Smith & Stanley Candy Creations

I was surfing ETSY last week and I came across the really neat candy creations by Smith and Stanley. I just thought these were too neat not to pass along!




A BIG THANKS to Rose Marie and Linda for allowing me to post their photos and their projects!!!!! Be sure to visit their ETSY shop, Smith&Stanley, to see more of their neat creations!!!

(I have no affiliation with this seller)

PVC Sling Chairs

These chairs are so nice for outside! The fold for easy storage and the covers are washable! I have tested the chairs up to about 45 pounds in weight.

I have about $10.00 invested in each chair and I sell them for $20. I have been making them for about 2 years now and they sell fairly well. Nice to use camping or any outdoor activity. The are so lightweight, that even the girls can carry their own!


Chair Cover Supplies:
13"x26" fabric for front
13"x26" fabric for back
13"x26" fleece interfacing

1. Layer the pieces together, wrong sides facing. Sew around all edges, leaving a space for turning.

2. Turn right side out. Fold 2 1/2" to the back on each end and pin in place. Sew.



Chair Frame Supplies:
About 15' of 1" outer diameter PVC pipe
8- 1" PVC elbows
6- 1" PVC T's
drywall sanding block

1. Using the drywall sanding block, sand any marking off the PVC pipe.
2. Using a miter saw, cut the pipe into the following pieces:
4- 3 3/4", 6- 6 3/4", 4- 12", 3-14"

3. Start by making the bottom frame.Take 1-12" piece and attach elbows to both ends. Attach a 3 3/4" piece to one elbow and a 6 3/4" to the other elbow. Attach a T to both pieces you just placed with the "stem" of the T facing inward. Repeat with another 12". Now join the two frame pieces together using a 14" inserted into the "stem" of the T.


4.To make the back frame: Insert a 6 3/4" piece into the T on each side and top each piece with another T with the "stem" facing towards you. Insert a 6 3/4 piece on the top part of the T on both sides. Top each piece with an elbow. Join the back frame with a 14" piece.

5. Insert a 3 3/4" piece into the T on the front of the chair and top with an elbow. Repeat for other side. Insert a 12" from the elbow to the T on the back. Repeat for other side. Insert your last 14" piece to complete the chair frame.


6. Make sure all of the joints have been pushed together really well.

Goodbye Stormy!

Stormy, our kitten, is no longer with us. On Friday, her eye burst and I took her to the vet. Stormy had an ulcer in her eye that had popped. It was really nasty looking. The vet said she needed surgery to remove her eye. So, I asked how much, and he replied $300!!! I was like, "Uh, no!" That is more than a car payment! I love her dearly, but $300 is way too much. He told me the surgery had to be performed otherwise her eye would rot. I asked how much to put her down and his first reply was that he would not do it. He refused to put down an otherwise healthy kitten. Then he came back with a price of $130. Still way out of my range. I brought her back home and tried discussing other options with Ryan. We decided the best for Stormy was to take her to a humane shelter where they would either perform the surgery or put her down. I could not stand to see her suffer. So, on Saturday, when Ryan got home from work, he took her out to the humane shelter and dropped her off. He had to sign a paper that he would not call and inquire about the welfare of the animal. We do not know what the vet there decided to do with her. Either way, she is out of pain now. We both felt it was the right thing to do since we could not afford to pay for the surgery.

We all loved Stormy and will miss her tremendously!

Several Updates

First, my grandmother went to the doctor Tuesday and he said she was healing nicely! She isn't going to need surgery! Thank God!! She is still sore and having trouble adjusting to doing some things. She goes back to the doctor in 2 weeks to see if she can take the sling off.

Second, our kitten, Stormy is hanging on! On Monday, 5 days after her last attack, she began flopping around on the floor like a fish out of water. Then on Tuesday she began trying to walk. She couldn't' quite figure out how to get her front paws going so she kinda slid around. Wednesday, she began to walk and going outside, supervised. She walks like she is drunk, but at least, she is walking!! I am still having to feed her with a medicine dropper and she is not able to use the litter box, so a lot of extra laundry! I believe she is going to be blind out of her right eye, but otherwise, I think she will recover.

Third, our other kitten, Raven, brought home another kitten tonight. We have several alley cats that roam the neighborhood. This kitten has 3 other siblings. One of the others has a growth around its eye. Ryan tried to grab it, but it hissed at him. It looks like an infection took over and has formed a mass on its eye. We are going to work on catching it to drop it off at a no kill shelter to get some attention. Jaiden wants to keep the other kitten that followed Raven home. It is a he, and he doesn't seem to be too feral yet. Public service announcement: "Please have your cats fixed if you do not plan on breeding them!" It is so sad to see all of these homeless pets wondering our alley!!

Fourth, next week Daisy is going to go to the great "farm" in the sky. She has even started getting aggressive towards Ryan. He was trying to get some loose fur off her hind and Daisy snapped at him. I think that helped Ryan make the decision. I really hate to put a healthy animal down, but this aggressiveness is unacceptable! I told Jaiden that we were going to take her to a farm where she could run and not have to worry about her hurting any more kittens. Jaiden is okay with this because she and Daisy aren't that close. I always try to tell the girls the truth, but in this case, I think "really stretching the truth" is the way to go.

Thanks to everyone that has left comments, emails, and have been sending thoughts and prayers this way! They all are appreciated!

Strawberry Jalapeno Jelly

This is another tasty treat I am making to sell at the local Farmer's Market and it is good!! Last night, I spent over an hour looking for a recipe for making this and I came up empty. I found strawberry jelly and I found jalapeno jelly, but no recipe with the two combined. Plus, the recipes for strawberry jelly called for 7 cups of sugar for one batch and I thought that was outrageous!! So, I decided to make my own! Here's my strawberry jalapeno jelly recipe from my kitchen to yours.

Strawberry Jalapeno Jelly

2 1/2 lbs. fresh strawberries, hulled
3 jalapenos, stems removed
3/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tsp. lemon juice
8 cups sugar (makes 2 batches)
2 packages powdered pectin

Place strawberries, jalapenos, and vinegar in a food processor and puree. Add lemon juice. Measure out 3 cups of strawberry mixture and bring to a boil. Add one package of pectin and allow to boil for 2 minutes. Add 4 cups cups of sugar and bring to a roaring boil for 3-4 minutes. (It took awhile to get mine to boil.) Pour into sterilized jars and process in hot water for 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make another batch.

Makes 12 half pints

Great over cream cheese.

Peach Jalapeno Jelly

One word, "Yum"!!! This stuff is so good!! I made two batches yesterday to sell at the farmer's market to earn some extra money. I can eat this stuff right out of the jar with a spoon, but you can serve it over cream cheese with crackers.

Peach Jalapeno Jelly

6 lbs. fresh peaches
3 fresh jalapenos, stems removed
2 tsp. lemon juice
3/4 c. apple cider vinegar
6 cups sugar
2 packs dry pectin

Peel and de-pit peaches. Place peaches and jalapenos in food processor to puree. Add vinegar and lemon juice. Measure out 3 cups of peach mixture and heat to a boil. Be careful, it will splatter. Add 1 packet of pectin and bring to a boil for one minute. Add 3 cups of sugar and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour into sterilized jars and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Repeat process with remaining ingredients.

Makes 12 half pints

Honey Do Belt

What more does a husband need other than a list from you! I have had so much success selling my "Daddy Tool belts" that I decided to give these a try. I know Ryan hates summer because his "honey do" list keeps expanding as the weather gets warmer!

These belts are really simple to make, if you have the right supplies. I use my T-Shirt Marker program to make the iron-on on the belt. I bought this program about 2 years ago at Office Depot for $20 and I make all kinds of things with it. It's a great investment if you want to make your own printed shirts. I got my canvas waist aprons at Oriental Trading, but I think you can find them at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. I got all of my stuffers at the Dollar Tree

Supplies:
canvas waist apron
iron-on transfer "Hubby's Honey Do Belt"
screwdriver
work gloves
tape measure
paint brush
carpenter's pencil (Home Depot or Lowe's)
picture hanging kit
card stock
safety pin

1.Prepare transfer and transfer onto apron.
2. Using card stock, make a card with emergency numbers (I used Publisher).

3. Arrange items in pockets of apron.
4. Attach emergency card with safety pin to apron.

Bubble Gum Necklace

This is something quick and easy I made for the girls. I just took thin, satin ribbon and tied it around one end of a bubble gum wrapper. If the girls want a piece of gum, all they have to do is twist open the end.
I used purple ribbon, but you could use blue or red for a boy. Makes cheap and easy classroom gifts.

Happenings

I do promise I will get back to posting crafts since this site is Red Mommy Crafts!! I just haven't felt like doing any crafts or being on the computer much lately. Just stick with me!!

Well, a lot has happened since my last post. Yesterday about 1:00, Daisy the dog attacked Stormy the kitten again. She is not doing well at all. This time it was over the sealed bag of cat food. Ryan and I, along with my family, have decided to put Daisy down. Daisy has changed so much over the past 2 years. My relationship with her has been very strained. I cannot stand the sight of her right now, but I am not mistreating her in any way. Ryan and I think putting her down is the best since this is the second attack in less than 2 weeks. We are so afraid it will be one of the girls next. Daisy would severely harm the girls if she ever snapped at them. She is a 120 lb. shepard mix, so she is a big dog.

Stormy doesn't seem like she is recovering from this attack. Last night she has no color in her eyes, no control over her movements, and no response to stimulus. Her heart and breathing seem to be normal now, in fact her heart sounds strong. She had a twitching in her back and front legs all day yesterday.

As of this afternoon, color has returned in both eyes. She even has the tiniest dot of a pupil. She legs have stopped twitching, but she is motionless. I have been feeding her kitten formula with an eye dropper every two hours. She has had about 4-6 ounces of formula. Stormy is actually lapping the milk off of the dropper and swallowing it. I have to pick her up and lay her on her back to give the milk to her. She did pee on this morning when I checked on her at 11:00.

She doesn't seem to feel any pain, she isn't crying. She meowed this afternoon when both girls kissed her. She meows every now and then when I am in the room with her.

I have been in prayer about what to do. We have been torn whether to end it or just give her time. So far, we feel like we should give her time. Stormy might not recover, but with her heart going strong and her breathing being regular, I think she deserves the chance. To all of you that might be thinking we are letting her suffer, if I thought she was in severe pain, it would not even be a question as what to do. Nothing is too big for God and animals are one of his creations also.

On another note of happenings around here, my grandmother is doing as well that can be expected. She is still in a lot of pain, but is able to sleep comfortably with the help of pills. The girls and I have been going over every afternoon and doing little chores for her. We make sure she has lunch, ice for her ice pack, and doing her dishes. Her pastor was down there yesterday when I was there to have prayer with her.

The orthopedic surgeon told her to come back on Tuesday and he would take X-rays to see if the crack is healing, otherwise he might have to put pins in her shoulder. We hope than isn't the case because she is high risk for surgery.

Grandmother Update

Well, it turned out that my grandmother cracked her clavical. She goes to the orthopedic surgeon today to find out out what exactly is going on. It was her right arm so she is having trouble adjusting to using her left. She is in a lot of pain and is trying to keep it immobilized.

I have been going to her house everyday to check on her and do anything she might need help with. I am cooking her dinner tonight and maybe several nights this week.

I will try to get back to posting crafts really soon!

My Grandmother Fell

I told my grandmother that I was bringing Arya by her house today so the she could babysit for me while I sitting up for the craft show. So, we were running late and I pulled up in the driveway to her house. My mom walked out to my car; she arrived just minutes before. My grandmother had fallen in the garage and didn't have her phone with her. She had been laying on the floor waiting for 40 minutes. She knew I was supposed to be there soon, but I was late. I had tried to call her, but I didn't get any answer, now I know why. My mother and I tried to lift her up and couldn't. We had to call emergency services. They ended up taking her back to the hospital in the ambulance. We think she has broken her shoulder and possibly her arm. I saw a bone sticking up at her wrist (isn't wasn't poking through the skin, just making a bulge).

The last I heard from my mother was that they were taking her to get an X-ray. We still are not sure what is actually wrong/broken.

She really need to get one of the call alert bracelets, but she won't. She is too proud and doesn't want to other people to think she is "old" (her words)

One again, another tragedy on a Friday (Stormy's attack last week). I think I am boycotting Friday's!!

I will keep everyone updated!
Amber

Have a Good Weekend!!!

Not much going on here craft wise. I have a two day show Saturday and Sunday, so I have been working towards getting ready. I'll be back Monday with some new craft ideas.

These are pictures I took of the sky last night before a big lighting storm. The sky turned yellow and then an oragnish red. It is very beautiful, but kinda spooky.

Have a great weekend!!!

Miracle Kitten

I have gotten several emails and comments about Stormy, so I thought I would post an update.

She is a miracle kitten!! On Friday about 10:30 A.M., I was on the phone. I heard Daisy, the dog, growl and lunge towards something. I put the phone down and ran into the kitchen. Stormy was curled in a ball with blood coming out of her eyes and nose. I freaked out! I thought the dog had bitten her nose off. I rushed the girls outside; they were in the kitchen helping me make chicken and dumplings. I took about 1 minute to freak and then instinct kicked in. I rushed to close and lock the windows and the doors, grabbed myself a pair of shoes, and scooped Stormy up in a kitchen towel. The girls actually got in the car in their car seats without me having to fight them! We drove to the closest animal hospital, which is about 5 minutes away without any traffic. Jaiden held Stormy in the towel while I drove.

When we arrived at the hospital, they took Stormy back right away. Jaiden told the assistant what had happened since I was out of the room. Jaiden and Arya were stirring my dumplings since I was on the phone, one of them dropped some dough and Stormy came to investigate what happened. Daisy got territorial over the dropped food. In our rush to get Stormy to the vet, we didn't bother with changing clothes. I had on sweats and a T-shirt with no bra, covered with blood, Jaiden and Arya didn't have any shoes on, and Arya was in her nightgown without a diaper.

Anyway, the vet came and told us that the chances were not good. They had given her oxygen and steroids, but she was in shock and had fluid around her brain. They said that they didn't want to euthanize her just yet, just wait and see the severity of her injuries. They asked me how I wanted to proceed and I told them I didn't have a lot of money, but I wanted to do what I could. They said for me to leave her there so they can monitor her progress and see what the next choice would be. I called about 4 and they told me that her breathing had stabilized, she was maintaining her body temp with the help of a heating pad, and the swelling around her brain had gone down some. They also told me to come get her because they were leaving at 5 and no one would be there through the night, unless I wanted to pay a lot extra for someone. The vet told me her chances were still very slim. It just didn't look good. Daisy must of had Stormy's head in her mouth, there were no puncture marks, but severe trauma.

I brought her home and she looked lifeless. I put her in a box with a quilt and the heating pad, she never moved. Ryan came home from work and she moved at the sound of his voice. We checked on her every 2 hours until bedtime. I spent the whole day and evening very upset. Just when I thought I got rid of the cries, they came back.

She ended up surviving through the night. At one point, she got up and crawled under my dresser. I thought for sure that she was going under there to die! Saturday morning comes and she will not eat or drink anything, not a good sign! WE had a party to go to for Jaiden, so we took Stormy with us. When we got to the place we were having the party (the gym of my grandmother's church) we took her out of the carrier and laid her on the quilt. Next thing we know, she gets up and starts walking around!! Granted, she fell every few steps, but she walked!! Her eyes were starting to follow objects and she was even meowing!

Sunday morning comes and she eats!! She even went outside with us to play! On Monday, you couldn't even tell anything had happened! She was running and playing with her brother and eating like a horse!!

It truly is a miracle! The vet was totally shocked that she has made a full recovery! I want to thank everyone who asked about her recovery and the encouraging thoughts and prayers that were set our way!! They all are appreciated!!!

My Only Hole-In-One

I have a lot of golf balls, so I have been inspired to do some golf related crafts. This is a really fun plaque to give to the golfer in your life.

Supplies:

Wooden, square plaque
wooden #1
2 doll pin stands
2 golf balls
picture wire and tacks
green paint(I used Kelly and Hunter)
drill
hot glue gun
card stock

1. Paint plaque and doll pin stands with darker green.
2. Paint #1 with lighter green.
3. Drill a hole through the #1.
4. Attach wire and hanger on back of plaque.
5. Glue doll pin stands and #1 to plaque.
6. Glue golf balls to doll pin stands.
7. Make and print out sign "The Only Hole-In-One I've Ever Had" on card stock. Cut out.
8. Glue sign to plaque.


I found that hot glue worked much better than E-6000 glue. Also, if you can decorative paint, just paint the sign right on the plaque.

Golf Ball Lamp

Here is something I made from my Jar Lamp. I filled it golf balls, tees, pencils, and green paper shreds.






This would make a nice gift for Father's Day!

My Wedding Anniversary

Today is my wedding anniversary! It took us a minute to think how long we have been married, it seems like a lot longer, but it has only been four years.

We decided to get married on Monday, got our rings and marriage license on Tuesday, and were married on Wednesday! Not very much time for planning!!

Since it was my second marriage and Ryan couldn't care less about a wedding ceremony, we just got married at the county courthouse. That was an experience!!

A judge takes time out of regular criminal hearings to marry people for a certain amount of time. The judge calls our name to step up in the court room and I ask that we be pushed back because my dad was still trying to find a parking space outside. So, the judge is about to the second to last couple (we being the last) and the doors to the court room swing open. Escorted by a bailiff is a chained group of prisoners coming in for their hearings. When it was our turn and we stepped up in front of the court room, there were 8 shackled prisoners in their yellow jumpsuits awaiting their hearings as our "witnesses". I guess you can say, I had some unusual guests to my wedding!


About a month later, we had a "reception" party for our family to celebrate our marriage. This gave us time to plan and to also allow his grandparents from Florida to fly in. Unfortunately, our yellow jumpsuited guests from our wedding were detained and were not able to attend!

Our Cake:


The party:


Wedding:


Vacation before we were married:


Another vacation before we were married:

Rib Eating Contest

On Tuesday night, Ryan challenged my brother in law, Ryne (also pronounced "Ryan"), to a rib eating contest at a new BBQ restaurant. They were having all you can eat night there and Ryan and Ryne felt up to the task!

Side track- Ryan and Ryne. I feel like the Bob Newhart Show, "My name is Larry and this is my brother Darryl, and my other brother Darryl."

It is with shameful excitement that I announce my Ryan won the contest! He ate 3 whole racks of ribs while my BIL Ryne only ate 2 racks. Ryan is now the Rib King in the extended Red Mommy Family. His next challenge to his throne will take place next month. Will I remain the Rib Queen?


Ryne with his trophy plate of bones.


The Rib King with his gut busting, title winning plate of bones.


Even my nephew got in on some of the action at 3 months old. Notice the rib bone in his hand??

Hot Day

It was a hot one today!! You know it's hot when I put on my bathing suit!! The last temperature I heard today was 91* (33*)!!

WARNING!! Scary Picture!!

I laughed and told Ryan that next time I put my bathing suit on, I need to send a memo to the neighbors!

Jar Lamp Fillings

Here are some ideas to put in your Mason Jar Lamp.

1. Sand & seashells
2. Spools of thread
3. Dried fruit peels
4. Pennies
5. Glass beads
6. Pine cones, pine needles, and other "nature"
7. Fabric balls
8. Fabric scraps
9. Candy
10. Paper shreds
11. Paint the outside
12. Buttons
13. Wine corks
14. Buttons
15. Potpourri
16. Cinnamon sticks & other spices
17. Colored sand
18. Cookie mixes (like the cookie in a jar)
19. Game pieces (checkers, dice, and etc...)
20. Dried flowers

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

This is the first time I made these potatoes, and they were so good! I made them to go with my Jack Daniel's Glaze and steak we had last week.

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs. potatoes, washed and chunked
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1/2 stick margarine
16 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
salt & pepper to taste.

Boil potatoes for 15-20 or until tender. Drain. Add milk, salt & pepper, and butter. Use electric mixer to mash potatoes for very creamy, non-lumpy potatoes. When potatoes are mashed, mix in cheese until well blended.