Cross Stitching is Easy and Fun!

Cross Stitch is one of the oldest forms of needlework and you’ll find examples in many of the world’s folk museums. Yet, despite its great age, cross stitch remains very popular with today’s stitchers. I am sure it is because it is easy to do. It is a counted thread embroidery in which X shaped stitches are used to form a picture.

Here at SIERRA’S we carry the tools needed to get started. We carry Books, Aida Cloth, Hoops, Floss, Scissors & Needles.

Having problems? Just ASK US HOW! We always ready to help.

Get started on your Handmade gifts today.

Fondant

Have you been watching those fun TV shows like, Ace of Cakes and Cake boss. You know they love to use Fondant on their Cakes.

Fondant is a thick, creamy white sugar mass used in different forms for decorating cakes and cookies. It can be rolled and draped over a cake, poured as a glaze or sculpted with. Rolled fondant is versatile and can be tinted, flavored, modeled, formed, twisted, imprinted and shaped.

We carry a large selection of fondant tools as well as pre-made fondant and dry fondant mix.

This recipe is from Wilton.com. We carry the book “Celebrate with Fondant”.

This book has lots of tips on how to use fondant in Cake decorating.

Recipe: Rolled Marshmallow Fondant

This simple fondant recipe uses ingredients which are probably already in your pantry. It's softer than our standard fondant recipe with a very sweet taste that kids love.

Ingredients:

1 package (16 ounces) white mini marshmallows (use a good quality brand)

2-5 tablespoons water

2 pounds (about 8 cups) sifted confectioners' sugar

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

Makes: About 2 pounds marshmallow fondant.

instructions

To make marshmallow fondant, place marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds on high; stir until mixed well. Continue microwaving 30 seconds more; stir again. Continue until melted (about 2 1/2 minutes).

Place 3/4 of the confectioners' sugar on top of the melted marshmallow mixture. Fold sugar into marshmallow mixture. Flavoring can be added at this point if desired. Place solid vegetable shortening in easily accessed bowl so you can reach into it with fingers as you are working. Grease hands and counter GENEROUSLY; turn marshmallow mixture onto counter. Start kneading like you would dough. Continue kneading, adding additional confectioners' sugar and re-greasing hands and counter so the fondant doesn't stick. If the marshmallow fondant is tearing easily, it is too dry; add water (about 1/2 tablespoon at a time) kneading until fondant forms a firm, smooth elastic ball that will stretch without tearing, about 8 minutes.

It's best to allow Marshmallow Fondant to sit, double-wrapped, overnight. Prepare the fondant for storing by coating with a thin layer of solid vegetable shortening, wrap in plastic wrap and then place in resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Marshmallow Fondant will keep well in refrigerator for several weeks.

When not working with fondant, make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or in a bag to prevent it from drying out. When ready to use, knead fondant until smooth. Roll out fondant 1/8 in. thick.

To color fondant: If you need to tint the entire batch of fondant, add a little icing color to the melted marshmallow mixture before adding confectioners' sugar. For smaller amounts of tinted fondant, add icing color to portions of fondant as needed.

Watercolor Pencils and Postcards

Send your art work on 4” x 6” postcards to family and friends. A great way to share your talents!

Heavyweight texture postcards from Strathmore

Great with any wet media

100% cotton

Acid free

140 lb. cold pressed 500 series watercolor paper

Formatted on back for simple sending

Choose your favorite watercolor pencils from Staedtler, Sanford, Pro-art and Derwent.

Strong, break resistant 3.0 mm leads

Colors can be blended together to produce a wide range of tones and shades

Brilliant pigments that can be used wet or dry and which exhibit superior lightfastness

Use with a brush and water to create special watercolor effects

Techniques’

Work with dry pencils on dry paper then apply an light water wash

Apply dry pencil onto wet paper for soft lines and edges

Sierra's has gone NUTS!

Are you ready to begin the change of the season at home? We have a fun selection of Squirrels that are perfect to sit around the house or on a table.

Come in a find some greats ideas and inspiration on how to decorate for the new fall season

12x12 Dock Albums

Save time and energy by keeping all the elements for your scrapbook page in one place. Use the front pockets of the included page planner sheets to hold smaller pieces for your page, and the back pocket to hold enlarged photos, memorabilia and 12 x 12 paper. The binder will protect your page elements if you’re taking them to a scrapbook store to shop, or to your next crop. Get your pages organized in this durable, acid free binder.

10 page planner sheets included.

Choose from Sand, grape, meadow and black linen look

Crystallized Swarovski Elements

The product brand for Swarovski crystal provides a gorgeous palette of inspiration for jewelry, fashion and accessories.
Be the artist to create and bring the fantasy alive.

Come in and see our selection of charms, ear posts, connectors, sliders, toggle clasps, links, 7” bracelets, and closures all with Swarovski crystals.

Get Loopy

Do you remember these from your childhood? I Loved weaving on these looms to make potholders, doilies, placemats, coasters, creatures, pillows, purses, head bands & belts. I think if you sewed them together you could even make a scarf. What do you think?

Fun for Everyone ages 6 to 100 or so

See our selection:
Plastic loom and hook (loops not included)
Metal loom and hook (loops not included)
Loop ‘N Loom weaving activity kit (comes with loops)
Weaving loops 5 oz bag…Cotton Mixed colors
Weaving loops 5 oz bag…Cotton White color
Loopers 16 oz bag…blended synthetic fiber Mixed colors

Button Bottles

New “SEE THRU” Button bottles to organize your sewing room.

At $1.99 ea you can afford to get several to tidy up your space and show off your prized buttons or embellishments.
For our special Blog shoppers…use this coupon for a better deal on your organizers.

3 Tier cooling rack

Recipe: Lemon Crisp Butter Cookies

2 ¼ C. sifted flour ½ C. firmly packed light brown sugar
½ t. salt 1 egg
¼ t. baking soda 1 tbls. Lemon juice
1 C. butter 1 t. grated lemon rind
½ c. Sugar

Sift together flour, salt and baking soda
Cream Butter; add sugar gradually & cream together
Beat egg, lemon juice and lemon rind
Gradually blend in dry ingredients
Fill cookie press, Form cookies on ungreased cookie sheet
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 min.

This Weeks CLASSES! Week ending Aug 29

Join us for these fun classes and start your Handmade gifts today.

Tuesday Aug 25: Bead Therapy @ 6 pm
This is a Open Beading workshop that allows you to make any project you would like to accomplish. Our Experienced Beaders are there to help you with any problems or techniques that you will need to learn.
Wed Aug 26: Embroidery and Sit n stitch has been cancelled.
Martha is having surgery and will not be able to teach this month. We will keep you informed as to when this group will be meeting again. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thursday Aug 27: Military/Photo Star Workshop @ 5 pm
Join us for a workshop on making your own photo star. Bring 10 photos for your star. Class Fee of $30.00 includes Star, paper, embellishments, and instruction
Class limit is 4…so sign up early!
Saturday Aug 29: Watch making workshop @ noon
Come in and buy your supplies and we will help you make those Fun New Watches.

Baseball Cases

Do you have a special Baseball you would like to show off and save. Did you have your team sign your ball and don’t want the ink to smear while rolling around in a drawer or box. We have the solution. Come in and pick up a baseball case today!

Our Baseball cases hold one Regulation Baseball.

Metal Stars

Use these stars alone for home décor or add pictures, paper and embellishments to create a memory photo star.

We have a photo star workshop coming up on Thursday august 27 @ 5 pm. You can make a photo star or the new Military Star. The cost of the project is $30.00 and includes Instructions, 2’ Metal Star, paper, glue and some embellishments. You supply 10 pictures for the project.

Class Limit is 4…so sign up early!

The Enveloper from Crafters Companion

Top Score Multi board…Perfect cards and boxes everytime with this award winning scoreboard

With the ability to make over 15 different cards and every shape and size box imaginable, this really is a fantastic scoring tool for crafters!

All you need to do is decide which size card you wish to make, and look at the markings on the scoreboard to determine the line you need. Then take your piece of paper and place it on the board. Using a bone folder or the provided embossing tool, gently score along the desired line.

The enveloper is designed to fold 9 different sized envelopes-either as standard flat envelopes or as three-dimensional envelo-boxes” to house and protect embellished cards.

Bead It FAQ

Taking care of your jewelry is an easy but forgetful thing to do. Probably no bead will last forever, but there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your jewelry.

Never get your beads wet. Taking a shower with your beaded jewelry on is not a good idea

Avoid storing your jewelry in a place that gets sunlight. The sunlight can fade some colors, especially during storage.

Always put on your jewelry after applying any creams or hairspray. Make-up lotions and skin acids can sometimes cause colors to change or wear off

After wearing your jewelry, wipe it with a soft cloth before putting it away, especially if you were hot and sweaty while wearing it.

Wooden Plates

What can you do with a wooden plate?? With some paint, paper and a few embellishments you can make a cute decoration for your kitchen or any room in your house. Maybe put a photo in the center of the plate and make a fun frame out of it. We have 2 styles to choose from in the large plates and 1 style in the small plate. Let your imagination take flight!

Fabric Blowout!

We have a variety of Fabrics on sale for 5 yards for $10.00 OR if you need less then they are $2.49 Yd.

Mix and Match with 1 yard MINIMUM cuts. These fabrics original retail for $14.99 Yd.

Stop by and check out these fabrics from Windham, Westminster, Benartex, Free Spirit, Springs, Andover, Robert Kaufman and MORE.

Easy Peach Cobbler with our NEW FALL PIE PANS

Come and see our new fall pie pans.

Easy Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

1 Can peaches (or any canned fruit you prefer)

1 box of White cake mix

Drain juice out of Canned fruit. Pour the peaches into bottom of the pan. pour DRY cake mix over the top of fruit. Bake at 350 until light brown, Hot and Bubbly.. ENJOY!

Photo ALBUMS

Are you like Renee’ and don’t have the time to scrapbook? Do you still need a place to put your photos, besides throwing them into a shoe box? We have the solution for you. We carry many styles and sizes of PHOTO ALBUMS. Each comes with crystal clear poly pockets that are photo safe. They are Acid free and lignen free.

The small album holds (40) 4 x 6 (or smaller) photos and the larger ones hold up to 200 photos.

New Table Top Clocks

Sensible and timeless mantel / tabletop clocks are perfect for any spot in the home. From bedside, to desk to dresser to mantel these clocks deserve a place in your décor. We have many styles to choose from

Scrapbook Thursday-"Abby Road" Line by My Minds Eye

NEW! NEW! NEW!

What do dinosaurs, cars, purses and shoes have in common? The gangs all here in the new “ABBY ROAD” Line from My Minds Eye!
There’s a little something for every scrapbooker here!! Whether you’re scrapping a shopping spree, some fun “boys will be boys” snapshots, best friend’s layouts or fun summer parties, there’s a coordinating paper and embellishment to match!
Abbey Road is complete with chipboard shapes, enamel brads, ribbon, shapes, titles and journaling embellishments to help you complete your cute layout in record time! Along with the scrapbook pages there are free idea sheets to help you think outside the box to make everything from paper lanterns to a back to school notebook and lunch bag!
So stop by and get some inspiration today!!!

The Impatient Beader

Are you one of those people who love to bead but are too impatient or don’t have time? Then this blog is for you! We have a great selection of beading books and among those is “The Impatient Beader”. The author Margot Potter, an impatient beader herself, has designed a book full of fun and easy projects to all who want to bead but don’t have time. She assigns all her projects a skill level so you’ll know exactly which projects will be best designed for you! Are you a beading virgin, a beading vixen, or a beading goddess? Come check out “The Impatient Beader” and find out!

Pick it up for $14.99. Regularly $19.99

And make sure to check out our other books as well.

Glass Block Candle Holder

Supplies;
1 pillar candle
2 bags color marble…flat
Photograph of choice
1 bag natural accents crystal fiber
Deco light (20 light) set
Glass block
E 6000 glue
Spray adhesive
Mod podge


Instructions:
Turn glass blocks on side and then center candle on glass block
Glue marbles in circular pattern around candle
Set aside to dry
Spray back of photo with adhesive spray and adhere to side of candle
Mod Podge over top of photo
When glued marbles are dry… insert lights and fiber inside of glass block
Embellish as desired
Place candle back onto the glass block

Red Heart Classic Yard skeins

New Yarns are coming and we are making room for them.

We will be phasing out our Red Heart CLASSIC to bring in some new yarns and expand our Red Heart SUPER SAVER skeins

For our special BLOG shoppers we are offering this week coupon of 50% off our Red Heart CLASSIC yarn skeins

Hurry in while the selection is best. 

Traditional hand combined with great wash performance. 

A palette of color to fuel your imagination

All purpose yarn works up beautifully

100% acrylic

4 ply…3.5 oz skein

No Bake Cherry dessert

Love Recipes? Then come in a see our selection of Deliciously fun cookbooks 

Try these great summer titles:

The ultimate RV cookbook

Campfire Cooking

S’More campfire fun 

Fix it in Foil

I’m Hooked, I ‘m Game ( 2 books in one)

Fast, Cheap & Easy 

Mommy & Me

College Cooking

Quickies in the Kitchen

This is great for those HOT summer days when you want dessert but don’t want to cook 

Recipe:  

 No Bake Cherry Dessert 

1 ¼ cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers

1/3 cup melted butter

¼ cup sugar

Mix all and put in 9 x 13 pan

Mix 18 oz package cream cheese

1 cup whipped cream

1 cup powdered sugar

Put this over the cracker crumbs. Pour one can cherry pie filling over top and chill. 

This is great for those HOT summer days when you want dessert but don’t want to cook 

F A M I L Y

Our FAMILY signs are back!! These are great for weddings or even just to decorate your home with. 

Iron Candle Holders

Perk up your décor or place in front of your fireplace. Lighting candles is a great way to get the feel of a fire without the heat. We have many styles and sizes to pick from . Come in and see our wide selection of Iron Candle Holders.

Swirls, circle, straight, or wave shapes with places to hold 3 to 6 candles

Beaded Watches

Have you heard of the hot new beaded watch bands? You probably have, but whether you have or haven’t, it’s a must to come check out our selection. Until September 2^nd our watch faces and lobster claws are 25% off and our elasticity is 2.29. (reg. 2.99)We have 40 styles of watch faces to choose from and more on the way! We also have different sizes of lobster claws depending on whether you’ve got a small of large watch face. You also need to check out our selection of spacer bars, including the two-hole wood or shell beads that can be used as spacers.

Do you need help making your watch? Then make sure to check out our watch classes! We have one every Saturday from 12-2 pm and the first Tuesday every month from 6-8pm.

On Saturdays just bring all your own supplies and we’ll help you make it free!

On Tuesdays the fee is $25.00 for the basic supplies. If you want, you can upgrade your watch face by paying the difference. Do you have all your own supplies but still want to come? No problem. Just pay the $5.00 class fee. Make sure you sign up early for our Tuesday classes because the spots fill up quick!

Life is Good Project

Jack Dempsy Needlework

Macaroon Bars

Check out this YUMMY recipe!!

Ingredients:

3 1/2 Cups shredded sweetened Coconut
1 Can sweetened condensed milk (NOT EVAPORATED MILK)
1 Tsp almond extract
1 can crescent rolls (we use reduced fat)
Chopped pecans
PAM spray (we use butter flavor)


Directions:

Mix almond extract with Condensed Milk.

Coat 9 x 13 pan with PAM spray

Sprinkle 1/2 the coconut in pan, drizzle with 1/2 almond condensed milk.

Open crescent  rolls, spread out and place on top of milk and coconut.

Spray with PAM and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Drizzle remaining almond condensed milk with remaining coconut.

Bake at 325 for 30 minutes or until golden brown. ENJOY!!

Store leftovers in the refrigerator. 

A MESSAGE FROM EMMA AND RENEE

Emma and Renee' were in Orlando for a TREASURE HUNT!
We were searching for great new products to bring home with us to share with you at the store. Keep your eyes open for FUN NEW treasures to be arriving soon!