Handmade by Holynickel

Vicki's White Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie

2010-07-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Putting this here so I don't lose it.

1 8oz package cream cheese
1 1/4 cup cold milk, divided
1 small box jell-o white chocolate instant pudding (regular or sugar free)
1 1/2 cup thawed cool whip (1/2 of 8 oz. tub)
1 pie crust of choice

Beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup milk in large bowl with wire whisk til well-blended. Add remaining 1 cup milk and pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk. Gently stir in whipped topping till well blended. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate 4 hours. Can use any flavor crust (oreo, shortbread, homemade, pillsbury) and can top with anything you want (choc chips, toffee, coconut, or any type fruit).

Stockings...

2010-02-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

Here are the Christmas stockings I upgraded. I found a super cute idea at Pleasant Home where you take a pre-made stocking and turn it into something adorable. Now, I have wanted to make stocking for the fearsome threesome for years, but have just never got around to it. Well, this was too cute not to try...sooo.....I went to my local quilt shop, found some cute Christmas fat quarters and came up with....

I love the way the turned out...in fact next year a matching tree skirt may be in order. But then again, it took me several years to make stockings. So it may be a while.

Christmas Gifts Part 1 ...

2010-02-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

Yes it is February. Yes, I am finally posting about the handmade Christmas gifts. Maybe if I get caught up, I can keep it up...right? We'll see.

Margaret Bag for my Mom

Messenger Bag from The New Handmade by Cassie Barden

Action Shot

Margaret Bag for FIL's Other

Black Corduroy Jumper

2009-12-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

I have had this made for a while. I am just finally getting around to posting it.

I love this corduroy. I used New Look Pattern 6845 for this dress. I made this pattern last year too. It really is easy and adorable. I love the way the skirt lays. The most difficult part is the zipper, but who likes zippers?

Recycled Crayons....

2009-12-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to make recycled crayons with my kids for a long time. So when I found some silicon muffin molds in holiday shapes in the cheapo section of a local department store, I couldn't pass them up.

So after all the crayons were stripped, the kids and I had a blast melting them down into fun shapes.

Snowflakes (These are my favorite!)

Christmas Trees

Snowmen

Ornaments, Bells, Stars and Stockings

Little hands loving her creation.

This was a super fun project. The silicon molds work perfectly. To make them, you simply preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Strip your crayons, and then sort them into your molds. You can do all the same color or multiples. Whatever suits your fancy. In my opinion, no more than 3 colors works the best. Once you have them sorted, put the molds on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. Let them cool, pop them out and color. Be careful though, if you pop them out before they are cool enough you will crack the crayon. But then you can just re-bake it!!!

I can't wait to buy other molds.

Crayon Folio

2009-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Our family took a mini vacation during the Thanksgiving Holidays. We traveled five hours in a car with a 9,6, and 4 year old. As most parents know, this is always trying. So I spent some time looking for things to keep them busy in the car. We have gameboys for each of them, but those only seem to last so long. Then, I found this wonderful pattern by Gingercake for a Crayon Art Folio. I knew it couldn't hurt to take some along.

So three of these were made for the kiddos.

This was for Sweet Pea. The pattern was easy to follow and the whole project did not take much time to put together.

For the boys, I did not add the handles. I felt this made them look more "manly". Less like a purse.

AJ decided he wanted colored pencils instead of crayons.

I have to admit the long drive went well. The kids still did their share of crabbing and whining, mostly the 4 year old, but I loved having another option to keep them busy. The folios store the crayons and paper right there together so we were not looking for lost crayons continually. It was awesome. Thanks Gingercake!

Fall Margaret Bag

2009-11-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

With the golden colors, falling leaves and dropping temperatures, my purses we just not working for me. It was time. Time for a new purse that is. Since I love my other ones so much. I had to make a Margaret Bag.

Here is the latest edition to my purse collection.
This one was made out of brown corduroy.

The lining is a off white print with various shades of tan and blue. I felt this broke up the darkness of the brown.

I covered a button with a scrap of the lining fabric.

closer view of the lining

Over all I am extremely pleased with this purse. I love the combination of fabrics. I love the feel of the corduroy. But, honestly, I do not think I will use corduroy again for this bag. The thickness of the fabric made it difficult to manipulate under my machine. Let me tell you, making the button loop was awful!!!
Then the button.... I had originally picked out a dark brown button to use with the corduroy, but once the bag was sewn together, I could tell the brown button would just get lost in the rest of the brown. The fabric button works great, but is a tad big for my button loop. The loop has a difficult time sliding over the button. Of course this could be a purely friction problem. My other Margaret bags have plastic buttons. If I would have used a smaller button, it would have eliminated this problem.

Jumper #1 for Sweet Pea

2009-10-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

I finished some church clothes for Sweet Pea this last week.

brown corduroy jumper with matching fabric flower hairbow.
I loved this fabric, and whole thing turned out super cute.

close up of the flower embellisment

I used this tutorial for the flower. They were much easier than I thought and really accented the outfit.

I tried to get a picture of her modeling the set....but she was upset that I would not let her 'gankey' (blanket) in the picture. It would have covered up the dress....oh well.

Jammies!!!

2009-10-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have been working on jammies for the kiddos....They love them. It is always difficult sewing for boys...but jammie pants have been a huge hit over here.

All three in their new jammies.

a monkey set for Sweet Pea
I really was not too happy with the neck on this set. It was huge. I had to dart the back to get it to stay on her shoulders. The pants are also very big and I even took them in. Evidently, she is smaller than an extra small. The good news is that Sweet Pea thinks they are awesome. Oh...and I love the sleeves.

So I take all three of them to the fabric store to get the fabric for these jammies. I let them pick. They love doing that. and Sweet Pea picks this pink camo. Not the cute monkeys. Not the flowers. Not any other super cute print I could find. No....pink camo....ugh. But as you can see...she likes it.

I have a hard time getting pictures of the boys. They always want to do something goofy...OH well....

Another Puppet Theater

2009-09-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

This one was for my friends daughter. Her dd was at the party for my other friends little girl and really liked this puppet stage, so I had to make her one, too.

I really like the way this one turned out. Instead of ball trim, I added an extra two inches of coordinating fabric to the valances, and used the valance fabric for the ties.

I also lined this case. The original patterned did not call for a lined case, but I feel that the lining gives it a better weight and feel.

The recipient was well pleased...and so was I.

My Messenger...

2009-09-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

I finished my bag for me!!! It was really quite easy. The most difficult part was the cutting. I hate cutting.

I used a pattern from the book The New Handmade by Cassie Barden.

Personally, I am not a fan of messenger bags. I don't like to wear my purse strap across my chest, but that is just me. If I were to make it again, I would cut down the strap and just make it like a tote bag with a flap for a cover.

Here is a glimpse of the bag with the flap open. I do love the pockets.

I will definitely be making it again!!

Washed, Ironed,

2009-09-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

and ready to go.

Here are the fabrics for my upcoming projects. With Christmas on the way, my list keeps getting longer and longer. It is only September, so the list is doable. However, if I don't get started.....

So here is the List:

For SIL

For Mom

For Me ;o)

And that is just the start.

I still have more fabric to buy.

Look....

2009-09-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

at my special delivery.

I have recently discovered Hancock's of Paducah. I am sooooooo glad I did. They are a fabric store with so much fabric it makes it hard to choose. Luckily, they have closeout fabric. Good closeouts. Moda, Robert Kauffman, Michael Miller, Alexander Henry. Like I said GOOD closeouts. I had 4 yards of wonderful fabric delivered right to my door for an awesome price. Now, I will say there is just something about going to a fabric store. But...there is also something about a really good deal. I will definitely shop there again.

Hmmm...May have to take a road trip!

A birthday gift...

2009-08-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

My friends little girl had a birthday this last summer, and I whipped up this puppet theater for her. I got the pattern out of Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing book.

It was much simpler to make that I first thought it would be.

The pattern includes a matching case pattern so that you can roll the theater up when you are not using it and store it away. The case also makes the perfect wrapping paper I think.

The button on the case was given to me by the birthday girl. I thought it was fitting to use it on the case.

By the way, she loved it.

Just because they were sooo much fun...

2009-08-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

I had to make another one.

This one is uses two coordinating fabrics.

and I added a small pocket on the inside.

and look I even have a navy blue mini notebook to match.

Hmmm.....wonder who I will give this one to?

It does coordinate with one of these bags....

Notebook Covers

2009-08-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I found this super cute mini composition books while looking for school supplies for my kids.

Aren't they adorable?

I knew that they had to have a cover.

So I spent hours this weekend working on some sort of cover for them.

And this is what I came up with.

I made one for each of the kids and one for me that matches my Margaret Bag.

The inside.

I must say. It takes a while to actually make something you see in your head. Following a pattern is so much easier. But I think it was well worth the experience.

The kids love them. I love mine.

Now I may have to work on a cover for the full size Composition books I purchased.

Sewing for the Boys...

2009-06-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

For some reason, it is just not as fun to sew for the boys. I guess because the embellishments you can do for girls things are just...well...girlier. Is that a word?

When shopping, my little men just put up with my fabric addiction. It was just something they have to survive. They don't like it, but they put up with it. They do it to make me happy. Okay, it may be because I am Mom and do not give them much of a choice. And then, while doing a routine fabric run, AJ found some flame fabric and asked me to make him a wallet. Who could refuse that? TA also chose a pattern he liked and the results were these:

Simple wallets
I had to learn to do snaps for these and it was not that difficult.
I will be making more.

Aprons
I know, but they are man aprons right?
What can I say? I have a problem.

and

Shorts

I will be on the lookout to make more things for them. They were so excited when I was finished.

New Capri Set

2009-05-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how much fun I have been having lately sewing. I don't know. It has just been a blast. I just finished this Capri set for Sweet Pea.

I made a mistake on the top. The pattern I was using had the option for a two tiered or three tiered top. I wanted the three tiered option. So I cut out the fabric, sewed the bottom and middle tier together and was pinning the bodice when I realized that I cut the wrong middle tier out. The middle tier was supposed to be about 5 inches shorter. What was I to do? Nothing. I just went with it. It was the best mistake I have ever made.

It fits her perfectly, and looks like it was meant to be that way.

action shot

Makes me want to make another one....How many capri sets does one girl need?

May I introduce you to.....

2009-05-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Margaret Bag

Lola, this really cool and crafty friend of mine, found this bag pattern and made herself a diaper bag. Well, when I saw it I knew I needed one too...hmmm...or maybe two too. So here they are. Holynickel's Margaret Bags...

First up the Pink one. A girl has to have a pink purse. Why you ask? Because I decided. I found this fabric and thought it would be perfect. The print is really too big for me to make into clothes for Sweet Pea. But in the bag it is wonderful....at least I think so.

The next one...well...it is for the Birds....Super adorable white birds that is with yellow flowers.

And...did you see the button? I happened to find the perfect yellow and black button. The amazing thing was that this pattern was not that difficult to do. The instructions were easy to follow. It was really surprising for me.

I know I already have 2 of these, but, you know, if the right fabric presents itself, a few more maybe in my future.

BTW...you can make your own Margaret Bag. Just click on the link at the top of the page and get sewing. Did I mention the tutorial is free?

Sweet Pea's After Easter Dress

2009-05-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this is a tad late. Honestly, this dress was finished for her to wear the week after Easter, but her mother forgot to take her picture.

This was supposed to be for her Easter dress, but as I was making it. I came across one that I liked better. Hence, the after Easter dress.

It turned out great.

Can you guess....

2009-05-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

What this is?

Why a very eco-friendly shopping bag of course.

Now if I can just remember to use them...ugh.

Two Tote Bags...

2009-05-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

I have been busy sewing this weekend. First, Sweet Pea is soon the be finished with preschool. I found some super cute teacher fabric at Joann's and thought that would make the perfect gift for her teacher.

You have to love apples and bees. Especially as a teacher.

Then, Mothers Day. To be honest, after all of the effort that goes into the birthdays for the last two months, by Mothers' Day my brain is done. I am tired of figuring out gifts and planning parties. So after I finished the teacher bag, I made one for my Mom. It turned out super well. I was wishing I had more of this fabric.

These are easy to make and so practical. I can seem more of these in my future...for the kids, for me, for gifts...oh the possibilities.

2 new baby baskets...

2009-05-05T05:24:00.000-07:00

I made baby baskets for Sweet Pea and her best friend E. for their birthdays.

This one was for Sweet Pea.

We also got her a baby doll to fit in it, and baby accessories for her diaper bag.

and for E.

I bought the baby basket pattern from Meg at Boutique NutMeg Designs. The quilt patterns came from the net, and the little tote was adapted from Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol.

My to do list...

2009-03-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

1. Sweet Pea's baby carrier .....completed
2. Sweet Pea's diaper bag ...... completed
3. Sweet Pea's baby doll quilt
4. Sweet Pea's baby diapers
(these are a set of things I am making for her 4th (ugh my baby is turning 4) birthday.

5. Apron for Me
6. Apron for Sweet Pea
7. Apron for a gift
8. Apron for another gift
9. Several baby blankets for a community baby shower
10. Easter dress for Sweet Pea

Ummm...I think that looks like a lot. Especially since these will need to be done by the middle of April.

I think I need to get busy...how about you?

Baby Basket

2009-02-18T13:19:00.001-08:00

I found the patter for a baby doll basket and thought it would be the perfect birthday gift for my friends daughters and mine, too. So here is the first of the year. I thought it turned out very well.

I even made a matching quilt for the baby. Can't wait to start on the next one.

2009-02-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

Sweet Pea had her very first birthday party invitation from preschool. I thought long and hard about what to get this little friend for her birthday and couldn't resist making a new apron.

close up of the two fabrics

We also bought some cookie mixes and muffin mixes and made it a themed present.
I am really liking the black and white if I don't say so myself. hmmm...May need to work on a couple for the two of us.

Spring Capri Set for Sweet Pea

2009-02-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

I just finished my first pair of pants. Well, I guess really they are capris. They were just a simple pair of pants with an elastic waistband, but it was the first time I have made this type of clothing.

They are a little long on Sweet Pea, and I even shortened them. So they should fit her for a few years. Hopefully, the shirt will last that long.

2009-01-24T13:33:00.001-08:00

My children love muffins for breakfast. Unfortunately, the boys won't eat them with fruit in them....unless it is pumpkin (which I do realize it is a vegetable. hmmm....or is it a fruit?). So when I came across this Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffin recipe at Tammy's Recipes. I knew I had to try it.

So here is my version of Tammy's recipe:

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 can pumpkin
3 eggs
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (i kinda guessed this)
1 cup butterscotch chips
You could add a cup of nuts too. My kids don't go for cooked nuts.

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium size bowl.

2. Mix the wet ingredients in a small bowl.

3. Combine the two bowls and mix until just moistened. (You may want to add more milk here if it seems to dry).

4. Place in a greased muffin pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

This makes about 18 muffins.

btw...according to this article pumpkin is a fruit...and so are green beans...who knew?

A dress for Sweet Pea

2008-12-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have completed my first dress. Over the years I have started many articles of clothing, but this is the first finished garment. I have to admit it was easier than I thought it would be. The zipper isn't that perfect, but who is looking..hehehe

I need to decide what I am going to do about the bow. Right now, it is just pinned on. I could leave it that way, or tack it to the dress. I think I will leave that decision for another day. Now I just need to decide on my next project.

Raggedy Quilt for a Baby Boy

2008-12-28T12:19:00.001-08:00

This is a rag quilt that I made for a lady at church. She is having a little boy and due any day now. This is the first rag quilt I have made. It was really rather simple. I will definitely be doing it again.

close up of the quilt

2008-12-26T11:31:00.001-08:00

I made some new aprons recently. The first two were for a lady a church. She wanted to give matching ones to her nieces for Christmas.

Here is a close up of the shopping bag fabric. I really liked this fabric. I had a hard time restraining myself and not buying up several yards. You know I have a fabric problem.

And then a Christmas apron for Sweet Pea.

This was a new pattern for me. I really do like it. It worked up quickly. I also made aprons for my mom and I to match for Christmas. I tried this pattern in the adult size XL but it needs some help. Not sure what yet, but I may have to work on it.

Matching Aprons

2008-12-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

for Grandma

for Sweet Pea

What does it mean...

2008-12-12T13:30:00.001-08:00

...when you make your own birthday cake? Last year, a friend and I took a cake decorating class. We had a blast. We got to get out once a week for a month and came home with a beautifully decorated cake...that we got to eat. I mean what more could we want? Well, last year I made the birthday cakes for every family members birthday. Dad's in September, Brother #2 two weeks later. Then in November, Bro. # 1 and I have birthdays 1 week apart so I made a cake for that. The Dad in Law and Sister in Law in February. Then Sweet Peas in March, TA's in April, The Man's a few days after that. AJ's in May. Lots of cakes...but let me tell you...they tasted awesome.

This year when Dad's b-day rolled around I didn't even consider making it. I just didn't really think about it. So we had a store bought one...it was good, but mine are better. Bro. # 2 same thing...but this one was frozen. Bro. #1 bought it, and he didn't know it was frozen...but still, it was. The kids said it was a cake Popsicle if that tells you anything.

So by Bro. #2's birthday and mine of course, I had had it. It was time for one of my cakes...and it was awesome.

I will admit that it gave me some trouble. If you look closely you can see the crumbs in the top. But, boy, was it good....and that is really all that matters.

Chili Recipe

2008-11-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have a problem with chili. I really like it, but it seems that I just can't ever make it the same way twice. Either it is really, really good, or it is just so. Well anyway, last week I made chili and it was really, really good, so I thought I would put the recipe here. That way next time maybe it will be just as good.

1 lb ground beef
2 cans chili beans
1 can tomato paste
1 chili can full of water
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 onion diced
1green pepper diced
1 and 1/2 packets of chili seasoning

mix all ingredients into a crock pot and let cook. I cooked mine on high for about 5 hours and it was ready for a late lunch,

It is really a mild chili. Dh and I would rather it be a tad spicier, but Sweet Pea will eat it if it isn't too spicy so mild it will be. Of course add some hot sauce and there you go.

My newest Smock

2008-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a smock I made for a friends child. It was her first birthday..and although it was big for her, I really don't think you can introduce a little girl to the world of aprons to early..hehehe

Aprons for some friends

2008-09-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the last two aprons in my Mother/Daughter birthday aprons. They are finished. I need to get all of us together to get a group photo.

This was for one of my best friends daughters.

and this was for my friend.

Aprons, aprons and more aprons

2008-04-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have an apron problem. Mainly I love them. I decided this year to give my friends and their daughters homemade aprons for their birthdays. So here are some pictures of the first completed projects. The two blue ones are for my friend L and her daughter R. The pink is for my friend K's daughter E.

The Craft Blog..

2008-04-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted a place to list all of my crafty type things in one place and here it is.

Honestly, I am an amateur at anything crafty I try to do. Right now, my main craft is sewing. I mostly sew aprons, but am currently working on a rag quilt as a gift. Some other crafts I do include crochet, scrapbooking, and making hairbows.

Hope you all enjoy.