Make Fancy

I've moved!!!!

2012-01-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've decided that I need some "help" i.e. someone to force me blog more! So... Ive joined up with my sisters cute little blog Pictures of Happy! So Come on over and be our friends and see what going on at our little part of the of the world! Just click here.

We are Back!

2011-02-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

So I recently moved into a teeny weeny apartment and my husband and I bought a new tv... but had no stand for it... lucky for us we found this little stand for 4 bucks at a thrift store! We had fun doing our first "redo" together. Check it out!

Before: Old, dinky, kinda ugly

This is the half way point.. still needs a little more paint and feet, but check out the difference and our sweet knobs...

This is our final product. We really like it and are happy with the color (it matches a painting we have). We bought wooden feet and spray painted them black, the main blue paint is also spray paint.

Decorative plate

2010-12-16T11:05:00.001-08:00

I've been trying to come with a really REALLY inexpensive Christmas gift for my grandma and something fast too. She like most other grandmothers I have come across loves anything to do with sweet little crafty things and angels. So then it hit why not do the easiest thing on earth and make her a nice plate to hang on the wall, and why not show ya'll while im at it!!!

Start with a clear/smooth $1 store plate and trace out the circle on the bottom

Cut out your circle

Trace out your circle on the picture you want to use

Cut out your picture

Using ModPodge

Spread a layer on the plate

Use a credit card to smooth out and bubbles and put another layer on ModPodge on top

I went ahead and using more ModPodge put a payer on glitter around the edge of the plate (optional)

Using my FAVORITE spray paint

Spray your plate

Ta Da!!!!

I L.O.V.E my cake/dessert stands!!

2010-12-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

My sister Peggy (the other creative mind behind Make Fancy) is getting married Dec. 28th, and my other sister Angie and I were in charge of the bridal shower. When I say "we" were in charge I mean Angie gave me the money (and not a lot I tell ya) and I put everything together, you gotta love that! We decided to have a dinner and these are the center pieces I came up with!! I just love them!!

Don't you just want one!!??

Ok well here ya go...

Start with a assortment on plates and stands. Anything can be a stand ie. Glasses, candle sticks, trophies...ANYTHING! As for plates you want three different sizes big, medium and small. Try to stay clear of plates that have ribbed edges, it just doesn't look as nice and you can tell it was a kitchen plate. I got all mine at Goodwill for between $.25 and $2.00.

Stack them in various different ways to see which one you you like best.

Then using the Gorilla Super Glue (I LOVE IT!!!!!) glue you pieces together. I love the super glue cuz you don't have to clamp anything together just add pressure for about 30 seconds, EASY!

Prime the your collection. I always use Krylon Spray Primer and love it. (the little guy in the back left hand corner is a cake stand I made, i did it them same way as these but only sprayed the base and found a vintage plate for the top.)

Then find the colors you want , i only use Krylon and the colored caps are a exact match to the color inside.

Find a well ventilated area and go to town spraying your stands. I found that 2-3 coats was plenty.

Here's a close up of one of them.

Candle Stand

Candle holder

Goblet

Seriously though I love these and they were SO easy and inexpensive to make. The little Gorilla Super Glue bottle was bout $3 and I still have about 1/2 a bottle left after doing 8 stands!

PS my favorite is the yellow one with the chicken on top. Can I please tell you how UGLY that chicken was before, the guy checking me out at Goodwill was prolly thinking "what is this loca going to do with all this ugly crap!?" Little did he know... :)

Im going to be linking this post up to the DIY Project Party December Contest. Please check them out thediyclub.com/ they have some amazing tutorial, parties and contests!!

2010-12-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Tree Topper

This year I really want to have a different/unique Christmas tree, and what better way to

start than the tree topper!

Super cheap and easy. Start with a Styrofoam ball or whatever you have hand that is light.

This is just a moss covered Styrofoam ball from the $1 store. Make little roses out of streamers (also $1 store).

Glue the roses all over your ball

Glue a toilet paper roll to the bottom. (you can trim it to the length you want)

I wrapped what you could see of mine in 99cent ribbon from Walmart

And here's what you get at the end

Total cost $3!!!!!!

Im super excited to see what this look like on our future tree, yes you read that right

we still have yet to buy a Christmas tree....sad I know.

Seriously thought the uses for this our endless! Im thinking it would look good in a bigger version hanging from the celing...hmmm...theres an idea...

2010-12-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

Easy as pie Christmas door mat!!

While waiting for my cousin (really i'm just just lazy) to email me pictures of numerous projects i did over the thanksgiving holiday, i decided to get over my laziness and post a quick and super easy Christmas project!

Start with a super cheap ~~ugly~~ generic door mat

I got mine at Walmart for $3.97

Using painters tape outline and fill your design

Using my FAVORITE spray paint

(seriously this brand is the BEST but whichever you use make sure its outdoor spay paint)

$2.97 at Walmart but lucky me I already had this color (Cherry Red) in my closet!

Spray over the whole mat

Wait the allotted time (i'm SUPER impatient so i think the the whole 5 coat painting process took me 15min. i prolly should have waited longer) and peel for your painters tape.

And there you go!! You've got yourself a SUPER CUTE door mat on the CHEAP!!

i'm embarrassed to say the christmas bug is late getting to our home this year. He should be making a visit in the next couple days so i'll show you the mat in all its christmas sparkling glory then!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

"Gracias, danke, merci whatever language is spoken, 'thank you' frequently expressed will cheer your spirit, broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection. There is a simplicity even a sincerity when 'thank you' is spoken."
--Thomas S. Monson

Simple Journal

2010-11-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

2010-11-11T14:04:00.001-08:00

Just look at these cute little pumpkins!

and for just .50 cents a piece at goodwill!!

Flowers were just something i had on hand.

They are just precious, don't ya think?

2010-11-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

Look what I made!

I don't even know how to sew! This is me being proud of myself!!

What do you think??

While Baby is Sleeping

2010-11-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Another Chair Redo

Before

After

So what do ya think???

Is Dinner ready Yet???

2010-10-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

The BEST and EASIEST banana bread ever!!

Ok I got the recipe from this book here, I LOVE it!

Ingredients

1/2 cups plain (all-purpose) flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 large very ripe bananas

1/2 cup buttermilk (i was told a long time ago that you mix milk with lemon juice to make buttermilk, not sure if thats true but it seems to work fine. 3 parts milk 1 part buttermilk)

confectioners' sugar to serve

nuts (optional)

Directions

heat oven to 325 degrees and grease/flour a bread pan

mix all the wet ingredients together (minus the buttermilk). Make sure you bananas are well mashed before adding them to your wet ingredients.

Slowly add the combined dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternately with the buttermilk. Beating well after each addition.

Out the mixture into the bread pan and bake for 55-60 min, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.

ENJOY!!

While baby is sleeping

2010-10-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Long time no see...

coffee table to COFFEE TABLE!!!!!

My friends...

2009-10-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

LAME I know! It has been almost a month since my last post. As I know all of you have experienced it, life has gotten the best of me. I started this Blog because I had ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD (so it seemed) and then the next thing you know everything changes. Well, PLEASE don't give up on me I will be posting more regularly! PROMISE! Lots of good stuff to come!

While Baby is Napping

2009-09-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Yep, so this is the day when I'll tell you all about how you can get your own fab redone chair! I had all the pictures ready to upload and everything, the next thing I know...they're gone! POOF just like that! I have NO idea how it happened. BUT everything OK because one of my favorite blogs has a very similar tutorial on how to re-upholster a chair, so click here and it will take you straight over to Living with Lindsey! While you're there check her out, she's ABSOLUTELY talented! So again here are my before and after takes...

Before

After

Here's a Tip: Don't rush out and buy all your supplies! Look around at home and see what you already have. An old sheet or table cloth could serve as fabric and pretty sure everyone has white paint around somewhere! This can be a pretty inexpensive project!

While Baby is Napping

2009-09-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Sneek Peak!!
Just a quick look at whats to come!

Before

After

Is Dinner Ready Yet?!

2009-09-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

Lemon and Chili Chicken

(note to self, do NOT let hubby take the pictures! Sorry guys!)

Hubby Ratting

Notes: hubby thought that my seasoning was way to strong and that it was a little to spicy!

Ingredients (serves 4)

4 raw chicken thighs

2 cloves of garlic

1 table spoon Ginger

1 table spoon water

2 table spoons cumin

2 table spoons coriander

1 table spoon red chili pepper flakes

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 cup lemon juice

3/4 cup dry white wine

Directions

In seperate bowl combine chopped garlic ginger, and water. Mash into a past and set aside.

Pour some olive oil into a frying pan and brown your chicken thighs on both sides (medium high heat), when browned remove and set aside

Turn down the flame a little and add your garlic mixture to the frying pan. Mix for about 1 min, After a minute add all your spices, cumin, coriander, red chili pepper flakes, red chili powder. Stir fry for a couple minutes. Add lemon juice and wine and throw in your chicken. Bring to a boil then cover and set on simmer. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 min or until chicken in tender and cooked. When chicken is tender take off lid and let it all come to a boil for about 5 min or until the mixture has burned away till there is only a little left. Season to taste and serve.

NOTE!! I DON'T MEASURE SPICES!! I always just put in till it taste right to me. Above is a ESTIMATE to what I put in. Always err on the side of to little when putting spices in, you can always put more in later.

Ricotta Layered Salad

Hubby Rating

Notes: Hubby really liked this... he thought it should have been a little warmer. Not sure how that would work being a salad and all, but I thought it was YUMMY!

Ingredients (serves 8)

12 slices chargrilled eggplant

8 slices zucchini

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cloves garlic (crushed)

salt

pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 cup marinated mushrooms

1 jar marinated bell peppers

1 cup sun dried tomatoes

6 pieces of artichoke cut in half (12 total)

arugula leaves

Directions

Line a bread pan (9 1/2 x 5 x 2 1/2 inch) with plastic wrap, make sure that plenty hangs over the edge. Cut eggplant and zucchini into slices and place on a lightly oiled cookie sheet. Put into ove on high broil for 4-5 min each side.

Mix ricotta cheese, garlic, chilipowder in a bowl and beat until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Line bottom of bread pan with half of the eggplant slices. Cut to fit, to make sure the whole bottom is covered. Lay all of the zucchini slices on top of the eggplant. Cover with ricotta cheese mixtures. Smooth and press firmly.

Arrange half of the mushroom slices on top of the ricotta. Cover with a layer of arugula leaves. place the remaining mushrooms, artichoke and tomatoes in rows on top of leaves. There should be three neat rows of these veggies. Cover with the remaining eggplant.

Take the extra plastic wrap from the sides of the bread pan and fold over the top of the salad to everything is covered. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the top of the bread pan and place weights/cans of tuna on top of the card board. The whole point is to be able to mash down the whole salad as much a possible. place the salad inside the refrigerator and leave overnight.

To serve, remove from the fridge, take off weights and cardboard. remover top layer of plastic wrap and turn over onto a plate. Remove the rest of the plastic wrap and cut large slices.

Wild Berry Bread Pudding

Hubby Rating Note: hubby doesn't like bread pudding. He said that you could still taste the bread. I think this because I use whole wheat bread instead of white. Hey its healthier!

Ingredients

1 cup blue berries

1 cup black berries

1 cup raspberries

1 cup strawberries

1 1/2 cup sugar

lemon juice

1 loaf of bread (whole wheat or white)

Directions

Place all of your fruit into a large pot and slowly pour in your sugar while the stove is on medium heat. Slowly bring to a boil and let boil for 2-3 minutes. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes, this should make your fruit let go of all of there juices. Your going to need a lot of liquid so if you need more add some more sugar. Careful not to add to much sugar, if you do add a little of lemon juice to cancel it out. Err on the side of less sweet than to sweet. turn heat off stove.

If you have a pudding bowl use that if not use either a deep cereal bowl or small mixing bowl. Get your bread and cut a piece to fit on the bottom of your bowl. You may need to use more than one piece, just make sure you cut the pieces so that they fit exactly over the bottom of the bowl. Cut the rest of your bread into triangle and cover the sides of you bowl to the top. soak your pieces of bread in the juice mixture before you line the bowl. After this pour the remaining juice and all the fruit into your bowl with bread lining. Cut more pieces of bread to cover the top. There should be so much juice and fruit it will almost overflow. Don't forget to soak the top pieces of bread in the juice also.

Place your bowl on a plate so that the mixture wont get all over your fridge. Get a small plate (or one that fits on top of your bowl) and place it on top. Get some weights or cans of food to place on top of the plate and smash down your mixture. You want to able to see it all running down the sides (hence the plate underneath). Place all of it in the fridge for 2-3 days. This allows the fruit, juice and bread to really soak up all the flavors. the longer you leave it in the fridge the stronger the taste.

To serve, tip bowl over on serving plate and serve with whip cream!

Welcome!!

2009-09-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I have to say that this is a VERY new experience for me. I just started my first blog (a family one) only about 4 months ago, so i am a brand new blogger. I'm married and just had my first little baby on May 10th, a boy. All the sudden I find that my life is all about him and my hubby, and no time for me. So in a effort to keep my sanity I've begun to force myself to find my "hidden talents". Hmm... I'm not quite there yet, but I have some ideas. Thanks to all the wonderful DIY blogs out there (which I am shamelessly obsessed with) I've began to use my imagination and see what I come up with! I've always been into thrifting, garage sales, and who cant love picking up someone else's garbage for yourself?!

Also, I've been trying my hand a cooking. I'll admit it, before I got married and had my baby, I was the MOST undomesticated female out there! It was always takeout or if I had to cook the microwave was favorite appliance, and as luck would have it I met and fell in love with a self proclaimed food connoisseur! Now ladies (and gents), I may have found one of the few, like 10% of the male population, that doesn't like junk food. I'm serious the guy will literally starve before he puts anything inside the microwave. That, AND he will rarely eat pizza, chicken wings, fries, hot pockets, candy etc. This is man who would die happy if he could have 3 well cooked full meals a day! OK, hence the reason for me needing to learn to cook! I dreaded, and put off learning until now and surprisingly enough...I LOVE IT...and I'm not to bad if I do say so myself!!!

All that being said I give the topics to Make Fancy !

While Baby is Napping

This is a once a week blog that will give you tutorials and a look at my newest dirt cheap DIY project! Wednesday will be the official day for this blogs posting...some weeks I may have more.

Is Dinner Ready Yet!!

Here is where you will find my latest culinary experiment, complete with pictures and recipes. That, AND at the bottom you will see my Hubby Rating, that's where after each meal you will see what star rating my husband gives it! He really does have a knack for good food! This blog will appear 3 times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Where Does This All Come From?!

Here is where I probably bore you with all my different favorite pictures. My hubby and I just finished school and had a baby so you can just guess where our finances are! So needless to say I CAN'T buy that beautiful $250 wall hanging from Pottery Barn! But I CAN get my ideas from it a try to make one for myself! So with the blog on random/whenever I feel like it days, you'll get a chance to see where I get all my ideas!

Thanks all for looking, and I really hope that I get a chance to get to know all of ya'll!

Coming Soon!!

2009-09-03T10:49:00.001-07:00

Be sure to keep on checking back, it'll be starting before you know it!