Johnnie Collier

Halloween Treats Best Pumpkin Cupcake Recipie

As soon as 16 year old Brianna told me her passion was baking, I started working on her to share a recipe here on SBLC. She whipped up these to-die-for pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Today I am happy to let you in on how she did it! I know she will be a success and you will understand how I know that once you get a taste of these.

PUMPKIN CUPCAKES

Makes 2 dozen cookies with 25 minutes cook time.

Ingredients

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tbsp baking soda

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup softened butter

1 1/3 cup sugar

2 eggs beaten until frothy

1 cup pumpkin puree

3/4 cup milk

Directions

1. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg into medium sized mixing bowl.

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then blend in pumpkin.

4. Stir in the sifted dry ingredients with milk, blending until batter is smooth.

5. Spoon batter into lined muffin pan, filling each 2/3 full.

6. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients

4 tbsp softened butter

8 oz softened cream cheese

4 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until well blended.

2. On low, beat in powdered sugar a little at a time until well blended.

3. Beat on high until smooth and creamy.

Thanks for sharing with us, Brianna!

Gelli Printing DIY Fall Art

by Johnnie Collier

A creative friend introduced me to gelli printing, and I am hooked. I think you will be too! Today I will show you how to use leaves from your yard and die cut leaves to create beautiful one of a kind fall art prints. Use gelli printing for your art journal and mixed media backgrounds, for handmade greeting cards or frame them for instant art!

MATERIALS

Gelli Printing Plate; I purchase this 8×10 inch plate (*this is my Amazon affiliate link)

Brayer

Acrylic Paints in fall reds, oranges and yellows; I used DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics

White Card Stock 8.5 x 11 inches

Rubber Stamps, bubble wrap or other texture materials

Leaves from outside

Die cut leaves

TUTORIAL

Drip paint in yellow, orange and red as shown. It doesn’t take much paint to cover the gelli plate.

Use the brayer to spread the paint over the gelli plate.

Create texture in the wet paint with bubble wrap, stamps, combs, etc.

Place the real leaves or die cut leaves over the texture you just made. Now you are ready to lift your first print!

Place the white card stock over the gelli plate and smooth out with hands, ensuring contact all over the card stock.

After lifting the first print, and removing the leaves, you are left with this, which creates a cool second print.

The left is the first print and the right is the second print after removing the leaves.

Here I followed the above steps, but used leaves I die cut from cardstock with the Sizzix Tattered Leaves Die instead of real leaves.

I love this technique, and the DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics are great to use for it. I tried a few other paints, but got blurred lines with the leaf outlines. I am excited to do more gelli prints!

Have you tried gelli printing?

DIY Easy Jack O Lantern Tshirt

by Johnnie Collier

I had the chance to review the Silhouette Portrait, and am excited to share with you this pumpkin face shirt I made for Halloween. This project was super easy with the Silhouette Heat Transfer Material and a design I downloaded from Silhouette Studio.

I love that I didn’t have to use a mat with the heat transfer material! The same is true for the vinyl. When I used a mat with Cricut and vinyl, I had issues with the backing of the vinyl sticking to the mat, plus that is one less use of the mat, which is not cheap to replace!

I also love that the Silhouette Studio software tells me what setting the blade should be on based on the material I am cutting! The process was very user friendly. I watched the short instructional video that came with the machine, and was wearing my new shirt within 30 minutes!

The image download was $0.75, which was covered by the $10 credit that came with the machine. Most images are $0.99. It is nice that you can pick individual images that you want to use, as opposed to buying a cartridge for one image and paying for tons that you will never use.

Keep in mind when using the transfer material, you will cut out the image in reverse since you will flip it over to iron it onto the receiving surface. It didn’t make a difference for the jack-o-lantern face I used, but if you use text, it will matter!

After cutting out the image and removing the negative space material, I just placed a rag over the transfer and ironed it onto the shirt for 60 seconds, removed the backing and presto!

I love this machine! I picked up the markers that can be used in place of the blade and will be sharing more projects very soon.

*Dislclaimer: I received product for this review. All opinions are honest and mine!

DIY Wood Pallet Coat Rack

by Johnnie Collier

My sweet friend Jordan came over to learn how to build, and we started with this simple DIY Coat Rack from Shanty 2 Chic. I love when people have an interest in learning how to work with power tools, especially women. It is so much easier than most would think, and there is not much more fulfilling than creating your own beautiful pieces from a pile of wood. We followed Ashley’s steps, substituting pallet wood everywhere except for the 4×4 and the furniture foot on top of the coat rack. That made this project super cheap, and Jordan mastered the Kreg Jig, compound mitre saw, drill and air nailer! I think she is addicted, just like I was after My First Woodworking Build.

Here are the pallet wood legs that attach perpendicular to the bottom of the 4×4.

I was so glad the Shanty 2 Chic instructions suggested to make a line around the bottom of the 4×4 using the width of 1×3 scraps attached to the underside of the legs. This made attaching the legs to the 4×4 super simple. Jordan used the Ryobi Air Strike cordless nailer to attach the pallet scrap “feet” to the underside of the legs. This tool makes building way faster and easier!

Jordan attached the legs to the 4×4 using pocket holes she created with the Kreg jig, just like Ashley did in the Shanty 2 Chic tutorial. To attach the angled supports, she used the Ryobi Nailer again.

To finish up, I cut a square from pallet wood and drilled a hole in the middle of it, using a bit just smaller than the diameter of the rebar on the furniture foot I picked up at Lowes. (Jordan had to take off for an appointment, so I finished up the project that took just a couple of hours start to finish).

I applied Minwax Wood Conditioner, followed by Rustoleum Wood Stain in Mineral Green. Since I used wood that was different to start (the purchased, unfinished 4×4 and the weathered pallet wood), the stain took differently. To unify the piece, I went over the stain in aging wax by Plaid.

Once that dried, I placed the furniture foot in place on top, and added 4 hooks purchased from Lowes.

The piece stayed at my home for a few days before I took it to Jordan. I got attached. That is why I am no building my own! It is a perk of creating with others… this isn’t a piece I would have thought of for my space, and now I must have it. Thanks Jordan!

Over 50 of the Best Pumpkin Recipes

by Johnnie Collier

Sweaters, pumpkins, orange, leaves, hay rides, these things make me happy. That is why fall is my favorite time of year. I couldn’t resist the urge to search out and share over 50 of the best pumpkin recipes out there. If you have a favorite fall pumpkin recipe that I missed, leave a link in the comments after this post and I will add it to the collection. Enjoy!

DIY Graphic Centerpiece from Reclaimed Wood

by Johnnie Collier

Now that I have your attention with a seriously adorable puppy and his one blue eye, I would like to show you how to make this chicken wire reclaimed wood graphic centerpiece! This piece definitely evolved as it was being made. My friend came over to see if we could come up with a centerpiece for her square kitchen table, and we started at my wood pile. We ripped some chippy painted trim, and added it to some pallet wood and wire. We thought we were finished there, but had the idea to visit The Graphics Fairy where we found the perfect vintage spoon and fork images to transfer onto the pallet wood sides. The result is just what she had in mind, and now I want to make one for myself!

SUPPLIES:

Scrap wood (we used wood pallets and old trim)

Chicken Wire

Ryobi Air Nailer

1 inch brad nails

Kreg jig

1 inch Kreg Screws

Wood Glue

White Tissue Paper

Mod Podge Matte

Printer (laser jet or ink jet printer are fine)

Card stock

Painter’s Tape

Mitre Saw

Drill

Metal Snips

TUTORIAL:

We knew we wanted a square crate. Starting with the bottom, we used two 5.5 inch wide pieces of pallet wood that we cut to 11 inches long with the mitre saw.

We attached the pieces together with the Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System and 1 inch screws (I showed you how to use that here: How to Use a Kreg Jig). The blue circles show the Kreg pocket holes.

We cut two pallet wood sides to 11 inches and attached them with pocket holes and .75 inch screws since the pallet wood sides were to thin for 1 inch screws.

Next we lined up the trim pieces we had ripped and marked them, cutting them with the mitre saw to the appropriate length.

Next we cut the chicken wire with aviation snips to fit the sides of the crate. We attached the chippy painted trim piece over the chicken wire to hold it in place.

We thought we were finished, but then Victoria had the great idea of adding the chippy trim to the pallet wood sides where the arrows are in the photo.

We cut the trim to fit and nailed it into place with the Ryobi nailer. This is what we were left with at that point. I decided the wood area at the arrow and the side opposite it were perfect for graphics. We chose the vintage spoon and fork graphics linked in the first paragraph and used the tissue paper image transfer technique I showed you here: DIY Image Transfer Recycled Glass Bottles.

Not bad for a couple of hours and $0 spent!

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Image Transfer Techniques!

DIY Reclaimed Wood Craft Paint Storage Shelves

by Johnnie Collier

Paint storage is an issue in my new craft space. Bookshelves are not a great solution since they are so deep and tall. I like to be able to see my paints for inspiration, and to get to the colors I need easily. I decided to make my own shelves that are shallow and closely spaced so that I could fit as many as possible in the allotted area. This was a quick and easy project, made with reclaimed wood I had on hand, so I spent zero dollars.

SUPPLIES:

Reclaimed wood cut to length and width you want your shelves

Shims cut from 2x wood, the same length as the shelves (mine are 24 inches), 1/4 inch thick

2 1/2 inch Kreg Screws Kreg Jig

Ryobi Air Nailer

Wood Glue

Leveler

Stud Finder

Pencil

Tape Measurer

Straight Edge

TUTORIAL:

Cut shelves to 24 inches. I used tongue and groove boards that I had on hand and ripped to 3.5 inches to fit my 3.25 inch paint jars. I cut the groove edge off when I ripped them, so that the tongue edge would create a lip for the wood shims to sit on as the front of the shelf in a later step.

Find studs and mark shelf boards in 2 spots where you will create pocket holes with Kreg Jig. Create pocket holes like I showed you here: How to use a Kreg Jig. I decided to stagger my shelves, so I created pocket holes four inches from each end on half of my shelves and on the other half, 1 inch from one end and 7 inches from the other end.

Use tape measurer and straight edge to draw lines on the wall where your shelves will go. I spaced my shelves 5.75 inches apart. Use 2.5 inch Kreg Screws to attache shelves into studs on your marked lines. After placing the first screw, use leveler to level shelf, then place second screw in the other stud.

Add wood glue to the tongue lip and place wood shim, creating front of shelf. Nail shim into place with 1 inch brads in air nailer.

Attach all shelves and place paint!

So easy, and free, this paint storage solution is tops!

What do you think? How do you stay organized in your creative space?

How to Break Down Wood Pallets Video Tutorial

by Johnnie Collier

It is no secret that I love to create all kinds of things with wood pallets. Why wouldn’t I? They are readily available and usually one their way to landfills or bon fires by the time I get my hands on them. Lumber can be expensive, so why not use pallet wood for your projects to save some cash and help the planet in the process? I have gotten several questions on how I break down my pallets, so I made a quick video of the process to share with you.

YOU WILL NEED:

Crowbar

Hammer

Reciprocating Saw

Safety Goggles

Wood Pallet

Now that you have your pallet broken down, you are ready to build. Here are some ideas:

50+ DIY Home Decor Projects to Make with a Jigsaw

by Johnnie Collier

The jigsaw is a super versatile tool, and a great place to start the power tool journey. It is handheld, can be fairly inexpensive (like this Corded : Skil Saw. Variable Speed 4290-02), and cuts shapes in a variety of materials, with the appropriate blade. I did a number of projects with a the above linked Skil Saw I scored at a garage sale for, and only recently splurged on a new one because of a gift card I received. The new one is fancy pants and cordless, but it doesn’t do anything the bare bones version can’t. You can build the same projects with a basic jigsaw and a little practice. That is great news, since as you will see below, you can make some seriously stylish and functional pieces for your home with this tool. Enjoy!

Your New Favorite Pumpkin Dessert

by Johnnie Collier

My mom has been on a dump cake kick lately. I am new to that entire dessert movement and though skeptical at first, this pumpkin piece of divinity has made me a believer. Seriously, the best pumpkin dish I have put in my mouth. Not only is it insanely good, it takes under 5 minutes of prep and 50 minutes in the oven. This is a keeper.

Ingredients

3 eggs

3/4 c butter melted

12 oz can condensed milk

29 oz can of pure pumpkin

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 c white sugar

1/2 c brown sugar

1 box of yellow cake mix

1 1/4 c Pecan halves

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

Spray 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking oil

Mix pumpkin, eggs, condensed milk, cinnamon, brown and white sugar in a large mixing bowl until well blended.

Pour the mixture into the sprayed baking pan. It will be runny like apple sauce.

Sprinkle entire box of cake mix evenly on top of pumpkin mixture.

Evenly pour or spoon melted butter over all of the cake mix, leaving no dry areas.

Evenly disperse pecans on top of the butter.

Bake a 350° for 50 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Dollop whip cream or vanilla ice cream on top and enjoy!

Halloween Treats Best Pumpkin Cupcake Recipie

PUMPKIN CUPCAKES

Ingredients

Directions

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients

Directions

Gelli Printing DIY Fall Art

MATERIALS

TUTORIAL

Have you tried gelli printing?

DIY Easy Jack O Lantern Tshirt

DIY Wood Pallet Coat Rack

Over 50 of the Best Pumpkin Recipes

DIY Graphic Centerpiece from Reclaimed Wood

SUPPLIES:

TUTORIAL:

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Image Transfer Techniques!

DIY Reclaimed Wood Craft Paint Storage Shelves

SUPPLIES:

TUTORIAL:

How to Break Down Wood Pallets Video Tutorial

YOU WILL NEED:

Now that you have your pallet broken down, you are ready to build. Here are some ideas:

50+ DIY Home Decor Projects to Make with a Jigsaw

Your New Favorite Pumpkin Dessert

Ingredients

Directions

Meet Johnnie

Categories

Recent Printables

50+ Roundups

PUMPKIN CUPCAKES

Ingredients

Directions

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients

Directions

MATERIALS

TUTORIAL

Have you tried gelli printing?

SUPPLIES:

TUTORIAL:

For more inspiration, visit our 50+ Image Transfer Techniques!

SUPPLIES:

TUTORIAL:

YOU WILL NEED:

Now that you have your pallet broken down, you are ready to build. Here are some ideas:

Ingredients

Directions

Meet Johnnie

Categories

SBLC Topics