tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33243745880201088892024-02-06T18:31:03.314-08:00 Carolina Cottage ChicTrying new techniques in crafting and putting pinterest & DIY projects to the test. Tweaking and inventing recipes, sharing techniques and pages.ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-60463113355617832932016-09-30T14:05:00.003-07:002016-09-30T14:12:12.531-07:00Autumn is a good time for Cinnamon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3YEW2EirjE/V-7L7wQEpOI/AAAAAAAABWY/hPMPZeD-V2ceH7NYKDmNJc-QNRmcW9yJgCLcB/s1600/post%2Bheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3YEW2EirjE/V-7L7wQEpOI/AAAAAAAABWY/hPMPZeD-V2ceH7NYKDmNJc-QNRmcW9yJgCLcB/s320/post%2Bheader.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I couldn't wait for Christmas time just to make a bunch of wonderfully scented (non-edible) cinnamon ornaments.<br />
<br />
<br />
And why should they just be for tree ornaments anyway?<br />
Get your Fall cookie cutters out and have at it!<br />
<br />
I've got some nice finished acorns & maple leaves to hang in the house and car =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>You'll need:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_D10iiBDMGBX2ZoPZoPYtlPGkKZ9eJvqMxOozjWmssfiGEmPnh2v8QqV2LQx6WwsQyR-KTxZDtqMKFNgHL1wMe1uHWBopS2Av0pAoPLT74P12Qx1MiKF0dfUsf1mNNgYkudKjBZmmyc/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_D10iiBDMGBX2ZoPZoPYtlPGkKZ9eJvqMxOozjWmssfiGEmPnh2v8QqV2LQx6WwsQyR-KTxZDtqMKFNgHL1wMe1uHWBopS2Av0pAoPLT74P12Qx1MiKF0dfUsf1mNNgYkudKjBZmmyc/s400/IMG_0794.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>2 Cups of cinnamon</b> (hint: get it cheaper in the Spanish aisle at your grocery store!)<br />
<b>2 Cups of applesauce</b> <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">(not chunky!)</span> many people use unsweetened, I just grabbed the first big jar I saw.<br />
<b>1+1/2 Tablespoons Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie Spice</b><br />
<b>3 Tablespoons of Elmer's white (school) glue</b>.<br />
Rolling pin, cookie sheets, parchment paper (hint: Dollar Tree has parchment paper rolls for $1.00)<br />
<br />
<br />
When I first started making these, I used a mixer. <br />
I don't do that anymore because the last thing I want is cinnamon dispersed into the air that I'm breathing. So these days, I use a heavy plastic spoon and mix by hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4Z9lP1Zogk1_22CU5BmIZMIho1uUME8sdN6YPnFD5sFCaMsdJ5O2fbnqLP7H53YC9mnCUqFfiEQ_zXlZkupZOQD6l__QCLSPY_qNIr5784PSazk7VEnQWeSxh4-swycYNE9ddxNdAmY/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4Z9lP1Zogk1_22CU5BmIZMIho1uUME8sdN6YPnFD5sFCaMsdJ5O2fbnqLP7H53YC9mnCUqFfiEQ_zXlZkupZOQD6l__QCLSPY_qNIr5784PSazk7VEnQWeSxh4-swycYNE9ddxNdAmY/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mix your spice into your cinnamon to get it well blended, add to your applesauce along with the glue and stir slowly until it becomes a ball that rolls easily off the insides of the bowl without leaving any residue...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TWN_Ky_p5Z5EaiolvhUorDcvZGc8Jy_-s5HDulbQEpR0Nuv-4rZErPcpCwdXf0yQK2-UW08m9kf7lfePui3O76M5uSdvlm4U7CUHXNGX_ZhmCypTziLyBXRtBV_19cBpJ9LSfVdqi20/s1600/IMG_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TWN_Ky_p5Z5EaiolvhUorDcvZGc8Jy_-s5HDulbQEpR0Nuv-4rZErPcpCwdXf0yQK2-UW08m9kf7lfePui3O76M5uSdvlm4U7CUHXNGX_ZhmCypTziLyBXRtBV_19cBpJ9LSfVdqi20/s320/IMG_0796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sprinkle some cinnamon onto your counter top<br />
(I use a silicone mat to keep from having to chase my dough mixtures around)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OTz0ainbxk/V-7NoDphdpI/AAAAAAAABW0/AAv9HuQIXaESA_M5vS2k97uZdTstpL5jACEw/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OTz0ainbxk/V-7NoDphdpI/AAAAAAAABW0/AAv9HuQIXaESA_M5vS2k97uZdTstpL5jACEw/s400/IMG_0797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Place your dough ball onto center and pat into a flattened disc, every now and again you'll have to "flour" your surface as well as your rolling pin - with cinnamon to keep it from sticking to the pin or mat. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssoajyLKfyY/V-7Np64CjiI/AAAAAAAABW4/QCjQtRISBaMaYEd7OijjhPIJKV7NQlNLwCEw/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssoajyLKfyY/V-7Np64CjiI/AAAAAAAABW4/QCjQtRISBaMaYEd7OijjhPIJKV7NQlNLwCEw/s400/IMG_0799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Roll it out to about a quarter inch thickness and press down into dough with your cookie cutters enough to get a good clean cut. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh85JgU7ypp-3LaYryPyuen3hmt2NQtHjBFTNbC6o1hWxFf1WbVRyqymo_Qm1q9TNxnzVbsznLbI0PZ7Ug4GUL3v81VtgtwS9s_yueLo7uCEAsK9ZQoDBxds-VANx44F371c-FqfhOoVQ/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh85JgU7ypp-3LaYryPyuen3hmt2NQtHjBFTNbC6o1hWxFf1WbVRyqymo_Qm1q9TNxnzVbsznLbI0PZ7Ug4GUL3v81VtgtwS9s_yueLo7uCEAsK9ZQoDBxds-VANx44F371c-FqfhOoVQ/s400/IMG_0801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You'll want to do any other cutter designs like the little hearts cut out of some of the gingers you see above as well as holes for hanging later. I usually transfer my pieces over to my baking sheet that I've already lined with parchment paper before making the holes for hanging. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-pFeAU9QhI/V-7NrowzzrI/AAAAAAAABXg/qAqt508QwoQQAqqdPA4ED2gUUw82MKKQgCEw/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-pFeAU9QhI/V-7NrowzzrI/AAAAAAAABXg/qAqt508QwoQQAqqdPA4ED2gUUw82MKKQgCEw/s400/IMG_0800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The holes are simple if you use a length of plastic drinking straw shorter than a toothpick. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBlxRtXsOTQ/V-7Nuiw_CwI/AAAAAAAABXg/jmu-bD0Jj-QcVa280MhYQlEZBjFRcjFwwCEw/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBlxRtXsOTQ/V-7Nuiw_CwI/AAAAAAAABXg/jmu-bD0Jj-QcVa280MhYQlEZBjFRcjFwwCEw/s400/IMG_0802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Simply push down on the straw where you want the hole to be and lift. 99% of the time the dough from the hole will stay in the straw. To remove it, poke a toothpick down into the straw and continue making your holes this way. ( if the dough hole is cut but the dough stays on the cookie sheet, just insert the straw back in that spot and squeeze a tiny bit while lifting up )<br />
<br />
Bake at 200 degrees f for 2 hours and cool on cooling/cookie racks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLi_FnCC5XjAqmHylQJJBrrUh7wAQ7jjKw1aCTJ3L4Fxp8lbhBrSUbM0Zd-rMdpQbsuW-GXa34DOR8Xh6elnMA7Yr0Zba8lf0sGfLqZKvy-onswY8zzc3SMqXQpuOJ8qXM8yxfLB2LyI/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLi_FnCC5XjAqmHylQJJBrrUh7wAQ7jjKw1aCTJ3L4Fxp8lbhBrSUbM0Zd-rMdpQbsuW-GXa34DOR8Xh6elnMA7Yr0Zba8lf0sGfLqZKvy-onswY8zzc3SMqXQpuOJ8qXM8yxfLB2LyI/s640/IMG_0808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-60860492191142452182016-09-30T12:13:00.002-07:002016-09-30T12:17:44.090-07:00Strawberry Meringue Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lg1-fJ4paN8/V-64Ii5JysI/AAAAAAAABVk/l0r2Qe-LX7wiXJ8wMJGq9G-wTcR6gu3FACEw/s1600/IMG_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lg1-fJ4paN8/V-64Ii5JysI/AAAAAAAABVk/l0r2Qe-LX7wiXJ8wMJGq9G-wTcR6gu3FACEw/s320/IMG_0740.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
...Finally <br />
<br />
There are - literally - hundreds of different recipes out here on the web, for each and every single yummy you can imagine or dream up. <br />
When I end up buying everything I need to try one, from tools to ingredients and find that it just is not turning out the way it did for the original poster or worse, realizing they skipped or missed a step that they'd added later in the comments below -<br />
I get the urge to give up and move on to another. Lately though, since I've accumulated a bunch of supplies for my kitchen endeavors, giving up has been less of an option and more of a challenge to figure it out and get it right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This recipe is a culmination of three different attempts of a few recipes I tried for meringue.<br />
One batch never even made it to the oven. With each fail, came enlightenment and on my forth try when I Frankenstein'd a recipe, cooking time, cooking temp and method of my own? Viola!<br />
Success!!<br />
<br />
So I share it here and hope you'll post your results if you try it =) Shown are my finished results.<br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
1/2 Cup pasteurized egg whites at room temperature<br />
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar<br />
1 Cup granulated sugar - set aside in it's own small bowl<br />
1 drop gel food coloring - if color is desired (I used Americolor 114 Deep Pink)<br />
1/4 teaspoon extract of your choice (or LorAnn flavor oil I used strawberry)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<br />
Shake carton of egg white well and fill a 1/2 cup measuring cup to sit and become room temperature.<br />
<br />
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.<br />
If making pops, get your sticks ready and set aside.<br />
Put your stand mixer's bowl in the fridge to chill.<br />
When eggs are at or about room temp, preheat oven to 175 degrees F.<br />
<br />
Attach bowl and whisk beater to mixer and pour in eggs, mixing on medium until the eggs become "frothy" - At which time you'll add your cream of tartar.<br />
<br />
Mix at medium speed until it becomes even more frothy and thickens a bit.<br />
<br />
While this is mixing, add your drop of color and flavoring into your bowl of sugar and mix thoroughly with a fork.<br />
Start adding your sugar in small amounts, to the egg whites while still beating on medium.<br />
<br />
Keep adding in increments until well blended and then hike your mixer up to High speed.<br />
(Every so often, scrape the sides and bottom of bowl to ensure sugar crystals are blended in and not building up on sides of bowl)<br />
<br />
It may take a while but keep beating at high speed until the mixture does not fall from the beater when removed and lightly tapped (and the mixture is the same consistency throughout the bowl)<br />
<br />
Get out a nice big piping bag and large tip (I used 1M) and make your kisses with a squeeze and lift and/or make some squiggle cookies going back and forth -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFWMzSbcRM0/V-64b4TnzJI/AAAAAAAABVo/W4_-WZL4IQ4KXsDrZzF565BOEoQmbgpBgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFWMzSbcRM0/V-64b4TnzJI/AAAAAAAABVo/W4_-WZL4IQ4KXsDrZzF565BOEoQmbgpBgCLcB/s400/IMG_0744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
or if you are making pops...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg1-fJ4paN8/V-64Ii5JysI/AAAAAAAABVk/hOxlsQ7I9NsSCiD04970MDSrGJ1HcClqACLcB/s1600/IMG_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg1-fJ4paN8/V-64Ii5JysI/AAAAAAAABVk/hOxlsQ7I9NsSCiD04970MDSrGJ1HcClqACLcB/s320/IMG_0740.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
pipe a small dollop onto parchment paper to hold the top of the stick to the paper and then go round in a circle making a "rosette" at the top end of your stick so that you've covered about an inch and a half to two inches of the stick with the center and bottom of the rosette.<br />
<br />
~ Bake for 1 hr and 35 minutes, keep oven closed but turn it off and let it cool with the baking trays inside. Afterwards, transfer the meringue goodies to cooling racks to air dry further.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you've made pops, you'll want to turn them to face parchment paper to dry the backs and then add royal icing or melted chocolate to secure the pop sticks further. (see the back of a pop below)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcOyHpcWLYm_v6EsAClOCGGlsR7LAetYuL4WehyphenhyphenvS-kFVj-unrLXe1tAEDtjXozgFJaWrDkgEa2J4tE4URVwlrWDlYKBDWWR9OGHcWeHM9EHX1OK6sMH6Wxo2hsE6zX8Rv8nJKOLjZ10/s1600/IMG_0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcOyHpcWLYm_v6EsAClOCGGlsR7LAetYuL4WehyphenhyphenvS-kFVj-unrLXe1tAEDtjXozgFJaWrDkgEa2J4tE4URVwlrWDlYKBDWWR9OGHcWeHM9EHX1OK6sMH6Wxo2hsE6zX8Rv8nJKOLjZ10/s400/IMG_0751.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-31006588415593375892016-04-09T14:36:00.005-07:002016-04-09T14:36:35.707-07:00Scraps become a shower curtainHad a bunch of scrap pieces left over from pillow projects and thought about it for a while.<br />
What did I want to do? Another quilt? More pillows? Place mats maybe?<br />
Or a bigger project out of my comfort zone? Yes, that one please. <br />
I hesitated through each step making this one project last over the course of a week.<br />
I'm always afraid I'll mess up a bunch of beautiful fabrics by delving into something I've never done before, It "always" looks super - D - duper in my head and almost never matches the outcome.<br />
<br />
This one however came out really nice. I'll be making another for sure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LO0fiBQGMK4/Vwl1c6VqoaI/AAAAAAAABRg/fodcLW7W9gkjLZKCBij5SH8BlJD1YRmNw/s1600/DSC00927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtucizmsjyfE91hF3Z_F1Iwm1J-0XvbLzNqgqhW8hH-L64W3p8WF-EKT2QjG1e9WwUEuhwhQrIBJHb8sZJ6ZSqpVzmNuoNdLfeUyL6MfWZ6fXlDqla2GiXXQ8ZZ1qGi1O-Mo_pUowp3WA/s1600/DSC00928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtucizmsjyfE91hF3Z_F1Iwm1J-0XvbLzNqgqhW8hH-L64W3p8WF-EKT2QjG1e9WwUEuhwhQrIBJHb8sZJ6ZSqpVzmNuoNdLfeUyL6MfWZ6fXlDqla2GiXXQ8ZZ1qGi1O-Mo_pUowp3WA/s400/DSC00928.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LO0fiBQGMK4/Vwl1c6VqoaI/AAAAAAAABRg/fodcLW7W9gkjLZKCBij5SH8BlJD1YRmNw/s1600/DSC00927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LO0fiBQGMK4/Vwl1c6VqoaI/AAAAAAAABRg/fodcLW7W9gkjLZKCBij5SH8BlJD1YRmNw/s640/DSC00927.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-86148310856137972712016-02-16T06:01:00.001-08:002016-02-16T06:07:26.618-08:00Finding time for both and a new homeWork, create.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gP5i9-X4KpM/VsMqstP3jhI/AAAAAAAABQo/lCivsgUu8K8/s1600/Valentine%2Brunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gP5i9-X4KpM/VsMqstP3jhI/AAAAAAAABQo/lCivsgUu8K8/s320/Valentine%2Brunner.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Eat, Sleep, Repeat....<br />
If we are lucky, such is life.<br />
We moved recently, into a new home and it took every dime and penny we had to do so. Finding money to fund my creative side had to be put onto the back burner.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpxJS_gYEU0/VsMrGpBSmtI/AAAAAAAABQ0/QlPBWjPGk_g/s1600/tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpxJS_gYEU0/VsMrGpBSmtI/AAAAAAAABQ0/QlPBWjPGk_g/s200/tarts.jpg" width="200" /></a>(Luckily we have a couple of those now and one is vintage and absolutely splendid!) Look at what the basement had along one of it's walls that made me turn to Stephen and say (put an offer down) in a low whisper on the front porch out of ear shot of the realtor - you know, so as not to look TOO excited!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAW6Ujj5aQo/VsMnXB54pzI/AAAAAAAABPw/pBFP7oSp3J0/s1600/DSC00576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAW6Ujj5aQo/VsMnXB54pzI/AAAAAAAABPw/pBFP7oSp3J0/s640/DSC00576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;">Another kitchen! And Vintage Stove (squeeee)</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0AE5kDFageMQKZWIJmSABKPzo3Utklu_gfRUMigglfNqU-1c6utHgdcuMd2ScIGdup9Z6Y-8KLjF3evhbE2udtcQSjEbtv0qW48UX6pzIkePzceQl_fsoZJ7cpbjNpUcbkfIjYWPj3U/s1600/DSC00579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0AE5kDFageMQKZWIJmSABKPzo3Utklu_gfRUMigglfNqU-1c6utHgdcuMd2ScIGdup9Z6Y-8KLjF3evhbE2udtcQSjEbtv0qW48UX6pzIkePzceQl_fsoZJ7cpbjNpUcbkfIjYWPj3U/s400/DSC00579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The top metal portion is actually blue. I'll need to get an oven thermometer because I don't think the temp reading is correct.<br />
<br />
It gets a bit colder in that basement than the rest of the house in these cold months for sure!<br />
I put on a sweater and space heater and sew until I can feel my toes and fingers go a little numb.<br />
Well worth it to have the space though!<br />
<br />
You know, on the "about me" page when I first started this blog I wrote what my cousin said about life.<br />
It has a funny way of getting in the way of living. Crazy but turns out, very much correct.<br />
<br />
So I've struggled with letting this blog go because of my lack of upkeep and schedule now that I also work. I think I'm keeping it and am making a personal inward pledge to take better care of posting regularly.<br />
<br />
With that, I give you a couple of things I've dipped my chapped Winterized hands into since making my jams (which buy the way took home best in show and blue ribbons across the board at the county fair! Woo Hoo) <br />
Got me some fabulous bright coordinating fabrics from fellow sellers on Etsy along with some other prints from local shops and stores and had a great time making tons of new pillow slip covers, tried a basket, storage bin - fun - will be making more for sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJG1pNWGmDM/VsMpnJoPHGI/AAAAAAAABQM/8haUZ3yJSfI/s1600/DSC00697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJG1pNWGmDM/VsMpnJoPHGI/AAAAAAAABQM/8haUZ3yJSfI/s400/DSC00697.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzyFD-A26Fr1oB1t5ueSG9bjw9RPv8gyKHfyWqkk6Wn86kirtSzsLP_bX33-PLq8Vn5S0xkoZyp4Q13K3QoDu-KsNn0bbwzj3BbduHPD8xo96CwpxNym0kKnZnOM4sfkp9wCetUoLWgA/s1600/DSC00619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzyFD-A26Fr1oB1t5ueSG9bjw9RPv8gyKHfyWqkk6Wn86kirtSzsLP_bX33-PLq8Vn5S0xkoZyp4Q13K3QoDu-KsNn0bbwzj3BbduHPD8xo96CwpxNym0kKnZnOM4sfkp9wCetUoLWgA/s400/DSC00619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6erKutFjGUg/VsMpedILGKI/AAAAAAAABQI/bc6tWFJrtaE/s1600/DSC00647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6erKutFjGUg/VsMpedILGKI/AAAAAAAABQI/bc6tWFJrtaE/s320/DSC00647.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been working on lots of little projects for my Etsy shop to try and offset some of the house costs and bills. I've landed a part time job as well so I'm finding my groove so to speak.<br />
And though sales may be slow, my love for creating and vision for the upcoming Spring and Summer in this new place are just gearing up.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm6btlF2IIc2ZJa5aWOb0HlhA3uM-Ktf_XkR_49qow-DIAbTq9DNrACifXl85xn2rZhn9-yVYtGow5zUlVBUt_0GmwikwR-5P2DkQCDEnj8by8hL0BN1S4euiv7YARHJdNGTXGJfakOs/s1600/pillow+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm6btlF2IIc2ZJa5aWOb0HlhA3uM-Ktf_XkR_49qow-DIAbTq9DNrACifXl85xn2rZhn9-yVYtGow5zUlVBUt_0GmwikwR-5P2DkQCDEnj8by8hL0BN1S4euiv7YARHJdNGTXGJfakOs/s640/pillow+pic+2.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Available in my Etsy Store now =)</b></span> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnA8o92tNoYud1mSbYHeoSUP6qZVw9lXwOz8UGJ1yvzcpWyiAtXIvr5Qc_jK-yYMIVSDgZf8Ut45DAIzy1-jS5hzCAbaDtPwMZK324XGINXld72pGfqNx9fv6U4ctPxt_S3PYD08uRXo/s1600/mixed+birds+brights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnA8o92tNoYud1mSbYHeoSUP6qZVw9lXwOz8UGJ1yvzcpWyiAtXIvr5Qc_jK-yYMIVSDgZf8Ut45DAIzy1-jS5hzCAbaDtPwMZK324XGINXld72pGfqNx9fv6U4ctPxt_S3PYD08uRXo/s640/mixed+birds+brights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm headed to my "shop" to finish the curtain I started yesterday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll post if it turns out as I hope - and if not - well I'll post it anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<!--3-->ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-20617606010280607982015-09-11T17:02:00.003-07:002022-08-11T09:47:04.813-07:00"We Be jaMMin! Muscadines at their prime and apple pie filling jam...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qOw0M4cwLY/VfNivH0LCyI/AAAAAAAABJg/4rcaE6sLiqs/s1600/Apple%2Bfilling%2Bjars.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qOw0M4cwLY/VfNivH0LCyI/AAAAAAAABJg/4rcaE6sLiqs/s400/Apple%2Bfilling%2Bjars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I've longed to can something - anything, for years now and like the cowardly lion, never mustered up the courage to do so.<br />
I guess I thought it to be beyond the scope of my capabilities and if at 50, I had not already mastered the art, why jump in?<br />
<br />Turns out the black walnut tree out back had a hitch-hiker that I'd not noticed up until this point.<br />
<br />
These were purple and not green like the ones on the little bush that he and our kids would eat from every year further down the drive. They were bursting at the peak of ripeness and for one vine, the abundance was impressive. Wild Muscadines, who could resist?<br />
Pluck them I did and ended up with two full quarts.<br /><br />
Thus I was thrust into the world of canning.<br />
Thank you Google.<br />
Hmmm, Muscadines, 2 quarts...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DuFaNyEbPnM/VfNkn5YDU1I/AAAAAAAABJ0/Rk0NYaO-VFc/s1600/DSC00445.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DuFaNyEbPnM/VfNkn5YDU1I/AAAAAAAABJ0/Rk0NYaO-VFc/s400/DSC00445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
sugar, (5 cups) recipe called for 6 but we wanted to taste the fruit too...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxcXT4VLbto/VfNkyxpCPZI/AAAAAAAABKk/yPf2Unz2HnY/s1600/DSC00454.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxcXT4VLbto/VfNkyxpCPZI/AAAAAAAABKk/yPf2Unz2HnY/s320/DSC00454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
canning jars, lids and rings<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cc1kgTHU6Q/VfNklUYReXI/AAAAAAAABJs/dD4kZb5deNs/s1600/DSC00444.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cc1kgTHU6Q/VfNklUYReXI/AAAAAAAABJs/dD4kZb5deNs/s400/DSC00444.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And a water bath canner & strainer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3bk-relRgs/VfNkpBhTS4I/AAAAAAAABJ8/FlH98eqqR74/s1600/DSC00446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3bk-relRgs/VfNkpBhTS4I/AAAAAAAABJ8/FlH98eqqR74/s400/DSC00446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Not so intimidating after all, soo I squeezed each grape's innards into one pan and the skins into another... One by one, took a while - VERY arduous task.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EyxKU5GEcZo/VfNkraZhGnI/AAAAAAAABKE/tI4DOJsUAOY/s1600/DSC00447.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EyxKU5GEcZo/VfNkraZhGnI/AAAAAAAABKE/tI4DOJsUAOY/s320/DSC00447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UejSENqknQg/VfNks-OYJ_I/AAAAAAAABKM/WopgijXAuzk/s1600/DSC00448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UejSENqknQg/VfNks-OYJ_I/AAAAAAAABKM/WopgijXAuzk/s320/DSC00448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(that isn't water in with the innards, that is all juice!)<br />
<br />
After this was completed (whew) I put enough water in with the skins to almost cover them but not quite. And boiled the contents of each pan, the innards for about 15 minutes (at which time we cooled it a little and completely strained out all of the pulp and liquid leaving only the seeds behind. See the bowl with the spatula? No seeds ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24P4ThICmo7qJem8nEv1Cr9Ndth0nt75stGHtfh9zzg0tcNZrtimiyyuFKxvVoqmgx84Yuxqo7-bihWFOCGYShCbDcNj7FX9EpX5Ri8cHvrAPVeMzQdeWcyy-ovl0WXHbsGTxtsIn74g/s1600/DSC00453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24P4ThICmo7qJem8nEv1Cr9Ndth0nt75stGHtfh9zzg0tcNZrtimiyyuFKxvVoqmgx84Yuxqo7-bihWFOCGYShCbDcNj7FX9EpX5Ri8cHvrAPVeMzQdeWcyy-ovl0WXHbsGTxtsIn74g/s400/DSC00453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While doing that, the skins cooked on for a total of about 20 to 25 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_USEMB4j-7xtfHPumUNppervpDnDUvi13KIEfLnWac1MLH_XbZwyWBYRw0T27uFTLAgzI0Uwr6upbNGp02bFQiD_wxBw8IFIaCuyHr4cGmjvjZHujNVgztFJWnJ75xJlTl1UeuYG1ITM/s1600/DSC00451.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_USEMB4j-7xtfHPumUNppervpDnDUvi13KIEfLnWac1MLH_XbZwyWBYRw0T27uFTLAgzI0Uwr6upbNGp02bFQiD_wxBw8IFIaCuyHr4cGmjvjZHujNVgztFJWnJ75xJlTl1UeuYG1ITM/s400/DSC00451.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br />
When tender they were cooled a bit as well and put into a blender on puree for a few pulses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw6AUEc6sBQzhVoB2uMkDJ87hjghYpURvgxpPT7ugTBhjUbOF8PzF618F3Sy8GWaT8zYlDxt2wbbnp0gaNbS1spKnXs7dTf7A6u863FBN2sbva9HsWvmC037hgJtGCPJeNamcHhAYins/s1600/DSC00455.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw6AUEc6sBQzhVoB2uMkDJ87hjghYpURvgxpPT7ugTBhjUbOF8PzF618F3Sy8GWaT8zYlDxt2wbbnp0gaNbS1spKnXs7dTf7A6u863FBN2sbva9HsWvmC037hgJtGCPJeNamcHhAYins/s400/DSC00455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I combined contents of both pots together along with the sugar and cooked down to a nice thicker consistency.<br />
All that lovely stuff (no picture, sorry - I wanted to get it right into the jars ;)<br />
went into the waiting jars to about a 1/4" from the top full.<br />
Lids went on clean rims and then the rings (not too tight)<br />
<br />
Into simmering water bath which was then brought to a boil, covered and left to boil for at least 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE-GqKlzOaLOwRmkJvFFMjYIZePAtlS444ckqfLbyp0lFXMIHoHWeY43qdNLyG8sayq3h_5LPlhlk7hiykb8UfaJ4P3i01C8WE2EbfFS9vNVD27NTr0TpzZZzTpS1YSvCrlOxD4zowco/s1600/DSC00457.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmE-GqKlzOaLOwRmkJvFFMjYIZePAtlS444ckqfLbyp0lFXMIHoHWeY43qdNLyG8sayq3h_5LPlhlk7hiykb8UfaJ4P3i01C8WE2EbfFS9vNVD27NTr0TpzZZzTpS1YSvCrlOxD4zowco/s400/DSC00457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When the timer went off, the jars were lifted out of their bath and they were set to rest on wire cooling (cookie) racks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HnapcXve5RRUiH8hXQLRB7JMz2EplIPacBWvtWLBVAWC4Bw9PIZuWTykvmR97lvgxtwxoMPxR7ooWIE6O6HIvr0_MEgY3TyvbQ3t7bNv8AVo4yYuRrPazusRgpnHFVPGWNt40qmYeBo/s1600/DSC00458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HnapcXve5RRUiH8hXQLRB7JMz2EplIPacBWvtWLBVAWC4Bw9PIZuWTykvmR97lvgxtwxoMPxR7ooWIE6O6HIvr0_MEgY3TyvbQ3t7bNv8AVo4yYuRrPazusRgpnHFVPGWNt40qmYeBo/s400/DSC00458.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
All that was left to do (at about one in the morning) - were the sticky pots and utensils<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGJzC_Lm9bg/VfNk9hRnInI/AAAAAAAABLE/YSJG4F9dWpo/s1600/DSC00456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGJzC_Lm9bg/VfNk9hRnInI/AAAAAAAABLE/YSJG4F9dWpo/s320/DSC00456.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And the next day?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OD_PcEKOYOs/VfNlCy9UCyI/AAAAAAAABLU/KAOvT1GjS6E/s1600/DSC00463.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OD_PcEKOYOs/VfNlCy9UCyI/AAAAAAAABLU/KAOvT1GjS6E/s400/DSC00463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had the most divine toast with my coffee!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWXFbnOmGb0/VfNlE8SVwjI/AAAAAAAABLc/qZs6uOgG87k/s1600/DSC00466.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWXFbnOmGb0/VfNlE8SVwjI/AAAAAAAABLc/qZs6uOgG87k/s320/DSC00466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That was quite a night! <br />
Credit: To learn how to even begin to can Muscadine Jam, we searched You Tube and found a great two part video with excellent step by step instructions here: <br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdBafafqL0E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdBafafqL0E</a><br />
<br />
<br />
So I've since made the jam you see in the top picture (and the one just below) which is an apple pie filling jam and I myself love it HOT! This would be awesome on pancakes, ice cream, oatmeal...<br />
Doing the Homer drool...<br />
I won best in show at the county fair for the one below and 1st place ribbon for the jam above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi2RlLpsLPZHf5RvhyRMzIX59rRaeUax-JjKpWp6FQb3X8YhaTCcHVwI4M4lb__dz3lXSVqxosmlhM-gcAjZu149Ya7eyopscKmsWy3h9y6btBvgSO4YUz26MmYlwJ5h3loiC1akt9XY/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi2RlLpsLPZHf5RvhyRMzIX59rRaeUax-JjKpWp6FQb3X8YhaTCcHVwI4M4lb__dz3lXSVqxosmlhM-gcAjZu149Ya7eyopscKmsWy3h9y6btBvgSO4YUz26MmYlwJ5h3loiC1akt9XY/s640/DSC00490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-56483900952467452232015-05-25T08:25:00.000-07:002015-05-25T08:25:36.127-07:00Memorial Day cooking and finishing another chalk paint projectSo the Macaroni is boiling for Mom's macaroni salad and I've just finished sealing the last coat of chalk paint on this latest project so that I can start weaving a fabric seat.<br />
<br />
I bought this at a consignment shop a few weeks back for about 6 dollars.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTOfax2JxQg/VWM9q3m7BLI/AAAAAAAABIs/Qw7ra7-RI_o/s1600/DSC09940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTOfax2JxQg/VWM9q3m7BLI/AAAAAAAABIs/Qw7ra7-RI_o/s400/DSC09940.JPG" width="381" /></a></div>
<br />
This little rocker is wider than the average just under 2 feet tall.<br />
Really it looks like a planter and not something that even a toddler could sit on.<br />
The seat was crusted with years of dust and it was very brittle.<br />
<br />
So after stripping and cleaning it, I painted it a pale sunny yellow like one of my earlier ladder back chairs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDf2hdOgOKk/VWM-c1-sgbI/AAAAAAAABI4/R278NAok36U/s1600/DSC00169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDf2hdOgOKk/VWM-c1-sgbI/AAAAAAAABI4/R278NAok36U/s320/DSC00169.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LMG7QFfwmj8I7B2oVH3fVcD3ljlldVdHDkkre8-nNBsDtLcBgVUElO2PBczlKyluY6fFMaKHAYyuJdji__8kbpOIUoRGA2w7Ey6X74750u7dwhASwK5qBF69tIDvWTF6FNA4ek81-DU/s1600/DSC00165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LMG7QFfwmj8I7B2oVH3fVcD3ljlldVdHDkkre8-nNBsDtLcBgVUElO2PBczlKyluY6fFMaKHAYyuJdji__8kbpOIUoRGA2w7Ey6X74750u7dwhASwK5qBF69tIDvWTF6FNA4ek81-DU/s320/DSC00165.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now that the paint and sealer have been applied, it is ready for the new fabric seat.<br />
First however, the cooking must continue ;)<br />
<br />
Thanks to all of those who serve and have served to keep our nation free.<br />
Happy Memorial Day!ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-68553814797151004872015-05-24T11:00:00.001-07:002015-05-24T11:00:21.598-07:00Memorial Day Cookout: Pulled ChickenMemorial Day weekend and I'm preparing a few dishes with mothers in mind.<br />
My mother: I'll be making her macaroni salad (recipe to come shortly)<br />
Mother in law: I'll be making her slaw (recipe to come shortly)<br />
and pulled chicken. That one's mine and I'm a mother who's sharing it with you right now.<br />
Wicked easy (yankee term)<br />
<br />
In your crock pot place 2/3 to a whole bag (3lb bag) of frozen skinless, boneless chicken breasts.<br />
3 Tablespoons of Stubbs Hickory Liquid Smoke<br />
2 heaping Tablespoons of minced garlic in olive oil<br />
2 Tablespoons onion powder<br />
2 chicken bullion cubes<br />
and just enough water to cover the chicken.<br />
Set on low and slow cook overnight or for at least 12 hours.<br />
*(if using fresh or unfrozen chicken you can drop that cook time down as needed)<br />
<br />
Drain and shred, store covered or serve while warm.<br />
By itself or on a bun, with or without bbq or hot sauce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyYLrYX3z9Fr_KFB2AL-nHgElQjuks0EU358OKwIVgFm42fUWsGfy7kNWTUB9rvnjQqB3Mmcru-TRkyax485fe0zb9j7abvtveJ-FPkZYhA1g_2bV2TpvcSYT7zv96hDmUlyI-s6zFBs/s1600/pulled+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyYLrYX3z9Fr_KFB2AL-nHgElQjuks0EU358OKwIVgFm42fUWsGfy7kNWTUB9rvnjQqB3Mmcru-TRkyax485fe0zb9j7abvtveJ-FPkZYhA1g_2bV2TpvcSYT7zv96hDmUlyI-s6zFBs/s400/pulled+chicken.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-80740744063826845712014-09-02T08:39:00.004-07:002014-09-02T08:39:58.654-07:00If at first you don't succeed...My first attempt at "Fake Bake" cupcakes further below were very messy (pretty) but messy and ultimately cracked failures when all was said and done. So I honed my technique a bit and got it "nearly right" - then took a break from making them all together.<br />
<br />
Now, as Fall and Winter come wandering up the path, my fancy has been gingerbread.<br />
And I have perfected my techniques and ingredients.<br />
My first completed batch of scented gingerbread "fake bake" cupcake ornaments...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LXHJYPLLUI/VAXkML1vXcI/AAAAAAAABHg/9xJN77JY_GA/s1600/DSC08482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LXHJYPLLUI/VAXkML1vXcI/AAAAAAAABHg/9xJN77JY_GA/s1600/DSC08482.jpg" height="224" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And below, a sampling of my second batch, with real cinnamon sticks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0EnXSM3Zmk/VAXkMJ_TJTI/AAAAAAAABHk/8PrAkQoJWZQ/s1600/DSC08484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0EnXSM3Zmk/VAXkMJ_TJTI/AAAAAAAABHk/8PrAkQoJWZQ/s1600/DSC08484.jpg" height="320" width="291" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guess what I'll be doing from now until the first frost???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And yes, these are already available in my Etsy store =)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-34804340899604814282014-07-30T10:28:00.000-07:002014-07-31T07:02:46.998-07:00Chalk Painting and Wreaths... Love these Summer Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-ZE-Yvkm8LySmpn-p4qFSfCt0bHIgVL60WOSA8Z0qXlOKiEqF8E7l1i-ETQ8Z3JOIFHcc5JsHyUDC8w212NV_dMo-oAAkk8kVTo-KQmnDlBslIaT982cxuX519mZMhWLHI4rx8uLyNY/s1600/DSC08383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-ZE-Yvkm8LySmpn-p4qFSfCt0bHIgVL60WOSA8Z0qXlOKiEqF8E7l1i-ETQ8Z3JOIFHcc5JsHyUDC8w212NV_dMo-oAAkk8kVTo-KQmnDlBslIaT982cxuX519mZMhWLHI4rx8uLyNY/s1600/DSC08383.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></div>
After the cupcake phase, I dabbled in a bit of chalk paint. Wet my toes (so to speak) painting some bottles, dressed them up and put them on Etsy.<br />
After that I went to making Summer wreaths which were really fun, very fulfilling - albeit extremely time consuming.<br />
<br />
Something called me back to the chalk paint.<br />
I don't want to start distressing anything just yet.<br />
It's really that I love the matte finish and texture of chalk paint.<br />
<br />
After wrestling with different types of paint and amounts of plaster and lots of experimenting with pastels and bold bright colors, I've finished two vintage ladder back chairs with chalk paint and fabrics... One I painted a mint green and the other a pale yellow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AGc5RD-x54/U9knLjYzTlI/AAAAAAAABGM/MVvoOxIn4jA/s1600/DSC08361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AGc5RD-x54/U9knLjYzTlI/AAAAAAAABGM/MVvoOxIn4jA/s1600/DSC08361.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_bnwx8H-Js/U9knKvom0XI/AAAAAAAABGA/G2ofZBLk-FE/s1600/DSC08347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_bnwx8H-Js/U9knKvom0XI/AAAAAAAABGA/G2ofZBLk-FE/s1600/DSC08347.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCs2nkK1k3dyOp53bpH1G2tx9pFVv4LlJs9nDdEWJRxlC29FvFX3KAGyZo2HeSXWUPSWDIa7hpaZvGpi5fDzhpJU6-j58GGc0aoG2Vm3n8GBIqh71GaIQdXoFRKY1q2ke9exZ-Vw1zS4/s1600/DSC08339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCs2nkK1k3dyOp53bpH1G2tx9pFVv4LlJs9nDdEWJRxlC29FvFX3KAGyZo2HeSXWUPSWDIa7hpaZvGpi5fDzhpJU6-j58GGc0aoG2Vm3n8GBIqh71GaIQdXoFRKY1q2ke9exZ-Vw1zS4/s1600/DSC08339.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Gearing up for the next outdoor show and fairs, <br />
I have a pretty good bit of inventory.<br />
<br />
The chairs (along with a child's vintage solid walnut school desk and chair set were added to my Square Market Place <a href="https://squareup.com/market/christine-parker/hand-woven-seat-shabby-fabric-vintage-ladderback-chair" target="_blank">Store</a> and are available for purchase with local pickup)<br />
<br />
<br />
These are the bottles I finished. Everyone picks them up and says "oh how pretty" and then puts them back down. I don't think at $7.00 each I have them priced too high. I might have to rethink that though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8uxgEL8rsbkXDJhPCFe9uhWghBbiNfkcOWeQHtbAuhjJwVU2GcubUS6hVUBWrz_jgu1CICIrB6xpabgBllHBb-opP57ZnyFwCVCxACrZlTx62dK6fLRtYn_rLxFzpiFx68X-dbpiyHI/s1600/DSC07735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8uxgEL8rsbkXDJhPCFe9uhWghBbiNfkcOWeQHtbAuhjJwVU2GcubUS6hVUBWrz_jgu1CICIrB6xpabgBllHBb-opP57ZnyFwCVCxACrZlTx62dK6fLRtYn_rLxFzpiFx68X-dbpiyHI/s1600/DSC07735.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
And finally, a few of the wreaths - all large, all available through my Etsy store =)</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU-bKoNKrhaiI_2o0vYuwwhNthet-fps_Z5SRWKLsw8_A5cyhsgwOSVLHG0-lwr9iTRdo_yInAP3s-WubHLTgOWOKhxWgjivS5pd6_yIau1I7PrcZsUhaiX-9g8v37SaqADKcNkkRgSI/s1600/DSC07944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU-bKoNKrhaiI_2o0vYuwwhNthet-fps_Z5SRWKLsw8_A5cyhsgwOSVLHG0-lwr9iTRdo_yInAP3s-WubHLTgOWOKhxWgjivS5pd6_yIau1I7PrcZsUhaiX-9g8v37SaqADKcNkkRgSI/s1600/DSC07944.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5mih3PuG7s/U9knaOgrxzI/AAAAAAAABGs/Cn3-A1NYrtE/s1600/DSC07927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5mih3PuG7s/U9knaOgrxzI/AAAAAAAABGs/Cn3-A1NYrtE/s1600/DSC07927.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3JgBAgccnjPEl7DEKEkvM6fomZ3GZM3AIL23AMYco5cO9jJJq8uNVvF30iqn8_74nttSSn6Iw0ndPYjsfv4wPFbg5S502HX4IvSEzOaVvgNqegs4-Pgv21VWQp1K_FMsGdzen_Ng9Ag/s1600/DSC07960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3JgBAgccnjPEl7DEKEkvM6fomZ3GZM3AIL23AMYco5cO9jJJq8uNVvF30iqn8_74nttSSn6Iw0ndPYjsfv4wPFbg5S502HX4IvSEzOaVvgNqegs4-Pgv21VWQp1K_FMsGdzen_Ng9Ag/s1600/DSC07960.jpg" height="391" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
P.S. .... If you like what you see, put a pin on it ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-3907266363677377922014-05-21T06:34:00.003-07:002014-05-21T06:39:09.958-07:00Fake Cupcake Frenzy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFbzpCnUmuU/U3yp2QznjZI/AAAAAAAABFc/Tlq_AHjHiwg/s1600/DSC07688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFbzpCnUmuU/U3yp2QznjZI/AAAAAAAABFc/Tlq_AHjHiwg/s1600/DSC07688.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fake Bake Strawberry "cupcake" photo prop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My work area, usually neat with a few scraps here <br />
and there, has been taken over with all sorts of mediums that I normally don't work with.<br />
<br />
Trial, error, eye-rolling, leaving and coming back to the task to try and tackle it again in the hopes of some form of success, this is what it has been like for the past 3 days and these are what I have to show for it.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't care who you are, where you are from and what tutorials, videos or advice you use when starting an endeavor such as these faux sweets... There is something left out from each one that leaves you scratching your head and bagging up some wasted materials and time.<br />
You still need to find your own way and I am still trying to find my road to near perfection.<br />
Pretty though - no? (the smaller ones are ornaments with loops to hang from ribbon)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The pink ones have painted red wooden balls for cherries and a dusting of glitter...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcsoyrpr3qM/U3yp23bQ8tI/AAAAAAAABFk/nyKwOb1zJBQ/s1600/DSC07695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcsoyrpr3qM/U3yp23bQ8tI/AAAAAAAABFk/nyKwOb1zJBQ/s1600/DSC07695.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">faux strawberry cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The yellow ones have white plaster dogwood blossoms with yellow centers and glitter...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufZgn0UgfzA/U3yp3qfHbwI/AAAAAAAABFw/ClAjLArnay8/s1600/DSC07699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufZgn0UgfzA/U3yp3qfHbwI/AAAAAAAABFw/ClAjLArnay8/s1600/DSC07699.jpg" height="640" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fake Lemon Cupcakes and mini cupcake ornaments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the very first ones I made, have pale blue "frosting" with a dusting of glitter and some clear snowflakes...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5TGCYd2SEw/U3yp3ETaA8I/AAAAAAAABFs/gu5kgf5PiSA/s1600/DSC07702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5TGCYd2SEw/U3yp3ETaA8I/AAAAAAAABFs/gu5kgf5PiSA/s1600/DSC07702.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen in time - Fake glittered snowflake cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-10043601416259339682014-04-16T05:50:00.002-07:002014-04-16T05:51:52.091-07:00Some bunny's been busy making wabbits<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCrGH-wS_Ps/U0572BUiATI/AAAAAAAABEo/BwURs02vysk/s1600/DSC07438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCrGH-wS_Ps/U0572BUiATI/AAAAAAAABEo/BwURs02vysk/s1600/DSC07438.JPG" height="400" width="247" /></a>I am alone quite a bit during the day, I don't chat on the phone or linger over tea and a book (though if I ever get back to it, I'm almost finished with "proof of Heaven" - awesome read)<br />
- most often times you can find me at the sewing machine or (crushing candy) yes, I'm a crushing candy addict...<br />
This past week I was in the sewing room working on some sweets that are not for crushing or for eating.<br />
When I'm alone, I find that I talk to myself and while making these pretty stuffed bunnies, I chuckled while the sewing machine hummed on and said " Shhh,,,, be vewwy vewwy qwyet. I'm sewing wabbits" (in my best Elmer Fudd voice) Yeah, I probably am going a little cwazy.<br />
<br />
I've finished several different ones, four are in French postal cloth.<br />
The rest are simple mixed florals.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRSV3njiE3L2FiXK_8fzixtz25jV7jXU5hpHnBF1p27N-OryAkGepUb2mPQByZtnW04baFoE3S-t45cvypputOcXOF6Sj-zzG6IHAVhbF9itInI4EyoImoU9nZUzbHaCqIocRSU95MXo/s1600/DSC07439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRSV3njiE3L2FiXK_8fzixtz25jV7jXU5hpHnBF1p27N-OryAkGepUb2mPQByZtnW04baFoE3S-t45cvypputOcXOF6Sj-zzG6IHAVhbF9itInI4EyoImoU9nZUzbHaCqIocRSU95MXo/s1600/DSC07439.JPG" height="400" width="281" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sN9uKAd2siU/U0576LxmaWI/AAAAAAAABE0/Ul3MvVhVlAs/s1600/DSC07440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sN9uKAd2siU/U0576LxmaWI/AAAAAAAABE0/Ul3MvVhVlAs/s1600/DSC07440.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wv3RwLhsQeM/U057_bBmpCI/AAAAAAAABFE/weKzheqip5w/s1600/DSC07452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wv3RwLhsQeM/U057_bBmpCI/AAAAAAAABFE/weKzheqip5w/s1600/DSC07452.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBPb316Ivko/U0578TN0IXI/AAAAAAAABE8/UEKBk67mYMM/s1600/DSC07455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBPb316Ivko/U0578TN0IXI/AAAAAAAABE8/UEKBk67mYMM/s1600/DSC07455.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-25134415856869881022014-04-11T17:25:00.002-07:002015-09-11T21:01:43.126-07:00What I've been doing in my dissappearance...It gets somewhat discouraging to post to a blog and not have feedback so I go into my own little world and ignore it thinking - if nobody is reading the thoughts or seeing the triumphs and failures then why share.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I have the blog so I'll come back to it for now and update what I've been up to since the holidays.<br />
I made and sold this pretty muted roses rag quilt on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NCsewingNook?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy</a>...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVh5djCY8VvpaIEfO0d5iIho4wsPc5j2FEJw4xCUhWPKyF5YH0BVD-9RRgASuB9J3j8-dSRjPjR74XSzmgF1wwEAhchGLuZKohUw0vXpsQLC7yR4zpuoucjgfCa6iDe7Q2u6OADYzIbo/s1600/il_fullxfull.559347627_7sl9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVh5djCY8VvpaIEfO0d5iIho4wsPc5j2FEJw4xCUhWPKyF5YH0BVD-9RRgASuB9J3j8-dSRjPjR74XSzmgF1wwEAhchGLuZKohUw0vXpsQLC7yR4zpuoucjgfCa6iDe7Q2u6OADYzIbo/s400/il_fullxfull.559347627_7sl9.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
And I have since finished a six and a half foot square Spring blooms - colorful "window pane" style rag quilt along with a baby-sized version as well - Both are up on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NCsewingNook?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, hopefully they'll sell soon and brighten up someone's bedrooms with their cheerful and bold colors...<br />
<img alt="Designer Fabrics Large 6+1/2 foot square Rag Quilt Throw NEW Ready 2 ship Free U.S. shipping Spring Summer Flowers Romantic Colorful" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/021/0/7811420/il_570xN.576936144_l0yu.jpg" width="570" /><br />
<br />
<img height="458" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/033/1/7811420/il_570xN.577055673_pdme.jpg" style="height: 428px; width: 532.66px;" width="570" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Spring Summer Flowers Bright Vivid Colorful BABY Rag Quilt 31" x 31" Throw NEW Ready 2 ship Free U.S. shipping" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/029/1/7811420/il_570xN.580041809_cb3x.jpg" width="570" /><br />
<br />
Thoughts of Easter and bunnies entered my mind this year - even before Winter's chill had finished it's visits. Particularly, Beatrix Potter's Bunnies and animals.<br />
So I printed out my muslins and batistes and stitched up some sweet pillows and even a bunting for a baby's room... Also on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NCsewingNook?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.<br />
<img alt="3pc SET Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Benjamin Bunny Pennant Banner 5' Bunting & Pillows Baby Room Easter Spring Decor" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/029/1/7811420/il_570xN.582387568_3pys.jpg" width="570" /><br />
<br />
<img height="368" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/030/0/7811420/il_570xN.582501931_8la1.jpg" width="570" /><br />
<br />
Tried my hand at some piping and love how it turned out.<br />
I'll be doing that more often ;)<br />
<br />
<img alt="Cotton Decorative Pillow Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Benjamin Flopsy Bunny Baby Room Easter Spring Decor" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/044/0/7811420/il_570xN.582880878_5ty5.jpg" width="570" /><br />
<br />
Even made some cute little glass magnets in this theme and will be selling those at the local Art Festival this month. I'm nervous - even though I sold some on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NCsewingNook?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy</a> already, I'm hoping the locals like them, I don't really feel like I fit in with the "artist" crowd and want them to feel comfortable having me join them on that day.<br />
<img alt="Vintage Storybook Bunnies Rabbits SET of 5 Handmade Glass Marble Fridge Magnets ready to ship Easter" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/042/1/7811420/il_570xN.562150730_b5ej.jpg" width="570" /><br />
<br />
I've also listed a metal stamping kit on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NCsewingNook?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy</a> incase you know of anyone who may be interested. I used it once as explained in the description over there - and am selling it for less than what I paid plus offering free shipping inside the U.S. - it is Jeannie 4mm lowercase, with block and hammer.<br />
<br />
<img alt="FREE U.S. Shipping ImpressArt 4mm Lowercase Jeanie Alphabet Metal Stamp Set plus Hammer & Bench Block - used once" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/033/0/7811420/il_570xN.583245377_s4cy.jpg" width="570" /><br />
<br />
I've been up to so much more than this - yesterday I went out for an oil change and ended up also getting a tooth surgically removed - fun. (not) And today I helped my 14 year old daughter work on some bottle necklaces she's been wanting to try. I will get a picture of them and put that up here tomorrow if possible. I think they came out great - she is wanting to sit with me at the festival and sell them but I think she'll sell them all even before the festival to the kids at school. Very happy she has an interest in cooking and crafting (squee) ...<br />
OK, I have a few pictures ready from the bottle necklaces she finished. She's already sold about 5 since listing them on her FB to her friends =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvY-_JFxBJqpn873TZgSAEvV7ofEiLrnMFHA0Ty3dTMDZ1IElkM_LiaRyy4NIgf2fMLRVN_ECjUFKVahJrAawl-MMQtD1sNljm068eoOCPXqZEL6FwKff9GAZWMLA-pG-cPgBCmYpBQjc/s1600/DSC07407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvY-_JFxBJqpn873TZgSAEvV7ofEiLrnMFHA0Ty3dTMDZ1IElkM_LiaRyy4NIgf2fMLRVN_ECjUFKVahJrAawl-MMQtD1sNljm068eoOCPXqZEL6FwKff9GAZWMLA-pG-cPgBCmYpBQjc/s1600/DSC07407.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1t2zOqwZE0/U0qvvuyJOLI/AAAAAAAABEI/TItzDybIzC0/s1600/DSC07411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1t2zOqwZE0/U0qvvuyJOLI/AAAAAAAABEI/TItzDybIzC0/s1600/DSC07411.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4-YaqXJdkjvvcfePwZiHaRLktEDKJ7F7Gm9CwNw7RpdmraDnlJbIlPJTl8D10uIhbtZi1kABzGwiidxWnLotjNCXlaIpaMoe4Koul0aY3lbBoul3z9CSOugHg-iP13GpLXZTfiLBKEs/s1600/DSC07412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4-YaqXJdkjvvcfePwZiHaRLktEDKJ7F7Gm9CwNw7RpdmraDnlJbIlPJTl8D10uIhbtZi1kABzGwiidxWnLotjNCXlaIpaMoe4Koul0aY3lbBoul3z9CSOugHg-iP13GpLXZTfiLBKEs/s1600/DSC07412.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<squee><br />
<!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><!--3--></squee>ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-91406983841133949492014-01-08T16:11:00.000-08:002014-01-11T05:37:56.930-08:00"Trader Joe's-Inspired" - Cookie Recipe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNuPw_rBkIXQ608aGXiQnQrIXD3cVy3a_qU7Uq04KfM5mkf7AsQlHqNWtVtXuTVEqbhS_iOw_Owia9Vch801YPxuTpOqgiJQuqHInoLja0j7PdGNHeACEKgrGsUJoqFs8-NYkO-j4h2c/s1600/DSC06884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNuPw_rBkIXQ608aGXiQnQrIXD3cVy3a_qU7Uq04KfM5mkf7AsQlHqNWtVtXuTVEqbhS_iOw_Owia9Vch801YPxuTpOqgiJQuqHInoLja0j7PdGNHeACEKgrGsUJoqFs8-NYkO-j4h2c/s1600/DSC06884.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #45818e;">Our nearest <span style="color: #e06666;">Trader Joe's</span> is about a twenty five minutes to a half hour away, so visiting often is not something I get to do. However, my wonderful mother sent me a TJ's gift card and made my Christmas (smile) One of the items I purchased was a package of Trader Joe's California Thompson seedless raisins.</span></div>
<span style="color: #45818e;">There were several to choose from, golden, organic etc. I just got the ones shown and loved the way they felt so soft and plump in the bag. </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"> I knew right away that they would not only make a great snack but were definately going into a batch of homeade oatmeal cookies.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VcSFWn8UcaejDphWUWCIU5QmXDuPpkKh4Lzb4ezcVL0r3G0zLddjuA1arCBA8UwypGzP4cPeoYa65JKC75efbo8Ni9TNoI0wDddO52wMESxdYbZFWb7-5C12oY1ypXSwZJY_P17h_jw/s1600/DSC06888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VcSFWn8UcaejDphWUWCIU5QmXDuPpkKh4Lzb4ezcVL0r3G0zLddjuA1arCBA8UwypGzP4cPeoYa65JKC75efbo8Ni9TNoI0wDddO52wMESxdYbZFWb7-5C12oY1ypXSwZJY_P17h_jw/s1600/DSC06888.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"> I don't like super flat cookies nor do I like ones that bake up like tiny dry cakes. I like them to be chewy from day one to the last crumb on the plate.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Here is the recipe I used: </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">In your Kitchenaid or large mixing bowl:</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">2 sticks of softened salted butter *</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">1 Cup firmly packed light brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">1/2 Cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">1 tsp pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"> = Mix sugars and butter together, then add eggs and vanilla and mix until well blended.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Dry ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">3 Cups Old Fashioned oats (these I place in a food processer and pulse until the flakes are half their size. (few good pulse hits ought to do it - the point is to not turn them into powder but not keep them whole either)</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Toss oats into a mixing bowl with 1+1/2 Cups of all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">1 tsp baking soda </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">1/2 tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">1/8 tsp apple pie spice</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">(* if you use unsalted butter, use a pinch of table salt in here with the dry ingredients)</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Mix all your dry ingredients together, add your raisins (I used 1/3 of the 16oz bag)</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">to the sugar/butter mixture as well as the mixed dry ingredients and mix until throroughly blended.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Drop by Tablespoon full, onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheets and place into pre-heated 350 degree oven in middle rack - set timer to 8 minutes, remove cookies from oven and slide paper</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">(cookies and all) onto cooling racks.</span><br />
<br />
I had a TJ's tote to giveaway when I posted this on the 9th -<br />
However, after promoting it on two facebook pages and posting it here, there was not one<br />
single comment or like in three day's time so I have removed it.<br />
Appearently I need a better item to giveaway ;)<br />
(sorry you missed it.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-23393520142731784882013-11-12T07:59:00.000-08:002014-07-31T14:26:58.805-07:00A new FaceBook Page & Fundraiser Fatique...Well what's not to say?<br />
Wev'e all been there right?<br />
Sewing and gluing, folding, piecing, crafting to the sound of birds going to sleep and then right on up to the morning songs and sunrise....<br />
Pack up the totes, boxes, crates, after what seems like 10 minutes of sleep the night before.<br />
But it's a Fall/Holiday craft show so surely someone is bound to find something you've made that they just have to have - <br />
<br />
Fumble for the car keys, grab the to-go coffee mug - one last frantic look through the doorway...<br />
Wait a minute. Think.... Do I have everything?<br />
Calculator, receipt book, tape, pins, paper, pen-pencil, sweater, money for change, all the totes, bags, boxes ....?<br />
<br />
I must. <br />
So, lock the door and try driving without taking the corners too fast - crap - forgot something, back I go. Now I'll be late (when will I learn?)<br />
<br />
Ok, back on the road, in a bit of a hurry - mind the speed limit but - hurry!<br />
Wha??? Arghhh! Took that corner too fast - what the heck was that? <br />
Oh I can't wait to see the rear floor of this vehicle when I get there (yay)<br />
<br />
Get in and set up, omg, I still need to label all of these?<br />
I thought I had this priced already?!<br />
Wow, this looked better in my head, maybe if I set it up this way....<br />
<br />
Ok, come on people, start arriving.<br />
And, they do.<br />
Doesn't seem to matter if it's a slow day or a good crowd.<br />
We ALL have had those days where people barely give your wares and offerings a second glance as they stride right past and even WORSE - when they pick something up and put it back down just as quickly without looking at another single thing you have in your space!<br />
<br />
And the day lags on.<br />
You smile as they pass and if you are anything like me, blurt out things like (make me an offer) or (half off) and the insanity just balloons the closer you get to the end of the show as you see other vendors start to pack it in. Holding on to those last few moments even though you know it's probably a mute point at that hour of the game.<br />
<br />
Tired but still smiling, especially at your fellow vendors and crafters - you pack the car lacking the excitement and enthusiasm you'd had when heading out this morning.<br />
<br />
You think to yourself about the stock pile of goods you now have and if ANYONE on Etsy, eBay or otherwise, will appreciate your work for what it is. Now what? Do you look for another fair/show?<br />
Do you go to bed for 3 weeks occasionally getting up to use the bathroom or grab some pizza rolls and Ben&Jerry's? Do you load Etsy and have a heck of a sale?<br />
<br />
Me? I loaded Etsy, marked things down and started a facebook page.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/NCsewingNOOK">https://www.facebook.com/#!/NCsewingNOOK</a><br />
<br />
I thought I'd share with you some other folks thoughts and experiences through a link to a wonderful blog that I found when I was discouraged earlier in the year off the heels of - yep - another craft fair.<br />
<br />
Check out all the comments below her post as well.... See, you're not alone. ;)<br />
<a href="http://sweetmariesewing.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/learning-from-failure-craft-fair/">http://sweetmariesewing.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/learning-from-failure-craft-fair/</a>ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-70225601835575089502013-11-01T04:48:00.000-07:002013-11-01T04:48:27.482-07:00November 1st 2013And the smell of burlap fills the air...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyD7rGIROjZVgNiV5tbh1Yl4q0w0dL3rnEYk4gPDqDLKMpbYGaWG2lg34qFArdPvD1vxRbE5rHokoQTolhwhTQ-M8r_Cp6T7DVq3gXSTphIX2ErbCG8Pfmt4p-mqKJvw7EX3DkOxJa60/s1600/DSC06658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyD7rGIROjZVgNiV5tbh1Yl4q0w0dL3rnEYk4gPDqDLKMpbYGaWG2lg34qFArdPvD1vxRbE5rHokoQTolhwhTQ-M8r_Cp6T7DVq3gXSTphIX2ErbCG8Pfmt4p-mqKJvw7EX3DkOxJa60/s400/DSC06658.jpg" width="300" /></a>Have you tried one of these yet? I saw one in the floral department at our local craft store and went nuts for the rustic raw look that burlap just naturally lends to whatever you use it for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't want a totally "Fall" wreath, nor a "Christmas" wreath either as my first one - so I figured I'd go with the prim as with the craft fair items I've been working on for the past couple of months.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Prim is year round afterall ;) I have listed it in my Etsy store and made sure to note that the heart with ribbon tie is removable, thus allowing the 22" wreath to be tied and or decorated to accomodate seasons and occasions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't know how well it will be received but I was happy with the end results and the day was perfect overcast for the pictures to come out great!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trqDtlX0s7Y/UnOUX9sypXI/AAAAAAAABCU/78Q5bDh4MzQ/s1600/DSC06653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trqDtlX0s7Y/UnOUX9sypXI/AAAAAAAABCU/78Q5bDh4MzQ/s640/DSC06653.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-75500666166040808292013-10-04T06:58:00.002-07:002015-09-11T20:54:45.843-07:00My Finish it Friday... A little "hairy"<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyH7PBsVzRuJZqYlf1wGH98zAzyXEmU7eCDc-iJP6toUkQ5lemXtUeZ6r9Cbr9hEwEy6j5KOQMitEX2Xb4xDczC4dZfGSgr03YvdL6GRXf1o_a-YhneQ3Wnhh5m5aIC0Xaa-bKai-61A/s1600/DSC06532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyH7PBsVzRuJZqYlf1wGH98zAzyXEmU7eCDc-iJP6toUkQ5lemXtUeZ6r9Cbr9hEwEy6j5KOQMitEX2Xb4xDczC4dZfGSgr03YvdL6GRXf1o_a-YhneQ3Wnhh5m5aIC0Xaa-bKai-61A/s320/DSC06532.jpg" width="240" /></a>yup.</div>
<br />
she needs some hair on her head because she's been sitting here with that sad puss on since I saturated and baked her this week. So that's what I'll be doing this morning since the laundry is finished.<br />
<br />
I was going to set up my booth at the arts festival tomorrow but it will be close to 90 degrees and after a lengthy family visit, I never had time to figure out how to display all the nifty Fall things I'd been working on - plus I fell way behind on making my sunny sunflower faced magnets.<br />
<br />
So I'll be staying in and hopefully getting some sewing done.<br />
Wishing it were a lot cooler outside ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
She finally got her hair and a new home courtesy of Etsy...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imPCAWY2p5A/VfOh1W3OJuI/AAAAAAAABMM/ufafPaESIQI/s1600/DSC06696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imPCAWY2p5A/VfOh1W3OJuI/AAAAAAAABMM/ufafPaESIQI/s400/DSC06696.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFWhFuu9g7HxjITugjVRMfXWGJNcw9Dft_gVxRZzdF0JNN5XIBL7hYInoUnuSBJLxTJBjhbGkKfqkp1jrJM02WgybxJelRTa59gzEn_g4MIhn3Fph8EuM804lOSn-lps2wASfLNoTiHo/s1600/DSC06697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFWhFuu9g7HxjITugjVRMfXWGJNcw9Dft_gVxRZzdF0JNN5XIBL7hYInoUnuSBJLxTJBjhbGkKfqkp1jrJM02WgybxJelRTa59gzEn_g4MIhn3Fph8EuM804lOSn-lps2wASfLNoTiHo/s320/DSC06697.jpg" width="240" /></a>ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-13214469275889995492013-09-18T13:49:00.001-07:002013-09-18T13:49:22.377-07:00Fall is knocking at the door...Especially in the evenings.<br />
The weatherman says gone are the 90 degree days and fast approaching is a colorful Autumn with a nice crisp chill in the air.<br />
<br />
Sounds good =)<br />
<br />
And with that comes some volunteering for the band.<br />
Selling donuts and this weekend, some kind of county fair activity involiving a chicken.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7H6GX8Wcsk/UjoQtd37SBI/AAAAAAAABA4/2dii4Ru5jLg/s1600/DSC06390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7H6GX8Wcsk/UjoQtd37SBI/AAAAAAAABA4/2dii4Ru5jLg/s400/DSC06390.jpg" width="300" /></a>Meanwhile, I've been staining my fingernails and skin (not on purpose) by tea-dying and baking up a mess of primitive and cheery sunflowers and pumpkins.</div>
<br />
Even tried my hand at painting a Ball mason jar with some chalk paint and it just seemed natural to add the flowers I'd finished.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88H6NMjQeF-EpGnX4dJ9-ohuJoMTqz3K5pX1bjY9x8Y7ZW9MPAawuwNW2ibakDVJ904z5xgCocqQJPnIsbPDRLXj7aIwXqPam3JJHivc0G9CsO0wPteOc6N8K32FqVERCsR2bWE7Zr48/s1600/DSC06397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88H6NMjQeF-EpGnX4dJ9-ohuJoMTqz3K5pX1bjY9x8Y7ZW9MPAawuwNW2ibakDVJ904z5xgCocqQJPnIsbPDRLXj7aIwXqPam3JJHivc0G9CsO0wPteOc6N8K32FqVERCsR2bWE7Zr48/s320/DSC06397.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAGUYNoH1zE/UjoQz9HhzCI/AAAAAAAABBI/342XjGJICTw/s1600/DSC06419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAGUYNoH1zE/UjoQz9HhzCI/AAAAAAAABBI/342XjGJICTw/s320/DSC06419.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
So then I made some larger sunflowers and finished a cute Fall wreath<br />
and next I'll be finishing a watering can with - yep, more sunflowers and a crow....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErWexyCSDiWdmFpOwa-q7Y4GEnFKQ9IB2yvY9tQK0uMLPy7MwTSqGJcz1tlFnGT2xnXHb9n4-Tn4eDJsx-xzS1_l1Z510enEIsgIHiSsk_MnoWeDuiXJ7RmB8us0wQk6XyiOrj98Wqz8/s1600/DSC06417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErWexyCSDiWdmFpOwa-q7Y4GEnFKQ9IB2yvY9tQK0uMLPy7MwTSqGJcz1tlFnGT2xnXHb9n4-Tn4eDJsx-xzS1_l1Z510enEIsgIHiSsk_MnoWeDuiXJ7RmB8us0wQk6XyiOrj98Wqz8/s320/DSC06417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuH4ktDeNe8REnyKtrkzriPmmPxwpIQhIPGirWuFAXGLRkqTVh2DKL2JMk5Yw_ZLWY3viRJOyI8CqTPo4D4Nm2CFnsE_tGRQ4igiNveWqkwJyUMRQWriZS_F0ouMHd3wDzXxu4E-EcEk/s1600/black+pumpkin+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuH4ktDeNe8REnyKtrkzriPmmPxwpIQhIPGirWuFAXGLRkqTVh2DKL2JMk5Yw_ZLWY3viRJOyI8CqTPo4D4Nm2CFnsE_tGRQ4igiNveWqkwJyUMRQWriZS_F0ouMHd3wDzXxu4E-EcEk/s320/black+pumpkin+set.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6PUo5uapzt6J3jheUfGx-_S6L7ZQmRWqQiQ05BlirujCXnSkazfye0I2Q1evjLAi4z4CwlEzZUGYlhAdNyqbcG8HuO28P7qyVsQMvOv5b7Qu0NYoi4sXSCH4VnHk0-6jvo_UQ7Hm_K4/s1600/black+pumpkin+set+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6PUo5uapzt6J3jheUfGx-_S6L7ZQmRWqQiQ05BlirujCXnSkazfye0I2Q1evjLAi4z4CwlEzZUGYlhAdNyqbcG8HuO28P7qyVsQMvOv5b7Qu0NYoi4sXSCH4VnHk0-6jvo_UQ7Hm_K4/s320/black+pumpkin+set+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-29238448509903292052013-07-27T05:37:00.001-07:002013-07-27T05:49:20.137-07:00Craft Fairs - a good thing or a deterrent to the sewing bug?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6HkK55zEszt6Kb9KVDf7zLCvzXkMfppVnIanCX9mEmWniYs7CP8pdJbVUP83K75sjz_IHbzQEcdga89oCVaeuLYLUlLtL_9JvGF6zSDcmLlvkc4NCviUql0-w62q4eLrjUQ_hyphenhyphenpEnic/s1600/DSC06048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6HkK55zEszt6Kb9KVDf7zLCvzXkMfppVnIanCX9mEmWniYs7CP8pdJbVUP83K75sjz_IHbzQEcdga89oCVaeuLYLUlLtL_9JvGF6zSDcmLlvkc4NCviUql0-w62q4eLrjUQ_hyphenhyphenpEnic/s400/DSC06048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Some things I've been making with pretty fabrics which believe it or not was pretty much just to try and pull myself out of this stifling slump.<br />
<br />
With Summer at it's peak and the rains pouring down nightly in what is one of the wettest seasons in recent years down here in North Carolina, I'm reaching a point of turnaround. <br />
<br />
The pecans on the trees are telling of what Fall will be like as well. They are tiny, already old and white. Too much rain can also be a bad thing. Two of the bird houses next door collapsed in combination of age and brutal evening downpours pummeling their little rooftops.<br />
<br />
Already depressed in the aftermath of two craft fairs with little results for the effort. I felt defeated and abandoned by the hopefulness and joy of creating when all was said and done and my offerings were packed into storage totes to sit in waiting, lining the walls of my sewing room.<br />
<br />
I have been uplifted by some sales of these items and interest shown in them on Etsy.<br />
Lately there have been some really cute fabrics that have perked me back up just by seeing them<br />
online and knowing that tomorrow is another day.<br />
<br />
Sounds petty and selfish to be so absorbed and depressed about something so little as this tiny offset.<br />
Especially when folks out in the rest of the world are dealing with more pressing and heartbreaking issues - but none of us is immune to the littlest of these and have felt defeated on one scale or another at some point in our lives and each plight, struggle, mini-depression is relative to one's own current situation at the time.<br />
<br />
Just so happens that mine was two failed craft fairs repelling me from my sewing room and fabrics.<br />
<br />
But as with everything, there is a turnaround.<br />
<br />
So I've read up on it and it seems I'm not alone. There are many of you out there asking the google bar or bing if you are like me.... "which is better craft fairs or Etsy" and "what sells at craft fairs" or "what to make for craft shows" and a holy host of others that are too numerous and more defined than I have space to mention here.<br />
<br />
Suffice to say, the "what sells" factor is a fickle bird. And, here is what I've learned.<br />
It depends on the venue, the time of year, the crowd, the economy, the location of the event, how well it was advertised, the goods you have to offer, the way they are displayed, the competition at said venue, the weather... etc etc<br />
<br />
If you think about it, unless you have a good stack of these odds in your favor (or face it, at the very least a FEW) you might as well be at a craps table in Vegas.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, Etsy and other online places on which to sell our handmade goods, reaches an audience you just cannot reach any other way, so I prefer it over the craft fair setting.<br />
That said, you still have to think about the fabrics you use, the items you make, the lighting, the description and the pricing and the competition as there is far more of it even though I wish the best for everyone on there, it's like a neighborhood really.<br />
<br />
However, the call of being out there face to face, being part of something with like-minded people and handing your item to a waiting hand personally is what draws me (and many of you) back again.<br />
There is another craft fair coming up in October and if I set up, it will be only the 4th one I've done.<br />
I'll have to arrive with a different attitude going in - lest I come out of it the same was as this last time - essentially a hermit who fell of the face of the Earth.<br />
<br />
And really? I checked my blog stats and figured maybe there were not so many people reading out there that would notice. <br />
Still, I like blogging and miss it. I like sharing and reading other peoples adventures both large and small. It makes me feel part of the circle that exists out there and it's nice to feel connected, even in the slightest way.<br />
<br />
My last set up.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkvNkuJK-ng/UfO-Fht2HVI/AAAAAAAABAo/nYal4DjhN-k/s1600/DSC05866A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkvNkuJK-ng/UfO-Fht2HVI/AAAAAAAABAo/nYal4DjhN-k/s400/DSC05866A.jpg" width="400" /></a>Ever so tiny still and humble but a bit different from the last and different still than the next.<br />
It's a learning thing.<br />
<br />
I swore after the last one that I'd never bother setting up again but I've learned too, that we cool down and get back up again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPJlftYp82o/UfO-Ax8vmAI/AAAAAAAABAg/rldmRH1PNPo/s1600/DSC05871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPJlftYp82o/UfO-Ax8vmAI/AAAAAAAABAg/rldmRH1PNPo/s400/DSC05871.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-65693286940976928782013-05-10T09:50:00.000-07:002013-05-10T09:50:38.819-07:00A Friday Full of Scotties (finish them up Friday;)WOW what a crazy craaayyaazzyy two or three weeks it's been around here!<br />
<br />
I finally finished another floraly (is that a word?) beautifully romantic rag quilt I'd been hankering to get to on the heels of finishing the hunter's quilt for the fundraiser - and in enough time to rest before my pattern arrived so I could start on little scotties (also for the fundraiser - and even after in my Etsy shop;) <br />
<br />
I finished my first one just in this last hour...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vhZwZ2iSxs/UY0j1N-U2jI/AAAAAAAAA9I/LhwdYtVf8k8/s1600/DSC05590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vhZwZ2iSxs/UY0j1N-U2jI/AAAAAAAAA9I/LhwdYtVf8k8/s1600/DSC05590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vhZwZ2iSxs/UY0j1N-U2jI/AAAAAAAAA9I/LhwdYtVf8k8/s400/DSC05590.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This one measures about 7" x 8" I hand stitched him closed at the top/back to see how that would work but I think I'll stitch the others closed at the tummy.<br />
<br />
Not sure what price I'm going to mark them at for the fair. <br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">The latest romantic rag quilt (available in my Etsy store):</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAwLAX1EUMNlFCpoSC9oOXGdAOc7KyRVdBKgmJ49A2cv3x4Yz5232fY4z2Pd1OUTIdcGw1TNforjLeud1GYpQMHUpSdf4-S56CymIv8Oypa6O9NmsBfbUxmr4nKz38JgA640QyVUWoYM/s1600/DSC05570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAwLAX1EUMNlFCpoSC9oOXGdAOc7KyRVdBKgmJ49A2cv3x4Yz5232fY4z2Pd1OUTIdcGw1TNforjLeud1GYpQMHUpSdf4-S56CymIv8Oypa6O9NmsBfbUxmr4nKz38JgA640QyVUWoYM/s640/DSC05570.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"></span></u><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95wFGypCoQQ/UY0kktzC1WI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/AgeajXe70sQ/s1600/DSC05561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95wFGypCoQQ/UY0kktzC1WI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/AgeajXe70sQ/s400/DSC05561.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj282HMq1ZkTH0vBcwQE0ga8pOpWliAXQZ0XHIFVpGs77QY63kG7EWL72mTLJk4QaYU2Nh-nDMP1hH5gAFemWwbe0XzgWI_c8KUbvB8PPg2pju52OCc7fsnErczER4emk93m5Sarv6G2RI/s1600/DSC05564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj282HMq1ZkTH0vBcwQE0ga8pOpWliAXQZ0XHIFVpGs77QY63kG7EWL72mTLJk4QaYU2Nh-nDMP1hH5gAFemWwbe0XzgWI_c8KUbvB8PPg2pju52OCc7fsnErczER4emk93m5Sarv6G2RI/s640/DSC05564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-74481921756832212372013-05-01T16:26:00.001-07:002013-05-06T08:01:33.609-07:00Busy happenings and a raffle quilt Ive been quite busy with household hazards and the death of my washer followed by my dryer and thinking of things to make for a craft fair table plus finishing a quilt for a raffle...<br />
<br />
To allow the kids in the high school marching band to travel and compete, expenses must be taken care of and in a tight economy, our band's boosters and the band kids themselves as well as parents and faculty have been contributing their time and talents where and whenever possible.<br />
<br />
I've had to pass on actual purchasing of fundraiser items here and there but I can sew and have fabric so this next fundraiser is right up my alley...<br />
<br />
The 18th of this month, we will be at a craft fair/flea market in Landis which is being hosted by the boosters. I'll have a table and along with corn-filled boo boo cold packs, lavender filled items and other fabric wares, I will be showcasing and selling raffle tickets for the newest Hunter's themed quilt I've made before and sold with great success.<br />
<br />
I didn't want to chance the ticket sales tally to only those passing by that day - so I have enlisted the help of my husband since many of the guys he works with hunt and might appreciate something like this - handmade, rustic and only $5.00 per chance.<br />
<br />
This quilt is 67" x 59+1/2" <br />
It is about 10" smaller on either side than the one I sold for $300. <br />
However, this one is not merely backed with a solid flannel like the first one, this one has a light antler print on flannel by Wade Butler for Wilmington Prints. <br />
<br />
I get nothing Proceeds or fee-wise in return for it but the satisfaction of knowing I tried to contribute in whatever way I could and these kids are really committed to their band and teacher. <br />
I call them the little band that could.<br />
<br />
Below are pictures of the original larger quilt.<br />
I might use these pictures if I can't get good weather to take new ones of the latest quilt<br />
but the lighting was great that day I took these and there really is no difference except the size,<br />
placement of pattern and a slightly more expensive light antler print flannel on the backside.<br />
All the same fabrics were used - no other prints.<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Complete Description follows the pictures below</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wS_VN0wRaqY/UYfFHKGHrxI/AAAAAAAAA74/Ok9WRVB6ks8/s1600/DSC04294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wS_VN0wRaqY/UYfFHKGHrxI/AAAAAAAAA74/Ok9WRVB6ks8/s640/DSC04294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyUU2B2UwpY/UYfFJokwSDI/AAAAAAAAA8A/zwYBRGjhycU/s1600/DSC04293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyUU2B2UwpY/UYfFJokwSDI/AAAAAAAAA8A/zwYBRGjhycU/s640/DSC04293.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl1jQ6heKtV6yaa4X5sqZucVtT7LHqhqK-kd2rr3e95JPkb4MDELGloTQUhA4THPk9IV9W9kr-DIY2t-msGDvuIDfj3eRx5h3XBgQJkMZFwG_8pT7_q05Br4FZ4W_rMe8OmO0FiCwoLc/s1600/DSC04288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl1jQ6heKtV6yaa4X5sqZucVtT7LHqhqK-kd2rr3e95JPkb4MDELGloTQUhA4THPk9IV9W9kr-DIY2t-msGDvuIDfj3eRx5h3XBgQJkMZFwG_8pT7_q05Br4FZ4W_rMe8OmO0FiCwoLc/s640/DSC04288.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXU8JeItoMw/UYfFODg_6ZI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/tU0f57K6VOw/s1600/DSC04282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXU8JeItoMw/UYfFODg_6ZI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/tU0f57K6VOw/s640/DSC04282.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Perfect for gift giving to the outdoorsman in your life or nice addition to the vacation cottage or hunting cabin ;)</li>
<li>The fabrics on the topside are as shown: quality quilting cottons of complimenting colors and prints in outdoor/hunting season/nature themes including a brown/white tonal featuring bucks/deer.</li>
<li>A rich caramel-coffee colored batik with the appearence of Fall leaves.</li>
<li>A tree-bark print, golden and caramel tall grass mixed with white and also a nice fall green and brown camo print with branches.</li>
<li>Backside is a light antler print flannel.</li>
<li>Sandwiched between each square's top and backside layers will be a single layer of natural bamboo batting...</li>
<li>It will come to you folded & tied with a raggy strip of matching camo printed cotton.</li>
<li>I hand-cut each piece of fabric and batting that went into this quilt and hand-snipped each and every cut - </li>
<li>Tight stitching at the seams and around the edges was done with strong poly thread for durability "</li>
<li></li>
</ul>
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-83408141400494906122013-03-15T12:31:00.004-07:002013-03-15T12:47:48.432-07:00You need it WHEN ?!! (finished it Friday!)My daughter tells me at 4pm yesterday that she needs to look like John Adams <br />
<br />
... By today.<br />
<br />
(jaw dropped and eyes bulged) <br />
<br />
I have never made a coat, vest or neck ruffle.<br />
Sleeves scare me worse than spiders (well almost, they're a close second!)<br />
and I can't really follow a paper pattern to save my behind even if I had one, so I had no clue at that point where the best corner of the house was that I could run to and hide...<br />
<br />
So THIS is my (start it Thursday after dinner) Finish it Friday -<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USJ_BiuHLCo/UUN2xp-8nAI/AAAAAAAAA5k/XdN8ChEBXBk/s1600/DSC05392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USJ_BiuHLCo/UUN2xp-8nAI/AAAAAAAAA5k/XdN8ChEBXBk/s400/DSC05392.JPG" width="248" /></a>SOOO glad I am a fabric and lace hoarder!<br />
I watch project runway alot and I thought maybe I could use my display mannequin that I'd bought for reselling my old Summer dresses on eBay last year - maybe.<br />
Pinned my fabric inside out on the form, marked where I wanted to cut it with a 1/4" seam allowance<br />
and did the Hail Mary a couple dozen times.<br />
<br />
I must admit, I was doing an end zone dance when I finished the first sleeve - <br />
YEAH! I GOT THIS!!<br />
<br />
At the point where I think things are going to go smoothly, I forget myself and am quickly humbled<br />
by my complete lack of knowledge or experience in the clothier arena.<br />
For example, the collar took two tries and 3 times worth of seam ripping. And I STILL never got it the way I wanted it.<br />
<br />
And today, (thankfully she had until 1:30pm for me to get it to the school)<br />
I spent 3 and a half hours on a vest that I stitched and ripped out 3 or 4 times and finally scrapped due to time running out. I think I've actually dulled my seam ripper if that's even possible.<br />
<br />
That funny looking light brown thingy peeking out from the coat? <br />
That is what I threw together in the remaining time along with the neck ruffle.<br />
Not doing an end zone dance by any stretch but still, pretty happy with what I was able to do in the time given with the experience tank on "E" ;)<br />
<br />
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-76440280672104066052013-03-06T09:10:00.001-08:002013-03-06T09:27:59.382-08:00Today I found LuullaAnd you are thinking "who is she and why was she missing?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O36a7O_7zLU/UTd8JZF_m0I/AAAAAAAAA5M/7jfw6PimdfQ/s1600/store_front_app_entry_v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O36a7O_7zLU/UTd8JZF_m0I/AAAAAAAAA5M/7jfw6PimdfQ/s1600/store_front_app_entry_v3.jpg" /></a>No, Luulla is another selling venue for handmade sellers and I like the way it is set up and the sections he has that you can utilize.<br />
<br />
Just not too sure of how popular or widely known a site it is but they do have a lot of Facebook followers and of course Pinterest and twitter, tumblr etc...<br />
I visited the forums and saw some folks who also sell on Etsy or have moved from Etsy over to Luulla instead.<br />
<br />
I opened my shop page there today - though I only listed a few items to see how long it would take for the crawler to locate them and also to get a feel for the place.<br />
<br />
I hope it really takes off and wonder how many of you crafty savvy folks already knew where to find Luulla? =)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.luulla.com/store/NCstitchinNook">http://www.luulla.com/store/NCstitchinNook</a>ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-1053030812791049682013-03-02T14:15:00.003-08:002013-03-02T14:18:47.294-08:00Finish-it-Friday (night) Post-it-SaturdayThroughout the week I finished another dress and wanted a slouch bag for my trip to Trader Joe's.<br />
I'm always forgetting to bring my bags and I never really get too much of anything to merit one of the big paper bags with handles that they provide (I just really love the place and it's always different so for me it is sort of like a mini amusement park)<br />
<br />
Being the penny pincher that I am...<br />
I could not bring myself to pay $10.00 for a pattern - which leaves me standing here in a shroud of hypocrisy - seeing as how I love my own creation so much, I'm thinking of making and selling my own pattern. <br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I have bought plenty of patterns both online and in stores and I know folks work hard on them and in my defense, I didn't like the ten dollar pattern because it has a seam down the center of the bag portion and I wanted nice clean seamless panels.<br />
<br />
It took all of Thursday and all of Friday, into Friday night at about 10pm which is when I finished the 3rd "prototype".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-i0qZx2bIw/UTJ5Elz2JEI/AAAAAAAAA4c/0JQ2bJ3GdUo/s1600/DSC05296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-i0qZx2bIw/UTJ5Elz2JEI/AAAAAAAAA4c/0JQ2bJ3GdUo/s320/DSC05296.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
The first one (shown here in peach, has one single endless strap and it came out nice and looks good but for the work, <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3Iduy4VK0g/UTJ5KbMuKSI/AAAAAAAAA4k/fDk9Pu_mjzI/s1600/DSC05304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3Iduy4VK0g/UTJ5KbMuKSI/AAAAAAAAA4k/fDk9Pu_mjzI/s320/DSC05304.jpg" width="253" /></a>the third and final try netted me a reversible bag with tie handles.<br />
<br />
<br />
It also ties shut but I could have used a button & loop, magnetic snap, simple snap - whatever whichever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmSI-dar7TNcbiswqY31DV8yX1GpTClDuBKQkXgix3ntPCTQ8qKbLsHiKhpk7-jZAU0jQeoEJjApKH9TfszWi3GMrdkTH_NVyz6qmg6De5TQWquoWj1FNF0A1s5H8KLi7_-HUnUH6lYE/s1600/DSC05322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmSI-dar7TNcbiswqY31DV8yX1GpTClDuBKQkXgix3ntPCTQ8qKbLsHiKhpk7-jZAU0jQeoEJjApKH9TfszWi3GMrdkTH_NVyz6qmg6De5TQWquoWj1FNF0A1s5H8KLi7_-HUnUH6lYE/s320/DSC05322.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgIsozc2Olo/UTJ5X4AvTrI/AAAAAAAAA40/3ymjzVPfBaU/s1600/DSC05316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgIsozc2Olo/UTJ5X4AvTrI/AAAAAAAAA40/3ymjzVPfBaU/s640/DSC05316.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-83431211204847363512013-02-24T20:18:00.007-08:002013-02-24T20:18:56.699-08:00Dresses from pretty fabrics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNELnIBUQndMLsgDVy3PMlxHdVT_oMCzsH6yGH2BHToCQxOBbOittAQGokaqDchupK0DvsLrn56uQ8xKA83ZOZyxb49DkvoLxBA75nCZTFTgexWduZVPuKqHXiqRBJmz84HlPoxFfTI94/s1600/DSC05212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNELnIBUQndMLsgDVy3PMlxHdVT_oMCzsH6yGH2BHToCQxOBbOittAQGokaqDchupK0DvsLrn56uQ8xKA83ZOZyxb49DkvoLxBA75nCZTFTgexWduZVPuKqHXiqRBJmz84HlPoxFfTI94/s320/DSC05212.jpg" width="230" /></a>Worked on some different styles of pillowcase dresses this weekend, from a bunch of different sites online and I noticed that everyone has different ideas for sizing, armholes, length, width, fabrics and shoulder ties. With elastic, without, etc...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBp7MQJ6H6vc2XBWKB8Q135EH96hIiaJoYHp9trUkidr1CvKKLsziLpViW2rb7UMBlHsxA8-kjeLvCtstu81MH9MvTG9Ak-BpyF-6oOKEhL7ewpyPZ0bPop_LqNNSMtipFNpImlGVb_o/s1600/DSC05218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBp7MQJ6H6vc2XBWKB8Q135EH96hIiaJoYHp9trUkidr1CvKKLsziLpViW2rb7UMBlHsxA8-kjeLvCtstu81MH9MvTG9Ak-BpyF-6oOKEhL7ewpyPZ0bPop_LqNNSMtipFNpImlGVb_o/s320/DSC05218.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I tried a classic style basic unlined version I'd made for my grandaughter a couple years back and then I tried a panel front dress using techniques from another great blog and then finally settled on figuring out my own way of making one with a lining sewn in that takes care of the armholes and shoulder ties all in one. I added a hidden casing in the front and back for the elastic and am finally happy with the results.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9HEdREGWeX4/USrlw5i2H9I/AAAAAAAAA38/5gSZl1Qj1Tk/s1600/DSC05243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9HEdREGWeX4/USrlw5i2H9I/AAAAAAAAA38/5gSZl1Qj1Tk/s320/DSC05243.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have not decided yet how to start the new week. <br />
Either a quilt or more dresses.<br />
Either way I'm at the sewing machine and that's a good thing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324374588020108889.post-43832858716505283442013-02-19T07:00:00.001-08:002013-02-19T07:00:04.621-08:00Apple Jacks n' Jelly Rolls ....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKv1aRsXYBc/USORit6JODI/AAAAAAAAA3E/WpvLzjHwuxQ/s1600/DSC05090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKv1aRsXYBc/USORit6JODI/AAAAAAAAA3E/WpvLzjHwuxQ/s320/DSC05090.JPG" width="320" /></a>Sounds like another breakfast post no?<br />
<br />
I'll call this what it is, an "impulse" buy.<br />
<br />
Finally have it, my first jelly roll ever.<br />
And it's Apple Jack because I fell head over tea kettle for the prints.<br />
<br />
I had to have it. Didn't know why. Didn't have a definative plan at the time and furthermore, I don't know what I am going to do with it now that I have it.<br />
<br />
I DO know, I'm not unwrapping it until I have a good idea or at least a general direction - <br />
<br />
So yes. Impulsive. Very fitting word at the moment.<br />
Suffice to say, it might be a while before I follow up on this particular item/project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7xGygdICDjR3-BbOzbtyNQkXbVQrTGh8yascLhZ0ig6EXEhgJ93tmROiNiRMIJqq4UM5e7Yr8aCBeUJ93qfEltkws-u1OcvOTpEBjFBIB5iZvANgHop9TmY_nl0vVK8xuuOnP2NNtNE/s1600/DSC05091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7xGygdICDjR3-BbOzbtyNQkXbVQrTGh8yascLhZ0ig6EXEhgJ93tmROiNiRMIJqq4UM5e7Yr8aCBeUJ93qfEltkws-u1OcvOTpEBjFBIB5iZvANgHop9TmY_nl0vVK8xuuOnP2NNtNE/s640/DSC05091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
ChristinNChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18279267764668609865noreply@blogger.com0