Homemade Chocolate Syrup

   I love chocolate syrup. However, the ones sold in store have a lot of unnecessary ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavor, red 40 etc. So I found a recipe to make my own and it was very quick and easy. I put it in a vinegar bottle I had previously cleaned.

This recipe is from the book Tightwad Gazette. Although it's delicious, I plan to try using less sugar next time I make it.

Chocolate Syrup:

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/8 tbs salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Mix cocoa and water in saucepan on stove while heating it on medium to dissolve. Then add sugar and stir to dissolve. Boil for a couple of minutes, then add salt and vanilla. Turn off heat and once cool pour into clean jar. Makes about two cups of chocolate syrup. Store in refrigerator.

Embroidery Hoop Memo Board

   This simple memo board for my studio was made using items I already had on hand. I had been storing leftover quilt batting for awhile knowing I could use it somehow and now I'm glad I still had it.

Here's how to make your own:

Materials:

• Embroidery hoop
• Fabric
• Quilt batting or stuffing
• Cereal box cardboard
• Scissors
• Tape
• Pen

1. Trace circle on cereal box with inner hoop of embroidery hoop. Cut out circle.

2. Cut fabric for embroidery hoop, leaving enough fabric to fold edges over on the back

3. Fill back of hoop with batting/stuffing.

4. Put cardboard over back of hoop and tape fabric down. Use end of scissors to push in any stuffing that sticks out.

I know there are prettier ways to finish the back but since this is just going up on the wall, it doesn't seem necessary. If you wanted to, you could cover the cardboard in fabric then hot glue it to the back of the hoop.

  I used thick sewing pins to coordinate with the fabric, but thumb tacks could be used instead. The cardboard prevents the pins from poking the wall.

Knitted Infinity Scarf

    The latest item I have added to my shop is a knitted cowl/infinity scarf. Winter isn't over just yet and this scarf is nice and warm!

You can view the scarf here at my Etsy shop.

Floral Wristlet

   Here is a floral wristlet I recently made. I wanted to make one and test it out for a week or so before making them for my Etsy shop.This wristlet is the perfect size for my essentials- phone, keys, wallet and lip balm. I'm glad I get to keep this one for myself because I love it!
 

 
   I really like the floral and small plaid fabric combo because I am ready for Spring to get here. Both fabrics are upcycled, as well as the ring for the wrist strap. I plan on making the wrist strap an inch or so longer next time. Not pictured is a small pocket on the inside I made with the floral fabric.

What features do you think make the perfect wristlet?

Welcome! Etsy Shop Now Open!

Opened up my Etsy Shop the other day and now starting this blog!

Key Lime Louise features handmade goods from upcycled materials.
You can check out the shop here: KeyLimeLouise on Etsy

One of my first items for sale. A tote/crossbody made out of a rice bag.

I'm looking forward to adding new items soon!