The Cutest Hand Made Flower Hairpieces

Constructed out of fabric-punched blooms, flowering hair clips are the perfect way to brighten up Mom's day

1. Begin by punching fabric flowers: Lay a piece of fabric in a shallow tray. With a medium paintbrush, apply enough fabric stiffener to saturate, but not soak, the fabric. Let it dry, about 1 hour. Repeat with any remaining fabric.

2. Using craft punches, punch out petals and leaves as close together on the fabric as possible.

3. Using a micro hole punch, make a hole in the center of each bloom. Slip a pip through each hole, and secure it with a dab of contact cement.

4. Hand-stitch flowers to bobby pin or comb.

5. Secure the back side of the stitch with contact cement. For an extra-special presentation, insert the hairpins through holes made in a large punched leaf.

SourcesFabric, assorted Indian cotton, from B&J Fabrics, 212-354-8150

Flower craft punches, by Martha Stewart Crafts

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Punched Floral Barrettes - Martha Stewart Crafts

Texas Bluebonnets

"Going to see the bluebonnets" is becoming a tradition in the Powel household.  This is our second year to drive out to Ennis, Texas and drive along the official Bluebonnet Trails.  My family has always taken photos in ta field of bluebonnets throughout the years and I have taken several groups on the trails when I was working as a social director.  Bluebonnets just make me happy.  When I see them on the side of a long Texas Highway I get a bit nostalgic for "finals time" when I was at Texas A&M University.  I do not know why anyone would get nostalgic for that time of year but I do.  It was a lot of fun THAT time of year.  Lots of "all nighters" eating junk food, playing pranks, joking around at the sorority house...and sometimes even studying.  As David and I drove down HI 45 we saw a bunch of papers flying by and it made me think someone has lost their term paper.

This year they were absolutely beautiful.  We follow the map put out by the Ennis Garden Club, they know the best roads to take.  Some fields have gone to seed but there are still lots and lots to see.  If you are in Texas during the March into April, I hope you make time to moasie thru Ennis and stop for photo opps.  They really do make the BEST spring photos.

We even made some new friends.

We found a park with a lake.  It was so peaceful, we were the only people there.

If you would like to read more about the Texas State flower, the Bluebonnet, you can check out Aggie Horticulture, Go Texas, or do a google search to find any number of sites with lots of info.

There are many reasons we Texans are proud of our big ole state...and the Bluebonnets are just about the prettiest reason.

Tiffany

11 Ways to Dye Easter Eggs Naturally from Readers Digest

11 Ways to Dye Easter Eggs Naturally

from Baking Soda, Banana Peels, Baby Oil and Beyond

© Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

Budding young chemists and kids with curiosity will really enjoy helping to make naturally colored Easter eggs with ingredients straight from the cupboard and fridge. This family project costs nothing, but the delight in learning is priceless.

1. Gently wash eggs with soapy water and dry.

2. Place a single layer of eggs in a non-metal pot with the dye source.

3. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, and remove pot from burner. If you like the color as it is, dab off excess dye with a paper towel and set the eggs on a rack to dry. To deepen the color, leave eggs in the pot until cool. To get even richer shades, put cool eggs in a bowl, strain the dye water, and pour it over the eggs. Store the submerged eggs in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Note: Quantities are based on 1 quart of liquid. Amounts of dyeing ingredients are approximate; more dyestuff and longer dye baths produce the deepest colors. All boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator, and any that have soaked in hot or warm water for several hours should not be eaten.

 

 

 

 

© Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

Natural Easter Egg Dye #1: Brewed coffee

Quantity: 1 quart strong coffee plus water to cover the eggs
Color: Brown

© Alexandra Grablewski/Lifesize/Thinkstock

Natural Easter Egg Dye #2: Blueberries

Quantity: Up to 4 cups
Color: Lavender

© iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Natural Easter Egg Dye #3: Yellow onion skins

Quantity: Up to 4 packed cups
Color: Sienna

© Hemera/Thinkstock

Natural Easter Egg Dye #4: Beet juice

Quantity: Half strength or more of the vinegar water
Color: Deep pink

© iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Natural Easter Egg Dye #5: Cranberry juice

Quantity: Full-strength
Color: Light pink

Now it would not be fair for me to take these tips from the source without a link back...and hopefully sending readers to their site.  So to see the rest, go to Readers Digest website.  You will find the rest of these Natural Ways to Dye Easter Eggs, jokes, interesting info and more tips.

Now get hopping,

Tiffany