Mia Bella Passions

Quick 'n' Easy Halloween Fabric Pumpkins...

This years Halloween display was kept simple,

as I simply did not have time to create anything elaborate.

I had seen these fabric pumpkins using a toilet roll as the base so decided that fitted the quick 'n' easy criteria.

To make them, all you need is:

Toilet rolls ( I used two different sizes - one large - two usual size).

Fabric cut to 55cm x 43 centimetres

(the chiffon fabric was doubled as it is see through)

Cinnamon Stick for the stems.

Card leaves

(I free hand drew these but the are many options to print on the net, just google 'pumpkin leaves to print)

To Make:

Centre the toilet roll on the fabric and tuck the fabric into hole.

Then add a cinnamon stick for the stem.

(Lola thought these smelled so good!)

Cut out your hand drawn or internet-sourced printed leaves.

Add to the cinnamon stick stem.

Place in your Halloween display.

The Treat jar was made last year.

If you want to know how to make it visit HERE.

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Pure Mandarin & Honey Jelly Lollies... ❥

If you're looking for a healthier Halloween party or everyday treat, then these easy-to-make jelly lollies are the answer!

These are made with pure freshly picked and then squeezed mandarin juice.

I've also made the jelly lollies with orange juice.

You need 2 cups of fresh juice.
Strain the juice in a sieve to remove pips and bits.

Place one cup into a small pot with 4 tablespoons of honey.
Make sure the honey is a mild flavour like clover,
as if you use strong honey it will overpower the citrus flavour.

In a small bowl, sprinkle over the top the other 1 cup of juice and 6 Tablespoons of unflavoured gelatin powder.

Let the juice slowly soak up the gelatin at its own pace. DO NOT STIR IT.

This process is called 'bloom'.

Bring the remainder of the juice and honey in the pot to a medium heat.

Add the bloomed gelatin mixture.

Stir with a whisk until dissolved.

Set aside to cool.

You will need small silicon molds.

Place the cooled juice mixture in small jug lots to pour into the molds.

(These are great fun for the kids to make!)

Place on trays in the fridge overnight to set.

The pure mandarin and honey jelly lollies keep well in a covered plastic container in the fridge. And they don't stick together.

I'll be making these in Halloween moulds for sure,

as they are a huge hit with jelly lolly lovers...

As a bonus, they are pretty to look at, yummy to eat, and healthy!

The printable recipe is HERE.

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Old Metal Tray Upcycle...

I love trays...

I use them practically - for serving

And to display bits and pieces in the decor.

Often as a low base layer in a vignette.

This old aluminium tray is one that I have had for about 20 years.

It certainly has that well worn patina.

I wanted to change it and decided to decoupage this old tray.

Decoupage paper is available from scrapbook and craft stores.

It's a very fine paper like tissue paper.

It comes in many beautiful designs.

I chose a black and white perfume bottle design.

Isn't such a pretty paper?

And I think it looks fab with the aged silver of the tray.

First, clean the tray,

and then measure and cut the paper to fit.

I left about 5cm of the silver edge exposed.

Mod Podge glue the base of the tray.

Press the paper carefully in place.

Smooth out any major unevenness and big wrinkles.

Layer more glue on top and then place on the second layer of paper.

It leaves a shadow from the bottle pattern as the placement is uneven.

You could just do a single layer of paper, but I wanted the shadow and a more wrinkled paper effect.

Finally paint a thick layer of modpodge over the top of the paper.

This acts as the final sealer.

Next I wanted to add a flat braided cord to define,

and create interest around the outer edge of the paper.

Cut the cord to fit.

I used two pieces of cord as I wanted a round edge,

and a square cut edge opposite each other.

Using a thick line of modpodge press cord on top of it.

Leave to dry for 24 hours.

I'm so happy with my very pretty tray, upcycled with decoupage and cord.

It really adds interest with another layer to my black and white "Frida Kahlo' display.

Frida Kahlo artwork by New Zealand artist Tanya Leef.

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The ACCIDENTAL Kitchen Fixer Upper!

What part of your home would you love to change?

Mine would be the kitchen.

It is 'Forest Green', butter yellow with accents of bright blue.

Once upon a time it was fashionable!

But I decided new carpet and a new vehicle was of more importance, so that is what I have been saving my pennies for.

Then the accident happened!

It was sort of one of those 'Nana Moments' where after the deed is done you gasp in disbelief and say - 'Heck did I just do that?'

Yip - that is all I will say...

but the outcome was sudden and accidental when I burnt my Forest Green coloured bench top in three places thanks to a red hot pot!

This picture shows one burnt bit.

(I've changed the bench colour here so the burns can be seen in photo).

I claimed insurance for the damage, but really thought that this would not be covered, because it is a galley kitchen that's four and a half metres long.

And that bench top was in one entire piece!

But Lantern Insurance happily covered it...

It was out with the damaged and in with the new!
I chose a black and white marble laminate.

This one is called 'Saint Laurent Marble' by Arborite.
It has a egg shell like texture to it.

The new bench shown here as it's being installed has a square edge and not the wood bullnose edge as before.

I did a little splurge on replacing the sink to a deep butcher style in stainless style, with a nice new shiny tap.

And also replaced the stove top as the old one had a mind of its own regarding temperature control.

I'm blaming that for the ACCIDENT and not the 'maybe Nana Moment'.

And here is my new bench top.

I'm loving the way the top just fits with the older cabinets.

I was a bit worried it would look too new.

But it doesn't!

And even though it is not real granite, I adore it.

It just brings a little more French style to my kitchen.
This accidental fixer-upper is making me very happy!

There was just one thing that just did not look quite right.

Can you see it?

You guessed it...the fish tiles.

On an angle, it's not so BLUE obvious...

But the closer you get the blue is just a bit bright and WOOHOO.

But it seems colour is in style again and there is a bit of beach-inspired decor happening in my home...

I do live right by the ocean so the fish had to stay!
I had no intention of changing this kitchen,
but my accidental kitchen fixer upper benchtop is perfect!

You might also like these 'Beach Inspired DIYs':