Wishlist: Silhouette SD

{ via Mubeimmik's Photostream }

I saw this cute little paper wreath on Flickr and I can't wait to make one! I asked for the Silhouette SD (newly mac compatible with their new software, and a plug in for Adobe Illustrator) for Christmas. My mind is completely boggled at the possibilities with this amazing machine.

Do you have a die-cutting machine? What do you like to use it for the most?

DIY: Decorative Snow

{ via Pottery Barn }

Last year my mom purchased the fake snow from Pottery Barn. It ran her about $20 a bag. When we opened the snow to use around the house we figured out that it was just cut up white plastic. Thus we vowed never to spend that much on fake snow again and opted to make our own this year. It's very simple to do and it looks great. Pottery Barn has several suggestions for how to use it.

Materials:

White plastic bags or Wax Paper

Scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Cut out any logos or non-white parts of your bags or wax paper. My bags were from Petsmart so I needed to cut that logo off.

Step 2: Twist your bag to make cutting easier, then cut at random spots on your twisted bag. You want to make your cuts as small as you can, going back later and re-cutting your finished pieces smaller if you feel it's necessary.

That's it! Now go and decorate something with it! They look great in hurricane vases or on tabletops!

Design Crush: My Owl Barn

You may notice this link on the sidebar. My Owl Barn has designed a custom diy owl calendar for 2011! What could be greater than picking out your own owl pictures for your calendar? There is also a pre-designed option. What's the best part? It's all free! Happy Holidays!

Knitting: Cute Crochet Patterns

{ via Cornflower Blue }



{ via Craft Passion }

Aren't these two easy peasy projects cute? I think I'll add them to my list of gifts to give away for stocking stuffers. My sister loves the bow headband. Tonight is knit group night so maybe I'll get a chance to start them!

Today's been pretty busy. I made some pumpkin banana bread for my brother's 18th birthday on Friday, I worked on a project for fake snow (coming tomorrow!), and I worked on some freehand calligraphy. I've been dying to practice calligraphy after seeing all of the gorgeous examples out there on hand lettered envelopes. Stunning! So since I'm still waiting for my alphabet workbook in the mail, here's my first attempts at freehand today.

Cooking: Sweet Potato Stuffed Pumpkin Muffins

Last week I put this recipe together because I was craving something warm and stuffed with delicious sweet potato. They go over very well.



Recipe

Ingredients

4 eggs

1 cup milk

¾ cup oil

1 box spice cake mix

1 box instant butterscotch pudding (vanilla will also be good)

1 cup cooked mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 tbsp vanilla

1 tbsp nutmeg

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp brown sugar

½ cup nuts, pecans


Directions
Beat eggs. Add milk and oil, beat to mix. Add cake mix. pudding, pumpkin puree, and nuts if you choose to use them, beat for 2 mins. Pour a dollop of mix into lined/greased muffin pan, add a dollop of sweet potato, then cover with mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 mins. Cool in pan for 10 mins then remove from pan. Cool completely before adding butter icing.

Icing

4 tablespoons butter, softened

3 ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 cups sifted powdered sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons heavy cream

In a small bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in cinnamon and vanilla. Alternately add remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and cream, beating until smooth after each addition. Store in refrigerator until muffins are completely cooled.