Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Nothing like a sunflower cupcake to brighten up your day!

Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers.  So of course I needed to make it into a cupcake.

To make this adorable cupcake just follow my simple directions below:

A simple cupcake with base of green colored frosting.  Put a Oreo Cooking in the center.  Get out your frosting tips to create the leaves.  Add a sugar ladybug and these are sure to be a big hit at your next part.

This is perfect for spring and summer. 
Just have a sunflower party. 

Any questions just let me know... Enjoy your day!



Lisa

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Anyone for a Tea Party?

I made these adorable cookies for a tea party... what a cute idea...

List of materials needed for this project:
Cardboard to make template of a tea bag
Basic sugar cookie recipe
Chocolate melting wafers
Straw
String
Computer and printer to create teabag labels (cardstock)
Glue stick

This was very simple to do.
I made a template out of a piece of cardboard to look like a teabag.  I then made a basic sugar cookie recipe. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour.  Roll it out and cut around your template with a sharp knife.  Don't forget to poke a hole in the top of the cookie before you bake it.  I used a straw.
While the cookies are cooling I went to my computer and created a tea label marking the occasion and printed them on heavier stock.  I printed them so that the label is two sided when folded in half.

Once the cookies are completely cool melt some chocolate wafers.  I usually melt them in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the chocolate is melted.  Dip the tip of the cookies into the chocolate and put on a piece of wax paper to dry.  You can also put them in the refrigerator for just a few minutes to make it easier.

Now you are ready to assemble.  I used simple string put it through the hole in the cookie.  I used a glue stick on the label and inserted the two pieces of string and folded the label over to hold the string in place.
NOTE:  I inserted all the pieces of string through the cookies first and then added the labels. Let the entire project dry for a little while and wahlah you have teabag cookies.

Let me know if you have any questions...





Lisa
simplycreativebylisa@gmail.com

Friday, August 23, 2013

Paper Purse

Paper Purse


This is a great way to give a gift.  I strongly urge you to watch the video below before starting the project.  It's easy once you see how to do it.  I have written directions below but the video really will help you.










The written directions are below:



You will need:

Paper lunch bag cut to 4 ½ inches from bottom

Double sided paper – 3pieces cut to:

                (2)  4” X 5 ¼”

                (1) 1 3/4 “ X 5 ¼ “

Plain stock paper – 2 pieces cut to:

(1)    4 ½ “X 5 ½”

(1)    5 ½” X 6 ¼” - score 2 ½ down on the 6 ¼ side

Scotch tape

Double sided tape            

Embellishment for purse

Velcro circles with adhesive

Ruler

Scissors

Hole punch

Ribbon for handle



Steps:

Punch two holds on the back of the plain stock just under the fold (5 ½” X 6 ¼”).



Put the ribbon through the holes to make the handle.  Make sure it lies correctly.



Tape the ribbon in place.



Attach the plain stock pieces with the two inch score to the back of the lunch bag using double sided tape.



Take one of the double sided pieces that measure 4” X 5 ¼” and using the double sided tape attach to the back of the purse.  When you are done you will not see the holes where the handles are coming out.



Fold down the bottom of the bag so that it is a solid bag and attach the other piece of plain stock (4 ½ “X 5 ½”) to the front of the bag using double sided tape.



Take the other double sided piece of paper (4” X 5 ¼”) and attach it to the plain stock you just taped to the front of the lunch bag.



Now fold down the flap of the purse and attach the double sided (1 3/4 “ X 5 ¼ “) piece to the flap.



Lift up the flap and attach the Velcro circle to the base of the purse under the flap.



Take the other side of the Velcro and place it on top of the Velcro piece you just put on the purse.  Press down with the flap and it will attach to the top of the flap.



Put your embellishment and center it on the flap.



You now have a purse that you can fill with whatever you like.. I strongly urge you to watch the video, it will be much easier to follow the above directions.


Lisa











Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Paper Shoe

Paper Shoe 
This is a paper shoe/pump.  Great for gifts.. Below you will find a link to the template and a video that shows you exactly what to do.




 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Picture Frame Dry Erase Board

I have made my dry erase board into a To Do Board.....  Below I will tell you how I made this elegant board that I proudly display in my office.  This can be used in an office, kitchen, mud room... just anywhere you need to make notes.

You will need:
Picture Frame (I used 11 X 14) any size you like with a picture frame mat
Gold stickers that have numbers and letters
Scrap book paper / wall paper / decorative paper


Steps:
Open the back of the picture frame
Take out the picture frame mat and put the stickers on top and along the sides
Put the mat back into the frame and lay a piece of the paper you selected for the  
            background

Replace the back and you have a dry erase board

The dry erase marker wipes off the glass easily.

You can make the dry erase board without the letters and numbers also.  I bought a scrapbook filled with different color papers and different embellishments.. get creative, make this to suit your style. Have fun with it.

Lisa
simplycreativebylisa@gmail.com





 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Angel Food Jelly Roll



Angle Food Jelly Roll

This is a quick and easy dessert.  The jelly roll is filled with cool whip and strawberries.
Below you will find videos and directions on how to make this.  Garnish with a strawberry on top and it will look very elegant.







Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake 20 minutes.

You will need:
Betty Crocker Angle Food Cake Mix
Pint of Strawberries
Container of Cool Whip
Powdered Sugar

Steps:
Follow the cake mix directions.  
Prepare a cookie sheet / jelly roll pan with parchment paper
pour the cake mix into the pan
Bake for 20 minutes
Using a clean kitchen towel lay flat on counter and sprinkle with powdered sugar
Cool cake 5 minutes.
Gently remove the cake on the parchment paper and turn upside down onto the towel
Start at the short end and roll the towel up with the cake in it
Put on a wire rack till complete cool
While cake is cooling cut the strawberries and remember to leave on for the top
Fold the strawberries into the cool whip
Once the cake is complete cool unroll the towel
Put the strawberry / cool whip mixture onto the cake smoothing it out
Roll the cake back up and place on your dish
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and place strawberry on top

That's It...  an elegant dessert that looks like it was hard to make...
Enjoy!

Lisa
simplycreativebylisa@gmail.com 












Friday, August 9, 2013

Blueberry Tulip Pies on a Stick

Blueberry Tulip Pies on a Stick


Below is a video of how these are made.  These are so cute, perfect for a house warming gift or create some for a birthday party as I did.   I have written directions under the video's.  




You will need:
Pie Crust- Pillsbury Refrigerator Dough or start from scratch
Small bowl of water
1/2 stick melted butter with a brush
pie filling - Apple, Cherry, Blueberry... your choice
Raw Sugar
lollipop sticks
Cookie Cutters... Tulip (or any shape you like) Don't pick a 
    cookie cutter that is more than 2 1/2 inches wide or the
    stick won't be able to hold them up

Cookie sheet with parchment paper

I like to have everything laid out before I start.

Directions:
Lay out your dough (roll out if starting from scratch to   
        about 1/8 inch thick)


Using your cookie cutter cut two shapes for each pie.  Take your pie filling a put a small amount in the center of the shape.  Leave about 1/4 inch away from edges so that it doesn't squeeze out.  Put the stick in the center and press down.  ***Try to have clean hands when handling the sticks. The sticks will turn brown where the grease bakes in.*** 
Dip your finger in the water and run it around the edge of the half with the filling.  Next take the top and run your wet finder around the edge of that half. Now put it on top of the filled piece.  Use a fork to seal the edges.  
Brush the pop with butter and then sprinkle with the raw sugar. Do this to both sides.  Lay them out on the cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes.  Keep an eye on it so that it doesn't burn.  Let cool about 5 minutes and gently remove from cookie sheet...

ENJOY

Lisa
simplycreativebylisa@gmail.com









Entrance Hall Mirror



A very dear friend and I built this entrance mirror about a year ago and did not take any pictures while in the process of putting it together.  You will need to tailor the size based on the full length mirror that you purchase.  I went to a home improvement store and bought the mirror and supplies.  I picked out molding to frame the mirror.  This enables you to make his project contemporary, country, Victorian or anything that excites you.  I had fun and it has put a personal touch in my hallway.     



You will need:
A full length mirror
½” Square bumper pads
18” Hangman picture hanging system

Drill and 3/16” drill bit to drill pilot holes
Sander and sand paper
Clamps
Flathead sheet metal screws – 1 ½” and 3” ***keep in mind the depth of the back and molding when
                                                                                    selecting the screw size***
Mitre to cut the corners of the molding
½ ” Spacers to use with the floating shelf
Wood glue
Stain
Polyurethane
Paintbrush
Rags
Molding to go around mirror
Hardboard for the back of the mirror
Wood plugs – if you counter sink screws on the shelf (optional)

Wood List:
Front
Molding for around the front of the mirror
Back – Hardboard 3/16th depth, 21 ¾” wide and 63 ¾” long (remember you may need to adjust the measurements based on the mirror you buy.

Shelf
I used ¾” oak. 
(1)    Top – 5 ½” wide X 33 ¾” long
(1)    Short top – 5 ½” wide X 4 ¼” long
(2)    Ends – 5 ½” wide X 4” long
(3)    Hangers – 5 ½” wide X 2” long
(1)    Trough – 5 ½” wide 6 1/2” long
(1)    Bottom – 5 ½” wide X 43 ½” long


Assembly
ou need to plan out this section.  Depending on the size of your mirror and the molding you chose, this will determine the size of the hardboard for the back of the project. 
 
         
      Now that you have the sizes of the back cut sand and wipe it.  Next center the mirror on the back and glue it in place.  Use clamps to hold it in place while it dries.  While the mirror is drying cut the molding.  You will need to use a mitre box to make the corners.  Once the mirror is dry you need to attach the molding.  Use screws from the back to attach the molding.  Be careful not to crack the mirror. 


      Now that you have the sizes of the back cut sand and wipe it.  Next center the mirror on the back and glue it in place.  Use clamps to hold it in place while it dries.  While the mirror is drying cut the molding.  You will need to use a mitre box to make the corners.  Once the mirror is dry you need to attach the molding.  Use screws from the back to attach the molding.  Be careful not to crack the mirror. 


Shelf assembly:

      Cut all the pieces.  The sizes provided above should be ok.  Measure just to make sure.  Cut and sand all the pieces.  You can countersink the screws and use a wood plug if you want.  This adds a nice finishing touch.   Drill pilot holes to keep from stripping the screws.  Make the trough, and complete the process of putting the top shelf together.  Turn the top piece over and attach the bottom. 



*** This project has a floating shelf.  That means you are going to use spacers when attaching the shelf to the frame***



      At this point you need to stain the molding and the shelf separately.  Put tape around the mirror so when you are staining it won’t get on the mirror.  Once dry put 2 coats of polyurethane on the shelf and molding. 



      Now you are ready to attach the shelf to the mirror frame.  Decide where you are going to put the shelf.  Drill a 3/16” pilot hole (so the screw doesn’t strip) from the back through the molding (again make sure you are not too close to the mirror or it will crack).  Using the longer screw from the back put the screw through add the spacer and then the shelf.  Make sure you use the spacer between the mirror and the shelf. 



 


Hang It

Attach the picture hanging system to the back of the mirror make sure you center it and make it flush with the top edge.  Next secure the other half (wall cleat) to the wall using two studs.  Add the bumpers to the bottom corners and hang. 





Be very proud of this beautiful welcoming addition to your home!



As always reach out to me if you have any questions.



Thanks.
Lisa