Saturday, June 19, 2010

Wondering Fish

While strolling through the art section in Sisters Oregon a few weeks ago we came across this marvelous item.
I have done a little work in metal but nothing as fantastic as this metal fish.
Look closely at this marvel of patience and skill.
I would love to own this beauty and display it on the table my hubby made but alas it is 2,500 dollars well worth the time and skill,but way out of my tiny art budget.
One can always dream and there are always pictures.
Enjoy the marvel of the metal fish.
.

Banana Lime Cupcakes

The tart tang of lime adds zest to that great banana flavor. Our banana lime cupcakes are a refreshing flavor combo!

Ingredients:

•2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter softened
•1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
•3 eggs
•1 tablespoon lime juice
•1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
•2 ripe bananas mashed
•1 teaspoon lime zest grated
•3/4 cup sour cream

Makes: About 18 standard cupcakes. Each cupcake serves 1.
instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In large bowl, cream butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, lime juice, vanilla, banana and lime zest; mix well. Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream; blend thoroughly but do not overmix. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on rack; remove and cool completely before decorating.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

FREE Doll E-Pattern

FREE Doll E-Pattern by Shashi Nayagam


Shashi Nayagam of "MoonbeamWorld.com" and "Sewing With Moonbeams" blog offers one of her wonderful dolls "Butternut" as a FREE Doll E-Pattern in .PDF format that you can download yourself.
Just CLICK on the two .pdf links below to view and print the E-Pattern and Instructions for making Butternut.

Pattern - Click here to open [Butternut-pattern.pdf]

Instructions - Click here to open [Butternut.pdf]

Shashi's Bio - “I was born in India and raised in a small hill station. When I was very young I would watch my mother's friend who made beautiful cloth dolls and dreamed of making my own dolls one some day. After growing up, getting married and moving to UK, I was able to make my dream come true. With the help of many Internet doll making friends and on line classes as well as taking classes with some of the wonderful doll artists from and in America, I have been able to develop my doll making skills. Since my childhood pastimes were drawing and painting I have been able to use these skills in creating my dolls.”
Shashi's website is "MoonbeamWorld.com" and Shashi's blog is "Sewing With Moonbeamssewingwithmoonbeams.blogspot.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Yard Updates Wisteria and Strawberry



This has become almost a weekly update.
We have moved onto the Wisteria and Strawberry Bed.
Rock now crosses the front of the deck so there will be now more mud into the house.
Hubby is working on the trenches for the French drains on this side of the yard. We had gutters put on the house and need deeper trenches on this side of the house. June 13 2010

The benches and cover for the deck will have to wait till next year.
I have almost used my whole garden budget for the year.

Made For Me By Redrooster




This was our handmade coaster Swap over on the Forum Board.
Redrooster was my partner and sent these amazing coasters made of vinyl.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Christmas in June

Well it's not Christmas but these little fairy  ornaments are so cute I thought I would share.
These were sent to me years ago.
Materials needed:


Aleene's® Platinum BondTM Glass & Bead Slick Surfaces Adhesive
Miscellaneous
Acrylic paint: pink, red and black
Bead, large round red
Brush, small
Chenille stem
Christmas ball ornament, 1” and 3”
Cup or bowl, shallow
Micro beads, silver
Needle and thread
Plastic bead, large green flower shape
Seed beads
Silk flower, large white daisy
Silk ivy, small


Instructions
For best results, please read all instructions before beginning project. Refer to photo for color and design placement.
1. Remove hangers from ornaments.
2. Paint a circle of pink acrylic paint on the small ball and let dry. Mix a small amount of red into the pink to make cheek color and add to face.
3. Add a red mouth and black eyes.
4. Pour micro beads into shallow cup.
5. Squeeze a small dot of adhesive onto large ball and dip into micro beads. As the beads adhere to the glue, press with finger to flatten and re-dip to fill in. Repeat this process one dot at a time, covering the bottom half of the ball with dots. Let dry.
6. Add a hanger with the chenille stem by making a loop and gluing across top and around neck of ornament. Glue in place and let dry.
7. Pull apart the daisy and discard any plastic parts. Use two layers of the largest daisy petals and cut a hole large enough to fit over the neck of the ornament. Glue into place. Let dry. Glue ivy leaves under petals.
8. Use the small petals from the center of the flower to make hair, turning one upside down on top of head, and then two right side up. Hold in place until glue is set. Add green flower bead and red round bead to the center of the top petals. Let dry.
9. Glue head in place and let dry.
10. String seed beads onto thread about 1-1/2” and wrap around neck and glue in place.
 
This year I think I will try the chiffon flowers to make a more delicate look.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Little Acorn

Found this little acorn container with instructions over on
Easy to follow and great PDF download.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Yard Deck Update


Well it took a bit between the rain and storms but the first stage of the deck has been done.

Embellish those keys

Well in my long list of things to do with keys.
Santa magic keys,
Keys  as lamp shades,
 even key frames ,
This looks the the best way to use up those extra bags of keys.
Found and posted this some time ago on the forum but for those who missed it.
Here is the link to how to embellish keys
Found HERE

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Bottle cap Jewelry

While surfing the other day I found this cute tutorial on bottlecap jewelry.
She did a great job on the tutorial.
I have a few caps to try out this one .
Found HERE
How to flatten bottlecaps

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Gift Tag Download

Good morning friends.
Today the weather is storming and the deck has been built.
We will wait until the rains pass to get it sealed and waterproof and then next year build a cover.
But today I have a gift tag to share.
Then yard photos and some more crafts found over on the forum. Enjoy


Friday, May 28, 2010

1940 Knitted Sock Pattern


I do not knit but mother made almost all my clothes.
She passed away a few years ago and I still have several pairs of her hand made sock.
They are lovingly  tucked away and saved as lost treasures and fond memories.
I do have all her old patterns and books and share one of my favorites with all of you who do knit.

Cable sock with French heel.




Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Monday, May 24, 2010

Back Yard Update



Framing Started on Decking

Garden seed in and plastic covering the tomatoes.
Pink rock now comes all the way up to the deck starting area.

Yard Update


As you can see we are moving along down the little yard.
We have the little circle in and some more pink rock in.
And most of the fenceing stained and sealed
May 15 2010

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Sock Elephant Tutorial

Found this cute sock elephant tutorial over at

The link to this can be found HERE
Check out her other fun and interesting tutorials on the right hand side of the page while you visit this cute blog.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Friday, May 14, 2010

Paper Tea Purse




This darling creation was created and made by Crazy Sue over on the forum chat board.
She designed and filled it as a tea holder purse.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Purple Cow

Ginny's Purple Cow

2 (3oz) boxes raspberry jello
2 c boiling water
1 can blueberry pie filling
1 lg can crushed pineapple (don't drain)
1 c chopped nuts
1/2 c sugar
1 c sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened


Dissolve jello in boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Mix pie filling, pineapple and nuts. Add to jello and mix well. Pour into 9x13 pan and chill until well set. Mix remaining ingredients and mixer and spread on top of set gelatin.

Paper boxes



Linners has shared her paper box creations over on the Forum board
From Linners
I saw this idea somewhere on the internet and decided to make my own templates and give it a try. It measures 9 inches long, 9 inches tall, 4 1/4 inches wide and 4 1/4 inches deep. I may fill it with flowers or cards or outgoing mail...not sure yet.


Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Waterlily


Donnainnc made these and shared them over on the forum board.
They look so beautiful in her pond.
I think there craft foam .
Great job Donna


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Raining Cats and Dogs

Found this site full of cute patterns for soft animals.
Cat tutorial and pattern can be found HERE


She also had this cute Doxy. HERE
Patterns are listed 
first
second
third
forth.
Be sure to click and copy all 4 sets.
Then scroll down and print out the instructions and how to sew directions.
Check out her other cute stuffed items.
Great site.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

For the Mom

Another wonderful project made by joesmom over on the chat forum.
Great use for old cups and plates.
She made these as mothers gifts but they would be wonderful anytime.
I am still waiting to hear if there glued or drilled and screwed.
They would be cute as African violet planters as well as dried flowers.
Wonderful job Lynn / Joesmom

Friday, May 7, 2010

Clever Recycling

These mothers day flowers are made by
Check out what these are made of and how theeeeey were made.
Stop by and see all the other beatiful creations from comman junk

A Rose is a Rose

Ok Friends You will never guess what this flower is made from.
This very clever crafter has created a beautiful rose from common plastic spoons.
The tutorial can be found HERE with lots of good photos and instructions.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Flowers flowers Flowers

Well Freinds it's been two days without a flower tutorial and I found a great one this time.
Fabric flowers so creative and beautiful ,I will use them on everything..
Pin them on your drapes in a bedroom.
Glue them to a mirror
Make a barrette topper or headband side piece.
Pin them to your coat.
Make a refrigerator magnet.
Pin them to a card or send as gifts.
Change the color and use a marker tags on your craft bins.
Endless .The tutorial with lots of photos can be found HERE

Safety Pin Bracelet

The safety pin  Bracelet is easy and quick .makes a great fast gift with little to no expensive.
Tutorial for this beautiful bracelet with tons of easy to follow photos can be found  HERE

Monday, May 3, 2010

Dutch Baby

If you have never had a German pancake called a Dutch baby you have got to try one.

I have had these for years at the Original house of pancakes in Oregon.
I have only tried to make twice but this is not a bad recipe.
Find Recipe HERE
I like them smothered in powdered sugar butter and Yes use the Lemon or lemon Curd or brandied Lemon all very tasty and a good moms day breakfast.

Brandied Lemon Butter French Toast

INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 thick slices bread
Butter
Powdered sugar, optional

BRANDIED LEMON BUTTER
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
Juice of 2 lemons
4 teaspoons grated lemon rind
3-ounces brandy

In a shallow dish, beat eggs, sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla. Soak bread in the above mixture.
Heat butter over medium-high heat and cook each slice of bread until slightly brown on each side.
Serve with Brandied Lemon Butter and lemon slices. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
FOR BRANDIED LEMON BUTTER - Melt butter over low heat. Spoon off any foam that forms. Pour into a dish, leaving behind any sediment in the pan.
Wash the pan, pour butter back in the pan and add the sugar. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice, rind, and brandy; stir until smooth.
Pour over hot French toast.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

Milk Paint Recipes

1870 Milk Paint Formula

1 Quart skim milk (room temperature)
1 Once of hydrated lime by weight
(Available at building centers. Do not use quick lime, as it will react with the water and heat up. Hydrated lime has been soaked in water then dried.)
1 to 2 1/2 pounds of chalk may also be added as a filler.

Stir in enough skim milk to hydrated lime to make a cream. Add balance of skim milk. Now add sufficient amount of powder pigment to desired color and consistency (Pigment powder must be limeproof). Stir in well for a few minutes before using. For best results continue to stir throughout use. Apply milk paint with a cheap natural bristle brush. Allow project to dry sufficiently before applying next coat. Extra paint may be kept for several days in the refrigerator, until the milk sours. Double or triple the recipe for paint. Allow to dry thoroughly 3-4 hours before use. For extra protection, give paint a coat of oil finish or sealer. Color may change - test in inconspicuous area

Milk Paint Recipe #1
1 Quart skim milk (room temperature)
1 Once of hydrated lime by weight ( Do not use quick lime)
1 to 2 1/2 pounds of chalk may also be added as a filler.
Stir together milk and lime to form a smooth paste. Add color pigment of your choice and apply with a natural bristle brush. Allow first coat to dry sufficiently before applying another. Finish off with an oil finish if desitred.

Milk Paint Recipe #2
One Gallon Skim Milk
Two Cups Builders Lime (Do NOT use Quick Lime)
One Quart Linseed Oil (the boiled type)
1/2 Cup of Salt
Dye (Color) add in as needed
Mix all ingredients together and strain through a cheesecloth. Use within a day or two.

Milk Paint Recipe #3
Powdered Skim Milk
Water
Food Coloring
Mix just enough pwoder and water to create the consistency of paint. Add food coloring of your choice or make a tincture with various herbs and vegetables. Strain through a cheesecloth.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Franklins Bath Puffs

These were made by Franklin over on the Forum Board.
Crocheted and really well made.
I did find some instructions on a simple version  HERE.
I love her detail and fine work on everything she makes.
Great Job Franklin !

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Trap You Notes

Again From Our talented Joesmom on the Forum comes Trap Your Notes.
And.....here's the instructions for you!

1. Choose large traps for the note holder. Use needle-nose pliers to remove all the hardware, and set aside. You will reattach some pieces later.

2. Apply at least two coats of interior paint to the wooden traps, allowing each coat to dry. Small hobby brushes can be used to paint designs or lettering.

3. Reattach the spring-loaded mechanism as shown. Attach a push-in picture hanger to the back of each trap.

Different Problem

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

What's up

What's Up ? The Ring of Mountains.
Today I thought I would share my section of the country with you.

The high country of Central Oregon.
We have in view the Mt.Hood, Mt Washington. Mt Jefferson, The Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor.
These are a few photos from around the town.
Not all my photos.
I am the red truck with the sisiters in the background.Shot while out junkin
Hope you enjoy my Oregon.


Three Sisters
Three Sisters

Jefferson