Homemade Granola (with Label Download)

Here in NJ, we are in our last week of school.  I have to admit, I'm ready for summer break!  I'm looking forward to a relaxed schedule and not having to be anywhere at a specific time.  But, that is still a week away, and this week is actually quite busy with end of year events and graduations....I have also been busy with teacher gifts.

I always like to give something that the teachers will appreciate and use.  Typically, my gifts are homemade.  In the past I have given Jam, Vanilla Extract, Fabric Baskets and Coffee Cozies.  This year is no different.  I decided on Homemade GRANOLA!

YUM!  Good granola is one of those items that is hard to find...and when you do find it, it costs an arm and a leg.  By making it yourself, you can customize it to your liking.  Adjust the ingredients and sweetness to suit you, and save a whole lot of money!

For this batch, I used Alton Brown's recipe with some minor alterations.  I used gluten free oats (several of the recipients are gluten intolerant), used cranberries instead of raisins, unsweetened coconut instead of sweetend and added a touch of agave syrup.

To dress up the gift, I put the granola in these wonderful Bormioli Rocco Fido Latch Jars and tied a label to them with some raffia.

I made the labels in Photoshop....they are two sided - one side provides the ingredients list.

If you are interested, I'm happy to share my labels with you.  You can find the FRONT HERE and the BACK HERE.

And of course, I saved some for myself!

Introducing: Cloud 9 Fabrics

I'm so very excited to announce that I will soon be offering some Cloud9 organic options in my fabric collection!

Who is Cloud9?
Cloud 9 fabrics is a wonderful company which offers eco-sensible fabrics to the quilt and craft market.

Cloud9 Fabrics uses only 100% organic cotton in the manufacturing of their cloths and low-impact dyes for printing.

Why Organic?
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.  The organic production system replenishes and maintains soil fertility while reducing the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Even better, there are no GMOs allowed in organic farming!

Why Cloud9?
Aside from being a local company (I always try to support my local businesses), have you seen their fabric line?  It's fun, contemporary and trendy.  It fits right into my brand.  I had the opportunity to visit Cloud9's warehouse and I fell in love!  Not only is the fabric fantastic to look at, the quality is top-notch and the staff is wonderful!  I spent some time with Gina (one of the founders), and her love and passion for fabric, design and sewing confirmed that this was a line I wanted to bring to my customers.

So stay tuned, you will see some of these wonderful prints in my fabric offerings VERY soon, and I already have some plans for some fun sewing projects that will be featured here on my blog.  Meanwhile, do check out Cloud9's website.  I guarantee you will fall in love!

TUTORIAL: Leather/Canvas Tote

Here is another fun tote tutorial for you.  I love simple totes that have the added sophistication of some interesting fabric and/or hardware!  In this case I dressed this tote up with some faux leather for the base and black leather handles.  The best part is that the handles are actually upcycled belts snagged at a thrift store for $3.00 each!

The upper fabric is a home decor fabric and the interior is made from canvas which adds some nice structure to the tote.

Are you ready to learn how to make this?  Let's get started!

COMING SOON: Leather/Canvas Tote Tutorial

Look at the tutorial I'm working on for you!

In this tutorial I will show you how to put some old leather belts to good use!

And why not add a little leather (or faux leather) to the bottom to give your tote that little extra something?  

GET YOUR SUPPLIES!

While I'm finalizing my tutorial, you can go out and find yourself some old leather belts (you will probably need two if you like longer handles).  I found mine at a thrift store for $3.00 each.

What You Will Need:

• 2 Identical Leather Belts (mine were about 1/2" wide)
• 1/2 yard of home decor or canvas fabric for the top
• 1/2 yard leather or faux leather for the bottom
• 1 yard of canvas (for the lining)
• You will also need 4 snaps and a snap setter.  You can pick up a great kit HERE.  

While you are hunting down your supplies, I will finish up this tutorial for you!