Shrink Plastic Pins

Isn’t it amazing what you can do with shrink plastic? Instructions for these two Shrink Plastic Pins are on the Lucky Squirrel site.

shrink plastic pins 2 shrink art pin

Shrink Plastic Pins – 3 Geishas Shrink Plastic Pins – Half Face Pin

For more Shrink Plastic Pin ideas explore Lucky Squirrel thoroughly. Don’t forget to check out both the technique and gallery sections.

Read More : Jewelry Making or Home

Plant Paper Models

ornamental plant paper model

Description : The Ornamental Plant Paper Model and two other plant paper models are available for download at the Canon website.

Craft Link : Plant Paper Models

Source : Canon

Read More : Paper Models or Home

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions

amazing leonardo da vinci inventions

I’m a big fan of technology books written for kids. I first discovered them when I homeschooled my son for 7 years. Even though those days are now long past, I still read and use this genre of books constantly.

These books have been the source for some of my most innovative projects. Books from these books have inspired me to make a pantograph (a type of drawing tool), a flower press, cardboard furniture, sprouts, flicker books, a bird feeder and homemade cheese. I loved all these endeavors, but I would never have tried them without the “push” that children’s books gave me.

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions is the newest addition to my book collection. The book starts off with a history of the Renaissance and then goes on to a biography of da Vinci. After that, the project section begins.

The project section is divided into five parts: art, machines, water, flight and war. There are anywhere from 2-6 projects in each category.

For me, the projects are the “meat” of the book. Each project has very easy-to-follow directions, accompanied an abundance of illustrations. In addition, each of the projects is put into historical context, with an accompanying photograph of Leonardo’s work.

As I flipped through the projects, I mentally made a note of those I would enjoy trying on my own, and those that would be fun to do with the kids. The projects for me to try include building a perspectograph, learning two-point perspective, plastic making and paint making. Projects for the children are a camera obscura, a hygrometer and trebuchet.

If, like me, you’re a crafter who enjoys bringing a bit of technology into her projects, take a look at Amazing Leonard da Vinci Inventions. It’s available inexpensively on Amazon, or at most public libraries.

Read More: Book Reviews or Home

Red Bean Soup

red bean soup

This very healthy and tasty Red Bean Soup is my variation on Nava Atlas’ recipe in Great American Vegetarian. My version uses canned beans and thereby cuts cooking time down dramatically. I’ve also skipped some of the steps in the original Red Bean Soup recipe, but without sacrificing the flavour.

Ingredients

1 can red or kidney beans

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped

2 bay leaves

2 large stalks celery, diced

1 can chopped tomatoes

3 cups water

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon olive oil

few grains cayenne pepper

salt and pepper, to taste

Saute the onions in the oil over medium heat, till light golden. Add the celery and cook till celery begins to soften. Add garlic and cook for another minute or two.

Add beans, tomatoes, water, bay leaves and thyme. Add cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt to taste.

Lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for at least another 30 – 40 minutes.

Add more water if needed, but don’t overdo it. This version of Red Bean Soup is so chunky, it’s almost like a stew.

Note: The original recipe suggests you puree the Red Bean Soup, but I usually don’t, and my soup is chunky instead of smooth.

Read More : Recipes or Home