(r)Ice Pack Bundles I was recently going through my stash of fabric.  I like to save even the smallest of scraps because you never know how or when they may be handy.  From small appliqués to American Girl Doll quilts, these scraps have been helpful in a variety of projects.  This past summer, I made a gorgeous picnic blanket, and have held on to a variety of sizes of scraps.  Turns out, there were a dozen pieces of fabric about 5"x9".  These were perfect inspiration for making Small (r)Ice Packs.   Photos Above: Some of my larger scraps, organized by like sizing To make your own, start with any size fabric you like, but keep in mind that if using these as pocket warmers, boot warmers, ice packs for bumps and bruises, something in the 4"x4" finished size category is just about perfect.  (It's important to note that my sewing is like my cooking.  I tend to wing it with the materials/ingredients I have on hand.  If you wa...

Last week, I had an opportunity to experiment with various essential oil brands.  Knowing that no two brands are created equal, I have been on a quest to find the best of the best, while still keeping my price point affordable.  Until now,  Aura Cacia  has been my essential oil brand of choice.  I have also used  Now  Foods Essential Oils, but found their quality lacking when compared with Aura Cacia.  Back to last week.  I met with a representative from  doTerra .  Since I possess a vast knowledge of essential oils, including their properties, healing powers, and how/when to blend them, we were able to have fun, and not just make this about education. The most telling aspect of the session was when we performed a side by side comparison.  We chose to compare Lavender.  The brands compared were Aura Cacia and doTerra.  The first was in smell, which I can not convey to you in a blog other than through my own words. ...

While I typically post do-it-yourself guides to achieving a more balanced and healthful lifestyle, today's post focuses on the traditional and modern rituals surrounding the holiday of Sukkot.  Growing up, Sukkot meant making paper chains, shaking a lulav , and smelling an etrog .  Three years ago, we received a Sukkah from my parents as a gift.  It arrived in large boxes from  The Sukkah Project . Andy and Jack build the Sukkah together While the tradition is to feast in the Sukkah, some people go as far as sleeping and carrying out their daily living within the temporary dwelling.  As for my family of four, eating dinner in the Sukkah is common.  Last year, we added a new tradition of celebrating friendship within its canvas walls and hosted a Foosball Tournament.  This year, we are offering a variety of activities:  The preparations for a Crafting Party, Cupcake Decorating Party, and Nerf Gun Tournament are underway. ...

I often seek out crafts that are easy enough my kids could make them, and with little instruction from me.  The Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Scrub is just such a craft.  This all natural sugar scrub can be made in about FIVE minutes (which means it is also a great last-minute gift idea!). I am not typically drawn to seasonal flavorings or scents, but as the weather has cooled this week, and the sun begins to set earlier, a primal instinct within me is craving all things Autumn.  Whether it's Sukkot, Fall, pumpkins, or Halloween... It's all the same at our house anyway. I never buy Pumpkin Spice.  I know, I know.  How can I make Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Scrub without the Pumpkin Spice?  Well, I happen to have the following ingredients stocked in my kitchen year round: Cinnamon, Allspice, Nutmeg, and Ginger.  I blend these to create my own Pumpkin Spice.   For an 8 ounce container of sugar scrub, simply mix together 1 cup of gran...

The holiday season is moments away, and why not impress yourself and your loved ones with thoughtful, homemade gifts this year.  If you want to learn a new skill and spend more quality time with friends and family, Caught Red Threaded has the perfect idea for you.  You can H ost Your Own Craft Party !  It's as simple as an email to caughtredthreaded@gmail.com .

A week ago, a photo of an incredible Detox Body Scrub posted to the Caught Red Threaded Facebook page.  This is available for purchase, however, there's the old saying, "Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day.  Teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime."  With that in mind, here's your guide to creating this delight at home.  If you don't want the mess at your house, but still want to learn a new craft, contact me at caughtredthreaded@gmail.com to schedule a private lesson. The first thing you want to do is gather your supplies.  The ingredient list is intended to make enough for one 8 ounce jar.   Ingredients: 4 oz. coffee grounds 4 oz. epsom salt 10 drops tea tree essential oil jojoba (or other carrier oil) to cover jar or other storage container The brand of coffee is insignificant to this recipe.  If you have a preference, or a blend you prefer, then that's what you should use.  If you aren't a coffee drinker...

Clean and dry all jars or storage vessels before you begin.  One jar of Kirkland Organic Coconut Oil fills between 8-10 4 ounce Ball Canning Jars.   For best results, use a mixer with a whisk attachment.  A food processor will work as well, using the S blade attachment.   Any organic coconut oil works well for this project.  If you have a membership to Costco, purchasing their coconut oil is recommended.  They offer the best price/ounce. Coconut oil is very hard when it's placed in the mixer.  After 5 minutes on medium speed with a whisk attachment, the coconut oil transforms into a fluffy, whipped consistency.  Keep in mind that coconut oil will melt when it comes in contact with body temperature.  If you keep your house warm (above 75 degrees), it will be looser.  The cooler the indoor temperature, the harder the oil will be.   Fill your prepped jars.  I fill mine nearly to the top.  It is po...