Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Pocket Angels
Gwen's Pocket Angels
Instructions for pocket angel
Materials
Scrap material small ornament balls thread scissors hot glue gun wedding rings or pipe cleaner for halo ribbon cord or fishing line
1. Cut your material out
2. Gather top of dress and middle of wings
3.glue dress to ornament
4. glue wing piece on back
5. This is what you have now
6. Glue halo on
7. Now glue your little bow on
8. Now glue you little cord to the back.
Fishing line works good too
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Paper Dolls
Who does not lkike paper dolls !
I found this fun Tutorial on Magnetic Dolls. HERE
Really cute http://www.onepearlbutton.com/
Also a paper doll to Print and use.
I found this fun Tutorial on Magnetic Dolls. HERE
Really cute http://www.onepearlbutton.com/
Also a paper doll to Print and use.
English Toffee Recipes
Paula Deen Recipe
Ingredients
14 tablespoons (1 stick, plus 6 tablespoons) butter
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 chopped pecans
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dash salt
1 (6-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips or thin chocolate bars
Directions
Generously butter a cookie sheet.
Put butter, sugar, and water in a heavy pan or skillet over
medium-high heat. Bring to a bubbling boil, stirring constantly
with a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes. Remove spoon from
pan, and cook to a very brittle stage (300 degrees to 310 degrees
F on a candy thermometer). Or, make a cold water test: candy
will separate into hard, brittle threads when dropped in cold
water. Remove from heat and add nuts to mixture. Add vanilla
and salt. Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread to
1/4-inch thickness. Cool slightly, top with chocolate chips or
chocolate bars, and spread as it melts. Cool completely and
break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Cooks Toffee Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
•3/4 cup almonds
•1 pound of dark chocolate
•2 cups (1 pound) butter
•2-2/3 cups granulated sugar
•1/3 cup water
•1/4 cup light corn syrup
Preparation:
1. Toast the nuts by spreading them on a cookie sheet and placing them in a 325-degree oven for approximately 10 minutes. Stir them every 3-4 minutes, and remove them once they darken and become fragrant. Let the nuts cool, then chop them finely.
2. Prepare a 12x16 inch cookie sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Combine the butter, sugar, water and corn syrup in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter. Insert a candy thermometer and bring the candy to a boil, periodically brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization.
4. Continue to cook the candy, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300 degrees. If the candy appears to separate (with a layer of melted butter on top) stir vigorously to make it come back together again. Watch the candy as it approaches 300, since it cooks quickly and can scorch at high temperatures.
5. Once the candy reaches 300 degrees, remove from heat and pour it onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the candy to an even thickness. Allow the toffee to begin to set, then spray a knife with nonstick cooking spray and score the toffee into small squares or rectangles. Allow the toffee to cool completely.
6. Once the toffee is cool, break it apart on the scored lines into small squares. The toffee can be left plain, or dipped in chocolate.
7. To dip the toffee in chocolate, begin by melting the chocolate. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in one-minute increments, stirring after every minute to prevent overheating.
8. Dip each piece of toffee in the chocolate, either submerging it completely or dipping it halfway in, according to your preference. Place dipped toffee pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top generously with chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining toffee, chocolate and nuts.
9. Place the toffee in the refrigerator to set the chocolate, about 30 minutes. Once set, toffee can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Ingredients
14 tablespoons (1 stick, plus 6 tablespoons) butter
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 chopped pecans
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dash salt
1 (6-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips or thin chocolate bars
Directions
Generously butter a cookie sheet.
Put butter, sugar, and water in a heavy pan or skillet over
medium-high heat. Bring to a bubbling boil, stirring constantly
with a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes. Remove spoon from
pan, and cook to a very brittle stage (300 degrees to 310 degrees
F on a candy thermometer). Or, make a cold water test: candy
will separate into hard, brittle threads when dropped in cold
water. Remove from heat and add nuts to mixture. Add vanilla
and salt. Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread to
1/4-inch thickness. Cool slightly, top with chocolate chips or
chocolate bars, and spread as it melts. Cool completely and
break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Cooks Toffee Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
•3/4 cup almonds
•1 pound of dark chocolate
•2 cups (1 pound) butter
•2-2/3 cups granulated sugar
•1/3 cup water
•1/4 cup light corn syrup
Preparation:
1. Toast the nuts by spreading them on a cookie sheet and placing them in a 325-degree oven for approximately 10 minutes. Stir them every 3-4 minutes, and remove them once they darken and become fragrant. Let the nuts cool, then chop them finely.
2. Prepare a 12x16 inch cookie sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Combine the butter, sugar, water and corn syrup in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter. Insert a candy thermometer and bring the candy to a boil, periodically brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization.
4. Continue to cook the candy, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300 degrees. If the candy appears to separate (with a layer of melted butter on top) stir vigorously to make it come back together again. Watch the candy as it approaches 300, since it cooks quickly and can scorch at high temperatures.
5. Once the candy reaches 300 degrees, remove from heat and pour it onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the candy to an even thickness. Allow the toffee to begin to set, then spray a knife with nonstick cooking spray and score the toffee into small squares or rectangles. Allow the toffee to cool completely.
6. Once the toffee is cool, break it apart on the scored lines into small squares. The toffee can be left plain, or dipped in chocolate.
7. To dip the toffee in chocolate, begin by melting the chocolate. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in one-minute increments, stirring after every minute to prevent overheating.
8. Dip each piece of toffee in the chocolate, either submerging it completely or dipping it halfway in, according to your preference. Place dipped toffee pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top generously with chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining toffee, chocolate and nuts.
9. Place the toffee in the refrigerator to set the chocolate, about 30 minutes. Once set, toffee can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Paulines English Toffee
Paulines English Toffee
1 pound butter
2 cups Sugar (C&H)
5 Tablespoons Water
1 cup raw chopped almonds
1 pound bag milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds to sprinkle on top of the chocolate
Melt butter, add sugar and water on medium low heat.
Stir until sugar and butter are incorporated.
Continue stirring as it turns creamy light color. Bring temperature to medium heat, stir constantly.
Add raw almonds just before soft crack stage.
When it reaches soft crack, and turns toffee color, pour onto buttered marble or cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with milk chocolate chips. Once the chocolate is melted, spread with spatula.
Sprinkle with finely chopped almonds.
Cool--allow enough time for the chocolate to harden. Crack into pieces and Serve
Best made when air temp is dry and clear.
On rainy moist days the toffee will not set firm.
1 pound butter
2 cups Sugar (C&H)
5 Tablespoons Water
1 cup raw chopped almonds
1 pound bag milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds to sprinkle on top of the chocolate
Melt butter, add sugar and water on medium low heat.
Stir until sugar and butter are incorporated.
Continue stirring as it turns creamy light color. Bring temperature to medium heat, stir constantly.
Add raw almonds just before soft crack stage.
When it reaches soft crack, and turns toffee color, pour onto buttered marble or cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with milk chocolate chips. Once the chocolate is melted, spread with spatula.
Sprinkle with finely chopped almonds.
Cool--allow enough time for the chocolate to harden. Crack into pieces and Serve
Best made when air temp is dry and clear.
On rainy moist days the toffee will not set firm.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Chocolate Cookie Thingys
Check out this sweet creation by
She has a bunch of tutorials and a book
Looks Great and easy to follow instructions.
I would put these on my Spring Tree in a hot second.
Really cute.
How To Make Fondant Bugs Tutorial
How To Make Fondant Bugs
This cute group of critters can be found with an easy titorial on how to make at
chiccookiekits HERE
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Hand Embroidery Pattern
Another Hand embroidery Pattern
The packet can be found over on the etsy site for 2.00 for the full pdf download.
Darling kitchen Kittens playing in the china and glass.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Printable Seed Packets
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Chalk Board Paint Recipe
Instructions.Things You'll Need:
•Latex paint with a flat finish (amount will vary based on the painting project)
•Unsanded tile grout.
•Container
•Paintbrush, roller or a sponge
•Paint stirrer
•150 grit sandpaper
•Chalk
•Felt cloth
•Dampened towel or sponge
•Towels or rags
Step 1
Measure the flat finish latex paint and unsanded tile grout into a container.
See Tips for ratio of paint with other ingredients. Your project will dictate
how much chalkboard paint you need to make.
Step 2
Mix thoroughly using a paint stirrer, until they are very well blended and there are not any clumps.
Step 3
Apply the paint to the surface that you want to cover using a paintbrush,
roller or sponge. Make sure to allow the paint to thoroughly dry before applying another coat of paint.
Step 4
Sand each coat of paint gently, using 150 grit sandpaper.
Step 5
Wipe the dust away using a clean towel or rag. This will help to keep your chalkboard surface nice and smooth.
Step 6
Condition your new chalkboard by turning a piece of chalk sideways and
rubbing it over the entire surface of the chalkboard. Make sure that you cover the entire board with the chalk.
Step 7
Clean the chalk off the chalkboard using a soft felt cloth. Dampen the cloth with water and wipe off the chalkboard.
Tips & Warnings
The proportion ratio for the chalkboard paint:
1 part acrylic paint, 1/2 part glazing medium and 1/6 part of powder tile grout.
For example, measure 3 tsps. of paint, 1-1/2 teaspoons of glazing medium and 1/2 tsp. powder tile grout.
Another example is 6 tsp. of paint, 3 tsp. of glazing medium and 1 tsp. of powder tile grout..If you use a
magnetic primer under your chalkboard paint, the finished product will be a magnetic chalkboard..If you
are applying the chalkboard paint to a small area such as a section of a door, or message board, mix only
1 cup of paint, making more if needed. For larger areas, simply increase the amount of paint and un-sanded
tile grout proportionally.
•Latex paint with a flat finish (amount will vary based on the painting project)
•Unsanded tile grout.
•Container
•Paintbrush, roller or a sponge
•Paint stirrer
•150 grit sandpaper
•Chalk
•Felt cloth
•Dampened towel or sponge
•Towels or rags
Step 1
Measure the flat finish latex paint and unsanded tile grout into a container.
See Tips for ratio of paint with other ingredients. Your project will dictate
how much chalkboard paint you need to make.
Step 2
Mix thoroughly using a paint stirrer, until they are very well blended and there are not any clumps.
Step 3
Apply the paint to the surface that you want to cover using a paintbrush,
roller or sponge. Make sure to allow the paint to thoroughly dry before applying another coat of paint.
Step 4
Sand each coat of paint gently, using 150 grit sandpaper.
Step 5
Wipe the dust away using a clean towel or rag. This will help to keep your chalkboard surface nice and smooth.
Step 6
Condition your new chalkboard by turning a piece of chalk sideways and
rubbing it over the entire surface of the chalkboard. Make sure that you cover the entire board with the chalk.
Step 7
Clean the chalk off the chalkboard using a soft felt cloth. Dampen the cloth with water and wipe off the chalkboard.
Tips & Warnings
The proportion ratio for the chalkboard paint:
1 part acrylic paint, 1/2 part glazing medium and 1/6 part of powder tile grout.
For example, measure 3 tsps. of paint, 1-1/2 teaspoons of glazing medium and 1/2 tsp. powder tile grout.
Another example is 6 tsp. of paint, 3 tsp. of glazing medium and 1 tsp. of powder tile grout..If you use a
magnetic primer under your chalkboard paint, the finished product will be a magnetic chalkboard..If you
are applying the chalkboard paint to a small area such as a section of a door, or message board, mix only
1 cup of paint, making more if needed. For larger areas, simply increase the amount of paint and un-sanded
tile grout proportionally.
Chalk Board Jar
Found this tutorial and idea over at oilclith addicts
Very nice lady named Kelly has wonderful ideas and things for sale.
I have some old 1908 mason Jars with bail lids I might just doll up with this cleaver chalk paint or cloth.
Tutorial found HERE OILCLOTHADDICTS
Monday, February 22, 2010
Button Fairy Antique Images and Link
Here are a couple of vintage antique images you can use to make a button fairy.
This darling tutorial can be found HERE
Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Cocktail Sauce
Ingredients
1 cup catsup
1-2 tablespoon horseradish (to your taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Tabasco Sauce
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper
Directions
1Mix all ingredients and chill.
When ready to serve dip shrimp and enjoy.
Ingredients
1 cup catsup
1-2 tablespoon horseradish (to your taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Tabasco Sauce
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper
Directions
1Mix all ingredients and chill.
When ready to serve dip shrimp and enjoy.
Hoisin Sauce Recipe
Hoisin Sauce
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter or black bean paste
1 tablespoon honey or molasses or brown sugar
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons sesame oil
20 drops chinese hot sauce, habenero or jalepeno
1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
Directions:
Simply mix together. Keep mixing it will come together.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter or black bean paste
1 tablespoon honey or molasses or brown sugar
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons sesame oil
20 drops chinese hot sauce, habenero or jalepeno
1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
Directions:
Simply mix together. Keep mixing it will come together.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Angels Anytime
These beautiful Angels are cookies.
The recipe and instructions are on the third page.
The sweet hamf face makes a great baby shower decoration
and gift for that special Church gathering.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Past Treasure Mine
Being on Olympic year I dug this little photo up out of the archives of the scrapbooks . Thought I would Share .
Being a brazen hussy on more then an occasion or two, I asked the torch runner of we could have photo with him.
He was stopped just outside of Hayward California in 1984.
Our daughter was 8 years old.
She really did not know how lucky she was until just recently when looking back on some of our Ta Da photos.
This was not a regular stop for the runner ,no police,no press ,no fan fare nothing in 1984.
Just a wonderful Ta Da Moment in our life's journey.
Tonights Dinner Recipe to try
Hunan Shrimp
Ingredients:
•3-4 c. peanut oil
•1 1/2 lbs. shrimp, shelled, deveined, tails on, washed, dried, and refrigerated for at least 4 hrs.
•1/2 c. onions, diced into 1/4" pieces
•2 tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
•1 garlic clove, minced
•Sauce, recipe below
Directions:
1.Pour peanut oil into a wok, and heat to 375°F.
2.Oil blanch the shrimp for 45-60 secs., until shrimp begin to turn pink, and curl. Remove, and set aside.
3.Remove oil from wok, then replace 2 tbsp. oil. Heat oil until white smoke appears.
4.Add onions, ginger, and garlic, and stir fry until onions soften, about 2 mins.
5.Add shrimp, and toss together thoroughly.
6.Stir sauce, and pour into the wok. Stir together until shrimp are well coated.
7.Add sesame oil, turn off heat, and stir well. Remove from wok, and serve immediately.
Sauce:
•1 1/2 tbsp. oyster sauce
•3 tsp. sugar
•4 tbsp. ketchup
•1/2 tsp. salt
•pinch of white pepper
•2 tsp. Hunan pepper; the soaked pepper flakes at the bottom of the hot oil OR substitute 2 tsp. chili paste, sambal ooleck, or 1 heaping tsp. crushed red pepper flakes plus 1 tsp. red chili oil
•1 tsp. sesame oil
Directions:
1.Combine in a bowl, and mix well. When ready to serve pour over Cooked shrimp. Serve
Ingredients:
•3-4 c. peanut oil
•1 1/2 lbs. shrimp, shelled, deveined, tails on, washed, dried, and refrigerated for at least 4 hrs.
•1/2 c. onions, diced into 1/4" pieces
•2 tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
•1 garlic clove, minced
•Sauce, recipe below
Directions:
1.Pour peanut oil into a wok, and heat to 375°F.
2.Oil blanch the shrimp for 45-60 secs., until shrimp begin to turn pink, and curl. Remove, and set aside.
3.Remove oil from wok, then replace 2 tbsp. oil. Heat oil until white smoke appears.
4.Add onions, ginger, and garlic, and stir fry until onions soften, about 2 mins.
5.Add shrimp, and toss together thoroughly.
6.Stir sauce, and pour into the wok. Stir together until shrimp are well coated.
7.Add sesame oil, turn off heat, and stir well. Remove from wok, and serve immediately.
Sauce:
•1 1/2 tbsp. oyster sauce
•3 tsp. sugar
•4 tbsp. ketchup
•1/2 tsp. salt
•pinch of white pepper
•2 tsp. Hunan pepper; the soaked pepper flakes at the bottom of the hot oil OR substitute 2 tsp. chili paste, sambal ooleck, or 1 heaping tsp. crushed red pepper flakes plus 1 tsp. red chili oil
•1 tsp. sesame oil
Directions:
1.Combine in a bowl, and mix well. When ready to serve pour over Cooked shrimp. Serve
Friday, February 19, 2010
What a little cutie Printed Doll
What a little cutie
Print your own Doll
Sweet little thing to print and make.
Now if I only had grandkds I would be a happy happy woman.
Find the Tutorial HERE
Easy Peasy Wall Book Shelf
Friday Morning and still waiting for the Doctor to call.
Started cleaning out my cookbook booklet collection .
The weather is a bright sunny cold morning.
There are new house projects to do everywhere. Today I found this cute easy peasy Shelf design made by a cleaver mom.
Wish I could use a nice display like this but as you can see by my photos I am a book hoarder.
Enjoy the project found HERE
Started cleaning out my cookbook booklet collection .
The weather is a bright sunny cold morning.
There are new house projects to do everywhere. Today I found this cute easy peasy Shelf design made by a cleaver mom.
Wish I could use a nice display like this but as you can see by my photos I am a book hoarder.
Enjoy the project found HERE
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Another Wasted Day
Although I spent the day at the Hospital being tested again today I did manage to hang some of my artwork I have mine .moms and daughters up now .
Still need to get great grandmas up. Maybe tomorrow.
Another Wasted day
Still need to get great grandmas up. Maybe tomorrow.
Another Wasted day
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The fabric ric rac flower
This is one of the best ideas I have seen for old ric rack.
I have two totes of this stuffed vintage ric rack in a closet somewhere.
Find this tutorial HERE
My Garlic Soup
My Garlic Soup
Ingredients
10 elephant garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thin
1yellow onion ,1 red onion ,1 white onion peeled and diced
3 cups heavy cream, with 2 teaspoons salt added Pinch of saffron
1 loaf toasted french bread
1 cup chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon of dry thyme
4 tablespoons ( butter ) or 1/2 a stick
1 cup swiss cheese or your fav. soft wehite cheese.
Directions
Place all of the garlic cloves and onions in a large sauce pan with with the butter and carmalize. Add Chicken stock ,Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add milk and cream to cooking liquid, along with the saffron and thyme. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, with the lid on, until ready to serve.
Preheat broiler to high. Cut the bread into serving piecest. Then, sprinkle each slice with olive oil and some grated cheese, reserving some. Broil bread until cheese topping bubbles.
To serve, place a slice of bread in the bottom of each serving bowl. Pour over hot liquid and sprinkle on remaining cheese.
Ingredients
10 elephant garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thin
1yellow onion ,1 red onion ,1 white onion peeled and diced
3 cups heavy cream, with 2 teaspoons salt added Pinch of saffron
1 loaf toasted french bread
1 cup chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon of dry thyme
4 tablespoons ( butter ) or 1/2 a stick
1 cup swiss cheese or your fav. soft wehite cheese.
Directions
Place all of the garlic cloves and onions in a large sauce pan with with the butter and carmalize. Add Chicken stock ,Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add milk and cream to cooking liquid, along with the saffron and thyme. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, with the lid on, until ready to serve.
Preheat broiler to high. Cut the bread into serving piecest. Then, sprinkle each slice with olive oil and some grated cheese, reserving some. Broil bread until cheese topping bubbles.
To serve, place a slice of bread in the bottom of each serving bowl. Pour over hot liquid and sprinkle on remaining cheese.
Gilroy Garlic Soup
Gilroy Garlic Soup
French Garlic Soup
Ingredients
24 garlic cloves, peeled
8 fresh sage leaves
5 cups water, with 2 teaspoons salt added Pinch of saffron
4 slices day old or toasted bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup Gruyere cheese
Directions
Place 22 of the garlic cloves and the sage leaves in a large sauce pan with salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove garlic and sage. Discard the sage and mash the garlic with a mortar and pestle or a fork. Return garlic to the cooking liquid, along with the saffron. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, with the lid on, until ready to serve.
Preheat broiler to high. Cut the remaining garlic cloves in half and rub each slice of bread with it. Then, sprinkle each slice with olive oil and some grated cheese, reserving some. Broil bread until cheese topping bubbles.
To serve, place a slice of bread in the bottom of each serving bowl. Pour over hot liquid and sprinkle on remaining cheese.
French Garlic Soup
Ingredients
24 garlic cloves, peeled
8 fresh sage leaves
5 cups water, with 2 teaspoons salt added Pinch of saffron
4 slices day old or toasted bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup Gruyere cheese
Directions
Place 22 of the garlic cloves and the sage leaves in a large sauce pan with salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove garlic and sage. Discard the sage and mash the garlic with a mortar and pestle or a fork. Return garlic to the cooking liquid, along with the saffron. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, with the lid on, until ready to serve.
Preheat broiler to high. Cut the remaining garlic cloves in half and rub each slice of bread with it. Then, sprinkle each slice with olive oil and some grated cheese, reserving some. Broil bread until cheese topping bubbles.
To serve, place a slice of bread in the bottom of each serving bowl. Pour over hot liquid and sprinkle on remaining cheese.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Plants for your Butterflies
Blooms for Butterflies
While a flower's color, shape or scent will attract butterflies to some degree, the biggest draw by far is the bloom's nectar.
Adult butterflies typically have very cosmopolitan tastes, best served with a smorgasbord of nectar-rich flowers, especially those with flower clusters or daisy-like blooms, such as purple coneflower, mums, yarrow and butterfly weed, as well as tubular or bell-shaped flowers.
Not every nectar flower is suitable as food for butterflies. The amount of nectar a flower produces can vary within the species. Sometimes more fanciful double-flowered varieties are bred to impress the eye and not the appetite. So go with species plants whenever possible, rather than cultivars.
Don't Forget the Caterpillars
In addition to attracting adult butterflies, you can transform any small area into a butterfly nursery. Just grow a few containers of host plants, such as milkweed, mallow or asters. Adult female butterflies lay their eggs on these plants, and young caterpillars feed on them after hatching. Growing caterpillar foods also will bring in more butterflies for longer periods of time. You might even catch sight of species you've never seen before.
Unlike adult butterflies, caterpillars are very picky eaters. As a result, each species seeks out a specific plant or plants for its eggs.
Monarch caterpillars, for example, feed exclusively on milkweed, while skippers mostly feed on grasses, sedges and legumes like wisteria and peas. Host plant preferences can vary within a species. Tiger swallowtails seek out trees like poplars, cherries and tulips, while black and anise swallowtail caterpillars dine on dill, fennel and parsley.
Some winning container combinations to attract several species are milkweed, fennel and grasses; and dogwood and violets with mallow.
With a little planning, you can also make your container garden do double duty. Some nectar sources, like penstemon and nasturtium, also are tasty meals for caterpillars.
Remember that a butterfly container garden isn't limited to patios, decks and entrance areas. Use potted plants to fill in bare spaces in a newly planted perennial bed or garden border. Stagger them on steps, encircle a tree or use them to line a walkway or path. Northern gardeners will need to provide protection for their overwintering plants and shrubs.
One thing is certain: A group of containers in a bright, sunny area can go a long way to providing habitat for butterflies...and a beautiful oasis for you.
While a flower's color, shape or scent will attract butterflies to some degree, the biggest draw by far is the bloom's nectar.
Adult butterflies typically have very cosmopolitan tastes, best served with a smorgasbord of nectar-rich flowers, especially those with flower clusters or daisy-like blooms, such as purple coneflower, mums, yarrow and butterfly weed, as well as tubular or bell-shaped flowers.
Not every nectar flower is suitable as food for butterflies. The amount of nectar a flower produces can vary within the species. Sometimes more fanciful double-flowered varieties are bred to impress the eye and not the appetite. So go with species plants whenever possible, rather than cultivars.
Don't Forget the Caterpillars
In addition to attracting adult butterflies, you can transform any small area into a butterfly nursery. Just grow a few containers of host plants, such as milkweed, mallow or asters. Adult female butterflies lay their eggs on these plants, and young caterpillars feed on them after hatching. Growing caterpillar foods also will bring in more butterflies for longer periods of time. You might even catch sight of species you've never seen before.
Unlike adult butterflies, caterpillars are very picky eaters. As a result, each species seeks out a specific plant or plants for its eggs.
Monarch caterpillars, for example, feed exclusively on milkweed, while skippers mostly feed on grasses, sedges and legumes like wisteria and peas. Host plant preferences can vary within a species. Tiger swallowtails seek out trees like poplars, cherries and tulips, while black and anise swallowtail caterpillars dine on dill, fennel and parsley.
Some winning container combinations to attract several species are milkweed, fennel and grasses; and dogwood and violets with mallow.
With a little planning, you can also make your container garden do double duty. Some nectar sources, like penstemon and nasturtium, also are tasty meals for caterpillars.
Remember that a butterfly container garden isn't limited to patios, decks and entrance areas. Use potted plants to fill in bare spaces in a newly planted perennial bed or garden border. Stagger them on steps, encircle a tree or use them to line a walkway or path. Northern gardeners will need to provide protection for their overwintering plants and shrubs.
One thing is certain: A group of containers in a bright, sunny area can go a long way to providing habitat for butterflies...and a beautiful oasis for you.
Wonderful Garden Wedding Cake Stand
This cake stand was created from wooden logs by Oncewed.
They have posted a tutorial and can be found HERE
Check out there other wonderful wedding and everyday projects.
Easy to make stunning cake stand will find a place in my kiotcken year round.
Enjoy
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Well after a few hours in the ER
Well after a few hours yesterday in the ER I am once again back at the boards.
I will say Redmond Hospital has one of the nicest staff I have ever run into.
So for today I found a very nice Fabric Flower Hair Clip Tutorial HERE at Anniescupboard.
She has a great bunch of ideas worth checking out.
I will say Redmond Hospital has one of the nicest staff I have ever run into.
So for today I found a very nice Fabric Flower Hair Clip Tutorial HERE at Anniescupboard.
She has a great bunch of ideas worth checking out.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sat Morning
Just caught the news about the Alabama shooting and the Olympics death.Snow in Dallas and celebration in Hattie. I have been having chest pains this am and keeping my nitroquick in my pocket again. I don't think I will ever get the quilt done at this rate. My Dr. said to go to the hospital but I don't feel that bad. Blood pressure is way up and I think I will just sit today. If You don't get any updates you will know where I am.
So today just another vintage clip art image to share.
So today just another vintage clip art image to share.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Book Shelfs
This is a new house for me and the floor space is really small.
Hubby built a few book shelf's and I have started to organize the spare room.
Built from pine and screwed in from the top .
Shelf's are 10 inches wide and run all around the top of the room
Only 2 more big floor units to get rid of.
Whoo hooooooooo
Hubby built a few book shelf's and I have started to organize the spare room.
Built from pine and screwed in from the top .
Shelf's are 10 inches wide and run all around the top of the room
Only 2 more big floor units to get rid of.
Whoo hooooooooo
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hump Day
Hump Day
We had forecast for snow but of course not a flake to be found..Went to the Wal-Mart and bought supplies just in case we get snowed in.HAHAHAHAaaa
Called the Dentist to have a couple of teeth pulled out.
Oh Joy of Joys
He got me right in !
The dentist and I had a wonderful time .
Not!
First it took 8 shots to numb me just a bit.
Then the poor man had to stand on his chair with a leg braced to attempt to yank the tooth out.
He then ended up cutting it into pieces and pulling sections out.
3 hours later I said I would come back at another time to get a second tooth out.
For only 336.00 bucks I left 1 tooth lighter.
My recycle tee shirt quilt made of old racing tees , two cotton sheets plus one old blanket still sits waiting to be finished. My poor hubby keeps tripping over the antique ironing board I have set up in the middle of the living room floor and the sewing machine is dead center on the dining room table.
Maybe tomorrow I will feel like working again.
What a wasted day !
We had forecast for snow but of course not a flake to be found..Went to the Wal-Mart and bought supplies just in case we get snowed in.HAHAHAHAaaa
Called the Dentist to have a couple of teeth pulled out.
Oh Joy of Joys
He got me right in !
The dentist and I had a wonderful time .
Not!
First it took 8 shots to numb me just a bit.
Then the poor man had to stand on his chair with a leg braced to attempt to yank the tooth out.
He then ended up cutting it into pieces and pulling sections out.
3 hours later I said I would come back at another time to get a second tooth out.
For only 336.00 bucks I left 1 tooth lighter.
My recycle tee shirt quilt made of old racing tees , two cotton sheets plus one old blanket still sits waiting to be finished. My poor hubby keeps tripping over the antique ironing board I have set up in the middle of the living room floor and the sewing machine is dead center on the dining room table.
Maybe tomorrow I will feel like working again.
What a wasted day !
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Todays Find PAper Template
Today a Heart Basket or two to print and make.
Fold and glue along lines and string a ribbon into the holes.
Happy Valentines
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Todays Find Feb 2010 Yarn Tutorial
Today I ran across this great site with yarns and needlework.
She dyes her yarn to look like Easter eggs.
Wonderful easy tutorial and a very cleaver crafter.
Tutorial Listed HERE
She dyes her yarn to look like Easter eggs.
Wonderful easy tutorial and a very cleaver crafter.
Tutorial Listed HERE
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