A tip I found on the actual tube: Put some petroleum jelly, or in my case lip balm, on the threads of the neck of a tube of super strong glue before you close it. It'll seal just as well and be easy to open when you need it again. It works, my silicone sealer hasn't sealed itself shut!

At Digs Magazine - Please Do Touch, how to make textured wall art just for touching. Slightly related - Marimekko has a bunch of new stuff, among it wall hanging kits, you can buy a full kit with fabric or just the frame.

I was attempting to make Spun Sugar Caramel Apples yesterday and not quite getting the "wave the forks over the apple, then gather the sugar around the apple" bit, then I decided to watch some Food TV, and guess what was on From Martha's Kitchen the very first time I watch that show? She made Spun Sugar Caramel Apples! If you are going to buy a whisk to modify and use for making spun sugar, make sure it is not way too sturdy for you to chop up. Or that you have a wire cutting tool a little more hefty than a cheap multitool. Food TV is having an all candy and Halloween stuff week, as if it were just for me. Here's the caramel apple recipes if you are interested: - caramel lady apples - cut off balloon whisk - spun sugar caramel apples

The weekend was spend doing all the Autumnal things I failed to do last year, pumpkins were carved, spiced cider was had, little paper mache heads were made, caramel apples were attempted, toasted pumpkin seeds were eaten while watching a movie which wasn't nearly as scary because Mad TV gave away the whole twist thing which I wasn't able to forget about thanks a lot Mad TV. I learned two things: [1] paper mache made with newspapers and liquid laundry starch is very very different than paper mache made with flour and water. It's more flimsy and wrinkly, not so good for heads you are going to decorate heavily. Use the flour and water, and make it more gooey and less watery. [2] I don't follow directions very well. The Halloween heads were made with these excellent directions by Erica Mulherin, thanks!

Todays posting over at Girlhacker reminded me, Martha Stewart had a segment on magnetic paint last week - you paint it on the wall, cover it with regular paint and ta da! I wonder if it would still work if you painted chalkboard paint right over it?

The 2002 Knit Hat Show is live! Go see and vote, if you follow knit bloggers you'll recognize some names.

Speaking of cakes, check out this engagement cake - it was made by the amazing Museum of Cakes, whose website is, sadly, not available right now.

If you bake cakes, those really nice cakes, Megnut has a few two-thumbs-up recomendations for you - Baker's Joy and Magi-Cake Strips.