tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29429789265603135982024-03-13T06:14:53.343-07:00daja creationsdajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-16785156574303839702010-05-21T12:50:00.001-07:002010-05-21T13:19:18.663-07:00Home Made Acrylic Pen<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> I made this pen for my brother-in-law and thought you might like to see it. For more information and supplies you can click <a href="http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Pen_Making?Args=">here</a> for a company called "Craft Supplies USA" for many wood tools and products. Making a high quality pen is inexpensive if you have access to a lathe and only takes 30-45 minutes. The blocks of material are as low as $2.00 and the hardware (the pocket clip and the actual pen with ink cartridge) can be as low as $4.00.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This picture shows the block from which you make a pen. These are some acrylic blocks. The pen I made came from a block closely resembling the top block.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_blGUwq56I/AAAAAAAACj8/CyUuZipPUuE/s1600/Acrylic+Pen+Blanks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_blGUwq56I/AAAAAAAACj8/CyUuZipPUuE/s320/Acrylic+Pen+Blanks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473814293930239906" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">These are cherry wood blanks.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bn8I4gpAI/AAAAAAAACl8/-a5qN2IsICA/s1600/american-cherry+pen+blank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bn8I4gpAI/AAAAAAAACl8/-a5qN2IsICA/s320/american-cherry+pen+blank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473817417478087682" border="0" /></a><br />Here is my finished product for my brother-in-law. I really like the acrylic blocks because they make great designs on the pen. I am sorry there are no step-by-step pictures here. I didn't have my camera while I was making it and was under a timed deadline to get out of the shop.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bkXZaTb7I/AAAAAAAACj0/HMrgpbLLz7o/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bkXZaTb7I/AAAAAAAACj0/HMrgpbLLz7o/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473813487724752818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bkWx7YBuI/AAAAAAAACjs/yCA7Buo4sZw/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bkWx7YBuI/AAAAAAAACjs/yCA7Buo4sZw/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473813477126047458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bkWYEUoSI/AAAAAAAACjk/1WsBVojAydo/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bkV7k66kI/AAAAAAAACjc/5_K-B1_frCA/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bkV7k66kI/AAAAAAAACjc/5_K-B1_frCA/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473813462536350274" border="0" /></a>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-19378619607669713982010-05-21T11:37:00.000-07:002010-05-21T12:08:40.905-07:00Living Room Upgrade - Wainscot and Chair Rail<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Overview: </span>This was a great project at my friend Greg's home. He wanted to add some character to his living room. Putting up Wainscot and Chair Rail was an easy and fairly inexpensive way to do this since we did all of the labor ourselves. So Greg, Cody, I did this all in one evening. He and his wife painted the room red beforehand and took off the old baseboards. They bought a kit at Home Depot which includes baseboards, wainscoting, and the top/chair rail which assembles easily. They said they spent a little over $200 for this whole room. Check out the before and after pictures below:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Before:</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVItw7IHI/AAAAAAAACjU/CWwBWxKKGC0/s1600/IMG_0216.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVItw7IHI/AAAAAAAACjU/CWwBWxKKGC0/s320/IMG_0216.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796742815883378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVC0z9rBI/AAAAAAAACjM/YZ3l96J1itc/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVC0z9rBI/AAAAAAAACjM/YZ3l96J1itc/s320/IMG_0217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796641628466194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVCQErZ4I/AAAAAAAACjE/ZEUhJDQgN04/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVCQErZ4I/AAAAAAAACjE/ZEUhJDQgN04/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796631766460290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVB2KxrgI/AAAAAAAACi8/zryG3ubwmzg/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVB2KxrgI/AAAAAAAACi8/zryG3ubwmzg/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796624812715522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">After:</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVBhtYVII/AAAAAAAACi0/QMOkSIV67Y0/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVBhtYVII/AAAAAAAACi0/QMOkSIV67Y0/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796619320710274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVA7tMpeI/AAAAAAAACis/i8Mk9qkxgHM/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bVA7tMpeI/AAAAAAAACis/i8Mk9qkxgHM/s320/IMG_0221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796609119397346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUoIruiYI/AAAAAAAACik/QyUOJYx2iRQ/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUnpKYLrI/AAAAAAAACic/s4Bn2oMbQYM/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUnpKYLrI/AAAAAAAACic/s4Bn2oMbQYM/s320/IMG_0223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796174644784818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUnLn3fBI/AAAAAAAACiU/bo-4tdgMeoM/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUnLn3fBI/AAAAAAAACiU/bo-4tdgMeoM/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796166715407378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUmWomH3I/AAAAAAAACiM/2ntrQUwpg4c/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUmWomH3I/AAAAAAAACiM/2ntrQUwpg4c/s320/IMG_0225.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796152491384690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUl5tneuI/AAAAAAAACiE/xwclqlxCjvw/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/S_bUl5tneuI/AAAAAAAACiE/xwclqlxCjvw/s320/IMG_0226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473796144727816930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The next step is to caulk any gaps, paint all of the wainscot, and do minor touch up painting on the red walls. This took us about 6 hours to complete and dramatically changed this room giving it a charming atmosphere. Please feel free to ask any questions about the installation. To see a 4 minute video of the product from Home Depot, click <a href="http://www6.homedepot.com/tv/hdtv_player.html?videoID=000086">here</a>. Enjoy!<br /><br />The next phase is to put crown molding along the ceiling.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-34590721042569538192009-12-27T20:16:00.001-08:002009-12-27T20:32:00.839-08:00Orange Rolls<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Overview:</span></span> This is an addition to my flavorful cinnamon rolls which you can find <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/01/making-of-cinnamon-roll.html">here</a>. Follow the instructions there until you get to where the dough is rolled out and ready for the cinnamon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgxUgc_toI/AAAAAAAACQg/6kTnwxM9F1M/s1600-h/IMG_0281.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgxUgc_toI/AAAAAAAACQg/6kTnwxM9F1M/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420136379919087234" border="0" /></a>Once the dough is rolled out, spread a 1/2 cup of melted butter over the dough. You don't need to use it all but make sure there is butter over all the dough.<br /><br />Above you will see that I did half cinnamon and half orange. You can do the same thing or do all of it with cinnamon or orange. For cinnamon, click on the link above. For orange rolls, get two oranges and grate the outside of the oranges into a bowl. I only used 1 orange for the picture above because it was half.<br /><br />With a spoon, spread the orange zest over the dough.<br /><br />Roll the dough up and then use dental floss to cut the dough into rolls and place into grease pyrex pan.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgxUDs2VyI/AAAAAAAACQY/erXnm9k-tt0/s1600-h/IMG_0282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgxUDs2VyI/AAAAAAAACQY/erXnm9k-tt0/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420136372200953634" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cook for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-25883663462235343592009-12-27T19:35:00.000-08:002009-12-27T19:55:59.378-08:00Spicy Pumpkin Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:180%;" >Overview:</span> This is a special recipe from my Mom who got it from her Mom which has been passed down from the beginning of time that is pretty much to die for.<br /><br />Start out by turning on your oven to 450 degrees.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Szgn_jizInI/AAAAAAAACQQ/dMtqEJsy4kY/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Szgn_jizInI/AAAAAAAACQQ/dMtqEJsy4kY/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420126124366832242" border="0" /></a>Mix and blend the following into a bowl:<br />2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil<br />1-1/2 Cups Pumpkin Pie Filling (1 can worth)<br />1 teaspoon Ginger<br />1 teaspoon Cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon Mace<br />1/4 teaspoon Cloves (ground)<br />2 Eggs<br />2 Tablespoons Flour<br />1/2 Cup Brown Sugar<br />1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon Salt<br />1 Cup Milk<br /><br />Pour contents on bowl into a ready made pie crust. If you are using one purchased from the store, continue reading below. If you are needing to make a delicious and easy one from scratch click <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/easy-pie-crust.html">here</a> for instructions.<br /><br />Place the pie in the oven set at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Then turn the temperature down to 375 degrees and bake for 45 minutes.<br /><br />If your crust starts to darken too much, cover the crust with aluminum foil like <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQeGUvgcI/AAAAAAAACPQ/Sm_Uq5wjlYA/s1600-h/IMG_0302.JPG">this picture</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Szgn_GoSmXI/AAAAAAAACQI/sG-Gq2Ge3zc/s1600-h/IMG_0275.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Szgn_GoSmXI/AAAAAAAACQI/sG-Gq2Ge3zc/s320/IMG_0275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420126116605237618" border="0" /></a>It is a tradition in my family with pumpkin pie to use the extra dough and carve out a pumpkin like the one that is pictured above.<br /><br />Please disregard the knife wounds. These were from testing to see if the pie was ready. When you test your pie to see if it is done (putting a knife or other skinny object in the pie to see if it comes out clean) don't worry if it doesn't come out clean. Usually pumpkin pies set fully once they start cooling out of the oven. Try your knife test twice if you are worried (not 4 times like me) and then pull it out of the oven.<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br />Click below for other pie recipes:<br /><br /><a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/cherry-pie.html">Cherry Pie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/apple-pie.html">Apple Pie</a><br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-38593052006165497052009-12-27T18:23:00.000-08:002009-12-27T20:00:29.612-08:00Apple Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> If you are using a store bought pie crust continue reading below. If you want to make an easy and delicious crust from scratch click <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/easy-pie-crust.html">here</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Turn your oven on to 450 degrees.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Start out with your pie crust recently placed in your pie pan. Place 1 - 2 cans of apple filling into your pie pan. I prefer not to skimp at all when it comes to a pie filling. I figure that if I am going to spend the time making the dough from scratch so that the pie will taste better, I need to spend some extra money to buy cans of the better quality apples so that the pie will be superb.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfkXKvSI/AAAAAAAACPo/UUHA6dXjxyY/s1600-h/IMG_0299.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfkXKvSI/AAAAAAAACPo/UUHA6dXjxyY/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100286063230242" border="0" /></a>Then roll out the extra dough left over from the pie dough that I cut off from the crust to make the top lattice of the apple pie.Once rolled out to the thickness of between 1/16" - 1/8", use a pizza cutter to cut strips.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfJRgxVI/AAAAAAAACPg/C6ZMe1Vgr80/s1600-h/IMG_0300.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfJRgxVI/AAAAAAAACPg/C6ZMe1Vgr80/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100278791750994" border="0" /></a>I used the picture of a cherry pie because I did not have one of the apple pie at this stage. Start by placing all needed strips of dough in one direction only. Then pull pack every other strip and place another strip going perpendicular at the end of the pie pan. Once placed, replace all previously moved strips to their original position. Continue by pulling back all of the strips that were not pulled back the first time. Place another strip perpendicular to the those that you pulled back and continue in this pattern creating a weaved effect. This may take a few tries to master but the end result is well worth the effort. The mouths of those about to eat your masterpiece will start to drool simply by looking at your pie because it is so beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgXBYZMYkI/AAAAAAAACP4/IHIASrJk08o/s1600-h/IMG_0342.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgXBYZMYkI/AAAAAAAACP4/IHIASrJk08o/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420107464035820098" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Once you have created the latticed top, roll up the edges to form a crust on the lip of the pan. Use your fingers to create a decorative crust as pictured above or <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFGQbsxzI/AAAAAAAACNo/utiPEiW3ImA/s1600-h/IMG_0270.JPG">here</a>.<br /><br />Place pie in the oven for 15 minutes at 450 degrees. Then turn down the heat of the oven to 350 degrees and cook for another 30 minutes.<br /><br />Make sure to place a pan or aluminum foil underneath of the apple pie because they are famous for boiling over.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQeGUvgcI/AAAAAAAACPQ/Sm_Uq5wjlYA/s1600-h/IMG_0302.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQeGUvgcI/AAAAAAAACPQ/Sm_Uq5wjlYA/s320/IMG_0302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100260820124098" border="0" /></a>Make sure to watch over your pie once you turn the temperature down to 350 degrees because the crust may start to burn. If the crust is browning to fast, cover the crust with pieces of aluminum foil for the remaining cooking time.<br /><br />Now you have a gorgeous apple pie that is waiting to be eaten.<br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Make sure that you let it cool down for at least 10-15 minutes before you eat it.<br /><br />Click below for other pie recipes:<br /><br /><a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/cherry-pie.html">Cherry Pie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/spicy-pumpkin-pie.html">Spicy Pumpkin Pie</a><br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-42790894906180801822009-12-27T17:55:00.001-08:002009-12-27T19:59:19.669-08:00Cherry Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> If you are using a store bought pie crust continue reading below. If you want to make an easy and delicious crust from scratch click <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/easy-pie-crust.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Turn your oven on to 450 degrees.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQmFuGOWI/AAAAAAAACPw/OJuobjxpHpA/s1600-h/IMG_0298.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQmFuGOWI/AAAAAAAACPw/OJuobjxpHpA/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100398096988514" border="0" /></a>Start out with your pie crust recently placed in your pie pan. Place 1 - 2 cans of cherries into your pie pan. I prefer not to skimp at all when it comes to a pie filling. I figure that if I am going to spend the time making the dough from scratch so that the pie will taste better, I need to spend some extra money to buy cans of the better quality cherries so that the pie will be superb.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfkXKvSI/AAAAAAAACPo/UUHA6dXjxyY/s1600-h/IMG_0299.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfkXKvSI/AAAAAAAACPo/UUHA6dXjxyY/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100286063230242" border="0" /></a>Then roll out the extra dough left over from the pie dough that I cut off from the crust to make the top lattice of the cherry pie. Once rolled out to the thickness of between 1/16" - 1/8", use a pizza cutter to cut strips.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfJRgxVI/AAAAAAAACPg/C6ZMe1Vgr80/s1600-h/IMG_0300.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQfJRgxVI/AAAAAAAACPg/C6ZMe1Vgr80/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100278791750994" border="0" /></a>Start by placing all needed strips of dough in one direction only. Then pull pack every other strip and place another strip going perpendicular at the end of the pie pan. Once placed, replace all previously moved strips to their original position. Continue by pulling back all of the strips that were not pulled back the first time. Place another strip perpendicular to the those that you pulled back and continue in this pattern creating a weaved effect. This may take a few tries to master but the end result is well worth the effort. The mouths of those about to eat your masterpiece will start to drool simply by looking at your pie because it is so beautiful.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQeiNE1LI/AAAAAAAACPY/5XpcYtpSzfg/s1600-h/IMG_0301.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQeiNE1LI/AAAAAAAACPY/5XpcYtpSzfg/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100268304159922" border="0" /></a>Once you have created the latticed top, roll up the edges to form a crust on the lip of the pan. Use your fingers to create a decorative crust as pictured above or <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFGQbsxzI/AAAAAAAACNo/utiPEiW3ImA/s1600-h/IMG_0270.JPG">here</a>.<br /><br />Place pie in the oven for 15 minutes at 450 degrees. Then turn down the heat of the oven to 350 degrees and cook for another 30 minutes.<br /><br />Make sure to place a pan or aluminum foil underneath of the cherry pie because they are famous for boiling over.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQeGUvgcI/AAAAAAAACPQ/Sm_Uq5wjlYA/s1600-h/IMG_0302.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQeGUvgcI/AAAAAAAACPQ/Sm_Uq5wjlYA/s320/IMG_0302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100260820124098" border="0" /></a>Make sure to watch over your pie once you turn the temperature down to 350 degrees because the crust may start to burn. If the crust is browning to fast, cover the crust with pieces of aluminum foil for the remaining cooking time.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQdmUl3lI/AAAAAAAACPI/VJmwGSpwGPU/s1600-h/IMG_0303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgQdmUl3lI/AAAAAAAACPI/VJmwGSpwGPU/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420100252229557842" border="0" /></a>Now you have a gorgeous cherry pie that is waiting to be eaten.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure that you let it cool down for at least 10-15 minutes before you eat it.<br /><br />Click below for other pie recipes:<br /><br /><a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/apple-pie.html">Apple Pie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/spicy-pumpkin-pie.html">Spicy Pumpkin Pie</a><br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-27818769941450918102009-12-27T17:03:00.000-08:002009-12-27T20:01:55.495-08:00Easy Pie Crust<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> During our Thanksgiving Break from school, my wife and I decided to take a trip down to visit her family for a week. I thought that I would try my hand at making pies. I felt that I had the pie making potential in my blood because my Mom always made pies from scratch and so did her Mom. I am not sure how far back pie making goes but I will venture a guess at .....maybe....since the beginning of time. I guess this means that I have the potential to be pretty good. Lucky me. :)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgGq4e_6zI/AAAAAAAACPA/AoCOIUg3iN0/s1600-h/IMG_0290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgGq4e_6zI/AAAAAAAACPA/AoCOIUg3iN0/s320/IMG_0290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420089485327067954" border="0" /></a>Start out by combining and mixing well:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Tablespoon Vinegar<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Egg<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 Cup Water<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgGqQVGuGI/AAAAAAAACO4/u_Ve9zUvmJM/s1600-h/IMG_0291.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgGqQVGuGI/AAAAAAAACO4/u_Ve9zUvmJM/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420089474548152418" border="0" /></a>Next combine in a separate bowl:<br />4 Cups Flour<br />1 3/4 Cup Vegetable Shortening<br />1 Tablespoon Sugar<br />2 Teaspoons Salt<br /><br />Mix together the ingredients of both bowls and form into two balls.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFi_HOciI/AAAAAAAACOw/O3QSS_Eydbc/s1600-h/IMG_0262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFi_HOciI/AAAAAAAACOw/O3QSS_Eydbc/s320/IMG_0262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420088250155823650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFiiVVDSI/AAAAAAAACOo/JO38JOuL-dg/s1600-h/IMG_0292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFiiVVDSI/AAAAAAAACOo/JO38JOuL-dg/s320/IMG_0292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420088242430348578" border="0" /></a>Place the bowl with the two balls in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 days! You can also freeze it to use whenever you want which makes this recipe very versatile.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFiFkC3nI/AAAAAAAACOg/LAUNXhoACnQ/s1600-h/IMG_0293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFiFkC3nI/AAAAAAAACOg/LAUNXhoACnQ/s320/IMG_0293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420088234707443314" border="0" /></a>Take the dough balls out of the fridge and place on your rolling surface with flour underneath them. Depending on what type of shortening you use, it can be very sticky if you don't use flour.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFhqWuCaI/AAAAAAAACOY/HBNhMf2Qc8U/s1600-h/IMG_0294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFhqWuCaI/AAAAAAAACOY/HBNhMf2Qc8U/s320/IMG_0294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420088227403794850" border="0" /></a>Roll out one dough ball to where it is in a circular shape and between 1/16" and 1/8" thick.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFhC-wK7I/AAAAAAAACOQ/n8Fw9Tyjoao/s1600-h/IMG_0295.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFhC-wK7I/AAAAAAAACOQ/n8Fw9Tyjoao/s320/IMG_0295.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420088216834288562" border="0" /></a>There are two ways to place the the rolled out dough into your pie dish. You can either fold it in half as is pictured above or you can start at one end, place your rolling pin on the dough and roll your dough onto your pin. Once all your dough is on the pin, then move over your pie pan and unroll your dough.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Time Saving Tip:</span> Make sure that you have a sufficient amount of flour underneath your dough so that it will come off of the counter top easily.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFIKxW16I/AAAAAAAACOI/wd8tzvIFk9w/s1600-h/IMG_0296.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFIKxW16I/AAAAAAAACOI/wd8tzvIFk9w/s320/IMG_0296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420087789428856738" border="0" /></a>Once your dough is placed in the pie dish, push down the dough against all surfaces of the pie dish. BE CAREFUL NOT TO PUNCTURE OR TEAR YOUR DOUGH. If you do and your dough is sticky enough, you can take a piece of your extra down along the sides and cover up/repair the damaged area. Don't worry about how it looks because it will be covered with pie filling.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFHiQ13dI/AAAAAAAACOA/MhAqJ4_fC_k/s1600-h/IMG_0297.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFHiQ13dI/AAAAAAAACOA/MhAqJ4_fC_k/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420087778555059666" border="0" /></a>Cut off the excess dough and roll up the dough to form edges on top of the pie pan lip.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFGw8oAYI/AAAAAAAACNw/EqRF6AAS9aU/s1600-h/IMG_0268.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFGw8oAYI/AAAAAAAACNw/EqRF6AAS9aU/s320/IMG_0268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420087765316927874" border="0" /></a>Shaping the crust: This part is easier if you have a Lazy Susan table but if not, don't worry. Start by placing two fingers a little more than a finger width apart on the inside of the crust.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFHXI4GsI/AAAAAAAACN4/sDfZFBZZzco/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFHXI4GsI/AAAAAAAACN4/sDfZFBZZzco/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420087775568861890" border="0" /></a>Next place another finger on the outside of the pie crust between the first two fingers.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFGQbsxzI/AAAAAAAACNo/utiPEiW3ImA/s1600-h/IMG_0270.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SzgFGQbsxzI/AAAAAAAACNo/utiPEiW3ImA/s320/IMG_0270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420087756588894002" border="0" /></a>At the same time, move your two fingers that are on the inside toward the outside of the pie pan while moving your one finger towards the inside of the pie pan. Once you make it around the whole pie pan, you are ready for the filling or you can freeze the crust for later.<br /><br />Click for <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/cherry-pie.html">Cherry Pie</a><br /><br />Click for <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/apple-pie.html">Apple Pie</a><br /><br />Click for Spicy <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/12/spicy-pumpkin-pie.html">Pumpkin Pie</a><br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-38621581739005170922009-10-28T12:19:00.000-07:002009-11-01T16:10:58.904-08:00Warm Apple Crisp<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember this:</span> It is fall and you are at Grandma's house for a visit. The leaves are changing outside making the mountains full of reds, yellows, and oranges that seem to wrap you up in beauty. The air is crisp and you have been outside playing with your kids and your trusty dog. You decide to come in to warm up just as the sun is setting. You wonder what Grandma and Grandpa have been up to. As soon as you open the door, a sweet delicate aroma touches your senses beckoning you to go straight to the kitchen. All the lights are on along the way with the floor creaking beneath your feet as you walk. As you walk towards the kitchen the aroma only becomes more desiring. You walk in the kitchen and there is Grandma by the oven pulling out what she has been baking. She sees your rosy cheeks from playing in the cold and asks you to sit down at the table. While looking at her with love and endearment, she brings you a bowl of warm apple crisp. As you put the first slice into your mouth, the warmth immediately makes you feel as though she just wrapped you up in a blanket fresh out of the dryer. As you eat, you excitedly tell her how much fun playing outside was and how you felt like a kid again. She gets up to serve your children some and all the noise seems to dissipate into the air as you are caught up reliving the same memories your children are making at that instant. You realize how wonderful life really is and that these precious moments with your family are the ones that last. They are the ones you yearn for and keep you going through the tough times. They are the ones that your children will be telling their children as they are growing up. You are truly happy. Oh how wonderful is Grandma's house!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Now that you are wanting to relive the same experience I had while eating this, lets begin!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ5GiH0hI/AAAAAAAACGU/yGHXzkRprYk/s1600-h/IMG_0179.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ5GiH0hI/AAAAAAAACGU/yGHXzkRprYk/s320/IMG_0179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397733359688864274" border="0" /></a>Set oven to 400 degrees.<br /><br />Begin by slicing and coring 4 apples and placing them in a pyrex or casserole dish. You can peel them if you want to as well but it takes more time.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ6Cy8KEI/AAAAAAAACGk/rYYVic3WG5c/s1600-h/IMG_0181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ6Cy8KEI/AAAAAAAACGk/rYYVic3WG5c/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397733375865530434" border="0" /></a>Pour 1/4 Cup Hot water into the dish.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Sprinkle as much Cinnamon onto the apples as you want. The recipe suggests 1/2 tsp Cinnamon but this was not enough for me so I put on more.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Sprinkle 1/2 Cup Sugar onto the apples.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ5rjCahI/AAAAAAAACGc/Pd4mCWlBpTw/s1600-h/IMG_0180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ5rjCahI/AAAAAAAACGc/Pd4mCWlBpTw/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397733369624816146" border="0" /></a>In another bowl, combine:<br /><br />1 Tbs. Melted Butter<br />1 Egg<br />1/2 Cup Sugar<br />1/2 Cup Flour<br />1 tsp Baking Soda<br /><br />Pour this batter on top of the sugar and cinnamon coated apples. Try to spread it evenly but if not, it is no big deal.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Suia0-89F9I/AAAAAAAACG8/7-a0N0ytAnY/s1600-h/IMG_0182.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Suia0-89F9I/AAAAAAAACG8/7-a0N0ytAnY/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397734388446074834" border="0" /></a>Place a few slices of butter on top and place the dish in the oven for 20 minutes or until the apples are golden brown.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Su4iTB9FpPI/AAAAAAAACHc/I5WXZKgI75g/s1600-h/IMG_0191.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Su4iTB9FpPI/AAAAAAAACHc/I5WXZKgI75g/s320/IMG_0191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399290713601320178" border="0" /></a>One other thing that you can do is to add <span style="font-weight: bold;">Granola</span> to your dish. Use a spoon to add it on top before you put it in the oven. I actually didn't have an granola at the time so I use the cereal "Honey Bunches of Oats." It still turned out great!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ7RRejhI/AAAAAAAACG0/1cKZCcbQcG8/s1600-h/IMG_0186.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SuiZ7RRejhI/AAAAAAAACG0/1cKZCcbQcG8/s320/IMG_0186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397733396931579410" border="0" /></a>Welcome back to Grandma's house!<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-15340670175769753002009-10-14T22:05:00.000-07:002009-10-25T07:45:32.613-07:00Chicken Palace<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> This is my most recent creation and probably one of my favorites! It is the biggest because it has taken me the longest time out of all my other projects and it was the biggest in regards to square footage. I was asked by my friends dad to turn one side (230 sq. ft) of his barn into a place for his 28 chickens. I call it a palace because it is so big. All he had before was a little coop which he used to grow his chicks but soon grew too big for it, plus they were making a mess all around his yard. I did the majority myself while asking for help for a few hours from a great friend.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StaubgOgJxI/AAAAAAAACEE/h4s5LSS6mAU/s1600-h/IMG_0085.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StaubgOgJxI/AAAAAAAACEE/h4s5LSS6mAU/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392689391353210642" border="0" /></a>Here you can see what it looked like before. This area was actually used for pigs back in the day which is why there are metal posts which held fences to separate the pigs. As you can see, there are four posts holding up the roof structure. He wanted me to build walls in between them that could be easily removed to clean out the area and durable enough to be moved around and put back into place many times. It was somewhat of a challenge to figure out how to tie them all together but I feel our solution will work out really well and for many years to come!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StaucKHFrEI/AAAAAAAACEM/VNJBD3iXgms/s1600-h/IMG_0086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StaucKHFrEI/AAAAAAAACEM/VNJBD3iXgms/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392689402596404290" border="0" /></a>This is a look from the other direction and here you can see what his old coop looked like. It was definitely not big enough for 28 hens!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Staw4TQ27EI/AAAAAAAACFs/1HTaFjBy3l8/s1600-h/IMG_0131.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Staw4TQ27EI/AAAAAAAACFs/1HTaFjBy3l8/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392692085112892482" border="0" /></a>He first had me read a few chapters out of this book to get the dimensions right for the roosts, nests, and total square feet. It says that if you are putting your large chickens in a cage, then you need to have 4 sq. ft per chicken at least. If they don't have this much room then it is very easy for them to get sick. Really this book was almost a perfect resource because it had so many useful facts that would've never known had I not read it. Also, if you are looking to raise any other type of farm animal, there is a whole series of them.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Staudm_2mdI/AAAAAAAACEc/4BZ93fZO7B8/s1600-h/IMG_1325.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Staudm_2mdI/AAAAAAAACEc/4BZ93fZO7B8/s320/IMG_1325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392689427530553810" border="0" /></a>This is the final view! I am sorry that the pictures are so dark. I thought I had arrived there in time to get some better lighting but these will do. The wall sections are framed and painted white with chicken wire attached to the back to hold the chickens.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Stauc6b8dgI/AAAAAAAACEU/3xIpUwfgyLA/s1600-h/IMG_1321.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Stauc6b8dgI/AAAAAAAACEU/3xIpUwfgyLA/s320/IMG_1321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392689415568782850" border="0" /></a>This is from the other side. If you notice on your right is the back of the bests with a shelf on top for storage. To the left of that is the door to enter into the palace.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavD_RlRtI/AAAAAAAACE8/7amnfX5fmgE/s1600-h/IMG_1328.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavD_RlRtI/AAAAAAAACE8/7amnfX5fmgE/s320/IMG_1328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392690086882395858" border="0" /></a>This was our solution to tying all the walls together with the existing posts. We ended up drilling a 1/2" hole through all 11" of wood and putting a bolt through it with a wing-nut on the end so that all someone has to do to remove the wall is to unscrew four wing-nuts, push the bolts back and off comes that section of wall! Then you can clean out or add to the palace all you want and have room to spare.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavDfJv3eI/AAAAAAAACE0/lnVqoPaJX0E/s1600-h/IMG_1327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavDfJv3eI/AAAAAAAACE0/lnVqoPaJX0E/s320/IMG_1327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392690078259600866" border="0" /></a>Here, I built two "Chicken Doors" so that a person can open them up to let the chickens out instead of having to take a whole wall section off. The other door is further down on a different wall section.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavEadntPI/AAAAAAAACFE/py3dlSo5Gao/s1600-h/IMG_1329.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavEadntPI/AAAAAAAACFE/py3dlSo5Gao/s320/IMG_1329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392690094180644082" border="0" /></a>This is the back of the nest area. The owner will soon put fake grass on top of a sloped wire bed so that when the hens lay their eggs, they will roll down behind a piece of plywood so that they won't eat them. The owner will then open this little door to take the eggs.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavFESa5YI/AAAAAAAACFM/IxyBxy52yl8/s1600-h/IMG_1330.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StavFESa5YI/AAAAAAAACFM/IxyBxy52yl8/s320/IMG_1330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392690105407956354" border="0" /></a>This is the main door to enter into the chicken palace to start an adventure.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StaviYbYM_I/AAAAAAAACFU/Bsbo6EBVhvo/s1600-h/IMG_1331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/StaviYbYM_I/AAAAAAAACFU/Bsbo6EBVhvo/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392690609030444018" border="0" /></a>Here we see some hens actually in the nests when they aren't supposed to be. Even though we put put some plywood, they still fit through the cracks to settle in. We took them out and re-covered them so that they don't reside in the nests until they are ready to lay eggs in a few months. You don't want them to stay in the nests until they can lay eggs because they will make the area very dirty.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Stavi1IiQNI/AAAAAAAACFc/7KDNcMpk7_0/s1600-h/IMG_1334.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Stavi1IiQNI/AAAAAAAACFc/7KDNcMpk7_0/s320/IMG_1334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392690616736039122" border="0" /></a>The owner hung a chicken feeder three inches off the ground from the roof rafter by a chain.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Stavjai3vdI/AAAAAAAACFk/ZGOw4o7ASkg/s1600-h/IMG_1335.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Stavjai3vdI/AAAAAAAACFk/ZGOw4o7ASkg/s320/IMG_1335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392690626778611154" border="0" /></a>Here is the roosting area. Chicken usually sleep by roosting which means both of their feet are on something skinny like a 2x4 piece of wood that is off of the ground. They do this because they feel more safe off of the ground further away from any predators. You need about ten inches of roost space per chicken so here we have almost 30 feet of roosting space. Where there is no coop or cage to stay in, chickens will usually roost in trees at night. We also built this roost because it is better to have a roost and a nest separate so that the nests stay cleaner.<br /><br />I sure hope you enjoyed this little adventure! I loved this project and it was great to finally see it finished and inhabited!<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-2418754453184227472009-08-22T18:15:00.001-07:002009-09-06T09:59:49.640-07:00Log Bench<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;">Overview: </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I spent a little time in the mountains with my in-laws and got a lot of inspiration from the cabin that we were staying at. We stayed in a cabin at the Sundance Resort in Utah and it was awesome. The decorator of this cabin did a fantastic job and was extremely detail oriented. I do have to give some credit to my brother-in-law for helping me with this. It was really fun getting to work with him. Also this log bench was FREE because I re-used pieces from the tree that we recently cut down. It is the same tree that I used branches from to make our <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/08/eco-friendly-fence-for-6.html">eco-friendly fence</a>.</span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCattV2V1I/AAAAAAAABsI/pYuCi9TG4Fk/s1600-h/IMG_0028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCattV2V1I/AAAAAAAABsI/pYuCi9TG4Fk/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372964465509029714" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">First we got three piece of wood and made sure that two of them were the same size that would be used as the legs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCavBNYKQI/AAAAAAAABsY/LDmucUYgaPs/s1600-h/IMG_0029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCavBNYKQI/AAAAAAAABsY/LDmucUYgaPs/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372964488022075650" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We then cut the long piece lengthwise with a chain saw creating a flat surface to sit on.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCaucHLDOI/AAAAAAAABsQ/V8v2Yv_NOOE/s1600-h/IMG_0031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCaucHLDOI/AAAAAAAABsQ/V8v2Yv_NOOE/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372964478063938786" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We then used a bow saw to cut notches into the two leg pieces for the main piece to lay on.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCavmDt72I/AAAAAAAABsg/CJBQL6dxIG0/s1600-h/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCavmDt72I/AAAAAAAABsg/CJBQL6dxIG0/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372964497913671522" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdl6WwfoI/AAAAAAAABso/-_2Qgy3M2co/s1600-h/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%285%29.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdl6WwfoI/AAAAAAAABso/-_2Qgy3M2co/s1600-h/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%285%29.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdl6WwfoI/AAAAAAAABso/-_2Qgy3M2co/s320/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%285%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372967630098431618" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We then cut two pieces of a branch that were the same size lengthwise and in diameter.</div></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdn_XDVpI/AAAAAAAABtA/wWcs2qwfrrU/s1600-h/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%2810%29.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdn_XDVpI/AAAAAAAABtA/wWcs2qwfrrU/s1600-h/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%2810%29.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdn_XDVpI/AAAAAAAABtA/wWcs2qwfrrU/s320/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%2810%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372967665801582226" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We used a drill bit that was close to the same diameter as the pieces of branch and drilled a few inches down into the legs and into the main bench to add for stability and secureness.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdmrWoI3I/AAAAAAAABsw/eJqxKZOqygQ/s1600-h/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%284%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SpCdmrWoI3I/AAAAAAAABsw/eJqxKZOqygQ/s320/Log+Bench+-+Aug.+09+%284%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372967643251221362" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the finished project. We then sanded down the top because there were a lot of little cuts from the chainsaw. We then spread some Tompson's wood sealer on it to make it more water and mold resistant. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I am going to make another one with a thicker diameter log which will be more stable and strong because although great as this one may be, it can still be improved upon. It will be the same concept but with thicker legs and a wider area to sit on.</div><br /><br /><br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-68897374453717408582009-08-09T20:13:00.001-07:002009-08-09T21:21:10.150-07:00Skirt for My Wife<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> Alright all you seamstress's, textile workers, quilters, and lumberjacks. Lay down your trade weapons and feast your eyes on this. This was a gift to my wife for her birthday. Once again I was a few days late giving it to her but it was worth it. Please don't ask me where this idea came from because I have no idea. I was thinking for a few days about what I wanted to make my wife and some inspiration came to my rescue. I had no idea what kind of skirt I was going to make her so I went to the sewing shop in faith that I would find what I sought after.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I arrived at the shop and the first worker I saw looked like she could stitch me up into a 1000 pieces and make a mosaic out of me faster than I could thread my needle. I then asked her for help. I told her I wanted to sew my wife a skirt for her birthday and asked her where I would even start. With her mouth wide open, nostrils flared, eyebrows raised, leaning with arms extended over the counter, looking over her fallen glasses that hung on her nose asked me "Do you even know how to sew because many guys come in here saying what you just said, expecting us to do it for them." I told her that I did know how to sew. I also replied that I have my very own sewing machine and I have sewed <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/04/pillowssay-what.html">pillows</a> before. She still seemed skeptical and I persisted thinking to myself "lookey here, now I know that I am not your 'typical' customer but I'm from Tennessee and my mother was a 'clothing and textiles major.' This stuff runs in my veins." I did not say this aloud for fear of the previously mentioned coming true.<br /><br />She first had to show me how to even pick out a pattern. I looked in their books for about 30 minutes and according to the sizes on the pattern, my wife was enormous where in real life she is a size 6. I realized that I needed to call in the big guns so I called my Mother-in-Law for a quick interpretation of what the words on the patterns even mean. She explained everything to me and I decided on this pattern specifically the one on the far left side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-WaHNVwbI/AAAAAAAABrk/tcQTkyp0OAs/s1600-h/IMG_1301.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-WaHNVwbI/AAAAAAAABrk/tcQTkyp0OAs/s320/IMG_1301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368174656204685746" border="0" /></a>I then had the fiasco of deciding what material to pick out. The white skirt on the package looked great but I knew it would get dirty. I looked around for another ten minutes until I experienced love at first site on a floral pattern. I knew it would be great. I saw that it was $10 a yard and thought "Oh, I will only need a yard or so. How much fabric would I really need?" I took it to another worker that looked about the same as the first only younger and asked her how much I would need and she responded "3 1/2 yards." Holy cow that was a lot, but it was my wife's birthday and she deserved it. I then had to ask where to find thread, a zipper, and a hook/eye. I walked out of there spending $45 and was seriously questioning my abilities to perform such a task. I was overspent because my wife said I had a limit of $30 but once again my wife was worth it. We are poor college students remember?<br /><br />I then got one of my wife's friends to take her to a movie so that I would be able to make the skirt in secret. I told my wife that the reason she didn't have her gift yet was due to the fact that it was on back order. She left and I had this project all to myself. I took the waxy paper out of the envelope and darned near ripped it. They don't make this stuff for men to use apparently. I laid out my fabric and cut the paper so that I could cut the shapes. I did break a sweat while cutting the pattern wondering how in the world I was going to do this.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-RohCKD3I/AAAAAAAABrc/QqcFAFbO2s0/s1600-h/IMG_1257.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-RohCKD3I/AAAAAAAABrc/QqcFAFbO2s0/s320/IMG_1257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368169406097133426" border="0" /></a>Two hours later, all the pieces were cut and....wait....I just got a text. My wife is on her way home.......oh no! ....she just pulled in the parking lot. I frantically tried to hide everything by putting it in a bag and stuffing it in the back of our closet.<br /><br />That was a close call! Oh wait, the sewing machine is on the kitchen counter! She then walked in and saw me trying to hide my smile I was making her something. She saw the sewing machine and I told her that I was going to try and hem my pants. Luckily she believed me.<br /><br />A few days later I was able to get my wife out of the house again because of her friends. Bless all of them! I was able to sew four of the five pieces together but then ran into another dilemma. I didn't know how to follow the last part. I stood up and tried to wrap it around my own body but nothing looked correct. I ran to the neighbors home to ask their wife. She looked at the pattern and my sewing job and we ended up going to the next neighbor to ask their wife. By talking with them I was actually able to figure it out and said thank you as I sprinted back in the house to try and finish. I was then working on the very last piece before the zipper when I saw my wife pull up again. I frantically packed everything and no one was the wiser.<br /><br />I then spent the next five hours cutting down a tree that was in front of our apartment using a chain saw with the neighbors. How polar opposite is that. One minute a tailor, the next minute a lumberjack. I guess Tennessee does produce weird offspring.<br /><br />I then had to buy the zipper somehow without my wife knowing. I didn't buy it at first because I wasn't sure if, due to the layout of the pattern, if it would need to be brown or turquoise. On our way home that night from a friend reception, we stopped by WalMart to pick up some odds n' ends. I don't know how but I was able to convince my wife that I would be in and out and that she didn't need to come in. I bought the zipper and put it in my pocket so that she wouldn't see it.<br /><br />The next morning I woke up bright and early before Church to finish it. I was sewing so fast I almost set off the fire alarm. I installed the zipper and was then finishing everything up by sewing a hem on the bottom of the skirt when the thread pulled out of the needle. I checked the bobbin to make sure it wasn't empty but upon putting it back in the machine, I put it in wrong by accident. When I started it up again, it would go for four seconds and then become tangled. I tried to fix the machine not knowing what was wrong for 15 minutes but it was then time to wake my wife up for Church. I really wanted to have it done so that she could wear it to Church. I decided to give the unfinished product and woke her up.<br /><br />She woke up with me on the bed and a bag in her face. She asked what it was and I told her it was her birthday present. She opened it up and was silent. I examined it and asked me if I made it. I said "yes" and she jumped up and while giggling with joy, ran to the mirror to try it on.<br /><br />She put it on and it almost fit perfectly. I did have to put another hook/eye in more around the waste but it worked. I told her it wasn't done and that I only needed to sew 20 more inches that I refused to do by hand. The song "The Eye of the Tiger" jumped in my head and I tried one more time to fix that sewing machine. With five more minutes of fiddling with the machine I was able to put the bobbin in correctly that finished the hem!<br /><br />She then wore the skirt to Church and kept exclaiming that it was her favorite present that I had ever given to her. That made me feel great! Below is a side view to show the cool zipper going diagonally.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-RnrptyII/AAAAAAAABrM/-7zfg-3QGYg/s1600-h/IMG_1263.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-RnrptyII/AAAAAAAABrM/-7zfg-3QGYg/s320/IMG_1263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368169391767537794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-RoEvXtwI/AAAAAAAABrU/lYul8dOI-G8/s1600-h/IMG_1262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-RoEvXtwI/AAAAAAAABrU/lYul8dOI-G8/s320/IMG_1262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368169398502143746" border="0" /></a>Above is the front view.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overall, I still need practice and my Mother is going to give me some serious lessons and tips when I go to visit her in a few weeks. I don't know how many skirts await for completion in my future, but this much I can say.....I sure did show that lady at the sewing shop!<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-10132730180555869162009-08-09T19:49:00.001-07:002009-09-06T09:57:03.316-07:00Eco-Friendly Fence for $8<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;">Overview:</span> This fence was inspired by this huge pile of brush that has been sitting in front of our house for a few weeks now screaming to be cleaned up. We cut down part of a tree because it was growing into our 4-plex apartment and are waiting to cut another one down. Meanwhile in front of our apartment there used to be two metal posts with rope running the length between them (28 feet) to keep students from crossing into our yard on the way to their apartments. I thought that the roped fence was not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as one with a pattern (no offense to the previous tenants) and I had a lot of brush that I could use so why not? It only cost me a few hours and $6 worth of rope. Plus when it snows all of the surrounding area will be covered in white with a few brown sticks sticking straight up. How Cool!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-MmW6mPGI/AAAAAAAABrE/TvsYG9fhQIU/s1600-h/IMG_1273.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-MmW6mPGI/AAAAAAAABrE/TvsYG9fhQIU/s320/IMG_1273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368163871463193698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-MlzNf5dI/AAAAAAAABq8/TT-6PlbPuRw/s1600-h/IMG_1277.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-MlzNf5dI/AAAAAAAABq8/TT-6PlbPuRw/s320/IMG_1277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368163861878793682" border="0" /></a>Here are all of the branches that I cut into different sizes to make a fence that had a wave pattern. This was the easy part. I laid out all of the sticks in their appropriate places according to size and then spaced them out eight inches. I then wrapped the rope around each branch four times and tied the very ends.<br /><br />Once we hung the fence up between the two posts, I pounded two 5 ft long pieces of rebar as additional supports.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-MlXKz6eI/AAAAAAAABq0/zDmoTs_D1kQ/s1600-h/IMG_1297.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn-MlXKz6eI/AAAAAAAABq0/zDmoTs_D1kQ/s320/IMG_1297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368163854351329762" border="0" /></a>Here it is in all its glory! I do have to thank my friend Scott and my wife for helping me put this up because it was definitely not a one person job. Plus, if I hadn't done this then I all of those branches would've ended up in a compost or as mulch for gardener Jane. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To see what else I was able to build with parts of that tree click here: <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/08/log-bench.html">Log Bench</a></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-64014211237034387982009-08-08T05:52:00.001-07:002009-08-08T06:22:13.530-07:00Refinishing our Front Door<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> This was definitely one of those "Needs to get done" projects that I have undertaken this year. The sun is such a wonderful thing but for wood, it is the worst! This is our front door and as you can see by the first picture, it is badly injured and needs help! It is a good thing that it called dajacreations to come to the rescue.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It has had many years of sun damage. Over all this was only a day project and was pretty simple. Once the back breaking work of sanding was done, the staining was EASY!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12vsGMXiI/AAAAAAAABqc/C5wf4157NsA/s1600-h/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12vsGMXiI/AAAAAAAABqc/C5wf4157NsA/s320/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367576892558564898" border="0" /></a>Notice the huge gray spot caused by sun damage. Also notice that you can't even see any of the wood grain. How sad!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12wOSgaDI/AAAAAAAABqk/PoUdPdDeG_M/s1600-h/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door+%283%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12wOSgaDI/AAAAAAAABqk/PoUdPdDeG_M/s320/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door+%283%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367576901737015346" border="0" /></a>This is after I had sanded the bottom 1/3 of the door. Such an amazing difference. I started out using a 60 Grit sandpaper on the whole door. I then went to a 100 Grit sandpaper and repeated the process. Lastly was the 150 Grit sandpaper which I once again sanded the whole door. It is important to do little circles when you sand so that everything is sanded uniformly.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12wRWlqnI/AAAAAAAABqs/kNiclha_cbI/s1600-h/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door+%284%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12wRWlqnI/AAAAAAAABqs/kNiclha_cbI/s320/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door+%284%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367576902559443570" border="0" /></a>This is the whole door sanded and ready for stain. Before staining I got an old towel and wiped down the door a few times to get all of the dust off.<br /><br />I first used a pre-conditioner stain that was oil based because I used an oil based stain as well. I then brushed on the first coat of Pecan colored stain using a foam brush and let it dry for six hours. I repeated the process once more and.....<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12vDTYIPI/AAAAAAAABqU/jmHnnYZZMpw/s1600-h/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sn12vDTYIPI/AAAAAAAABqU/jmHnnYZZMpw/s320/Refinishing+Our+Front+Door.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367576881608007922" border="0" /></a><br />Tah dah! Look at how it turned out! The door is happier now! You can now see the grain patterns and there are some remnants of the dreaded sun damaged spot but the door is now more protected to do battle for years to come. The lesson to learn here is to not let your door or other outdoor furniture become deeply damaged by the sun as it may permanently scar it!<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed this and it has given you some motivation to fix up that "old" piece of furniture to make it look brand new again. It is an easy process and will enhance any type of wood furniture you have.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-40509195874872783832009-04-27T15:05:00.000-07:002009-04-27T15:28:45.387-07:00Cream of Chicken<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Overview: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I was making my Chicken Cordon Bleu today for my Wife and Mother-in-Law and was trying out a new sauce for it that Leesha suggested I use. Her recipe called for a can of Cream of Chicken which we frantically searched for with 14 minutes to spare but could not find. My Mother-in-Law suggested that I "google" it and we actually found a recipe! </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">You can find it <a href="http://www.cheapcooking.com/Recipes/homemade-cream-of-soup.htm">here</a> or look below. It was very fast, easy, inexpensive, and healthy. YUM!</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfYtpTBt8TI/AAAAAAAABTY/sL-TFTBhamY/s1600-h/IMG_1108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfYtpTBt8TI/AAAAAAAABTY/sL-TFTBhamY/s320/IMG_1108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329497396544926002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Introducing the "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Life Saver</span>." This stuff is great and costs $5 at WalMart and will save you lots of money over its lifetime. It makes broth that tastes better/is healthier for you than buying the actual canned broth. All you do is mix this with hot water and you have chicken broth. On the back it tells you how much to use for a canned serving or more. Amazing!<br /><br />Once you have made 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth from the above, in a sauce pan pour:<br /><br />1/2 Cup Milk<br />1/2 Cup Chicken Broth<br />2 Tablespoons Butter<br /><br />Warm these up on Medium Heat<br /><br />Then add 2 Tablespoons Flour<br /><br />Stir all of these until there are no more clumps.<br /><br />To Make the Sauce for <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/03/chicken-cordon-bleu.html">Chicken Cordon Bleu</a> which Leesha gave to me add:<br /><br />A little less than 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice<br />1/2 Cup Sour Cream<br />Up to 1/2 Cup Milk or less if you want a thicker sauce<br />1/2 Cup Cheese<br /><br />Bring these to a boil and then simmer for 3 - 5 Minutes<br /><br />Proceed to pour over chicken and amaze your family or guests!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"></span></span></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-19271728369689942622009-04-26T07:30:00.001-07:002009-04-26T08:42:57.522-07:00The Mighty Couch<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> This was by far the biggest, most expensive, and most time consuming project that I have done thus far. I had a total blast. My wife and I needed a new couch because our futon from WalMart that was only 7 months old was curved where you sit instead of flat. I did not make for a comfortable sit. We also didn't want to buy a nice couch yet so I set out to solve the problem. For all of the wood and hardware, I spent $88 at home depot and then we bought a new futon mattress at Big Lots for $100. Not bad for being married college students I say. Plus, this couch that I built I think will last a lot longer than any that we would've bought with our price range. It took me between 15 -20 hours to build it but I learned a lot about wood working. My goal was to build it using common construction products i.e. 2x4's, 2x6's, 2x10's, 4x4's, and even some carriage bolts. The downside is that you have to look for a while to find some good straight pieces of lumber and you have to do more sanding than usual. I hope you enjoy.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >Lime Light:</span> I have to give a special thanks to Jeff A. for letting me use his shop and some of his tools. Really without his facility, I don't think this couch would've even been a possibility.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1C7gxIyI/AAAAAAAABTE/z4hUCWM4wFg/s1600-h/IMG_1013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1C7gxIyI/AAAAAAAABTE/z4hUCWM4wFg/s320/IMG_1013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329012952281457442" border="0" /></a>I started out building the legs. I know it looks like there are six legs here but I only used the four in the middle. The outer two were used to help stabilize my router and aid in measuring the three grooves I wanted to put onto each leg.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1Cu8tGOI/AAAAAAAABS8/031nXLA01FI/s1600-h/IMG_1015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1Cu8tGOI/AAAAAAAABS8/031nXLA01FI/s320/IMG_1015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329012948908972258" border="0" /></a>These legs I sanded first with a 22o grit, 150, and then a 100 grit before I used the router. If I would've used my router first, then the grooves might have had varying depths which nobody likes. So sand first then use your router.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1CUA5MYI/AAAAAAAABS0/gqPfD2Dvvyo/s1600-h/IMG_1016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1CUA5MYI/AAAAAAAABS0/gqPfD2Dvvyo/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329012941678784898" border="0" /></a>I did the same with the front and side fascia pieces by rough sanding them first and then using my router to make a 1/2" curved groove along the top and bottom of each piece.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1CFRU2kI/AAAAAAAABSs/QxsRbr-bGDk/s1600-h/IMG_1024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1CFRU2kI/AAAAAAAABSs/QxsRbr-bGDk/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329012937721174594" border="0" /></a>I used the 3/4" bit to cut out a 3/4" on the ends of each piece so that I could make a tighter fit. I applied glue and put a lot of clamps on all areas to let it dry. After I clamped it down, I hammered in some nails.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1B7_3jeI/AAAAAAAABSk/XYlpRSCkRQk/s1600-h/IMG_1025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfR1B7_3jeI/AAAAAAAABSk/XYlpRSCkRQk/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329012935232032226" border="0" /></a>While that was drying I started on the part that would hold the people sitting on the couch. I measured the inside of the base and took off 3 1/2" on all sides for the legs to fit in.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzxtVxlkI/AAAAAAAABSc/EOaaiEC3J2Q/s1600-h/IMG_1051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzxtVxlkI/AAAAAAAABSc/EOaaiEC3J2Q/s320/IMG_1051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329011556907849282" border="0" /></a>All at the same time, I attached the legs and the framed piece to the base with 5/16" carriage bolts. I did two bolts per leg and notice that I put two smaller 4x4 pieces in the middle to attach the frame to so that the middle wouldn't sag over the years.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzxSq7HXI/AAAAAAAABSU/gHwCIE2yWC4/s1600-h/IMG_1054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzxSq7HXI/AAAAAAAABSU/gHwCIE2yWC4/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329011549748796786" border="0" /></a>Next I worked on the back rest. I cut two pieces of wood which act as the visible side piece and then two smaller pieces which act as the support that I bolt to the base later on. I cut all four pieces at the bottom at a 15 degree angle which is the angle that the back rest will be from straight up.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzxGYWYvI/AAAAAAAABSM/vlaVl3KNjIE/s1600-h/IMG_1058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzxGYWYvI/AAAAAAAABSM/vlaVl3KNjIE/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329011546449666802" border="0" /></a>I then laid out the spacing for my dowel rod top. The dowel rods are connected at their top and bottom. To make sure they are straight, I clamped the top and bottom pieces together and drilled the 1" holes at the same time. The middle marking is where the point of my drill bit goes and the outer two markings are for how wide my bit will be.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzwj8BmXI/AAAAAAAABSE/d9JvgodtDBU/s1600-h/IMG_1059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzwj8BmXI/AAAAAAAABSE/d9JvgodtDBU/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329011537204058482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzwfz7i1I/AAAAAAAABR8/R-bpjBY9s3U/s1600-h/IMG_1061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRzwfz7i1I/AAAAAAAABR8/R-bpjBY9s3U/s320/IMG_1061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329011536096365394" border="0" /></a>I cut the dowel rods long so that they stick out above the top piece. This is so that I can sand them down later and have a uniform flat finish at the top. Make sure and add glue to the tops and bottoms of the rods because I didn't be using any nails to attach them.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyev9OSSI/AAAAAAAABR0/yR_pLDUtFeg/s1600-h/IMG_1063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyev9OSSI/AAAAAAAABR0/yR_pLDUtFeg/s320/IMG_1063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329010131681036578" border="0" /></a>The base was then dry after a day of being clamped and I flipped it over. I made sure to have about a 3 - 4 inch drop from the top of the base to the top of the posts and framing so that I can put more padding underneath the cushion.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyeWE5U5I/AAAAAAAABRs/veruzIt1CxM/s1600-h/IMG_1065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyeWE5U5I/AAAAAAAABRs/veruzIt1CxM/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329010124733895570" border="0" /></a>I then tested out the back rest. It fit perfectly but needed some additional support.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyeBj26qI/AAAAAAAABRk/-Dm19r27XP0/s1600-h/IMG_1067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyeBj26qI/AAAAAAAABRk/-Dm19r27XP0/s320/IMG_1067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329010119226616482" border="0" /></a>I matched the layout from the base to the back rest. I then cut the pieces at a 15 degree angle. I then added two more pieces that went from the bottom of the dowel rods to the bottom of the base that I then bolted down for the real strength. On the otherside of this 2x10 I attached a piece of 2x4 because my bolts were too long.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyd5MsF5I/AAAAAAAABRc/vRLPR5cvdtc/s1600-h/IMG_1068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRyd5MsF5I/AAAAAAAABRc/vRLPR5cvdtc/s320/IMG_1068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329010116981954450" border="0" /></a>This is the couch before the final sanding.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRydVU8bFI/AAAAAAAABRU/_Kmxy7yUo20/s1600-h/IMG_1075.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRydVU8bFI/AAAAAAAABRU/_Kmxy7yUo20/s320/IMG_1075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329010107352902738" border="0" /></a>I added some arm rests on both sides with two dowel rods each and then a bolt at the end for extra strength. I made sure to sand the arm rests before I attached them to minimize strength loss do to the sanders vibrating. I then cut out some 3/8" plywood to put where people sit. This makes a uniform seating area that will stay flat over the years. Don't worry the plywood will be covered with the mattress.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxLROnWEI/AAAAAAAABRM/oBQzXaxiM14/s1600-h/IMG_1076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxLROnWEI/AAAAAAAABRM/oBQzXaxiM14/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329008697503340610" border="0" /></a>It is now ready for the stain. Before staining make sure to get all of the saw dust off of the couch and around it. I used an air compressor with a spray tip to spray off the entire couch.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxLFzfWFI/AAAAAAAABRE/DvOc5oPMxL4/s1600-h/IMG_1077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxLFzfWFI/AAAAAAAABRE/DvOc5oPMxL4/s320/IMG_1077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329008694436780114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxK1MGicI/AAAAAAAABQ8/Mdxil6wzImA/s1600-h/IMG_1078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxK1MGicI/AAAAAAAABQ8/Mdxil6wzImA/s320/IMG_1078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329008689976609218" border="0" /></a>I used a Pecan colored Polyurethane stain and stain conditioner for this project. I applied three coats total of the stain. I used the stain conditioner because it helps the wood to absorb the stain evenly so as get blotches. Since I used different types of soft woods, the stain might have been darker on some of the woods but the conditioner helps the whole project to be uniform in color.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxKt0KzBI/AAAAAAAABQ0/Lnltw046Gpc/s1600-h/IMG_1103.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfRxKt0KzBI/AAAAAAAABQ0/Lnltw046Gpc/s320/IMG_1103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329008687997176850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfSA2bnu8rI/AAAAAAAABTM/ubZo1g7MGFY/s1600-h/IMG_1105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfSA2bnu8rI/AAAAAAAABTM/ubZo1g7MGFY/s320/IMG_1105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329025931701842610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It's done! The mattress is a little bigger than I thought so you can't really see the decorative top but it is great for giving your head a rest on a nice soft surface. Overall I had a great time trying new bits on my router and really understanding how many pieces can come together to make one masterpiece. This couch is very sturdy and makes me think I am in a log cabin. It has also inspired me to make some more furniture the same color.<br /><br />I wanted to prove to myself and others that common materials can be made to look great and be strong. This project has also given me the confidence to tackle more difficult projects and when we save up some more money, being able to buy nice hardwoods.<br /><br />I hope you liked it.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-83725437236708333322009-04-24T18:06:00.000-07:002009-04-24T18:59:20.779-07:00Pillows......Say What??!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> Well, I really wanted to learn how to sew and we were able to get this fabric at a pretty great price. i also didn't want to spend a lot of money so this ended up saving us a lot of $$$. For the two pillows and batting we spent $12-$15.<br /><br />I made these pillows without a pattern but for some people it may be harder to visualize how the piece will turn out so a pattern is very helpful. Either or, if it is your first time, it might be a little challenging so it is nice to have someone there to show/coach you. Patience will be a great quality too look for in whomever you choose to teach you. Mothers are especially great.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >Lime Light:</span> I would like to thank Jenny B. for teaching me how to sew and also for letting me use her sewing machine. She was wonderfully patient with me as well. I would also like to say that my wife was the one who picked out this really cool fabric.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjRVCYmFI/AAAAAAAABO8/rNIDQHCUFS8/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows+%284%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjRVCYmFI/AAAAAAAABO8/rNIDQHCUFS8/s320/Sewing+Pillows+%284%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328430458488789074" border="0" /></a>Start out by cutting your fabric to the desired lengths and widths. We chose a square pattern of 22" on both sides. Make sure and have some sort of cutting board underneath if you are using anything that can scratch the surfaces.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjR2AKU3I/AAAAAAAABPM/9CqFhPf-78U/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjR2AKU3I/AAAAAAAABPM/9CqFhPf-78U/s320/Sewing+Pillows.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328430467337835378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkYF4f-lI/AAAAAAAABPs/0nJD9aBRyBY/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows+%2810%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkYF4f-lI/AAAAAAAABPs/0nJD9aBRyBY/s320/Sewing+Pillows+%2810%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328431674191510098" border="0" /></a>While we were at the fabric store we also got a product called "Interfacing" which you iron on and adds a lot of strength to the fabric.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjRs2MCdI/AAAAAAAABPE/vReKmHz5kmI/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjRs2MCdI/AAAAAAAABPE/vReKmHz5kmI/s320/Sewing+Pillows+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328430464880085458" border="0" /></a>I didn't want to have flat square pillows so I sewed a strip of fabric 3" wide along all edges to give it a nicer big feel.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkX8MEOdI/AAAAAAAABPk/bTvhtQoQPs4/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows+%289%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkX8MEOdI/AAAAAAAABPk/bTvhtQoQPs4/s320/Sewing+Pillows+%289%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328431671589222866" border="0" /></a>This is Jenny helping me iron on the Interfacing while I sew.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkYqNulII/AAAAAAAABP8/Quxw-PmgLZ8/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows+%2819%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkYqNulII/AAAAAAAABP8/Quxw-PmgLZ8/s320/Sewing+Pillows+%2819%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328431683944223874" border="0" /></a>Start out by turning all of your fabric inside out and pinning them so that as you sew, the fabric won't move causing you to mess up.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkYTNThtI/AAAAAAAABP0/RGmynoMNvmo/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows+%2814%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkYTNThtI/AAAAAAAABP0/RGmynoMNvmo/s320/Sewing+Pillows+%2814%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328431677768435410" border="0" /></a>This is me sewing the 3" pieces onto the front piece.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkY9h6fpI/AAAAAAAABQE/jkQT-nN2fz0/s1600-h/Sewing+Pillows+%2823%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJkY9h6fpI/AAAAAAAABQE/jkQT-nN2fz0/s320/Sewing+Pillows+%2823%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328431689129164434" border="0" /></a>Once you sew all of the sides, front, back, you need to leave a little gap to pull all of the fabric through so that it is right side out and also to use as an access spot to fill your pillow with batting.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjSsqsfsI/AAAAAAAABPc/pQh472lkI7I/s1600-h/IMG_1080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjSsqsfsI/AAAAAAAABPc/pQh472lkI7I/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328430482011750082" border="0" /></a>We then bought some batting at Walmart for $3.00 a bag and used one bag per pillow. Be careful because the bags are very deceiving in their content. We bought four of them for two pillows and only used two for both pillows. You then stitch the holes up and there you have it.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjSahlTgI/AAAAAAAABPU/G2kx4PPLLZs/s1600-h/IMG_1081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfJjSahlTgI/AAAAAAAABPU/G2kx4PPLLZs/s320/IMG_1081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328430477141691906" border="0" /></a>Ta-Da! Now you are ready to really Relax on your couch or bed.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-1036925986951883522009-04-19T13:49:00.000-07:002009-05-03T14:56:17.365-07:00Garden Planter Box<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Overview:</span></span> This is a pretty simple and fun little project if you have a saw and a router. We live in an apartment with no land for ourselves so I decided to make a big box that I could still grow veggies in without having a million jars full of dirt around the house. This only cost me <span style="font-weight: bold;">$20</span> to make because I only needed two pieces of wood. I bought two 1" x 8" x 10' pieces of wood.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPXq8KiOI/AAAAAAAABN8/qHnyiq-adMA/s1600-h/IMG_1002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPXq8KiOI/AAAAAAAABN8/qHnyiq-adMA/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508621122144482" border="0" /></a>First cut the wood into 2 parts. Cut the two sides of the box the same length which I cut 4' long. Then cut the four other pieces all the same length. I cut them 2' long.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPXCaiqhI/AAAAAAAABN0/nfj2FW0-qjA/s1600-h/IMG_1003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPXCaiqhI/AAAAAAAABN0/nfj2FW0-qjA/s320/IMG_1003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508610243701266" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPWxaWsJI/AAAAAAAABNs/fAkpBi0C_48/s1600-h/IMG_1004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPWxaWsJI/AAAAAAAABNs/fAkpBi0C_48/s320/IMG_1004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508605679513746" border="0" /></a>Then I used my router with a 3/4" bit to make a groove for the 2 foot length pieces to fit into. I used the 3/4" bit because it was the same thickness as my wood. So I made 4 cuts all together. One cut on each end and two in the middle.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Time Saving Tip:</span></span> Clamp your two pieces of wood together width wise. By doing this, you can make one long cut with the router making both pieces of wood look the exact same. If you don't then you have to measure both pieces of wood separately and make twice as many cuts.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPWgFXwGI/AAAAAAAABNk/h60rrGwr2NM/s1600-h/IMG_1005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPWgFXwGI/AAAAAAAABNk/h60rrGwr2NM/s320/IMG_1005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508601028100194" border="0" /></a>Then apply glue into the slots made by the router and fit the pieces of wood into those slots. You made need a mallet or a hammer to help you fit the pieces into the slots.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPWa3xJTI/AAAAAAAABNc/PJngEx_0I10/s1600-h/IMG_1006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuPWa3xJTI/AAAAAAAABNc/PJngEx_0I10/s320/IMG_1006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326508599628866866" border="0" /></a>This is a close up picture of a router joint. Try and make them as tight as possible and as flush as possible. In the instance that they aren't flush you can either hammer it until they are or sand it down. I didn't think I needed it to look pristine because it is just a planter box and my vegetables won't care how well the box looks.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSw4sjIGI/AAAAAAAABOc/uKKn_KWm3ew/s1600-h/IMG_1007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSw4sjIGI/AAAAAAAABOc/uKKn_KWm3ew/s320/IMG_1007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326512352846356578" border="0" /></a>Use clamps to tighten everything together and while the glue is drying, put some nails into the joints to strengthen the whole box. Wood glue is not very strong enough by itself.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSwsqpPXI/AAAAAAAABOU/ZyWFhCKF5fA/s1600-h/IMG_1008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSwsqpPXI/AAAAAAAABOU/ZyWFhCKF5fA/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326512349617143154" border="0" /></a>I then cut some pieces to fit into the top to act as dividers and to strengthen the box. No glue was used.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSwffTJ9I/AAAAAAAABOM/3FnkXpv8Cco/s1600-h/IMG_1009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSwffTJ9I/AAAAAAAABOM/3FnkXpv8Cco/s320/IMG_1009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326512346079897554" border="0" /></a>I cut 2" x 4" pieces of wood to fit into the bottom so that I would have somewhere to screw the screen onto.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSv65RUJI/AAAAAAAABOE/muPx1NRo1UY/s1600-h/IMG_1010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeuSv65RUJI/AAAAAAAABOE/muPx1NRo1UY/s320/IMG_1010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326512336256716946" border="0" /></a>I then screwed a screen onto the bottom so as to hold all of the dirt in and to let the water drain from it. To see more pictures of the plants in it go to my older post about gardening and you will see it in all its glory.<br /><br />Now you didn't have to use a router to make the joints. It would've been just as easy to not use it and simply glue/nail the pieces together. I used a router because 1) I just barely got my new bits and I wanted to try them out and 2) by having the wood be in joints, the whole box is a lot stronger than if nails and glue were only holding it. I was able to stand up the box like a book shelf, climb it and sit on the top and it didn't break/collapse. If I didn't use a router, I may not have been able to do that without it breaking.<br /><br />If you would like to see the <span style="font-weight: bold;">garden planter box</span> in action with all of the plants in it click <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-beginning-gardening-101.html">here</a> and scroll down.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-62982095338418778772009-04-12T15:39:00.000-07:002009-04-20T06:39:46.490-07:00Delicious Waffles<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overview:</span></span> These waffles are absolutely delicious! I usually make waffles from the box mixes but then I got this recipe to make them from scratch and they are a cinch! Please do not be fooled. I did not make the waffles pictured below but simply "googled" a picture of waffles. Thank you internet! They take a few minutes more that using the waffle mix from boxes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Lime Light:</span> This waffle recipe was given to me from my sister Jessica. She always has really great recipes! I am thinking I may start up a marketing business since I am showing off everyone's wonderful creations.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeJuwvGMbDI/AAAAAAAABIM/FUqcoffALyI/s1600-h/Belgian+Waffles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 158px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeJuwvGMbDI/AAAAAAAABIM/FUqcoffALyI/s320/Belgian+Waffles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323939493060570162" border="0" /></a>Mix together in a medium size bowl:<br /><br />1 3/4 Cup flour<br />1 Tablespoon baking powder<br />1 Tablespoon sugar<br />1 Pinch salt<br />1/8 Teaspoon baking soda<br /><br />Then add and mix in:<br /><br />1 Stick of melted butter<br />1 1/2 Cup buttermilk<br />3 eggs<br /><br />Pour the mix into the waffle iron and you are one step closer to one or more very satisfied tummies.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tip:</span></span> Something that my wife has taught me is to warm up your syrup before using it. It makes the waffles even more tasty. Other items to add to your waffles may be: butter, homemade jam, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and any fruit like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Lime Light:</span></span> So I just found out that the warming up the syrup idea came down the family tree from Jamie's Grandma, to Jamie's Mom, down to Jamie. Lets give a round of applause to all of our Mothers. Without them, we might be eating cereal and Pop Tarts for every meal.<br /><br />Please Enjoy!<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-39668716907012945752009-03-29T15:52:00.001-07:002009-05-03T16:07:30.786-07:00A New Beginning - Gardening 101<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> So I have decided to start gardening. It is still a little too cold outside just yet so I am starting my crops inside. I also live in an apartment so we don't have any land to plant our crops in. Once they start to grow, I will transplant them into bigger containers.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I really wanted to start gardening because it is very interesting to me that you can get so much our such a small seed. Sure it takes some time but after a couple months I can eat FRESH produce for cents a piece.<br /><br />This is going to be a really fun post because I will only post parts at a time since it take between 2 - 3 month for the vegetable to grow all the way. Since it will take time to see everything grow, please come back weekly to see what has happened and to get the latest updates!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Lime Light:</span> I would like to thank my good friend Jenny B. for her advice and great tips about starting a garden. She helped me a ton! I would also like to thank my friend Travis S. for his tips on growing the vegetables better.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8ZKvTbjI/AAAAAAAABEA/Gdgp4zyr9yE/s1600-h/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8ZKvTbjI/AAAAAAAABEA/Gdgp4zyr9yE/s320/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747194257534514" border="0" /></a>My wife suggested that I start the seeds in egg cartons because we had some and two they work just as good as anything else. Talk about recycling!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8ZbO30jI/AAAAAAAABEI/vt4JaHyTDx4/s1600-h/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8ZbO30jI/AAAAAAAABEI/vt4JaHyTDx4/s320/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747198684910130" border="0" /></a>I cut off the lip and the top and placed the top underneath the bottom to help the water not to go everywhere when I water the plants.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8aM2cp4I/AAAAAAAABEQ/YoAWU-qbGf8/s1600-h/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%283%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8aM2cp4I/AAAAAAAABEQ/YoAWU-qbGf8/s320/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%283%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747212004239234" border="0" /></a>I bought six packets of seeds for fairly cheap at the local farming store and even the grocery store! I bought Carrots, Peas, Tomatoes, Peppers, Radishes and Cucumbers.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8aVcSJBI/AAAAAAAABEY/Cbg0zNcW-Y4/s1600-h/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%284%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8aVcSJBI/AAAAAAAABEY/Cbg0zNcW-Y4/s320/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%284%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747214310417426" border="0" /></a>I marked the egg cartons separating each packet to get 4 slots each.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8p6EdlUI/AAAAAAAABEo/QNkB_c8dYcc/s1600-h/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%286%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8p6EdlUI/AAAAAAAABEo/QNkB_c8dYcc/s320/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%286%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747481840653634" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8bL9JvLI/AAAAAAAABEg/7S2KQfg0G-4/s1600-h/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%285%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_8bL9JvLI/AAAAAAAABEg/7S2KQfg0G-4/s320/My+First+Garden+-+29+Mar.+2009+%285%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318747228943793330" border="0" /></a>I then put some potting soil in each slot and buried each seed to the depth that the packets told me to. The depths varied from 1/4", 1/2" and 1" deep. I then watered them and put them inside an aluminum foil boat I made to help even more for holding excess water.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I placed them on the window sill and we shall wait 7-14 days to see them all sprout.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I will post more pictures when the vegetables start to sprout! Happy growing!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">7 Days Later!!</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SdjExN-kRLI/AAAAAAAABF4/NH6Ip_AWXTc/s1600-h/Gardening+101+-+29+Mar.+2009+%287%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SdjExN-kRLI/AAAAAAAABF4/NH6Ip_AWXTc/s320/Gardening+101+-+29+Mar.+2009+%287%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321219309582959794" border="0" /></a>So I am trying something new that my friend taught me. He puts normal office fluorescent lights above his seedlings and the seeds actually grow. I tried it out with this little one that I haven't been using and they actually started growing! I just put the egg cartons on my floor with aluminum foil underneath of them and water them twice daily. The trick is to put them very close to the soil so that it warms up the soil. Check out the results so far below.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SdjHO61z4wI/AAAAAAAABGY/M7VbsEAVwPk/s1600-h/Gardening+101+-+29+Mar.+2009+%288%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SdjHO61z4wI/AAAAAAAABGY/M7VbsEAVwPk/s320/Gardening+101+-+29+Mar.+2009+%288%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321222018865292034" border="0" /></a>So not to be mean to the radishes but they are the easiest to grow it looks like. They are the 4 in the top right corner that have sprouted really well. They actually started sprouting after 6 days. The peas are the next ones that have sprouted and they are the ones on the very bottom that you can see if you look closely.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">14 Days Later!!</span></span><br /><br />I usually have kept all the plants inside due to the cold temperatures outside but today being Easter Sunday, the Sun has decided to show its face and so I put the plants outside to catch some rays instead of only fluorescent light.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeI6RFXLhxI/AAAAAAAABHs/DhzOmdxuR8A/s1600-h/IMG_0998.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeI6RFXLhxI/AAAAAAAABHs/DhzOmdxuR8A/s320/IMG_0998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323881774676936466" border="0" /></a>So as you can see, the peas are doing amazing! In front of the peas are the tomatoes and to the right are the cucumbers which my wife is very anxiously awaiting. I put the piece of paper behind the plants so that you could see them better.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeI6RRIkEgI/AAAAAAAABH0/vKegKFU3IIM/s1600-h/IMG_1000.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeI6RRIkEgI/AAAAAAAABH0/vKegKFU3IIM/s320/IMG_1000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323881777836855810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeI6RnADRUI/AAAAAAAABH8/Lzk-jEl0PDQ/s1600-h/IMG_0999.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SeI6RnADRUI/AAAAAAAABH8/Lzk-jEl0PDQ/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323881783706731842" border="0" /></a>Pictured above, the radishes on the right are doing well. The carrots have sprouted and are in the front. The bell peppers are in the back and should start sprouting this week.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Lesson Learned:</span></span> I learned this week that as I kept watering the plants daily, the egg cartons started to really smell bad because they were not drying out. For this I would suggest using Styrofoam egg cartons because they won't smell.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">21 Days Later!!</span></span><br /><br />So my seedlings were outgrowing their container so it was time to transplant them. Click <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/04/garden-planter-box.html">here</a> to see how I made a very easy planter box.<br /><br />I decided to perform a test on my seedlings. The top half of the planter box as pictured below, I used a mixture of potters soil and peat moss and transplanted my seedlings. On the bottom half as pictured below, I made layers of hay and peat moss. I first mulched the hay by running over it with a lawn mower to chop it up. I then made layers with the first being peat moss then a layer of hay and then peat moss and then hay. I continued this until I got to the right height. Then wherever I was going to put a seed or a seedling, I scooped out a handful of the layers and put potting soil for the seed to germinate. I tried this out because my friend at school said his Father did this and he got a lot more produce from it. We shall see. After all the seedlings were transplanted I then watered them and stuck them in some sun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sf4WOkMVqmI/AAAAAAAABUA/c2oDWoI53sQ/s1600-h/IMG_1047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sf4WOkMVqmI/AAAAAAAABUA/c2oDWoI53sQ/s320/IMG_1047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331723448342653538" border="0" /></a>This is one day after I transplanted them.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sf4WNQxW8BI/AAAAAAAABTo/XFKkWhc3v5k/s1600-h/IMG_1120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sf4WNQxW8BI/AAAAAAAABTo/XFKkWhc3v5k/s320/IMG_1120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331723425949347858" border="0" /></a>On the left are two peas and then the other four are radishes.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sf4WNsY7KVI/AAAAAAAABTw/aHcZt7q5am8/s1600-h/IMG_1119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sf4WNsY7KVI/AAAAAAAABTw/aHcZt7q5am8/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331723433363056978" border="0" /></a>On the left are two peas and then three radishes. One died. :( Can you tell which ones are more full and producing more leaves? Yup the plants with the hay/peat moss mixture are producing more so far.<br /><br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-81955984418046933442009-03-29T15:13:00.000-07:002009-07-24T06:17:20.259-07:00Bird Feeder<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview: </span>If you have kids or just enjoy bird watching, have I got a deal for you! This is a very easy, inexpensive, and fun item to build. It does not take very much time either and you and/or your children will love it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >Interesting Fact:</span> Recently I was out talking with my neighbors, filling up the bird feeder and I asked them where the wasp traps were that used to be hanging up on the trees where their children play. They told me that they didn't even need the wasp traps anymore because the all the birds kept them away by feeding nearby. So if you have a flying insect problem, maybe this bird feeder will keep them away.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Please note that I actually made three of these bird feeders at the same time so that is why everything is actually three times as much as you really need. I bought the wood at Home Depot for a good price.<br /><br />Please also note that I took all of these pictures with my cell phone since I forgot to bring my wife's camera with me so they aren't as clear as my usual posts.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Lime Light:</span> I need to give a special thanks to my wife's family in Texas for taking some wonderful pictures for me of some birds eating at the feeder. Those pictures are posted at the end.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y4_iv01I/AAAAAAAABCw/KREULZp-DTE/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y4_iv01I/AAAAAAAABCw/KREULZp-DTE/s320/Bird+Feeder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318736745891615570" border="0" /></a>I started out by cutting the back of the bird feeder. I did not follow any blueprints, I simply envisioned the size that I wanted and went from there.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5FqflaI/AAAAAAAABC4/nFE74S4tfqI/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5FqflaI/AAAAAAAABC4/nFE74S4tfqI/s320/Bird+Feeder+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318736747534718370" border="0" /></a>I then cut what will be the sides of the bird feeder measuring the same height as the back. You only need two of these for one bird feeder.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5ReopuI/AAAAAAAABDI/yH9S6SMsjBY/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%284%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5ReopuI/AAAAAAAABDI/yH9S6SMsjBY/s320/Bird+Feeder+%284%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318736750706206434" border="0" /></a>Here are all of the sides for all 3 bird feeders.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5VpCv_I/AAAAAAAABDA/SHtjEAvg2tw/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%283%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5VpCv_I/AAAAAAAABDA/SHtjEAvg2tw/s320/Bird+Feeder+%283%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318736751823601650" border="0" /></a>I then cut what would be the base of the bird feeder making sure that it was the same width as the back piece.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5hz5DkI/AAAAAAAABDQ/7TKNaoY7Bco/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%285%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_y5hz5DkI/AAAAAAAABDQ/7TKNaoY7Bco/s320/Bird+Feeder+%285%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318736755090329154" border="0" /></a>Before I attached any pieces of wood together I used my router to make a thin slit the length of the side pieces so as to make an area of my Plexiglas to slide in.<br /><br />I then drew an area for the bird seed to go underneath the Plexiglas making it big enough for the birds to reach the seed and used my router to carve this box out. Don't worry! It does not have to be a perfect rectangle. This is just a bird feeder. The birds won't care if it isn't perfect.<br /><br />I then used a table saw or a router to cut notches into the sides and back piece so as to make a better fit. I would suggest using a router because it is easier to make the cuts more exact. I used a table saw since I didn't have the right bit.<br /><br />I then used glue and a nail fun to attach all of the pieces together and let it dry for maybe 30 minutes.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zokLAlcI/AAAAAAAABDY/-2b-5onXFio/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%286%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zokLAlcI/AAAAAAAABDY/-2b-5onXFio/s320/Bird+Feeder+%286%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318737563178014146" border="0" /></a>I wanted to get a little fancy so I used another bit with my router to make a decorative edge the height of the bird feeder.<br /><br />I then took it to my compound miter saw and made a bevel cut that would slope down from the back to the front so as to have a place to attach the roof.<br /><br />I cut another piece of wood that I used for the roof and attached it to the bird feeder by drilling two holes in the top of the bird feeder and two holes in the lid and gluing two pieces of a dowel rod into the holes of the bird feeder making sure that they stick out for the lid holes to lay over.<br /><br />I then sanded everything to make all of the edges smoother and to make it better able to take a stain.<br /><br />I then used a pre-stain conditioner and a golden oak stain.<br /><br />While the stain was drying, I cut some Plexiglas using a utility knife scoring it a lot, over and over and over again until it would snap in the right place.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zpBN6acI/AAAAAAAABDo/Bxi8q_LhjSY/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%288%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zpBN6acI/AAAAAAAABDo/Bxi8q_LhjSY/s320/Bird+Feeder+%288%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318737570974820802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zpUzEO5I/AAAAAAAABDw/51u8zj6ZiH4/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%289%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zpUzEO5I/AAAAAAAABDw/51u8zj6ZiH4/s320/Bird+Feeder+%289%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318737576230927250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zo_90SnI/AAAAAAAABDg/Rvb2FGBj5xk/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%287%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zo_90SnI/AAAAAAAABDg/Rvb2FGBj5xk/s320/Bird+Feeder+%287%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318737570638875250" border="0" /></a>I then attached two hooks to the back of the bird feeder and ran some wire from one to the other tying the ends to each hook. I put a nail in a tree and then hung it up.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zpoZZGBI/AAAAAAAABD4/mkDBWZ6Qc50/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%2810%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc_zpoZZGBI/AAAAAAAABD4/mkDBWZ6Qc50/s320/Bird+Feeder+%2810%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318737581491951634" border="0" /></a>And here it is in all its glory! Come and get em' birdies!<br /><br />You can get bird seed at WalMart, any pet store, or any farming store. I bought 5 pounds of bird seed at a farming store for $3.49. You will not break the bank with this project.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SdLItetKsjI/AAAAAAAABFY/ggPzIOOg41o/s1600-h/2009+Feb+100.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SdLItetKsjI/AAAAAAAABFY/ggPzIOOg41o/s320/2009+Feb+100.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319534793540153906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sdl38whLIJI/AAAAAAAABG4/mfAfrFkP9rw/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%2815%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sdl38whLIJI/AAAAAAAABG4/mfAfrFkP9rw/s320/Bird+Feeder+%2815%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321416320414851218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sdl39WszZTI/AAAAAAAABHI/TiQwxFLQSHI/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%2813%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sdl39WszZTI/AAAAAAAABHI/TiQwxFLQSHI/s320/Bird+Feeder+%2813%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321416330664174898" border="0" /></a>There is a male and a female in this picture. The red is the male and the gray is the female.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sdl39DoAfpI/AAAAAAAABHA/StbWtFc8MJs/s1600-h/Bird+Feeder+%2810%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sdl39DoAfpI/AAAAAAAABHA/StbWtFc8MJs/s320/Bird+Feeder+%2810%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321416325543788178" border="0" /></a>Two males maybe fighting over who will stay with the female?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Ordering:</span></span> Would you like to have a bird feeder for your own home? These feeders are lightweight and make excellent gifts for any occasion. I will even throw in a bag of bird seed for <span style="font-weight: bold;">FREE</span> with each purchase!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cost:</span> $10.00 + Shipping and Handling<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Email to Place an Order</span>: sloandaja@gmail.com<br /><br />Upon emailing me, I will send you an email with further instructions on how to submit payment and when you can expect to receive your item.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-20296632836305173522009-03-29T06:55:00.001-07:002009-04-12T16:05:09.524-07:00Danish Rolls<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Overview:</span></span> Come one, Come all ! These Danish Rolls are the best thing to come around since sliced bread and ding dongs. These are not very difficult to make but to require a some time. It is a lot better to have one or two extra people around to help form the rolls once the dough has risen.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Lime Light:</span> I would like to thank my Mom Amy for helping me with this recipe. I had to wait three months for her to come visit me in order to teach me how to make these. I also need to thank my Grandma Georgianna for the recipe. I am not sure how long this recipe has been in the family but in my eyes she helped get the tradition going.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-37NUJAI/AAAAAAAAA-M/MfCM8mZ7TQ8/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-37NUJAI/AAAAAAAAA-M/MfCM8mZ7TQ8/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318609184199287810" border="0" /></a>Start out by getting the yeast to mix by putting 1/4 cup water in a container.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-FLb4EdII/AAAAAAAABCM/sbx6wmboisE/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2842%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-FLb4EdII/AAAAAAAABCM/sbx6wmboisE/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2842%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318616116455830658" border="0" /></a>Add 2 tablespoons of yeast and put the container to the side.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EkHbSLpI/AAAAAAAABBs/LbXVIbrhRzc/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2838%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EkHbSLpI/AAAAAAAABBs/LbXVIbrhRzc/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2838%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318615440951488146" border="0" /></a>Next place 2 cups of milk in a pot and bring to a boil. You want to scald the milk which means boil it until there are bigger bubbles along the edges of the pot. Be careful not to boil the milk for too long though.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-4_DT9pI/AAAAAAAAA-k/Nhq6ZtSBfrs/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%284%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-4_DT9pI/AAAAAAAAA-k/Nhq6ZtSBfrs/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%284%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318609202410944146" border="0" /></a>Place 4 tablespoons of margarine in the mixer.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-FK3SbLzI/AAAAAAAABB8/yGv-s-BmD5E/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2840%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-FK3SbLzI/AAAAAAAABB8/yGv-s-BmD5E/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2840%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318616106634260274" border="0" /></a>Pour the milk into the mixer. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EjwB6H_I/AAAAAAAABBc/HeFCf7KBv6Q/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2833%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EjwB6H_I/AAAAAAAABBc/HeFCf7KBv6Q/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2833%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318615434671038450" border="0" /></a>Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract, and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract. Mix all together and let sit until the milk has become warm instead of scalding.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-FLLuNaxI/AAAAAAAABCE/jaYwHpyW_-E/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2841%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-FLLuNaxI/AAAAAAAABCE/jaYwHpyW_-E/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2841%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318616112119507730" border="0" /></a>Add in 2 beaten eggs and 1 cup of sifted flour.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-Ekt3avaI/AAAAAAAABB0/DLdTeWBTDSw/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2839%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-Ekt3avaI/AAAAAAAABB0/DLdTeWBTDSw/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2839%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318615451270036898" border="0" /></a>Blend this very thoroughly and add the yeast mixture.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-4uXF8AI/AAAAAAAAA-c/mxvtrUJhrL4/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%283%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-4uXF8AI/AAAAAAAAA-c/mxvtrUJhrL4/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%283%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318609197930508290" border="0" /></a>Once it has been mixed pour dough onto your lightly floured board or counter and knead it with more flour until it is smooth and elastic.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-5OpgoYI/AAAAAAAAA-s/BbwObbcEFl8/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%285%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9-5OpgoYI/AAAAAAAAA-s/BbwObbcEFl8/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%285%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318609206597689730" border="0" /></a>Grease a bowl with vegetable oil to place the dough into. Place dough in bowl to get it coated with vegetable oil, lift the dough and flip it so the other side gets coated with vegetable oil.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_p-wqqhI/AAAAAAAAA-0/IuS_2vY_Z-A/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%286%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_p-wqqhI/AAAAAAAAA-0/IuS_2vY_Z-A/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%286%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318610044146330130" border="0" /></a>Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm area that is free from any drafts.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_qpYoOVI/AAAAAAAAA_E/45dFC1DKkLo/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%288%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_qpYoOVI/AAAAAAAAA_E/45dFC1DKkLo/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%288%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318610055588231506" border="0" /></a>Let the dough rise for 1 hour.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_q38IHGI/AAAAAAAAA_M/GJX98ye59dM/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%289%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_q38IHGI/AAAAAAAAA_M/GJX98ye59dM/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%289%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318610059495218274" border="0" /></a>Turn on your oven to 450 degrees.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_qz8za_I/AAAAAAAAA_U/fM-6bIy7mDk/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2810%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc9_qz8za_I/AAAAAAAAA_U/fM-6bIy7mDk/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2810%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318610058424314866" border="0" /></a>Roll the dough out onto a board because you will be cutting it out into strips and you don't want to make scratches on your counter top.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3M7FkWI/AAAAAAAAA_c/wPqqrEvgZ6k/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2811%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3M7FkWI/AAAAAAAAA_c/wPqqrEvgZ6k/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2811%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318611370798059874" border="0" /></a>Cut 4 tablespoons of butter into thin slices and cover half of the rolled out dough.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3rBDkrI/AAAAAAAAA_k/nMUQ_fWz7a4/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2812%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3rBDkrI/AAAAAAAAA_k/nMUQ_fWz7a4/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2812%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318611378876158642" border="0" /></a>Fold the dough over, lift it and turn it 90 degrees. Roll the dough out again to the same size as before. Repeat the process of cutting 4 tablespoons of butter into thin slices and folding the dough over 2 more times. After these two times, lift the dough up and rotate it 90 degrees and roll it out again to the same size as the first time.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3iYCniI/AAAAAAAAA_s/7Cp3bNzSv40/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2813%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3iYCniI/AAAAAAAAA_s/7Cp3bNzSv40/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2813%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318611376556645922" border="0" /></a>Cut the dough into thin strips.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Time Saving Tip:</span></span> You can cut the dough using a knife or I have found that a pizza cutter works best. The dough won't stick as much to the pizza cutter nor will the pizza cutter pull the dough. Plus, since the pizza cutter rolls, you can cut it a lot faster.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3-0W3xI/AAAAAAAAA_0/q76WUonSZ4A/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2814%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A3-0W3xI/AAAAAAAAA_0/q76WUonSZ4A/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2814%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318611384191606546" border="0" /></a>Cut the dough lengthwise.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A4GuPtJI/AAAAAAAAA_8/IIAQxQUXdy4/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2815%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-A4GuPtJI/AAAAAAAAA_8/IIAQxQUXdy4/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2815%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318611386313454738" border="0" /></a>Take a strip and pull it a little bit. Twist in opposite directions with both hands making the dough look like a piece of twisted licorice.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-BlwCC7uI/AAAAAAAABAE/87PVXYy-EnA/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2816%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-BlwCC7uI/AAAAAAAABAE/87PVXYy-EnA/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2816%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318612170496470754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-BmZv-87I/AAAAAAAABAM/RIknLtHfyX8/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2817%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-BmZv-87I/AAAAAAAABAM/RIknLtHfyX8/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2817%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318612181695001522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-BmuEqHsI/AAAAAAAABAU/5eqsW6b3X14/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2818%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-BmuEqHsI/AAAAAAAABAU/5eqsW6b3X14/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2818%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318612187150425794" border="0" /></a>Then pinch one side and coil the dough into a circle while continuing to twist the one end continuously. At the very end of coiling, tuck the end underneath so that it won't uncoil. Place on a cooking sheet spreading them out since they will rise more. Place sheet in the oven at 450 degrees for 8 minutes or until golden brown.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tip:</span></span> Look at the end of this entry for a video description of coiling up a Danish Roll courtesy of my Mother.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C0Ap-orI/AAAAAAAABAs/5yifxIfFAFg/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2823%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C0Ap-orI/AAAAAAAABAs/5yifxIfFAFg/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2823%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318613514988724914" border="0" /></a>While the rolls are baking, start mixing up the glaze.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C0--UFyI/AAAAAAAABA8/3CuIDJP3V_M/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2827%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C0--UFyI/AAAAAAAABA8/3CuIDJP3V_M/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2827%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318613531717015330" border="0" /></a>Place 1 pound of confectioners sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons boiling water in a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. I would suggest using a wire whisk instead of our dinky plastic whisk.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C0SeWjNI/AAAAAAAABA0/6hHMFQS1MHE/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2825%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C0SeWjNI/AAAAAAAABA0/6hHMFQS1MHE/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2825%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318613519771798738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C1VSwhzI/AAAAAAAABBE/ZhN9YaoQtPs/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2828%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C1VSwhzI/AAAAAAAABBE/ZhN9YaoQtPs/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2828%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318613537708345138" border="0" /></a>Take the rolls out of the oven and immediately place on a cooling rack and use a big spoon to drizzle the glaze on top of them. You have to drizzle while the rolls are still warm.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C1SHc1mI/AAAAAAAABBM/jMZ4mlHzwPA/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2829%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-C1SHc1mI/AAAAAAAABBM/jMZ4mlHzwPA/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2829%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318613536855610978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EjoGwbGI/AAAAAAAABBU/72y4z8KrfKA/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2830%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EjoGwbGI/AAAAAAAABBU/72y4z8KrfKA/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2830%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318615432543890530" border="0" /></a>If you run out of glazing in your bowl, do not be afraid to scrape up and reuse the leftover glaze that has fallen from the rolls.<br />You might want to make sure your counter is clean before you do this though.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EkPCVPiI/AAAAAAAABBk/hfxOtbnuF1Y/s1600-h/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2836%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/Sc-EkPCVPiI/AAAAAAAABBk/hfxOtbnuF1Y/s320/Danish+Rolls+with+Mom+%2836%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318615442994314786" border="0" /></a>Ahhhhh! Deliciousness! Eat as many as you can before everyone sees/smells them!<br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgB3sY8PsR6xbsjxdjoI7hO404hdbTDK1NZHJSSRJe9a1KvpRlABdYyhny8Gz49PyYXyaO-A20iDxaXV9cUQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-26904847630738041942009-03-08T20:18:00.001-07:002009-04-27T15:32:42.134-07:00Chicken Cordon Bleu<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> This is a really fun, easy, and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy plus it sounds so hard simply because the name is french! This takes about one hour prep. time and cook time to make, and totally worth every minute.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Lime Light:</span> I would like to thank my sister Jessica for actually giving me this recipe. She explained to me how easy it is to make so I do need to thank her and please thank her as well when you too have your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu. Thanks sis! I would also like to thank Leesha for giving me a wonderful cheese sauce to pour on top of the Chicken Cordon Bleu.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLfA_tqvI/AAAAAAAAA4w/lukVf4QNyvc/s1600-h/IMG_0850.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLfA_tqvI/AAAAAAAAA4w/lukVf4QNyvc/s320/IMG_0850.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311023225536097010" border="0" /></a>Start out by turning on your oven to 375 degrees and placing a piece of plastic wrap on the preparation surface.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLfR0pthI/AAAAAAAAA44/u0twutoGoXA/s1600-h/IMG_0851.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLfR0pthI/AAAAAAAAA44/u0twutoGoXA/s320/IMG_0851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311023230053103122" border="0" /></a>Next you will need three bowls. Put 3/4 cup flour in one. 2 eggs in the second and whip them. 1/2 cup bread crumbs.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLgqvygwI/AAAAAAAAA5I/bMp3rOc3cOU/s1600-h/IMG_0853.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLgqvygwI/AAAAAAAAA5I/bMp3rOc3cOU/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311023253923463938" border="0" /></a>Get enough pieces of ham and provolone cheese to place in your chicken when it is flattened. I used 1 piece of cheese and 2 slices of ham per piece of chicken.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLgAn_mAI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Wy3PJCxspGQ/s1600-h/IMG_0852.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSLgAn_mAI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Wy3PJCxspGQ/s320/IMG_0852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311023242616477698" border="0" /></a>Cut up and put 4 Tablespoons of butter into your 9x13 pyrex dish and place dish in the oven to let it melt.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMhURtyWI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/h7Wo64XL548/s1600-h/IMG_0855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMhURtyWI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/h7Wo64XL548/s320/IMG_0855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311024364583242082" border="0" /></a>Place your piece of chicken on plastic wrap and place another piece of plastic wrap on top. Then use your hand, rubber mallet, hammer, sledge hammer, meat tenderizer, or whatever you have to flatten your chicken out wide enough to allow it to fold over in half.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSOWjDC3EI/AAAAAAAAA6w/yEKFtUHd0PQ/s1600-h/IMG_0866.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSOWjDC3EI/AAAAAAAAA6w/yEKFtUHd0PQ/s320/IMG_0866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311026378592934978" border="0" /></a>In my case, me being a man who loves tools, used my wife's hammer to flatten my once feathered friend. It worked well and didn't even break through the plastic wrap.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMhzZdxkI/AAAAAAAAA5g/fSSVD8qUuY4/s1600-h/IMG_0856.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMhzZdxkI/AAAAAAAAA5g/fSSVD8qUuY4/s320/IMG_0856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311024372937246274" border="0" /></a>I then took one slice of cheese and broke it in half and placed in on the chicken. Don't forget to remove the plastic wrap from on top. By this time, you will want to check your pyrex dish to see if the butter has melted and take it out of the oven.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMifKDXwI/AAAAAAAAA5o/v4vDACZnfDw/s1600-h/IMG_0857.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMifKDXwI/AAAAAAAAA5o/v4vDACZnfDw/s320/IMG_0857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311024384683761410" border="0" /></a>I then placed two ham slices on top of the cheese. YUM!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMi3EUjQI/AAAAAAAAA5w/PAiSMOxEZew/s1600-h/IMG_0858.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSMi3EUjQI/AAAAAAAAA5w/PAiSMOxEZew/s320/IMG_0858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311024391102172418" border="0" /></a>Then fold over the other side of the chicken making a chicken taco with the cheese and ham in the middle.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNcJlYUsI/AAAAAAAAA6A/02u6M7McbzE/s1600-h/IMG_0860.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNcJlYUsI/AAAAAAAAA6A/02u6M7McbzE/s320/IMG_0860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311025375325213378" border="0" /></a>Take your chicken taco and place it in the flour bowl to coat it. A light coating will do fine.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNcok8GDI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Q2Q-tN_qpv8/s1600-h/IMG_0861.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNcok8GDI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Q2Q-tN_qpv8/s320/IMG_0861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311025383644862514" border="0" /></a>Try and make your chicken flatter than what I did on this one or else your cheese and ham will be sticking out like mine. If it does stick out, no worries because it will still turn out well.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNdMpUITI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/TK6LtsG6XCA/s1600-h/IMG_0862.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNdMpUITI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/TK6LtsG6XCA/s320/IMG_0862.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311025393326891314" border="0" /></a>Then take your chicken taco and dip it in the eggs to get a wet coating to which the bread crumbs will stick.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNd7xAmdI/AAAAAAAAA6g/vgRkUBoY7WQ/s1600-h/IMG_0864.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSNd7xAmdI/AAAAAAAAA6g/vgRkUBoY7WQ/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311025405975632338" border="0" /></a>Place your coated chicken taco in the pryex dish with the melted butter. Then place 1 - 3 toothpicks in it so that the ingredients don't fall out.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSOXhgCXYI/AAAAAAAAA7A/WC6Tnx_XyF4/s1600-h/IMG_0868.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSOXhgCXYI/AAAAAAAAA7A/WC6Tnx_XyF4/s320/IMG_0868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311026395357535618" border="0" /></a>We bought 4 pieces of chicken and here they all are. Place in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour. I cooked them for 45 minutes and they were great!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSO4Nt_veI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/vWUKPksggnI/s1600-h/IMG_0870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSO4Nt_veI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/vWUKPksggnI/s320/IMG_0870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311026956983057890" border="0" /></a>Here they are 45 minutes later! The butter along the edges burnt a little but the actual chicken turned out spectacular!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSO4isXMbI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/ZWPqVAgeoEU/s1600-h/IMG_0871.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SbSO4isXMbI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/ZWPqVAgeoEU/s320/IMG_0871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311026962613350834" border="0" /></a>I then served the chicken cordon bleu with green beans, cheese, and bacon bits. YUMMY! Hope you enjoy this delicious but elegant meal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfYyDxQEU8I/AAAAAAAABTg/MO9c7bbZyao/s1600-h/IMG_1107.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SfYyDxQEU8I/AAAAAAAABTg/MO9c7bbZyao/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329502249381286850" border="0" /></a>I tried this dish again but this time with the Cheese Sauce that Leesha suggested I try and boy was it delicious! For the recipe click <a href="http://sloandaja.blogspot.com/2009/04/cream-of-chicken.html">here</a>.<br /><br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-23522488850765754432009-02-18T06:37:00.000-08:002009-04-12T16:04:41.538-07:00Valentines Day Jewelry Box<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> This was a gift that I wanted to make for my wife for a few months now. I really only thought about making it a few days previous though. She also mentioned that she wanted one so this totally counted as marking something off of her "list" which is a bonus point for me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I really wanted to make her this because I wanted to give her something nice that would last forever. I know that roses are lovely and so are chocolates but they are both gone faster than you can see sweet tooth. I was a few days late giving this to her but the suspense of her knowing that it was coming made it even more of a surprise. Building the project took about 3-4 hours and then another hour all together with the finish sanding and the three coats of stain that I applied.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfK9VtQyI/AAAAAAAAAzo/FzqoNtW8IUs/s1600-h/IMG_0784.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfK9VtQyI/AAAAAAAAAzo/FzqoNtW8IUs/s320/IMG_0784.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304148734260364066" border="0" /></a>I started out by buying a block of Mahogany wood from a local wood working store and then sanding the top and bottom to make them flat because they were "rough cut."<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfLWvTOUI/AAAAAAAAAzw/SvlxhpTBt0s/s1600-h/IMG_0785.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfLWvTOUI/AAAAAAAAAzw/SvlxhpTBt0s/s320/IMG_0785.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304148741078595906" border="0" /></a>I cut the block almost in half so that I could start making the lid. I had to make the lid thick at first because I was going to use the lathe on it and I didn't want and screw holes in it.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfL6mA0gI/AAAAAAAAA0A/v0U8CcOREDc/s1600-h/IMG_0787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfL6mA0gI/AAAAAAAAA0A/v0U8CcOREDc/s320/IMG_0787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304148750703317506" border="0" /></a>I then screwed on the mounting bracket for the lathe to the back of the lid.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfLpIn8GI/AAAAAAAAAz4/IoyuPea3OcA/s1600-h/IMG_0786.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfLpIn8GI/AAAAAAAAAz4/IoyuPea3OcA/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304148746016649314" border="0" /></a>I cut a heart out of paper to use as a template for the lid.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfMDebSCI/AAAAAAAAA0I/NwLBEtf2dgI/s1600-h/IMG_0789.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwfMDebSCI/AAAAAAAAA0I/NwLBEtf2dgI/s320/IMG_0789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304148753087416354" border="0" /></a>Although the main grain line is in the middle with it running through the side of the heart, I later changed it to where the heart was turned so that the line runs through the top of the heart.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-I5au4I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/f00MiC3KVpM/s1600-h/IMG_0790.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-I5au4I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/f00MiC3KVpM/s320/IMG_0790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304149613536263042" border="0" /></a>The lid on the lathe. I traced the heart so that I would know how big to make the circle around it.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-el7CDI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/FQooZz_843Q/s1600-h/IMG_0791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-el7CDI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/FQooZz_843Q/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304149619360073778" border="0" /></a>After I cut out a circle, while still on the lathe, I sanded it down to make it a simple impression around the heart.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-oSumjI/AAAAAAAAA0g/cuXFu6rx2KE/s1600-h/IMG_0792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-oSumjI/AAAAAAAAA0g/cuXFu6rx2KE/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304149621963921970" border="0" /></a>I then cut off another piece from the block that I would use as the base of the box.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-1g6CEI/AAAAAAAAA0o/dfi6oK_2MKM/s1600-h/IMG_0793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf-1g6CEI/AAAAAAAAA0o/dfi6oK_2MKM/s320/IMG_0793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304149625513052226" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf_V3_t2I/AAAAAAAAA0w/2RoCDx4uP3w/s1600-h/IMG_0794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwf_V3_t2I/AAAAAAAAA0w/2RoCDx4uP3w/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304149634199828322" border="0" /></a>These are all the sides with two being Mahogany and the other two lighter ones being Cypress wood.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgusiIyMI/AAAAAAAAA04/H-IwOFISR2s/s1600-h/IMG_0795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgusiIyMI/AAAAAAAAA04/H-IwOFISR2s/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304150447736015042" border="0" /></a>These are the clamps that I used. I would've preferred smaller ones but this is all I had at my disposal. They worked out really well though.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgu0q6etI/AAAAAAAAA1A/sB_kWWgNIT0/s1600-h/IMG_0796.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgu0q6etI/AAAAAAAAA1A/sB_kWWgNIT0/s320/IMG_0796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304150449920309970" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwhgiFosJI/AAAAAAAAA1o/qz5Rq35P1_A/s1600-h/IMG_0803.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwhgiFosJI/AAAAAAAAA1o/qz5Rq35P1_A/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304151303925575826" border="0" /></a>The box after it was dry.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiXoL_P-I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ywvQhQMkeBg/s1600-h/IMG_0810.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiXoL_P-I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ywvQhQMkeBg/s320/IMG_0810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304152250455637986" border="0" /></a>To make the box stronger, I needed to nail the pieces together.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Time Saving Tip:</span></span> These are 18 gauge nails that I took from my finish nail gun. I didn't want to use the nail gun because since there is so much power in them, I didn't want to run the risk of splitting the wood. So I used my plyers and cut them into thirds and only used the top third.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiYP2WEVI/AAAAAAAAA2o/ujFIq5sTKSU/s1600-h/IMG_0813.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiYP2WEVI/AAAAAAAAA2o/ujFIq5sTKSU/s320/IMG_0813.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304152261102276946" border="0" /></a>I used a hammer to nail them in but it was hard. Since I cut them so much smaller, my fingers were now to big to hold them so I had to use needle nose pliers to hold them while I hammered them in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiX1ImrWI/AAAAAAAAA2g/TmT1agqQEoo/s1600-h/IMG_0811.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiX1ImrWI/AAAAAAAAA2g/TmT1agqQEoo/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304152253931105634" border="0" /></a>This is the bottom after I nailed it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgvFHR6MI/AAAAAAAAA1I/yvwit6p-akM/s1600-h/IMG_0797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgvFHR6MI/AAAAAAAAA1I/yvwit6p-akM/s320/IMG_0797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304150454334253250" border="0" /></a>I then cut off the back of the lid to make it roughly the same thickness of the base.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgvf0Z3UI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/NuGe99r-QKA/s1600-h/IMG_0798.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgvf0Z3UI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/NuGe99r-QKA/s320/IMG_0798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304150461502840130" border="0" /></a>This part was pretty tricky. I used a drill press to make three holes for the heart. After these holes were drilled I used a very sharp chisel to scrape away the excess wood. I then wrapped 60 grid sand paper around my screwdriver so that I could more easily sand the sides of the heart.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Time Saving Tip:</span> You should use a skil saw for this if you have one because then you will only need to drill one hole and you won't need a chisel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgw0jAKtI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/KEdo1BCqR4c/s1600-h/IMG_0800.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwgw0jAKtI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/KEdo1BCqR4c/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304150484246866642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SaHi8pvNqCI/AAAAAAAAA4g/qSHsv1xlEpY/s1600-h/Walnut+Heart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SaHi8pvNqCI/AAAAAAAAA4g/qSHsv1xlEpY/s320/Walnut+Heart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305771367643064354" border="0" /></a>I used the same heart template as before, traced it exactly, but cut it bigger everywhere. I did this so I would be able to get a tighter fit by sanding it down instead of cutting it. You will have more precision with sanding than cutting. I took the heart and the lid over to the belt sander and started sanding the heart down little by little until I was able to hit the heart into the heart hole. You want a very tight fit.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiXG2C8yI/AAAAAAAAA2I/3Bp3NU8cc-s/s1600-h/IMG_0807.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiXG2C8yI/AAAAAAAAA2I/3Bp3NU8cc-s/s320/IMG_0807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304152241505235746" border="0" /></a>I made the heart thicker than the lid so that I would be able to sand down the remaining to make it a very snug fit.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiXQBLHgI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/NdIh_NtqYmg/s1600-h/IMG_0808.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwiXQBLHgI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/NdIh_NtqYmg/s320/IMG_0808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304152243967827458" border="0" /></a>This is the very beginning of the heart lid. I know that it didn't fit perfectly but that is nothing that we can't handle.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkV3tCLxI/AAAAAAAAA2w/o__VBQDbkOk/s1600-h/IMG_0814.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkV3tCLxI/AAAAAAAAA2w/o__VBQDbkOk/s320/IMG_0814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304154419284291346" border="0" /></a>As you can see the inside of the back of the lid now has a lip. You can use either a router or a table saw for this. I made this so as to make a tighter fit on the box. I later put "Stainable Wood Putty" around the heart and over the nail holes to fill in the gaps.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkYYWOlXI/AAAAAAAAA3A/6CvW_H4xU-M/s1600-h/IMG_0816.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkYYWOlXI/AAAAAAAAA3A/6CvW_H4xU-M/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304154462406743410" border="0" /></a>I then sanded the whole box down when I got home with a 150 Grit and then a 220 Grit for a very smooth finish. I made sure all of the dust was off and then applied three coats of a Golden Oak 210B stain.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Anger</span> Saving Tip:</span> A big problem that I run into is having the wood not absorb the stain evenly. this can happen with hard and soft woods but predominantly in soft woods. To beat this, I used "MINWAX Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner" which is fairly inexpensive. It cost me under $10 for 1 Pint which lasts forever. Plus, if you are going to spend a lot of time on a project, you want it to turn out perfectly and this is the best way for it to look amazing.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Time Saving Tip:</span></span> Get a stain with a built in sealer to not have to apply so many coats. I used a brand called "MINWAX."<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkZLHG10I/AAAAAAAAA3I/8F6CTwVdSLo/s1600-h/IMG_0817.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkZLHG10I/AAAAAAAAA3I/8F6CTwVdSLo/s320/IMG_0817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304154476033529666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkah5Q5JI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/ht9QybiwaSY/s1600-h/IMG_0818.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkah5Q5JI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/ht9QybiwaSY/s320/IMG_0818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304154499329352850" border="0" /></a>Since I did use stainable wood putty around the heart and nail holes, I did have to sand those areas a few times even after I stained because sometimes, it does not accept the stain very well. In this case, sand it with 220 Grit sand paper until you see the remains go away and then stain it again. Patience is a great virtue in this instance. Remember, take your time and do a great job because you can really make your project look great with a little sanding.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwr2qMeKHI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/xK-CA8x3vqg/s1600-h/IMG_0819.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwr2qMeKHI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/xK-CA8x3vqg/s320/IMG_0819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304162679175129202" border="0" /></a>I bought a product called "Gorilla Glue" to glue these straps onto the box to act as hinges. It works really well. The white spots are from the can of beans I used to rest on the glue over night and it ripped off a little bit of the paper. Do Not use a lot of this glue as it expands while it dries.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwr2-xvFlI/AAAAAAAAA3g/5Hadcu_qdWc/s1600-h/IMG_0820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwr2-xvFlI/AAAAAAAAA3g/5Hadcu_qdWc/s320/IMG_0820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304162684700137042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkXPNNNKI/AAAAAAAAA24/sNvFArPpYEc/s1600-h/IMG_0815.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SZwkXPNNNKI/AAAAAAAAA24/sNvFArPpYEc/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304154442773116066" border="0" /></a>Overall, my Wife loved it. It made her and myself cry when I gave it to her because I had put so much time into it and we both feel that it will be in the family for many generations.</div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-63157026270427345592009-02-08T17:31:00.001-08:002009-04-12T16:04:23.353-07:00No Bake Cookies<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overview:</span> This is one of my favorite desserts because they are super simple and super delicious. They only take about 20 minutes to make and you don't even need to use the oven!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-IlhaLgiI/AAAAAAAAAxg/-u2GZI20RvQ/s1600-h/IMG_0774.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-IlhaLgiI/AAAAAAAAAxg/-u2GZI20RvQ/s320/IMG_0774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300605464643076642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Tip:</span></span> You really want to get all of your ingredients out before you start the baking process. You have to do this because you will be cooking it on the stove, so you will have a time frame as to when you can add certain ingredients so speed is of the essence.<br /><br />Pictured above are the ingredients: 1 Cup Peanut Butter (Crunchy or Creamy), 2 Cups Sugar, 3 Cups Oatmeal, 1/3 Cup Cocoa, 1/2 Cup Milk, 1 Tsp. Vanilla, and 1 Stick Butter.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-InoUEu0I/AAAAAAAAAxw/1YiwQm-yMX4/s1600-h/IMG_0777.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-InoUEu0I/AAAAAAAAAxw/1YiwQm-yMX4/s320/IMG_0777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300605500856253250" border="0" /></a>Place the milk and butter in a pot on high to melt all the butter. Once it is melted, add the sugar and cocoa. Stir these together really well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, let boil while stirring for 2 minutes.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-IoOpAS8I/AAAAAAAAAx4/6FG6w07b-Gw/s1600-h/IMG_0779.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-IoOpAS8I/AAAAAAAAAx4/6FG6w07b-Gw/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300605511144590274" border="0" /></a>Once the timer dings after 2 minutes, turn off the heat and immediately add the peanut butter and the vanilla. This is where time is of the essence! Stir the concoction rapidly melting the peanut butter. Once it is melted, pour the oatmeal right in the pot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >Tip:</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"> </span>Once the oatmeal is in the pot, carry the pot over the sink so that you won't spill any of it on the counter or stove.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-IoDd7rRI/AAAAAAAAAyA/H9tbuMvDyK0/s1600-h/IMG_0780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-IoDd7rRI/AAAAAAAAAyA/H9tbuMvDyK0/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300605508145360146" border="0" /></a>This is what it should all look like once the oatmeal is added. If the mix doesn't stick very well, add a Tsp. or so of milk and stir that up. This usually works to bring everything back to stickiness.<br /><br /><span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-Jez9V6aI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/6K2VCvkKoM4/s1600-h/IMG_0782.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-Jez9V6aI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/6K2VCvkKoM4/s1600-h/IMG_0782.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SY-Jez9V6aI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/6K2VCvkKoM4/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300606448874940834" border="0" /></a>You can then use spoons to place cookie sized portions on a plate, wax paper, or whatever you want. They don't really stick to anything if they are more dry like these are. I used the big grained oatmeal so that the cookies wouldn't be so runny.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942978926560313598.post-60822317797827880042009-02-01T20:33:00.000-08:002009-04-12T16:04:09.904-07:00Asparagus with two different toppings<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Overview:</span> This was my first time preparing asparagus and it was pretty easy and fun. I bought these for pretty cheap at the local farmers market. Be cautious because these can get to be fairly expensive if not bought in season or on sale.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5Ls31BGI/AAAAAAAAAww/V-vvbZ-TCWY/s1600-h/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%281%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5Ls31BGI/AAAAAAAAAww/V-vvbZ-TCWY/s320/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%281%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298055253578810466" border="0" /></a>This is how they look straight out of the bag.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5L3NvJpI/AAAAAAAAAw4/l_MTtSniFqI/s1600-h/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%285%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5L3NvJpI/AAAAAAAAAw4/l_MTtSniFqI/s320/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%285%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298055256355055250" border="0" /></a>On each stemmed asparagus, you have the tasty area and the area that tastes like wood and you need to get ride of the wood tasting side. It is easiest to snap off the ends of each stemmed asparagus instead of cutting the ends off because with snapping them, it will break off usually at the point where the good taste and the wood taste are separated. Place your fingers like so and push through to make them snap. Throw away the bad end.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5MBeBMBI/AAAAAAAAAxA/CyD3Z5zJK9w/s1600-h/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%287%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5MBeBMBI/AAAAAAAAAxA/CyD3Z5zJK9w/s320/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%287%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298055259107700754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5MLzW6uI/AAAAAAAAAxI/y5ab3x_33mU/s1600-h/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%283%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5MLzW6uI/AAAAAAAAAxI/y5ab3x_33mU/s320/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%283%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298055261881559778" border="0" /></a>There are three ways that I am familiar with to prepare asparagus. You can grill them, steam them in a steamer, or steam them on your stove if you have a large skillet with a lid. It was definitely too cold outside to grill them and I don't have a steamer so this was the best choice. Place a small amount of water in the skillet and bring to a boil.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5MeKHLlI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/0OGxLYFKOBg/s1600-h/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%288%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5MeKHLlI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/0OGxLYFKOBg/s320/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%288%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298055266808835666" border="0" /></a><br />Really with steaming the asparagus, it only takes about two minutes for them to be done and still taste crunchy. If you are weary after a minute or so if they are done, simply take one out and try it. Be careful not to burn yourself by waiting a little bit after taking it out of the "steamer." If you don't like them crunchy then leave them in for a minute or two longer and they will soften up.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5fAQGa8I/AAAAAAAAAxY/YU8QNi_0gSw/s1600-h/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%2810%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yABiXvwZqWs/SYZ5fAQGa8I/AAAAAAAAAxY/YU8QNi_0gSw/s320/Asparagus+-+1+Feb.+2009+%2810%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298055585198402498" border="0" /></a>After you steam the asparagus, place butter on them and then add your final topping. On the left, I added Parmesan Cheese and on the right I added normal salt. You can also use Kosher Salt which tastes great as well.<br /></div>dajacreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438574355869583450noreply@blogger.com1