Tag Archives: Instruction

Simple Origami Lotus / Waterlily Flower Arts & Crafts Tutorial (Perfect for Pan Asian Themed Décor, Place-cards, & Chopstick Rests)

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This arts and crafts tutorial for an origami lotus flower, also known as a waterlily, is really very simple. I first learned the method from a book in elementary school, and I’ve been making them ever since. I’ve been known to leave them as calling cards, get well messages, love tokens, etc. They also make elegant yet inexpensive table décor because they can be upcycled from any paper. Just write a name on a petal to use them as place-cards then allow them to double as disposable chopstick rests… but expect some to be taken home as mementos from the evening.

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Use any paper you like from traditional origami paper from the craft store, to economical white printer paper like this. (Read my origami crane tutorial to read how to use wrapping paper.) Fold one corner over until it meets the opposite side, and press the crease down flat.

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Cut off the uncovered portion of paper cleanly, using the folded paper’s edge as a guide. You have just made a perfect square without using a ruler.

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Unfold the triangle you’ve cut free, and then refold it using the opposite corners. Now unfold it, you should see an X crease into the square of paper.

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Next take each corner and fold it into the middle, using the X crease as a guide. You just made a smaller square shape.

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Repeat this 4 corner folding again, making an even smaller square.

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Repeat this again, making an even tinier square.

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Now flip it over, and then repeat the 4 corner folding into the center one last time.

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This is the tricky part… place your thumb into one corner of the square, and place the other fingers under the lipped point underneath it. Push in the corner with your thumb while gently pulling the underneath point out. It will flip up and over into a sort of petal. (The right petal in the picture is only halfway done. You can keep pulling gently until it looks like the left petal.) Stop pushing and pulling once the petal has a solid form with a rounded outside edge. Repeat this petal making on all corners.

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Now pull out the four hidden points from beneath.

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This is what it’s supposed to look like, but it may take a few blooms to get the hang of petal pulling.

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This is what the underside should look like. (It’s the perfect place to write a little message.)

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This is one of my origami waterlilies being used as a place-card holder/ chopstick rest. See it in action in my Pan Asian Inspired Indigo Shibori & Wooden Themed Tablescape (Perfect for Luncheons & Informal Dinners).

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Bloom where you are planted!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free)

This allergy-friendly creamy macaroni salad recipe is so tasty that no one will be able to tell that it’s vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, pepper-free, and gluten-free. It’s the perfect make-ahead and take dish for everyone to enjoy at picnics or pot-lucks because it’s vegan, celiac and allergy-friendly, and has no egg or dairy to trigger food poisoning… because who would want to be responsible for that!


Ingredients:

8 ounce box gluten-free egg-free elbow macaroni (try Andean Dream rice & quinoa pasta, or any variety)

1½ cups chopped celery (a must for crunch)

¾ cup diced leeks (or spring onions, shallots, red onion)

¾ cup diced sun-dried tomato stuffed green olives (or pimento stuffed olives)

½ of my prepared Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free (Click here to see it!)


Instructions:

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Gather, wash, and chop your ingredients while your pasta is boiling. (I like the Andean Dream quinoa pasta for this recipe, because it doesn’t get mushy when sauced. Follow the package instructions carefully for boil time to keep it al dente.) Rinse the pasta with cool water in a colander after cooking.

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Prepare a ½ portion of my Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) for this macaroni salad. (For a larger crowd, use a whole recipe of dressing with a double recipe of the macaroni salad.)

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Mix everything together well. (Use a soft silicone spoon with a folding motion to prevent pasta tearing.)

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Make both my macaroni and broccoli salads using just one recipe of my creamy dressing. Pair them with a baked chicken breast for a complete meal.

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Make the broccoli and macaroni salads the day before a gathering for even greater flavor as the ingredients have had time to meld… and so you can indulge in more sleep the next morning.

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Take any of my allergy-friendly salads to picnics and pot-lucks, and be assured that no one will go home sick by your hand. (Egg-based mayo + outdoors = food poisoning threat… so not fun for anyone.)

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Remember to keep calm and picnic on!

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Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Vegan & Turkey Bacon Options (Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free)

This allergy-friendly creamy broccoli salad recipe is so tasty that no one will be able to tell that it’s vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, pepper-free, and gluten-free. Make it vegan friendly or add turkey bacon to punch up the flavor, and you can even chop the broccoli smaller to disguise it from picky eaters. It’s the perfect make-ahead and take dish for everyone to enjoy at picnics or pot-lucks because it’s celiac and allergy-friendly, and has no egg or dairy to trigger food poisoning… because who would want to be responsible for that!


Ingredients:

1½ pounds fresh broccoli tops (blanched for color & health)

1⅓ cup golden raisins (or purple raisins, or craisins)

1 cup diced leeks (or spring onions, shallots, red onion)

¾ cup sunflower seeds / kernels (raw or toasted)

½ of my prepared Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free (Click here to see it!)

* Optional: ⅓ pound chopped turkey bacon (or vegan bacon, bacon bits, regular bacon)


Instructions:

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Gather and wash your ingredients then dice the leeks. Blanch the broccoli tops in boiling water for a few seconds… or quickly microwave them, I won’t tell. Chop the broccoli into smaller pieces to get your picky eaters to devour their veggies… but you might just want to call it “creamy salad”! (Bagged broccoli tops are an easy shortcut. I used half of a 3 pound bag from Costco.)

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If you’re using bacon… bake, grill, or pan fry it, and then chop it up. (It’s easy to split a recipe into two bowls… one for the vegans, and one for those who think no meal is complete without meat!)

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Prepare a ½ portion of my Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) for this broccoli salad. (For a larger crowd, use a whole recipe of dressing with a double recipe of the broccoli salad.)

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Mix everything together, and refrigerate until ready to consume. (This is such a great make-ahead and take dish.)

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Here is the broccoli salad in its vegan form… no bacon!

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This is the omnivore’s broccoli salad… bacon, bacon, bacon, and more bacon!

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Make both my macaroni and broccoli salads using just one recipe of my creamy dressing. Pair them with a baked chicken breast for a complete meal.

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Make the broccoli and macaroni salads the day before a gathering for even greater flavor as the ingredients have had time to meld… and so you can indulge in more sleep the next morning.

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Take any of my allergy-friendly salads to picnics and pot-lucks, and be assured that no one will go home sick by your hand. (Egg-based mayo + outdoors = food poisoning threat… so not fun for anyone.)

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So just keep calm and picnic on!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free

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This allergy-friendly creamy salad dressing recipe is so tasty that no one will be able to tell that it’s vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, pepper-free, and gluten-free. It’s the perfect touch for any combination of salad fixings, and a half-portion serves as the base for each of my broccoli salad and macaroni salad recipes. They are the perfect make-ahead and take dishes for everyone to enjoy at picnics or pot-lucks because they’re vegan, celiac and allergy-friendly, and have no egg or dairy to trigger food poisoning… because who would want to be responsible for that!


Ingredients:

1½ cups soy-free vegan mayonnaise (try the Follow Your Heart brand, or any mayo)

½ cup unsweetened vegan coconut yogurt (or any plain or unsweetened yogurt)

¼ cup lemon juice (or lime juice)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or stoneground mustard)

2½ teaspoons granulated sugar (cane, coconut, white, etc…)

2½ teaspoons sea salt (adjust for taste & sodium needs)

1 teaspoon celery seed (a great salad staple for a spice cabinet)


Instructions:

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Gather the ingredients, and feel free to make any substitutions you need to. (I used a healthier mayo and combined it with yogurt to add good probiotics. It also cut out some calories without cutting any flavor at all… trust me, my grandmother would definitely let me know if it had.)

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Mix the measured ingredients well, and feel free to add some of your favorite herbs to complement the salad fixings you’re pairing them with.

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I like using an elegant gravy boat to serve dressing on the side… it’s less likely to end up on your tablecloth!

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This particular salad contains organic romaine lettuce, heirloom cherry tomatoes, prepared beets, artichoke hearts, sprouted pumpkin seeds, dried parsley… and of course my creamy salad dressing.

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My Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free) uses a half portion of my prepared creamy dressing.

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Also using a half portion of this creamy dressing is my Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Vegan & Turkey Bacon Options (Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free). Chop the broccoli into smaller pieces to get your picky eaters to devour their veggies… but you might just want to call it “creamy salad”!

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Make both my macaroni and broccoli salads using just one recipe of this creamy dressing. Pair them with a baked chicken breast for a complete meal.

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Make the broccoli and macaroni salads the day before a gathering for even greater flavor as the ingredients have had time to meld… and so you can indulge in more sleep the next morning.

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Take any of my allergy-friendly salads to picnics and pot-lucks, and be assured that no one will go home sick by your hand. (Egg-based mayo + outdoors = food poisoning threat… so not fun for anyone.)

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Just keep calm and picnic on!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

DIY Picnic Heart Napkin Rings & Customizable Banner + Pinwheel Craft Tutorials (+ Free Printable Templates)

Craft your own colorful indoor picnic party quickly and inexpensively with scrapbooking paper, ribbon, and dimensional stickers! Use them to create your own customizable banner and pinwheels with my free printable templates, and then make DIY heart napkin rings to up the ante…. taking your picnic from average to outstanding!

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My heart napkin rings utilize dollar bin dimensional chipboard stickers that were decoratively crocheted (which I actually purchase half-price at Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Michaels). The scrapbooking section of your local craft store always has items such as these which are made with sturdy materials, whose pretty looks belie their price points.

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Find coordinating colors of wire ribbon and bias tape to tie together the set of differing stickers. (It’s like using different photos with matching frames to give a cohesive look to a home gallery.)

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Cut 6 inch lengths of both the ribbon and bias tape. (Bias fabric tape is a sewing product, but makes a beautiful trim for this project. You can also use a thin ribbon in its place.) Pull the sticky dots off of the sticker backs. (Place them on plastic packaging to reuse for dimensional card-making later.)

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Glue the bias tape across the center of each wired ribbon strip, making sure the tape doesn’t have a flap open… if so, glue it down too. Next, glue one end to the other by laying down a thin line of glue onto one short-side edge, and then press the other end onto it. (Press it down hard… using silicone finger cots if utilizing hot glue. I’ve use hot glue, fabric hot glue, fabric glue, tacky glue, universal glue… and it all worked beautifully.)

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Take advantage of the wired ribbon’s staying power to form perfectly round circles for your rolled fabric napkins to slide right into. (Wired ribbon is the perfect base as it has a clean finished edge without needing to fold and glue.)

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I made a set of 8 different heart napkin rings to mix and match according to my tablescapes (and it only cost me a few dollars).

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Here they are featured in my Colorful Indoor Picnic Party Tablescape Perfect for Rainy Days or Texas Temps, because in my world, a picnic is the perfect excuse for crafting! (Note the heart stickers were also placed on the drinking jars.)

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Make your own banners quickly using my free printable template to cut perfectly precise pennants from any scrapbook paper matching your theme décor. Finish them of with chipboard stickers like those I used on my heart napkin rings.

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Print the template by first clicking on the picture above. Next right click on the image and select print. Choose a text or black and white setting to conserve ink. Cut out the two triangles.

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Trace around the triangles with a pencil onto the back of the scrapbook paper. (Use them to conserve paper by flipping them until you maximize the number of triangles per sheet.) Now cut out these triangles. (Save the leftover bits for card-making later.)

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Glue a smaller triangle to the center of a larger one of a contrasting color. (A permanent glue stick works beautifully with less mess.) Punch a hole next to each top point of a glued pennant.

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Place a dimensional sticker onto the center of each pennant. (Try to use contrasting colors to make a more visually interesting combination.)

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Use any variety of string, twine, yarn, or ribbon to run through the punched holes. Knot each end into a loop to hang them by. (To do this, form a loop then make a simple overhand knot.)

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For additional flair, tie small lengths of thin ribbon in between each pennant. Hang it up for an extra dose of cheerful festiveness!

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Next, let’s make matching pinwheels for décor or children’s play.

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Either fold over an edge of scrapbook paper to form a box that can be cut out, or… print a template to quickly churn out pinwheel bases. (The templates are great to enhance a young kiddo’s tracing skills.) Click on the picture above, then right click on the resulting image and select print. Choose text or black and white settings to conserve ink.

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Cut out a single square from double-sided paper, or cut 2 squares of the same size for single-sided paper.

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If using single-sided scrapbooking paper, glue them back to back with a permanent glue stick. Or, you can do as I’ve done here by cutting one piece, gluing it to the plain side of another, and then cutting around the box… which I think is easier.

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Next use a ruler to draw a line with a pencil, from one corner across to the other. Cut along this line, but leave a half inch or so at the center making 4 flaps.

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Take the right corner of each flap and glue it onto the center. Decide if you want them to be functional or just décor. For décor, use cardstock and hot glue the whole thing onto a paper straw then glue a paper flower onto the center… and call it a day. For functional pinwheels, use thinner paper and weaker glue. Push a tack into a thin wooden dowel cut about a foot long… not pushing it in all the way in order to leave some room for the paper wheel to turn on.

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‘Cause nothing says happy picnic like a pinwheel!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

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P.S. See all of these projects in action in my Colorful Indoor Picnic Party Tablescape Perfect for Rainy Days or Texas Temps!

Fire Mountain Gems Swarovski Crystal Giveaway with Jewelry Crafting Tutorials & Video


Swarovski Crystal Coral Pendant
Fire Mountain Gems

This beautifully asymmetric Swarovski crystal coral bead , from Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Fire Mountain Gems, is inspired by nature and draws on the mysterious beauty of the ocean’s coral, as well as the play of light on the water’s surface. The intricate facets reflect rainbow rays for maximum brilliance.

Triple-Strand Necklace and Earring Set with
Swarovski Findings

This focal piece can be used as a pendant for necklaces or as a component for earrings and other projects. Click on the links for tutorials featuring the crystals that will help to get you started in making your very own creations.

Single-strand Swarovski Necklace with Sterling Silver Chain

If you’re not into jewelry crafting, these Swarovski beads also look beautiful when simply strung onto a ribbon or chain, and make for exquisite gifts that look so much more luxurious than the low price this Le fidèLe Design’s supplier offers them for. (How perfect would these Swarovski crystal coral bead be to use as pendants for bridesmaid’s gifts in a seaside wedding?!)

Earrings with
Swarovski Crystal

One lucky follower can win one of these beautiful coral inspired Swarovski beads which are just perfect for summer! To be eligible for entry into this August giveaway, simply sign up for the free LefideLe.com e-mail newsletter that keeps you informed when new groups of articles have posted. (Click here for a link to the Contact or Subscribe page.) If you already receive the e-mails then you are automatically entered… loyalty does have its rewards!

And here’s something FREE for all of my readers… a 73 page Swarovski E-Book on Trends, Inspirations and Project Designs with jewelry making instructions… just click here to snag yours now!

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads 40th Anniversary Sale

Watch this tutorial video on how to use an Ice Pick Bail to quickly and easily turn a bead into a lovely pendant for a necklace:

¡Bien Suerte! (= Good Luck!)

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Click on the image below to see more Swarovski Crystal Innovations from Fire Mountain Gems!

DIY July 4th Denim No-Sew Appliqué Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day

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Inspired by our glorious national anthem, I set out to construct my own star-spangled banner (not old glory) to wave over a modern Independence Day celebration. Making a fabric appliqué collage banner is easier than it looks, and it’s easy on the budget because it only takes a little fabric, rope, ribbon, and hot fabric glue. That’s right, glue… no sewing skills are necessary! This makes it so quick to construct, that it can be made the day before a party. Even better, no one else will have anything like it, because it’s your own one-of-a-kind work of art!

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Let’s begin with fabric selection as there are a number of ways to go about this… if you have a plethora of leftover fabric scraps, all the power to you, use them! For my banner base triangles, I used old denim. (This might be the perfect project to do something useful with that old pair of jeans that hasn’t fit in, well… awhile!) You can also purchase coordinates at the fabric shops and craft stores. (See my affiliate links in the side bars as they offer great discounts from time to time.) For my appliqués, I bought a patriotic print on sale (from Le fidèLe Designs affiliate Joann / Hancock Fabrics) that was just perfect for collaging. (See more denim and patriotic print fabric completing my Star-Spangled Independence Day Party Décor as table cloths here.)

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Divide the end of your base fabric into 6 inch sections, and mark the underside of the fabric with a pen.

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Next, mark 8 inches below the top line to form the length of your future triangles. (You can either cut this strip now or wait until all your marks have been made.)

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Mark a dot on the 3 inch midpoint of each 6 inch top section. Use a ruler to mark the corresponding point directly below it, onto the 8 inch line (or cut). This will be your triangle’s point. Mark a line to connect this point to each corner of the 6 inch marks you made first. (You will be making triangles with each connection.)

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Cut along each line to make your triangle bases. Another option is to make a tab at the top of each triangle in order to fold it over a thick piece of rope… otherwise just glue the triangle top to the rope. (I elected to make a tab for these. I’ll demonstrate the tab-less version in a future tutorial.)

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Cut a tapered edge on any tab tops you make, so that it isn’t seen on the front after gluing.

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Now cut out individual images from your printed fabric… just as you would in a paper collage or decoupage project. Use good fabric shears for a clean cut, or old scissors to make an intentionally rough edge… again, it’s your project, so it’s your choice. Also, think about cutting apart some of the larger images into smaller ones. (For example, cut apart the eagle from the flag in one image.)

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Lay out your triangles to plan your design. Rearrange your cut images until you find it looks pleasing. (This is the part where banner craft becomes collage art.)

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Adhere the appliqués to the triangle base with hot fabric glue. (Because I’ve already dealt with staunch naysayers concerning the ability of hot glue to work on fabric… there are varieties of hot glue made just for fabric, and it will say so on the label. Press the fabrics together immediately after applying the glue, using silicone hand protection of course. Once the glue has cooled completely, I defy anyone to pull the 2 materials apart!) There are also many varieties of cold fabric glue that just require more drying time. (This would be the safer option if constructing this with kiddos.)

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Next glue each triangle flap over the rope you’ve chosen, leaving an inch or so between each. (For the tab-less version, just glue along the top of the triangle’s underside to attach it to the rope directly.) Don’t forget to tie a loop at each end for hanging.

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Cut lengths of random yet coordinating ribbon to tie between each panel. Another option is to cut strips of fabric and tie those on. (You can see I’ve done this in the bows I glued to the panel fronts.) Now go hang it up and admire your handiwork! 🙂

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“Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

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May you have an absolute blast crafting your own star-spangled banner this Independence Day!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. If you like collage, check out my July 4th Altered Art Greeting Card as Mailable Mixed Media Independence Day Décor (DIY Collage Art Tutorial).

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July 4th Altered Art Greeting Card as Mailable Mixed Media Independence Day Décor (DIY Collage Art Tutorial)

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Herald in the fourth of July with an altered art greeting card that doubles as a mailable gift, as it may be framed by the recipient as mixed media décor commemorating Independence Day. It’s a delightful way to send a bit of revelry to a loved one who can’t attend the year’s celebration. This art project is perfect for gathering the whole family together for a fun “crafternoon”, because the Design Memory Craft mediums are non-toxic. They are also fully compatible with each other and a large variety of substrates. This product versatility makes it so easy to combine collage material into something impressive. So follow along as I create an art card ablaze with the spirit of the season, then use the ideas to make one infused with your own artistic essence… because a blast of creativity is the best way to start the holiday off with a bang!

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Begin with a readymade greeting card base or make your own inexpensively from sturdy cardstock.

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I cut a piece of parchment printed paper to a 7 x 10 inch size, so that it could be folded into a 5 x 7 card… perfect for framing.

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I used deckle edge cutting scissors to produce a torn looking finish on the card. (I later used the deckle scissors to cut around some of the stamped images too.) Pitt artist pen big brushes are perfect for highlighting such details. Just swipe the side of the brush along the edge to deposit the permanent ink in a rough fashion.

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Paper washi tape is a quick way to imbed visual texture onto the base of a collage. Another way is apply printed pages with gel medium. (I’ll demonstrate this more fully in a future tutorial.)

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Design Memory Craft gelatos are multipurpose mediums that look like colored chap-sticks. They apply thickly, but can be thinned to watercolor consistency when mixed with water. (You can even turn them into a liquid spray paint to splatter your work with!) They can be used to dye a variety of materials as well. To dye canvas ribbon, I simply marked it haphazardly with a gelato on both sides. I then took water and rubbed it into the ribbon, like magic… it turned blue. It dried fairly quickly too!

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Here I used a palette knife to tint gesso with a cobalt blue gelato. White gesso opacified the color into more of a cornflower blue. A thick swipe of medium over a stencil will lay down a swath of shaped color onto your paper. (Stencil words like “celebrate” are great to have in a craft arsenal to use year round.)

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I used the same technique to form raised letters onto colored paper. (This is a great way to use up all those scraps of “craftermath” from previous projects!) The thicker the layer of gesso, the longer it will take to dry.

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Use any leftover gelatoed-gesso as an opaque stamping ink. It’s great to use on colored papers that would just appear as plain black if using a stamp pad. (I really liked the blue on red for these fireworks.) Just remember to rinse off your stamp before the gesso dries.

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You can dye just about anything with gelatos and pitt pens. The gelato dyed ribbon will appear lighter once it has dried. If you’d like to impart deeper color, just repeat with more gelato. The little scalloped round element is a cork sticker that I tinted with cobalt blue gelato. It’s easy to make an ombre effect by applying color to only one side then rubbing it across the piece. I used the pitt pens as a wood stain by simply coloring the laser-cut birch 4 and bamboo food pick. (This is the easiest and cleanest way I’ve found to tint wood without losing the grain pattern!)

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Pitt artist pen big brushes can also be used in place of stamp pads. (They’re especially great when you want to combine colors onto one stamp image!) I spelled out JULY, with a magnetic lettering stamp, as if it had been printed by an old-school typewriter.

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Don’t forget to add your seal of “makership” to the back of your creation! Leftover ink on my stamp blended with the deep scarlet red pitt pen ink to tint the edges a bit darker… which I completely adore.

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Once most of your elements are constructed, you can place them on the card in order to edit… if need be. I used the rough-draft placement to decide where my background colors should go.

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I used red and blue gelatos as finger-paint to tint the paper and washi tape background with. Use a wet finger or a water brush to grab pigment straight from a gelato, or dip a brush or finger into pre-mixed gelato and water. (My choice took me straight back to kindergarten!)

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Next, I tied a bow with the ribbon (representing remembrance) and glued everything down. You can use any glue you like, or even the gel medium to glue down the papers with. (I chose hot glue because it works on all the elements I used… even the wooden ones.)

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I layered red tinted cardboard under the stenciled papers, and elevated them with tiny foam stickers for dimension. The fireworks were attached with brads, but I added hot glue dots beneath them to make them pop right off the page. (Note that the star spangled banner is actually another repurposed food pick!)

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For a finishing touch, I applied dots with opalescent texture gems gel liner (to symbolize stars in the night sky filled with the rocket’s red glare which we memorialize with fireworks).

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It’s that subtle yet profound symbolic meaning that completes the piece’s transformation from craft into art which makes it worthy of being framed, not just as a holiday decoration, but as artwork. This Independence Day, I will be celebrating the liberty we are given to express ourselves in a country of freedom.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. If you like making collages, be sure to check out my DIY July 4th Denim No-Sew Appliqué Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day. 

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Healthy Herb Garden Fresh Parsley Pesto Pine Nut Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan)

Partake of a sinless garden of earthly delights with this recipe for parsley pesto pine nut pasta. These herb garden fresh noodles are guilt-free because they are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan. This dish is so deliciously delectable that Eve herself wouldn’t know it was healthy!

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Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh Italian flat leaf parsley (or try basil, or even cilantro)
  • ¾ cup pine nuts (+ more for garnish)
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (adjust for taste)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (adjust for taste)
  • ⅓ cup vegan parmesan (or regular variety) + extra to serve with
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust for taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black peppercorns (adjust for taste)
  • 16 ounce package gluten-free brown rice spaghetti style pasta (or any variety)

Instructions:

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Gather all of the ingredients, and wash the fresh herbs. Boil the pasta according to its package instructions.

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Mince the parsley in a food processor adding olive oil, pine nuts, parmesan. Add the seasonings then taste it. (Adjust the mixture as desired, but keep in mind that the flavor should be really strong at this point because it will be diluted by two cups of pasta.)

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Drain the pasta and add the pesto to it. (I do this in the same warm pot I cooked the pasta in.) Cover the pot to keep the pasta warm until serving, and then transfer it to a pretty serving dish. Garnish with additional pine nuts and flower-cut radishes if you like.

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I’ve even made this recipe without adding any parmesan at all, and everyone still thought it was wonderful. (This is a great way to indulge in a weeknight meal while cutting a few extra calories.)

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Serve the pasta along with a side salad of mesclun greens topped with sliced radishes and pine nuts. Offer parmesan, sea salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar for each guest to season their own greens with.

082Leigh We served Italian pomegranate soda in lieu of wine for this luncheon.

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See how to easily craft your own herb garden napkins rings from printed fabric, get your own free basil seed card printables (invitations, place-cards, food tents, menus, herb markers) and learn how to effortlessly customize a table setting with Washi tape here!

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Be sure to check out more of the Fresh Herb Garden Luncheon Tablescape here.

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Race you to the herb garden!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

DIY Herb Garden Fabric Napkin Rings Craft, Free Basil Seed Card Printables (Invitations, Place-cards, Food Tents, Menus, Herb Markers) & How to Customize a Table Setting with Washi Tape

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Bring the splendor of the herb garden to an indoor tablescape resplendent with free basil seed card printables for invitations, place-cards, food tents, menus, and even herb markers. Craft matching napkin rings with herb printed fabric, and then learn how to effortlessly customize a table setting with washi tape. Practically zero budget is needed to create a splendiferous luncheon with every element detailed… what a splendid way to grow a party!

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Let’s begin with crafting the herb garden napkin rings. Find a fabric with a lovely herb motif. Cut it into 6 inch long strips about 1 ⅜ inch wide.

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Mark an empty wrapping paper roll (or use a paper tower tube) into 1 inch sections. Cut through these sections to make the ring bases.

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Hot glue the fabric strips onto the paper roll sections. (The ends should overlap a little.)

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Glue the fabric flaps down to the inside of each roll. (This will make a nice edge that won’t fray in the future.)

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Tie on a thin ribbon that coordinates to the darkest color of your fabric, and knot it closed. Trim the loose ends to about an inch long each.

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Now your rings are ready to use and are reusable too! Fill them with cloth napkins and place them next to flatware customized with washi tape. It’s a great way to accent your look without having to buy new dishes or utensils, and it’s better for the environment than resorting to the disposable stuff.

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Simply cut small inch sections of a coordinating paper tape and wrap onto anything you want to embellish. It won’t leave any residue when you peel it off, so clean-up is a breeze!

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Utensils, goblets, and even a salad bowl have been effortlessly washi-ed to wonderful.

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I even added washi to tiny terracotta pots filled with candles. The easiest way to make your own is to slip a tea-light candle into one. (We had no burning incident, but if you’re worried about fire… try an flameless LED tea-light instead.)

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Now let’s make basil seed card invitations, menus, food tents cards, place-cards, and even herb markers for your tablescape. (Please note that my seed card printables are free for your personal use only.)

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Simply right click on a small image below and select print. Choose color and photo settings for the best results. Print them on a thick paper cardstock that won’t curl.

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Cut them out by the lines, and fold the pieces that need them into tents.

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I taped the flat herb markers to toothpicks and wrote names on them to use as place-cards. The herbs they were stuck into then became lovely take home gifts for the name bearers.

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The herb pots were lovely to set around a centerpiece of parsley pesto pine nut pasta elevated by an inverted serving bowl. (A piece of cloth, sandwiched in between, ensured no slippage while serving.)

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See the recipe for my Healthy Herb Garden Fresh Parsley Pesto Pine Nut Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan) here.

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Race you to the craft room!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh