Brainstorm

Friday, January 4, 2019

Em's Lego Camo Cake

I was told my nephew likes "anything camouflage", so I decided for my two nephews birthdays to make a marble cake with vanilla, chocolate and green to create a camo cake! They both also like Lego so I made it in the shape of a Lego brick, which was instantly recognised and got squeals of excitement form them both. It came out awesomely. I couldn't wait for him to cut into it! The Lego shape was created using Oreos and then iced over. (could have also used marshmallows?) So simple and effective!

The bottom of the cake before icing

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Em's 2018 Christmas Presents

Reindeer Noses

I made these reindeer noses as effective Christmas gifts. I think it is a really clever way to give the sometimes boring gift of chocolate in a new way, as everyone likes chocolate right? A packet of Malteasers and a packet of Jaffers made two big jars perfectly (Damn! I was hoping for some left overs!). I also like the added touch of a reindeer Foo on the label! 😁

Eggs
Our chooks supplied the three dozen eggs we needed for our family Christmas lunch, so I edited the usual label I use when giving people eggs and put little Santa hats on the chickens!

Friday, December 14, 2018

Em's Beetroot Relish

I made a batch of my favourite beetroot relish for everyone for Christmas. We have a constant supply in our fridge and cupboard to put on eggs or fritters etc. I also made the labels.

700g beetroot

1 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup Jam Sugar
1½ cups white vinegar
3Tbs balsamic vinegar
pinch of salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Clean the beetroot and cut off all of the stalk/leaves. Place into a pot of boiling water and boil for 20mins (until soft and the beets can be pierced with a sharp knife). Remove from the water and cool. Wearing gloves remove the skin from each beet by gently rubbing. Grate the beetroot into a bowl (it should be very soft and easy to grate). Add the beetroot and all of the ingredients into a wide-based pot and stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Let mixture simmer for approximately 30mins until the liquid has evaporated and it has a jam-like consistency (test by spreading jam on a plate from the freezer- If it wrinkles and feels gel-like, it’s ready). Put into sterilised jars.

Notes: Store the relish in a cool dry location.
Once opened it should be stored in the fridge.
Use within 3 - 4 months.
Enjoy on salad sandwiches, with cold meats, cheese and eggs

To sterilise jars

Preheat oven to 120C. Clean jars well with hot soapy water and rinse well. Let drain then place upright on oven tray. Place in oven and heat for 20mins. Fill while hot with hot jam. Boil lids in saucepan for 10mins then let drain.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Em's Knitted Blanket #2

I finished another knitted blanket using scrap wool. I loved my first attempt a knitted blanket and still had lots of beautiful wool to use so decided to make this one for my Mum's 60th. I used the same technique. A circular knitting needle, mix of weights and fibres, leaving the ends for the tassel. I knitted with 2 yarns each row and left out any yarns that were too furry this time. I also kept a darker, denser colour palette using the aqua and purple yarns as a base. I love those yarns and have lots of them. I've already looked at a new colour combination to start a new one!!

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Em's Macrame

I still would love to try a big macrame wallhanging!! Getting some rope seems to be the hardest. It's not cheap and there's so much variety! I had some string so I decided to try this tutorial and create a macrame necklace. I think it is really cute!

Then I decided to try a mini macrame owl. I had some wooden beads that were perfect for this tutorial luckily. I finally got the hang of some of the knots too!

I like the beads and feathers in the tail of this one, which uses the same pattern.

Friday, June 29, 2018

1960's clock

Inspiration for a 1960's starburst style clock..

Love this one!!! but add dots for numbers.. via

via

But not pink! via

Could be cool as different wooden pieces Via

via

Bonus clocks:

Couldn't resist.. via

Love the colours! Mixed with white..

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Em's Gold Magnets

I freshened up my old coloured letter magnets that were faded, by spraying them with gold spray paint. I only wish I had stuck them on a wall in the shed to spray them as the newspaper looked great outlining the letters and would have made an interesting feature on a shed wall.

Em's Knot Pillow

I really liked the idea of a knot cushion so decided to give it a go using this tutorial. I used some old curtain fabric from the op shop cut it in three lengths about 2m long and 13cm wide. Then sewed them end to end followed by sewing right-sides facing into a long tube. I sewed one end shut and turned the tube the right way then I used the help of a broom handle to stuff the tube, which took a bit of time, trying not to pack it too tight or loose. Then came the fun part of tying it into a knot. I used the turk's head knot without tightening into a ball. But am keen to try making a ball one too someday.

I was hoping to have some left over stuffed tube, but it was a perfect amount. I wanted to try making these balloon animals. Another project to add to the list. They would probably need a stretcher fabric anyway.

via

Here's another great tutorial for a knot pillow or here's a tutorial to use old leggings to make a knot pillow (or video tutorial here).

Also check out my other DIY cushions made from jumpers/sweaters

Em's Jumper/Sweater Cushion

Em's Jumper/Sweater Cushions #2

Monday, February 26, 2018

Macrame

Macrame! A great way to add boho or retro elements to your home! I love the idea of a huge wall hanging above the bed (especially like the one below on a dark wall!). I would love to make one! But also love the more simple versions of a door curtain.. But I might start with a smaller project like some jewellery or planters..