StyroFoam Rudolph Toot (Tutorial)

Do you love those trees?? I have a toot for that! Coming soon! 

Just in case you cannot tell this project is not finished yet

(poor planning on my part and LONG dry times)

All those little pots with Styrofoam balls on top are my version of

Santa and his eight tiny reindeer, complete with RUDOLPH.

See? And these are SUPER easy so I am going to tell you how to do these too...

You are going to need some clay pots, I bought 9 of the smalled ones I could find at JoAnn and then one of the bigger ones.

(photo source)

(photo source)

And painted them using Martha Stewart Metallics Specialty finishes from HomeDepot

While those were drying I got out my styrofoam balls

(photo source)

I used 9 2 inch balls and one BIG one that my husband bought me so I have not clue the size for Santa

I coated them all with this...

(photo source)

Then I painted everything to match the respective clay pot with my Martha Stewart Specialty finishes. I did not secure (or glue) the balls to the pots at all. I just placed them in there. I glued a teeny tiny sparkely red pom on as the nose. Then I grabbed my wire tools and some wire.

I cut about a foot of each color. (I would have used brown but the guage was not thick enough I did not think so I used black for the legs and gold for the antlers. Both are 20 gauge.) Then, I cut the gold antler wire into have. The black was cut into fourths.

THE LEGS: You are going to need a very special tool for the legs and making them is very technical.

Grab a pencil and wrap all 4 pieces around them to make coils. TOTALLY TECHNICAL, huh! HA!

Wrap it on...

Slide it off...

Pull it apart a little and shove it in to your ball. (So easy a caveman could do it!)

The antlers are just free form but I bent the wire and then

Pinched it tight. Shove it in the top and we are done again...

I think it is super cute!!!

Thank you so much for enduring my ramblings and letting me spread the Christmas cheer that has found it's way to me this season. I hope you all will hop back over and check out my mantle when it is all finished. Plus, if you are interested I have a linky every Thursday for crafts and a ton of inspiration!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

HUGS~

Jenni

Sugared Fruit GP From Kim @ Tiara's and Bowties - Think Smink

HUGE thank you to wonderful and talented Miss Kimberly over at Tiara's and Bowties - Think Smink for sending in this guest post for us! This look absolutely delicious and I am hoping I find the time this week to try it out myself (if I can get the hubba-hubba to go to the store)!!!!!! Enjoy, I will be back later with some more Holiday tutorials for your reading pleasure!!! HUGS~ Jenni

Hi everyone, it's Kim from Tiara's and Bowties - Think Smink!

I am a decorative artist, a wife & a mommy to 2.

With my daughter having special needs and an active 10 year old boy,

our days can get crazy, things change on a dime.

Painting is my passion, my escape, & my therapy.

I am super super excited to be here today at the Frog Pond.
Big BIG thanks to Jenni for having me over.
Lately I have been playing a bit with food.
(while trying not to eat it!)
Today's recess with food was to make
Glittered Fruit

{image via Taste of Home}
You see I am a glitter addict.  I've always loved bling and glitz. 
Over the years I have tried to tone it down a bit.
But, you see the problem is, just as a dieter who tries to never eat chocolate cake 'freaks out' & ends up eating the whole darn thing in one sitting... with the whole 2 liter of cola to wash it down.
Such is my bling addiction.
 Seriously, ever since the middle of November when stores starting stocking shelves with glittery and shiny ornaments and holiday decor, I've been on a glitter quest.
I will not hide any longer!
Santa will NOT miss our house in all its shimmery madness.
Everything is getting coated with glitter.
I may need to post a warning sign on my door to put sun glasses ON before entering!
There are many recipes for sugared or "glittered" fruit.
I used cream of tartar, easily accessible at any grocery store!
So, this was a first run at glittering the fruit, so I gathered a bit of fruit, the cream of tartar (1tbs), a 1/2 cup of water, granulated sugar (extra fine looks the best), a few spoons, and a pastry brush if you have one.  If not a spoon does the trick.

Mix the tartar and water... looks kind of like watered down glue.
You need a tasteless binding agent to make the sugar stick.
Some recipes call for egg white or gelatin, use what you have.

Dip your fruit into the glue mixture.  Use a pastry brush to brush it on or use a spoon to pour it over the fruit.  (It gets a bit messy)

Then, spoon the sugar over the fruit.  Much like glitter and glue... keep dumping sugar on those babies to coat them really well!

Set aside to dry on a wire rack.  Just a tip, the fruit glitter dries very hard.  If you are going to use your grapes in a centerpiece that will drape over the edge, let them dry over an inverted bowl to shape them into a curve.

I was very disappointed in the grocery store selection of fruit today!

I wanted a few plums.

What's Christmas without a sugar plum?

Did they have them? ... noooooo.

Hell-OH Mr. Produce man... where are the plums?

Another little tip, be sure to wash your fruits with peels very well.

The waxy schmaltz they coat apples and such with does not work very well with the whole sugar stick to the fruit thing.

Hence, apple glittery madness... FaiL

The lemon turned out nice!

You can even sugar slices of fruit!

It does not work on those fruits that brown when cut like bananas and apples though!

(not pretty)

Trick to glittering the sliced fruit is to cut and dry off well, let them sit for a while to kind of dry out.

If you try to glitter them in all their juicy goodness, the sugar just melts.

(see top orange up there...)

Fruits like apples, oranges, plums and such can be done a few days in advance if you wish to try this for Christmas, just keep in mind that glittered fruit cannot be stored in the fridge!

It melts in the fridge, so only do in advance the fruits that can sit at room temp for a few days.

It is so easy to glitter fruit! It is edible too!

Your family won't believe they are real!

Mine didn't.

Just be sure to keep an eye on the kids or it'll be gone before Christmas morn!

My Christmas Wish List

Usually, my husband finds Christmas shopping for me to be a pain in the rear-endess! However, this year I had NO PROBLEM at all putting together a list of things that I would like to have. Now, I am sure that there are those of you that are rolling your eyes because getting gifts really is not the reason for the season. BUT, these are so cool that I could not keep my list to myself and wanted to share all of the fabulous things that I have found that I want need. So, here is my list...in no particular order.

Silhouette Cameo - Do I really need to explain further? I have a slice but it does not work and never has nor do I think it is the same type machine. I keep seeing all these cool projects out here in blogland and want to make some of those cool things too. OMGoodness, it sounds a little "keeping up with the Jones" doesn't it.  But it is not, I do a lot of the BLING embellishments and would love to start working with the vinyl. So more like needing wanting to add more projects to my crafting repertoire(hmmm, is that proper use of that word? Let's just say it is).

Ott Lite - How can you beat good lighting especially when it comes with a magnifier?

UGG Over the Knee Sparkles Boot - seriously these are adorable! I am not sure how good they would with my never ending wardrode of jammies or how comfortable they would be since they go over the knee (I keep picturing Julia Roberts in the elevator with her Sharpie in the movie Pretty Woman) BUT they are SOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!

 Betsy Johnson White "FROG" watch - ummmm, it has a frog on it. Nuff, said mmmmkay!

Snazzie Drawers Master Collection - 24 BEAUTIFUL patterns all delivered to my inbox magically (after payment). NOW WHO IN THE WORLD DOES NOT WANT THAT? Seriously, have you seen this website? HOLY AMAZING!!

I would like to get Miss Linda's Craft Kits EVERY month for the rest of my life! They are so CUTE!! Wonder if there is an option to have them automatically shipped?!? You know like the fruit of the month but for Craftaholics. Okay, and I admit that I am totally obsessed with the Craftaholics blog. She is adorable, super cute, amazingly creative, and WONDERFULLY pleasant! 

 

Simplicity Bias Tape Maker - I have no idea why I need this but I will say this...I find myself wanting to add bias tape to, just about everything but never have any and then I just finish my project anyway. I think this would get me past that little laziness. Sounds good, right?

Simplicity Deluxe Felting Machine - Again, I have no idea why I need this either but it looks sooooo cool and I have been dying to try felting but am too scared. If this little thingy will do it for me then I am all for it!

 

Boye Yarn Ball Winder - You know because winding my yarn into a ball takes time and that is a precious commodity around here. If this will save me even a fraction of a minute, then that is more time spent with my kids or crafting or blogging or cleaning; well you get the picture.

 

Fringe Scissors and Fringe In a Flash - Maybe fringe is making a comeback. Maybe I will start the movement. HEE HEE but these things are so CLEVER!

 

Unmentionables - it says unmentionables for a reason so let's not talk about it.

 =

All the supplies to get started with Decore Clay - how amazingly fun does this look? You all know that I dabble in the art of  (okay I am not an artist when it comes to jewelry) jewelry making. I would love to get my hands on this and see what I can do!!!!!

Art Clay Silver Starter Kit - I have been wanting to try PMC for a while now but have no clue where to start and the price, honestly, terrifies me! BUT this is not such a bad deal so I added it to my list too.

Simply Swank Complete Craft Jewelry Soldering Kit - well, I saw a show where they used one of these and now I want to try it. I want to try everything. I know, I am crazy. Jack of all...master of none.

Remember this little number from Shabby Apple? I am still dreaming about having it!! LOVE!! LOVE Shabby Apple!!

Nikon - 1 in Pink - I am sure that I have told you the camera broke (or was broken by a little Bear). What I have not told you, is that in the 6 months (almost 6 months, can you believe that? I know right!) that I have been blogging 3 have been broken. You would think that I would learn to put my own toys away and out of reach but Bears can climb trees (and counters, and over gates, on to chairs, and have a very long reach), ya know. Plus, I love the pink!

32" TV/DVD Combo for my craft room. I spend an enormous amount of time in my office. I also have a pretty large library of crafty how-to videos that I have not been able to watch, since the main T.V. always seems to be in use with Team Umi Zoomi or Dora the Explorer. I had thought a 22" would be perfect and they are priced well but when I actually saw one...well, they are small. My computer is 17" so 22 would/is not much difference. Right?

These CDs for my ear pleasure:

 +  +  

Glee 7 (so I have a complete up to date collection)+ Lady Antebellum + Adele

Gift Cards to here:

 ++  +  +

AND

A local store called

SPECIAL EVENTS which you can read about here! They are awesome people and have the best little store ever! Plus they are LOCAL which is HUGE for me!! I tell you what, it is very difficult finding good local shops and this one is top on my list.

 OKAY, I think that is my complete list for the 2011 year. HOLY COW, I am feeling a little whole lot greedy but my goodness there are some SUPER COOL toys I think I would have a great time playing with. NOW, what is on your list this year? Have you been a good girl or boy?

I am gonna turn this post into a linky party so that if you have a list and want to add you can. Maybe I missed something and need to add it!!!

SO go blog about your list and link 'em up! Share in my greed this Christmas season!

(Hopefully you all know that I do understand the true meaning of Christmas, but this post was so much fun to write and I was in no way compensated for writing it. Now, if any one wants to send me one or all of these things I, of course, would not be rude and refuse. : )
UPDATE: For those of you that have been wondering I am feeling better thank goodness! For a little over 2 weeks I was a little more than death warmed over. I got to see the specialist finally today which did not reveal as much as I would have liked however it did ease some of my worry!! I have to go in for some more testing next week on Monday will not be able to be on the computer but have no fear I have a very funny and ironically fitting Guest Post lined up to share with you!! I will keep you all updated and if anyone still wants to Guest Post ANYTHING with FROG just shoot me an email and I will add you to the line up! Thank you so much to ladies that have already helped! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it!
AND OF COURSE THE FROG PARTY WILL HOP OFF WITHOUT A HITCH TOMORROW NIGHT.

PLEASE ONLY LINK UP YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST HERE (if you want to party craft style check back on Wednesday night):

Linking up to all of these fabulous places:


http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com, http://dittledattle.blogspot.com, http://greenfamily-life.blogspot.com, http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/, http://www.madincrafts.com/, http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/,


http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/, http://skiptomylou.org, http://pollywantacrafter.com,
http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/, http://thegirlcreative.com, http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com, http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/, http://memakingdo.blogspot.com/,


http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/, http://jembellish.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20Round%20Tuit

http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/, http://fussymonkeybiz.blogspot.com/,

http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/, http://tipjunkie.com/, http://athomewithk.blogspot.com/,

http://www.theivycottageblog.blogspot.com/, http://todayscreativeblog.net/, http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/, http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/, http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/, http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/, http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/, http://sugarbeecrafts.com, http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/, http://www.sweetfloweret.com/, http://www.nothingbutcountry.com/, http://itssewforyou.blogspot.com/,http://crayonfreckles.blogspot.com/, http://www.homemakeronadime.com/, http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com/, www.bluecricketdesign.net, http://sistersstuff.blogspot.com/, http://twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/Inspiring%20Creativity%20Wednesdays
http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/, http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/, http://fabricbowsandmore.blogspot.com/, http://www.strictly-homemade.blogspot.com/,
http://www.rookno17.com/, http://www.pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/, http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/, http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/, http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/, http://www.sewwoodsy.com/, http://alliemakes.blogspot.com/search/label/Making%20It%20With%20Allie, http://www.thrifty101.blogspot.com/, http://christinasadventures2010.blogspot.com/, http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party, http://www.somewhatsimple.com/, http://www.houseofhepworths.com/, http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/, http://www.yesterdayontuesday.typepad.com/, http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/, http://itssewstinkincute.blogspot.com/, http://rhinestonebeagle.blogspot.com/, http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com/, http://www.remodelaholic.com/, http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/, http://www.atthepicketfence.com/, http://www.serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/, http://www.thecreativecrate.blogspot.com/, http://www.ladybirdln.com/, http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/, http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/, http://imakestuff4fun.blogspot.com/, http://www.funonadime.net/, http://www.designdazzle.blogspot.com/, http://tidymom.net/tag/im-lovin-it/, http://trulylovelywiththelaneysisters.blogspot.com/, http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/, http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties, http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/, http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/, http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell, http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/, http://www.homemakerinheels.com/, http://www.flamingotoes.com/, http://www.everycreativeendeavor.com/, http://jessicandesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/strut%20your%20stuff%20Saturday, http://jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com/, http://www.sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com/, http://imtopsyturvy.com/, http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/, http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/, http://vintagewannabee.blogspot.com/, http://www.notjustahousewife.net/, http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/, http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/search/label/craft%20catwalk, http://ladybug-blessings.com/, http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/, http://sassysites.blogspot.com/, http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/,

http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/, http://www.thethriftyhome.com/, http://sweetpeasandbb.blogspot.com/, http://www.sugaranddots.com/, http://sewwoodsy.com/2011/09/whats-up-wednesdays-link-party-24.html, http://restoreinteriors.blogspot.com/, http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/, http://mommahenscoop.com/, http://itstoilegood.blogspot.com/, http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/, http://blog.familybringsjoy.com/2011/09/21/dreams-do-come-true-my-craft-room/, http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/, http://sofabulouslyflawed.blogspot.com/, http://www.brandyscrafts.blogspot.com/, http://lbratina.blogspot.com/, http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/ , http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/, http://www.suzyssitcom.com/, http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/, http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/09/vip-party-29.html, http://michellelunt.blogspot.com/, http://romantichome.blogspot.com/, http://whipperberry.com/2011/09/friday-flair-what-inspires-me.html#more-1198,http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/, http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-25T06%3A00%3A00-07%3A00, http://thefrugalgirls.com/, http://www.remodelaholic.com/, http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/, http://projectqueen.org/, http://www.thegunnysack.com/, http://www.craftomaniac.blogspot.com/, http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/