrock on a print paper.

2. Glue onto a different colored paper. Cut out leaving a small edge of the second paper showing.

3. Repeat step two so you have three layers.


4. Punch a whole in the center of the shamrock. Add decorative brad.

Place the brad prongs in a button hole and open to secure on the shirt. You could also fold the prongs over the collar of the shirt. Kind of like those metal badges you get at museums.

No Beaten Path

No Beaten Path is written by Natalia, a work at home mom who also home-schools her son. The site mainly focuses on family travels but also includes other topics as well. Today you can find me over at No Beaten Path for an interview in Natalia's "ten question" series. Each week Natalia interviews different bloggers with the same ten questions. I've personally enjoyed reading the interviews along with discovering new sites. Hope you enjoy it too.

Origami Toothpick Pouch

We had a special dinner over at my in-laws house to celebrate Girl's Day last week. Included in the table setting was a cute toothpick pouch. Of course, the crafty part of me had to dissect the item to see how it was made. It turned out to be a very simple fold so I thought I would share it with you guys. Directions below.

*doll instruction not included


Supplies
3 1/2 x 5" washi or origami paper
optional - embellishments

Click on image for a larger view. No glue needed but if you don't like the flaps loose you can glue them down. It's up to you.

Add any embellishments you wish. I glued on some flowers cut from washi paper. I also used a little bit of mizuhiki cord. You really can make them any style you want.

Update: When I posted this project I didn't realize the folding directions were the exact same as the chopstick holders from Rachael's Guest Post. Feel free to check out Rachael's post, her version is a kid friendly craft.

Happy Girl's Day!

Photo via Seesaa Blog

I was searching the net for Girl's Day ideas when I stumbled across this gem, a Lego Girl's Day display! It has to be one of the cutest Girl's Day displays I've seen. For those not familiar with Girl's Day displays, you can find a picture of what they traditionally look like, here.

Girl's Day is a Japanese holiday also known as Hina Matsuri (doll festival) held on March 3rd. It's a day for families to celebrate their daughters. Want to celebrate the holiday too? Here's a round-up of crafts and recipes to help you get started.

Flower Candy & Printable Gift Tags - La Fuji Mama

Paper craft Hina Doll Display - Canon

Kid craft Origami Empress - Origami n' Stuff

Sakura Mochi - Tasty Kitchen

Hina Doll Set - Zakka Life

Recipe: Cinnamon & Sugar Pretzel Bites

On the rare occasion that I take the kids to the mall, one snack we like to indulge in are the baked pretzels. My son particularly likes the cinnamon and sugar pretzel bites and with good reason. They're dough balls covered in sugar, what's not to like? Well, after spending way too much money on those pretzels, I decided to try making my own. Directions below.

Cinnamon & Sugar Pretzel Bites

1 package of active dry yeast
2 T sugar
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour

4 T melted butter
5 T sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. In mixing bowl add dry yeast, water, and sugar. Let sit for ten minutes.

2. Mix in flour and knead for about 8 minutes. I like to use my KitchenAid for this part.

3. Grease bowl and place dough back in bowl. Let rise for one hour.

4. Separate dough into about 10 - 12 pieces. Roll into long ropes about 1/3 inch thick. Cut into 1 1/2 inch length pieces.

5. Place on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet and let rise for 20 minutes.

6. Bake at 450 degrees for about 8 minutes. Time my vary depending on oven.

7. Place on cooling rack and brush with melted butter or dip in butter. Cover pretzel bites with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Serve warm.

Makes about 10 servings.

What's your favorite mall food snack?