Bridal Shower Favor, Hawaiian Style

Hello blog friends!

Kristie here today from

Kristie Kreates.

Today I'd like to show you a cute bridal

shower favor idea from "Veils and Vengeance"

In this Wedding Planner Mystery

Adrielle Pyper plans a wedding in beautiful Hawaii.

Chapter 10 begins with a fun bridal shower favor.

"Using ribbon, tie a bottle of finger nail polish to 

a pair of flip-flops with a personalized note

from the bride.
Example:  I'd flip without friends like you.

Thanks from the bottom of my toes!"

Here is my example to show you how cute 

this idea is.

I used 3 different fabric flowers and held them together

with a large brad.  You can find a wide variety of brads

in your local craft stores.

There are a many choices for flowers.

You can purchase them at a craft store, packages specifically

for craft projects.  Or you can purchase stems of flowers and

take them apart.  Depending on the type of flower, color and size

you want to use, you can purchase them at your local

craft or discount stores.

Once you have assembled your flowers, they can

be adhered to the flip flops with strong adhesive

or thread.  Just be sure that they will be comfortable

for the recipient.  Example: don't use wire or a rough

thread like jute.

The tag I made was simple.

I printed out the sentiment on white paper from my

computer, cut it down and adhered it to a piece of card stock,

then I added a small flower with an adhesive crystal

in the center.

I happened to have a little "Thank You" charm and added

that to the ribbon tied around the nail polish.

These types of charms can usually be found in packets in

the bridal section of your craft store at a very reasonable price.

I added the tag to the ribbon with a piece of thread and it was

done.  Very easy.

I did all my components in purples, but you could use 

whatever colors you'd like to coordinate with the 

wedding colors.

Here are some flower examples that I made with 

other colors and types of flowers.

These are a much smaller flower, you could add one

to the flip-flops or a few.

It's your favor, so do what you like.

I think these make an adorable favor or thank you

gift for a shower or for the brides attendants.

How cute would they be for a beach wedding?!?!

I've been to a few weddings where the bride and her 

attendants change from their shoes to flip-flops

after the ceremony, it would be cute to have

matching flip-flops for the wedding party.

There are lots of possibilities, use your imagination

and make them however you like.

Thanks for stopping by today,

I hope you like Adrielle's cute flip-flop and

nail polish idea.

You can find a lot of great ideas when you read

"Veils and Vengeance"

"Woven" Background

Hello!  Kristie here today from

Kristie Kreates

with a tutorial for you.

It's been a while since I've done a tutorial for 

Mashed Potatoes and Crafts.

Sorry about that, life has a way of getting in the way 

of crafting and blogging sometimes.

But, I thought y'all might like this technique, so 

here I am.

I simply wound some string around an acrylic block.

I secured it on the side with some tape.

Next I chose a couple colors of ink.

I used Color Theory Ink from Studio Calico.

First I chose blue

I pressed the ink pad against the string.

making sure to get plenty of ink onto the string.

I then pressed the "stamp" onto some white card stock.

Because the strings were wider one way than they were

the other, I stamped them twice next to each other.

As you can see I stamped one way, turned the block

and stamped again at a 90 degree angle.

Above was my test piece, where I used all blue ink.

Then I did one with all the blue going one direction and 

chose a green to go the other.

This shows the basket weave much better.

I decided to give a try with a different "block"

I took a small square ink pad and wrapped that with 

string.  This gave a more square stamp.

I tried going all the same way too.  I like this but it

doesn't give the basket weave look, just a totally different 

pattern.

For this last one, I used 2 different colors of

Distress Inks (Vintage Photo and Tea Dye)

I wanted the stamp to be more square,

so I used the same small ink pad and 

covered the top with ATG tape,

you could use any kind of tape runner for this.

Adding the ATG tape was a game changer,

it held the string in place and I could place it all the way

to the edges of the block.

When I showed these backgrounds to my friends

they wanted to know how I got the darker spots in the 

'weave', the dark spots are where the string crosses over itself

so the string is doubled in those spots and it picks up a bit 

more ink.

I hope you'll give this a try, it makes a great background.

I did find I like the smaller block better, as it makes a much smaller

pattern which is more conducive to card-making.

If you'd like to see what I've done with one of these 

backgrounds, be sure to stop by my blog

Kristie Kreates

I'll have it posted there.

Thanks for stopping by today,

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial

and will try this technique.

It's always fun to use something unique

that you made yourself.

Leave a comment and let me know if you

have ever made your own backgrounds.

Until next time, make something fun!

Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice with Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Here's another recipe from the bestselling novel, Veils and Vengeance.

This recipe is featured in Chapter 6 and it's pretty simple and easily adjusted for different types of fruits. And yes, in Hawaii they call it "Shave Ice" so it's not a typo. :)

AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE WITH STRAWBERRY SYRUP

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice (1 lime)
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup white granulated sugar

Ice

  Macadamia nut ice cream or your preferred flavor

To make the strawberry syrup, first wash and core your strawberries. Toss them in your blender and pulse the mixture.

Next, combine the strawberries, lime juice, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. After removing the pan from the heat, leave the fruit in the syrup while it cools to room temperature. 

 

Then, after it cools completely, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a small pitcher or squeeze bottle. 

 If desired put one scoop of ice cream in the bottom of each bowl. This is how they serve it in Hawaii, with delicious creamy ice cream in the bottom!

 

Finely shave ice into bowls or cups, then pour syrup over the ice.

 

My kids loved this treat and we're going to try it with pineapple next!

 I hope you try this tasty recipe, and if you like it, you might be interested in more projects from my novels about a wedding planner who runs her own craft blog and solves mysteries! These Berry-licious Cupcakes with Magic Glitter would be perfect for a summer party and this tutorial on how to create Coffee-Filter Roses makes beautiful wedding decor.

Learn more about Veils and Vengeance and all of the chapter tips, recipes, and tutorials HERE.

Courtesy of www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com

I have a brand new book that is also set in Kauai and features a little Shave Ice too! :) You can find Hawaiian Masquerade here and here's a blurb for this sweet new romance! 
Lexi closed her eyes. The waves rolled in slowly, rhythmically, with a dependability that would never be doubted. Shawn had been her rock and they’d worked together with a rhythm that had kept their jobs and life in sync. Before Derek, she might’ve entertained a future with Shawn … but the dark-haired man with a camera bag slung over his shoulder had changed everything. 

When Lexi Burke escaped the remnants of a cold winter in Chicago for the beaches of Kauai, it wasn’t a random vacation. She left the hectic pace of Burke Enterprises behind with enough money to retire at age thirty-two, intent on settling into the idyllic existence of island life. Until she met local photographer Derek Mitchell—a talented man with a grudge against rich tourists. 

From art night to snorkeling lessons, hiking, and chopping coconuts, Lexi can’t talk herself out of spending time with the handsome, hardworking man who knows the value of every dollar. She also can’t find a way to tell him the truth about herself. But then Derek is selected to help in a benefit at a masquerade ball as one of the eligible bachelors up for auction. Lexi must decide whether to wear a mask or unveil her true self and risk losing Derek’s trust and a chance at love. 

Laurel’s Sweet Five-Petal Crochet Flower Pattern

Chapter 19- Laurel’s Sweet Five-Petal
Crochet Flower Pattern


Hi, Rachelle the farm girl here to show you how I used the Five-Petal Crochet Flower Pattern to create a darling set of patriotic hair clips.

Here's what you'll need to make the hairclips:

Yarn of your choice and weight- for this example I used crochet thread size 10 in red, white, and blue
2 crochet hooks, size C and size F (or size to your preference)
Metal hair clips
Small piece of felt--I used white
Glue gun
2 Buttons to match your hairclip

Make 3 flowers to create one clip.  I love crocheting these because they are so simple. I promise! It takes less than five minutes to crochet one flower. Here's the pattern with step-by-step photos using the size F hook:
 

Five-Petal Crochet Flower Pattern

Rnd 1: Ch 5, join into a ring w/sl st in 1st ch.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 9dc in ring, join to top of
ch w/sl st—10 sts.



Rnd 3: **Ch 2, work 3dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in next st** five
times. Fasten off.

You can see how the petals form as you repeat Round 3.

 To layer a slightly smaller flower on top, use one hook size
smaller than you used for the larger flower.

 Now create 2 more flowers for the layering effect. Use the size C hook for your smallest flower. Take all 3 strands of Red, White, and Blue crochet thread and tie them in a slip knot. Crochet the flower with the 3 strands together to make your multi-colored base flower.

For variety, you can create a different colored center by changing
yarn colors after round 2. Experiment with different weight yarns and
hook sizes.
Once you've crocheted your 3 flowers, layer them one on top of the other and place a button on the top. Use a tapestry needle or other dull point needle to sew your button on through the 3 layered flowers.

Cut a circle of white felt and attach your metal hair clip to the underside of the flowers with hot glue.

Repeat this process to make a matching set. You can see in the photo that I changed up the layer for a second set of hair clips so both of my girls can wear their favorite messy buns in style!

These flowers would work well on a T-shirt, bag, or table runner. Use your imagination and enjoy!
Chapter 19- Laurel’s Sweet Five-Petal
Crochet Flower Pattern
Use any size hook (depending on what size flower you want) and
any weight yarn, but for delicate lace flowers use fingering 10-count
crochet thread and a size 6, 7, or 8 hook.
Rnd 1: Ch 5, join into a ring w/sl st in 1st ch.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 9dc in ring, join to top of
ch w/sl st—10 sts.
Rnd 3: **Ch 2, work 3dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in next st** five
times. Fasten off.
For variety, you can create a different colored center by changing
yarn colors after round 2. Experiment with different weight yarns and
hook sizes. To layer a slightly smaller flower on top, use one hook size
smaller than you used for the larger flower.

If you liked this project, you might be interested in more projects from my novel about a wedding planner who runs her own craft blog and solves mysteries! Learn more about Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things and all of the chapter tutorials here.

The handmade candles were a hit with my kids and everyone loves the special touch of this rose-petal covered journal.
 Courtesy of www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com

Wedding Card Recipe from Veils and Vengeance

Chapter 2 Tutorial Wedding Card Recipe 

Hello, Kristie here from

Kristie Kreates.

Today I'm going to show you how to make

a wedding card using the idea from Chapter 2 

of Veils and Vengeance

"1. Fold a 4 1/4" x 11" piece of brown card stock in half

to make 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card base.

2. Stamp heart images randomly across the base."

I stamped mine with Versa Mark Ink which is

a clear water mark ink.

There is no color to this ink so it only enhances the

color of the card stock.

"3. Now stamp desired image (flower, bird, etc.) 

on white or other colored card stock scrap.

Punch with medium oval punch or cut using decorative

edges scissors.  Adhere to center of card front with glue."

I decided on this rose image, I stamped it with 

Versa Fine Black Onyx ink and cut it with 

a rectangle die as I don't have an oval punch

that was the right size.

I then adhered it to the card base.

"4. Utilize a favorite quote, printed on card stock 

for the inside message of the card.

Example: 'Of all forms of caution, 

caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true happiness.'

~Bertrand Russell"

I didn't put a quote or sentiment in this card yet,

as I would like to wait until I'm going to use it.

I will then add a sentiment specific to the couple it is 

given to.

This is where the card recipe ends in the book.

I have decided to take it a few steps further,

just to give some ideas if you'd like to kick it up

 a notch or two.

Some people will like to leave it at this point,

some will like to add a little more.

Here I added the rose stamped panel to a piece of

yellow card stock.  

If you know the wedding colors, you could use

a color that coordinates with their colors.

To take it up another level,

I stamped the rose again onto white card stock.

Then colored it with colored pencils and

fussy cut it, leaving just a small edging of

white around the image.

Using foam tape, I adhered it to the card 

front, right over the other stamped image.

This gives the card a bit more dimension.

And the final card.

I'm sure any couple would be happy to receive any of these

cards, if it is the most basic or the most 'embellished'

they will be sure to love it.

There is more you could do to embellish it even further if you'd care to.

You could add  "Wedding Wishes" above the rose,

add some "Wink of Stella" which is a clear glitter,

to the rose. You could use some ink or water color to 

give that white background a bit of color.

It's all up to you and your tastes.

Thanks for stopping by today,

I hope you'll stop by my blog 

Kristie Kreates

to see what else I've been up to.

And come back again soon for more ideas from Veils and Vengeance

Until then, have fun crafting!

Learn more about Veils and Vengeance and all of the chapter tutorials here.