DIY Clever Creations: July 2012

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Eco- Towels

These eco-towels are a great way to help cut down on the use of paper towels. It has really been an easy and inexpensive way for our family to help do our part.

Materials Needed:

* sewing machine

* washclothes / dishclothes / rags

* 3/4 inch width velcro

* empty paper towel role

* a strong glue

* paper towel holder

Tips:

To keep costs down I used my left over pieces of velcro from other projects. I also got the washclothes on sale at Kmart. The cost was $2.99 for a pack of 8.

Connecting the washclothes - First remove all tags from the clothes. Then cut your velcro into approx 2 inch long strips. Next cut those strips in half long way.

Velcro Placement Template

lines on the side are to show where the velcro is to be placed

Cut velcro the length of the cardboard paper towel role. Then glue the rough side and the soft side on opposite sides of the role. Finally secure the velcro until the glue drys.

Lastly attach all of your washclothes together, attach your washcloth chain to the velcro on the paper towel tube, role the washclothes around the tube, and drop your new role of eco towels onto your holder.

Recipe for Cupcakes Pictured

The Cupcakes pictured with the pastry stand are Banana Cupcakes.
I use to make banana bread when I had a few over ripe bananas, but my family grew tired of it. This was my solution for that.
Banana Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup softened butter
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups self rising flour
Directions:
in a large bowl cream butter and sugar. Then add eggs, buttermilk, bananas, and vanilla. Finally gradually add flour.
For standard size cupcakes Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes (for mini cupcakes reduce the cook time to 10-15 minutes)
Icing
Ingredients:
1/4 cup softened butter
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups confectioner sugar
Directions:
cream butter and cream cheese, add vanilla, then gradually add confectioner sugar.
Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts and drizzle caramel on top of icing.
Due to the icing the cupcakes need to stay refrigerated.

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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Eco- Towels

These eco-towels are a great way to help cut down on the use of paper towels. It has really been an easy and inexpensive way for our family to help do our part.

Tips:

To keep costs down I used my left over pieces of velcro from other projects. I also got the washclothes on sale at Kmart. The cost was $2.99 for a pack of 8.