Paper Cutting Decorations

I have recently tried my hand at paper cutting ( I'm always trying new art forms) and found that you can make some pretty sweet stuff!  If you want to get into it, you do have to invest in a few tools.  A nice little exacto knife and cutting board make this project easier.  You can purchase the exacto knife for a few dollars at a craft store and I bet you could use a regular cutting board in your kitchen if you don't want to buy the craft cutting board.  

 Here are a few examples of what I've done for my son's room.

I can't take the credit for these awesome designs.  I found them at http://papercutting.blogspot.com

This blog is great because it offers free paper cutting templates- so you can make your own wall art that looks creative and fun.  I printed the templates and them taped them onto the paper I wanted to use for my art piece.  I then carefully cut out the design- I have to warn you though- if you aren't practiced, your hands do get tired and sore.  After cutting, I glued them to some white paper and framed them in some thrift store frames.  I love this!  Such a cheap way to make cool stuff!

Gardner Village

If you live in Utah, you shouldn't miss out on visiting Gardner Village in West Jordan!  I visited a few weeks ago and was mesmerized my all the pretty things in the shops and beauty all around me.  Most things in the shops are vintage country style, which I LOVE!  I discovered while I was there that I really love old things.  They have so much character and are so interesting to look at.

If you want to plan a visit or just check out the shops go to: http://www.gardnervillage.com

I had to snap a shot of this little corner in a shop.  The colors are amazing.  The light blue, yellows and whites go together so well.  I'm logging this color scheme away for when I have my own home to decorate.

And then there are pretty little dresses and aprons everywhere! Don't you think the pink dress in the window is romantic?

This chest is so interesting!  I've never seen anything like it and I love the colors and patterns.  I wish they made more furniture like this, although I'm sure I could never afford it even if they did.

The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

 Welcome to my blog! For my very first post I'm sharing my all-time favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe!  With all of the recipes out there, it has taken me a while to find this one and perfect it.  It is similar to most chocolate cookie recipes, but I am sharing my secrets to getting a nice chewy, non-flat cookie.  It must be the elevation or something, but for years my cookies always turned out flat and then got hard and crunchy really fast.  So check out my edited Nestle Tollhouse recipe and tips below.  

If you would like to check out the original, unedited recipe, go to :                           http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/specialty/nth-detail-occc.aspx

 

The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie (Elise's Edition)

3 c. flour                               ¾ c. brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda            2 eggs

1 tsp. salt                             1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. butter, softened      2 c. chocolate chips

¾ c. sugar

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.  In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and brown sugar until light.  Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.  Gradually add flour mixture.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes and roll dough into small, loose balls and place on a cookie sheet.   Bake for 8-10 min. at 375°F on ungreased cookie sheets.

tips:

*Never melt the butter completely.  Take it out of the fridge earlier and let it soften at room temp.

*Chilling the dough before baking and not greasing the pan are great ways to keep the cookies from going flat because they don't spread out as quickly while baking.

*Make sure  to not over bake the cookies- they loose their chewiness if you do.  For me, 9 minutes is just about perfect.