You only need 2 ingredients, a stand mixer or a food processor (my personal favorite). Let's get into the kitchen so you can try this out for yourself.
This is a really easy DIY sewing project that is perfect for the beginner or seasoned sewers.
Having a reusable heating pad around for aches, pains or emergencies is always a good idea. So today, I'm going to show you how to make your own pattern so you can make a few for yourself, or as a gift for someone you love.
So grab your machine, and let's get sewing!
Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.
You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.
These DIY microwaveable heating pads really do make a great gift. The best part? You customize the size, the fabric and what blend of essential oils you scent them with. Not only are they great to heat, but you can also put them in the fridge or freezer for a cool pack as well.
They are a great sewing project for kids and can be made from almost any fabric you have sitting around. These are great for repurposing old shirts or other sentimental clothing items you have around the house you aren't sure what to do with. These are simple to make and have the kids decorate with fabric pens or fabric paint. Such a heart warming gift for someone you love.
Now this really does come to personal preference or what you want to use your heat packs for. Not everyone is going to like the same essential oil blends.
For example, I really love patchouli but most people I know can't stand the smell.
Well you have a couple options when it comes to filling your handmade reusable heating pad.
I personally prefer flax seed instead of just plain rice.
After using these for many years, I found that flax seed not only provides a moist heat, but it also lasts longer then rice does.
You could also use a blend of rice and flax seed.
Because flaxseed is naturally an oily seed, I found that the scent of the essential oil actually lasted longer then that of plain white rice.
Now that you've finished this handmade gift, I like to check it by throwing it into the microwave and seeing what the optimal amount of time to heat is. Depending on the size and how full you made it, I find 1-2 minutes is perfect.
Since you're sewing project is now complete and you know how long to heat it, make an adorable printed card that has a message as well as directions for use. I don't know about you but I LOVE homemade gifts! As I mentioned above, if you used a plain fabric, you can have kids decorate these with fabric pens for a truly personalized gift.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY CREATING THESE HOMEMADE REUSABLE HEATING PADS. HAPPY SEWING!
This simple one-pot paleo zucchini soup can be served with your favorite loaf of fresh-baked einkorn sourdough bread or serve cold like a gazpacho.
It's delicious either way.
This recipe is a family favorite for us. Perfect for busy weeknights because it's a really simple recipe with minimal ingredients. You can make it in a crockpot, which likely means it can be made in an Instant Pot too.
Top it with fresh chopped basil or basil oil and croutons, this hearty soup is sure to become a staple soup recipe in your house as well. With a change of one ingredient, it quickly becomes vegetarian and vegan friendly. So many options with this soup-make a batch and let me know what you think!
Soups are a favorite meal here in our household. While some recipes require more time, ingredients, and involvement to make and master, this soup is easy, has minimal ingredients, and can be made quickly when you are short on time.
Quick and easy silkened zucchini soup is a favorite for us because of all those things I mentioned. So let's dive into this delicious recipe and you'll see for yourself just how easy it is!
This is a great alternative to store bought laundry soap thats full of not so pleasant things. So if you're interested in saving some money, as well as eliminating some of the toxins in your home, you've come to the right place. It is much easier than you might think, so why not give it a try? If you're like me, you'll never buy laundry soap from the store again! I will also post the directions for how to make this into a liquid laundry soap if that's your preference.
Learn how to make the best all-natural homemade makeup remover at home.
This all-natural makeup remover contains non-toxic ingredients and is really simple to make.
Ever wonder what all the ingredients that you are putting on your face are actually doing to your skin? Seems most skincare products today are full of harmful chemicals. Ready to try a more natural approach to removing your makeup?
This DIY makeup remover will remove everything from mascara to foundation without over-drying, irritating, and damaging your skin and lashes.
Most of the products I use for these wipes can be found at your local drug store, whole foods market, or Amazon.
So if you have considered transitioning to a more natural skincare approach, this makeup remover will get the job done without sacrificing your skin's natural glow in the process.
Start your more natural skincare regime right here! Stay tuned for my natural lash growth serum.
Make your own hot chocolate mix with this simple and delicious recipe! Learn how to put together this simple cocoa recipe in under 10 minutes.
If you are wondering how to make your own homemade hot cocoa mix, I'll show you how step-by-step.
This recipe is so simple and it makes rich, creamy hot chocolate that everyone will love in minutes.
Homemade hot chocolate mixes also make a great handmade gift during the holidays for family, friends, and neighbors.
Grab your ingredients for this simple hot chocolate recipe and let's make something delicious together!
Welcome again dear friends and family to another homestead Christmas. This recipe is one I received from my sweet mother-in-law, Beth. She was kind enough to share the recipe that my husband and his three sisters have fond memories of enjoying while growing up. Many times over the last almost eight years of Mark and I's relationship, he has mentioned this recipe to me and how special it was to enjoy a cup after skiing or playing outside in the snow.
Beth learned of the recipe while living in Riverton, Wyoming (1973-1976). At the time, she only had two of her four children and did a lot of cooking from scratch. Later moving to Germany in 1976, she continued to make food from scratch for her family. Not being able to speak or understand German, she would encourage visitors to stop by and asked for basic cooking ingredients so she could keep up the food from scratch lifestyle to which her family had become accustomed to. All her children (Deidra, Amy, Michelle, and Mark) love this hot chocolate and thought it was great to dip their peanut butter toast in. The kids started calling the treat "dippy stuff" and that's what they still refer to it as today.
A rich, creamy, coconut creamer with just a hint of vanilla flavor. The perfect addition to your morning cup of coffee without all the unhealthy ingredients.
Some of these links may be affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.
You do not NEED all of these things to begin sewing. However, most of these things that I will be discussing are listed because I have found that they make my time sewing a lot easier, therefore more enjoyable.
The ingredients listed below are for 1 batch of creamer.
I typically use 1 batch per week having 1 to 2 cups of coffee per morning with 2 Tablespoons in each cup.
Thankfully, because this is so easy to whip up I haven't ever really ever run out.
As another option, add 1 can of organic coconut milk to the mixture to make a bigger batch. This is how I typically make it.
Gather all the ingredients needed for this recipe and let's get to it.
Have a storage container with lid (for refrigeration of creamer) ready.
Because these are organic, chemical free ingredients, it will need to be refrigerated between uses.
The mixture after refrigerated will need to be spooned from container to your coffee. It will no longer be in a more liquid state.
Make sure when choosing a container for storage, you can easily get a spoon in and out.
I typically put all my creamers and condiments for storage into wide mouth mason jars with plastic reusable lids and label with my label maker or chalk labels.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for a simple healthy coffee creamer alternative. It's easy to whip up and with organic ingredients, you can really enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
Enjoy!
This delicious cheesy southwest breakfast bake is sure to become a family favorite.
Quick and easy or make-ahead recipe that makes breakfast time (and clean up) a snap.
Tis the time of year again for all the cookie baking to begin amongst family and friends.
So today I'm sharing a recipe for the best sugar cookies ever! I promise. These cookies are deliciously buttery, soft, not too sweet, and bake to perfection every time. So grab your ingredients and let the season for excessive baking (and eating) commence!
**The ingredients listed below will yield approximately 18-20 cookies**
Today I'm going to show you how to waterproof your own cotton canvas fabric at home. It's likely a lot more simple than you think.
If you've ever bought a waterproof duck cloth before you know how expensive it is. Depending on where you are purchasing from it can range in price from $14 per yard to well over $20.
Waxed canvas fabric has so many uses when it comes to sewing and craft projects. So if you find yourself wanting to make it yourself at home, you've come to the right place.
If you've ever had to buy waxed fabric by the yard you know how expensive it is.
I'm guessing that's how you ended up at this very post.
So let's DIY some waterproofed fabric!
Some of these links are affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure HERE.
Waxed canvas fabric is a heavy-weight canvas, sometimes referred to as duck canvas. A blend of different waxes are applied to it making it virtually a waterproof material.
This material is great for making handbags, tents, boat covers, or backpacks.
You can also blend the waxes together and use it to wax jackets or other clothing items you may want waterproof.
Waxed cotton is a super durable, waterproof fabric. It is highly durable like leather making is a good alternative that is less expensive.
Waxed cotton fabric is highly stain resistant, and won't rip or tear.
When duck canvas is waxed correctly it takes on the appearance of beautifully aged leather.
Here are a few tips and suggestions I recommend reading through before you begin.
These are a few things I have learned along the way to make this easier, more efficient, and save you money.
I have found that not only can this save time, but money as well. If you feel like you'll use an entire yard of canvas fabric, wax it all at once. But cutting out the pieces you need first is definitely a time saver.
I know that this may seem like an obvious one, but it's worthy of a mention just in case.
This will make such a huge mess that will be almost impossible to clean up.
So here's what I like to do when I'm finished waxing all my heavy-duty canvas fabrics.
2. Once they have hardened, I carefully fold them and place them in a garbage bag for the next time I'm needing to wax some fabric.
The excess wax that's in the towels can be absorbed into the next batch of fabric you are waxing so you aren't using as much wax.
Bring in a fan. The smell of the paraffin isn't the best and you'll have that smell of burning wax when you start ironing.
It will also create smoke. So plan ahead. If it's warm enough outside, I prefer to wax my cotton canvas outside in a covered area.
Use caution! The pot will be extremely hot when removing it from the microwave.
Do not let the wax get so hot that it begins to pop and make a mess in your microwave. Cover with cling wrap!
Any wax that's permeated the top layer will soak through to the bottom layer making it so you'll use less wax on the backside when it comes to flipping the piece over.
This step can be done for smaller pieces as well. Just creates less waste.
When you first begin waxing your canvas fabric, you may notice that the wax your painting on immediately turns white. Don't panic! This is normal.
You are applying very hot wax to cool fabric. It is naturally going to harden quickly.
You have a couple of options here, so let's discuss them.
To cure your fabric is to allow it time to fully dry and soak into the fibers of the fabric that you've added wax to.
It's allowing it to fully dry-in a sense.
When you touch newly waxed fabric, you'll notice a slightly sticky feel to it.
As the fabric cures, that tackiness goes away and you're left with a dry, heavy duty fabric that resembles aged leather when you wrinkle it.
I recommend letting your freshly waxed canvas fabric cure for at least 12 hours to before use.
The pieces should feel totally dry, not sticky or damp. If at any time in the curing process you see an area that looks heavily saturated with wax, you can always iron it out to distribute the wax more evenly.
If you begin to paint the melted wax on and it immediately turns white-have no fear. It's just because the surface wasn't warmed enough or the wax wasn't hot enough so it cooled really quickly.
Let the wax warm longer, or you can warm the surface of your fabric with an iron before applying your wax to it.
It doesn't really matter as you will be ironing it anyhow. The process is just a lot smoother when all the surfaces are warm.
I would highly recommend allowing it to cure fully before using it and here's why:
Using a waxed fabric that hasn't had time to fully cure can cause excess wax build-up in your sewing machine that will be difficult to remove.
I get this question frequently when it comes to sewing with a heavy duty canvas fabrics, especially waxed canvas.
I prefer to use a teflon sewing foot. Similar to this one.
Be sure that you use one for your make and model of sewing machine. This is important. Not all feet fit all sewing machines.
I have included a full shopping list for your convenience down below. You can also find it in the SHOP THIS POST section.
I prefer the 4 inch wide brushes because they can cover more surface area faster.
Make sure when selecting brushes for this project, that you choose brushes that are wide but not super dense. The more dense the brush, the more wax will build up in the bristles towards the top of the brush.
Not a big deal since it can be melted out of the brush when your finished. Do NOT use brushes with plastic bristles-they will melt in the hot wax.
I prefer glass because its easy to wipe out if something sticks. Also, you can place it in the microwave to heat to wipe out. I use the glass pyrex 2 cup measuring cup with handle myself.
I purchased towels from a thrift shop long ago that I use for misc things around the house. I wouldn't recommend using good towels as they will get ruined. Once you've used a towel for waxing canvas, you won't want to use it for anything else.
Wax can leave an oil residue (and spots) on clothes. So for that reason I wouldn't recommend washing and drying this in your home washer and dryer. Especially with other items (clothes).
If you prefer to dye your canvas fabric, I'd recommend using a 100% cotton 8 ounce drop cloth. You can dye it yourself so you can get really specific with the color you want, and you you can get a piece of drop cloth pretty inexpensively.
I still prefer the 10 ounce canvas as its more rigid and dense, but if you are trying to save money, this can be a good alternative.
I'll link in the description below which one I buy. You can also buy these at the hardware store, but what I have found is that they are more expensive and have been seamed together instead of one continuous piece.
CAUTION! This wax gets extremely hot so please be careful! I would not recommend having children around while doing this. It can result in serious burns!
I found that using a ration of 8 ounces of paraffin to 4 ounces of beeswax pellets worked the best.
I'd recommend doing at least double the mixture needed to wax a yard of canvas if you are intending on doing a full yard cut.
Some colors of canvas seem to require more wax than others (no idea why).
It's better to have too much wax than not enough.
If you do have to stop to heat more wax because to you didn't pre-heat enough, that's just added time.
If you do however find yourself in this situation, pre-heat the wax in the microware to save time.
Here's the wax after heating for 10 minutes. Notice that it's barely begun to melt.
Be sure and check out the before waxing section of this post for a tip on speeding up this process.
If you have folded your canvas in half to wax, be sure you open it up and iron the creased areas. You'll also want to make sure all the fabric has wax on it.
Before the pieces you have waxed begin to cool, lift them from the work surface. Do this several times while waxing. This will make it easier to lift it when you are done.
If you find that the canvas and the towel become stuck together, don't panic! Just give it a little heat from the iron and it will lift right off.
As I mentioned before, I don't recommend washing and drying your waxed fabrics. You will ruin your washer and dryer.
That being said, you can definitely spot clean waxed pieces with this wax cleaner.
I have also been told that dawn dish soap works well too but I can't personally testify to this since I have never used this method.
I prefer the 8 ounce ratio I talked about above, but realize there are always multiple ways to so things that can yield similar results.
What types or variations of wax have you tried that worked well for you and yielded amazing, workable results? We'd love for you to share in the comments below.
Also, if you used this tutorial to create your own waxed canvas, be sure and share on instagram!
Well as I'm sure you all know, I love to DIY things, which is why I wax my own canvas fabric. However, I know sometimes it's just easier to just buy it already done.
Waxed Canvas Fabric by-the-yard
It comes in quite a few different colors and weights. I prefer the 10 ounce for most of my projects but lighter weight fabric is ok too.
The supplies listed above have yielded the highest quality results of all the variations I've tried.
I hope you guys have enjoyed learning how to make waxed canvas fabric yourself.
