Crafts in the House of Sylvestermouse Reviewed

Have Fun and Craft On!

Let's Play, Create and Make A Lifetime of Treasures 

I love handmade gifts and crafts! I guess I have been crafting all of my life. I honestly cannot remember a time that I did not have a hook or needle of some kind in my hand or a project in some phase of construction. 

One of the most frustrating problems a crafter or needlework enthusiasts faces, is getting patterns, ideas, or instructions without spending a lot of money. The supplies alone will often deplete any crafting budget. 

Because I understand the real desire to make original treasures, I am sharing some of my own personal ideas and instructions for making unique heirlooms. I have also written several articles that teach basic skills for beginners. 

 

Cross Stitch Memories

My favorite needlework is cross stitch. It is certainly one of the easiest forms of needlework and there are tons of patterns and kits readily available. 

I started cross stitching when I was in jr. high school (It is called middle school today). One of my earliest projects is still one of my favorites. I cross stitched the flowers in the photo for my grandmother. I made one for my mother as well. My mom helped me make them into pillows. 

After my grandmother died, my step grandfather put a lot of her personal treasures in boxes. He later gave some of them to my mother. She discovered the pillow among those items and brought it back to me. The pillow was stained and the cross stitch cloth was "aged." I cut the cross stitch design off of the pillow and carefully cleaned it with Woolite in my kitchen sink. This cross stitch heirloom now resides in my bible. A world of memories right there in that one little square. 

Tutorial:  Visit How to Cross Stitch on Crafters Kingdom 

 

Beaded Ornaments ~ A Gift to Cherish from Year to Year

Another one of my favorite craft projects is beaded ornaments. They are fairly easy and require very little talent. They do, however, demand patience since they entail working with small beads and pins. 

Not only do I enjoy making these ornaments for our family tree, I like making them to give a gifts. The ornament in the photo was a gift I made for my son. I bet you can guess his favorite color. 

In just a few hours, I made a lovely treasure, a precious gift and a lasting tradition. 

Tutorial:  Visit How to Make Beaded Ornaments

 

Crochet With Love

When it comes to home décor, there is nothing prettier than the lacy effect of a crocheted doily or tablecloth. 

I enjoy browsing in antique stores and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes when I see a beautiful crocheted afghan or tablecloth in one of the display cabinets. I know from experience how many hours are lovingly stitched in these beautiful heirlooms. I simply can not imagine selling one of these family treasures. I am always tempted to buy them, take them home and give back the love they deserve. 

Tutorial:  Visit Beginner Crochet  

 

 

Beaded Easter Eggs

If you are really looking for something original, this craft project is for you! 

Out of sheer determination to find a new, unique gift for my children one Easter, I dreamed up these eggs. They are really very easy and require a minimal investment for the supplies. I actually made the first few with beads and glue I already had in my craft supplies. 

They make a great surprise or grand prize in the traditional Easter egg hunt. 

Tutorial: Visit How to Make Beaded Easter Eggs

 

Let's Party ~ Mad Hatter Style

I made this Mad Hatter's Hat for my son right before the debut of the new Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie. 

Yes, he actually wore it to the movie on opening day! Can you imagine how much fun he had with his group of college friends when they donned their "Alice" attire and stormed the theater doors? I wish I could have been there. I would have at least like to have had a picture, but you know kids, they don't worry about such things. 

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Mad Hatter's Hat 
like Johnny Depp's in Tim Burtons Alice in Wonderland Movie

 

My Decoupaged Purse

One of my most treasured gifts is the decoupaged wooden purse that my grandmother decoupaged for me when I was a young girl. 

I love all of the photos on the purse, but the photo on the right shows my favorite picture.  I have always loved giraffes and I always had long, blonde hair.

I loved it when she originally gave it to me back in the 70's. I carried it everywhere I went and actually used it as my everyday purse. My grandmother died several years ago and I treasure the gifts she so lovingly and painstakingly made for me. I can't touch this purse without thinking of how her hands touched it so many times as she turned a wooded box into a beautiful work of art just for me. 

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Decoupaged Wooded Purse

 

A Very Special Valentine

I love the stories behind the original sailor's valentines! 

I can assure you, the sailor's valentines that I have made reflects a greater depth of love than those 19th century sailors felt for their valentines. 

In the tutorial linked below, I have told about the origin of the Sailor's Valentine and given instructions to make your own. There really isn't a prettier way to express your love. 

 

Tutorial:  Click here for - How to Make a Sailor's Valentine

 

Beaded Cross Stitch Pin 

Embellishing cross stitch with shining beads is simply a joy! 

I love adding beads to my cross stitch. The beads add another dimension to cross stitch. 

I use the beads to highlight and accentuate focus areas of my cross stitch work. I love the way the little beads will pick up and reflect light and color. 

I made the beaded cross stitch pin for my son for Halloween. As I was making it, I took the time to take lots of pictures to show in an article. 

Here is my Tutorial:  How to Make a Beaded Cross Stitch Pin 

 

Halloween Ghost 

I made the original ghost over a decade ago for my son who just loves ghosts and anything Halloween. 

This is my own pattern with step by step instructions and photos, which I have shared exclusively on Crafters Kingdom. 

I hope you enjoy my friendly ghost!  I am certain he will enjoy being with you.

 

Tutorial: How to Make a Halloween Ghost with Fleece 

 

A Unique and Impressive Holiday Centerpiece 

During the holidays, we decorate our homes with glitter and sparkle that reflects the beauty of the lights on our trees and in our hearts. 

I originally made this centerpiece with beaded fruit for autumn and Thanksgiving, but when it was time to decorate for Christmas, I changed the floral picks to gold and red berries. 

Since I was changing it out anyway, I photographed the process and wrote an article describing the steps to make a sleigh centerpiece. Regardless of the holder or vase, the steps in the article below will show you exactly how to make you own original arrangement. 

Tutorial: How to Make a Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece 

 

Some Things Really Are Just Too Easy 

These ornaments are probably the easiest crafting project I have ever made. 

You will be surprised and thrilled to find out just had simple these ornaments are to assemble. 

We had a bit of an unplanned craft party one year when our family was gathered during the holidays. I had just purchased some glass ornaments and I had a wild idea for all of us to make something and exchange them with each other. 

These ornaments are the results of our afternoon of antics and fun. A wonderful memory! 

They smell good too! 

Tutorial: How to Make Quick & Easy Glass Ornaments 

 

Just Playing Around - Making a Pincushion 

As a seamstress, I can really appreciate a large pincushion. If it is pretty, that makes it even better. 

I was inspired by a pattern book that gave some basic instructions on how to construct a felt pincushion. 

Intrigued, I gathered my supplies, called my mother and we went to work creating our own pincushions. I also created the article below. I have given step by step instructions with lots of photos so you, too, can create a felt pincushion. 

This really is a very easy project. The hardest part is choosing the supplies. 

I will never again look at my pincushion without thinking of the day my mother and I were just playing around! 

Tutorial: How to Make Felt Cupcake Pincushions 

 

Mosaic Picture 

Mosaic pictures are rather impressive when complete, but they don't have to be hard to make. 

Several years ago, I made the raccoon mosaic picture for my father for his birthday and he loves it. 

Making the mosaic was not hard since I used a kit, but I do have several tips and suggestions for making the craft easier. 

This is a craft that does take a good bit of time, so organization and taking your time is key to successfully creating a beautiful mosaic picture. 

 

Tutorial: How to Make a Mosaic Picture

 

__________________

This tutorial directory page was originally published on a website that is not longer in existence and All Photos are the Exclusive Property of Sylvestermouse.  

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

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Easy Recipes by Sylvestermouse Reviewed

I enjoy cooking for my family.  Like most of us, I prefer recipes that are fast and easy.  Fortunately, I am surrounded by people who appreciate my effort, my recipes and seem to sincerely like the meals placed before them. 

I readily admit that I play in the kitchen.  I play with recipes by changing the ingredients to suit my families tastes.  I play with cupcakes, cookies, desserts, etc, because I enjoy decorating the food.  I mess around with it until I get the desired effect.  

I also enjoy the company of other family members in the kitchen. So much so, that I consider us playing in the kitchen. Since I began writing articles online, I have been periodically sharing highlights of our kitchen adventures so you and your family can be encouraged to "play" in the kitchen. In this article, I will provide links to the different easy recipes and fun articles that I have published. 

I consider that my Recipe for Making Memories in the Kitchen. So, without further ado, let the games begin!   

 

My Own Personal Roast Recipe

This recipe is the result of trial and error.  I just kept playing with different ideas until I found a tasty, tender way to cook a roast in the oven. 

It has become a family favorite and I have allowed it to be published in several charity cookbooks over the last 40 years, but it is still my own original recipe.  Although I was very young when I developed this recipe, I still cook my roast the same way today.

Published on Cooking for the Holidays

 

Having Fun in the Kitchen

I started cooking when I was a child and still living at home with my parents. My sister and I both helped in the kitchen and it was not unusual for us to have real, honest to goodness food fights with the leftovers. We frequently made mashed potato balls and hurled them through the air at each other or any unsuspecting individual who entered the kitchen. We flung spaghetti noodles against the wall and said we were testing it to see if it was done. By dinnertime, there would be 10 or 12 noodles hanging from the wall on spaghetti night.

While I still enjoy throwing pasta noodles against the wall, I have found that test does not work with pasta shells. No matter how many pasta shells I have thrown against the wall, none have ever stuck. Perhaps someday one will stick. I'll just have to keep testing them.

This easy pasta recipe is also shared on Cooking for the Holidays and, if you click it, the link will take you to that website. 

Easy Pasta Recipe - A Family Favorite for Dinner or Side Dish

 

More Easy Dinner Recipes featured on CookingForTheHolidays.com

Photos are Linked to Recipes

& 

 Easy Salmon Loaf Patties Recipe How to Bake Potatoes Chicken Enchiladas Recipe How to Bake a Turkey Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Instant Pot Recipe Homemade Barbeque Recipe for the Best BBQ Sandwiches

 

Click Here for More Dinner Recipes

 

Playing with Ingredients

Working in the kitchen with my sister was fun. We occasionally experimented with the food. Sometimes we would put a little extra pepper in one of our brothers' bowls of stew or add a little something extra to spice up their lives and the dinner table. Oddly enough, the boys consumed whatever we fed them and much to our distress, rarely noticed a difference. I only remember one brother gagging on hot barbecue sauce and believe it or not, we were not responsible.

Of course, there are the recipes from my mother and grandmother that I have never played with, never changed and never shared except on websites I own. My motto for this group of recipes is "you can't improve on perfection, so why try!" 

Directions for making the pizza pictured on right, can be found at Halloween Haven

 

Playing with Your Food Recipes 

These are some of my favorite recipes. They are really step by step instructions on decorating, so I call it playing with my food. Sometimes making these special treats can be messy, but they are always fun as you create your own original work of food art. 

Don't just make these treats alone to serve to your family. Grab your child, your husband, your sister, your mother or even your father and make these treats with your family!  

To see some of my favorite fun food articles, simply click the source link below each photo. That will take you directly to the recipe and tutorials for creating your own fun food.

Photos are Linked to Recipes

& 

 How to Decorate Panda Cupcakes How to Decorate a Snake Cake How to Make Marshmallow Flower Cupcakes 4th of July Party Flag Cake Recipe How to Decorate Snowman Cupcakes How to Make a Chocolate Halloween Ghost Castle Cake How to Make a Chocolate Halloween Ghost Train Cake How to Make a Cupcake Pumpkin Cake

 

Teaching an Old Dog, New Tricks

I am happy to say that I married a man who enjoys messing around in the kitchen too! The Breakfast Buddy featured below is his delicious creation and when I wanted to learn how to grill, I asked him to teach me. He has always made the most incredible steaks! In the article below, I share his secrets as I take you step by step through my own "grilling" education.

Photos are Linked to Recipes

& 

 Breakfast "Buddy" Sandwich How to Grill the Perfect Steaks Cooking Hamburgers on an Indoor Grill

 

Special Treat and Finger Food Recipes

My family loves fruit and chocolate so it only seems natural for me to dip fruit in chocolate. Once I started dipping fruit, it was impossible to stop! I think I dipped every type of fruit we had in the house, then ran to the grocery store for more. Of course, then I wrote an article about each one.

Here is my collection of dipped fruit recipes. Be very careful though. Chocolate dipped fruit can be very addictive!

Photo Linked to Recipe

& 

 Chocolate Covered Fruit DIY Recipes

Taking Care of the Cook 

Over the years, I have learned many things about cooking, about family and about fun. The most important thing I have learned, is that the three things go together. Have fun cooking with your family. 

I watched my grandmother and my mother work in the kitchen during every holiday for decades. Too often, they missed out on the fun simply because the party was happening in another room. 

I believe in bringing the party to the kitchen, enlisting help and taking care of the cook. Perhaps, I see it more clearly because now I am the cook, but I love to share ideas with others about how to have more fun with your family, instead of working alone in the kitchen. Believe me, you can create your own load of memories in the kitchen by simply letting others help in the kitchen. 

 

A Lot of Good Food and A Load of Memories 

I think it is because of my experiences and our experiments in the kitchen when I was a child, that I approach the kitchen with humor now. I still cook the old standards passed down from my great grandmother, grandmother and mother, but I enjoy creating new treats for my family too and it is even better when I get "help." 

Over the years, a lot of good food and a load of memories have been made in our kitchen! 

 

Easy Dessert Recipes 

Photos are Linked to Recipes

& 

 Easy Strawberry Trifle Easy Blackberry Cobbler

 

Candy Recipe 

I am not going to tell you this recipe is extremely easy. It seems easy to me because I have been making it for 40+ years, but making candy takes a bit of practice to perfect. 

While I try to walk viewers through the process with photos, I know this is something that is simply learned by trial and error because the outcome when making candy depends so much on the climate of the day, as well as the altitude of a region. 

Here is my mother's Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. I could never improve on this recipe.  It really is delicious! 

Photo Linked to Recipe

& 

 Peanut Butter Fudge

 

Easy Beverage Recipes

Take time to relax!  While the food is in the oven, or after all of the work is done,  sit back with your loved ones and enjoy a cup of tea, hot chocolate or perhaps a cool glass of lemonade.  These are the moments you will want to capture and hold for as long as you can.

Photos are Linked to Recipes

& 

 Spice Tea Recipe Homemade Lemonade Recipe Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

 Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe

 

For a Complete List of All of my Published Recipes
 Click Here to Visit the House of Sylvestermouse Recipes

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Easy Recipes by Sylvestermouse Reviewed Written by:

 

 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2011 on a different site that no longer exists.
Unless otherwise noted with the individual photo, all Photos are mine and should not be used without written permission.
© Sylvestermouse 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Chocolate Covered Apples Recipe and Review

Chocolate Covered Apples are Fun to Make and Delicious to Eat! 

I enjoy making fruit trays for parties and holidays.  Several years ago, I decided to add chocolate covered fruit to the tray as another option for guests.  Because the apples are easy to hold, they are the perfect finger food at a party.

Chocolate Covered Apples are more aptly described as Chocolate Dipped Apples since the entire apple slice is not covered with chocolate. Regardless of which name you prefer, they are still quite delicious and easy to make. They are so easy to make that in just a few minutes, you can be enjoying your own Chocolate Covered Apple Slice. The only remaining decision is whether you are willing to share your treat. 

If you love apples and you love chocolate, you are certain to enjoy Chocolate Covered Apples. 

Below, I share step by step instructions with photos for Chocolate Covered or Dipped Apples.

 

Supplies & Ingredients 

• Apples 
• Chocolate for Melting ~ I prefer Saco Dolci Frutta featured below 
• Wax Paper

Easy Directions 

Step 1: Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper ~ The cookie sheet will make it easier to move your Chocolate Covered Apples. 

Step 2: Wash and Dry Your Apples 

Step 3: Melt Your Chocolate ~ If you use Saco Dolci Frutta, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in their package container. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 2 minutes on medium and stir the chocolate until it is completely melted. Other chocolates will need to be melted in a double boiler or a microwavable dish. 

Step 4: Cut Your Apple into Slices 

 

Slicing and Coring an Apple Made Easy

Step 5: Dip the Apple Slices into the chocolate 

Step 6: Set on wax paper to cool 

Step 7: When you have dipped all of your Apple slices in chocolate, serve or eat. Best if not refrigerated 

 

Step by Step Photos

 

 

 Dalla Piazza Apple Slicer/CorerCheck Price Dolci Frutta Variety Pack with Hard Chocolate Shell & White Chocolate ShellCheck Price

 

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Chocolate Covered Apples Recipe and Review Written by:

ALL PHOTOS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SYLVESTERMOUSE 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2010 on a different website that no longer exists. 

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Chocolate Dipped or Covered Blackberries

Blackberries are one of my husband's favorite fruits. Recently, I was covering or dipping fruit in chocolate and he suggested we make Chocolate Covered Blackberries. I went along with his suggestion simply because I understand that we each have a different favorite fruit and I wanted everyone to have their favorite available. For contrast, I used White Chocolate on the Blackberries. The White Chocolate Covered Blackberries were lovely on the table and tasty addition to our variety of fruits. 

As it turned out, our daughter also loved the Chocolate Covered blackberries, as did several other guests. The Chocolate Covered Blackberries were a hit and they were completely gone in no time. It seems I did not make enough Chocolate Covered Blackberries for that gathering, but I will know the next time and I will prepare for the inevitable. 

 

Supplies and Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Blackberries

• Fresh Blackberries
• Chocolate for Melting ~ I prefer Saco Dolci Frutta featured below
• Wax Paper

 

Easy Directions for Chocolate Dipped Blackberries 

Step 1: Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper ~ The cookie sheet will make it easier to move your Chocolate Covered Blackberries.

Step 2: Melt Your Chocolate ~ If you use Saco Dolci Frutta, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in their package container. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 2 minutes on medium and stir the chocolate until it is completely melted. Other chocolates will need to be melted in a double boiler or a microwavable dish.

Step 3: Wash and Dry Your Blackberries

Step 4: Dip the Blackberries in the chocolate

Step 5: Set on wax paper to cool

Step 6: When you have dipped all of your Blackberries in chocolate, serve or eat.

Best if not refrigerated

 

Dolci Frutta: Chocolate or White Chocolate in Microwavable Container or Bag

 Dolci Frutta White Melting Wafers, 12 ounce (Pack of 1) | Simply Microwave, Dip & Done! Always Gluten-Free and Nut-FreeCheck Price Dolci Frutta Variety Pack with Hard Chocolate Shell & White Chocolate Shell, Microwavable ContainerCheck Price

More Chocolate or Dipped Fruit for Your Platter

• Strawberries 
• Pears 
• Kiwi 
• Pineapple 
• Bananas 
• Apples
• Cherries 
• Oranges 
• Blackberries

 

 

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This recipe article was originally published by me in 2010 on a different site that no longer exists. Unless otherwise noted with the individual photo, all Photos are mine and should not be used without written permission.  © 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

Chocolate Covered Blackberries Recipe Review Written by:

© 2026 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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Black-Eyed Peas Recipe for New Year's Day (or anytime!)

It is a tradition to eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day.  The fun superstition surrounding black-eyed peas on New Years is that they will bring you good luck & prosperity throughout the coming year.

History tells us that tradition is founded in Southern folklore, yet it is clearly more widespread than just the Southern states of America.  

National Black-Eyed Pea Day is, of course, January 1.  

Does eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day actually bring good luck?   As much as I would like to say "yes", in reality, a superstition is just that and has no real basis in truth.  But, it is still a fun tradition and a delicious side dish.

If you really want to embrace the tradition, aka superstition, according to my mother, you would couple the black-eyed peas with cornbread.  The cornbread symbolizes gold.  Somehow, I think we would all devour black-eyed peas and cornbread enthusiastically on New Years Day if it would ensure good luck and wealth throughout the year!

I can tell you from experience, black-eyed peas coupled with cornbread becomes a complete and filling meal, not just two separate side dishes. 

 

Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

The best way to flavor black-eyed peas is with a ham bone.  I save my Christmas ham bone each year just so I can use it in my New Year's Day black-eyed peas.  

If you don't have a spare ham bone laying around, you can season black-eyed peas with bacon grease or 3 pieces of uncooked bacon.  The bacon cooks along with the peas.

Growing up, we shelled our own black-eyed field peas.  Today, I prefer using a bag of Camellia brand blackeyes.  I still soak them in water overnight like I did freshly shelled peas to soften them.

 

Instructions for Cooking Black-Eyed Peas

1. Rinse and Soak the black-eyed peas overnight or for 8 hrs
2. Rinse the peas again after soaking 
3. Place the ham bone (or bacon) in the center of the large (5 quart or larger) dutch oven pan and arrange the peas around it
4. Add Salt & Pepper
5. Cover the Peas with Water
6. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a low boil, cover the pan with a tilted lid, allowing steam to escape
7. Cook on low boil for 1½ hour

You will need to stir them often and check the water level.  Add water as needed to keep the peas covered. 

 

Click Here for Mom's Cornbread Recipe

 

 T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set 12 Piece, Oven Broiler Safe 400F, Lid Safe 350F -
I USE THE 5 qt DUTCH OVEN in this set Camellias Black Eyed Peas, 16 Oz

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Black-Eyed Peas Recipe for New Year's Day (or anytime) Written by:

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