Flower Necklace

Originally, I found an image on Pinterest.com of a necklace I really liked.  It was linked from Little Miss Momma's Blog.  If you see her picture, you'll think this is a better idea than based on how mine turned out!  :)

Much better, right?!  Well, with practice it got better!  My first picture was my first try (I then made another black one with more flowers, then re-did both my white and black one!)  Results turned out much better.  However, I don't have pictures of the re-done necklaces- sorry!
Let's get started!  Here's what you need:

-Hot Glue Gun
-Glue Sticks
-Cotton Fabric (buy remnants!)
-Felt fabric to match- I found these sheets in the craft section, not fabric section
-Chain or an old necklace chain if you want a clasp
-Tequila (optional)  :)

I made two necklaces, if you're making one you just need one color of fabric.   

What to do:
1. Cut out 5 small circles 1-1.5 inches.  I ended up eyeballing mine and they got too big (that's why I only put 3 on my necklace).  After making two of these bad boys I suggest going smaller rather than bigger.  The circles don't have to be perfect, you won't see them.
 

2. Next, accordion fold your cotton fabric to create layers for easier cutting.  I think I had 8 layers when I cut my fabric.  Lay your felt circles over the layers for a guide and cut matching circles.

Again, it doesn't matter if the circles are perfect, you won't be able to tell after it's finished.  Make sure you cut out lots of circles- maybe 50.  I think I used 10 per circle.

3. Now we're ready to start gluing.  Disclaimer:  HOT GLUE IS HOT! Duh, right?  Should be easy to not burn yourself since we're all adults... not true!  I burnt my hand at least twice during this process, hopefully you'll have better luck than I did!  Fold the cotton circles into quarters like so... 

Then put a dot of glue on the tip and attach it to the center of your felt circle.  Continue this process until all the felt circles are full!

4. On the remaining sheet of felt, arrange your flower circles in the arrangement you want your necklace.  (I ended up re-doing this part on both my necklaces). 

If you did five circle, glue down the middle three.  In my case, I glued down the middle one.  Leave the top two un-glued.  Get out your chain and take off your desired length.  If you use just a chain, remember this will need to fit over your head.  I left mine a little longer and took out some links after the whole thing was put together. 

Put the ends of chain under the last two flowers.  I put mine under about an inch to make sure it would stay.  Hot glue the chain down between the two felt layers. 

5. Lastly, cut out the necklace from the large sheet of felt!

After I re-did this one, I put the flowers closer together and I also made more of a U shape instead of it being so wide.  I liked it a lot better after I changed it! Here's my black one:

I ended up shortening the chain a bit and creating a smoother U shape on this one too!  Maybe I'll update pictures with the modified necklaces in a bit. Enjoy and good luck!

Baby Red Potato Salad

This is a really good homemade potato salad recipe.  I'll warn you, it is different than most potato salads, but in a good way!  It's not as creamy, mustardy, or eggy and most recipes = better for you! I found this recipe on Gina's Skinny Recipes (I really like her site).

 

 What you need:

• 4 cups baby red potatoes, cut in small pieces
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (I left these out)
• 3 scallions, diced
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
• salt and fresh pepper

What to do:

1. Boil the potatoes in water until soft (about 10 minutes).  Drain and let cool.

 

2. While the potatoes are cooking mix together the red onion, green pepper, mustard, olive oil, vinegar and mayonnaise and salt and pepper. 

3. Once the potatoes are done and cool, combine the mixture with the potatoes in a bowl.  Add scallions and additional salt and pepper to taste.  

4. Serve room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.

This serves about 6, 3/4 cup servings.  107 calories per serving.