A Little About Me

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Jennifer

I recently updated my “About Me” tab at the top of the page. If you have been reading my blog over the past year, you probably already know these things about me. But I have some new fans and I thought I’d tell them a little bit about me and my blog. So here ya go, to my readers, both new and old, let me introduce myself!

Hey y’all! Welcome to Scissors & Spatulas: and everything in between! I’m Jen! I love coffee, chocolate, Italian food, a good {med-rare} steak, red wine and shopping! I’m a little bit silly, a lotta bit loud, and 100% a busy body. My mind is constantly spinning with ideas and my hands are kept busy creating these ideas.

I’m a wife to an amazingly kind and patient man who won my heart by strumming his guitar! Actually, we met by a pinball machine in a bar while in college in Charleston, SC. Later that night he wooed me with his guitar and we’ve been together ever since. We were married in April 2004 and now live in my home town in SC.

I am mommy to two handsome little boys, Jackson, 4 and Parker, 2. They are only 20 months and just inches apart but couldn’t be more different! Jackson is quiet and reserved. He enjoys coloring, doing puzzles, Legos and is too smart for his age. He wants to know how and why everything works and will one day be an astronaut or engineer. Parker Reese is loud and outgoing {like his mommy}. He is a daredevil, determined to conquer and the funniest kid you’ll ever meet. He loves whatever his big brother is doing, his mommy {me} and balls. He will be our superstar punter for the Clemson Tigers!

I created Scissors & Spatulas just a little over a year ago when my hubby {who is also a software developer & entrepreneur} told me I needed to start a blog. “Yeah right! I don’t have time for a blog.” Those were my exact words. The next day I wrote my first post {it only took something like 5 hours!}, and that’s where it all began! To this day I am amazed at the opportunities, friends, and pure joy that this blog has brought me, and I owe it all to my readers. I am so grateful!

You think I’ve got it all put together, all planned out, don’t you? Hahahahaha! My life is a big ball of chaos. Two crazy boys, 3 pets {2 Shi Tzus, Lily and Sophie and a kittty, Lucy.}, a hubby, a home, a blog, a shop and a mind constantly wanting to create more. As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment in my house. But I wouldn’t want it any other way! This is us! This is me!

Scissors & Spatulas is my outlet! Unlike many other blogs, I do not have a schedule. I do not have my posts planned weeks in advance. I create, I write and I post. What can you expect here at Scissors & Spatulas? Nothing, really! My content is a combo of home decor, DIY projects, crafts, thrift store finds, recipes, kids stuff and my family. I do not post every day. Only when I have something I think is worth sharing. What you can expect is that what I do is on a budget {I’m a cheapskate} and fairly simple. I almost always provide full tutorials of everything I do. I love sharing my ideas and I hope that I will inspire you! Thank you for your support!

Valentine’s Day Ideas Revisited

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Jennifer

Hey y’all! Hope you had a fantastic weekend!

Can you believe it’s time to put out the Valentine’s Day decor already?! Today I wanted to revisit a few of my Valentine’s Day ideas posted last year.

DIY Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries that look and taste gourmet!

The list of ingredients is very small and the technique is very simple.

1 package of fresh strawberries
1 bag Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips
white chocolate and/or semi-sweet chocolate chips for decorating

Melt the chocolate in a crock, stirring frequently so the chocolate doesn’t burn. This is a very important step!

Dip strawberries using a wooden skewer and cool on wax paper.

Drizzle white chocolate and/or semi-sweet chocolate aver the top.

You can find the full tutorial for my chocolate covered strawberries here.

You’re gonna love these Valentine’s cake balls. They are pretty, they are delicious and they a fun Valentine’s treat!

Ingredients:

1 box strawberry cake mix {plus ingredients listed on box}
1 container vanilla frosting
2 packages Baker’s white chocolate or white chocolate chips

Make the cake according to package. Cool and crumble cake into medium bowl.

Mix with frosting and roll into 1 to 2-inch balls.

Dip cake balls in melted white chocolate, top with your favorite sprinkles and cool on wax paper.

You can find the full tutorial and recipe for Valentine’s cake balls here.

A trip to the Dollar Store turned into a very inexpensive handmade Valentine’s Day wreath!

4 spools of ribbon = $4 ,1 pkg. hearts on a stick = $1, LOVE = $1, wreath base – $1.

A grand total of $7!!

Spray paint the wreath red.

Cut the ribbon into 3 to 4-inch strips. Fold the ribbon in half and twist. Hot glue around the wreath base until fully covered.

For the full tutorial on the Valentine’s Day ribbon wreath, click here.

Last, but not least, my shelf decor.

Apothecary jars filled with candy, a free printable framed, some kids art and a few other Valentine’s accessories I had around the house.

You can find the full post about my shelf decor here.

Featuring You Friday

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Jennifer

It’s Friday again already! I hope you are enjoying yours! The boys and I spent this gorgeous Carolina day at the park. 65 degrees and lots of sunshine! It felt so good! Here are a couple things that caught my eye this week.

I love these stuffed paper hearts by the Scrap Shoppe. They are cute, they are simple and they are perfect for Valentine’s Day! Be sure to stop by for the tutorial!

Oh my goodness, all my favorites in one single treat! Are you ready? Oreao Butterscotch Coconut Blondeis! Sounds like Heaven! Grab the recipe at BruCrew Life.

It’s been awhile since I’ve featured a good furniture piece. This desk makeover fabulous! You have to stop by Shabby Loco to see how it was done! You might be surprised! Hint: Annie Sloan and hot sauce!

You all know that I am cheap. I love a good deal. Better yet, I love a good knock off. Five Days, Five Ways created these Anthropologie candle sticks for hundreds of dollars less. Yes, I said hundreds. You gotta go look.

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I also love these cute hot chocolate dippers made by The Moody Fashionista. What a great idea for a gift or a pretty accompaniment for a hot chocolate bar!

I also wanted to share with you some great gift ideas available from Kodak Galleries. First, personalize your Valentine’s this year with Kodak Galleries photo cards. Find the one that’s just right for sending your loved ones!

If you are looking for something more than a card, take a look at their gift guide where you can create personalized items such as calendars, photo books, canvases and more! They even have a new purse charm perfect to share your photos with a loved one!

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow their blog and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.

Have a great weekend!

Dollar Store Bin Makeover

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Jennifer

My creative space/office is beginning to look like an episode of Horders! You wonder why I haven’t shown you the full reveal yet? Because it’s never clean enough to take a photo! And the recent boom of my “Ready to Pop” favor boxes has turned my life and my organization upside down! NOT COMPLAINING! However, it’s one big fat piece of chaos in that room!

While trying to find items to help organize my “business,” I came across these bins at the Dollar Store. I looked at them briefly and kept walking. “I’ll get something cute at IKEA or HomeGoods, ” I thought.

But I immediately did a double-take when I realized that I could make these boxes cute! And so I did. . .

The total cost of this project was probably under $10 (for all three). Three bucks for the bins, $1.50 for the paper, and just a few dollars for the chalkboard vinyl (from Pick Your Plum).

I found some cute scrapbook paper at the craft store that matched perfectly with my craft room decor. I grabbed my bottle of Decoupage (same as Mod Podge but by Decoart. Both are great but I think it dries faster than MP which is perfect for an impatient person like me!) and a sponge brush.

First I cut the paper to fit the face of the box. Then I applied a good coat of Decoupage directly on the box and laid the paper on top. When it was dry I applied a heavy coat on top of the paper, smoothing out the bubbles with a flat edge {bone folders and old grocery cards are great for doing this}.

My original plan was to leave it like this and add the label. But after that second coat I had a different idea.

Screeeech! {That’s the sound of me slamming on the brakes.} If you read my blog regularly, you know that I can’t leave anything along and that I often modify my idea mid-creation. It happens almost every time. This is probably because I really don’t know what I’m doing to begin with. I just have an idea and go with it, which often leads to new ideas. Anyway. . .

I decided to trim the edges a little so they didn’t completely cover the face.

Then I took one of my favorite things, sandpaper, and rubbed the edges of the paper to create a worn effect.

Next I used one of my other favorite things, Distress Ink. I brushed heavily around the edges and lightly across the face.

I brushed one last coat of Decoupage over the top, particularly around the edges.

I used chalkboard vinyl {if you can’t find sheets of chalkboard vinyl, you can use chalkboard spray paint on any regular vinyl} and cut out a pretty little label using my Silhouette CAMEO. I stuck it on the bin and labelled it!

And there you have it! For under $10 I created some pretty storage bins to help organize my mess!

These bins took care of the favor box chaos. Now what to do with the rest of it?

Whoop whoop! Partying here this week!

Somewhat Simple Photobucket Link Party

Tomato Basil Meatloaf Recipe

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Jennifer

Happy Monday y’all! I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Today I have to share with you one of my favorite recipes, Tomato Basil Meatloaf.

I found this recipe in an issue of Southern Living Magazine several years ago. I was skeptical because I, personally, do not like meatloaf! But hubby does and I wanted to make if for him. It was, and still is, one of my favorite meals! So if you usually turn your nose at meatloaf, give this a try! I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Here is the recipe, adapted from Myrecipes.com.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound mild Italian Sausage, casings removed
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic, drained
1/3 cup marinara sauce
1/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup {or more} shredded mozzarella cheese

Drain the tomatoes {do not forget this step} and process in a food processor for a few seconds, until slightly chunky.

Combine meats, tomatoes, and all remaining ingredients except the Mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.

Using your hands, mix ingredients gently but well. Do not over mix!

Once the meatloaf ingredients are combined, divide into two portions. Shape the meat mixture into two equal loaves. Place one on a wire rack over a foil-lined cookie sheet.

Okay, yes, this may seem strange. Isn’t meatloaf supposed to be baked in a loaf pan? Not this meatloaf! The pork sausage will yield a lot of fat and you probably do not want your meat sitting in it. I’ve experimented cooking this meatloaf several other ways, but this is the one that works for me. I take a jelly roll pan and line it with foil. I use the inside of my roasting pan on top. It fits perfectly. The fat falls below and the foil makes for easier clean up!

Bake in a 375* for one hour.

If you are feeding a small family or a family with small children, one loaf is plenty. That’s another reason I love making this! I wrap one in plastic wrap and then foil and stick it in the freezer for another meal! If you are feeding hungry teenagers or a larger group you’ll want to cook both loaves.

Remove meatloaf from oven after one hour. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and place back in oven for another 15 minutes.

Yum! {See what I mean about all that fat down there?}

Use a large spatula to remove meatloaf from the wire rack. Allow to sit for five minutes before slicing. {NOTE: the meatloaf will be reddish inside. It’s the tomatoes! Don’t cook any longer!}

I like to serve tomato basil meatloaf with spaghetti and extra marinara sauce. They are the perfect accompaniment!

Featuring You Friday

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Jennifer

It’s Friday and I’m featuring YOU!

I love these adorable Mason Jar Cups from Jamielyn at I {heart} Naptime. She made the pink lemonade jars for her daughter’s birthday party.

Ugly Duckling turned a thrift store find into a beautiful French Market Bag. You have to stop by for a look at her technique for transferring the image. I learned something new!

I LOVE these handwritten Love Note Pillows from Chalk and Chocolate. I would never be able to do this because I hate my handwriting, but good for her because hers looks fantastic!

Spruce Your Nest created a fabulous distressed chair while doing a “Chalkboard Paint Review.” I love the look of white and black!

It’s breakfast time right now, but breakfast is not what I want after seeing this Crispy Baked Falafel! Looks so good! Get the recipe from MD School Mrs.

And now, a couple things I love on this week. . .

Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese and Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Need I say more?

Another idea for my “mudroom?”

If you were featured today, I’d love for you to grab a button to share the love! You can find the link on my side bar. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Great Idea for Ribbon Storage

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Jennifer

How to make a “Ribbon Rack” from a UTO {unidentified thrift store object}.

Quite awhile ago, sometime over the summer I think, I was at Goodwill and I saw this. . .

I wasn’t really sure what it was. Maybe a plate rack? A towel rack? No idea! What I did know is that I liked it. Plus it was only $4. I also knew exactly what I was going to use it for. You see, I have a lot of ribbon. Every time I go to Hobby Lobby, I end up coming home with more ribbon. They have the cutest! Anyway, all my ribbon was in a drawer which a) made it difficult to find what I was looking for and b) a big mess when the ribbon came unrolled. This unidentified piece was about to solve that problem.

First it needed some “Heavy Cream” paint. This paint is made by Valspar and it’s one of my favorite colors. Not bright white, but not too off-white. Then, of course, I had to distress it.

The piece originally had three rods and a lot of empty space. I had hubby drill three more sets of holes.

I grabbed some dowel rods we had in the garage {I’ve told you before we have TONS of scrap wood in our garage. Every size, shape, etc. This is when it comes in handy!} and hubby measured and cut them long enough to be inserted into the drilled holes.

We ended up adding another hole and rod in between the two upper rods.

The rods fit perfectly through the holes in the center of the ribbon rolls.

Now when I need ribbon, instead of digging through my drawer, I can simply tug on the ribbon and cut it at the desired length! I love this thing!

Whoop whoop! Partying it up here this week!

Somewhat Simple Photobucket

Pear Gorgonzola Salad

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Jennifer

Over the summer, while on my MOPS steering retreat, I discovered how much I liked the combination of pears and gorgonzola. Just in case you are not familiar with gorgonzola cheese, it’s like blue cheese. I think it might be slightly creamier, but don’t hold me to that. I’m not a cheese expert, I just know that I like it! Anyway, during the retreat I enjoyed a pear, caramelized onion and gorgonzola pizza and a pear and gorgonzola salad with a delish vinaigrette from Trader Joe’s.

Today I’m sharing with you the SIMPLE salad recipe. And don’t be afraid of it! The sweetness of the pear and bitter gorgonzola make a fantastic combo!

The basic ingredients are very simple. There are several substitutions you can use. This is just what I had on hand.

Mixed salad greens, fresh or canned pears, gorgonzola or blue cheese and Trader Joe’s Champagne Pear Vinaigrette. Red onions and/or chopped toasted walnuts are also a great addition to this salad. If you do not have a TJ’s nearby, you can make a pear vinaigrette using the juice of the canned pears, champagne or white vinegar, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, seasoning and olive oil.

Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. If you are adding red onion, thinly slice it and add it to the top of the greens.

Peel fresh pears or drain canned pears. Slice into 1/2-inch segments.

Throw them on top of the greens.

Next add your gorgonzola cheese. Add toasted walnuts on top of the salad, if desired.

Just before serving, add dressing. Start with 1/2 cup. You can always add more later.

Toss and serve!

This salad really is delicious! Especially in the winter when the fruits and veggies aren’t so fresh.

Do Not Fear Paint! Finding Your Colors with My Colortopia

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Jennifer

You all know how much I love to paint! I love changing the look of a room with a fresh coat of paint. An old piece of furniture can be brought back to life with a little color. Just about anything can be made new again with paint! Talking to readers and friends, I’ve found out that a lot of people are afraid of paint! Well, maybe not paint, but color. I’ve mentioned before that you should always start with some piece for inspiration before choosing your paint. Whether it’s a fabric, a piece of art, a towel or a pillow, these pieces should be the start for your color pallet. Never choose your paint first!

My Colortopia, a new site powered by Glidden Paint, is a great place to start if you need some inspiration for paint color choices/schemes. This site provides inspiration, tools, and advice from the Colortopia Team {which includes one of my favorite bloggers, Centsational Girl} to help you gain confidence throughout the painting process. You don’t have to be afraid of color or paint anymore! MyColortopia.com has made it easy for you to find colors that suit you. The My Life, My Colors quiz, will help you discover the colors that best match your personality and lifestyle!I took the quiz. Want to see my color palette?

I think My Life, My Colors got it right! See. . .

Look familiar? Pretty close to the colors My Colortopia picked for me!

So what are you waiting for? Take the My Life, My Colors quiz to find your colors! Do not fear color, my friends! Painting is fun! And be sure to check out the My Colortopia blog for tips and trends from the experts!

I have partnered with Glidden/Akzo Nobel Paints to write this post. However, I would never promote something that I didn’t believe in! All opinions and thoughts are 100% mine.

Embroidery Hoop Wall Art

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Jennifer

My inspiration for this wall art was from Blissfully Smitten. I found this adorable nursery wall on Pinterest while searching for ideas to decorate my craft room. {Have I ever told you how much I looooove Pinterest?}

When I saw these I knew they would be the perfect decor for my craft room! Very shortly after pinning this idea I found an entire box of embroidery hoops at a garage sale for $2! {Even if you don’t come across a fantastic deal like this, the hoops are very inexpensive at the craft stores.}

Of course, me being me, I couldn’t leave them they way they were! I used very dark stain (espresso) on the hoops. This was a very messy process, I recommend wearing gloves!

After the stain was dry, I applied one heavy coat of paint {my favorite, Heavy Cream from Lowe’s}. Oh yeah, I have to give a shout out to Purdy for the fabulous brushes they sent me! Love these guys! Can you guess what I did next?

I distressed it with sandpaper, of course! I told you, I can’t leave anything alone! That part was a little time consuming {mainly because you have to wait for the stain and paint to dry}. The rest is easy!

If you don’t know how an embroidery hoop works, there are two rings {inner and outer}. The rings are attached with a screw. Simply remove the screw and separate the rings.

Place your fabric over the inner circle, face up, and place the outer ring over the top. Tug out any wrinkles that might be in the fabric. Replace the screw and fasten tightly.

I used two different fabrics in the embroidery hoops. I used the toile fabric that I used throughout my craft room for a few hoops and plain fabric that I found at the thrift store for only 50 cents for the yard for the other hoops.

I decided to try something new for the plain fabric. I didn’t really know what I was doing but what I did worked! And it was pretty simple! I printed images on fabric using my computer printer. Don’t worry, I’ll share that tutorial with you soon! I promise!

I just knew these would be the perfect accompaniment for my Mother’s Day piece. Do you remember that wood/chalkboard piece my fabulous, creative hubby made for Mother’s Day?

Together they make a perfect gallery over my sewing table! I’ll add a few more of the hoops, I think. Maybe using a different, very simple print fabric. I might even throw a monogram {M} in the mix.

So now you’ve seen another little corner of my craft room! I know I still haven’t shown you the full reveal, just bits and pieces. I’m pretty sure it’s because the room is always a disaster from all the projects I have going on! I promise, one of the se days, I’ll give you the reveal. Complete with before and after photos!

Stay tuned. . .

You’ll probably find this project linked up at the following parties:

Photobucket all crafts Handmade Projects ~ Tip Me Tuesday 36th Avenue

BCD-round-button-show-and-tell-2-copy-300x300

Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!

http://scissorsandspatulas.com/2012/01/embroidery-hoop-wall-art.html

Happy Birthday to My Little Man #1

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Jennifer

Today my sweet Jackson {aka Little Man #1} turns four. I really can’t understand how it’s been four years since this. . .

Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday I had this sweet, hairy little baby.

Then, somehow, we were suddenly celebrating his first birthday. Then his second.

And now, suddenly, he is four years old!

Happy birthday little man! We love you!

Feature You Friday Best of 2011

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Jennifer

Being that it is the first Friday of the new year, I thought today that I would re-post some of my favorites from FYF 2011. Here ya go!

I’m so glad I went back and looked at all my previous FYF posts! It reminded me that I have got to make these buffalo chicken nachos! You want the recipe? Go over to Will Cook For Smiles.

I’m still drooling over this piece that I featured in June! Ella Boo & Co. took an old, forgotten dresser {that was free} and transformed it into a great storage buffet with chalkboard labels.

In July 2011, I fell in love! I spotted this vintage card catalog at Maple & Magnolia. I am, and I told her so, 100% envious and not ashamed at all. I’ve been on the lookout ever since.

I gotta give a shout out to my buddy Natalie for her spray painted sofa back in September. Yes, that’s what I said, spray painted sofa! I’m sure you’ve seen it all over Pinterest but be sure to stop by Johnny in a Dress to see how she did it. Creative genius!

This was, by far, the coolest gossip chair I’ve seen! The color and the curves of this chair are so great! I haven’t seen one with this shape since. I found it over at June & Bear back in September.

Thank you Landee See, Landy Do for sharing this delicious recipe for pumpkin crunch! I made it shortly after she posted it and it was so good that I replace my Thanksgiving pumpkin pie with this dessert! Must try! A couple of things I did differently {because I always do something different} was use 2 cans of pumpkin add cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.

I found these Peppermint CrunchTruffle on Pinterest and made several batches over the holidays. They are fantastic! You can find the recipe at Bakers Royale. The chocolate center of these are so silky and they just melt in your mouth! I used a combo of semi-sweet and 60% cocoa and used Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses instead of Ande’s. Delish!

And there you have it! My favorite features of 2011! Food and furniture, go figure! I hope you all have fabulous weekend!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Jennifer

Today is my sweet hubby’s birthday. We spent evening spoiling daddy by doing his “chores,” taking him to eat Mexican {his favorite} and dressing him up in a silly hat and button while we sang happy birthday with his S’mores cupcake {another favorite}. I think he had fun!

Happy birthday hubby! We love you!

Oh yeah, and one more thing. . .

Go TIGERS!

Pulling for Clemson tonight playing in the Orange Bowl.

{Source}

Broccoli Cheese Soup for a Freezing Day

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Jennifer

Baby, it’s cold outside! Winter has finally arrived here in SC. After a December full of comfortable 60 degree weather {closer to 70 some days} and barely needing to wear jackets, we have a high of 37* and a low of 18* today. It’s cold and the wind is blowing!

The only great thing about this kind of weather? It’s soup time, baby! I love soup! Love, love, love it! I have several soups that I’ve Pinned that I can’t wait to try! But here is an oldie but goodie. Nothing like a nice bowl Broccoli Cheese Soup to warm you up.

As usual, I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com but made my own modifications.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp flour
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 (32-oz) carton chicken broth
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon garlic powder
{Hey, I never said it was healthy, I just said it was delicious!}

Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and saute until tender.

Add 2 Tbsp flour and stir to combine.

Cook, stirring frequently for about two minutes.

Add broccoli and the carton of broth. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.

Slowly add the milk and cheese, stirring well in between.

Cook on low for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until cheese is melted.

Serve with shredded cheddar and fresh croutons!

YUM!

Seat Sacks for the Kids

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Jennifer

Cleaning, organizing, cleaning and more organizing. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past week. I’ve got a huge pile in the garage to donate, and overflowing trash can and still so much stuff that I have no where to put it!

Last January, I organized my kiddos’ coloring table by creating these IKEA knock-off hanging buckets which was a great way to organize their crayons, markers and pencils. It’s also been a great space-saver since the table is small. However, the buckets didn’t solve the problem of coloring book and paper storage. Since the boys got new coloring books, activity books and stickers for Christmas, I needed a solution. I wanted everything to be right there, at the table where they could see and reach the books on their own.

I came up with these cute little seat sacks! Back when I taught kindergarten, several teachers used these on the backs of the students’ chais since kindergarteners use tables, not desks. They are perfect for holding books, paper and other table activities.

I really didn’t have a method to making these. I kinda just made it up as I went along. I started by measuring the fabric to fit the length and width of the chairs, also making sure it was wide enough to hold books.

I started with a long, rectangular piece of fabric for each chair. I basically hemmed the entire length of both sides as well as the top. I did not hem the bottom.

Instead, I measured the length needed for the pouch and folded the fabric up once, then folded the same length again. This not only created a more durable pocket, but it also “lined” the inside of the pocket so you don’t see the backside of the fabric.

I cut four strips of ribbon, 12-inches each. I folded the length of the ribbon in half and attached it to the top of the sack. I double-stitched the ribbon so that it could withstand the weight of the books.

And that was it!

I tied the ribbons around the chair backs.

These cute little seat sacks took me about 30 minutes! They solved my coloring book storage problem and they allow all the activities to be visible and accessible to the kids!

**These sacks will be available in Scissors & Spatulas’ Shop which is coming soon! Several colors and fabrics will be available. In the meantime, I can take orders via email! jen at scissorsandspatulas dot com.**

Are you ready to see if you won either of the $100 giveaways?

The winner of $100 from AMEX Serve is. . .

Michelle Alvin on December 26, 2011 at 8:48 pm said: I signed up for Serve!

New Year, New Look!

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Jennifer

I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year!

Notice anything different?

Remember that big surprise I wanted to share with you back in October when Scissors & Spatulas celebrated celebrated its first bloggy birthday? Well, this was it! It just took a little longer than I thought. There are still a few things in the works, but for now, I’m so excited to show off the new look! I hope you like it!

I’ll be back tomorrow with the winners of the Serve and Kodak Galleries giveaways!