Hobbies You'll Love

This quick and easy to make beret is perfect for short trips to the mall or a casual outing. Embellish it with your favorite pin or an interesting arrangement of beads and you can wear it to church or other dressy occasions.

The simple line and classic styling of this beret suits everyone. Any fleece or velvet fabric will work. Try experimenting with different upholstery fabrics, you might like the results.

You need:
16 in. X 32 in. of fabric
Ribbing 4 ½ in X 18 in.

*Note: An eye-catching contrasting color of ribbing looks great on this beret. Neutral colors can pull an outfit together nicely.

Directions:
1. Cut 2 large circles 13 in. in diameter. Lay one of the pieces aside. Cut a smaller 7 in. circle out of the center of the second circle. This one is a donut shape.

2. Place the 2 circles right sides together, sew around the outside edge with a ¼ in. seem allowance.

3. Turn right side out. Topstitch carefully around the outer edge to keep it from rippling.

4. Cut ribbing 4 ½ in. X 18 in. Stitch the ends together. Fold in half and stitch it to the hat, being careful to catch-in both the front and back sides. Stretch the ribbing evenly to fit as you sew around the hat.

Your beret is ready to wear and enjoy!

Sewing Modest Clothing has photos, directions, and a pattern if you need further help.

Get a designer Paris look in our wool beret, without paying prices higher than the Eiffel Tower. Made from 100% wool, this red beret is fashioned after the traditional French beret, featuring a soft, cozy and flexible wool, to allow a snug fit for any head shape.

Materials:

-1 cup mild hair shampoo
-1/3 cup Glycerin
-2 Tablespoons of Water
-Essential Oil (optional)
-Fancy Bottle or Jar with tight fitting lid
-Ribbon & tiny flowers

Directions:

Mix the shampoo, glycerin, and water.

Add 10 - 25 drops of water scent of essential oil. Optional

Mix thoroughly.

Pour mixture into a pretty bottle or jar. Close tightly.

Decorate the jar tiny flowers, ribbon, and bows.


Photo credit sodahead.com

Glycerin Moisturizer

2 parts rose water

1 part glycerin

In a medium size bowl, mix rose water and glycerin together into a well-blended lotion.

Pour the mixture into a bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid.

Store your moisturizer in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and artificial lighting.

Apply moisturizer to your skin daily -- before bedtime.

Making Your Own Skin Products - A Hobby You'll Love

Take Care Of Yourself With Biore Skin Preservation Dual Fusion Moisturizer with SPF 30 To Hydrate And Defend Skin By Moisturizing And Delivering UVA/UVB Protection With Botanamide Technology

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup unscented shampoo
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 15 drops fragrance oil
- food coloring ( optional)

Directions

Pour shampoo into a bowl and add the water. Stir until it is well mixed add the salt and fragrance. Store your shower gel in a pretty bottle as an added treat.

Suggestions for scents:

- Kiwi extract
- Raspberry extract
- Strawberry extract
- Coconut extract
- Vanilla extract

You can mix and match these scents or use one alone.

Ummmm ... smells so good.

Enjoy your shower!

Here is a great way to spruce up an ordinary gift and make it extra special. Instead of simply wrapping dishtowels and pot holders make them into pretty kitchen decorations. The recipient can then use them as decorations or take them apart and use them for their original purpose, washing dishes.

What you'll need:
1 dishtowel
1 washcloth
1 Pot holder
Ribbon

Directions
1. Fold the dishtowel lengthwise into a fan, then fold the strip in half. Tie it off 2 or 3 inches from fold with ribbon, to make the head. Set this aside.

2. Fold the washcloth into a fan for the arms. Set this aside.

3. Now Fanfold the potholder with the loop on the top for the wings.

4. Place the washcloth on top of the potholder and tie in the center with a ribbon. Lay this (unit) on the table with the potholder down and the washcloth facing up.

5. Lay dishtowel on top of potholder and washcloth.

6. Bring the arms (washcloth) around front and tie together 1 inch from ends, for the hands.

How-to Photos and directions can be found at Family Corner.com

A few years ago, I needed a tiny clutch purse only large enough to hold my driver's license, a couple of credit cards, and folded money. I didn't have one, let alone one to match my out fit.

Not to be outdone, I searched my sewing scraps and found the perfect blue denim fabric. Then I cut and sewed this neat little clutch bag, which measures 5 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches deep to hold the few items above. The purse can be made to any measurement you want.

This little clutch purse is very quick and easy to make. I wanted to share it so I searched the internet and found directions and illustrations. Here is the clutch bag and the directions I found at Threads - For People Who Love to Sew.

You're going to love this clutch so much you'll want it in several sizes, fabrics, and colors. I know I did.

Let us hear back if you decide to try it. We'd love to know how it turns out.

Need a bracelet and don't "have-a-thing-to-wear" with a particular outfit? Did you know you can make your own Fine Jewelry ? Here is a quick fix that is also fun to make by Lorain Blanken, at About.com.

Start with scrap book paper, gift wrap paper, stationary, or any decorative paper to match your outfit. Scrap book paper is really good because it comes in a variety of patterns and textures. I especially like gift wrapping paper because it comes in so many colors and patterns you can quickly and easily find one to match any outfit.

First, cut the paper into a square, 6 inches for small or 8 inches for larger wrists. Lay the paper on a flat surface with the wrong-side facing up. Then fold one corner all the way to the top to the opposite corner. Flatten the folded edge well.

Fold up again, this time rolling up the bottom. Keep folding up and flattening the paper until it is folded all the way to the top. Then tape around the middle of the bracelet with clear tape. Wrap the whole strip in tape to preserve it and make it last longer.

Slip one pointed end of the bracelet into one of the slots on the other side, add a small piece of tape to keep it from coming loose. How-to-fold photos and complete directions.

If you like bangles, you'll love these quick easy bracelets. Let us know what you think if you try them. Do you have any quick crafts to share? We'd love to hear them, we love crafts here.

What does "going fishing" mean? In a nutshell, "going fishing" means taking a short (or long if you prefer) trip to a great fishing spot recommended by someone who fishes. Once you reach your destination, you unload your nice new fishing gear and your bait.

Then you head for the water's edge to find a good spot that is neither too close nor too far away from the water. Get too close and you might fall in, too far away and you'll have trouble getting your line to reach the water.

Why is fishing so popular as a hobby? The main reasons it's so popular is because it's relaxing, it's a great way to get outdoors, and it's also a very good competitive sport.

Truth is, every fisherman /woman has his or her own reasons, most love the peace and quiet. And, to top it all off, fishing is relatively inexpensive and can still be done with a homemade pole and line.

Why do people like to go fishing? People like fishing because it's about the fun and the adrenaline rush you get when a big one snatches your line. It's about having the sunshine warming your face. It's the beauty of an early morning sunrise and the gorgeous sunsets.

What equipment do you need for fishing? Typically, you will need hooks, weights, line, poles, reels, pliers, and bait. You might also want to get a tackle box and something to keep the fish you catch in. And, don't forget snacks and cold drinks.

That's the basics. For more information and if you need further clarification on some particular question try the resources below.

Online Fishing Resource Sites

Fishing.com - Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish. It is an ancient and worldwide practice that dates back about 10,000 years with various techniques and traditions and it has been transformed by modern technological developments. http://www.fishing.com/

Fishing.Net is a very powerful fishing networking site. It will help you to find like-minded anglers from across the street to around the world. http://www.fishing.net/

Fishing.org Find anything you ever wanted to know about fishing, find fishing products, fishing services, fishing information, fishing websites and much more!! If you can't find it here, it's not for fishing!!
http://www.fishing.org/

What you need:
- 1 cup salt

- 1 cup Epsom salt

- 1 cup baking soda


Directions:
Mix all ingredients together well. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

Add a little of the mixture to your tub for a relaxing and revitalizing bath.

Add 1 cup of shampoo if you like bubbles.

Add a few drops of fragrance oil for a refreshing scent.

Enjoy!

Happiness is Sunday morning church with loved ones.
It is a journey, not a destination.
Happiness is a choice.
It is grabbing all the gusto you can get from life.

Happiness is sometimes strange in that it varies with time, experience and wisdom.
Happiness is in giving something to someone, although you still need it.
There is happiness in braving life's storms.

Happiness is warm, yes it is.
It comes from within us, welling from the depths of our souls.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
It's smiling at a stranger as you pass by, and having them smile back.

Happiness is saying 'Yes' to life and 'Thank you' and 'I accept everything'.
Happiness is living as large as we can and saying, 'I'm so lucky to participate in this experience.

How we react to the changes of fortune often determines our happiness. When we are willing to let go of how we need to influence the outcome, to make things happen, and instead learn to enjoy the process and gifts we receive along the way, we can find happiness.

Happiness is being off on a lazy Sunday afternoon thinking back over the work-week,
basking in the warm glow of time well spent with family,
and giving thanks to God for His many blessings.

Make a grab for that golden ring of happiness.
Try it, and happiness will find you.

2009 by Leona G. Shankle