Camera Strap Covers

Oh, my aching neck when I have my camera draped over it for any length of time! I've seen a few camera strap cover tutorials floating around blog land, so I set to work. I thought they would be perfect Mother's day gifts for all the "mamarazzi" in my life. I followed this tutorial by Priddy Creations.

Here's mine, and I must say it's fabulous and comfy because it's padded with fusible fleece. This is my favorite shade of green right now.

And here are the others:

Love them! Here's one thing I'll say; these straps seem long enough for my camera, which is a Cannon 30D, but they seem to come up a little short on the Rebel. So, if you have a rebel, maybe go a little longer. Width is fine.

Linking to:



Blue Cricket Design
Somewhat Simple

Wordless Wednesday: Monumentous

Magnet Chalkboard

The people who owned our house before us converted the garage into an extra room. When we moved in, we made it our playroom. So, as you can imagine, there are huge, long walls on either side of the room. I knew this one wall would be perfect for a chalkboard.

I was watching a DIY show and saw someone use magnet paint underneath chalkboard paint! How genius is that? So, I put my husband to work :-)

We needed several coats of magnet paint before objects would begin to stick. Maybe three coats.

Then, a coat or two of chalkboard paint! I have to admit I had my doubts about the chalkboard paint. I thought surely it wouldn't work good or wouldn't erase properly. But, I'm here to say, it's just like a real chalkboard.

My man framed it out...even added some decorative end caps and a grooved ledge along the bottom to hold the chalk. beautiful!


And just a little side note: We are in this house only temporarily. The military has us moving every few years. When I mentioned this project, I envisioned some sort of removable chalkboard. As you can see, though, my husband painted directly onto the wall. Not too sure how the next occupants will feel about this chalkboard. Maybe primer will cover it up nicely....who knows? But, next time we'll make something a little less permanent!

linking to:
Blue Cricket Design
Somewhat Simple

Meatless Monday! Ma Po Tofu

This recipe is from Cooking Light. It is a delicious, SPICY, meal. It's another Chinese Food recipe I'll hang on to while I'm living in this town with NO good Chinese food! I had to modify this recipe a) to make it meatless and b) because I didn't have some of the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) package firm water-packed tofu, drained
• 1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha (hot chile sauce, such a Huy Fong)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine) I used white cooking wine
  
• 1 tablespoon black bean garlic sauce I used Hoisin
  
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth (veggie)
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili oil
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 4 ounces ground sirloin (veggie crumbles or omit)
  
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
• 2 cups hot cooked long-grain white rice
• 8 ounces steamed Broccolini
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation

1. Place tofu on paper towels; cover with paper towels. Top with a heavy skillet; let stand 30 minutes. Discard towels. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.

2. Combine Sriracha and the next 3 ingredients. Combine broth and next 3 ingredients, stirring until smooth.

3. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef; stir-fry 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add Sriracha mixture; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add broth mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute. Stir in tofu. Serve with rice and Broccolini; sprinkle with cilantro.

Fibers on Friday: Tank Top Progress

I'm still in love with this pattern! The sides are now connected and I'm simply knitting in the round, working from the neck down, until the tank top is as long as I want it. Love it! Love it!

****Ruthie, e-mail me and I'll answer your questions about my garden. I can't access your info from your comment. swandiva at hotmail dot com ******

My Garden in Early May

A CPS Card! And Another Activity Book

Can you believe it's been so long since I've made a card? I've been so wrapped up in gardening and knitting and sewing, that I've neglected my paper crafting. I apologize to those of you who follow this blog based upon paper crafting. I haven't lost any followers, so I assume you're liking something you see here! I always feel guilty, though, for starting this blog for paper crafting and now straying so far from it.

We had a little boy's birthday party to attend this weekend. I've vowed to make activity books such as this, for all upcoming birthdays because they're so cool. But, I made a card to go with it this time. Here's the CPS Sketch #165:

And here's my card:

It was very quick and easy. I was in a rush, but what a perfect sketch to put together quickly and easily if needed :-) Paper is Cogsmo from Cosmo Cricket. It matches most of the activity book I put together for the birthday boy.

Thanks for looking and thanks for hanging with me, all my card making friends!