Mini Road trip for Mini Squirrel & Fox

It all started from the purchase of a mini bone cookie cutter and transitioned to a 4 hour round trip adventure  to Bucyrus Ohio, with Moose as my co pilot. I make all of his meals & treats from scratch. No store bought edibles ever again. So far, I have perfected 3 grain free treat recipes. There was a lot of baking and taste testing. He could care less he was on the fast track of Fat boy-hood, laying at my feet in the kitchen. 

The bone shape cookie cutter is cute but was feeling too "normal" for my tastes. Inspired by his border line insane love/hate relationship with our squirrels, his taunting nemesis has inspired my next quest.  Mini Squirrel cookie cutters.

Are we there yet?

 You would think finding the cutters is simple enough, right? Wrong. I called & searched everywhere local. No dice! When I did find them online, they were all cheaply made in China or just not the look/size  I was after. Then, I discovered this little Artisan company *The Little Fox Factory* . For over 40 years, they have been making Cookie cutters by hand in their basement. They have been featured in many magazines including Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, Midwestern Living, Ladies Home Journal, Successful Farmer, Taste of Home, Country Woman, Western Horseman, Ohio Magazine, Sugarbaker's Cookbook, Woman's Day, and Family Circle. Also Seen in Martha Stewart Kids and have exclusive custom cutters sold through *www.FancyFlours.com {scroll down in the link to see the Partridge in a pear & the 3D peacock!}*. PLUS they were spotted at the White house in 2005! * Read their "about me" over here*  for more on The Little Fox Factory.

 No, I did not place an order for shipment. I called and had a wonderful chat with Kevin Kohls, the second generation Artisan. He indeed did have the mini squirrel available and when I inquired of a mini fox, which he at first said they do not have. But the cookie cutter gods intervened during our conversation, when he indeed discovered an old template of a sitting mini fox. He so kindly pulled this mini fox from the archives and made me 2. Just for me! {hush now child. Let me feel special for a minute}. Perfect excuse for Road trip! I didn't even bother changing from my house cleaning clothes... 

So I loaded Moose up, leaned the passenger seat back & popped in some road trip music. Bucyrus, here we come! Between the time of our call & my arrival, he had them done and made the squirrel while I waited at his Mom's kitchen table.

Whom by the way was an absolute doll! We chatted about our cookie baking craziness for the season and why in the world would I drive from so far to get just 3 cookie cutters. {You had me at mini squirrel...} Oh trust me, You'll be seeing me again. or at least my name on an order form.

Not sure where this new intrigue may lead.  Maybe Stay a 1 dog benefit operation. With holiday baskets occasionally containing our exclusive Canine bites.

 Maybe I'll be at the farmer Market. Or found in local Mom & Pop pet service shops.  I enjoy entertaining the idea and unlike so many of my "hobbies", this one has not been met with an abundance of "Mommy-ographers". I may or may not make just enough to buy back to school clothes or that Kitchen Aide Mixer I have coveted for over a decade.

 But then again... I like adventure. The Spice of Life. I'm in it for the Dance. 

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

  

Pt.5 Winter Gift DIY ~ Not your Grandma's slippers here

Ya won't find your grandma's slippers, mass produced like a trucker with Caffeine filled veins, on here, darling. We are kicking that box down & bringing a whole new respect for Hand made gifts this Holiday season. Thumb your nose at the hours in line, grouchy faced shopper crammed stores and get in touch with the TRUE meaning of gift giving from the heart.

Gift #1

Ingenious all in one Boot scrubber & scraper! With the look & quality of something you buy in a Gardener specialty store. Perfect for any home where mud or snow is possible. A door hinge for boot bottom scraper? Now why didn't I think of that..

Original source: *    http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/recipe-project/project-20110124.asp *

Found  * via content in a cottage * whom shared her finding from Mary Jane Butters project of the week.

Perfect for a wide range of recipients. From a gardener, a farmer, Dad & the boys who romp about outdoors and the special little Lady who comes & goes from yard to kitchen. What about those with a camper or tent camp? You are bound to know someone whom would love your personalized gift. Keep this one in mind year round. Great as a New home gift! I would forgo any plastic handle brushes. They would just make your project have a less indulgent appearance. Wood top brushes range from $2 or more. For some they may even be a little more searching to acquire. But remember, Presentation is not just about the packaging. 

I advise against Painting. Seal/weatherproof the wood before screwing in the hinge/brushes. Do the same sealing on the wood handle brushes before assembling. This will seal out moisture & protect the wood for many years to come.

Be sure to include a How to use tag. " To use, Hold the Boot Scraper in place by stepping onto the "platforms" on either side while Scraping the opposite boot."

Gift #2

Why not SHARE that heirloom Doily with other members of your family! This is one way to share a precious memento hand me down with other members of the family whom would treasure a piece of past.
Do you remember Victoria Magazine, when they became AWOL for almost a decade? I LOVED that magazine and still have a few of my favorite editions from the early 90's. Talk about disappointment when I could not find anymore issues before I realized they closed down the press. Well they made a come back recently with a bit of modern flare. This is from their May/June 2011 edition. Sharing with us how Maggie Weldon, the creator & owner of Lace Pottery creates breath taking yet simple plates. You could easily make a platter, a bowl or on down the line to your desire. A simple hand woven Doily with the looks of an Heirloom treasure can be shared with many others.
 Ever so grateful to have found the tutorial being my issue containing this tutorial became a home for winter hibernating mice in the garage. Never should have left it out there...

Via: * http://lacepottery.com/page.html?id=25  *

Ready to jump right in & create your own? Your family & friends will be AMAZED with your "new found skill" and treasure the useful piece of art to boot. Why not make a proper set. Enough for use during meals, outdoor dining, or as  Spring meal /Birthday exclusives. Click that link under the above photo to see all the accommodating How to photos. This below is just to tease your temptation with the simplicity:

Gift #3

Remember the Book cover sketch book in Part 4? And the Cant live without Cast Iron bread pans in Part 3? Well baby if you like those, then your gonna LOVE playing with this one.

Find an OLD hard back while shopping in the thrifts, the Library sales with this project in mind. Make a recipe card scrapbook they can keep adding to over the years! Just be sure to add some already filled in with favorites. Like taking photos? Why not add in a few photos of the food item to accommodate the card? Put pictures in plastic protective sleeves for that extra special "just for you" touch.

Via Two Peas in a Bucket

Complete tutorial over at  *Two Peas in a Bucket* .

Originally meant as a mini photo scrapbook. I saw the metal rings & instantly brought to mind a better use for storing those recipe cards. Now THAT is a kicker use for the love of Hard back book covers!

Gift #4

Save those pages during your crafting! Why not turn them into fire starters! Either for your self or as a bonus for themed gift giving:

I know the pine cones are just darling in appearance, but for home fireplace use I would add wood dust/shavings in their place. Mixed in with a little Beeswax,paraffin for "cementing". Add the sage leaves, lavender sprigs, rose petals or other dried & naturally scented additive of your choice. Pine creates Creosote, coating the chimney which in turn creates a flammable substance clinging to the actual interior. Pine is just not a good idea for indoor fires. 

Too many pages to use? Keep them handy. You never know what this winter Gift series will bring to your attention.

Gift #5

Despite a more natural approach with my own Hair, Panda has been rather flustered with hers. Not only did she inherit my smashing good looks, attitude & pretty much everything else. Poor thing inherited my exact hair. What once was fine baby black hair has transformed with her maturing into my ethnic texture strands. With haphazard annoying curls appearing in some sections. She began using the flat irons while at her friends homes and a year ago I succumbed with compassion to buying her one of her own.  Apparently the lower end brands do not give her the same results as those she found using her friends straighteners.

So I found the one she has been begging for priced 50% off {at Ulta Beauty}and even then it is far more then I would willingly spend but was met with "All I want this year is a Chi Hair straightener. Mom, I don't care if I get anything else.". Thanks to Grandma the super sale queen, I found one, even better then she requested.

The point of this gift is that MANY girls/women use the hot flat iron or even a curling iron on their hair. I do not know a single teen girl that I have encountered whom does NOT use one.This is a simple gift but can be combined with hair accessories such as a nice brand of hair protector spray or gift card for the local beauty supply which any Teen would be smiling about.

WONDERFUL * tutorial for the hot or cold storage travel case for their flat iron.  * Get a peek at the recipients flat iron. {they do vary in width. From 1/2 inch plates to 2" plates of the straightener. If for a younger female, simply ask "Mom" what the size is before you whip it up. Otherwise, you might have to resort to a bit of creepy snooping in their bathroom with that hidden in your pocket measuring tape. Your on your own there 'Sista!

Via Sew4Home*

'..You can pack it two different ways, depending on whether the tool is warm or cold. If the tool is warm when you need to pack it, put the tool itself in the inside tool pocket and loop the cord around to the outside cord pocket. This way you don't store the cord next to the hot tool."
https://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/travel-accessories-curling-ironflat-iron-case

Gift #6
For the Gym, The local pool, sleepovers, or for that youth whom plays a sport. Panda played Cross Country this last season and always had a separate sling back bag for stuff. And due to the dirty shoes and sweaty uniform, had to be washed.. Often..This one is a great unisex gift. Do NOT let the circle grommets scare you. Truly they are the easy part if you have a problem with cutting straight lines.

*Via Sew4Home*

https://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/make-fall-fabulous-shoulder-sling-sport-duffle

Can you believe just 2 more weeks to get your gifts done! Now that I put that down, I realize I better get a move on my list. I've been far to busy with winter cleaning and organizing this past week. I have only accomplished the back seat cover for the car since I've been spending as much time cleaning it from Moose Tracks as I am other rooms of the house...
Now Ya'll get moving. Time is closing in on us!
Sweetest Dreams,
~Tammie

Pt.4 Winter gifts 10 DIY's

Not your average box of cookies found here. They average from a few hours to a dedicated day of creating.  

Gift #1

 For the Outdoorsy recipient, Make them a Dog Back Pack! Dogs can carry up to 25% of their weight in a pack. Things like their ball/Frisbee. Water, treats and food as well as collapsible containers. Moose is big enough to even carry my water and mini first aid kit with his own supplies. Pricing all the pieces needed if buying all new as well as velcro instead of zippers, I came to a total of $15. If you happen to have a few like new hunting vests or can ask around for a few, this would make the project cost half as much as well as visual enhancing!

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=309913.0

Moose will be receiving one in neon orange being he's a large animal whose color easily makes him mistaken for a deer to a less responsible & eager Hunter.  Neon orange would also be great for those joggers and walkers. 

Gift #2 & 3

Do you knit?  I don't... sadly I just do not have the patience. But if you do, why not knit up a trendy Scull cap! I've shared with you *over Here* how to make one from a sweater and ball cap visor for us non knitters. This was in 2010 and it still looks great after multiple wash & dries! 

Over at Amanda Knits, she graciously shares her knitting pattern for this "code 88" scull cap! perfect for a wide variety of recipients and in one comment, it was said to take just 5 hours to knit. Perfect for that Ice Fisherman, Hunter, Teen and father! Heck, even the women of the house could enjoy one of these for a jaunt to the chicken house, a walk on the trails or for the lazy winter hair days doing outside chores..

http://amandaknits.com/download/code88hata.pdf

Gift #4

On the subject of outdoor wear, here's something for the younger Boys and girls! Another Upcycle sweater DIY gift:

Via Skip to my Lou

Gift #5

It's One for the birds! The more grown up version of the birdseed pine cone feeder. Detailed tutorial shared by Stephanie Lynn. Complete with inspiration for various shapes other then a "do nut" wreath. Time to eye those never used jello molds and decorative tins. Remember~ Package & presentation! That ribbon makes this go from ordinary "Oh thanks" to "This is so cute!".Homemade with pro results. Your local fabric stores should have some major sales going on right now so go browse for the perfect cloth to make your "ribbon hang ties". Nothing cutesy like child style graphics. Take inspiration from this cute flannel plaid print.

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/11/how-to-make-homemade-birdseed-wreath.html

Gift #6
This next one can be customized between adult or child use. Use multi fabrics or coordinate colors to their interests. Perfect for lounging outdoors under a tree reading or watching the kids play. Easy enough to throw in the trunk for use at a park, camping, out on the lake, sleep overs and so on down the list. Double use being perfect for indoor lounging. This is a bit more time dedication but makes a great way to use up the leftover fabric pile or those too small pairs of jeans you have yet to rid yourself of. Use your imagination for fabric upcycle! If giving to a child, this would be nice combined with a book either in a series they enjoy already or introduce them to a new one. 

The DIY Jelly Roll Floor pillow:

http://www.shelterness.com/amazing-diy-jelly-roll-floor-pillows/

If gifting a book{s}, why not wrap them up with a natural twist? Brown craft paper or brown bag for the wrapping. A sweet stamped gift tag with a sprig of cypress, pine or other winter greenery. The extra effort will not go unnoticed :

Gift #7
More simple sewing? Have problems cutting things straight? Then THIS may be a great way to give a sewn gift without doubt. Bandanna square blanket! There are so many colors and designs to use Go explore the accessory aisle for inspiration. Have a look online for even more styles. As created by Deco Allure, shared on her site complete with a mini how to:

Photo via Deco Allure

Gift #8
Have a garden lover? Maybe give a touch of Curb appeal to a smaller space outdoors? I've already began looking through my garage PVC pipe extras for one of these. Spray paint for the finish in a bright or mute color. This one below with complete tutorial, was made with Copper. If you can afford to splurge on copper for gift use, you are in for a major grateful recipient. Enlarge the pieces for a pathway walk through or make small for Rose bushes. Wonderful DIY and inspiration via Fine Gardening:

Gift #9

Another WOW factor DIY on a budget for something Extraordinary.. Make a bench from 2 dining chairs! Perfect for the porch to encourage no shoes or boots in the house. Put in a foyer, out by the garden, in the house or bedrooms. This one looks easy enough with a *tutorial by An Oregon Cottage*

This one with a back seems more to my taste & use. My favorite hence far, *MakandJill* but no tutorial.

http://www.makandjill.com/blog/2011/6/15/antibes-green-garden-bench.html

 I did find a slew of various DIY dining chair bench tutorials through *Scrap Hacker.* A trip to the second hand stores or other resourceful spots for a few old dining chairs will range as little as free up to $15 per chair. Personally, I would never go higher then that and even then it better be drool factor worthy used dining chairs.

Part 4 of this series will end with one of my top favorite DIY gifts. Small enough to tag along on your hikes and car rides. Creative & Pretty enough to indulge your admiration for old book covers. Start searching for those local used Book sales such as the ones held by your local library. This one is a must on my DIY list.
Gift #10

http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2012/05/diy-activity-book-fabric-giveaway.html

I picture this one with many creative possibilities. Shown here as a sketch book kit, it  can easily be  transformed into a child's travel coloring kit. A "secret Journal" stash or car ride crossword puzzle purse.

This one one you DO judge a book by it's cover.

Sincere gratitude to *Cosmo Cricket for sharing the Tutorial.*:

 Now I'm off for a little R&R before I belly up the sewing table.
Keep watching for Part 5 of the Gift DIY series. A little bit of everything with plenty more kick.

Sweet Winter Dreams,

~Tammie