Wrap It Up: 3 Ways to Use Decorative Paper at Home

Who knew that pretty paper had so many different uses!

Shopping at stationery stores, the beautiful paper sold by the sheet in brilliant colors and patterns always catches my eye. Many times they are thicker, more decorative and more expensive than the thinner gift wrap that is sold on a roll, but are so pretty that I would love to find an excuse to buy them.

Here are three ideas for using paper to transform, protect and decorate in the home.

(1) In a step-by-step DIY, Blue Eyed Yonder shows us how to transform cloth into stiff material akin to paper that works beautifully to line drawers. This can be done with either paper or cloth and both serves to protect your things and adds a little beauty to an otherwise overlooked spot.

 

(2) I love the idea of turning something as common as a brick into a chic book end as demonstrated by Design Sponge. Adding a touch of color or a pattern that would feel too bold on a grander scale is perfect when done easily and affordably.

(3) These decorative clip boards double as a display area in place of a cork board and are an easy DIY via Martha Stewart that can be changed on a whim.

Read more at ApartmentTherapy.com.

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Papermaking class begins this Sunday at the Hartwood Art Center

Making paper is a blast. Give it a try at the class this weekend!

Learn and practice the art of Western papermaking.  Create one-of-a-kind papers for stationery, cards, lampshades, collage or hand bound books using natural fibers.   We will form sheets using cotton and various cooked plant materials such as leeks, rhubarb, onions and eggplant.  By the end of your session, you will have a beautiful inventory of handmade papers.

It is impossible to make paper without getting wet, so please dress accordingly.  No previous papermaking experience is required.

All levels welcome
Sundays, February 19^th – March 25^th
1 – 4 pm, The Lerma Studio (located off campus, in Albuquerque's North Valley)
Materials: fee of $50 payable to Stephanie Lerma on the first day of class
Tuition: $225 (Harwood members $210)

Register for this class:

Register online or call (505) 242-6367, or email our Administrative Manager, GuruAmrit Khalsa.

Read more at http://harwoodartcenter.org/ss/papermaking-2/

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Share 100 Things For A Chance To Win

I love easy contests. If you have a camera and some creativity, this is right up your alley!

To celebrate New Mexico’s Centennial, take a picture of 100 of the same item… 100 pieces of candy… a 100 year old woman holding 100 pennies… you name it… and upload it to u local for a chance to win a grab bag of Centennial goodies from The New Mexico Tourism Department! Hint: the judges love entries that have New Mexico and Centennial themes!

One winner will be chosen daily each weekday from Monday, February 6th through Friday, February 17th. You can enter as many times as you want up to 3 p.m. on Friday, February 17th. The winner’s name and photo will be posted on this page and at www.getthepicture.newmexico.org.

Upload your photo to the Get The Picture category for it to be entered in the contest and appear in the slideshow below. Please include a brief description of the photo, along with the location of where it was taken. Your upload may be shown on-air!

Click here for official contest rules.

Start sharing your photos today! Not a member? Join u local -- it's free and easy.

Read more http://www.koat.com/r/30331357/detail.html#ixzz1lbeErTSj

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Ultimate Super Bowl food: Wings or nachos?

We’re getting close to the Super Bowl!!

For a day that’s all about the rough and tumble, you need to serve your guests something bold and flavorful, that isn’t afraid to play hard. What is your ultimate pigskin party food - wings or nachos?

CHORIZO AND PINTO BEAN NACHOS

Yield: 8 servings

1 pound Mexican chorizo, casings removed

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 cups cooked pinto beans

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large bag tortilla chips

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Chopped onion, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa and chopped black olives, for garnish (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large skillet, cook chorizo, garlic and cumin until chorizo is thoroughly cooked. Drain most, but not all, of fat and add pinto beans, chili powder and salt. Cook until heated through.

2. On large ovenproof platter or cookie sheet, spread tortilla chips and top with chorizo-bean mixture. Repeat with another layer of each and top with cheese.

3. Bake until cheese is melted. If desired, serve with chopped onions, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa and olives.

Nutrition data not available.

Source: Ellyn Bouts

CHICKEN WINGS

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup water

3/4 cup soy sauce

1 level teaspoon dry mustard

2-3 pounds chicken wings

Procedure:

1. Combine first five ingredients in a pan to make a marinade, bring to a boil and simmer a few minutes.

2. Pour over cleaned chicken wings in slow cooker and cook 5-6 hours low. Alternative method: Set aside a little marinade, then steep wings in remaining marinade at least 8 hours in refrigerator; bake 1 hour on a flat pan at 350 degrees, basting with the marinade that was set aside.

Read more http://www.pikespeakparent.com/blogs/ultimate-superbowl-food-wings-or-nachos.html

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