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Articles, How-To's and Interviews -
DIY and How-To's
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Written by Deborah Taylor-Hough
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I love the changing seasons at this time of year, especially
when the fall colors start to show, there's a nip in the air,
and it's time to break out the sweaters from their summer
storage boxes. If you're looking for some craft ideas to
share with your kids, try one of the following.
Leaf Prints:- Make your own cards or gift wrap by using nature's bounty
of freshly fallen leaves. Use poster paint for printing on
paper (for cards, gift wrap, etc.), or use acrylic paint if you
decide to decorate an item that needs a waterproof finish
(glassware, clay pots, etc.). Brush a small amount of paint
onto the underside of the leaf where the veins are more
pronounced. Carefully place the leaf where you want the
design printed and cover with a layer of paper towel. Gently
roll a rolling pin over the top (or you can use the side of an
empty bottle). Remove the paper towel and lift the leaf.
Wheat Weaving:- Soak wheat on the stalk (from craft stores or local farmers)
in a tub of water for an hour or so. Holding three seed heads
together, braid the stems of the wheat stalks. Curve the
ends around to make an oval loop, a circle wreath, or even
bend it a bit to make a heart shape. Tie with brightly colored
ribbon. As the stalks dry, they'll hold their shape. Add to
your autumn decorations.
Baked Pumpkin Seeds:- After all the pumpkin carving or pie making, don't throw
out the seeds. Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp
(don't rinse or remove every last bit of the pulp -- the pulp
adds flavor). Place the seeds on a cookie sheet, stir in
about 1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine, sprinkle with
a small amount of salt and then bake in a 350 degree oven
for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Enjoy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
--Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer, wife and mother of three)
is the editor of the
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and
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email newsletters. She's also the author of the bestselling
book, Frozen
Assets: how to cook for a day and eat for a month, and A
Simple Choice: a practical guide for saving your time, money
and sanity. Be sure to visit Debi online at "A Frugal, Simple Life":
http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/
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