Paper Beads

I have really been into recycling everything. So no surprise that I love paper beads right? I can't wait till next week when I can sit down and make ton's of paper bead jewelry.

Tattoo Swallow

I once had a necklace with this tattoo outline swallow. Not to sure what happened to it but when I saw the charm again I had to make a new necklace. I'm going to keep it quick and just show you the piece because I am super happy with it and I hope you enjoy it too.

Been busy today...

I've been busy today making different pieces of jewelry. I made this once piece with moonstone but I don't think I like it:

And then I was making this other piece which is super simple but really cute. I am probably going to be donating it to be raffled off at an event I helping to organize in a few weeks. The event is a benefit called "A Step in the Right Direction." We are working to raise money to help several organizations in Bangladesh to purchase shoes for the women and orphaned children. While we don't really think about it, wearing shoes is a small step to keeping our health. Just think of all the disease we avoid stepping in because we wear shoes.

Either way, I decided to make this necklace. The tree is really just a symbol of growth and strength. I am really glad with how it turned out. Simple. But beautiful.

Opinions?

The store is reopened!

Slowly I will be adding new items to the store. Two of the necklaces I have finished recently have been added. So check out creationsbycate.etsy.com! Here are some teasers...

You give me wings...

I am thinking of remaking an old piece of mine. Perhaps making it as a set. This is the old piece of mine, I sold it back in 2008 but always thought it would have looks so pretty as a set:


So I think sometime soon I am going to make this again, not this exactly but along the same lines. I'm going to make a set of earrings to go with it. I think that would look really nice.

I have a long list of things I need to do. I love just sitting at the beach and making pieces there. It just gives you that extra tranquil feeling being in such a peaceful place making something like this.

Hope you all are enjoying the warm and sunny weather.

Any one need a conversion chart?

I found this today. Super helpful for those of you who may need it.

Conversions for U.S. and Metric

U.S. CUPS TO GRAMS

All-Purpose Flour and Confectioners' Sugar

1/8 cup = 15 grams
1/4 cup = 30 grams
1/3 cup = 40 grams
3/8 cup = 45 grams
1/2 cup = 60 grams
5/8 cup = 70 grams
2/3 cup = 75 grams
3/4 cup = 85 grams
7/8 cup = 100 grams
1 cup = 110 grams

Brown Sugar

1/8 cup = 25 grams
1/4 cup = 50 grams
1/3 cup = 65 grams
3/8 cup = 75 grams
1/2 cup = 100 grams
5/8 cup = 125 grams
2/3 cup = 135 grams
3/4 cup = 150 grams
7/8 cup = 175 grams
1 cup = 200 grams

Butter or Margarine

1/8 cup = 30 grams
1/4 cup = 55 grams
1/3 cup = 75 grams
3/8 cup = 85 grams
1/2 cup = 115 grams
5/8 cup = 140 grams
2/3 cup = 150 grams
3/4 cup = 170 grams
7/8 cup = 200 grams
1 cup = 225 grams

Cake Flour

1/8 cup = 10 grams
1/4 cup = 20 grams
1/3 cup = 25 grams
3/8 cup = 30 grams
1/2 cup = 50 grams
5/8 cup = 60 grams
2/3 cup = 65 grams
3/4 cup = 70 grams
7/8 cup = 85 grams
1 cup = 95 grams

Cocoa

1/8 cup = 15 grams
1/4 cup = 30 grams
1/3 cup = 40 grams
3/8 cup = 45 grams
1/2 cup = 60 grams
5/8 cup = 70 grams
2/3 cup = 75 grams
3/4 cup = 85 grams
7/8 cup = 100 grams
1 cup = 125 grams

Flaked Coconut

1/8 cup = 10 grams
1/4 cup = 20 grams
1/3 cup = 25 grams
3/8 cup = 30 grams
1/2 cup = 40 grams
5/8 cup = 45 grams
2/3 cup = 50 grams
3/4 cup = 60 grams
7/8 cup = 65 grams
1 cup = 75 grams

Granulated Sugar

1/8 cup = 30 grams
1/4 cup = 55 grams
1/3 cup = 75 grams
3/8 cup = 85 grams
1/2 cup = 115 grams
5/8 cup = 140 grams
2/3 cup = 150 grams
3/4 cup = 170 grams
7/8 cup = 200 grams
1 cup = 225 grams

Grated Coconut

1/8 cup = 10 grams
1/4 cup = 25 grams
1/3 cup = 35 grams
3/8 cup = 40 grams
1/2 cup = 50 grams
5/8 cup = 60 grams
2/3 cup = 65 grams
3/4 cup = 75 grams
7/8 cup = 85 grams
1 cup = 100 grams

Ground Almonds

1/8 cup = 20 grams
1/4 cup = 40 grams
1/3 cup = 55 grams
3/8 cup = 65 grams
1/2 cup = 85 grams
5/8 cup = 105 grams
2/3 cup = 110 grams
3/4 cup = 130 grams
7/8 cup = 150 grams
1 cup = 170 grams

Slivered Almonds

1/8 cup = 10 grams
1/4 cup = 20 grams
1/3 cup = 25 grams
3/8 cup = 30 grams
1/2 cup = 40 grams
5/8 cup = 50 grams
2/3 cup = 55 grams
3/4 cup = 60 grams
7/8 cup = 70 grams
1 cup = 80 grams

Triple-Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

I love love love these cookies so much. I probably make them every holiday season or for every party I go to. No one seems to mind though. The original recipe calls for chocolate to be drizzled over the top. I don't think it needs that because they are quite perfect the way they are. Sometimes... it can be a little bit of a chocolate overload with the added chocolate on top. These are just right. Enjoy!

Triple-Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh or frozen cranberries

Directions

1. Preheat to 350°F and line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl to blend
3. Using electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars in large bowl until smooth
4. Beat in egg and vanilla
5. Add flour mixture and oats and stir until blended
6. Stir in all chocolate chips and cranberries.
7. Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheets, 2 inches apart
8. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until edges are light brown, about 16 minutes
9. Cool on sheets 5 minutes then transfer to rack.
   
10. Let them cool completely until milk chocolate sets, about 1 hour.
    

If you want you can make these 2 days ahead. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature!

Adapted from Bon Appétit