Christmas Craft...to my parents, do NOT read

It's a handmade Christmas here at the Thompson's.  Thought I'd share my most recent project, a decorative cloche for my folks.

Cloche (yes, also the name of popular winter hats) means 'bell' in French.  However, growing up, I'm pretty sure I just thought of it as a container for cheese ball spread at Christmas time.  I bought this one at a thrift store for $1.99 and am kicking myself for passing up another one earlier in the week.  Then, I also purchased a glass candlestick holder from a dollar store, which would soon become a pedestal.

I like to refinish with a good bit of dimension, this time using three shades of acrylic paint.  First, I lightly sanded the base and painted it and the candlestick black, using a foam brush.

After it dried, I used a cotton rag to paint on a coat of light turquoise.  I tried to allow some black to show through.  After that layer dried, I did the same using a tan paint.

When, the color looked the way I wanted and dried, I sanded the edges a bit, even on the candlestick.

Now, I chose to NOT permanently attach the candlestick.  I will include some putty with the gift, that way it can be used at different heights.

You can fill a cloche with many different things:  seashells, Christmas lights, ornaments, balls of yarn (great for knitters), and just about any small objects.  I got this bag, of what looks like sugar-coated fruit, at the thrift store.  I still have leftovers I will use in creating other gifts.

The trick to filling a cloche is to fill it full, and fill it upside down.

  And, there you have it.  You could do the same in even fewer steps.  Maybe you even have a cloche at home that hasn't been getting much use.  It's an inexpensive gift, even if you need to buy one.  I am thinking of how fun it would be to have a collection of cloches!!!  I'd like to give special thanks to the blog that inspired this project, from The Speckeld Dog:  http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2010/12/makeover-gets-makeover.html.  Blessings!

Laundry Detergent Mixture

Friends are asking...so here it is!  The "recipe" and a couple of ideas.  I have been mixing my own detergent cocktail for several months now, and it works really well.  Why bother? I do LOTS of laundry, at least in my opinion.  Multiple loads a day.  This is an effective, easy way to save considerable money.  I'll warn you, this is just one gal's ratio.  If this one doesn't knock your socks off, surf the web for others.  Do what works for YOU.You can find all of these items on the laundry isle.  While they're not difficult to find, you may not see them in every store. 

Measure and pour into a container:

one part Borax
one part Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT the same as baking soda)
one part of your favorite powder laundry detergent
Mix powder until thoroughly blended.

For washing, follow your laundry labels for water temp.  Start the water, pour in 2 tablespoons of the mixture, let a little more water run, throw in your washables.

Fun Variation:  You can substitute shavings of your favorite bar soap in place of powder laundry detergent.

GIFT IDEA:  If you know someone has a favorite soap, use it to customize some laundry detergent for them.  You could add a label, like "Susan's Luxe Lavender Laundry," or "Hero Wash" for the guys (being sure the scent and container have masculine appeal).  Put the mixture in an attractive container with washing instructions.  You might try placing a plastic bag inside a nice basket and fill with the detergent mixture.  Then, tie the bag with ribbon at the top, adding a little scoop to the bow.  While you're at it, put your own mixture in a cute container.  You're worth it, too!

Troubleshooting:  For added stain fighting, add some oxygen cleaning product to your mix.  If your water is too cold to dissolve powder, start the load with hot water while you pour in the detergent mixture.  Once it dissolves, switch it over to cold if that is the preferred setting.

Hope this works as well for your family as it does for mine.  Blessings!

Planning Presents in the Present

The holidays are almost upon us again. You, Miss Savvy Chic, are not waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to shop. We would get some good deals then, sure. But, this year, let's all resolve to not spend money or energy frivolously. Here's the plan... Grab a notebook or smartphone writing pad. TODAY decide for whom you are going to buy gifts and what your overall gift budget is (and we're writing...). Then, determine how much you will spend on each person. It's nice to know the average amount per person, and use that as a starting point for decision making.

Next, brainstorm what each person might want or need. Write it down, even if you settle on something else. Go ahead now and use that barcode scanner app on your phone for the items you'd like to purchase. When you find a deal, BUY IT NOW. Save yourself drama from the Christmas crazies, who will not think twice of fighting you over a box of matches at 3:00am.  I am one of those people who has to either become a crazy and win that battle, or avoid the battleground altogether. Usually...the latter.

Resourcefulness is next to godliness.  Don't rule out second-hand "one-person's-trash." Ok, I am NOT saying it would be chic to try to pass off a thrift store find as new. Look for items you could artistically alter to suit the recipient's taste. Maybe you find an interesting pair of candlestick holders. For your mod friend, spray paint them with a brushed steel type medium or chrome. For more cottage-y tastes, paint a color complimenting their decor and possibly distress. It's good, then, to be forthcoming about the gift's origins. It is unique and has its own story. And character. Remember that renovating and repurposing are environmentally responsible.  More to come on what's being given from our house. Blessings!