Lego my Sugar Cookies

 

 So today I decided to whip up some Lego themed sugar cookies. I began by mixing my regular "homemade" sugar cookie dough (complement of Betty Crocker).

 

 

I next used a knife to cut the dough into squares with small rectangles left on top.

 

I made icing using a combination of powdered sugar, corn syrup, and  milk. While I commonly use around one tablespoon of corn syrup, the other two ingredients vary based on the amount I am making. I start with two cups of powdered sugar and add the milk by tablespoons until I have the proper consistency.

 

The "sweet spot" for icing consistency is usually found when you drag your spoon through the mixture (scraping the bottom) and you can see the bottom of the bowl for a second or two before it is covered by the mixture. I add the powdered sugar by the cup and milk by the tablespoon until I have the right amount with the right consistency.

 

I then cover all of the cookies with a sheet of yellow icing. I fill about one third of the spoon with icing and then I put this icing on the cookie while spreading across the surface with the back of the spoon. I use very small amounts on the spoon if more is needed, or I use a toothpick in a like manner as the spoon, especially to get the edges.

 

 

I whip up a smaller amount of black icing and use a toothpick to apply the faces.

 

 

I then configure them on a platter and share the smiles with all of my friends!

 

 

What are some cookies decorations you would like to see? Happy crafting (baking)! 

Wool Dryer Balls

Like nearly every single project I've done, thus far, this idea comes straight from Pinterest.

 

I read a post talking about saving money by using dryer balls instead of sheets. They are quick, efficient, and last so much longer than a dryer sheet. Added bonus: you get to choose the scent!! (I went with lavender because it's gorgeous). You can find the complete instructions here.

 

I started off by looking for some lovely wool yarn, and bought two skeins for an excellent price at www.knitpicks.com.

 

After the yarn arrived, I simply took each skein and wound it into a ball (described in more detail in the complete instructions up above).

 

The next step is prepping the balls for their duty by drying them inside a pair of panty hose. I used a pair of knee-high hose that I purchased from Wal-Mart for $0.33. They are commonly found in a little hanging basket attached to the shelf at the end of one of the hosiery aisles. I only used one for this project since both of my balls fit into a single hose.

 

 

For your information: No panty hose was hurt in the making of this craft.
 

 

After they came out of the dryer I rolled them in a bowl of vinegar (to soften clothes) and lavender essential oil (for a fresh scent).
 

 

I let them air dry on a plate, moving them around from time to time to allow all of the sides to dry well.
 

 

Once dried they are ready to toss back into the dryer to lessen drying time and pamper my clothes! Happy crafting!