Re-Writable Love Note

I am so excited to share a project that I did for our sponsor My Vinyl Direct. I am just madly in love with the quality of there vinyl and I have been using it when ever I get a chance.

There is so much that you can do with vinyl. I probably find a new use for it at least once every couple days.  Once again we got to test an awesome product from My Vinyl Direct. I am such a fan of their products. Recently we tested out their Whiteboard Vinyl and I can’t wait to share with you what we did with it.

This past summer I found a box full of old photo frames for free on the side of the road.  (Very few that were reusable as photo frames) However I knew that they could be used for other projects so I picked it up anyway. The other day I was going through that old box and came across this old porcelain frame that was faded and the original white paint was scratching away. The glass was all fogged up and yellow. Not really something that can be used on the photo wall.

So I took a light grit sanding paper and sanded down the frame to get any extra paint chips off and dirt that was coated on the frame over the years.  I took some of my silver metallic lacquer spray paint and sprayed the frame.

While the frame was drying I cut my White Marker Board Vinyl to cover the old glass. The glass measured to 5.25 in wide by 7 in high. I laid the specialty vinyl over the glass and worked out any tiny bubbles that I may have occurred.

After my whiteboard vinyl was adhered to the glass I took the measurements of the glass and the frame itself to see how much of the frame overlapped the glass.  These measurements were taken to be able to add my pink vinyl frame that I cut out using my Cameo.  I also cut out the words “Love Note” out of the frame for an extra added touch.

Then I laid my pink vinyl over the whiteboard I slid the glass back into the frame and wrote my message. 

Once again we used the My vinyl Direct Chalk Marker. I am a sucker for pink as you can see. I just love the way this marker writes. Better yet I love how it wipes clean without staining your vinyl.  Now you have the perfect re-writable love note great for any counter in the house.

Some other Awesome things that happened lately. We were featured this week on My Vinyl Direct for our 14 Day of Love Project.





However if you are interested in picking up some of this great vinyl you have to check out the sale going right now on their Be My Valentine! Vinyl Sheet Pack for $7.00

Happy Crafting

Stephanie

Show and Tell Tuesday ~ Week 4 ~

We Really want to see what you made this week!

Every Tuesday you will be able to come up and link what you did that week. This is going to be a all craft link up party. Please refrain from posting about sales, auctions, or giveaways. We will also be featuring our favorites from the prior week so make sure you check back to see if you were on that got featured.

By linking to the party you give KiKi Love Creations / Smalltown Dreamz full permission to feature all or part of the linked post on this site or one of our sister sties.  All featured posts will be credited to the original author and linked to said post. 

 2013 Party Guidelines:

1. Please become a follower or subscriber of the blog FIRST !!

2. Please link to something that is relevant to this blogs topics (up to 2 links per blog). For example, before and after, recipe, craft, DIY project, show us what you are working on. Please no businesses or etsy shop links.

3. Link to the specific post, not your homepage!

4.  Please grab our button for your post!

5. LAST BUT NOT LEAST ENJOY!!!!!!

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We Look forward to seeing what you made this week!

  &

Saturday Spotlight Feature ~ Week 4 ~ One & Two Company

I love crochet... I think you know that by now! I have many favorite designers and today, I would like to introduce you to one of them!

Meet...

One and Two Company

I've had the experience of using her patterns for multiple projects and I have to say, she's one of the better composed pattern writers out there in the crochet world! I love having detailed written patterns but having visual directions is an added plus! She has a wide variety of patterns; including several awesome appliques, lovey blankets, pillows and more! Find all her links below!

Enough about what I think, lets hear a little from her....

"Since I was a child I'm a fan of crochet. After my daughter's birth I had a "peace period" which allowed me to discover Etsy (what a great discovery indeed). It meant to me the possibility to share my creativity with a huge community and to have another reason more to go on moving forward and developing new projects. People's response has be fascinating: to have the possibility to see how my designs go true miles from where I live is incredible and it goes on surprising me. All of this has led me to open other stores in other Internet portals such as Ravelry or Craftsy, even my own website.
My main inspiration is my little 4 year old daughter. She is very creative and she is telling me tales and stories full of incredible characters... all the time. Many of them appear in my projects.
I hope to improve more and more, with new and funny projects, without losing the spirit that inspired me at the beginning. I wish you would be along this way..."

And if you look at the picture below, you might recognize it!! We used One and Two Company's patterns for our latest event, 'Loveys for Little ones!' Missed that post? Read about it here.

Want to add some One and Two Company patterns to your collection?? 

Here's where you can find them!

• Website: http://www.oneandtwocompany.com 
• Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/stores/one-and-two-company
• Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/user/579451/pattern-store
• Etsy: http://oneandtwocompany.etsy.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneandtwocompany
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/oneandtwoco                

Already have some patterns? Tell us which your favorite is, if you can pick just one! 

(Mine has to be the rocket ship!) 

Until next time...

Friday Foods ~ Toasted Ravioli

This is one of my family's favorite meals! Not only is it easy and puts a new twist on ravioli but you can never go wrong with that as a choice for children! Add a few quick sides and you have a great meal!

Toasted Ravioli

What you'll need:

• 2 TBS milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs (or more, I normally end up adding some)
• Olive or vegetable oil
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb frozen ravioli, thawed
• grated Parmesan cheese

How to:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine the milk and egg.
3. Dip ravioli in milk/egg mixture.
4. Coat with bread crumbs.
5. Fry small amounts of ravioli in oil until golden brown.
6. Remove from pan and place in a baking dish. Keep in oven as you fry the rest of the ravioli.
7. Heat sauce.
8. Remove ravioli from oven and pour sauce over. Garnish with Parmesan.

 

Whats your favorite ravioli dish?? Feel free to share your favorite recipes with us! You can email them to kikilovecreate@gmail.com. I have a recipe fetish and love to try new things! You could be featured!

Until next recipe...



Free Heart Crochet Pattern

I have been crocheting on and off for a little over 24 years of my life, However it wasn't till 2012 that I started designing my own patterns. I have decided to share my first free crochet pattern on the KiKi Love Creations Blog Page in celebration of Valentines Day and I think this heart could be used in many different types of craft projects.

This heart is just 1 of 5 in my newest pattern pack I chose to share this one because it was Crystal's favorite out of the 5. I took all my hearts from creating the patterns and made a sweet little valentine's day banner for the house. If you follow me from over on my other blog Smalltown Dreamz you will see that I use a lot of Red Heart Yarn especially when I am working on my amigurumi patterns. I find that red heart is great for durability when its being used as a young ones toy. I have noticed that the Red Heart Super Saver has a new formula or something because it is considerably softer than it was years ago. This is a huge bonus for me because I can still use the yarn I like without having to worry about my little one not wanting to wear or touch it because of its harsh textures. Thank you Red Heart!!!

Valentine’s Day Heart

Crochet Pattern

Created by: Stephanie Jennings

Material Used: Red Heart Red Medium (Pink, White, Purple) Abbreviations: SC – Single Crochet HDC – Half Double Crochet SL ST – Slip Stitch DC – Double Crochet TRB – Treble Crochet DBTRB – Double Treble Crochet

Crochet Hook Sizes: F or G Gauge is not important as long you remain consistent. Special Notes: *SL ST in red do not count as part of the stitch count *(TRB, DC) –All Stitches in a parenthesis will go into one stitch. *When starting the next round start in the stitch next to the last SL ST for those that apply.

Heart 1

Start - Magic Loop

Round 1 - SC 10 into Magic Loop, SL ST (pull magic Loop tight) (10)
Round 2 – 2 SC in each stitch, SL ST (20)
Round 3 - HDC in first 2 stitches, skip next stitch, (HDC, DC, HDC) in next stitch, Skip the next stitch,
HDC 5, 2 DC, 2 TRB, 2 DC, SL ST, 2 DC, 2 TRB, 2 DC, HDC in next3 stitches, SL ST (26)


That’s it. You are all done. I hope you enjoy!!


***This pattern, in part or in whole, is not to be copied, sold, auctioned, or redistributed. These images, in part or in whole, are not to be copied, sold, auctioned, or redistributed. You are allowed to make a copy of the pattern for your OWN personal use. You are also free to sell your finished product, however you will need to provide your own images and give credit to Stephanie Jennings or Smalltown Dreamz as the designer of the pattern ALSO please link back to THIS POST so that others can get the free pattern too.***

This pattern has been tested but if you believe there may be a mistake, please contact me. I also offer assistance if you need it, feel free to contact me at smalltowndreamz@gmail.com


As always we love to see what you make with the tutorials that we share on this site. If you use this pattern please share with us we would love to see!! Also remember if you would like to purchase this pattern and get the other 4 heart patterns you can find them in my online pattern shops. Ravelry and Craftsy the sale prices is $2.70 for the pack.

Happy crafting,

Show and Tell Tuesday ~ Week 3 ~

We Really want to see what you made this week!

Every Tuesday you will be able to come up and link what you did that week. This is going to be a all craft link up party. Please refrain from posting about sales, auctions, or giveaways. We will also be featuring our favorites from the prior week so make sure you check back to see if you were on that got featured.

By linking to the party you give KiKi Love Creations / Smalltown Dreamz full permission to feature all or part of the linked post on this site or one of our sister sties.  All featured posts will be credited to the original author and linked to said post. 

 2013 Party Guidelines:

1. Please become a follower or subscriber of the blog FIRST !!

2. Please link to something that is relevant to this blogs topics (up to 2 links per blog). For example, before and after, recipe, craft, DIY project, show us what you are working on. Please no businesses or etsy shop links.

3. Link to the specific post, not your homepage!

4.  Please grab our button for your post!

5. LAST BUT NOT LEAST ENJOY!!!!!!

Here are our Linky Party Buttons

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We Look forward to seeing what you made this week!

  &

Kiki Love's Loveys for Little Ones

There's something wonderful about children... well many things really! But I absolutely love how happy they can get by the smallest things! I think us adults forget to take a step back and appreciate the small things in life. Life is so fast paced and so much is expected of us, its very hard to even think of small joys.

Take a moment here.... whats the first thing you think about if I were to ask you about your day....
I'll wait.....

Ok, now tell me, was that memory good or bad? I tend to think about the bad... rough day at work, car wouldn't start, dinner burned... Then I ask my oldest child what his memory of the day is, and its always exciting! He built something amazing with his legos, he read a good book, he got to eat a huge chocolate chip cookie....

You get the idea!

As adults, it's hard to change our thinking, our habits. We've had years of being like this. Our children, and I say that meaning any child in your life whether your a parent, relative or friend of the family, our children deserve so much happiness!! And that's where Kiki Love Creations comes in!

Does your child ever get a letter in the mail? It makes their day!! And we'd like to send out some care packages! Below you will find a picture of 2 loveys! We want both to go to deserving children!

Dino and Teddy Bear Lovey
Patterns by One and Two Company

And we'd like YOU to nominate those children!

RULES:

To nominate a child, please email us at kikilovecreate@gmail.com 
Please put the name of the lovey as the subject of the email 
Nominations will no longer be accepted after February 3, 2013

Please include first name and age of child, along with a brief explanation of why the child should get the Lovey.

(DO NOT include any mailing information. That information will be asked for when the child is picked!)

1. ANY child under 13 years of age can be nominated within the continental US. Nominations may be made outside of the continental US but original emailer must pay entire shipping.
2. If multiple loveys are being given away on a single post, you can only submit the same child for one lovey. You may submit up to two different children.
3. We will hand choose the recipient(s) will be chosen within one week after ending. We will then contact the original emailer asking for further information on where the Loveys should be sent. Loveys will be addressed to the child.
4. The original emailer will have 72 hours to reply to us with the appropriate information or another child will be selected. Same rules will apply.
5. An unborn child may be nominated if the mother is 20 weeks for further along.
6. All loveys are not for resale.

Loveys are made in a smoke-free, cat-free home. By submitting to us, you are also giving us permission to use what you write about as to why the child should be chosen for later posts. No identifying information will be given out.

And if you don't get an email from us, don't worry! There will be plenty more 'Loveys for Little Ones' in Kiki Love's future!

Happily giving...

Saturday Spotlight Feature Week 3

This week during my weekly link ups I saw something that I just LOVED and I had to share with you all. Kathe from over at Kathe with an E did a tutorial an a very cute and inexpensive Valentine's Day Decoration suitable for any home. 

"   I have had this heart shaped form for years, just waiting for the creative juices to flow.  Plus, several years ago I had purchased some red garland at the Dollar Tree.  With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I decided to put the two together.

  

In less than 45 minutes I had a cute Valentine's Day decoration.

But, I felt it needed something more. Into my craft stash I dove. I found some puffy pink foam hearts and some polka dot ribbon. A few dobs of hot glue was all it took to make the little heart steal my heart.

I can hardly wait to incorporate my new little piece in with my other Valentine's Day decorations.  Heck, who knows!  I may even feel the creativity flow some more and add more Valentine crafts to my to do list!  " 

You can see more of Kathe's work on her blog page or you can follow her on Facebook as well. I know I will be looking forward to maybe trying this out. I just love quick, easy, and beautiful DIY Decorations. 

We would love to to see your work so if you would like to have your project featured in our Saturday Spotlight Feature please email us at kikilovecreate@gmail.com  Subject: Saturday Spotlight Feature and include your name, a few good quality photos, links to your shops and blog, and a description about yourself, your item, and what inspired you to create it. 

Happy crafting!

Kiki Loves Friday Foods ~ Dehydrated Fruit!

Fruit!! My family loves fruit, does yours? This past weekend, I decided to make my family a healthy snack. A little prep time and a day in the dehydrator and I have a quick, healthy snack... and they're perfect for on the go, just sitting around or when you need to save on space!

For Apples and Bananas:

Materials:
Dehydrator
Fruit
Water and Lemon juice
Knife (sharp)
Cutting board



1) Prepare a one cup water and 1 TBS lemon juice solution.

2) Thinly slice your fruit (1/4" or thinner) while continually adding it to your water solution or dunking it in. By doing this it will keep your fruit from browning excessively.




 3) Remove fruit from solution and place on your dehydrator's rack. Space the pieces as close together without touching. This will ensure the edges will get dry and the pieces won't stick together. Depending on how many racks your dehydrator has will depend on how much fruit you can dehydrate at a time. I was able to do two racks of each bananas and apples.

OPTIONAL: For the apples, I sprinkled a bit of cinnamon and sugar on them.

4) If your dehydrator comes with a selected temperature, use what is recommended. Mine said 350 degrees and I let it go for nearly 12 hours. The fruit may be a bit chewy but as they cool, they will harden more.

 

All of my fruit was gone by the end of the next day. I promised my family to make 'fruit chips' more often... as well as some other things! We also love Jerky! But that will have to be a different post.

Feel free to tell us what your favorite thing to dehydrate is!

Fruit Facts:

• Apples are in the rose family!
• A banana is actually a berry (never would have guessed!)
• Apples are fat free, sodium free and cholesterol free
• Bananas are radioactive... from the amount of potassium
• One apple take the energy of 50 leaves for it to grow
• A banana can actually cheer you up 
• two pounds of apples will make a 9" round pie... WOW

Until next recipe...

Easy Yarn Swatches

Ok, so I have a problem.... I'm a crochet-aholic! I'm addicted to everything relating to crochet!! From hooks to patterns to... yarn! I find myself pulling out my bins of yarn over and over to find the perfect colors for almost every project. That turns into a big mess. So I've come up with a solution and its helped me several times!

I've made myself some yarn swatches!! Perfect for matching colors, taking to the store to restock or even take to craft fairs for customers to see what choices you have to offer. With a few dollars, you can make swatches for all your yarn easily!


What You'll Need:

1. Glue Gun and extra glue
2. Plastic or cardboard bobbins
3. Permanent marker
4. Yarn
5. Yarn needle
6. Scissors
7. Metal Rings
8. Chocolate ~ as long as your not working with white yarn! He he, in my case, yarn and chocolate always seem to go together!

Step 1) Preheat your glue gun.

Step 2) Write the name of the color/brand of yarn on your bobbin. This can be done after but is easier to do before wrapping your yarn.

 Step 3) Taking a small amount of yarn, loop it around one slit at the bottom of the bobbin. Wrap it 5-7 times. (More times for thinner yarn, less for thicker.) From the back of the bobbin, loop the other end around the opposite slit.

Step 4) Using your yarn needle, weave the yarn ends behind the wrapped yarn just as in picture shown to the left. 

Step 5) With the glue gun ready, place a small amount between and around the ends. This will secure it.

Step 6) Let the glue dry.

Step 7) Snip the ends to give more of a neat appearance.

Step 8) Insert bobbins on metal rings. I have mine according to brand and weight. 

Keeping the colors somewhat together give a nice appearance as well! 

And there you have it! Just don't forget to eat your chocolate! 

Until next craft....