Tag Archives: game of thrones

July 14, 2017 · 8:04 am

10 Books Every Game of Thrones Fan Needs

All men must read.

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Whether you’re a die-hard GOT book lover or you’ve only committed to the TV show, this collection of gift books are a must for any wanna-be Lannister, Stark, or Tyrell.  From fun coloring books to scientific explorations of what happens when a brother and sister really do procreate, this collection of 10 Books Every Game of Thrones Fan Needs is one to bookmark for any upcoming birthdays or holidays.

10 Books Every Game of Thrones Fan Needs

The Official A Game of Thrones Coloring Book

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Make commercial breaks fly by with this nerdy Game of Thrones coloring book.  With dozens of stunning black and white illustrations from several artists, this coloring book will certainly help pass the time after these first 6 episodes are over.

Game of Scones: All Men Must Dine

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Game up for Sunday’s premier with an assortment of baked goods from Game of Scones.  Featuring Red (Velvet) Wedding Cake, Joffrey’s Jaffas, Jaime and Cersei’s Family Mess (eww), and Oberyn’s Smashing Head Surprise, this book is a must for fans!

Game of Thrones Versus History: Written in Blood

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Aside from the many fantastical elements of Game of Thrones, much of the plot is actually based on real historic events.  Get a better idea of what inspired Joffrey’s death, how the War of the Roses influenced battles in the series, and how slavery, celibate societies, and other myths and legends factored into George R. R. Martin’s world.

Game of Thrones Psychology: The Mind is Dark and Full of Terrors

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How to love, hate, good, evil, greed, and narcissism drive good and bad behaviors in the characters of Game of Thrones?  This book tries to explore that answer, offering a close examination of the psychology behind the characters in the Song of Ice and Fire series.

Living Language Dothraki

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Written by David J. Peterson, the man behind the Dothraki language, this book will arm you with enough vocabulary and grammar to have a complete conversation in Dothraki.  This course includes a language guide as well as a CD featuring more than 200 words and phrases, grammar explanations, cultural notes, and exercises.

Brain of Thrones: A Game of Thrones Quiz Book

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How much to you REALLY know about Game of Thrones?  Test your knowledge of seasons 1 through 6 with this collection of quizzes.  A fun book for friends to do together, this collection of quizzes is the perfect way to prep before the final season begins.

Game of Thrones: An Unofficial Travel Guide

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Part of the beauty of Game of Thrones is that it’s filmed all over the world.  Have you ever wanted to walk around King’s Landing or explore Winterfell for yourself?  Well, now you can explore the real-life locations that created these magical worlds.  They are all places you can visit…and this book will tell you how.

The Science of Game of Thrones: From the Genetics of Royal Incest to the Chemistry of Death by Molten Gold – Sifting Fact from Fantasy in the Seven Kingdoms

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Is it possible to crush a person’s head with your bare hands?  What REALLY happens when royal families sleep together?  Does Cersei have a borderline personality disorder?  What curious medical disorder does Horor suffer from?  All these questions and more are answered in this scientific look into the world of Game of Thrones.

The Wit & Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister

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We all know that Tyrion is the best character in Game of Thrones, and this little gem of a book gathers up all his wisdom into one place.  Find his best quotes about dining, women, wine, and politics in this illustrated gift book that’s perfect for those who drink and know things.

A Feast of Ice & Fire: The Official Companion Cookbook

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With a forward by George R. R. Martin himself, A Feast of Ice & Fire is the official cookbook for Game of Thrones fans.  With recipes for lemon cakes, pork pies, honeyfingers, and more, this is the perfect guide for creating an epic feast suitable for a Game of Thrones premier party.

 

Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a “Bee Happy” post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.

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July 13, 2017 · 8:45 am

26 Fun Facts About Game of Thrones

Every Lannister knows his facts.

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With a larger-than-life cast and a shooting schedule that takes the crew all over the world, the production of Game of Thrones is bound to create a good factoid or two.  We may not know what fate lies before Jon Snow, but we do know that Kit Harrington wasn’t always the first choice to play the One Who Knows Nothing.

From casting secrets to who created Dothraki, here are 26 Fun Facts About Game of Thrones!

26 Fun Facts About Game of Thrones

George R. R. Martin, the man behind the books, had a cameo in the original pilot of the series as a guest at Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding.  However, the original pilot was never aired.

Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) adopted her direwolf in real life.  Her and Zunni (Lady) are all over Instagram.

The Dothraki language was created by David J. Peterson and is a real language that you can learn and recite.

The horse heart Daenerys had to eat in season one was essentially a giant gummy candy.  The fake blood also made actress Emilia Clarke sick and the congealed mixture stuck her to the toilet.

In 2013, the US saw a rise in the name “Khaleesi” for baby girls.  “Khaleesi”, “Arya”, “Tyrion”, “Brienne”, “Sansa”, “Bran”, “Sandor”, and “Theon” also saw a rise in popularity in England around the same time.

Actor and stunt performer Ian Whyte has played four roles on Game of Thrones.  In seasons one and two, he was a White Walker, he was also Gregor Clegane in season two, a giant in season three, and a Wilding in season five.

Iwan Rheon (the evil Ramsay Bolton) was originally the runner up to play Jon Snow.

Game of Thrones was supposedly the most pirated show of 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Game of Thrones has on official rap album titled “Catch the Throne”, which was released for free on SoundCloud in 2014.  The follow-up album came out in 2015 and included tracks by Snoop Dogg, Big Boi, Method Man, and many others.

Just in case something happens to George R. R. Martin before he can finish the series, the showrunners of Game of Thrones know how the books will end.  Though they might take different paths getting there, both the show and the books will have the same ending.

The average episode of Game of Thrones costs about $6 million to make.  Not surprisingly, it’s one of the most expensive shows on network television.

After winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Peter Dinklage became the show’s top-billed star.  Maybe that means he’s safe from death??  Here’s hoping!

Direwolves are real…or at least, they were.  The ancient breed was said to have been 25% larger than today’s grey wolf.  To recreate the wolves, the show uses Northern Inuit dogs that are digitally enlarged by visual effects specialists.

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Kristian Nairn (Hodor) was the first openly gay actor to come out in the show’s 100+ cast list.

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There have been more than 150,000 on-screen deaths on Game of Thrones so far.

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You can take a Game of Thrones course at Harvard University.

You can purchase a Hodor doorstop at IKEA.

Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) has appeared in the most episodes so far.

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Peter Dinklage is also a vegetarian.  All the meat he eats on the show is fake.

Game of Thrones is the first acting role ever for Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark.

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Jerome Flynn, who plays Bronn, was in a 90’s doo-wop group called Robson and Jerome.  They had three No. 1 singles in the UK.

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The actor who played Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd) is the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens.  Aww, look how cute he is!

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Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) are actually good friends in real life.  Dinklage even helped Headey get the part of Cersei.

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A large number of the actors on Game of Thrones have not read the books, fearing it may impact their acting if they know what happens to their character.

After the first episode aired, Jack Gleeson (Joffrey) received a letter from George R. R. Martin that read, “Congratulations, everyone hates you!”

Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark) also played Hermione’s mom in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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July 12, 2017 · 9:58 am

The Night’s Watch Canvas Art

Even if you’ve only seen a handful of episodes of Game of Thrones, chances are you know what the Night’s Watch is…or at least are familiar with Castle Black.

Established to protect the Seven Kingdoms of Westros from the enemies to the north, the Night’s Watch  is made up of men who have given their freedom to protect their people against the White Walkers, wildlings, and giants that roam just on the other side of The Wall.

Members of the Night’s Watch swear an oath of duty that prohibits marriage, family, and land ownership.  Recruits must renounce all past allegiances and birthrights and must spend the rest of their living days keeping their post.  In return for their service, “Brothers” are forgiven for past crimes and are immune from further punishment, therefore several serving in the Night’s Watch are criminals avoiding punishment, nobles avoiding scandal, and other social outcasts.  They start with a clean slate and can rise in ranks no matter what their origins.

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While serving as Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow tried to unite the Watch with the wildlings over The Wall in an effort to strengthen their forces…but was met with…disagreement…from his Brothers (no spoilers, just in case!).  What will happen with the Night’s Watch now is something that will most likely be discussed in this next season!

Always dressed in black, all members of the Night’s Watch swear the following oath after finishing the initial training:

Night gathers and now my watch begins.  It shall not end until my death.  I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children.  I shall wear no crowns and win no glory.  I shall live and die at my post.  I am the sword in the darkness.  I am the watcher on the walls.  I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men.  I pledge my life and honor to the Night’s Watch, for this night and all the nights to come.

In creating this Night’s Watch poster, I didn’t use the WHOLE oath, as it’s pretty long…but you can own at least a piece of it with this canvas art of the Night’s Watch Oath.

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If you’re a Game of Thrones fan looking for some new wall art, you can find this poster over at my Etsy store, Between the Pages.  More GOT stuff to come soon!

 

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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July 11, 2017 · 8:59 am

I Don’t Want to Be Most of Us

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“It’s a big and beautiful world.  Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it.  I don’t want to be ‘most of us’.”
–Game of Thrones

Come back every Tuesday for “The Bees Knees”, where I post the best quotes from my favorite movies, TV shows, songs, and books.

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July 10, 2017 · 7:18 am

Sansa’s Lemon Cakes and Daenerys’s Dragon Egg Truffles

WINTER IS (almost) HERE.
OMG!  OMG!  OMG!

Season 7 of Game of Thrones premiers next weekend and I could not be more excited!  Every preview I’ve seen has been better than the last…and with the series wrapping up next year, things are about to get ca-RAY.

To help get us all in the mood for the GOT premier on Sunday, we’re going to be celebrating Game of Thrones all week this week!

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To kick things off, we’re going to celebrate two of the leading ladies of GOT:  Sansa Stark and Daenerys Targaryen.

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A few weeks ago, we had a little engagement party for my sister and her fiance.  To go with their theme of epic nerdiness, we had amazing decorations and food that all catered to their favorite nerdy things.  Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, Pokemon popcorn, even a handmade IRON THRONE that my aunts made were all part of the epic celebration!

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I mean, look at this awesome thing!

So my contribution to the party was the sweet table…and to pay homage to Game of Thrones, I included Sansa’s famous lemon cakes, as well as spicy chocolate truffles, decorated to look like Daenerys’s dragon eggs.

I had a few requests for recipes, so here they are!  The Lemon Cakes are from Rosanna Pansino, and the recipe for those is linked below.  The truffles were my own creation and you can find that recipe at the bottom of the post!

Happy Game of Thrones week!!

e

Sansa’s Lemon Cakes Recipe

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These lemon cakes were made using Rosanna Pansino’s Lemon Cake recipe on her channel, Nerdy Nummies.  The recipe is written out in the description of her video.

Daenerys’s Spicy Chocolate Dragon Egg Truffles

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Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz. dark chocolate, chopped (keep it around 60% cacao)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • White fondant
  • Green fondant
  • Brown fondant

*If you don’t want to make these spicy, just eliminate adding the spices.

Directions:

In a medium sauce pot, heat the cream and spices over medium-low heat until it comes to a simmer.

Place chopped chocolate in glass bowl.  Pour hot cream over chocolate, shaking bowl slightly until all the chocolate is covered.  Let sit until chocolate is semi-melted, about 5 minutes.

With a spoon or silicone spatula, mix the chocolate until everything is combined.  Cover with cling wrap.  Chill until chocolate is set, about 2 hours.

In the meantime, roll out any color of fondant (white, green or brown).  I suggest going from light to dark so your white fondant stays white.

Roll out white fondant to about ¼ in. thickness.  To cut out the scales, I used a tiny diamond cutter, originally meant for clay.  You can also cut out your pieces by hand…whatever works for you.

Cut out a bunch of scales in each color…like, a bunch.  Like, cut as many as you think you need, then cut more.  I think I averaged about 20-40 scales per truffle.

Once your chocolate as set, take it out of the fridge for about 20 minutes.  Using a spoon or a small ice cream/cookie scoop, scoop out your truffles.  Roll them into a ball first, then shape them into a flat egg (like a Reese’s egg at Easter) and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Work quickly, as the heat from your hands will melt the chocolate.  I rinsed my hands with cold water after every 2 or 3 truffles I made.

Once your chocolate is shaped, just add your scales.  Starting at the narrow end, add one scale in the top center…then just layer the scales all the way down the truffle until it’s covered.  The fondant should stick to the chocolate pretty easily, but you can use a little dab of water if it’s not sticking.

Put truffles back in the fridge to harden up a little bit and then serve!

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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May 31, 2017 · 10:12 am

ALL MEN MUST DIY: 10 Game of Thrones DIY’s

THE PREMIER IS COMING.  In a mere 46 days, the season 7 premier of Game of Thrones will air on HBO…and I couldn’t be more excited!  Every preview is better than the last…and as the final players begin their rise to battle, it will soon become clear who’s truly meant to rule the Seven Kingdoms…

Game of Thrones game of thrones hbo season 7 trailer GIFSomeone tell The Walking Dead that THIS is how you go to war!!

But, until then…we wait.

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Since us loyal fans have some time on our hands, here are a few Game of Thrones-inspired projects to help you pass the time.  Whether you make them to better decorate your home (because every home needs an iron throne, right?) or you’re planning an epic viewing party for family and friends, these GOT DIY’s are just what you need to prepare for July 16th.

 

ALL MEN MUST DIY:  10 Game of Thrones DIY’s

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Mother of Dragons Necklace
nerdsandnomsense.com

Game of Thrones Chair
boredpanda.com

Geoffery’s Crown
yoonie-at-home.blogspot.ca

Winter is Coming Scarf
Laura Semesky, via Ravelry.com

Khaleesi Necklace
PolkaDot Tat, via YouTube.com

Westeros Cork Map
filmgurl.wordpress.com

Hot Pie’s Shaped Bread
trendhunter.com

House Motto Coasters
thepopculturecynic.blogspot.com

Ghost Brooch
makezine.com

Raven Wreath
katydidandkid.com

 

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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January 16, 2017 · 9:36 am

8 Game of Thrones Recipes

SUMMER IS COMING.

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In all honesty, I never find myself looking forward to summer…but summer 2017 is going to be EPIC.

If you’re not caught up with Game of Thrones, you have about 6 months to binge-watch before season 7 – the FINAL SEASON – airs on HBO.

It’s going to be hard letting this show go…I’ve come to love so many of these characters and, as any fan will tell you, no one is safe under the pen of George R.R. Martin. But let’s be honest…there’s only one character that just HAS to be safe…

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or else riot will ensue…

So, to prevent myself from falling into a depressive state over losing all my favorite fictional characters, come summer 2017 I’ll be drowning my sorrows in food and wine.

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Oh HELL F&*KING YES.

Though it may be hard to cook up some Dothraki horse meat or dive into a bleeding heart, there are a few recipes you can make that are pulled right from the pages of Game of Thrones, and will certainly help comfort you as we all power through these final episodes together.

From Sansa’s lemon cakes to Tyrion’s leg of lamb, this collection of 8 Game of Thrones-Inspired recipes are sure impress any Stark or Lannister royalty. So get out that flagon of wine (and perhaps some chocolate)…while 2016 may have been the Battle of the Bastards, summer 2017 is sure to become the Battle of the Bitches. TEAM DAENERYS ALL THE WAY!

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Until summer 2017…

8 Game of Thrones-Inspired Recipes

Direwolf Bread
bonappetit.com
direwolf-bread

Sansa’s Lemon Cakes
sugarandsoul.co
“Sansa was so stuffed that she could not manage more than two little lemon cakes, as much as she loved them.” — A Game of Thrones
lemon-cakes

Beef and Barley Stew
afarmgirlsdabbles.com
“’Maybe they don’t have sheep and cattle,’ Bran thought. He commanded the serving men to bring them mutton chops and a slice off the aurochs and fill their trenchers with beef-and-barley stew. They seemed to like that well…” -A Clash of Kings
beef-and-barley

Honeyed Chicken
feastofstarlight.com
“‘Hungry again?’ he asked. There was still half a honeyed chicken in the center of the table. Jon reached out to tear off a leg, then had a better idea. He knifed the bird whole and let the carcass slide to the floor between his legs. Ghost ripped into it in savage silence.” -A Game of Throneshoneyed-chicken

Salad with Apples and Pine Nuts
theblackpeppercorn.com
“Cersei set a tasty table, that could not be denied. They started with a creamy chestnut soup, crusty hot bread, and greens dressed with apples and pine nuts.” -A Clash of Kingssalad

Hot Spiced Wine
food52.com
“The Old Bear was particular about his hot spiced wine. So much cinnamon and so much nutmeg and so much honey, not a drop more. Raisins and nuts and dried berries, but no lemon, that was the rankest sort of southron heresy.” — A Clash of Kingswine

Roasted Leg of Lamb
seriouseats.com
“A leg of lamb would be nice… Perhaps a dish of peas and onions, some fresh baked bread with butter, and a flagon of mulled wine to wash it down. Or beer, if that’s easier. I try not to be overly particular.” – A Game of Thrones
lamb

Baked Apples
natashaskichen.com
“Later came sweetbread and pigeon pie and baked apples fragrant with cinnamon.” — A Game of Thronesbakedapples

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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August 30, 2016 · 10:26 am

The Only Time a Man Can Be Brave

game-of-thrones

Come back every Tuesday for “The Bees Knees”, where I post the best quotes from my favorite movies, TV shows, songs, and books.

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July 13, 2016 · 9:42 am

3 Fandom-tastic Geeky Crafts

This post is dedicated to all my fellow nerds and geeks out there…today is EMBRACE YOUR GEEKNESS DAY! Whether it’s video games, movies, books, TV shows, or comics that get your juices flowing, today is the perfect day to embrace whatever it is that satisfies your geeky desires.

Today I’m embracing a few of my TV obsessions: The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Breaking Bad. Below are some fun crafty ways for you to celebrate your devotion to any or all of these shows. Subtle yet recognizable, these projects will help you show off your love for these iconic TV programs.

geeky-crafts

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Inspired Necklace

I really don’t think there’s a TWD fan out there that doesn’t love Daryl Dixon. Armed with amazing hunting and tracking skills, a killer bow and arrow (that you can totally buy at Wal-Mart!), and rugged sexy good looks, Daryl is the guy you want on your side should the zombie apocalypse ever happen. Modeled after Daryl’s winged jacket and showcasing an arrow with a little bead of blood, this Daryl Dixon Inspired Necklace is a moderate and fun way to show your true love for this bike-riding man’s man.

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Cut your chain to size and attach your jump ring and metal clasp. String two wing charms on your chain, making sure the feathers on both sides face outwards. In the middle of the wings, use a jump ring to attach the arrow and red bead to the necklace. To make my wings stand out straight, I actually used E6000 glue to attach the two wings together on the back of the charms. This prevents them from moving around and flipping over when I wear my necklace.

 

Game of Thrones: Daenerys Targaryen’s Dragon Eggs

Though these eggs won’t hatch into ginormous dragons, they will look awesome on your bookshelf next to your Game of Thrones box set! Made using small wooden eggs and clay, Daenerys Targaryen’s Dragon Eggs are sure to bring you a feeling of power and strength.

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I used three wooden eggs to create these dragon eggs. You can find these eggs at almost any craft store in the woodcrafting section. Warm green, white, or brown clay in your hands until soft and pliable. I used about ½ a package for each egg. Roll out small pieces to about 1/8 in. thickness and cut out several tear-shaped pieces. I used the tear shape from this mini metal cutter set. The clay won’t adhere to the wood, so I used E6000 to attach the clay to the wooden eggs. A very small amount will do here. Start at the bottom of the egg and work your way to the top, staggering rows as you go and making sure the points all face down. Once you’ve completed all your eggs, bake at 275 degrees for about 30 minutes. Watch to make sure they don’t hatch dragons!! Let cool completely before handling.

 

Breaking Bad: Breaking Bad Logo Ornament

So I’ve admittedly watched a lot of TV in my day, but few shows can compare to Breaking Bad. Led by loveable goof balls Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, the cast of Breaking Bad is really what makes this show so fantastic. If you’re in the slim percent of people who haven’t watched this show, it’s definitely worth a binge this summer.

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For the square felt pieces, I printed out a 3 in. x 3 in. template (you’ll need four 3 in. boxes total). I also printed out the letters (B, a, B, r) and created templates out of those as well (letters were Arial font, bold; size 150 font). Attach your square templates to green felt and your letter templates to white felt and cut out all your pieces. Hand sew 3 sides of your square template, leaving one side open. Remove template and turn right side out. Glue letters to piece and hand stitch numbers in upper right corner. Stuff lightly and sew square closed. Repeat for other square. Use a needle and thread to attach a string to the tops of both squares, measuring your string so the squares overlap when hung, about 6 in.

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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