Music Chimes

You may love someone enough to make this for them as a gift.  Apparently, the only person I love this much is me, because I'm the only person I've ever made these for.  Or plan to.


Instructions for these chimes have been broken up into 4 different posts, so you'll have to go back to my main blog page and scroll down.  Or, you can do it the easy way, and click on the "Chimes" label at the bottom of this post.


These really are great for anyone who deals with children or teenagers in a musical setting (for me, that's at church).


They're relatively cheap inexpensive to make, and are tons of fun.  Plus, if you don't wear work gloves when you're making them you get free blisters. 

Music Chimes, Part 4

Pictures should be self-explanatory.  If not, send me an e-mail.  (I'll post the size of the "holders" I sewed later - they're out in the car and it's 25 degrees outside right now.  SO not going out there to get them).

Music Chimes, Part 3

Cutting Directions:


Rule No. 1:  YOU HAVE TO BE ABSOLUTELY PRECISE WHEN CUTTING CHIMES

Rule No. 2: See Rule No. 1

Rule No. 3:  Measure each pipe individually, then cut it before measuring adjacent pipe length.


Measuring and cutting:


1) Measure and using a fine-tipped marker, mark the precise cutting length of one pipe at a time, beginning with #2.  Cut EXACTLY.

2) 1st 10-ft. pipe length you will cut as follows:


Chime no. 2, note B, 13";
Chime no. 3, middle C, 12-5/8";
Chime no. 4, C#, 12-1/4";
Chime no. 5, D, 11-7/8";
Chime no. 6, E flat, 11-1/2";
Chime no. 7, E, 1-1/4";
Chime no. 8, F, 10-7/8";
Chime no. 9, F#, 10-5/8";
Chime no. 10, G, 10-1/4";
Chime no. 18, E flat, 8-1/8";
Chime no. 19, E, 7-7/8";


on the next 10-ft length:
Chime no. 1, B flat, 13-3/8";
Chime no. 11, A flat, 9-7/8";
Chime no. 12, A, 9-5/8";
Chime no. 13, B flat, 9-3/8";
Chime no. 14, B, 9-1/8";
Chime no. 15, C, 8-7/8";
Chime no. 16, C#, 8-5/8";
Chime no. 17, D, 8-3/8"


Did I mention that they have to be cut EXACT?????


3) After cutting each pipe, number each one with a label of masking tape to keep them straight until you finish cutting and label them permanently.


4) Measure down 2" from top of each pipe and mark for drill hole.  Use a drill press (or some device to securely hold each pipe) and drill a 1/8" hole exactly straight through both walls of the pipe.  File off any burrs that remain inside or outside of drill holes so they will not alter the pitch of the pipe.


5) Thread 14" piece of plastic cording through each drilled pipe hole and tie in a secure square knot.  Do not trim ends yet as you may wish to adjust length so all pipes hang an equal distance from the top if stored in the wooden frame.


6) To label each pipe, use a permanent black marker.


7) 1" up from the bottom end, mark the pipe numeral 1" high (longest = #1, B flat, shortest = #19, E).  4" above this, write the letter name in capitals, adding sharps or flats as indicated.


8) Mallets are made by cutting each dowel into 9" lengths, then gluing one end into a macrame bead with Tacky glue.  Make sure the bead hole is snug enough to keep the dowel from slipping clear through.


Pictures of chimes to follow.  As well as charts showing which chimes to use for what songs. 


These are such a pain to make, but they are SO MUCH FUN in Primary.  That's why I don't pull them out very often - it keeps their interest that way.

Music Chimes, Part 2

Before I begin, let me give credit for these instructions where credit belongs.  You didn't actually think I was smart enough to figure this out, did you?


Years and years ago, before the days of internet, blogging and all things wonderful in the world of technology, we had to rely on the U.S Post Office to bring ideas to us.  Therefore, at that time, I subscribed to an "idea" periodical, called "The Grapevine".  I have tried to Google it, so I could just send you to the site for these instructions, therefore, giving proper credit where proper credit is due.  However, no-could-find-it, so this is as close as I could get to giving said proper credit.


That being said....

You will be making: 

19 chimes 

and 

as many mallets as you think you'll need (12-16 is preferred for group use).  

Most materials are available at hardware (Lowe's, Lowe's - did I mention Lowe's?), variety or craft stores.

You will need to purchase:


1) 20 ft. of 1/2" (inside diameter) thin-walled EMT (Electrical Mechanical Tubing).  It's usually sold in 10 ft lengths.  There will be approximately 3 1/2" remnant of pipe left over (good for one lower-pitched pipe).


2) Copper tubing pipe cutter, which will accommodate 3/4" pipe (makes cutting easier and more precise).


3) 22 ft. plastic cording to make 19 hanging loops of 14" length (however, I just use fishing line);


4) 30-mm round wooden macrame' beads with 5/16" diameter hole to just accommodate dowel.


5) 36" wooden dowels 5/16" diameter (should fit snugly inside hole of wooden macrame' bead, check bead hole size first before deciding on diameter of dowel).


Cutting instructions to follow on next post.

Music Chimes, Part 1

If you are connected with music in any way, you will want to make these. Trust me on this.


However, know this:


Before you begin you will thank me for this.


Before you're through, you will cuss me for this.


After you finish, and you use these with your particular group of children in a musical setting, then and only then, will you love me.


I will be breaking these instructions up into several posts. Because it's 11:00 p.m. and I have to get up and go to work in the morning.


So this post will only consist of telling you what you'll be making.

Brace yourself.

(P.S. - better pictures will follow, I promise)

Redneck's Guide to Spray Painting Ornaments

Let's say you've picked up some clear glass ornaments, just knowing that all the way home, you will be gushing with inspiration as to what you can do with these babies.

Sure enough the inspiration comes.  And then you realize you have to figure out a way to paint the little sucker without having to stand there holding it on your index finger for 30 minutes waiting on it to dry.

Most likely, there are cutesie little items out there designed to hold ornaments whilst you spray paint 'em.

Cutesie, I'm not...Redneck, I am.

Therefore I give you, the Redneck Ornament Holder...

Step 1:

Pick out one of your favorite empty Dawn detergent bottles  you've saved for just the right occasion.

Step 2:

Fill it 3/4 full with play sand (preferably some that the cat hasn't gotten to yet):

 Step 3:

Put your dowel rod down in the play sand,

ornament on top

and spray away.

(You could probably use a stick out of the yard, but being the uppity redneck that I am, I used a dowel rod).

Step 4:

Add the finishing touches and admire your handiwork (I used the 50 States cartridge from Cricut).

And No, not everybody from the Palmetto state is a redneck.  But I am.

For an FYI, I got some of the spray Frosting Paint from Michael's a few weeks ago - close to $10.00 for a 6 oz. can (I did use a Michael's 40% off coupon, but that was still $6.00);

Went to Lowe's Friday and they had an 11 oz. can (different brand) for about $4.00 (maybe $5.00ish).

Nothing against Michael's - I love Michael's.  I'm just saying, you do the math.

(Paints used for the Palmetto Tree/Crescent Moon ornament - the blue and the flat:)

Packing My Stuff

I've used this pattern a half dozen times already.  It's alot of fun to make backpacks out of seasonal material.  My babies like 'em.  You can use most any backpack pattern.

My purpose for this post is to let you know that I like to use fleece in between the 2 layers of fabric for the backpack.  This makes it a little sturdier, yet soft.  This is not the fleece you use for blankets, etc.  This is usually sold on a bolt and stored with the interfacing that's sold from a bolt as well.

I had to order the buckles from Joanne's on-line, as I couldn't find it for sale anywhere in my town.

I Have the Stuff, I Don't Have a Computer

Apologies to anyone who may be looking around this blog for something new - FYI, my computer self-destructed.

I borrow the kiddo's computer on occasion, but it's not like having my own.  So until I can get a new one, updated posts will be basically non-existent.

It hurts me.  It hurts me bad.

But Black Friday's coming.

Small "Eternity" Mirror

Made this to use as part of the decorations for a wedding shower this past Saturday.

I do love the Etch creme.

I bought a small beveled mirror from Michaels.  I think it was around $5.50 before using the 40% off coupon.

Stopped by a friend's house and she cut the "Eternity" out with the vinyl since she has one of those kinds of machines and I don't since I didn't win a Silhouette after entering a million contests along with 55,423 other people trying to win one because I wanted one really bad but I'm not bitter or anything just glad I have a nice friend willing to help me out since I didn't win one and all but I'm not bitter or anything

Oh yeah, where was I.  Anyway, just brought that stencil home, used the Armour Etch and this is what we got.  Took practically no time.  It would have taken even less time if I had my own Silhouette machine but I don't because I didn't win one but I'm not bitter or anything

Gadget of the Day

That would be my Bowdabra

I pulled out the larger, original Bowdabra last night to loan to a friend to make bows for her step-daughter's wedding this weekend.  It had been a while since I had used it and I had forgotten how great this thing is.

After she left, I grabbed my little Mini-Bowdabra to play with and noticed the web-site listed on the instruction sheet.  This thing is so great.

So go here and see what you can do with it.

Then grab your Michael's 40% off coupon for the week and go get yourself one.

"Patchwork" Double Fold Bias Tape

I have enough of my daddy in me that I hate to throw something away that "I might can use sometime".  Such as a chunk of fabric that's really too small to make something with, but too big to throw out. 

I made up some fast, simple aprons a few years ago for my Nursery babies to use over their pretty Sunday clothes, when they played with Play-Doh.  I used some type of heavy (but not as heavy as duck cloth/canvas) cotton material my neighbor had given me.  I don't know where she got it, but I'd love to get some more.  It's perfect for aprons & other children's stuff that needs a certain amount of stability.

Anyway,  I got to thinking a few days ago that I could use the leftover scraps of color material to make patchwork double fold bias tape.  That way it would give the aprons some color.  It would look a little better to put it around the edges and across the top of the apron as well, but too bad, so sad for tonight.  That's a next timer.

I won't tell you how to make your own doublefold bias tape.  There are a gazillion tutorials out there.  Just Google that baby.

You really need one of those little bias tape maker tools.  It can be done without it - but it's great making the tape with it.

Book Club Prizes

Since book club will be at my house tonight (and I use the term "book" very loosely), I decided to give it a little kick and have a "Name that book/movie quote" game.  So here are the cheap prizes:

Note cards (no, they're not very detailed, but that's the way it is around here) - used the Cricut "Life's a Beach" (used decorative scissors on the bottom of the top flap, then used a makeup sponge dabbed onto the inkpad to put a little color around the edges);

A homemade lap board that looks very dull and boring but is the greatest thing ever - I use these things ALL THE TIME when I need a sturdy, flat surface.  Some while back I went to Lowe's and got a big, big sheet of this whatchacall it board (it's some sort of particleboard I think - only about 1/4" thick) - the hubby cut it up into different sizes on the table saw and I rounded the corners with the band saw;

Facial scrub, just made with sugar and olive oil (the kiddo swears by it);

Rosemary, for a ton of reasons, and a ton more reasons, and because it grows like kudzu and we have a ton of it.

You Too Can Make Muscadine Pie

I did promise to post this recipe today - so what if today is almost over.

This is like my mama used to make.  That's what makes it so good.

I'll go on and tell you - you might like it and you might not.  I will say this, Spoiled Rotten Grandyoungun #1 and Spoiled Rotten Grandyoungun #2 like it.  They made their own personal little pies yesterday.

First for the Pie Crust.  Don't tell me you buy 'em ready made.  That's unacceptable.  Making pie crust is VERY easy and SO MUCH better than storebought.  I got this recipe out of the Southern Living magazine years ago.  Make enough dough for 2 crusts.

Pie Crust (for 1 crust)

1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup shortening
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

(Hint:  this is the best measuring cup ever, ever, ever, for measuring shortening.  It's a Pampered Chef and it comes in 1 cup and 2 cup sizes)

Mix your flour and salt together.

Cut in your shortening with a pastry blender.

If you don't have a pastry blender, you can use a knife and a fork.  Cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it's in little bitty pieces.

Sprinkle your ice water in.  Mix it up, roll it in a ball and put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  (Sometimes I'm impatient and I go ahead and roll it out, but it's really too sticky.  It's better to let it refrigerate).

Take it out and let it sit out for 5 minutes before rolling it out.

When you get ready to put it in your pie plate, put your rolling pin at the edge of it and kind of loosely roll the pie crust onto the rolling pin.  Put it on your pie plate and gently unroll it.

Once I have it in the pie plate, I'll usually take a pair of scissors and cut the excess from around the edge.  To make the little fluted edge, put your left thumb and index finger on the outside and your right index finger on the inside with the top edge of the pie crust in between.  Then push them together.

Your second pie crust will just need to be rolled out and cut into strips to place across the top of your pie.

Now for the goodie.

Except I need to tell you this first.

When my first cousin was in school to get her doctorate in something smart, I can't remember what, she put together a family cookbook for some project she had to do.  I love that cookbook.

The recipe for the goodie came from that cookbook.

So now.

Scuppernong/Muscadine Pie

4 cups pulp
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
4 pie crust shells (as this makes 2 pies)

After thoroughly washing grapes, pop them with your fingers, putting pulp in one bowl and skins in another.  Place skins in a saucepan and cover with water.  Boil until tender (doesn't take long).  Boil pulp about 5 minutes then pour into a colander.  Mash with a spoon; seeds come right out.  When skins are tender, add pulp, cornstarch, sugar, butter and cinnamon.  Cook until thick, then pour into two unbaked pie shells, cover with top crust.

Bake at 400 degrees until crust is a nice brown.

My little side note:  I usually pour some (not all) of the water off of the skins after they've cooked and before I add the other stuff to it.  Otherwise, the goodie is a little too runny.  Also, it actually seems to work better to make up your pie crust AND your goodie one day, refrigerate it, and cook it the next day.  It makes it all easier to work with that way.

And yes, I was too lazy to do the lattice with the strips.  It tastes just as good to put all of the bottom strips down and then come back and put all of the top strips across.

It must be eaten warm with vanilla ice cream on top.

It's a law.

Oh, and by the way, this takes alot of your time.  But I figure once a year, it's worth it.