Make it: Kids Custom Painted Sneakers

It is that time of year, when all the kids want the coolest sneakers in town. With a few coats of paint and an easy polka dot technique using a glue stick as a paint brush - kids can paint their own!

The painted shoes can easily be customized to feature school or team colors.

Materials:
1 pair plain canvas sneakers
FolkArt Fabric Paint – 4423 Costal Blue (brush on)
FolkArt Fabric Paint – 4408 Pure Orange (brush on)
FolkArt Fabric Paint – 4403 Magenta (brush on)
FolkArt Fabric Paint – 4400 Wicker White (brush on)
Mod Podge – Glitter, Hologram Gold
2 Foam Paintbrushes
1 Large Glue Stick
1 Mini Glue Stick
Thin Tip Permanent Marker – Magenta Color

Steps:
Using a foam brush, apply the costal blue paint to the front of the sneakers and allow to dry.

Create the large polka dots by dipping the end of a large glue stick into the costal blue paint and the press the painted end against the canvas on the sides and back of the shoes.

Paint the polka dots in a random pattern, leaving space for the other colors. Continue with this technique, using a mini glue stick to paint the orange and magenta polka dots.

Once the blue paint on the front of the shoes is dry, add a large white, large magenta and a mini orange polka dot to the front of each shoe.

Add faux stitching around the shoes by drawing small dashes around the edge of the sneakers.

After all the paint is dry, apply two coats of glitter Mod Podge to the entire shoe using a foam brush. Allow for drying in between coats.

The sparkle is the new glitter Mod Podge! Oh how I love it...

DIY: Install a Doggie Door

Max Using The Door All By Himself!

One of the projects we had to do within the first week of moving was install a doggie door for max. The project was finished in just under 1 hour and that included clean up!

We purchased the kit from Home Depot with a gift card my mom gave Eddie for his birthday! (His b-day is September 9th)

We originally bought a large door (even though Max is only 14 pounds)and found that it was a little small for Max. We exchanged it for the extra large size and it is perfect. The sizes on the box are a little misleading. It is best to open the box and see for yourself if your dog/cat will fit the opening.

The kit comes with an adjustable frame, tracing template, a magnetic flap and a security plate.

You will also need a measuring tape, pencil, level, saber saw with the appropriate blades (wood or metal), phillps screwdriver and safety goggles.

This project is best completed with a friend or partner who can help line up the door on the other side.

I can't stress how simple this project was! If you are thinking that you need a doggie door....go for it and install it yourself! Max was thrilled with his door and by night he was using it all on his own.

Here are a few tips when using doggie doors:

1. Before you install make sure your backyard/front yard is secure with a fence.

2. Use the security plate when you are out of town.

3. Encourage your dog to go through the door with repetition, mini treats and encouragement. It is ok to open the flap for your dog until he/she gets the hang of it.

4. Don't expect your dog to get the hang of the door overnight and if he or she does, give them a treat with lots of hugs and kisses.



Step 1. Working at least 3" from the base of the door and in the center, trace around the template at the appropriate height for your dog. Make sure you use a ruler and level prior to tracing. See the package for dog heights.



2. Wearing safety glasses, use a saber saw and cut on the marked lines. Remove the center piece and discard. Doors are different....ours is metal with a foam core some are solid wood, etc. - be sure to use the appropriate blade for your door.


3. Smile at your workmanship and don't worry if you go over your penciled lines.



4. Insert the outer frame into the opening from the exterior side. (You can add caulk around the frame at this step is desired). Place inner frame in the opening from the interior side and screw the two frames together. Don't over tighten.

Home: Moving Day

We are in the new house!!! We can barley maneuver around the boxes and mess but we are in! Here is a peek into our moving day - still tired from it.

We had awesome movers!

Can you believe the dolly was called "The Liberator" - so funny!

The truck in the am...

My new office in shambles.

Eddie ready for a cold one.

Miss Blythe made it safe and sound!

My Craft room EXPLODED! Must get in order asap!!!!!

Finally...a proper closet.

The boys are tired.

Thyme and Goat Cheese Ball

Thyme and Goat Cheese Ball

Football Snack Time

This time of the year my home turns into a full time football house and I love every single moment. I must admit that it is not because I am watching every play, scrutinizing over Tom Brady’s ankle or even thinking about Favre’s return to the game.

I love half-time shows, watching my hubby and his friends shout at the TV, ice cold beers and making yummy snacks for the game. Over the years, I have tested many appetizer recipes on “The Guys” during a game and have come to the conclusion that they will eat anything while watching a good football game.

Here a few of our favorite recipes that will kick start your next football party and a quick trick for frosting beer glasses.

Herb Roasted Nuts:
1 c. each pecan halves, walnuts, cashews and almonds
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. sea salt
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the herbs, cayenne, brown sugar, salt and melted butter; cook and stir over medium heat for 1 minute.

3. Add the toasted nuts; cook and stir constantly over medium heat for another few minutes to coat and glaze the nuts. Serve either warm or cooled.

Baked BBQ Wings:
4 pounds party sized chicken wings
2 bottles bbq sauce

1. Wash the chicken and pat dry.

2. Working in a glass baking dish, pour the bbq sauce over the wings and toss to coat, evenly spared the wings and bake at 400 F for an hour or until meat falls off the bone.

Goat Cheese and Thyme Ball:
4 ounces cream cheese
small package of goat cheese
10 ounces grated Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vodka - optional
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
salt to taste
wax paper

1. In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, pepper, salt, vodka and half of the thyme bland until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the swiss cheese and continue to mix. Place in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

3. Combine in a bowl the chives, remaining thyme and the walnuts. Place a piece of wax paper on your work surface and evenly spread the mixture onto the wax paper.

4. Roll the cheese mixture into 3 in balls (you should get about 3 balls) Roll each ball in thyme, walnut and chive mixture until the ball is top coated. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until you are ready to serve.

Frost a Beer Glass:
Begin with a clean beer glass, dip the glass in cool water (don't dry) and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. After 30 you will have a perfectly frosted glasses! Cheers!

Tattoo Iron Ons in My New Book!

Tattoo Iron Ons - on Sale For $2.49! at crafts express.

I just love flocked iron ons, the color is rich and the texture is velvety. I used the tattoo love patch in my new book, Bow Wow WOW! for the Biker Babe costume and it looked so cute.

Bow Wow WOW, my new sewing book is filled with 33 different patterns for creating fabulous dog costumes and loads of accessories. You can create a canine Elvis, a sweet fairy, punk rockers, a bride and groom and even the Loch Ness monster. The book released Oct 7th but you can pre-order it form Barnes, Amazon, Target.

Biker Babe