Decoupage Pumpkin

I am always on the lookout for easy crafts.  I found one of the easiest crafts to do WITH YOUR KIDS.    I had one of those small real pumpkins, that are pretty impossible to carve. Did I mention this project is super cheap, almost free if you already own a bottle of Mod Podge.  I saw this project on t.v., but could not remember.  So I googled it and found directions over at Make and Takes.

What you will need:

Mod Podge

2-3 sheets of tissue paper

Small Pumpkin

Take your tissue paper and cut several banana shaped cut outs.  Coat the back of the paper with a thin coat of your mod podge.  You can do 2-3 at a time, but don't do to many because the paper needs to be wet when it is applied.  Press the paper to the pumpkin and carefully smooth out any air bubbles, but don't worry about wrinkles.  Continue til the pumpkin is covered.  Let is dry about 15 minutes and then do a top coat of mod podge.  The design opportunities are endless.  You can add an initial, or pictures.  I have a safari bathroom, so I choose a cheetah print with a bow on top.

Kettle Cooked Cajun Potato Chips

Have you ever purchased those kettle potato chips at the store?  They are my favorite chips.  I usually purchase the plain chips and sprinkle Cajun seasoning on top of them, delicious!  However, last night I forgot to pick up my bag of chips at the store, so I thought I could make my own.  I googled and found a recipe over at www.lifesambrosia.com.  Her recipe is super easy and all you need is potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of oil and seasoning.  Also, your kids will think you are really cool for making homemade potato chips.

What you will need:

3-4 potatoes thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil

Your choice of seasoning

You will need a heavy two quart sauce pan.  Heat the oil over medium high heat.  While the oil is heating up, I peeled and sliced my potatoes.  I used my food processor, that has a slicing blade.  Once the oil is hot, place some of the potato slices in the oil.  You will cook them for about 6 minutes, depending how thick your slices are.  Mine were pretty thin and took about 4 minutes.  Once they are done, take them out and place on a plate lined with paper towels.  While they are hot add your seasoning, so it will stick.  I used Cajun seasoning.  However, you can have fun and try all kinds of seasoning (curry, sea salt, etc).