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Picture of 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.

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Picture of Jan Howell

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

diy jar opener

DIY Fabric Jar Opener – Easy 10-Minute Sewing Project

These DIY fabric jar openers are one of those simple little sewing projects that are surprisingly handy in the kitchen! They’re quick and easy to make, require only a small
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How to sew zipper trim to zipper pouches

How To Sew a Zipper Pouch With Contrasting Zipper Trim / Easy Sewing Tutorial

If you love making zipper pouches, here’s a simple way to take them up a notch by adding some contrasting fabric zipper trim. It’s such a small detail, but look
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ranch seasoning mix

The Best Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Better Than Store-Bought)

0.0 from 0 votes Jump To Recipe This Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe comes together in just a few minutes using simple pantry spices you probably already have on hand.
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finger pincushion

How to Make a DIY Finger Pincushion (Easy Beginner Sewing Project)

If you’re tired of constantly setting your pins down and searching for them again, this little DIY finger pincushion might become one of your favorite sewing accessories. Unlike a traditional
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diy natural insect replellent recipe

How to Make Natural Insect Repellent Spray at Home | Simple & Effective Recipe

Learning how to make natural insect repellent spray at home is easier than you might think. This simple recipe uses a blend of essential oils and everyday ingredients to help
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bucket hat alterations

How To Alter a Bucket Hat Sewing Pattern To Get a Perfect Fit

One of the best things about sewing your own bucket hat is that you can customize it to fit your personal style and head shape. Before making adjustments, I always
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choosing the right interfacing

How to Easily Choose the Right Interfacing for Any Sewing Project

Understanding interfacing can completely change the way your sewing projects look and feel. The good news is, it really doesn’t have to be complicated. Have you ever finished a sewing
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organizing fabric

How to Organize Fabric Scraps / Easy Way Using Foam Board Mini Bolts

In a previous post, I shared how to fold fabric onto comic board bolts—but I’ve found a method that works even better. It’s sturdier, cleaner, and honestly… it just looks
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DIY towl scarf

How to Make a DIY Towel Scarf / Easy Beginner Sewing Tutorial

If you’re constantly losing your kitchen towel, having it slip off your shoulder, or grabbing for it only to find… nothing—this simple sewing project is going to fix that for
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diy ZIPPER TABS

How to Make Zipper Tabs the Easy Way | Simple Tips and Tricks

If your zipper tabs always come out bulky, awkward, or just plain messy, you are not alone. Zipper tabs can make a zipper pouch look polished and professional—but they can
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DIY Pentagon Ball

How to Make A Pentagon Fabric Ball / Easy DIY Baby Gift Idea

If you’re looking for a soft, cozy sewing project that uses up fabric scraps and makes an adorable handmade gift, these Pentagon Fabric Balls are just the thing. They may
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How To Easily Transform Jeans That Are Too Tight Into Comfortable Pants

Are your jeans too tight at the waist? Do they slide down under your belly or dig in when you sit? In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how
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diy PILLOWCASE

How To Sew a Pillowcase Using French Seams or a Serger / Easy Sewing Project

If you’re new to sewing, making a pillowcase is one of the best beginner projects you can start with. It’s simple, practical, and gives you the chance to practice straight
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diy Vinyl zipper pouch

How To Make a Vinyl Zipper Pouch / Easy Sewing Project

Clear vinyl zipper pouches are one of those projects that once you make one… you’ll wonder how you lived without them. They’re quick, practical, and ridiculously useful. You can see
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twin needle

How To Sew With a Twin Needle / Setup, Tips & Creative Uses

If you’ve ever struggled to get professional-looking hems on knit fabrics, or wondered what in the world a twin needle is actually for… you’re in the right place. In a
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diy custom editable labels Templett

How To Easily Customize Your DIY Fabric Labels / Quick and Simple

If you’ve ever wanted to add a professional, personalized touch to your handmade items, custom fabric labels are one of the simplest ways to do it. The problem? Traditionally, creating
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sweater upcycling

DIY Sweater Upcycling | How to Wash and Cut Sweaters for Upcycled Sewing Projects

Are you thinking about making cozy mittens, slippers, or other fun crafts out of an old sweater? You’ve come to the right place for the best sweater upcycling tips. Before
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hemming knit fabric

How To Hem Knit Fabrics / 4 easy Ways to Get a Professional Finish

Have you ever tried to hem a t-shirt, leggings, or another stretchy item only to end up with a wavy, stretched-out mess? 😬 It can be so frustrating — but
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The best peach cobbler recipe

The Best Peach Cobbler Recipe Ever / Easy To Make / Simple Ingredients

4.7 from 3 votes Jump To Recipe There’s something about the smell of a peach cobbler baking in the oven that feels like home. Warm, buttery, and filled with peaches,
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Printable Calendars

6 Awesome Reasons Why You Should Use a Printable Calendar

In a world where our phones, tablets, and laptops can ping us with every appointment, reminder, and notification, you might wonder: Why bother with a paper calendar? I’ve been designing
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tote bag pattern

How to Sew a Tote Bag / Easy Beginner Sewing Project

These little DIY tote bags are quick to make, use up fabric scraps, and are super handy for everyday life. You can fold them up and tuck them into yourUse
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boxed zipper pouch measurement formula

How to Adjust the Size of a Boxed Zipper Pouch / Super Easy Formula

Zipper pouches are one of those projects you can never have too many of—practical, cute, and surprisingly simple to sew. But what if the pattern you’re using isn’t the size
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DIY Berry Picking Bucket

How To Make a Berry Picking Bucket From a Recycled Plastic Container

If you love picking berries but hate juggling a container in one hand, this DIY berry picking bucket will be your new favorite project. It’s hands-free, sturdy, and best of
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cuticle oil pen

How to Make Your Own Cuticle Oil Pen / Easy Refillable Containers

Dry, cracked cuticles can make even the best manicure look a little sad. The good news? You can make your own nourishing cuticle oil pens at home for a fraction
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rosemary punch recipe

Easy Pineapple Rosemary Punch with Lemon – Perfect Summer Drink

5.0 from 1 vote This Rosemary Punch is bright, sweet, and super delicious! It’s a refreshing twist on traditional lemonade, made with real pineapple juice, fresh lemon, and a gingery
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DIY FABRIC WRISTLET

How To Make a Fabric Wristlet the Easy Way (10-Minute Scrap Busting Project!)

If you’ve got 10 minutes, a few fabric scraps, and some keychain hardware, you’ve got everything you need to make a super handy fabric wristlet. They’re perfect for holding keys,
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granny stitch crochet bag

Easy Granny Stitch Crochet Bag / Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Tutorial

If you can slip-stitch, chain, and double crochet, you can make this bag. The granny stitch is rhythmic (a.k.a. great TV-time therapy), wildly customizable, and impossible to put down. Fair
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marinara sauce recipe

The Best Simple Homemade Marinara Sauce (with San Marzano Tomatoes)

0.0 from 0 votes Jump To Recipe If you’ve ever thought homemade marinara sauce was too much trouble—spoiler alert—it’s not. This recipe is so simple. I made it in under
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zipper pocket the easy way

How to Sew a Zipper Pocket the Easy Way

Have you ever looked at a bag pattern and thought, “A zipper pocket? That looks way too complicated!” I used to think the same thing. But trust me—it’s much easier
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quilt binding

Calculating Quilt Binding Yardage Made Easy: Step-by-Step Formula

Getting ready to bind your quilt, but not sure how much fabric you’ll need? Don’t worry — figuring out quilt binding yardage is easier than you might think! With just
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poached egss

How to Make the Perfect Poached Eggs in 90 Seconds

There’s something magical about perfectly poached eggs. The silky whites. The golden, runny yolk. It feels like a fancy brunch—even on a weekday. But if you’ve ever tried poaching eggs
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Square the Edges and Corners of a Quilt

How To Square the Edges and Corners of a Quilt / Beginner Quilting

In this post, I show you how to square the edges and corners of a Quilt to prepare it for binding. In a previous tutorial, I showed you how to
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Mini Zipper pouch pdf sewing pattern

How To Make a Mini Zipper Pouch // Quick and Easy Sewing Project

This mini zipper pouch is a fun and practical sewing project. It is quick and easy, perfect for beginners! These little pouches are the right size for storing jewelry, earbuds,
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diy quilting frame setup

DIY Beginner Quilting / How to Set Up a Quilt on a Quilting Frame the Easy Way

In this post, which is part two of my DIY quilting series, I show you how to set up a quilt on a quilting frame using a traditional method that
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diy quilting frames

How to Make DIY Quilting Frames: A Simple Guide to Hand Quilting

Quilting frames have been used for centuries before high-tech machines and elaborate setups. Hand quilting was a tradition that brought people together, sharing stories, laughter, and creativity while making something
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diy baby bow headband

How To Make a Baby Bow Headband With Knit Fabric / Free Pattern

This post shows you how to make a cute baby bow headband using knit fabric or even an upcycled T-shirt. If you are looking for a simple, fun project perfect
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How To Organize and Manage Your Fabric Stash // Sewing Tips and Hacks

For those who sew—or are just beginning—you’ll quickly accumulate a fabric stash. Before long, your collection may grow to the point where it feels overwhelming. But how do you know
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tennis ball foot massage

How To Relieve and Prevent Pain With a Tennis Ball Foot Massage

Are you experiencing knee, foot, hip, or back pain? The problem may be in your FEET! In this post, I show you how to use a simple tennis ball to
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roasted pecans

Rosemary Maple Roasted Pecans – Sweet, Savory and Delicious

These rosemary maple roasted pecans are sweet and savory and make the perfect addition to a salad, charcuterie board, or a delicious snack.   They are not overly sweet and take
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diy Pipe cleaner Christmas ornaments

6 Easy-to-Make Pipe Cleaner Christmas Ornaments – Simple Craft Project

These pipe cleaner Christmas ornaments are adorable and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re crafting with kids or looking for a relaxing DIY project, these ornaments are perfect for the
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diy paper straw ornaments

How To Make Paper Straw Christmas Ornaments – 3 Simple Designs

Crafting with paper straws is a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly way to create charming decorations. Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the holidays or love DIY projects, these paper
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make aprons

DIY Easy To Make Aprons: Perfect for Cooking, Cleaning, and Gifting

Aprons have always been a staple in my kitchen and home, and they continue to bring both practicality and a touch of creativity to my everyday life. Whether you’re cooking,
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thread sewing needles

The Best Way To Thread Sewing Needles | 7 Simple Tips

Threading sewing needles—whether for hand sewing or a machine—can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be! You’re not alone if you’ve ever struggled to pass the thread through that
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printable calendars

DIY Printable Calendars – A Minimalist and Easy Way to Stay Organized

In our busy world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything we need to keep track of. Enter the DIY printable calendars – these calendars are easy to download and
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diy baby swaddle blanket

How To Make a Cozy Baby Swaddle Blanket / Simple Sewing Project

I’m excited to share this swaddle blanket tutorial with you because I’ll soon be a grandmother! With the excitement of a little one joining the family, I’ve started creating special
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sewing challenges

Sewing Challenges Faced by Seniors / 10 Simple and Practical Solutions

Certain physical and cognitive changes may make some of our beloved hobbies a bit more difficult as we age. However, just because sewing might present new difficulties doesn’t mean it’s
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taco pie

Quick and Yummy Crustless Taco Pie Recipe | Low-Carb Entre

If you’re looking for a quick, low-carb, keto-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor, this Taco Pie is the perfect recipe for you! It’s made with basic ingredients and topped with
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notebook

How To Make Your Own Custom Notebook / Simple Saddle Stitch

Have you ever thought about making your own notebook or booklets? It’s easier than you might think. In this post, I show you a fun and simple way to bind
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upcycle button-up shirts

How to Upcycle Button-Up Shirts for Quality Fabric – A DIY Guide

Learning how to upcycle button-up shirts is a fantastic way to save money on fabric while also doing something good for the environment. If you’re a fan of sewing, crafting,
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fabric blocks

How To Make Soft Fabric Baby Blocks | Simple Sewing Project

Are you looking for a unique and easy-to-make baby gift? In this post, I show you how to create soft fabric blocks that are perfect for little hands to hold,
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