Itsy Bitsy Paper

Tip Junkie
Ladybug Blessings
Reasons to Skip the Housework
Homework
Chef in Training
Crazy for Crust
Uncommon

Elements Interiors
This Chic Cooks
Passionately Artistic
Lil Luna
What I Whipped Up Wednesday
Wild Wednesdays

. . . Simple Window Treatment . . .

2012-02-13T10:08:00.002-05:00

A few years ago I was getting ready to host a party and wanted a new curtain on my kitchen windows. I rushed off to the store and picked up some cloth napkins and some fluffy trim and whipped those little windows into shape. Now, I'm in the process of switching our bedroom over to gray and green and wanted to have a pretty treatment up quickly. I ran to Target and grabbed a 4 pack of gray cloth napkins and used some buttons I had laying around the house and now have a $10.00 window treatment that looks awesome.

*I already had the rod from my previous curtain.

• • • • • • • • • • Simple Window Treatment

• • • • • • • • • •

• Grab some cloth napkins--the quantity will vary depending on the size of your windows.

• Use your iron to smooth out all the wrinkles

• Fold the napkins into a "triangle" by bringing two points together. Iron them so you have a nice crease at the top.

• Place your buttons where you will want them. Sew them on using coordinating thread. I used gray on the green buttons and green on the black buttons. A little detail that you can't really see unless you are up close but it looks nice.

• Once your buttons are all sewn on you will want to iron any new wrinkles then get ready to slide them on your rod.

• I had a rod that is sort of a silver/pewter finish

• Slide the napkins onto the rod with the points down

• You will either overlap them as I did or have them meet point to point. Just play with them to get them the way you like and you are all set.

Now you can sit back and

• • • • Enjoy the compliments

I now have to paint those walls--grrr. I really love to paint but I hate the taping and moving furniture so I've been putting it off. Somehow I don't think my beige walls compliment the gray and green though.

• • • Linking Here:

Menu Plan Monday
Lines Across My Face
The DIY Home Sweet Home Project
Bedazzle Me Monday
Cherished Bliss

Tip Junkie
Ladybug Blessings
Reasons to Skip the Housework
Homework

. . . Chocolate Iced Coffee Drink Revisited . . .

2012-02-11T08:24:00.002-05:00

This post has been my most viewed post in the history of my blog. I am enjoying a cup of this frosty drink right now and thought I should share it again for all of my new readers. It really is one of the yummiest treats! I hope you all enjoy it.

• • • • • • iced chocolate coffee drink

I love iced coffee and make a cup everyday with some half and half and a few packs of Splenda. I brew a big pot of coffee and keep it in the fridge so it's right ready to go when I'm ready for a cool coffee drink. Sometimes I crave something a little richer and this drink is the perfect remedy for that craving. So easy but so yummy--my son fights me for it if I only make enough for one cup.

• You will need Half and Half, Hot Chocolate Packets ( I like Swiss Miss. I love that they have other flavors now too ) , Sweetner and Coffee

• Pour desired amount of half and half and coffee into blender. Add sweetner and hot chocolate packet. Depending on the amount of coffee and half and half I sometimes use more than one packet of hot chocolate mix.

• Run the blender until the mixture is well combined.

• I use a StarbucksDouble Walled Cup that I have had since they came out with them a couple years ago--it's like a Tervis Tumbler and they are great! I fill my cup with some ice and pour the coffee mixture over it and ENJOY.

• • • •Other Iced Coffee Ideas:

• Blend some butterscotch instant pudding mix, cinnamon, half and half and coffee together and serve over ice. This is really good with some pumpkin added to it

• Blend coffee, half and half and some caramel ice cream topping and serve over ice

• • • •What is your favorite coffee drink?

Linking Here:

Serenity Now 4 Amanda
Craft Envy
Lolly Jane Boutique
Six Sisters Stuff

. . . Fun Friday Finds--Purple . . .

2012-02-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

I am a pink girl at heart but there is something about anything done in a deep rich purple that is so beautiful. While ~~working~~ spending time on Pinterest I found so many beautiful photos featuring the color purple. I know it's a favorite among many so I thought I'd share a few things that I have pinned.

On a side note, I'm wondering if Pinterest is going to come out with a 12 step program to help all of us that are addicted? I know I'd need to be one of the first in line although there would probably be a lot of us fighting for that ~~honor~~ spot.

**I'd love for you to follow Itsy Bitsy Paper on Pinterest **

• Rachael RayCasserole Dish

• Cake Stand

• Purple, Red andSilver Decor

• Beautifullandscape

• Inspirational Sign

• Playhouse

• Purple Hair? Yes Please!

• Beautiful flower arrangement

•Bright and Bold Accent Wall

•Glass Balls

• A wall of desks and tables, how cool?

• Gorgeous hall table

What is your favorite on this list? If nothing cries out to you here leave a link to something purple that is your favorite!

. . . Buffalo Chicken Pasta . . .

2012-02-09T07:00:00.011-05:00

I am not a fan of buffalo chicken wings but I love the buffalo sauce that comes on them. I also love anything pasta so when I came across this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Pasta I knew it was a must make recipe! The pasta is filled with flavor and was a big hit at our house. The buffalo sauce provides just enough heat for my liking and then add in the gooey cheese and you are set!

The original recipe came from How Sweet It Is, a great blog if you haven't yet been over there. She has so many delicious recipes to share.

Print Recipe Here

· Gather your ingredients

· Boil pasta according to directions on box

· Melt the butter in a saucepan

· Add milk to make the roux

· Add the Cheese to roux and stir until smooth

· Add the buffalo sauce and mix well

· Combine the pasta and chicken in baking dish

· Pour sauce over the pasta

· Top the pasta with panko bread crumbs

· Top with additional cheese

· Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until bubbly

· It’s time to eat!

Garnish with green onions and cilantro. Drizzle additional buffalo sauce over if desired

Yummy in the Tummy for sure! Enjoy!

Chic on a Shoestring Budget
Thirty Handmade Days
All Things Domestic
Faith, Trust and a Little Pixie Dust
Fun Stuff Fridays
Bacon Time

. . . My Heart Bursts For You Download . . .

2012-02-08T07:00:00.006-05:00

Doesn't everyone love Starburst candy? I know in our house it is a big favorite. When I was brainstorming something to do for my son's classmates for Valentine's Day I thought of Starbursts. I loved the idea of using the phrase "My Heart Bursts for You". It turned out to be a fun project. I purchased the little treat cups at Wal Mart and grabbed some shredded paper and cellophane bags and of course some Baker's Twine and a 3 inch Scallop Punch that a friend was nice enough to let me borrow. That is it--quick and easy!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The best part is that you can do this too since I'm giving you the FREE DOWNLOAD!!

♥ Download Tags Here ♥

Print your tags and gather up your treat bags, treat cups, cello bags, baker's twine, paper shreds and a punch. Cut out the tags and use double sided tape to adhere them to a coordinating stock that you've punched out with a 3 inch circle, square or scallop. *As you can see in the last photo above I wasn't going to use the additional colored stock but it looked kind of boring so I added the scallop circle in the pink and yellow as seen below.

Once you've assembled your tags punch a small hole

in the tag and tie on the bag using Baker's Twine

♥ ♥ ♥

I'm sure your kids will be a big hit when they share

this goodie with their friends and teachers.

Transformation Thursdays
Yesterday on Tuesday

Somewhat simple

Fireflies and Jellybeans

HOH

Thrifty Thursday

Under 100

Stuff for little boys

Thrilling Thursday
52 Mantels

Elements Interiors
This Chic Cooks
Passionately Artistic
Lil Luna
What I Whipped Up Wednesday
Wild Wednesdays
Made Famous By

Serenity Now 4 Amanda
Craft Envy
Lolly Jane Boutique
Six Sisters Stuff

. . . Coming Soon . . .

2012-02-07T17:37:00.000-05:00

A few new invitations that will be available soon at Itsy Bitsy Paper.

. . . Cookie Time Tuesday--Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies . . .

2012-02-07T09:05:00.003-05:00

I am the only one in my house that loves peanut butter so I'm not sure it was smart for me to make these amazing peanut butter sandwich cookies. I promise I will only eat ~~one~~ two at a time. They are so soft and yummy!!

This recipe came from Sweet Peas Kitchen. A great blog to visit if you haven't already visited.

• • • • • • • • • •

Print Recipe HERE

You will need:

For the Cookies:

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter flavored Crisco

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup sugar, plus 1/3 cup for rolling dough

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs

• • •

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

3-4 tablespoons milk

• Gather ingredients

• Mix sugars, peanut butter and shortening until fluffy

• Add vanilla and eggs one at a time

• Add dry ingredients and blend well

• Roll dough into small balls and roll in sugar

• Place rolled dough on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart

• Flatten cookies into a criss cross pattern using the tines of a fork

• Bake at 375 for 6 to 8 minutes

• For the filling you need to gather your ingredients

• Mix everything but the milk together until well combined

• Add milk to get the right consistency

• Place a spoonful of filling on the bottom of one cookie then sandwich

the cookie with another of the same size.

YUMMY in the TUMMY!!

Enjoy this recipe!

Linking Here:

Tip Junkie
Ladybug Blessings
Reasons to Skip the Housework
Homework
Chef in Training
Crazy for Crust
Uncommon
Jaihart
Made Famous By

. . . Apricot Bread Recipe . . .

2012-02-04T07:31:00.001-05:00

My grandmother recently made an amazing Apricot Bread from our church cookbook and after eating a slice of it I knew I had to make it and share with all of you. It is so moist and delicious and has a unique taste with the apricots in it. I will be adding this to my list of favorite recipes for serving to guests.

Print Recipe HERE

You will need:

½ C Butter, softened

2 C Sugar

2 Large Eggs

½ C Apricot Brandy

1 (16 oz.) jar of chunky applesauce

2 ½ C Flour

½ tsp Baking Powder

2 tsp Baking Soda

½ tsp Salt

1 ½ C Dried Apricots, chopped

½ C Chopped Pecans (optional)

• Gather ingredients

• Mix sugar and butter until fluffy then add eggs

• Add applesauce and brandy and combine well

• Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend well

• Dust your chopped apricots with flour so they don't sink or stick together during baking

• Spray your bundt pan or loaf pan liberally. I used Baker's Joy spray that has flour added

in and it worked great.

• Pour batter into pan

• Bake at 350 for 50 to 60 minutes or until baked through

Once the cake is finished baking flip it onto a platter and dust with powdered sugar. I used my handy dandy dusting tool but you could use any method to dust the bread.

Now is the hard part, I know you will hate this part, EAT it and ENJOY!

Linking Here:

Serenity Now 4 Amanda
Craft Envy
Lolly Jane Boutique
Six Sisters Stuff

. . . New Party Invitations Available Now . . .

2012-02-03T10:11:00.000-05:00

A few new invitations that are now available at

Itsy Bitsy Paper

Backyard Barbeque Invitation

Guess Whooo's Having A Party?

Rain or Shine Party Invitation--perfect for baby and bridal showers

Strawberry Milk and Cookies Invitation
We are having a PAW-ty

Girly Bounce House Invitation
The City Of Lights Invitation
Milk and Cookies Party Invitation
Colorful Bounce House Party Invitation

Perfect for all of those spring parties you are planning!

. . . Fun Friday Finds--Go Red Edition . . .

2012-02-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

On December 20, 2011 our family lost an amazing guy--Cousin Jeff. He was just 35 years old and didn't realize he had warning signs of heart disease, but when the results came in from the Medical Examiner they found that he had advanced stages of heart disease. We tend to think of Heart Disease as a mans disease and something that only effects the elderly but this just isn't the case. It's so often that the warning signs are confused with stress and other illnesses and we never think that at such a young age it could be heart disease. Today, Friday, February 3rd, is The American Heart Association National Wear Red Day and I hope you will all support the cause.

I decided to dedicate Fun Friday Finds to all things RED. There are some great items shown that directly benefit The American Heart Association and then there are some great RED items that I wanted to share just for the fun of it because really, who doesn't love RED?

I hope you will not only visit some of these great Etsy Sellers but also stop by and do your part by purchasing or donating at The American Heart Association.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

• Go Red Ball Cap @ The American Heart Association

• Go Red iPhone Case @ The American Heart Association

• Go Red Laptop Skin @ The American Heart Association

• Go Red Beaded Bracelet @ The American Heart Association

• Scrabble Tile Necklace @ Karma Crochet

• Reverse Clock @ Tik Tak Things

• Damask Jewelry Holder @ Kadaughe

• Red Tie Onesie @ Antsy Pants

• Go Red USB @ The American Heart Association

• Go Red Tote @ The American Heart Association

• Go Red Journal @ The American Heart Association

• Go Red Golf Balls @ The American Heart Association

• Skeleton Key Necklace @ Stefeny Stanyer

• Wallet @ The Quilted Story

• Key Fob @ A Helping Hand Bag

• Earrings @ Hippie Kingdom

I hope this great list of RED items inspires you all take care of your heart and raise awareness by wearing RED today!!

. . . Valentine's Day Decorating . . .

2012-02-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

I haven't blogged all of my little odds and ends of Valentine's Decor so I thought I'd share a few things I have sitting around for the holiday of Love.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♥ Valentine's Day Wreath made from a Clearance Christmas Wreath ♥

♥ Epsom Salt is my new favorite thing to use in my decor. I did quite a bit with it at Christmas but never shared because I forgot to take photos. I just took a white platter and filled it with Epsom Salt and then placed candles and little hearts around it. It is a unique way display candles and everyone loves that it's Epsom Salt. ♥

♥ I wove pink and red ribbon through a small cake platter that had holes in it and then placed a candle in the center with conversation hearts around it. ♥

♥ You remember the T-Shirt Wrapped Candles? Here they are with a Conversation Heart Platter and a bowl full of conversation heart candy. ♥

♥ Of course you probably remember both of these--The Valentine's Day Free Download and the Dollar Store Jars filled with red beads and candles. ♥

. . . Baked Taco Pasta . . .

2012-02-01T10:08:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make something different for dinner and was hungry for tacos and pasta and figured why not mix the two together. This recipe is strictly a "dump" recipe because I just gathered ingredients that I would typically use for taco night. I make a really good Taco Rice Dinner and sort of used the idea from that for this pasta. I love when you dump a bunch of ingredients together and it turns out amazing. This dinner was a big success so I'm sharing it with you and I'm sure I will be making it again very soon.

• • • • • • • • • •

You will need:

Penne Pasta

Salsa

Rotel or Diced Tomatoes and Chiles

Queso Sauce

Taco Seasoning

Onion

Cheddar Cheese

Sour Cream (Optional)

Corn (Optional)

Black Beans (Optional)

Crushed tortilla chips (Optional)

• Gather your ingredients

• Chop an onion

• Saute the ground beef and onion until cooked completely

• Add a packet of taco seasoning of your choice

• Once the meat and onion mixture is cooked add one can of Rotel or Diced Tomatoes and Chiles

• Add about 1 cup of salsa and queso dip to your liking. I made a big casserole so I ended up using an entire jar.

• Mix over low heat so everything combines nicely

• Stir in the desired amount of pasta. I made two boxes because I needed some Penne for something else so I used probably about a box and a half for my casserole.

• Transfer to a baking dish and top with corn and black beans if you want to.

• Top with cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips

• Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes on 350.

Serve with sour cream and top with corn, black beans, lettuce, taco sauce, etc.

Enjoy!

. . . Cookie Time Tuesday -- Valentine's Day Chocolate Chip Cookies . . .

2012-01-31T12:15:00.004-05:00

This recipe was found at Made Famous By Blog (a great blog if you haven't visited before). I wanted mine to have a bit of a pop so I added several Valentine's M&Ms to the top of each cookie for a little extra color. These cookies make quite a few so it's perfect to send in with your kids for the classmates or take them to work to share as a special Valentine's Day Treat.

. . . The Twinery Giveaway Winners Are . . .

2012-01-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

We have our THREE Winners of The Twinery's Valentine's Day Sampler Packs.

The Bakers Twine Goes To:

#19:

#155:

#371:

Congratulations on your win!!

You can email me at itsybitsypaper@yahoo.com

. . . Couch Cushion Redo . . .

2012-01-30T11:18:00.003-05:00

We have a couch that used to be extremely comfortable when we first got it a couple years ago; however, lately the cushions have been drooping and it's not as comfortable. My husband has been obsessed about these droopy cushions (on the couch he picked out even though I didn't want to have removable cushions--just saying) so I was brainstorming ways to fluff them up without spending a fortune on fiberfill. I hate to toot my own horn but "beep, beep" because this worked out really well!!

Do your couch cushions look like this?

Sagging and losing their form

Because you have kids that do this to your cushions...

(no matter how many times you tell them to stop doing it)

If you do you will love this quick and inexpensive fix...for larger cushions use a King Size Pillow and stuff the cushion with that to regain it's form. For smaller couch cushions use a standard or queen size pillow form. This will only work if you have removable cushions with a zipper so you can insert the pillow form.

Sagging cushions that have lost their shape

Use a pillow form and unzip the cushion leaving the fluff that is already in the cushion then add the pillow form and fluff it up to your liking.

Fluff the cushion up to your liking and you have a nice full couch cushion that is super comfy

So much better now!!

Perfect and even more comfortable!! Hopefully my son will FINALLY listen to me when I tell him the furniture isn't meant to be used as a trampoline.

Linking here:

Menu Plan Monday
Lines Across My Face
The DIY Home Sweet Home Project
Bedazzle Me Monday
Cherished Bliss

. .Valentine's Cards are ON SALE Today Only. .

2012-01-28T10:40:00.001-05:00

Do you need to place your order for your children's Valentine's Day Card exchange? Today is the day to do it when they are all 20% Off!!!

Use Coupon Code: VALENTINE

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

www.itsybitsypaper.com

. . . Fun Friday Finds . . .

2012-01-27T08:24:00.000-05:00

I spend countless hours on Pinterest every week while I'm "working" and find a gazillion amazing ideas which I try to file away for Fun Friday Finds. This week I saw some really cute food items and thought I would share a few.

Enjoy!

• • • • • • • • • •

• Cupcakes on a stick @ Sweet Paul

• Lego Cookies @ Cake Central

• Bacon and Eggs Chocolate @ Ordinary Miracles

• Chocolate Covered Berries @ Family Fresh Cooking

• Heart Pies on a Stick @ Nifty Thrify Things

• Heart Cupcakes @ Glorious Treats

Are you as hungry as I am now?

. . . I Dig You Valentine Revisited . . .

2012-01-26T08:13:00.005-05:00

I first posted this last year but it is still one of the most viewed posts on my blog so I thought I would share it again for the new readers. This time I am giving the Tags away as a
FREE DOWNLOAD!

I always make a special treat for my son to hand out on Valentine's Day and this year In Place Of Her Crown inspired me to do the Sand Shovel Valentine's treats. I ordered my shovels from Ebay and then picked up some bags of Sweet Tart Conversation Hearts, Cello Bags (Small ones), Bakers Twine from The Twinery and made up a cute Tag to hang off the bags.

I have had so many requests for this label so I am going to offer it as a FREE DOWNLOAD!! Yay!
You can download it HERE

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

You will need cellophane bags, small sand shovels, twine or ribbon, candy and a DIG YOU Tag

I used sweettarts and filled a small cello bag and then used the twine to tie the bag to the handle of the shovel.

I used a 2 inch scallop punch and punched my tags out.
Punch a small hole in them and added the tag to the twine.

CUTE!!

Transformation Thursdays
Yesterday on Tuesday

Somewhat simple

Fireflies and Jellybeans

HOH

Thrifty Thursday

Under 100

Stuff for little boys

Thrilling Thursday
52 Mantels

Chic on a Shoestring Budget
Thirty Handmade Days
All Things Domestic
Faith, Trust and a Little Pixie Dust
Fun Stuff Fridays

. . . T-Shirt Wrapped Candle Holders . . .

2012-01-25T08:31:00.003-05:00

I am always looking for a very quick and simple craft project that can dress something up that I have laying around the house. I don't know if you remember the T-Shirt Rope Scarf I posted about but I made a ton of them and have quite a variety of colors. I went to put one on and thought about all the Pins I have seen with glass jars covered in sweaters and I thought why not use some of these "rope" scarves and wrap a jar for a candle.

Now, this was supposed to be a quick and easy little project but after three broken glass vases I was ready to pull every last piece of hair out. It was as if my hands were made of jello because I kept dropping the glass vases. Crazy! I finally got two done and figured why push my luck for any more.

I just took the pieces of t-shirt "rope" and started at the bottom of the vase and wrapped them around and around until it was nice and tight. Then I added the next color and then the next. I wanted these to be something I could use again so I just added some Valentine Garland around it and that way it is a temporary holiday vase.

I hope you enjoy making your own and maybe have better luck than I did with keeping the glass in one piece.

Just take your infinity "rope" scarf and start wrapping them around the jars. I did it like you would wrap a rubberband around something--kind of a figure eight wrap.

Display them with a few pieces of Valentine's Day Garland

Have fun!!

Elements Interiors
This Chic Cooks
Passionately Artistic
Lil Luna
What I Whipped Up Wednesday
Wild Wednesdays

Chic on a Shoestring Budget
Thirty Handmade Days
All Things Domestic
Faith, Trust and a Little Pixie Dust
Fun Stuff Fridays

. . . Cookie Time Tuesday-Cookie Dough Dip . . .

2012-01-24T13:35:00.002-05:00

Cookie Time Tuesday has a bit of a twist to it this week. I was sorting through recipes I had pinned and decided to give Cookie Dough Dip a try. You may be disappointed that this isn't a "real" cookie recipe but believe me you will be thanking me once you try this dip. It is sinfully good--I'm talking just eat it with a spoon good! Who needs anything to spread it on when it's so good all by itself?

This recipe originally came from Add a Pinch Blog. If you don't know about this blog you have to check it out. You will love everything you see there I'm sure.

Print Recipe HERE

You will need:

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup toffee bits

Cream the butter and cream cheese until fluffy

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well

Put the dip in a bowl and serve with graham crackers, apple slices, Nilla Wafers, animal crackers, etc.

Doesn't this look delicious? It is!

MAKE SURE YOU ENTER THE TWINERY GIVEAWAY WHILE YOU ARE HERE!

. . . The Twinery Giveaway . . .

2012-01-24T07:00:00.011-05:00

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!!!

If you are a crafter then chances are you know about The Twinery. They have an amazing assortment of Bakers Twine. If you aren't familiar with them I am glad to be introducing them to you here. You can use twine for just about anything--I know I use mine constantly.

Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog is happy to be doing a giveaway for THREE SETS of {I Love You} Sampler Packs. How awesome is that!? You will get 90 yards total of the eco-luxe, plush 100% cotton twine in 6 colors (15 yards of each color shown): Maraschino, Pink Sorbet Blossom, Caribbean, Stone & Lilac!!! WOW.

You are going to love how many things you will use this twine for. Crafting, Baking, Gift Giving, Kid's Projects etc.

Just a few of my projects I have used The Twinery's Twine for. Notice I use the Pink Sorbet all the time. I have almost every color but I always gravitate to the Pink Sorbet.

Giveaway Details

There will be THREE winners. Each winner will receive an {I Love You} Sampler Pack

To ENTER you need to leave a separate comment for each step and be sure to leave your email address. Each person has up to FIVE chances to enter:

1. Become a FOLLOWER of Itsy Bitsy Paper's Blog

**The only requirement to enter**

BONUS ENTRIES

2. Follow The Twinery on Facebook

3. Follow The Twinery on Twitter

4. Follow Itsy Bitsy Paper on Facebook
5. Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your Blog

Giveaway is open from January 24, 2012 to January 30, 2012
at MIDNIGHT EST

Thank you for entering!

**MAKE SURE YOU ADD YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY PROJECTS TO THE I HEART PROJECTS LINKY PARTY! **

. . . I Heart Projects Linky Party . . .

2012-01-22T07:00:00.004-05:00

I am in L♥VE (no pun intended) with all the fun Valentine's Day Projects all the bloggers are sharing. I thought I'd have a Linky Party to showcase so many of your brilliant ideas! I hope you will join in on the FUN!

For this Linky Party:

**Please become a follower of Itsy Bitsy Paper's Blog

**Link ONLY Valentine's Day Project Ideas

**Link back to Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog in your post

**Feel free to leave a comment below as well

That is it....Let's Party!

Please spread the word about this fun party!

Sunday, January 22nd through Tuesday, February 14th

Remember to Follow Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog

MAKE SURE YOU ENTER THE TWINERY GIVEAWAY WHILE YOU ARE HERE!

. . . Oldy But A Goody--Valentine's Day Download . . .

2012-01-21T08:22:00.003-05:00

I wanted to add another "pop" of color to my Valentine's Day decorations and decided this was the perfect way to do it. I took a 5x7 black frame and added my artwork to it and then added a few felt heart stickers I had leftover from my topiary project and added a bow to the corner and tada...a framed piece of art for Valentine's Day.

I wanted to share the artwork so you can create your own project with it. Click HERE to get yours and fee free to SHARE!

Gather your few supplies and print your artwork on a 5x7 piece of cardstock

Add the art to your 5x7 frame

Add your stickers or other items you want to use to dress it up.

Add your ribbon tied in a bow--I used glue dots to attach

Display your artwork!

Easy as pie but it looks so cute.

I would love to see how YOU used the artwork so be sure to link back here!
Make sure you SHARE the link for this post so others can enjoy the artwork too.

Linking Here:

Serenity Now 4 Amanda
Craft Envy
Lolly Jane Boutique
Six Sisters Stuff

Tip Junkie
Ladybug Blessings
Reasons to Skip the Housework
Homework
Chef in Training
Crazy for Crust
Uncommon

. . . Fun Friday Finds-Owls . . .

2012-01-20T06:58:00.001-05:00

I love owls! They are such a popular trend right now too so it's very easy to find them all over the place. I wanted to do a fun version of Fun Friday Finds since it's been awhile since my last one. I figured why not feature great Etsy sellers while showcasing adorable Owl items!

• Owl Pillow Plush Toy @ Bellamina

• Owl Hat @ Cassandra & Daniel's Little Shop

• Owl Pillow @ Holly Go Brightly

• Rupert the Patchwork Owl Crinkle Toy @ Angie Baby Gifts

• Silver Owl Necklace @ West Byron
• Ceramic Owl Figures @ Claylicious
• Owl Mousepad @ Bunch Of Bees
• Owl Family Necklace @ Lulu Bug Jewelry

• Owl Hair Bow @ Rebel Daisy Designs

• Owl Basket @ The Spotted Barn

• Owl Tag Ribbon Toy @ Life In The Sass Lane

• Owl Favor Boxes @ One Fantastic Party

• Owl Print @ TADA Printables
• Owl Cookies @ A Cookie Jar
• Owl Nightlight @ Thimbletown
• Owl Valentines @ Itsy Bitsy Paper

What is your favorite? Have you made a fun craft using owls--please share a link!

. . . Valentine's Day Wreath . . .

2012-01-19T10:23:00.004-05:00

As all of you know I love making wreathes and Valentine's Day is such a fun holiday to make them for. I am sure many people don't really consider it a holiday but in my house it's one of my favorites to decorate for!

I found this wild silver wreath in the clearance bin from leftover Christmas items for just a couple dollars so I figured I better purchase it and save it for a "rainy day". That day came when I was brainstorming an idea for a new Valentines Wreath. I know this probably looks a little Christmasy but I like how shiny it is and different than the normal wreath I usually put on my door.

It was super easy and of course very budget friendly--thanks to coupons and clearance items it cost less than $10.00 to make.

I bought the flowers with clips on them so it was super easy to just clip to the wreath form

To make the curly q's out of the wired garland wrap it around your finger tightly

and then uncurl it from your finger and it will be curly.

Place the curly q wired garland randomly around the wreath

Have you done a fun Valentine's Day Wreath?

If so leave a link, I'd love to see it!

MAKE SURE YOU ENTER THE TWINERY GIVEAWAY WHILE YOU ARE HERE!

Transformation Thursdays
Yesterday on Tuesday

Somewhat simple

Fireflies and Jellybeans

HOH

Thrifty Thursday

Under 100

Stuff for little boys

Thrilling Thursday
52 Mantels

Chic on a Shoestring Budget
Thirty Handmade Days
All Things Domestic
Faith, Trust and a Little Pixie Dust

Menu Plan Monday
Lines Across My Face
The DIY Home Sweet Home Project
Bedazzle Me Monday
Cherished Bliss

. . . This was too funny not to share! . . .

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am wondering if they make this in a portable version? I know if I could come up with one I'd be a millionaire and a heck of a lot happier with my body. I don't want this to offend anyone but as someone that has dealt with weight issues all my life I just had to share because I think we all have those kind of days we need a good laugh about our body.

. . . Cookie Time Tuesday: Over the Top Skillet Cookie . . .

2012-01-17T07:51:00.002-05:00

Cookie Time Tuesday is BACK! I know I'm excited to be posting cookie recipes again so I hope you are excited to see them again. I wanted to find a really good cookie recipe so my first Cookie Time Tuesday after a month of not blogging didn't disappoint and this one is sure to please, I have no doubt!

This recipe is for a to die for Skillet Cookie--first time making a skillet cookie but not going to be my last. I found this recipe from www.sophistimom.com but did make a few changes.

• • • • • • •

Print Recipe HERE

You will need:

1 stick unsalted butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon kosher or table salt

1 cup chocolate chunks (I used dark and milk combined)

Toffee Chips (optional)

Chopped Pecans (optional)

Caramel Sauce

Vanilla Ice Cream

• Gather ingredients

• Chop Hershey bars in a food chopper until chunky or use store bought chocolate chunks.

• Melt butter in a cast iron skillet

• After butter is melted add sugars and vanilla and remove from heat and mix well

• Crack one egg over the semi cooled sugar mixture and blend well

• Add dry ingredients to the mixture and combine well

• The dough should be smooth before you add the chocolate

• Combine chocolate (I used dark and milk)

• Combine well then top with pecan pieces and toffee bits

(these are optional but make it extra delicious)

• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes on 350 degrees

**I may or may not have taken a bite the minute it came out of the oven,

but can you really blame me? Look how delicious that looks!!

• Serve with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream

SO GOOD!

Linking Here:

Tip Junkie
Ladybug Blessings
Reasons to Skip the Housework
Homework
Chef in Training
Crazy for Crust
Cherished Bliss

. . . Cheerio Snack Mix . . .

2012-01-16T08:36:00.004-05:00

I have MISSED blogging!! I love doing it but life and business have kept me extremely busy the last month or so with the holidays and blogging took a back burner. I hope to be back here much more often now that things are a little calmer with the holidays behind us.

• • • • •

Today many kids are out of school and if you are like me you are trying to figure out how to keep them busy on a three day weekend. My son loves making this snack mix because it is like doing a science experiment. If you are a mom of young children then you may just have all of these ingredients laying around because it seems that these are staples for young kids (except for the peanuts). The foaming the baking soda creates is the science experiment part so make sure the kiddos don't miss it.

Enjoy this yummy snack!!

Print Recipe HERE

Gather your ingredients

Mix cheerios, peanuts and raisins in a large greased bowl and set aside

Melt the margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt in a saucepan over medium heat

Once it has boiled and cooked for 2 minutes remove from heat and add baking soda

The baking soda will cause the brown sugar mixture to get frothy

Pour brown sugar mixture over the mixed cheerios and stir quickly before it hardens

Place in a 9x13 inch glass pan and bake at 250 degrees for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool and break into pieces and store in ziploc bags.

I hope you enjoy this yummy snack!!

Linking Here:

Menu Plan Monday
Lines Across My Face
The DIY Home Sweet Home Project
Bedazzle Me Monday
Must Try Monday