Halloween Craft and Recipe Blog

Fall is probably my most favorite time of the year with the crispness in the air and the vibrant colors of the trees. I love Halloween and all the decorations full of bats, cats, ghost and witches and don't you just love the way black and orange look. There are so many great crafts and recipes for this time of the year so I decided to start a blog which will be filled with recipes, patterns and crafts for the fall season and Halloween holiday Halloween Crafts and Recipes If you have something you would like to share please email me debbie@2oldcrows.com

Caring for Wicker

Wicker furniture was extremely popular during Victorian times and is just as popular today fitting into many types of decor. Wicker refers to furniture made out of vines, grasses and plants. There are four major types of wicker : rattan, reed, willow and bamboo. Wicker is strong and durable and will last for years if taken care of properly. The few tips below will help to keep your wicker looking great for years. I bought this piece recently at an auction trying still to decide if I want to paint it or leave it more shabby chic looking
1.Avoid placing wicker in direct sunlight, radiators, heat ducts,fireplaces and wood stoves these will cause the wicker to dry out and become brittle. If the wicker becomes cracked and brittle apply boiled linseed oil with a brush being sure to get into all areas of the weave. Apply till the surface remains shiny and then wipe with a paper towel
2.To remove surface dust vaccuum regularly using the soft bristle attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Go with the weave when vacuuming. A dry paintbrush may be used to brush out stubborn dirt, animal hair and fuzz.
3.Wipe pieces down occasionally with a cloth dampened with water (wrung-out) and mild detergent. Keep water to a minimum to avoid limp or soggy wicker that will stretch out of shape. Do not sit on damp or wet wicker it will stretch the weave.
4. If you do find mold or mildew on your wicker clean immediately with a solution of bleach and water (50/50), rinse well and dry thoroughly.
By taking care of your wicker pieces properly they will last for years.

Making Your Own Linen Spray

Lavender Linen Spray

Lavender is known for its wonderful aroma and soothing benefits. You can make this spray for ironing, to freshen sheets and towels in the linen closet, on old linens to freshen them, as an air freshner and on your pillowcase just before going to bed - it will relax you and help you fall asleep.

Ingredients for a 5 ounce bottle:
4 ounces of distilled water (tap water will cause it to become cloudy)
1 ounce of 100 proof vodka or ethanol (rubbing alc0hol -do not use isoproyl)
10 drops of lavender essential oil
5 ounce spray bottle ( dark glass works the best)

Mix the essential oil into the alcohol, the alcohol will take on the scent of the oil. Slowly add the distilled water stirring constantly. Fill the bottle

Store in a cool dark place and shake well before using. Test on fabric in an inconspicious spot before spraying the entire piece.

Other non staining essential oils such as juniper, eucalyptus, rosewood or peppermint can be substituted for the lavender.

Written by Debbie - Two Old Crows

Selling on Ebay

Artist and crafters are successfully selling their items everyday online at auctions such as ebay. According to TheBidFloor.com the sale of crafts on ebay has grown over 60 per cent in the last year. But at the same time when viewing crafts on ebay we will see many with no bids leading the artist and crafter to think that ebay just doesn't work. Here are some tips on how to successfully sell your creations on ebay.

1. Go to ebay.com and type in the search box a word or phrase that describe your type of work, then scroll down the left side and click on the link for "completed items". By doing this you will be able to see the demand for this type of item.

2. Find out how much people are willing to pay for an item by clicking on the link that says " highest price" This will allow you to see all the prices of items from the highest to the lowest. Are you able to make money at these prices if so ebay may be the right place for your items

3. Read titles of items like yours - the words used should to describe you item such as hand made, handpainted. Read descriptions on items selling for high prices and get incite on how to write your description

4. Take great pictures and more than one- pictures need to show not only the whole item but the attention you paid to details

4.Examine successful winning auctions, what day did they start on, how long did they last, how many and what type of photos where used, starting price and how long did the auction last

5.Provide great customer service, packaging and shipping so that you get repeat customers.

Updating Old Furniture

Reupholstering and updating your old furniture doesn't have to cost you a fortune. By using a bit of creativity and looking at fabric in a new way you can reupholster and cover your present furniture inexpensively. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination and get you started.

Vintage or New Tablecloths
Inexpensive vintage tablecloths can be bought at flea markets and garage sales while new ones can be bought at discount- these give you a large amount of fabric at an expensive cost. They can be thrown over upholstered chairs and if more than one is needed just choose one in similiar colors so that they blend. Stains areas that can not be removed can be cut around and they make great fabric to upholster the seats of dining room chairs.

Sheet
Sheets can be used to cover inexpensive fabric and can easily be changed with the season. They once again give you a large amount of fabric and come in an array of sizes. The designs and colors are unbelievable and make updating tired and outdated upholstered pieces very easy

Artist Canvas
Artist canvas comes in 100 yard rolls and is very durable. If your not familiar with it comes in white or cream which can be left as is or painted with acrylic paint and sealed letting you do any design you can paint. Its great for outdoor furniture because of its durability

Old and New Ouilts
Old and news quilts make great covering for sofa and chairs and blend in so well in almost any decor especially primitive, country or shabby chic. If they are worn just do a bit a mending to make them more usable and remember their worn faded look add to their charm.

Drapes
Drapes in velvet, silk and other fabrics picked up at thrift shops give you rich and elegant fabrics for very little money. Work around any sun faded areas and they usually just need a little cleaning- if they need dry cleaning do it yourself at a laundromat.

Old Bedspreads
Hopsacking bed covers, quilted and old chenille coverlets can be found in thrift stores and make a great expensive way to cover an old chair. The bonus of them being almost always washable make them great around pets and children.

So the next time you look at your furniture and its looking tired and your so tired of it take a walk through your nearest flea market or thift store with a discerning eye and a bit of imagination !

Wicker furniture was extremely popular during Victorian times and is just as popular today fitting into many types of decor. Wicker refers to furniture made out of vines, grasses and plants. There are four major types of wicker : rattan, reed, willow and bamboo. Wicker is strong and durable and will last for years if taken care of properly. The few tips below will help to keep your wicker looking great for years.

1.Avoid placing wicker in direct sunlight, radiators, heat ducts,fireplaces and wood stoves these will cause the wicker to dry out and become brittle. If the wicker becomes cracked and brittle apply boiled linseed oil with a brush being sure to get into all areas of the weave. Apply till the surface remains shiny and then wipe with a paper towel

2.To remove surface dust vaccuum regularly using the soft bristle attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Go with the weave when vacuuming. A dry paintbrush may be used to brush out stubborn dirt, animal hair and fuzz.

3.Wipe pieces down occasionally with a cloth dampened with water (wrung-out) and mild detergent. Keep water to a minimum to avoid limp or soggy wicker that will stretch out of shape. Do not sit on damp or wet wicker it will stretch the weave.

4. If you do find mold or mildew on your wicker clean immediately with a solution of bleach and water (50/50), rinse well and dry thoroughly.

By taking care of your wicker pieces properly they will last for years.

Collecting Vintage Handkerchiefs

In the days before tissues no well dressed woman or young lady would have thought of stepping outside her home with out a hat, gloves and freshly pressed hankerchief in her purse. Fancy hankerchief of linen and lace were carried to church, weddings, funeral and other special occasions. While pretty colorful cotton hankies with flowers, geometric designs or animals were tucked into sleeves and waist for daytime use. Every holiday and special occassion had special hankie designed just to carry that day, Vacations and trips meant souvenir hankerchiefs one from a far off city or to commemorate visiting a historical place. Handkerchiefs were often given as gifts to women and can still be found crisp and unused in their original boxes tucked away in chest of drawers.

Vintage handkerchiefs were usually made of cotton, linen and silk,and most are still sturdy and in good condition. They can easily be hand washed in gentle detergent and starched to give that crispy appearance once more. For stubborn stains, a good soaking in hot water and an all-fabric bleach like Biz will usually remove any stain.

Today vintage hankerchiefs have a following and are sought by different kinds of collectors. Some collectors only collect souvenir hankerchiefs or handkerchiefs with flowers. But a Christmas handkerchief may be sought not only by a handkerchief collector but also by a person who collects vintage Christmas items. Still vintage handkerchiefs are still one of the least expensive and easiest of the collectibles to find. Most can be purchased for under five dollars and can be found at thrift stores, estate auctions and garage sales.

Remember in "You've Got Mail" when Megan Ryan pulls out the hankie for the little girl with the daisy embroidered on it and tells the little girl what it is....next time you have the sniffles why not pull out a charming vintage handkerchief out of your purse rather than a crimped old kleenex ?

Vinyl Records

As a teenager of the sixties many of an afternoon was spent drinking Coke and listening and dancing to vinyl records spinning on a small record player with girl friends. Today I wish I had that record collection back but through poor storage and cleaning it was lost. Vinyl records are abundant today though at backyard sales and flea markets and most are very inexpensive. The proper care, handling and storage of these will mean the difference between ruined, warp records and ones that can be played and enjoyed for years to come.

Storing Vinyl Records
Vinyl records should be stored in there jackets in a vertical position never horizontal, they may warp if stacked.

Vinyl records should never be stored in sunlight and should be kept away from heat, records should be stored in place where the temperature in never above 70 degrees and never below 45 degrees- never store in an attic. Records should be stored in a dry relatively cool place humidity may cause record and record jackets to grow mold- do not store in the garage or basement

Handling Records
Records should only be handled by edges or on the label, the dirt and oils on your hands can damage them.Keep your records in their jackets when not in use and wipe with antistatic cloth before playing

Cleaning Your Collection
Basic cleaning should be done by wiping the record with a antistatic cloth
If mold or mildew are apparent on the record wash with damp cloth and a few drops of a mild soap being careful not to get the label wet, rinse with warm water and pat dry

Unwarping Records
You can try to salvage a warped vinyl record but do this only at your own risk- sometimes it only makes it worse. Place the record between two pieces of clear glass and place outside in the sunlight. I have had this both work and be a complete failure.

Decorating with Vintage Sheet Music

Sheet music at one time was a part of evening entertainment much like the television is today,it could be found in almost every home. These sheets of music placed upon the piano where more often than not decorated with the soft smiling faces of musicians, famous actors and actresses, wartime patroitism, elaborate and colorful illustrations.

Today stacks of sheet music can be found at flea markets, antique stores and estate sales. You might want to take few moments to look through them and will find their appeal as I have. They are usually only a few dollars and usually something can be found to fit in with any decor.

Most pieces of sheet music will fit in a standard 11x14 inch frame with a little bit of a board. They can also be matted and placed in a larger frame or in collaged into groups. So if you are looking for an inexpensive piece for your wall and to put a little music into life take the time to look through a pile of vintage sheet music- you might just find one that hits the right note !

Slipcovering a Headboard

An easy way to change the look of your bedroom decor is to slipcover a headboard. You can either recover the one you have or pick up one cheaply at a flea market or yard sale. Its really quite easy to do in fact the hardest part is choosing the fabric.

Directions for a headboard with corners
1.Measure the width of both your headboard and footboard then add 1 inch to the width measurements for seam allowances.
2.Measure the length by start at the back lower edge of the headboard, up and over the highest point of the headboard, then down to the front bottom edge and then add 2 inches to the length measurement for seam allowances.
3.Cut your chosen fabric the measured width and length plus seam allowances. The resulting rectangle is folded in half and stitched along the sides to form a slip cover. Be sure the right sides of the fabric are facing when you pin and sew the slipcover. You can add piping if you desire
4.Wrap your headboard with foam batting to eliminate hard edges.
5.Attach ties to the bottom edge of the slipcover made of 3 by 13 inch strips of the fabric. Velcro could also be used.
6.Slip the cover over your headboard and fasten ties or Velcro.

Directions for a curved headboard
1.Use it as a template for the slipcover. Trace the curve of the headboard on freezer paper or newspaper. Add two inches for seams. 2.Place the pattern on your chosen fabric and cut out.
3.Sew the top curve making sure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other before sewing
4.Wrap the headboard with batting
5.Attach ties to the bottom edge of the slipcover made of 3 by 13 inch strips of the fabric. Velcro could also be used.
6.Slip the cover over your headboard and fasten ties or Velcro.

By using your imagination along with tapestries, old quilts, velvets and trims you can give your headboard a country, French, shabby chic or any look you wish.

Yard Saling

It's Saturday morning and its time to think about items we need for decorating. What better place to shop than yard sales - its inexpensive and fun ! The piece that just isnt right in someone elses home may be just what your looking for and at a fraction of the cost of what buying something new would be. Every style from primitive, country, modern to shabby chic can be found with a bit of looking, from expensive antiques to one of a kind pieces of art. The problem with yard saling is that you can home with a carload of bargains that you have no use or place for. An item for a dollar is a real bargain if you can use it but an item that has no use at all only becomes a burden to store or sale. Here are a few tips you may find helpful :

1. Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Maybes are not to be bought.

2. Measure your room, windows and available space for furniture needs. Nothing is worse than getting home and finding something will not fit- there are no returns at yard sale. Be sure to take your list with you.

3. Check your newspaper, free shopper ads, grocery store bulletin boards for sales. Craiglist on the internet is another great place to look. Make a list of addresses and use yahoo maps to map out directions.

4.Take cash most people will deal only in cash. Small bills and change. You will get better deals if people see that you dont have a large amount to spend, nothing makes a vendor feel worse than to be bargained down and then for you to pull out a large bill to pay with.

5. Go early or go late. Go early before items are picked over assures you of a better selection while going late usually means a better price especially on furniture items.

6. If you see something you want pick it up you can always return it to its place after shopping the entire sale and making decisions. Hesistating is the best way to have someone else pick up the item you wanted

7. Examine items carefully. If there is a stain or defect and you can still use it point it out to the vendor often they will lower the price. Buy furniture with good structure- solid wood can easily be painted or refinished. Remember you can not return things after purchasing so inspect glass and china for chips and cracks.

Yard sales are great places to buy used solid wood furniture, picture frames, vintage and shabby chic items but there is also alot of junk - so shop with a discerning eye and have fun !

Repairing a Wobbly Chair

Sometimes at a flea market or auction we will find the perfect wooden chair but it will have one or two loose legs or rungs. Its really just perfect for what you want but you dont want to put in the corner to just hold a plant you want to be able to use it and its at a great price just to good to pass up.

This is really an easy repair and you wont have to resort to clamps or ugly nails sticking in at odd angles. You can even repair it without taking it apart.

You will need two things. One super glue type glue - a glue that will wick well – by this I mean that it will soak down in between two pieces of wood that are close together. The other thing you will need is some fine sawdust .

Turn your chair so that gravity helps you work the sawdust into the space between the two pieces of wood. Note here that you are leaving the dowel in the hole in the other part of the chair. Keep working it in until there is no more motion or give between the two pieces, brush off any access around the hole.

Release drops of glue into the sawdust and let it soak it, the gravity will help so dont tip your chair back upright. It will usually take 3-4 drops unless the space was large. Normally, 3-4 drops are enough unless there is a very large space to fill. Let dry for 24 hours.

There you go – no more wobbly chair !