small + friendly

DIY Wire and Stone Jewelry

This easy craft makes a great last minute gift!  With just a few affordable supplies and very little time (seriously like ten minutes!) you can create these rad wire and stone rings and pendants.  This project would make the perfect Galentine's Day gift!  Or if there are any crafty dudes reading, your special lady would totally dig a handmade ring or necklace ... how romantic!  

The idea for these pieces came from a trip to the toy store.  Am I the only grown-up who loves looking through the loose rocks at the toy store?  You can find super cool geodes, quartz, pyrite, and so much more and they usually cost less than 2 bucks!! I really wanted a few of them but I didn't want to bring home something that would simply collect dust.  Then it dawned on me, I could wear them!  

If you don't dig oversized jewelry these might not be the craft for you, but if you like to rock (pardon he pun) statement pieces every now and then, you've got to give these a try!

To Make Wire and Stone Jewelry You Need:

• Cool stones (Check you're local toy store!)
• Jewelry wire (16 Gauge for the pendant and 20 Gauge for rings)
• Needle nose pliers

Note: this is not a fussy project, feel free to really manhandle the wire and experiment! 

How to Make Wire and Stone Pendant:

1. Wrap the wire several times around the top of your stone.
2. Then create the top loop by bringing the wire over one side, through the wrapped wire and over the other side.  Note, at this point your rock might be a sort of loose.
3. Once you have successfully wrapped your wire around the second side, cut the end as close to the rock as possible.
4. To insure that your stone is nice and secure, use your pliers to pinch the wire around the stone.
5. Thread onto a chain and enjoy!!

How to Make a Wire and Stone Ring:

1. Wrap the wire around your stone several times creating an X shape in the back.
2. Pull the wire under that X and create a loop the size of your finger.
3. Loop the wire two or three more times.
4. Finish the ring by wrapping thew wire around the ring loops.  
5. Cut the wire close to the stone and then rock that ring!  

Okay know that you've made one (or five) show me your handy work!  Tag my on instagram @smallfriendly or post a picture to my Facebook page!  I love seeing what you create!  If you like making jewelry, be sure to check out these cool leather and chain creations!  

Happy Crafting!!  

 

Crave-Worthy Grilled Sandwiches

When I was asked by got milk? to share recipes that paired well with milk, the first thing I thought of was my grandparents.  When I was little I was lucky enough to spend lots of time with my wonderful grandparents.  My grandmother is an excellent cook and I have countless wonderful memories of helping her prepare, and of course devour, meals.  But there is one special treat that she used to make us kids that sticks out in my mind.  It is a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich and there is simply no way to enjoy it without a tall glass of milk.  

As I recall my grandfather loved those warm, gooey, sweet sandwiches as much as we did and he was an ardent fan of milk.  But in case your adult palate craves something a little less sweet and a little more sophisticated, I'm sharing two grown-up versions in addition to the classic.  Read on to learn how to make classic grilled pb&j, grilled almond butter and pear, and my personal favorite, grilled brie and onion jam sandwiches.  All three versions are utterly crave-worthy and pair beautifully with milk.  A cold and creamy glass of milk is just right with these warm, salty-sweet sandwiches.  Plus, my grandfather wouldn't have it any other way!

Classic Grilled PB&J

You'll need:

• Soft sandwich bread
• Peanut butter, ideally natural
• Jam, preferable raspberry or strawberry
• Butter

How to:

1. First make a peanut butter and jam sandwich by spread peanut butter on one piece of bread, jam not he other, and squishing them together.
2. Butter the top of the sandwich and place it buttered side down in a skillet that has been warmed over medium heat.
3. Butter the other side of the sandwich. Flip.
4. Grill until both sides are golden brown.
5. Serve warm with plenty of milk.

Grilled Almond Butter & Pear Sandwich

You'll need:

• Artisanal multigrain bread, thickly sliced
• Almond butter
• Fresh pear
• Honey
• Butter

How to:

1. Spread one half of bread with almond butter, top it with sliced pears, drizzle the pears with a little honey.
2. Place another slice of bread on top and butter it.
3. Place the sandwich buttered side down in a skillet that has been warmed over medium heat.
4. Butter the other side of the sandwich. Flip.
5. Grill until both sides are golden brown.
6. Serve warm with plenty of cold milk.

Grilled Brie and Onion Jam Sandwich

You'll need:

• Sliced sourdough bread
• Brie cheese
• Onion jam, available in specialty markets, DIY recipe found below
• Butter

How To:

1. To make your own onion jam thinly slice one or two onions and salute them in a little bit of butter until they soften and are a deep brown color.  Deglaze the pan with a splash of water and finish with a little bit of maple syrup and salt to taste.
2. To make the sandwhich spread a generous amount of brie onto a piece of bread and top with the onions and the other piece of bread.
3. Butter the top of the sandwich and place it buttered side down in a skillet that has been warmed over medium heat.
4. Butter the other side of the sandwich. Flip.
5. Grill until the cheese is melted and both sides are golden brown.
6. Serve warm with plenty of milk.

It was so fun to share this delicious piece of my childhood with my own kids.  And I've been craving the grown-up versions ever since.  

This post was brought to you by got milk? Food Loves Milk.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

Free Knitting Pattern: Chunky Slouchy Leg Warmers

I love taking requests for handmade gifts.  This year my littlest sister wanted chunky, slouchy, leg warmers and I was more than happy to knit them up.  Not only did they turn out really cute, but they were a breeze to knit up.  I thought I'd share this easy pattern in case you've got a stylish sister you need to keep warm.  And of course you're probably going to want a pair for yourself too!!  This is a great project for someone who wants to try knitting in the round but isn't ready to jump into the whole decreasing business that a hat requires.

To Knit Leg Warmers You'll Need:

US 11 (8.0 mm) 12" or 16" circular knitting needles

2 balls super bulky yarn (I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in Grey Sky, available at Michael's) 180 yards total

How To Knit Leg Warmers:

Cast on 34 stitches and join in the round

Knit 1, Purl 1 (to create ribbing) until your work is 2 1/2" long

Knit every stitch to create stockinette until your work is 13" long

Knit 1, Purl 1 for another 2 1/2"

Bind off and weave in the edges

Repeat for the second leg warmer.

Note: These are what I would consider a S/M women's size.  Feel free to add stitches in sets of two to create a larger size.  

Also, if you don't feel comfortable knitting in the round you could knit them on straight needles (skipping the whole join in the round bit).  The middle section would have to be knit one row, purl one row, to achieve stockinette.  Lastly, you'd have to seam them at the end.  But seriously, seaming is harder than knitting in the round, I encourage you to try it!

If you like free knitting patterns I hope you'll check out my super simple knit hat, easy ribbed hat, and buttoned baby booties.  

Happy Knitting! 

Self-Help Mode

I've been on a major self-help kick lately.  I blame my podcast addiction.  I'm one of those grown-ups who misses school and podcasts have helped fill that longing for sitting in a lecture hall.  It all started when a friend recommended Magic Lessons.  I've got to be honest, Elizabeth Gilbert kinda bugs me sometimes, but I enjoyed her message (Episodes 1 and 12 had me in tears) and it got me hooked on podcasts. Since then my subscribe list has become quite ecclectic, but there is one podcast that has really changed the way I see things: Happier with Gretchen Rubin.  I'll admit the first episode I listened to I thought, "These ladies are a bit strange and they seem to be trying to impersonate the guys from Car Talk."  But then I listened to an episode about the Four Tendencies that blew my mind (I'm an Upholder married to a Rebel in case you're wondering).  I have since listened to every single episode and I've grown to love Gretchen and her sister Elizabeth.  They make striving for a better, happier life sound doable.  And if nothing else they have helped me learn how to play to my strengths instead of battling my weaknesses.  

My love of the Happier podcast, of course, lead me to buy Better Than Before* (I got it from the library first, but then decided it was too good not to own) and it has my head swirling with hopes for better habits.  What I like most about Grethen's approach is the emphasis on getting to know yourself better.  For example, one thing I've realized is that I do best if I keep my goals private.  I can't tell you how many times I've declared I will do something and simply declaring it somehow takes the wind out of my sails.  So, while I am working to radically change many of my habits, I'm not going to make any huge declarations right now.  I do however intend to check back in when I see what sticks and share what I've learned.  I've got my new Get To Work Book and nice set of pens and I'm ready to dive in.  I feel both excited and trepidatious.  I want to make changes as long as they feel positive and energizing.  As soon as I start dreading my new habits I know it will be time to reexamine.  I need to remind myself that I can do anything, but not everything.    

Now I can't finish this post about resolutions without sharing one that I read by my friend Anne of Flax & Twine.  It already has me thinking twice about a few of my goals.  If you've ever struggled with asking too much of yourself, I encourage you to read her beautiful words.   

How about you?  Have you ever dug into the self-help world, any books I should check out?  Am I the only one that does better with secret goals?  And perhaps most importantly, what are your favorite podcasts?

* Affiliate link, if you click these links and make any purchase on Amazon, I get a tiny commission, thank you so much for your support!

Best of 2015

2015 sure went by in a flash! My baby turned one and my first baby became a kindergartener! I experienced a huge shift in contributor work (I went from tons, too much really, to a manageable amount).  The blog didn't see the attention it deserved last year, and I have big exciting plans to change that in 2016!  While I didn't get the chance to make and share as much as I'd hoped there are five projects that really stick out.  So without further ado, in case you missed them or want to add them to you 2016 to-make list, here are the five best posts of 2015:   

Simple Ribbed Knit Hat - This has quickly become my go-to hat knitting pattern.  It's easy, cute, and offers up lots of variety.  If you're new to knitting or want a super quick project, this pattern won't let you down!

Stamped Dish Towels - I love making beautiful useful things.  I especially love when I can make said things with my little ones.  Jude and I had a blast creating these tea towels and they make me smile each time I use them to dry the dishes or wipe Ronan's sticky face.  

New Studio Space - If I had to choose one favorite project from 2015, this would be it.  It took lots of hard work, but I love that my family has a studio space, even if it is in the garage.  Plus, making this creative space meant less toys and mess in the house, I still can't believe I have a real grown up living room!  

Mini Dutch Door - File this project under my husband is rad.  This door gets so much play!  Ronan and Jude both love it!  Jude discovered that it makes a pretty great puppet theater too!

Mini Pineapple Air Plant Holders - Cutest DIY goes to these adorable air plant holders.  They sit on the window sill above my kitchen sink and it almost makes the endless parade of dishes worth it.  Seriously, it's hard to look at these without smiling.  

One last set of projects that I am super proud of are the Drop Cloth Projects I did for the DIY Network.  We still use all of them regularly and they've held up super well!  

Wishing you and yours a beautiful and bountiful 2016!  May it be the best year yet!! Happy New Year!!!