Eyeglasses are The New Mustache

Have you noticed how the mustache trend is slowly fading away while the black rimmed eyeglass is just waiting to take its place? Soon there will be eyeglass everything: plushies with eyeglasses, plush eyeglasses for babies, eyeglass rings (draw your own face on finger to complete), hats with faux eyeglasses knit into them, eyeglass parties, eyeglass invitations, and most inevitably eyeglasses on a stick. So, to celebrate this eyeglass trend I thought I would make a stamp. My inspiration came from my sweater in the picture above. Below are brief instructions on how to make an eyeglass stamp.

I specifically created this image for the stamp. You're welcome to use it for personal use. Right click, copy, save, and print. Feel free to make the image any size you want. I made my stamp about 3 1/2" length.

Supplies:
Template
Tracing paper
Linoleum Cutter
Speedy Stamp
Pencil
Flat block of Wood - I like to use the left over wood blocks from kamaboko.
Strong glue

1. Trace template with tracing paper.
2. Transfer image from tracing paper onto speedy stamp.
3. Cut away all negative space with linoleum cutter.
4. Cover with ink and stamp to see what you need to touch up.
5. Once your stamp is how you like, stamp top of wood and glue stamp onto block of wood.

*Tip - Baby-wipes work great for cleaning stamps.

Simple card I made with the stamp.

Favorite Fall Recipes

Today I tested out this pumpkin scone recipe I found online (it was a hit with the family). With so many recipes out there, I always find it hard on choosing the right one. Especially when I don't know how they're going to turn out. So, today I thought I would share a few recipes that I've found online that I consider keepers. Enjoy.

Acorn Stuffed Squash with Quinoa on Craft: Made this last Thursday.

Chicken Tortilla Soup on The Larissa Monologues: This is a family favorite. I set out tomatoes, avocados, cilantro, cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream in separate bowls. Then everyone just chooses what they want in their soup.

Pumpkin Pasta on Mom Advice: Just made this last Friday for dinner. It's my son's favorite.

Pumpkin Scones on Food.com: Made these today, picture above. I like to make scones smaller so they go farther. I usually pair them with fruit and yogurt to make a complete breakfast.

Super Sloppy Joes on Food Network: I like to sneak other vegetables into these like broccoli and carrots.

Veggie chili on La Fuji Mama. Will even satisfy your meat and potato eaters. Usually there's enough leftover for me to freeze and save for another dinner.

Got a favorite fall recipe? Feel free to share in the comments along with a link.

The Hairstlye Dilemma

It seems like once a year I go through this phase where I can't stand my hair anymore and have to do something drastic with it. Anyone else get like that? This time I opted for the Katie Holmes bob and chopped off about 7 inches. The bangs were a little different for me but not entirely new. In junior high I once rocked the 90210 Brenda haircut which I thought looked good at the time. However, now that I'm looking at this picture, I'm not so sure (picture below).

So, now it's been two weeks and I'm still not sure what to do with this hairstyle. What do you guys think, keep it, grow it out, ditch the bangs?

P.S. Aren't you glad you stopped by today to read this riveting post *sarcasm*.

Holiday Traditions

Today you can find me over on my giveaway/review page sharing about a special holiday tradition along with the recipe for Grace Episcopal Coffee Punch. Hope you'll stop by and check out A Cup of Tradition.

How To Make a Japanese Money Envelope

This Japanese money envelope is also known as kinpu. Often money is given for special occasions and presented in one of these beautiful folded envelopes. These envelopes come in many styles, some more elaborate than others. For this tutorial, I thought I would share a very basic style with you.

Supplies:
Mizuhiki cord - can be substituted for ribbon
12" x 12" green washi paper - scrap-booking paper works just as well
1" x 9" strip of decorative washi paper
7 1/4" x 4" pink paper
Glue Sticks
Acrylic varnish
Tape
Wax paper
Plain white money envelope or money wrapped in tissue

Making the Envelope

Place money in center of the decorative envelope. Fold in where you have scored the paper starting with the bottom flap first. Fold facing left flap in. Fold facing right flap in.

Your envelope should now look something like this.

Making the Mizuhiki Knot

Take three strips of mizuhiki cord and tape down on wax paper. Brush one side with acrylic varnish. Let dry. In the mean time you will make your mizuhiki knot. For directions, click here.

Wrap decorative washi paper around the envelope and glue in back. Do not glue the washi paper to the envelope. You want it to be able to slide off. Wrap mizuhiki cord around decorative washi paper and tape together to hold in place. Hot glue mizuhiki knot in front. Done.



Here are a couple elaborate mizuhiki knots from some money envelopes. If you feel like a challenge, you can try and recreate these.

Sorry this post is a little late. Friday night I had to go to the ER due to a tension headache. I'm fine now but I was out of commission for the weekend. I'm just now getting back into my regular schedule.