Easy DIY Sugar Skull Charms

A simple, mess-free art project using shrinky dink film that results in awesome, personalized plastic charms for necklaces, key chains, backpacks or luggage.  

A Halloween kids project that both you and the kids will love!

First, let me start off by saying that the Mexican holiday 'Dia De Los Muertos' is highly under-recognized in the U.S.  When trying to decide on our class Halloween art project, I jumped at the opportunity to introduce my 2nd graders to all things 'Day of the Dead'; two days of celebration and remembrance spent showing respect and honoring the memory of departed friends & family complete with parades, music, glorious costumes, colorful decorations and an infinite supply of fresh cut flowers. 

So, out of respect for this deeply meaningful tradition, I presented a brief lesson to the kids using a DIY visual board full of beautiful photos I printed from Google Images. The gorgeous pictures quickly removed any fear or preconceived ideas the kids had upon hearing about a foreign holiday that centers around death, skeletons & spending the night in cemeteries. It was a wonderful introduction to approaching loss and death in a completely different and positive way. By the end of my lesson, they were completely pumped to make their own sugar skull!

SUPPLY CHECK-LIST

• Sheets of white shrinky dink film (will make 4 skulls per sheet)
• Pencils
• Sharpie ultra-fine point markers (or any permanent art marker)
• Oven - for shrinking
• Split rings or keychain rings (lots of options to choose from)
• Any kind of chord, chain, string for necklaces (or key rings)

 First, I used the above template to trace outlines of the skulls onto each of my five shrinky dink films.  Each sheet allows for four skulls. Note that I did NOT add any detail or features, I just sketched the outline using light pencil.  I then cut each skull and punched a standard size hole in the top center to allow for the key ring/split ring.

I distributed several sheets of printed sugar skull examples to each of my four table groups for the kids to draw inspiration from, however, I encouraged that they create their own, signature sugar skull that best fit their own personality rather than copy the examples. Above are a few I shared, however a quick search on Google images will result in hundreds of great graphics.

First, have the kids write their names on the back in sharpie.  Include their classroom number or teacher's name if you'd like these to double as backpack tags.  Start the design by first adding the basic features with pencil; eyes, an upside down heart nose, and a row of teeth.  That way, the kids have a reference for the rest of their design. Trace over pencil lines with a black sharpie.  I suggest they continue to first sketch in pencil, then apply their choice of sharpie. Be sure to remind the kiddos to use plenty of color!

Bring the finished skulls home to bake. Start by preheating the oven to 325 degrees, and place 4-5 skulls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, ink/color side UP and spaced at least 2-3 inches apart.  Set a timer starting with 3 minutes.  The pieces will bend, and fold, and curl during their shrinking process - THIS IS NORMAL!  After 3 minutes, check the skulls for progress.  When they are done shrinking, they will lie completely flat on the cookie sheet.  About 3-3 1/2 minutes per batch.  Remove sheet from oven. If the skulls are slightly curved, or not completely flat, gently press the skulls with a flat spatula or a piece of parchment paper while they are still hot.  You'll have about 10 seconds to manipulate them before they harden. 

Wait for them to cool enough to handle and set them aside to cool completely.  In about 10 minutes, they'll be completely hard and ready for whatever hardware you're using (jump rings, key rings, etc.)

BOOM! How adorable are these??  I strung the charms onto elastic cord for necklaces, but these make awesome key chains, backpack tags, name tags, luggage tags, etc. The possibilities are endless!  The color intensifies after shrinking, and the skulls become durable, solid plastic charms that won't smear or rub off.

This Cheese Log is LIFE

 

Jenn's "Damn Good" Cheese Log

This cheese log is LIFE. This sinful threesome of ingredients is like 'Fifty Shades of Grey' for your taste buds. Because it's so easy to make, pack & set up - It's the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving. You'll see how it got it's name once your guests take a bite. Everyone will agree, "Now that's a damn good cheese log."

* (2) 8oz blocks cream cheese, lightly softened (microwave 30 sec in glass bowl)
* (1) pkg dry ranch dressing mix
* 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (avoid finely shredded if possible. Use chunky shreds)
* 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Fold ingredients just until blended evenly. Don't over mix! You want the cheese to stay in tact for texture & appearance. For best results, chill mix at least 30 minutes before shaping. Using clean, slightly wet hands, form a ball, then shape into a log. Lightly roll into finely chopped pecans and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Finish final shape & refrigerate at least one hour before serving. Plate with a sprig of fresh herbs.

Serve with your favorite simple cracker - I like Wheat Thins best with this, but an assortment will please all your guests. Feel free to share!

Dollar Store Hack: DIY Lego Sweeper

Easy & useful DIY Lego Sweeper using a $1.00 hand broom set from Dollar Tree!

I made one of these adorable & handy "Lego Sweepers" as a stocking stuffer for my son this past Christmas. I found the perfect size hand broom & pan at Dollar Tree. The 2-piece set for $1.00 When choosing your broom, I suggest something with stiff bristles. They sweep up chunky Lego bricks off carpet much easier than softer bristles -- perfect for Dollar store brooms!

SUPPLY LIST

• (1) hand broom & dust pan set
• Mod Podge (gloss) w/ brush
• Fine sandpaper or steel wool
• Print-at-Home graphics (check Google Images)

DIRECTIONS

First, give your broom set a good wipe to be sure it's free of oils and smudges prior to applying Mod Podge.  Next, browse the internet for fun, printable graphics. I only use high resolution graphics for best print quality. Next, print the graphics and situate them on the broom and dust pan. Trim the graphics to fit the spaces you've laid out and set aside. Very lightly scuff the surface of the plastic where you plan on attaching your graphics.  This will make the Mod Podge adhere better. Wipe off the dust and lightly brush a thin layer of glue, then gently press your graphic into its place, keeping the paper nice and smooth.  Allow the graphics to dry, and finish the project by applying a top coat of Mod Podge over the graphics to seal.

Easy Homemade Dill Pickles

Simply the BEST basic recipe & method for homemade dill pickles. Perfect for beginners! Crisp, deli style dill pickles without the fuss of canning. This brine works for any pickling vegetable varieties. Adjust the recipe to your taste whether it be garlicy, super spicy or low sodium.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 gallon pickling cucumbers (give or take)
• 1/3 cup dried minced onion 
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon whole peppercorn
• 6 heads fresh dill
• 1 1/2 quarts water
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup kosher or canning salt 
• Optional: for spicy pickles, 1/2-2 tsp dried red pepper flakes 
• 3-4 wide mouth mason jars, cleaned

METHOD

Wash and slice cucumbers lengthwise into 4-6 spears.  Distribute dill into the bottom of empty jars (three 32 ounce wide mouth mason jars). Tightly pack sliced cukes into jars leaving as little space as possible. (Under packing will make your pickles too salty!) 

Boil water for at least two minutes to remove the chlorine & add salt to dissolve. Combine with vinegar. Let liquid cool to room temperature and pour into packed pickle jars. Evenly distribute onion, garlic & spices into each jar (eye-balling is fine, it doesn't have to be exact.) 

Place lid on jars and set on counter for three days, flipping them occasionally to distribute the spices. At the end of the third day, place jars in the refrigerator overnight before eating.