Foody Friday - Christmas Sweets

For the last Foody Friday before Christmas Im going to share some quick sweets.


OREO TRUFFLES
(this recipe was given to me by a friend so I don't know the original source)
2 packets Oreo biscuits
250g Philli cheese

Using a food processor or blender, blend biscuits with cheese.
Roll into balls.
Set in fridge.
Coat in melted chocolate.
Set in fridge.

You can decorate these to look like mini puddings


CHOC DIPS
Choc coat or half coat the following
Pretzels
Fruit
Marshmallows
Candy canes
Potato chips



WHITE CHOC & PEPPERMINT OREOS
Coat oreos with white chocolate, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Refridgerate until set


Have a safe & happy Christmas

Sally

Foody Friday - Pancakes

For this week's Foody Friday I'm going to link you to some yummy pancakes.

You'll find the yummy recipe here

We made these tonight for dessert & are delicious with hot chocolate sauce



Sally
xxx

Sewn Business Cards

A while ago I was in a rush for some business cards, and didn't have time to order any.

So what does a crafty person do? She makes them.

You will need:

Cardstock

Paper

Glue

Scissors or equivalent

Sewing thread

Sewing machine (or a needle)

Computer & Printer

To begin you need to make some cards the size of business cards. I used MS Publisher's blank business card template so I could put my website, email & facebook page at the bottom.

I used recycled cardstock for the base of my cards.

Next I cut the cards to 2 inches x 3.5 inches 

Then I printed my logo in greyscale, small enough to fit on the cards 

Then you need to cut these out 

Next I glued the logo to the card.

(You can skip this step if you want to but, it stops your logo moving around while you try to sew it) 

Let this dry for a few minutes

Now to sew. I like to use a bright coloured thread so it stands out on the neutral colours of the business card.

Starting on one side using a straight stitch (you can use any stitch you like) sew all the way along the side.

Remember to lock your stitches at the beginning & end of the line. 

Turn it around and sew the other side 

Now you'll have a big pile of cards that look like this

(Hopefully with your logo & contact details) 

Trim off all the threads, and you should be left with some cards that look like this. 

Sally
xxx

How To Clean Your Sewing Machine

How To Clean Your Sewing Machine

Cleaning your sewing machine is something that should be done regularly.

As in once a week (not once in the 4 years you have owned the machine...)

So you'll need a couple of tools, I use a microfibre cloth, a soft paint brush and a screwdriver.

First turn your machine off.

(It's also a good idea to turn the power off at the wall too)

Make sure you have removed your thread & bobbin.

Then you need to remove your needle & presser foot.

Once you've done this, wipe over your entire machine with the microfibre cloth. This will pick up all the dust & threads fragments laying on your machine.

Remove the bobbin cover. Give it a brush and a wipe down.

Now you'll need to remove the plate from your machine using the screwdriver.

Give the inside a good brush to get rid of all those dust bunnies.

Remove the part the bobbin sits in, this should lift straight out.

Now clean out under there with the brush. If you can, give everything a wipe with the cloth again.

Now you can put your machine back together again.

Newer machines wont need oiling, they get oiled at the once yearly service they are supposed to have. However, if you own an overlocker, they need to be cleaned and oiled regularly.

Make sure you refer to your user manual when pulling apart, and cleaning you machine.

If you have lost your manual you can google the model number and most manuals will come up.

Otherwise call the company your machine came from, most will be happy to email you a pdf file.

Sally

xxx

Foody Fridays - Slow Cooker Roast Beef

Slow Cooker Roast Beef


We love roasts in our house but with the hot weather I don't like to use the oven because it warms up the whole kitchen/living area.


So I did a roast beef in the slow cooker.


Firstly I scruched up some foil to put in the slow cooker insert. This is so the meat sits above any of the juices that runs out (You could use those juices to make gravy if you wanted to).

Then I placed my meat on top of the foil. I used a marinated beef roast (approx. 600g).

Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Yummmm!
Serve with mash & veg.

(BTW - the meat was very tender & yummy)

Sally
xxx

Welcome Giveaway!!!

To celebrate going live today we are going to have a GIVEAWAY!!

There are two prizes and there are two ways to enter:

1. Like our facebook page & comment on this blog post that you like our page, &
2. Visit any/all of our stores & comment on this blog post with you favourite item from one of our stores.

Please only leave a maximum of 2 comments.

Up for grabs is a Buttercup Clutch from Caitlan at How Lovely

and a Tea Wallet and Monster Stuffie from Sally at Dot & Spence ~ Handcrafted.

Winners will be chosen at random using random.org

You can find the store links on the right-hand side of the page.

Entries close on Tuesday November 8 at 5pm ADST.

Sally
xxx

Sal's Bio

My name is Sally and I am a craft addict!

I’m a stay at home mother of two.
Miss 3 and Master 1.
Most of my time is devoted to these treasures; my crafting (& housework) is done around them and their needs.

I enjoy sewing - clothing, accessories and other bits & pieces
Hand embroidery - On objects (clothing, napkins, etc) and hoops
Crochet - Hats, scarves & accessories. I'm starting to broaden my skills by doing more complicated patterns.
Machine Embroidery - I love my embroidery machine!! I use it most days, to make stuffies, lace, embroider clothing, bags, etc
Photography - I love photography but, I wouldn't claim myself as an artist or professional by any stretch.
I also like to try new crafts, and there are a few other areas I dabble in every now and then.

My store (Dot & Spence) is named after my kids middle names, and here's the facebook page

An impression of me in paint :)

Just for fun....
Vegemite or Peanut Butter: Either, although both together is pretty good.
Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring: Summer!! 
Cats or Dogs: Cats
Pen or Pencil: Water soluable marker
If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be: Sewing machine & hairdressing accessories. Or something retro/Rockabilly
I know how to cook: easy family friendly meals
Scary Movies or Happy Endings: Give me a good comedy or sci-fi any day

Sally
xxx