How To Apply and Use Kam Snaps the Easy Way

kam snaps

When you have a sewing or craft project that requires a snap, these Kam snaps are the best! They are durable, easy to apply and come in so many fun colors. In this tutorial, I show you how easy they are to apply and some ways that you can use them.

kam snaps kit

Snap application can be a little intimidating for some, but there really is nothing to it, especially when you use this Kam snaps kit. Over the years I’ve used different snaps and different application methods, and this is by far my favorite so far.

You do need the little pliers, but the kit is very reasonably priced and the kit I recommend comes with some snaps as well.

How to Use Kam Snaps

Here are a few ideas and ways to use these snaps.

  • Baby bibs
  • Hats
  • Homemade cloth diapers
  • Shirts
  • Homemade wallets
  • Jackets
  • Baby pajamas
  • and really anywhere else where you need two pieces of fabric to connect

I find the Kam snap application is a lot easier than sewing around Velcro. I will admit, however, there are times when Velcro is more appropriate for certain applications.

Kam Snap Parts & Tools Needed

Kam snaps come with three different pieces: a thumbtack-looking piece, and a male & female piece.

For each snap you’ll need:

  • 2 cap pieces
  • 1 male piece
  • 1 female
  • Kam snap pliers & awl

How to Apply Kam Snaps

1- Locate the spot where you need to apply a snap.

Take the sharp awl that the kit comes with and poke it through both layers of fabric. Wiggle the awl around a bit to make the hole more distinct.

2- Take one of the THUMBTACK pieces and poke it through the fabric from the RIGHT SIDE to the WRONG SIDE.

3- Place MALE PIECE on top of the thumbtack with the HAT-LOOKING side facing away from the fabric.

4- Hold these items together and place them inside the pliers with the back of the THUMBTACK piece set into the little black holder on the pliers.

Make sure it is in place before squeezing the pliers. (If you listen, most times you can hear a little click when the tack is in place).

5- To apply the other snap, take a THUMBTACK piece and insert it into the other hole from the BACKSIDE of the fabric to the front.

6- Take the FEMALE PIECE and place it on top of the fabric and proceed as you did before using the pliers.

That’s it. So simple and so quick.

kam snaps

I hope this was helpful and that you’ll feel comfortable and inspired to give snaps a whirl in some of your next projects.

CHECK OUT MY SEWING PATTERNS HERE

Have fun creating!

Here are some project tutorials you may be interested in:

DIY Baby Bib Tutorial | Reversible

DIY Fleece Earflap Hat | Simple Sewing Tutorial

 

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe // Simple and Delicious

white chicken chili

This Instant Pot creamy white chicken chili recipe is simple AND delicious! It’s a yummy, comforting soup that goes with so many things. Serve it with corn chips, corn bread, biscuits, bread sticks or warmed tortillas.

What I love about this recipe is that is can be so versatile, I’ll give you some ideas of how to switch it up a bit if you want, but of course, the original recipe is definitely a keeper.

white chicken chili instant pot

I love my INSTANT POT and I love making soups in the Instant Pot! If you don’t have one, I seriously advise you to GET ONE! There are so many things you can make in this little appliance and it just makes cooking a lot easier!

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

  • 1 TB Olive oil or Avocado oil
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken tenders (cut into bite-size chunks)
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 3 TB taco seasoning (if you don’t want to use taco seasoning, see note below for single spice measurements).
  • 2 15-ounce cans white beans (cannellini or great northern) rinsed and drained
  • 2 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned (optional)

INDIVIDUAL SEASONINGS OPTION:

  • 1 tsp. Sea salt
  • 1 tsp. Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. Ground cumin

White Chicken Chili Instructions

1- Cut up 2 lbs of CHICKEN into bite-size pieces.

2- Chop 1 ONION

3- Press the SAUTE button. Add 1 TB OIL to the pot, then add the cut-up CHICKEN and CHOPPED ONION.

4- Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

5- Stir in 2 CANS BEANS, 4 CUPS BROTH, 2 CANS CHILIES, and 3 TB TACO SEASONING, and 1 CUP CORN (optional)

6- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and move the valve to SEALED POSITION.

7- Press the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button and set the timer for 7 minutes.

8- When the timer goes off, move the valve to VENT and do a QUICK RELEASE. (It won’t matter if you let it sit a few minutes before venting).

9- Remove the lid and stir the ingredients in the pot.

10- Press the CANCEL button and it will turn off the KEEP WARM FEATURE.

11- Stir in 1 CUP SOUR CREAM and mix well. (If you want it a little creamier add another cup of sour cream).

12- Serve and enjoy!

Topping Ideas

  • Shredded Cheese
  • Cilantro
  • Diced Avocado
  • Sour Cream
  • Corn Chips

This WHITE CHICKEN CHILI freezes well. I usually make a DOUBLE BATCH so I can have another meal frozen and ready to roll.

How to Thicken the White Chicken Chili

  • Use the SAUTE BUTTON after it has finished cooking to reduce the liquid.
  • After cooking, puree an additional cup of white beans and add it to the soup and let it heat up.
  • Add more sour cream.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe // Simple and Delicious

white chicken chili

This Instant Pot creamy white chicken chili recipe is simple AND delicious! It’s a yummy, comforting soup that goes with so many things. Serve it with corn chips, cornbread, biscuits, bread sticks, or warmed tortillas.

  • Prep Time10 min
  • Cook Time12 min
  • Total Time22 min
  • Ready in32
  • Yield8 SERVINGS

Ingredients

    • 1 TB Olive oil or Avocado oil
    • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken tenders (cut into bite size chunks)
    • 1 Onion chopped
    • 3 TB taco seasoning (if you don’t want to use taco seasoning, see note below for individual spice measurements).
    • 2 15-ounce cans white beans (cannellini or great northern) rinsed and drained
    • 2 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned (optional)

TACO INDIVIDUAL SEASONINGS

    • 1 tsp. Sea salt
    • 1 tsp. Garlic powder
    • 1 tsp. Smoked paprika
    • 1 tsp. Ground cumin

Instructions

1

Cut up 2 lbs. CHICKEN into bite size pieces.

 
2

Chop 1 ONION

3

Press the SAUTE button. Add 1 TB OIL to the pot, then add the cut up CHICKEN and CHOPPED ONION.

4

Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

5

Stir in 2 CANS BEANS, 4 CUPS BROTH, 2 CANS CHILIES, and 3 TB TACO SEASONING, and 1 CUP CORN (optional)

6

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and move the valve to SEALED POSITION.

7

Press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button and set timer for 7 minutes.

8

When the timer goes off, move the valve to VENTING and do a QUICK RELEASE. (It won’t matter if you let it sit a few minutes before venting).

9

Remove the lid and stir the ingredients in the pot.

Frosting Instructions

10

Press the CANCEL button and it will turn off the KEEP WARM FEATURE.

11

Stir in 1 CUP SOUR CREAM and mix well. (If you want it a little creamier add another cup of sour cream).

12

Serve and enjoy!

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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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How To Make A Pillowcase With A Cuff // Easy Burrito Method

PILLOWCASE BURRITO

Making a pillowcase is a fun and simple beginner sewing project, and in this tutorial, I will show you how to add a contrasting cuff using the burrito method. It only requires a yard of fabric and about 15 minutes to make.

I’ll show you how to make them using a sewing machine, and a serger, and how to sew a French seam if you choose. You can also add a small strip of trim if you want and I’ll show you how easy it is to do that.

I have a FREE printable PDF guide showing the fabric measurements for a STANDARD, QUEEN, AND KING-size pillowcase. A standard pillowcase only requires one yard of fabric.

GET THE PDF HERE

PILLOWCASE MATERIALS & ITEMS NEEDED

  • Fabric (flannel or quilters cotton)
  • Sewing machine (serger optional)
  • Sewing machine needle size (Universal 90/14)
  • Scissors (Rotary Cutter & Mat optional)
  • Pins/Wonder fabric clips
  • Seam gauge/ measuring tape
  • Iron/Ironing board
  • Label/Tag (optional)

Standard Pillowcase Instructions

When you buy cotton and flannel fabric from the store, the width that it comes on the bolt varies from 43-44 inches. The first measurement on the cutting guide shows 44 inches x whatever. That is the width (cut edge) of the fabric, not the selvage edge. So it may be 43-44 inches.

Don’t worry about that because I’m going to simplify the process by cutting off the excess in one of the steps that will save you some time. So just cut those pieces out as indicated in the photo.

TIP: Before cutting the pillowcase pieces, make sure you are starting out with a STRAIGHT EDGE. The video tutorial gives some good tips on how to do this and why it is important!

*****If you’re using a directional print fabric (images are facing one direction), you’ll need to cut it out differently. Check out the video tutorial on how to do that.

PILLOWCASE BURRITO FABRIC PIECES

CUTTING OUT PILLOWCASE FABRIC PIECES

  • Main Fabric – cut 1 piece 44 x 28 inches / 111.5 x 71 cm
  • Cuff Fabric – cut 1 piece 44 x 9 inches / 111.5 x 23 cm
  • Narrow Trim (optional) – cut 1 piece 44 x 2 inches / 111.5 x 5 cm
pillowcase burrito

FABRIC PREP

1- If you are applying the trim, fold the trim piece in half horizontally with Wrong Sides Together (WST) and press to form a crease. Set that aside.

PILLOWCASE FABRIC LAYERS2- Place the CUFF PIECE right side facing up.

3- Take the pillowcase MAIN PIECE and place it on top of the CUFF PIECE RIGHT right side facing up. Line up the edges. **Don’t worry if the side edges don’t line up. We’ll trim those off so they’re even in just a bit.

4- If you are applying trim, add that to the pile with the RAW EDGES lined up with the edges of the cuff and main piece. Pin or clip in place.

PILLOWCASE JELLYROLL

5- Take the top edge of the MAIN PIECE, and start making a little jellyroll towards the cuff.

6- Continue to roll until it is in the middle of the cuff.

PILLOWCASE JELLYROLL PINNING7- Fold the other edge of the cuff over the jellyroll and line up that edge with the others.

8- Pin or clip all those edges together using pins or clips.

PILLOWCASE CUFF SEAM

SEWING THE PILLOWCASE CUFF

1- Take the roll to the sewing machine or serger and sew along the pinned edge using a 1/2” seam allowance.

PILLOWCASE JELLYROLL2- THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS! Grab a piece of the jellyroll from one of the ends and start pulling it out and continue until all the innards are pulled out.

3- Unroll the fabric and wallah, you have a beautiful ENCLOSED SEAM.

4- Flatten the fabric out and press the cuff so the seams are pulled out completely.

PILLOWCASE TRIMMING

5- Fold the pillowcase in half with the WRONG SIDE FACING OUT (sewing machine & serger method or RIGHT SIDE FACING OUT (burrito method).

Line up cuff, trim, and fabric edges.

Measure 20.5 inches from the fold for the regular seam method and 21 inches from the fold. Cut off all the excess fabric.

PILLOWCASE SEAMS

There are three different methods to finish the seams on this pillowcase.

  • Sewing machine
  • Serger
  • French seams
PILLOWCASE SEAM

Sewing Machine Method

1- Sew along the side and top of the pillowcase using a ½ inch seam allowance. Clip the corners.

2- Finish off the seam by sewing a simple zigzag stitch along the edges so it will not fray. There are other stitches you can use to finish the seams. WATCH THE TUTORIAL HERE.

ZIGZAG STITCH SETTING AT 4 wide, 3 length.

3- Turn the right side facing out and give it a good pressing.

PILLOWCASE SEAM SERGER

Serger Method

1- Simply sew along the edge using a ½ inch seam allowance. ***For some helpful tips on how to start and end serged seams watch the video tutorial.

2- Turn right side facing out and press.

PILLOWCASE FRENCH SEAM

PILLOWCASE FRENCH SEAM INSTRUCTIONS

1- With the right side of the fabric facing out, you are going to make the first seam using a ¼ inch SEAM ALLOWANCE. I know this may seem wrong, but trust me.

PILLOWCASE TRIMMake sure the cuff edges and trim are lined up.

PILLOWCASE TAG

How To Add A Tag or Label To The Pillowcase

If you want to add a tag or label, this is the time to do it. If not, skip to the next step.

Locate where you want to add the tag and baste it in place with the sewing machine 1/4 inch from the edge. Place the tag so the folded edge of the tag is outside the pillowcase edge as shown in the picture. **Make sure you allow space for the seam. The tag needs to stick out after sewing both seams. So find where the ¼ seam would be then account for the next 3/8 inch seam and see how the tag will be exposed and adjust accordingly. (I hope that makes sense). The video tutorial will show how it is done.

2- After sewing the first pass with the ¼ inch seam. Cut any strings stray threads from the cut edge. Turn the pillowcase WRONG SIDE FACING OUT and press out the edges.

3- Now take it back to the sewing machine and sew another pass USING A 3/8 INCH SEAM ALLOWANCE.

PILLOWCASE PRESSING4- Turn the pillowcase RIGHT SIDE FACING OUT and give it a final pressing.

Tadah! Now wasn’t that simple. Look at the tidy, professional French seam.

PILLOWCASE FLUFFED

These pillowcase burritos make such fun gifts! Grab a yard of fabric and have fun sewing!

Have fun making PILLOWCASES!

jan3

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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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The Best Turkey Loaf Recipe Ever // Simple To Make & Delicious

turkey loaf

This turkey loaf recipe is the best I’ve ever tasted! I know it’s hard to get excited about meatloaf, right? The healthy ingredients in this recipe and the flavorful spices,  make it an easy-to-make entree. In fact, this turkey loaf recipe made it to my “company-approved” list.

turkey loaf ground turkey

It’s quick and simple to make, a definite plus when it comes to making dinner. The turkey loaf recipe can be made using ground beef as well. You can get a 4 pack of “hormone-free” ground turkey at Costco for a good price.

 

You may want to check out my recipe for “turkey sausage” as well. It’s a yummy alternative to pork sausage. GET THE RECIPE HERE.

Now for the turkey loaf recipe.

turkey loaf ingredients

Turkey Loaf Ingredients

  • 1 free-range LARGE EGG
  • 1 TB + 1 ½ teaspoons BRAGG’S LIQUID AMINOS
  • 2 TB TOMATO PASTE
  • 1 TB DIJON MUSTARD
  • 1 GARLIC CLOVE (minced)
  • 1 TB ONION FLAKES
  • ½ teaspoon SALT
  • ½ teaspoon dried SAVORY, or dried DILL
  • ½ teaspoon ground ALLSPICE
  • ¼ teaspoon BLACK PEPPER
  • 1 ½ lb. GROUND TURKEY
  • 1 TB GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
  • 2/3 cup WALNUTS (finely chopped)
  • ¼ cup KETCHUP (optional)

Turkey Loaf Instructions

1- Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a baking dish with avocado oil (or oil of choice)

turkey loaf mix2- In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg, liquid aminos, tomato paste, mustard, garlic, and spices.

turkey loaf3- Stir in the turkey, Parmesan cheese, onion flakes, and walnuts.

dough hook turkey loafCombine all ingredients using a large fork, wooden spoon or I absolutely LOVE this DOUGH HOOK.  It works like a charm for recipes like this.

turkey loaf5- Place the combined mixture into a greased loaf pan. Top with Ketchup (optional).

turkey loaf6- Bake until cooked through and 165° using a MEAT THERMOMETER. (45-50 minutes).

* I usually double the recipe, as this turkey loaf freezes really well.

You can use the turkey loaf in:

  • taco salads
  • wraps
  • cut up in chunks and used as meatballs in pasta dishes

OTHER FOOD PREP UTENSILS & GADGETS I RECOMMEND

The Best Turkey Loaf Recipe Ever // Simple To Make & Delicious

turkey loaf

This turkey loaf recipe is the best I’ve ever tasted!  The healthy ingredients in this recipe and the flavorful spices make it an easy-to-make entree. 

  • Prep Time10 min
  • Cook Time50 min
  • Total Time1 hr
  • Ready in60
  • Yield6
  • Course
    • Dessert

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 free-range LARGE EGG
    • 1 TB + 1 ½ teaspoons BRAGG’S LIQUID AMINOS
    • 2 TB TOMATO PASTE
    • 1 TB DIJON MUSTARD
    • 1 GARLIC CLOVE (minced)
    • 1 TB ONION FLAKES
    • ½ teaspoon SALT
    • ½ teaspoon dried SAVORY, or dried DILL
    • ½ teaspoon ground ALLSPICE
    • ¼ teaspoon BLACK PEPPER
    • 1 ½ lbs. GROUND TURKEY
    • 1 TB GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
    • 2/3 cup WALNUTS (finely chopped)
    • ¼ cup KETCHUP (optional)

INSTUCTIONS

1

Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.

 
2

In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg, liquid aminos, tomato paste, mustard, garlic, and spices.

3

Stir in the turkey, Parmesan cheese, onion flakes and the walnuts.

4

Combine all ingredients using a large fork, wooden spoon or I absolutely LOVE this DOUGH HOOK.  It works like a charm for recipes like this.

5

Place the combined mixture into a greased loaf pan. Top with Ketchup (optional).

6

Bake until cooked through and 165° using a MEAT THERMOMETER. (45-50 minutes).

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Cleaner | Make Your Own | 3 Simple Ingredients

stainless steel cleaner diy

When it comes to stainless steel cleaners, there’s some pretty toxic stuff out there. No worries, here is a non-toxic stainless steel cleaner recipe that works like a charm. There are only 3 simple ingredients and it’s super easy to make.

stainless steel cleaner toxic

What is so bad about commercial stainless steel cleaner and polish?

The cleaner that was recommended when I bought my stainless steel dishwasher was a product that worked great, however, there was a seriously toxic smell to it.

My son came over one day just after I had cleaned with it, and he asked what the smell was. He thought it smelled WD-40 or an auto shop. I looked up the ingredients and checked the EWG report.

stainless steel cleaner wd40Holy cow! No wonder it smelt so bad. One of the ingredients is KEROSENE and it had an “F” rating which is the most toxic. Seriously?????

Needless to say, I threw that stainless steel cleaner in the garbage and researched how to make my own. This recipe is the best one I’ve tried and it only takes about a minute to whip up.

stainless steel cleaner

Where to use stainless steel cleaner

Use it to remove fingerprints, smudges, streaks, and grime on stainless steel appliances like:

  • refrigerators
  • dishwashers
  • stoves
  • microwave
  • coffee maker,
  • toaster oven, and more

How to use stainless steel cleaner to polish & clean appliances

  • Shake the bottle well before using
  • Lightly mist your appliance. (It doesn’t take much)
  • Wipe with a soft cloth on the grain of the stainless steel.

Get ready for a shiny, sparkly, smudge-free, streak-free finish.

stainless steel cleaner

Stainless Steel Cleaner Ingredients

  • ½ cup olive oil (this does not need to be your best cooking oil)
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • 20 drops of essential oil (wild orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime bergamot, etc.)

stainless steel cleaner**** I find citrus essential oils work well to cut through grease, dirt, and the grime that builds up on appliances.

Feel free to use any combination of oils to get your 20 drops. ( I personally like a combo of wild orange & lemon.

stainless steel cleaner bottle

Stainless Steel Cleaner Instructions

Store the stainless steel cleaner blend in a glass, stainless steel, or plastic (PET #1 or HDPE #2) spray bottle.

I really like these bottles for all my DIY cleaners. They are simple and attractive and the spray nozzle works well.

1 – Using a funnel, pour the vinegar and olive oil into the spray bottle.

2 – Add the essential oils

3 – Mix well

stainless steel cleaner painters tape**** Make sure to label your jar so you know what is in it. If you’re like me, you may not remember in a week what’s in the bottle. 🙂

You can use something as simple as painter’s tape, or masking tape, or you can make your own label.

stainless steel cleaner labels

I have a FREE printable PDF label if you want to download and print it. My treat.

GET THE STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER LABEL HERE.

The file is available as a PDF, SVG (for those who have a Silhouette or Cricut), and JPG file.

There you have it, another DIY NON-TOXIC CLEANER to add to your CLEAN & SAFE cleaning tools.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Cleaner | Make Your Own | 3 Simple Ingredients

stainless steel cleaner diy
When it comes to stainless steel cleaners, there’s some pretty toxic stuff out there. No worries, here is a non-toxic stainless steel cleaner recipe that works like a charm.
  • Prep Time1 min
  • Total Time1 min
  • Yield 16 oz.

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup olive oil (this does not need to be your best cooking oil)

Spicy Mayo

  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • 20 drops essential oil (wild orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime bergamot, etc.)

INSTUCTIONS

1

Using a funnel, pour the vinegar and olive oil into the spray bottle.

 
2

Add the essential oils

3

Mix well

4

Shake the bottle well before using

5

Lightly mist your appliance. (It doesn’t take much)

6

Wipe with a soft cloth on the grain of the stainless steel.

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More