Thursday, April 12, 2012

Good Bye Blogger

You know, I'm sorry to say, I didn't like blogger much anyway.  I am moving back to wordpress, but it's because I bought a domain.  http://kurtzcraftsblog.com/

I bought a domain because then I have not just an excuse, but a monetary obligation to blog regularly, and that will keep me consistent. 

Goodbye blogger. 

Dresden Plates and More

Happy Thursday!  I'm feeling a little under the weather, but thanks to the big man upstairs, it isn't that bad.  I went home early yesterday, over medicated myself, and prayed that when I woke up this morning, I'd feel better.  He delivered!  I feel MUCH better.  No fever, and just slight congestion today. =)

Anyway!  I am slightly obsessed with dresden plate quilts.  I saw one at a quilt show, then got a McCall's quilting issue with one on the cover, and now I've found a blog that is doing a scrappy dresden quilt.  They took some great pictures that suddenly made me go, DUH!  I wasn't thinking of sewing them in that manner... I was gonna do it the hard way (gee, imagine that!)
http://bunnyhillblog.com/2012/01/05/bunny-hill-scrappy-plate-club/










Sew them like this...









So then when you cut them apart and put them rightside out, you have blades like this!  DUH! Melissa!  Thank you Bunny Hill, for making my life that much easier! 

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Tutorial Tuesday Number Whatever

LOL I was too lazy to go back and see what number this was going to be, I appologize.  Today was my boss's birthday, and I feel awkward that no one had told me.  I am going to make him maple bacon cupcakes. =)  I'll let you know how they turn out and post pictures too!

Cupcakes
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, slightly softened, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, at room temperature
2 cups pure maple syrup
3 egg yolks
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups milk
Frosting
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Bacon, cooked and and crumbled on top

Here is the original post: http://crumbsandcookies.blogspot.com/2011/07/maple-bacon-cupcakes.html
Sorry I didn't post the rest of the instructions, I'm in a hurry.  I'll come back later!


Jewelry Hoarder

I don't wear much jewelry, usually a bracelet and maybe a pair of earrings, but I am obsessed with jewelry!  I love to make it and collect it. 

Etsy is an amazing place chock full of handmade jewelry, and jewelry supplies.  I have some of my own work posted there.  www.etsy.com/shop/kurtzcrafts  If you are unfamiliar with etsy, you can search by handmade, supplies, vintage, people, and shops.  You have to create an account to buy or sell, but it's worth it.  Paypal is the norm, but some shops still accept checks and money orders.

Pinterest is your personal bulletin board of awesomeness.  It's like digitally cutting your favorite stuff out of magazines and books and displaying it for all to see.  Just make sure you link back to where you originally found it!  Pinterest is by invitation, so let me know if you aren't already a member and you'd like to join. 
Here is my jewelry board: http://pinterest.com/kurtzcrafts/jewelry/

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! 
What is Easter really about?  One single event, that caused Christians to believe what we believe. 

It isn't about religion, it isn't about Jesus himself... It is about Jesus Christ, rising from the dead- after he told everyone he would! 

He performed many miracles, he was an amazing person, but predicting his death and resurrection, and then actually doing it was what made Christianity last beyond the 1st Century.  The apostles couldn't stop talking about it!  What are you waiting for?  Who needs to hear about your relationship with Jesus?

Thank you Jesus! 

It won't be posted until later in the week, but I suggest you check out Pastor Mark Wilson's message on Easter, my husband and I agreed it was the best we've ever heard!  We attended the 6 p.m. service on Saturday evening at FUB.  http://www.fowlervilleub.org/media/

On this Holy day, think about what your savior not only did for you, but what he didn't do for himself.  He died and rose again so that we may die and rise again, and have a personal, loving relationship with the God that we had shunned.  Hallelujah!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Easter Weekend

Woohoo!  It's almost Easter Weekend!  Today is my Friday of sorts, Asahi opts to not make the office staff work on Fridays, and I believe it isn't a full staff out in the shop either. 

I love Easter.  It used to just be the candy.  Then it was the candy, sunshine, and flowers.  Now, it is the sunshine, candy, flowers, and Jesus.  It is the reminder of how amazing our God is.  I try to remember to take time to thank Him for the sacrifice as often as possible.  To come to earth, live like a regular person, be persecuted, beaten, and tried and executed as the lowliest criminal, just to be the living sacrifice so we can be free!  No more animal sacrifices, no more human sacrifices, the ultimate price was paid!  Hallelujah! 

Luke 22-24 is a good place to read the accounts of Jesus dying and rising.  I'm a fan of the Amplified version of the Bible, but for a more fluid, story-like reading, try NIV or NLT.  http://www.youversion.com/bible/luke.22.amp

Tonight I'm going to a friend's crop night, and hopefully I'll have super cool layouts to share afterwards! 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Close To My Heart Giveaway Celebration Day #2

Woohoo! Yesterday my kit came!  Unfortunately, I was too busy to open it up, but I will do so later today and take tons of pictures!  Here is the giveaway for today!  Sorry, took the picture with my cell phone.



White Daisy Mini-Medley!  Crochet flowers, flower shaped brads, metal tags, and metal buckles all in White Daisy.  The crochet flowers are dyeable, and the metal pieces are colorable with markers or paint. 

















Wanna win the mini-medley?  Comment on the blog!  One entry for commenting, a second for becoming a follower of my blog (make a second comment), and a third entry for liking my facebook page (make a third comment)! 

One winner will be randomly picked from the comments using random.org.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

CTMH Celebration Giveaway #1

Woohoo!  It's my first giveaway for my Close To My Heart Celebration! 

There will be four mini giveaways, and one BIG one that will take place next week, and then I will try to do a giveaway monthly!

Today's winner will be announced tomorrow, at 6pm Eastern Time. 


These happy little CTMH flowers are colorable, with ink or marker or paint, and have a tiny hole in the middle, perfect for skewering with a brad and adding to your favorite scrapbook page or card!  There are multiple shapes and sizes in there, all white.










Wanna win the flowers?  Comment on the blog!  One entry for commenting, a second for becoming a follower of my blog (make a second comment), and a third entry for liking my facebook page (make a third comment)! 

One winner will be randomly picked from the comments using random.org.

Busy Bloggy Lady

Whew!  I've been very busy lately!  I feel terrible that I've been neglecting my blog.  I'm going to be making some changes, and switch gears a little. 

I've been neglecting my time with God as well, and I am ashamed of myself.  The best part, though, is that He understands, and will welcome me back into our special time without a grudge.  I am going to be starting a brief study on the Book of Ruth in the Bible, and comparing different versions of it.  The Bible Study group that I'm a part of is thinking about doing Ruth, but whether we do or don't, I think it's a short, easy book to start with deep study.  (Ruth is only 4 chapters long)

Stay tuned for some more Christian type things, it's about time!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Happy National Scrapbooking Month!



This is no April Fools Joke!  Starting April 17, spend at least $35 in Close To My Heart product, and only pay $5 for the Dotty for You paper pack! 

Don't forget, the first five customers to place an order from my website will have their shipping refunded to them!

http://www.melissakurtz.ctmh.com/

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

CTMH Scrapbooking Giveaways!

I'm celebrating my resigning with Close To My Heart!  All next week I will be giving away current product from the CTMH current idea book.  (Look at the current online idea book here)

Stay tuned for sneak peeks to what I'll be giving away!  I may be posting here, or at my facebook.

KurtzCrafts Facebook Page

CTMH Free Cricut Cartridge

I've re-signed on to be  a Close To My Heart independant consultant!  What made me decide to sign back on?  There are a million reasons, but the biggest one, the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge for FREE!
You can get it too, but only until March 31st!  (If you don't own a cricut, you can receive $100 in free product instead, which is on top of the $400 worth of product you get when you sign up!)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tutorial Tuesday #11: Crochet

It is Tutorial Tuesday again!  For numba 11, I've borrowed a crocheted pattern from favecrafts.com. 
If you'd like to see the original, go here

Materials
Bernat® Super Value™ (197 g/7 oz; 389 m/426 yds)
Main Color (MC) (53041 Clay) 1 ball
Contrast A (53515 Deep Straw) 1 ball
Contrast B (53531 Rouge) 1 ball
Sizes 4 mm (U.S. G/6) and 5 mm (U.S. H/8) crochet hooks or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge
13 sc and 14 rows equals 4 inches (or 10 cm)



Instructions
BAG (See Diagram I on page 3.)
Note: Ch 3 at beg of rnd counts as dc throughout.
With larger hook and MC, ch 84. Join in ring with sl st to fi rst ch, taking care not to twist chain.
1st rnd: (Base rnd). Ch 3. 1 dc in each ch around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. 84 dc.
2nd rnd: (Scales rnd). Ch 1. Work 5 dc down post of fi rst dc of previous rnd. Ch 1. Work 5 dc up post of 2nd dc of previous rnd – beg scale st made. Miss next 5 dc. *Work 5 dc down post of next dc of previous rnd. Ch 1. Work 5 dc up post of next dc of previous rnd – scale st made. Miss next 5 dc. Rep from * 11 times more. Join with sl st to ch 1.
3rd rnd: (Base rnd). Sl st to 3rd dc of next missed 5-dc group of previous rnd. Ch 3. 1 dc in same sp as last sl st. *1 dc in each of next 2 dc. 1 dc between 2 dc of scale st. 1 dc in each of next 2 dc.** 2 dc in next dc. Rep from * 11 times more; then rep from * to ** once more. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.
4th rnd: (Scales rnd). Ch 1. Beg scale st. Miss next 5 dc. *Scale st. Miss next 5 dc. Rep from * 11 times more. Join
with sl st to ch 1.
Rep 3rd and 4th rnds for pat until work from beg measures approx 8″ [20.5 cm].
Next rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each dc of last base rnd. Join with sl st to fi rst sc. 84 sc. Fasten off .


Bag Edging
With smaller hook, join A with sl st to any sc.
1st rnd: Ch 1. 3 sc in same sp as last sl st. Miss next 2 sc. *3 sc in next sc. Miss next 2 sc. Rep from * around. Join with sl st to fi rst sc.
2nd rnd: Sl st in next sc. Ch 1. *3 sc in next sc. Miss next 2 sc. Rep from * around. Join with sl st to fi rst sc.
Rep last rnd until edging measures 2″ [5 cm]. Fasten off .

Handles (make 2).
With larger hook and 2 strands of A, ch 4.
1st rnd: Draw up a loop in 2nd ch from hook. Draw up a loop in each of next 2 ch (4 loops on hook).
2nd rnd: Drop all loops from hook. Pick up last loop worked (4th loop). Working from right to left, insert hook in 1st loop (this will cause a circle to form). Yoh and draw through loop. Insert hook into 2nd loop. Yoh and draw through loop. Insert hook into 3rd loop. (4 loops on hook).
Rep last rnd until work from beg measures 18″ [45.5 cm] long. Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and fasten securely.

Flower (See Diagram II on page 3.)
With larger hook and B, ch 2.
1st rnd: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st in fi rst sc.
2nd rnd: Ch 1. Working in front loops only, 1 sc in fi rst sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. *1 sc in next sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. Rep from * once more. Do not join with sl st. 3 petals.
3rd rnd: Do not ch 1. Working in rem back loops of 1st rnd, 2 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to fi rst sc. 12 sc.
4th rnd: Ch 1. Working in front loops only, 1 sc in first sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. *1 sc in next sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. Rep from * 4 times more. Do not join with sl st. 6 petals.
5th rnd: Do not ch 1. Working in rem back loops of 3rd rnd, 2 sc in fi rst sc. 1 sc in next sc. (2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in next sc) 5 times. Join with sl st to fi rst sc. 18 sc.
6th rnd: Ch 1. Working in front loops only, 1 sc in fi rst sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. *1 sc in next sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. Rep from * 7 times more. Do not join with sl st. 9 petals.
7th rnd: Do not ch 1. Working in rem back loops of 5th rnd, 2 sc fi rst sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. (2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc) 5 times. Join with sl st to fi rst sc. 24 sc.
8th rnd: Ch 1. Working in front loops only, 1 sc in fi rst sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. *1 sc in next sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. Rep from * 10 times more. Do not join with sl st. 12 petals.
9th rnd: Do not ch 1. Working in rem back loops of 7th rnd, 2 sc fi rst sc. 1 sc in each of next 3 sc. (2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 3 sc) 5 times. Join with sl st to fi rst sc. 30 sc.
10th rnd: Ch 1. Working in front loops only, 1 sc in fi rst sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. *1 sc in next sc. (1 hdc. 2 dc. 1 hdc) in next sc. Rep from * 13 times more. Join with sl st to fi rst sc. Fasten off . 15 petals.

Finishing
Join bottom edge: With larger hook, join MC with sl st at bottom edge. Working through both thicknesses, work 1 row of sl st across bottom edge to join. Fasten off .
Sew Handles and Flower to top of Bag as shown in picture.

Visit the Bernat Video Library for a video tutorial to help you out if you get stuck!

Monday, March 19, 2012

April Fool's Day, Fooooooood!

So April Fool's Day is almost upon us.  The worst/best year was in middle school, I faked a letter from Leonardo Dicaprio to my friend who was in love with him, and a member of his fan club.  I had her going for quite some time, and finally decided after she was bouncing around telling EVERYONE about the letter, than I would let her know she'd been had.  She was FURIOUS.  lol Later in the day, I ended up opening my locker to worms and dirt falling out of it.  My science book was ruined and I had to pay for it.  (I think it was worth it!)

So anyway, this year, try fooling your family or co-workers for lunch or dinner.  To view the original recipe, click here.  (Thank you tasteofhome.com)

Ingredients
  • 1 jar (14 ounces) pizza sauce
  • 1/2 pound bulk Johnsonville® Ground Sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 package (8 ounces) sliced pepperoni
  • 3 cups biscuit/baking mix
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 5 to 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Directions
  • In a bowl, combine the pizza sauce, sausage and pepperoni; set aside. In another bowl, combine the biscuit mix, milk, eggs, butter and garlic salt. Spread half of the batter on the bottom and up the sides of a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan. Spoon meat mixture over batter; cover with remaining batter.
  • Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until browned and a toothpick comes out clean. Invert onto a baking sheet. Arrange cheese over cake. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Using two large metal spatulas, transfer cake to a serving platter; serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings.
Share your best and worse April Fool's jokes (or other pranks you've pulled or had pulled on you)

Monday, March 12, 2012

Life is Crazy

I am so sorry.  I have been neglecting my internet friends hardcore.  I started a new job two weeks ago, and I love it.  I'm working an IT helpdesk position for a large plastics company.  It is supposed to be temporary, but I'm trying hard to make it clear they can't get rid of me. =)
A dear friend of mine pointed out to me that I wasn't talking much about the "Christian" portion of my blogging experience.  Why haven't I been focusing on that?  I couldn't tell you, but I'm going to try and work on that.  Right now I am in a small group that is doing 40 Days in the Word by Pastor Rick Warren.  It is really great, and I will delve more into that soon.  (It is almost time to leave for said small group!)

I also have some clothing projects I need to get working on, I bought some pretty yellow fabric with a small pattern on it. 

I have a brand new tutorial tuesday, ready to post tomorrow.  Sorry, it will be another recipe, but not one that will disappoint! 

Well, if I ever make it home and the Hub doesn't feel neglected, I will post again tonight. 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

30DPC Day Fourteen

Today is really, for sure, Day Fourteen of the 30 Day Photography Challenge.  I thought I'd be all cool and make the posts ahead of time, then let them publish while I was busy elsewhere, but oh no, it didn't work that way.  (thinks to self, I'm sorry I can't take the position you offered me because my blogger won't post my posts without me.)

Food

 Food Magnets on Our Fridge
 Watermelon Flavored Fabric
One of Our Pantry Shelves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sour Cream Cookies
 T-Day Spread
A Very 80's X-mas

30DPC Day Thirteen

Today is Day Thirteen of the 30 Day Photography Challenge. 

Pink

 My Kobo E-reader's Sleeve
 Tools of the Trade

Decimated Toy
Neo has a penchant for cheap plastic toys




Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Blog Issues

Please bear with me, my blog is having SERIOUS issues today... (And yesterday, my 30 DPC from Monday and Today haven't posted like they were supposed to...)

Tutorial Tuesday #9 Recipe Edition

Happy Tuesday!  It'll be even happier if you make this tutorial tuesday recipe for dinner!  This recipe is one that I found on the internet many moons ago and my husband is in love with it.  It is sooooo much easier than it sounds. 

Crack in a Bowl a.k.a. Potato Ham Soup

~1 container Chicken stock
  (Kroger 36 oz. or Swanson 26 oz.it just depends on how much soup you want)
~2 cans of condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup 
~2 cans of condensed Cream of Potato Soup
  (I usually use Campbells or Meijer brand, some of the others are weird.)
~5 medium size potatoes, cubed (sometimes I do skin off, sometimes I leave it on)
~cubed ham (comes in various size packages, I usually get mine from Meijer)
~1 bag shredded cheddar cheese (to top your bowl of soup with)
~bacon bits or green onion (optional toppings)

You can either start this in the morning before work in the crockpot and just put it on low all day, or you can throw it all into a large pot and boil it in the evening.  Either way works great.  Make sure you add the ham in the last ten minutes, or else it may become too salty.  The ham will be pre-cooked and will only need heating up. 

Monday, February 20, 2012

30DPC Day Twelve

Happy Monday! Today is Day Twelve of the 30 Day Photography Challenge.  I wasn't quite sure what to do with the inspiration Closet, unless I shocked and horrified everyone by just taking pictures of all our messy closets... So I will give you a mix of things I would like to put in my closet from my collections at polyvore.com.

Before we get to the fashion, I came up with a short list of things you may not want to find in your closet

rats
dead body
peeping tom
monsters
either parent/grandparent (why the hell would they be hiding in the closet?!?!)
someone else's pot growing in your closet
a dead animal
spiders
cockroaches
scorpions
snakes
ex boyfriend


Closet


Neon! Retro by Melissa Kurtz on polyvore.com
 Big Top Gypsy by Melissa Kurtz on polyvore.com


















Beachy Sunset by Melissa Kurtz on polyvore.com



Saturday, February 18, 2012

30DPC Day Eleven

Happy Saturday!  Today is Day Eleven of the 30 Day Photography Challenge.  I will be gone most of the day, so I figured I'd do this now.  I may add more photos later after my adventure. 
Green

Peeps
 Turk
(originally named Rosy, but our Rosie renamed him Turk.  She wanted to be the only Rosie in the house.)
 Green and Blue
The quilt I've been working on

Green Poof



Friday, February 17, 2012

30DPC Day 10

Today is Day 10 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge.  I have to admit, I'm starting to have a hard time keeping up.  I was just accepted to transfer to a university, and I am about to start a new job.  Please forgive me if I fall behind.  I won't stop all together, I'll just be a little late. 

Today's Challenge is
Blue

 Mary in Blue

Geod Coasters
 Blue Things Around The House
Blue Thread



Thursday, February 16, 2012

30DPC Day Nine

Today is Day Nine of the 30 Day Photography Challenge.  I had a really hard time with this one, I wanted anatomical hearts, but unless I dissected something, that wasn't happening.  *le sigh* 

Heart

 Stamp On Your Heart
Building Heart

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

30DPC Day Eight

Today is Day Eight of the 30 Day Photography Challenge.  I must say, I was hoping my husband had a better array of legos in his collection.  I decided that I must do some of my photos with legos, and I'm having to be a little more creative because he doesn't have the architecture sets that I had as a kid. 

Fence

 Soldier At The Gate
 Sand Fence
Pentwater, MI
Overgrown Shrub "Fence"
Gregory, MI


Tutorial Tuesday #8: The Wednesday Edition

I'm sorry. I am a big, dirty, rotten, ball dropper. I dropped the ball yesterday. I spent most of it either with Kera, or dinking around and totally forgetting it was Tuesday. Forgive me.

This week's Tutorial Tuesday is a simple one, about making your own glitter letters (or other embellishments) Please forgive the pictures, my one and only camera battery was charging, so I used my phone.




 Supplies: 
Printed Text (I printed mine on cardstock)
glue pen
glitter
spray adhesive
scissors
exacto knife (if you don't think you can get everywhere with scissors).


First, pick your font and print it to the size you want.  (I make sure I have the ruler up on my word processor to gauge size)





Go over a letter with your glue pen (do them one at a time so you don't have to worry about using too much glue, or the glue drying too quickly)








 Sprinkle on your glitter
 You'll end up with a pile of glitter like this.
Tap off the excess glitter onto another piece of paper for re-use, or to put back into the glitter container.
 You should have some pretty glittery letters like this!
 Spray the adhesive onto them to keep the glitter in place.  I recommend doing this outside or in a well ventilated area, the fumes kinda suck.  Do not spray this close to the page...
 Or you get this build-up of adhesive and it stays tacky for a very long time. 
 Next, decide whether you want some of the white of the cardstock around your letter to make it pop, or if you want to cut up against the letter. 

Cut the letters out.
 If you can't get into small spaces with your scissors, I recommend using an exacto knife ontop of a newspaper or cutting mat. 
Here are my letters, added to a scrapbook page!
 For a little extra something, I used a black marker and lined all the edges of each letter in black.
Have glitter everywhere?  Use a swiffer duster.  It will pick up 99% of it, and you can shake it off into the garbage. 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

30DPC Day Seven

Merry Valentine's Day everyone! Today is Day Seven of the 30 Day Photography Challenge. 

Windows and Doors


Espionage Barn
(Kera said I looked like a spy with my camera standing in a parking lot taking top secret photos)


 Kurtz Barn










Door To Nowhere
Yep, we found a door leaning against a tree.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Close That Door!


Window!