the good, the bad, the ugly

Tonight, I have three things to share . . . the good, the bad, the ugly.

First, the good. 

A while ago I did a post on homemade gum.  (Check it out.  It's a great summer project for antsy kids on rainy or super hot days!)  My bloggy friend Jocelyn over at We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ took the plunge . . .the sticky, messy, colorful plunge, and made gum.  This is good for two reasons: first, someone was actually inspired by something I posted and tried it out and second, she has re-inspired (Is that a word?) me to get back in the kitchen and make some more gum.  What you should do is go to my gum reipce post.  Write down the recipe.  Then go to Jocelyn''s blog for gum-design inspiration.  You have to at least go there to check out the pic of her gum.  Thanks Jocelyn!

Second, the bad. 

Last night the needle on my sewing machine broke.  Since I recently confessed in a Tuesday's True Confessions post that I'm afraid of my sewing machine and I think it's taunting me, you can imagine that this incident only fed my fear and suspicion.  I've had this sewing machine a year, and I had no idea this could even happen.  So after trying to straighten the needle with my bare hands while it was still in the machine (stop laughing), I turned to my sewing machine owner's manual . . . turns out this happens, turns out you are not to use or try to straighten a bent needle, turns out the needle has to be changed.  To my surprise and excitement the manual reminded me that my machine came with extra needles.  To my disappointment my sewing machine did not come with someone who would change the needle for me.  Boo hoo!  Long story short . . . an hour later the new needle was in place and in working order . . . yes, you read that right - AN HOUR LATER!

Third, the ugly.

Two nights ago I mentioned that I was obsessed with cans as a result of the Iron Crafter Challenge over at Fireflies and Jellybeans.  I also mentioned that this challenge was preventing me from moving on to other projects and posts at hand.  And then I mentioned that I had two more can projects to post before I could move on.  I posted one - magnet can lids.  Here's a picture of the other:

Yes, it's ugly . . . it's a project only the crafter can love . . . strike that . . . I don't love it either.  Needless to say, it did not make it into the Iron Crafter Challenge line up.  Oh well.  My oldest daughter helped me with it.  She had fun.  And afterwards, she stood back admiring it and said, "Mommy, you're a good crafter."  Awwwww . . . I love that kid.  She can look at some ugly can luminaries and rocks on a plate and see beauty.  She's my inspiration, so I . . . 

craft on!