Patsy Reiter

Writing stories for children and adults for over fifteen years

Pinecones and Soup

I found a great pinecone craft on Pinterest and tweaked it to make it easier for children. The pictures on my post were created by me. I’ve also included a delicious Autumn Soup recipe.

I purchased a few bags of pinecones from a craft and hobby store. Most stores offer coupons to cut your cost. If you have a yard full of cones, they need to be washed and baked in the oven to get rid of little critters. Just google directions.

Below are items I used to create these pretty cones. Cones without skewers are easier for children. They can fill a bowl or basket with their creations.

If you plan to use skewers, you’ll need a drill and a 3/16 inch drill bit to create a hole in the bottom of the cone for the skewer. I used a flat-edge screwdriver to whittle mine. Hot glue the flat end of the skewer to the cone.

You can fully dip the pinecones in paint or just tip the edges. Dry on wax paper.

I made this delicious Autumn Soup recipe that a friend posted on Facebook. I filled my Crock-Pot with all the ingredients and cooked on high for an hour and half, then on low for six hours. If you are cooking on low, about 8-9 hours.

Retrieved from:  Food.com

Autumn Soup

  • 1 pound pre-cooked ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup chopped fresh carrot
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped potato
  • 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup barley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon sweet basil
  • 1 beef bouillon cube

Combine all ingredients in a large kettle. Cook until vegetables are tender.

Slow cooker on low: Eight to nine hours.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Clothespin Clips

When I find an inexpensive and useful craft idea, I like to share it. I found a clothespin clip project on Pinterest. I knew right away this would make a great craft not only for myself but for children too. I also had all the supplies on hand.

These can be made as table favors for showers. I think they would be great in a basket as thank you gifts. I like to take a small gift when meeting friends for lunch. Clips are something everyone can use. If you are thinking about a table favor for an upcoming mother and daughter banquet, this is a terrific idea. And a perfect teacher gift.

Supplies needed:

  • Clothespins
  • Buttons
  • Gems (optional)
  • Scrapbook or cardstock paper. I cut mine in advance by measuring the clothespin.
  • Ribbon
  • Glue  – I used E6000 for the buttons, but Elmers regular will work.
  • Mod Podge and brush
  • Paper cutter
  • Scissors
  • Paper punch

You can clip the clothespins to a magnet and place on the refrigerator or attach them to a piece of cardstock paper and add a ribbon.

Directions:

  • Glue scrapbook or cardstock paper to clothespin. When dry, brush a coat of Mod Podge over the clothespin. Wait until that is dry, then adhere a button or two to the top. I added a gem to the Christmas clips.

If you plan to gift them on cardstock or a blank postcard, I place a piece of scotch tape over the area I punch. This prevents the paper from tearing.

Have Fun!