Thanksgiving Centerpiece #1

Sadly, work got the better of me last week, and I didn't get to put up a new post. :( However, this is a new week (stressful though it has been), and I decided that no matter what, I would post something new! So, here is my post for the week!

It's November and with November comes that middle child of Holidays.... THANKSGIVING! I do feel bad for Thanksgiving. It seems like stores go straight from Halloween to Christmas, but don't fret my dear Thanksgiving, I have some crafty ideas up my sleeve for you!




For this centerpiece, all you need is:
-plastic wrap
-tea light candles
-two bags of cranberries (depending on size of bowl)
-a large clear bowl
-water




First, fill the bowl three-quarters with loosely balled up plastic wrap

Second, pour cranberries on top (this should weigh down your plastic wrap)

Third, fill the bowl close to the top with water

Finally, arrange tea light candles in the cranberries

And there you have it! A fast, easy Thanksgiving centerpiece!




*helpful hints*
-use a bowl that is elevated so that it stands above everything else
-don't pack the plastic wrap, you want it to be loose so that it looks like ice


I hope that you enjoy your Thanksgiving centerpiece, and stay tuned for more Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas!


Stay crafty,

Sarah P.


P.S. My mommy helped me with this one :)

Baked Pumpkin Seeds

Fall! It's one of my favorite times of the year! I love the cold, crisp mornings followed by the warm afternoons. I love the oranges, yellows, and reds of the changing leaves. I love the tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of this season! I LOVE FALL!

Another part of Fall that I enjoy is pumpkin carving. This year, I carved pumpkins with my seven-year-old nephew, Erik, and I wanted to bake the seeds from them. So, with a little searching and some ad libbing on my part, I made some very yummy Baked Pumpkin Seeds!



1st) Soak the pumpkin seeds over night in salt water. I used about 3-4 tsb. of salt
2nd) Drain seeds in a colander and rinse with cold water
3rd) Spread seeds out on paper towels and pat dry with another paper towel
4th) Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees
5th) Mix seeds in a bowl with 2 tbs. olive oil and 2 tbs. of melted butter
6th) Pour mixture onto a baking sheet and spread evenly
7th) Generously sprinkle cinnamon over the seeds
8th) Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over seeds
9th) Bake for 20min then stir seeds around on the baking sheet spreading seeds evenly once again

10th) Sprinkle seeds again with cinnamon sugar
11th) Bake an additional 25min
12th) If the pumpkin seeds are golden brown and sizzle, they are done!
13th) With a spatula scoop seeds into bowl alternating seeds, sprinkling with cinnamon sugar, seeds, cinnamon sugar, etc. until you have topped it off with cinnamon sugar
14th) Enjoy! The pumpkin seeds taste amazing warm but do cool fairly quickly if you prefer them cooler


*helpful hints*
-if you aren't looking for a salty, sweet pumpkin seed, instead of coating with cinnamon and cinnamon sugar LIGHTLY sprinkle with salt when you first put them in the oven
-have fun! if you want them a little spicy, add your favorite spice! pumpkin seeds can be quite versatile!
-an easy way to help get the pulp from the pumpkin off of the seeds is to run cold water over them in a colander and rub then between your fingers

I hope that you enjoy your Baked Pumpkin Seeds!


Stay crafty,

Sarah P.

Welcome

Hi! Welcome to "The Crafty Side of Life!" I have been thinking and planning for a couple of weeks to start this blog. I hope that you will enjoy the projects that I have in store for you the reader.

1st: What you should expect-
I want to make this blog a place for craft ideas, baking ideas, and whatever fun projects may come along.

2nd: A bit about me-
My name is Sarah, and I have always been fond of doing crafts and baking. I double majored in art and graphic design in college, and I am currently working as a graphic designer in my home town.

3rd: I can't promise something new every week, but I hope to post at least 2-4 entries each month.

I hope that you enjoy my blog, and thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read it!


Stay crafty,

Sarah P.