Floral Glass Block

Make this SUPER EASY fun spring time décor block

Supplies:
1 Glass block
20 ct. white lights
4 Butterflies
Daises
Ribbon

Directions:

Fill block with lights (place opening to the side)
Remove the stems from the daisies
Place the flowers into the block, by placing them in front of the lights facing out
Add Butterflies
Tie ribbon around the block and place bow on top

Placemat Apron

Here is a Quick Project to make!! This makes a quick and easy! Make one for yourself and make one as a gift for someone special.

1 placemat
2 coordinating Fat Quarters
Thread

Cut one fat quarter 20” x 16” for pocket
Cut three 3 1/2” x 22” strips of contrasting fat quarter for waistband and ties

Instructions:
Press 1/4” on 16”side of pocket piece. Fold pocket in half the long way.
Press right sides together, stitch 22” side and 8” side.
Turn right side out- pin on placemat front with lower edge and side edges matching. Stitch along 2 side edges and bottom all in one seam
Measure Pocket width, divide by 3 and chalk 2 lines at equal distances on pocket front to make pocket divisions. (we measured 6 ½ “) Stitch on chalk lines and back tack at bottom and top of each seam.
To make ties: take the 3 strips ( 3 1/2” x 22”) of coordinating FQ and stitch together at short edges making one long piece. Fold in half, right sides together. Starting at the joints stitch ¼” around long edge and end. Do both sides so the middle section is open and unstitched, Turn the ties, Press
Pin right side of tie to back side of apron so that stitching line is 1” down from top of placemat. Stitch open space onto apron backing ¼” seam. Fold band up and place on apron front waist, turn under ¼” on front part of apron. Pin & Stitch.

Carrot Cake Recipe

HOP on over and get your Spring Bunny salt and pepper shakers.
A fun way to celebrate spring on your table

Recipe: You Bunnies Favorite! CARROT CAKE

2 c. flour
2 t. baking soda
½ t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
¾ c. oil
¾ c. buttermilk
2 t. vanilla
2 c. grated carrots
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
3 ½ oz flaked coconut
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Line 3 (9” round cake pans with wax paper, lightly greased and flour pans
Stir together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Beat eggs, sugar oil, vanilla, and buttermilk with electric mixer. Add flour mixture beating low speed until blended. Fold in carrots, pineapple, coconut & nuts. Pour batter into pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25- 30 min or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Frost each layer with cream cheese frosting
ENJOY!!

The Painters Pyramid

Paint without the wait

*Save time on a wide variety of projects * Minimize mess and improve your results * Safe and Easy to use * lightweight, durable and stackable *
*handles objects up to 200 lb *


The Painter’s pyramid works well for all kinds of crafting and woodworking projects, including painting, gluing, decoupage, faux finishing, paper-mache, holiday décor, sculptures and more!

Use the Painter’s Pyramid to reduce the time it take you to finish your project. Simply place the wet side of your project on the pyramids and continuing working the other sides.

The Painter’s Pyramid can also be used to prop up your work so that you have easier access to the lower edges of your project.

Renee’ recommends this product for all your crafting needs.

To see how this product works go to: www.painterspyramid.com

Aqua Gems and Water Marbles

Aqua Gems are a type of water absorbent polymer that absorbs, stores and then releases water and nutrients needed for growing plants. It is non-toxic completely biodegradable, and environmentally safe
Great for:
Fresh cut flowers
Soil substitute for growing plants
Candle accents
Alone as an intriguing focal point
Water soluble, plant safe fragrances can be added for lasting air freshness

NEW DIE CUTS!!

JUST IN!! New Die Cuts
House, owl, cowboy hat, larger cowboy boot and a dinosaur/dragon
These are just the right size for cards or scrapbook page. Make them bright and funky or choose more subdued colors.
Can be cut out of anything that your would normally cut with scissors.
Cardstock,..fun foam…felt…fabric…acrylic…papers…
Come in a check out our wide variety of die cuts.

A Beginners guide to Hemp Jewlery

Book Created exclusively for Leisure Arts by Hot off the Press
Samples are from pages 3 and 5 of this great book

Stop by our New and improved “Just Bead It” Bead shop

Join Heather on Tuesday evenings for Beading Classes @ 6 pm
Saturday Technique demonstrations @ 11 and 3

Personalized Message Boards

Make your children their own message boards. Use ready to finish chalk boards, paint the wood and embellish with craft foam, wood cutouts, Or anything else you or your kids choose.

Yo Yo Bow

Adorn the little noggin of the most beautiful baby in the world with this yo-yo box! It’s the crowing touch your little princess deserves.


Book: Sweet booties! Author: Valerie Van Asdale Shrader Page: 55
Sew Hip, Sew Darling …includes 12 full-size patterns

Making something for a baby is a wonderful gesture that’s fun to do!
You’ll find the perfect projects to sew for your little one in this unique collection.
Every handmade item is a wonderful expression of love.

Granola

original recipe from Chico Hot Springs Resort
Our Version modified by Emma

Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 ½ cups rolled oats
1 ¾ cups bran flakes
1 ¼ cup shredded coconut
¾ cup pecans
1 ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds
1 cup salted sunflower seeds
3 teaspoons cinnamon
3 ¼ teaspoons pure maple syrup
1 ¼ honey
1 1/8 cup canola oil
½ cup pumpkin seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 2 baking sheets by covering with parchment paper** and grease paper with cooking spray. Combine oats, bran flakes, coconut, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and cinnamon in large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix maple syrup, honey and oil; add to dry mixture and stir until well combined. Divide the mixture between each prepared cookie sheet; spread evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, tossing granola halfway through baking time to keep edges from burning. Let cool completely before storing.

Emma’s note: Watch carefully during the last 10 minutes so it doesn’t burn

** Wilton Parchment Paper- it’s the most versatile kitchen paper made
*oven safe to 400 F* oven or microwave safe* reusable* easy clean up*

Watercolors

DID YOU KNOW?
Paints are simply a combination of finely ground pigment mixed to a smooth consistency with a binder. Each type of paint has a different binder

Watercolor is a transparent medium made from refined water-soluble pigments mixed with a natural sap binder called gum Arabic. Watercolor is available in pan, tube and pencil form; it is highly suitable for subtle renderings on paper. Watercolor paints are easy to apply-just add water and a bit of creativity! The only other items you need are brushes and paper

Bird House & Bird Cages

Feel the fun of spring with BIRD HOUSES and BIRD CAGES!! What a fun way to decorate your home for spring. We have Wire bird Cages, Wood bird houses, nests and birds. Come in and see our new selection of Spring birds, cages and houses.

Mica Gloss and stamps

Fun new idea for cards and scrapbooks!
Take a piece of shrink plastic and tear a chunk off ( it tears really nice)
Use a stamp and ink it with an ink stamp pad(use it in step 6)
Using a heat gun tool, shrink the plastic
Use a small wooden dowel to help you hold it into place.
While the plastic is still hot…stamp the plastic
After the plastic is cool, you can wipe off the excess ink.
Take a dab of mica gloss in one or two color and smear over the plastic. The design from the ink stamp will show up great.

It takes a while to dry …But well worth it.

Now the pieces are ready to use in your scrapbook/card making project.


**MICA GLOSS metallic effects ink from Judikins**
Metallic pigment ink comes in bottle form. Rich pearlescent colors add luster to your artwork. Create magnificent background papers. Ink your favorite rubber stamps with these beautiful metallic inks. This ink is great for paper, jewelry, shrink plastic and of course rubber stamps. Heat set on non-porous surfaces.

Freshwater Pearls

Does your brain shut off at the mention of pearls?
Do you think pearls are only for your grandma?
Then you haven’t been in to check out our selection of freshwater pearls!
As their home implies, freshwater pearls are formed in freshwater mussels that live in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water. By contrast, saltwater pearls grow in oysters that live in the ocean. Pearls are often white, but some come naturally in nearly every color or are often dyed.
Stop by and see our selection of 16” pearl strands in all shapes, sizes and colors for only $5.00 strand.
THESE AREN’T YOUR GRANDMOTHERS PEARLS!!

Plastic Buckets

What can you do with a Plastic Bucket? They make great Easter Baskets. Just Decorate with paper then add grass and goodies. These are quick and easy! Come and check out the 3 different sizes of buckets!!

Plenty of Jelly rolls & Layer cakes from MODA. Layer cakes are 10” x 10” squares of fabrics and are perfect for both quilting and craft projects. Moda Jelly Rolls are 2.5” x 44” strips of fabric, typically include 40 strips of fabric, but can vary. These 2.5” strips are great for quilts and small projects like the Jelly roll tiered skirt for 18” fashion dolls. (See Renee’s Pattern)
We have a good selection of patterns and books for all your spring projects.

Renee’s Jelly Roll tiered Doll Skirt.

Cut strips of jelly roll

Layer 1 16”
Layer 2 21”
Layer 3 26”
Layer 4 31”
Layer 5 36” (optional layer)


1. Gather upper edge of second tier section
With right sides together, pin second tier to lower edge first tier, matching centers. Pull up gathering stitches to fit. Baste. Stitch . Press seam up

2. Gather upper edge of third tier section

3. Apply third section to lower edge of second tier in same manner as for second tier.

4. Gather upper edge of fourth section.

5. Narrow hem lower edge of fourth tier section. Stitch lower edge of fourth tier just over straight edge of lace trim.

6. Apply fourth tier section to lower edge of third tier in same manner as for second and third tiers.

7. Turn upper edge of garment to inside 1” for casing. Press under ¼ “ on raw edge. Stitch close to inner pressed edge.

8. Cut a piece of elastic 11” long. Insert elastic through casing, having ends extend evenly. Pin. Stitch across ends of casing, catching in elastic.

9. Stitch center back seam of skirt, matching seams

St Patrick's Day Punch

½ cup milk
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
2 ice cubes
1-2 drops LorAnn peppermint oil
2 drops LorAnn Green liquid food coloring
Seltzer water
Whipped Cream

Directions:
In a blender, combine first five ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and add splash of seltzer water and a dollop of whipped cream.
Makes 1 serving

Chalk Pastels

DID YOU KNOW?
Pastels are powdered pigment bound together with a gum or resin and shaped into sticks or pencils. They are easy to use and produce rich, lively colors. There is no premixing on a palette, no need to add mediums and pastels can be applied to almost any surface.

SOFT /CHALK PASTELS are the original pastel. They glide easily onto a paper’s surface with the ability to produce many different types of strokes. This pastel has the widest range of colors available. They are easy to blend but that also makes them easy to smudge.
Keep them clean by wiping them with a tissue as you work or laying them in a bowl of rice which will rub away the dirty surface powder

Spring Cleaning

Get a jump on your spring cleaning. We have spray cleaners that will help maintain the “lifelike” impression of your silk plants, drieds, grapevine and wicker.

Silk & Splendor is more that just a cleaner.
CLEANS by removing dust and grease
BEAUTIFIES by enhancing natural luster
PROTECTS by resisting dust

Dri Splendor is a safe and easy way to clean dried flowers, Herbs, natural cones and pods

Wicker Wonder will clean, beautify and protect your wicker, rattan, cane and grapevine.

Magnet Locker Board

Take one 12” x 12” square metal board
Cover with designer scrapbook paper
Edge with ribbon using double sided tape
Attach another piece of ribbon with E6000 glue on the back of board
When dry turn over and attach mirror with E6000.
Magnets are easy to make with scrapbook tags attached to magnets

Hollywood Fashion Belt

Don’t throw out your old scarves! Hollywood fashionista’s are shelling out $150.00 and up for their “Shandi Levy’s” hot shantilly scarf belts.
Can’t quite afford that price range? Well, if you have 5 minutes and an old, long rectangular scarf or maybe a new one from SIERRA’S, then you can make your own for pennies!!

Simply pick out one of our new Chains (sold by the foot) to get the perfect length for you.
Weave the scarf through the chain and Voila!!!
A hot new way to dress up your jeans.


There will be no bead class on Wednesday March 17 (Happy Saint Patrick ’s Day).
Our bead classes will resume on Wednesday March 24 with BEAD THERAPY. (Sierra’s FREE open beading class)

Envirotex

Envirotex lite is a reactive polymer compound. It will give you a beautiful, professional result that is easy to do. A clear glass-like finish is perfect for coating bar and table tops, plaques, photographs, certificates, diplomas and clocks. It can be applied to almost any surface or material.

EnviroTex comes with easy to follow instructions. We here at Sierra’s will be happy to answer any questions that you might have about this product and are always willing to help you learn how to make a new craft

Homespun Tea Towels

The new spring colors are in on our kitchen tea towels. Perfect to use with a coordinating fabric to make designer towels, aprons and potholders to match your kitchen décor or makes a great heartfelt handmade gift for friends and family. We also have NOW design towels in solid colors. These are perfect for your embroidery work, aunt Martha’s paint, or appliqué.

HOMESPUN DISH TOWEL
Materials Needed:
Homespun towel
Complimentary fabric: 5/8 yard border fabric or ¼ yard all over fabric
Sewing Machine
Rickrack or other embellishment (if desired)

Instructions:
Cut border in desired width, between 4” and 5” is best
Fold edges of fabric under ¼” and press. Sew border onto homespun towel approximately 3 inches up from the edge of towel
If desired, add rickrack or other trim
Decorate as desired with appliqués, buttons, trims, lace, etc.

Helpful Hint: sew on trim first and then sew on towel.

Fun in the Kitchen

Recipe: Crispy Rice Treats
Ingredients:
6 cups crispy rice cereal
3 tbls. Margarine or butter
10 oz bag of marshmallows

How to:
Melt 3 table of margarine in a large saucepan
Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted
Remove from heat and add crispy rice cereal
Stir until well coated
Lightly coat a shaped cookie pan or 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray
Press mixture into your prepared pan using a buttered spoon to compress
When cooled remove from shaped pan, cut your 9 x 13 into shapes using cookie cutters or into squares.

Collage Frames

Need a cute way to frame lots of pictures? MCS Cabriolet collage frames come in 4, 5 or 6 picture openings. Each slot holds a 4x6" photo. For a new look, Try putting a larger picture on the back of the 6 slot frame to make it look like a window. What a fun way to ad a stylish small window look to any room.

Luck of the Irish

Need some green in your home? We have a FANTASTIC selection of Greenery including bushes and garlands. (Greenery on sale for 30% Off through April 1) Add some Saint Patrick fun to your holiday. We have Hat picks, flags, scarves, stickers, glitter glue, plant sticks, signs, and fun flashing necklaces. Stop by and check out all the fun items.


** AN IRISH BLESSING **
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May god hold you in the hallow of his hand.


(Traditional Irish Blessing;Origin unknown)

Card Making

Come to Card Class on Thursday March 12 @6 pm to Make 3 fun cards to take home and use. $5.00 Class fee gives you all the supplies needed to make and Take.

Card Class secrets... 3D foam dots
Adds dimension to cards, paper crafts, Scrapbook pages, shadow boxes & large crafts. These work on most paper, plastic, fabric, metal, and glass.
Acid-Free...Double sided....Permanent Bond.
To Use: Peel foam front sheet, remove the liner and press into position.

Link Necklace/Bracelet

Join us on March 10th for our beading class. We will be making a great fashion statement with our Link Necklace/Belt (all the craze in Hollywood). Learn a basic technique plus look FANTASTIC after. Wear your own creation or give as a gift to someone special!! Cost of the class is $14.00.. That's including instructions and supplies.

WOOD*WOOD*WOOD

All shapes and sizes... Plaques, boxes, bags, pegs and bird houses. Get your creative juices flowing and see what you can make with a little paint and maybe a vinyl saying or other embellishments of your choice.

Make this cute "Bunny Trail" Sign for your Easter De'cor:

*Paint one Bread Paddle Yellow (or color of your choice)
*Sponge Green paint along one side edge of paddle for a "Grass Look"
*Add Flowers to Grass ( you can paint these or use stickers)
* Paint 1 mini craft stick and 1 1/2" Heart shape black.
*After everything is dry, glue painted stick and heart to make an arrow pointing towards end of paddle.
*Following the vinyl instructions, place the vinyl words, "Bunny Trail" onto the Board.
*Screw in small eye screws into back of board and add wire for hanging

Hemstitching

Is there a baby in your future? Perhaps a new grandchild or great grandchild?
We have Hemstitch kits that include a receiving blanket and burp cloth.
Hemstitch is an ornamental stitch used at a hem, made by pulling our several parallel threads and tying the cross together. This process makes a decorative needlework stitch.
The hemstitch edging allows you to crochet a decorative edging that makes the perfect personalized gift for your new arrival.

Do you need help learning to crochet or want to improve your technique? Then join us on Thursday, March 2 and/or March 19 @ 6 pm for “YARN YOGA”.
We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month to work on projects, learn new stitches, and receive a new pattern each time.
Yarn Yoga is for people who love to knit /crochet or want to learn how. FREE!

Fun In the Kitchen

Wilton has just introduced their newest book and fun tools. BROWNIE FUN! TM

Brownies can do more than just taste great. They can make your party special or give as gift. The book is a great way to learn how to make the best brownies and get loads of fun ideas.
Cut fun and decorative edges on brownies and treats with the Brownie and treat cutter. The new Batter Blender has a multi sided head, which is great for mixing faster, while the scallop tip breaks up clumps. The Brownie Lifter has a wide, angled blade that is perfect for lifting your brownies from the pan. Plus we have sticks for making brownie pops, treat bags and boxes for gift giving.

Brownie Recipe from Wilton.
www.wilton.com

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups cake flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces melted unsweetened chocolate, coarsley chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
Bake Easy™ Non-Stick Spray
Makes: About 16 brownies.


instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray 8 x 2 in. or 9 x 2 in. square pan with vegetable pan spray or Bake Easy! Non-Stick Spray.

In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In small microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate; let cool slightly. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and melted chocolate; mix well. Stir in flour mixture by hand; mix until just combined. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool completely on rack before cutting.