Someone's Been MIA

I know, I know. I've neglected the blog for a while. It's been a busy few weeks in the Sugar Crumbs household. Nothing but work work work around here.

(And by work, I mean the boys and I have been enjoying the summer and prepping for the big craft show in August.)

It's another sticky, humid day in my neck of the woods. Walking outside is like stepping in a sauna. Even the boys don't want to go out. This is particularly unusual considering they'd live outside if I gave them the opportunity. So with the humidity making a long park trip rather unappealing, we decided to bust out the craft supplies.



There's not a single person on the face of the Earth that doesn't love play dough. The delightful texture, the bright colors, that semi odd smell. And you can get a pack of 10 for about $10. Not too bad, huh?

Unfortunately, I'm far too ridiculous crafty to spend $10 on something I can make easily and for less than half the price.

You knew this was coming... DIY Play Dough.

There are tons of recipes out there for play dough. I've tried close to 30... yet this one is always my go to. It's comparable to store bought PlayDoh but I find it to be smoother and easier to play with.




All you need is a few basic kitchen ingredients.




Start by mixing a cup of flour, a tablespoon of powdered alum and 1/2 tsp of salt in a saucepan.





Stir in 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly.





Remove from heat once the mixture is the consistency of mashed potatoes. (Oooor play dough... Duh, Erin.)





Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla and some food coloring. Mix it up a little bit.





This is the point that you'll want to remove the mixture from the pan and knead it until the color is uniform. I've never had an issue with staining from the food coloring, however, as a preventative measure, I always line the area with wax paper. Better safe than sorry!





Tada! Perfect play dough in less time than it takes to run to the store and buy a container. This makes a good amount so feel free to divide it up before adding color so that you can dye each part separately and a different color!

And what do the kiddos think?





They couldn't wait to get their hands on it!





Play Dough

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon powdered alum
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  
• food coloring

Mix dry ingredients.
Add water and oil.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it form a play dough/mashed potatoes consistency.
Remove from heat and add vanilla and food coloring.
Knead to work in color.


Variations: Try adding different extracts for different scents. You wouldn't believe how calming it is to play with a bit of play dough that smells of lavender.

Already June? Where did May go?

So, I've recently had the awesome pleasure of visiting Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. I won't lie... when I first thought of making the long trip there, to a garden, I was not enthused. I mean, I appreciate plants and flowers and all that but enough to make that kind of drive and pay $18 to get in?

Puh-lease.

Luckily, I had a reason to go and excellent company for the drive. Upon arriving, I wasn't all that impressed. That soon changed. Within minutes, I was discovering many of the gardens most beautiful spots. And amazingly, there are little hidden treasures all through out the 350 acres of garden.

Yes. 350 acres.




Beautiful. But let's face it... What are you really looking for in a garden?

Flowers.

Longwood did not disappoint. Between the 4 acre conservatory and the gorgeous rose gardens, beauty was abundant.



Whether or not you're a floral fan, you cannot leave Longwood Gardens without a deep desire to cultivate your own lovely little garden. Unfortunately for me, I was born with a dead thumb.

No, seriously. I have plants. I love them. They do not feel the same about me... I'm the only person in the world who can over water and under water in the span of a few days. I'd show you, but I'm too embarrassed.

So what's a girl to do when she wants to bring a little bit of that spring time flower feelin' into her kinda sorta drabby bedroom?

Bust out some craft supplies, suffer a few minor burns from a hot glue gun and Ta-DA!!!!



I have to admit. I'm pretty pleased with the ease and simplicity of this project. And luckily, I had all supplies on hand... 2 canvases, some paint, hot glue... and for the flowers?



Yep. Just a few cardboard toilet paper and paper towel tubes.

45 minutes, $8 in supplies with some awesome new wall art? I'm thinking "Score!!!!"

Yay for being a cheapskate DIYer!