DIY Edition: Recipe Cards

Recently I went shopping for some good ol' fashioned recipe cards.

Now I know that you can get these online through easy and print your cards at home. I also know that you can head over to your Grandma's house and dig around for some extras, circa 1952. But I can promise you that after hitting two Hobby Lobby stores, two Jo Ann Fabric locations, Wal-Mart, Target, and the Dollar Tree that there were only two sets of cards I was able to find. They were not only ugly, but drastically overpriced at $11 for 20 cards.

My fix: hit Jo Ann Fabrics when they're having their annual paper sale and use their scrapbook paper to make my own cards. At seven sheets for $1 you can't really go wrong, now can you?

I chose two patterns that were within the same color scheme and then a textured backing for my recipe to reside. I strayed away from white since many of my cooking experiences have left books and cards covered in meal remnants.

Jo Ann Fabric offered great selection for this DIY!

These 12x12 sheets provided six 4x6 cards. I bought seven flowered sheets, seven chevron sheets and fourteen tan sheets. That equates to (14x6) 84 cards.

It would be unfair to tell you how quick this option is. I spent a good afternoon just measuring and cutting. But think about it - these will be in your kitchen for the remainder of your cooking career. Do you really want to cut corners? Maybe you do and if so, I recommend checking out those etsy options. I just didn't want to spend even more money adding ink to my printer and buying a whole pack of paper. That gets pricey.

I splurged on a stamp for the back (by splurged, I spent $2.99 - full price!) and drew the instruction lines with a ruler. I dolled up the back with a strip of glitter tape from Meijer (this came from a large roll that I cut down for my needs) and called it a day.

Total cost for these beauties was $5.99 and a little DIY time. And now, I'll be cooking in style!

Thanks for stopping by the Humble Hammock and looking around; do come back!

Cara

P.S. - How could these recipe cards be even better?

DIY Edition: Jars

Do you like to burn candles? How about those scented waxes that you heat up in warmers? I have used both for some time and was frustrated when it came time to pitch all of that excess wax. So, I stopped by my local craft store, picked up a small box of candle wicks and now I'm reusing wax to make new candles.

It's easy - let me walk you through it.

Steps for candles:

• Once candle is burnt up, remove the excess wax with a butter knife. Sometimes you can cut it into small sections to remove it from the jar. You can also freeze it for a short time and the wax should pop right out. Once the wax is out, pry off the old wick base if you plan to reuse the jar.
• Prep the new candle jar by pouring a drop of oil into the bottom for the wick to set on. This makes them easier to remove when your new candle burns up.
• Place the wick in the bottom of the jar and steady the top of the wick to keep it centered during the wax pouring process. I use popsicle sticks, forks, or any other worthy utensil laying around.
• Heat the old wax on a candle warmer [in an appropriate jar or bowl] or a wax warmer. Once melted, pour into the new candle jar.

Steps for warmers:

• When the wax is no longer scented [or you tire of it] simply begin by heating it up and preparing it for your new candle.
• Prep the new candle jar by pouring a drop of oil into the bottom for the wick to set on. This makes them easier to remove when your new candle burns up.
• Place the wick in the bottom of the jar and steady the top of the wick to keep it centered during the wax pouring process. I use popsicle sticks, forks, or any other worthy utensil laying around.
• Once the wax is ready, pour into the new candle jar.

The not-so-obvious perks to these gems are:

• Multiple scents throughout the candle's burn
• Color coordination with your decor
• Great little gifts to give alongside gift cards 

On the topic of jars, I found this transition quite natural. Below is a jar that once contained a single serving of jam. Albeit cute, the lid was a bit tacky for re-gifting or exposed use throughout my house. A little roughing up with sandpaper did the trick and now they're ready for re-use!

Thanks for stopping by the Humble Hammock and looking around; do come back!

Cara

P.S. - Comment below with blog posts that you'd like to see!

DIY Edition: Recycled Canvas Art

A few summers ago I took an oil painting class. Needless to say, I was no Claude Monet and after a reasonable amount of time had passed I was stuck with five ugly canvases and no desire to pick up a paint brush again. Painting, like many hobbies, is expensive. I wasn't about to throw away $50+ of canvases.
Earlier in the summer I’d hit the crafter’s jackpot while helping my Grandma clean out her breezeway. She gave me a large paper shopping bag full of retro fabrics. I dug through it until I found something a bit tame on the eyes, and began measuring it for my latest craft; fabric wrapped canvases.

I laid the canvas on top of the fabric and cut it so that there was about an inch remaining along the parameter of the canvas. The fabric I chose had a pattern, so I had to be careful to line it up well before cutting. I then laundered the fabric, ironed it, and began to hot glue it to the wooden frame. Working slowly, I did the longer side first and then moved to the opposite side.  This kept the pull even and made sure that the fabric was equal on all sides.

This is what the finished product should look like.

 For the corners, I folded the fabric neatly and glued with each crease. That way there wouldn't be a bulkiness against the wall in case I ever decided to hang them with a nail. Taking time on this step was pertinent to making sure it looked clean and smooth.

Take your time on those corners!

Once complete, I placed the new "canvas” on my mantle and accessorize with other decor. When I tire of it I can simply choose a new fabric to wrap it in, add a monogrammed letter, or show off my terrible painting :/.

Here's the final product with some other decor.

If I’d have bought the materials for this project it would have cost about $10-$12. If you’d like alternative variations of this project comment below and I’d be happy to brainstorm! For more decor ideas check out my other posts on DIY Edition: [Home Decor] and Kitchen Whisks Worth Taking.

Thanks for stopping by the Humble Hammock and looking around; do come back!

Cara