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?