Sews2Reap

My oily mentor and I had a class about the skin care and Savvy Minerals make-up from Young Living. What a blast! This picture shows the items I began pulling from around my house for the class and the work sheets I made. There is a sheet for all the makeup items, one for all the skin care, and a half sheet that has a face for the makeup samples. These sheets are like a wish list. Each person can mark the items we talked about that fits their needs or mark the makeup colors that they liked.  Flowers. I always have flowers.  Notice The seedlings wipes two pictures up? That is my favorite makeup remover. I made sure to talk about that too. One person used it to remove their makeup at the end of class just to see how well it works. They were passed around so everyone could sniff and see how sturdy they are. I cut mine in half and put them in this cute container.  Half is all I need to get all my makeup off.  I tried to keep the theme through out. This time

In my everyday life, I am a sewing teacher and homeschool mom. That is what I went to college for, and it really is my passion. I am doing a few videos with step by step instructions for my sewing students. This lets them continue to work on projects at home or remake them with confidence. But, anyone can sew along! Here is my  first   sewing tutorial video on pillowcases. It is the first project my students make and one that does not need a paper pattern. This is a long step by step tutorial with close up images and explanations on why I do what I am doing.  Scroll below for written step by step instructions. Comming soon - reversible tote bag with variations. Supplies: ¾ yard cotton woven fabric for the body of the pillowcase 1/3 yard cotton woven fabric for the band of the pillowcase Thread to match fabrics 1 ½ yard lace (optional) Thread to match lace Two pillowcases will be made during the video, scenes will go back and forth between the pr

If you are my friend and know anything about Young Living I have told you how great the Essential Rewards program is. It is the easiest, fastest way to build your oily stash.  This is part of my stash. I have the bathroom items in a linen closet, and diffusers, and boxed items in my office closet. Most of it was FREE with the monthly promotion. Essential Rewards is free to participate in once you are a member. It gives back points to spend on items. The one requirement is you order at least 50 PV a month. It isn't hard to do. Especially if you are actually using your oils.  I started replacing my old toxin-laden household items with safe ones from YL. Out with the old shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, cleaners, toothpaste, deodorant, supplements, skin care, and now MAKEUP! Woot! I didn't do it all in one month. I planned it out and replaced a few things each month. I had been making many of my own products trying to get away from toxins, and I still do. But the

Homemade pickles! I grew up on them and love canning my own. Here are my jars in their water bath, the lids and rings are in there too. Simmering is perfect. Cucumbers and dill from my garden  plus garlic, salt and mustard seed. I poured the water out of the simmering jars and stuffed it with the ingredients. Each jar contains 1 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp mustard seed, a head of dill weed, 1-2 tsp diced garlic.  Next, I pour the brine in. My brine is equal parts hot water and vinegar. Some like plain white vinegar others cider vinegar. You should try a few options. Mark what you put in the jar so you know what is your favorite. Leave a little air space in the neck of the jar and cap with a lid and ring. Set your filled jars back in the simmering (low boiling) water for 10 minutes. Remove and let sit undisturbed for 12-24 hours. You should hear the lids seal during this time. It will be a very satisfying pop sound.  My finished slices and spea