Salve Making Basics

Calendula Rose Salve with Arnica.

Gather supplies needed.

Combine and "cook" in a slow cooker filled with water on low for several days. (Make sure to replenish water consistently, or you'll end up with burned ingredients!)

Strain liquid and discard solids.

Pour into containers.

Rose Petals, Calendula, Arnica Flower, Beeswax Beads, Vitamin E

Close up of Beeswax Beads.
You can purchase these here .

Cram (yes I said cram) it all in a mason jar.  Or several mason jars
depending on how much you want to make.  Cover with carrier oil.
I used olive oil, but I would suggest sweet almond or jojoba oil instead.

This particular salve is good for minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, bruises, etc.  I would not recommend using it on burns.

DIY Heaven!

I have a friend who turned me onto this blog that I  L.O.V.E.  It is called Knock Off Wood and it is a DIY blog with plans for Pottery Barnesque furniture for so much less that retail.  The catch is that you have to build it yourself.  HOW FUN!  My favorite part of this blog (besides the really detailed FREE plans) is the author.  She is this super cute gal up in Alaska with a husband with a really great name (Jacob).  I mean, she is a hottie!   It was just so encouraging to see a girl building REAL furniture that I decided that I could do it too!  (Everyone knows how I love a deal right?!)  So........ onto my first project.  :)

Small Collector Bookshelf
So, the first one I built with the hubs watching closely.  Giving me pointers, making sure I didn't cut off my arm with the chop saw, etc... Then, the next day while he was at work I did this:

1X4 Before cutting

Measuring 36" in (twice)

CHOPSAW! (Photo credit: My 4 year old) Very strange arm shot...

All pieces cut (2) 36" (2) 6"

Measuring to make curve in sides

My curve maker... A big empty bucket.

So far, so good.

BAND SAW!  (I'm not really great at this btw)

Use waste piece from first side to make 2nd side. Then cut like above.

Had to use some creativity to nail it all together.  Glue first, then nail.

Adding sides on.

Add guard to front.

Clamp it up until the glue sets up.

TA DA!  (Almost finished) Now, sand and paint.

Finished and hung.  I think they look nice!  What do you think?

Close up of Eva's

Close up of Gwyneth's and side view.

YAY ME!  :)