Mindy Kuen

Another Craft night at EmmaJean's

2012-01-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Wow - I can hardly believe it's already mid-January! Where has the time gone?

Tomorrow night (From 5-8pm) we will be hosting out monthly craft night at the shop. This month you can stop down and use the giant 2.5" button maker to make your own pin/magnet or sweet pocket mirror. We will have lots of papers & images for you to use, or you can bring your own in - like kids drawings, letters or photos - just be sure they are on regular weight paper & the image you want is around the 2.5" size. The prices will be $3-$4.50

We will also be showing you how to make a wire wrapped birdsnest pendant. The cost will be $9 and will include the nest pendant, a ribbon or ball chain or a key ring.

Please let me know if you have any questions

Mindy

Craft Night Tonight

2011-12-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Stop on by EmmaJean's tonight for a craft night from 5-8pm! We will have 3 different projects going on...

Make your own custom blended body scrubs/bath salts with the ladies from Mind & Body Products
You can make some pretty felt hair clips or headbands with Kelley from Gracie Designs

Or make a hand stamped ornament or jewelry

Prices range from $3-$18 and are kid friendly (with adult supervision)

EmmaJean's Boutique
223 N Main St
Oshkosh, WI 54901

need a laugh??

2011-12-13T07:16:00.000-08:00

this just cracks me up.....

Weekend Recap

2011-12-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Well it was a busy, but relaxing weekend. We had Gallery Walk on Saturday - thank you to all who came down, it was a busy little night at EmmaJean's! We also headed down to the Old World Market and picked up a few fun things. Like these little nesting dolls.

Also Audrey HAD to have this little deer - which looks pretty cute next to the little tree in the kitchen - check out that great holiday packaging tape I found at the store too! What a cute way to make your packages festive.

The girls also found the pickle ornament on the tree - it was so very exciting for them!

Have a great Monday

Snowman Handprint Ornaments

2011-12-03T11:42:00.001-08:00

Here is a nice, fun & easy project to do with your kids. And create a great ornament to hang on your tree or give as gifts.

Supplies-

Glass ball ornament (however many you want to make)

Craft paint - in white, black, orange & any colors you want for scarves

tiny little kid hands!

- paint your babes hand white and have them close their fingers around the ornament, then have them open their hands, set the hand print down to dry - I set them in an egg carton

-after they dry paint on hats if you would like, I used the end of the paint brush to put on the eyes, carrot noses and scarves.

Viola! You are done! You can write their name & year on the bottom if you would with a Sharpie.

The girls "special" trees

2011-11-27T07:11:00.000-08:00

I let the girls each decorate a special golden tinsel tree this year all by themselves. They had a blast and they are beautiful beyond belief.....

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

2011-11-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

The girls and I have been enjoying our time off from work & school. We did a little Black Friday shopping and decorated the inside of the house. I still need to get outside & put out the lights, but I think that will be for later tonight or tomorrow.

Here are photos of our garlands, tree and our elf friend Henry Franken-Dude. Yes, the girls picked out his name.

Don't forget about Small Business Saturday! When you support your local small businesses the money stays right in your community. We are headed out to Downtown Oshkosh in a few minutes to grab a latte at our favorite coffee house & shop Main Street. Hope to see you there!

Handmade for the Holiday - tomorrow

2011-11-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who came down to the craft night - it was an awesome turnout! Can't wait until next month!

Tomorrow is the big show for Oshkosh - Handmade for the Holidays will be from 10-4 at Becket's. The first 50 shoppers will get amazing goodie bags! There will be over 50 vendors and you can get your picture taken with Santa too!

EmmaJean's Boutique is a sponsor for the event so I will be at the show & mom will be at the shop for the day. Hope to see you there!

Craft Night on Thursday!

2011-11-15T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hope to see you there~ It should be a great time......you can pop in for a bit & make some awesome holiday gifts!

Fused Glass Pendants!

2011-11-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

For the craft night on Thursday November 17th we will be having 3 project stations for you to work at....at one of them you will be able to create a fused glass pendant. Here is a sample photo for you! I can't wait to make one for myself. Perhaps in pink!

More details will be posted at www.facebook.com/emmajeansOshkosh or feel free to email me with questions

Fall & All~

2011-10-27T05:52:00.001-07:00

The craft night was a huge success! Thank you to all who came down. If you weren't able to make it we will be hosting a monthly craft night, the third Thursday of each month. For November it will be Nov 17th from 5-8pm. We will be having a few projects that you can "make & take" that evening. Think of it as a gift making night!

This Saturday will be trick-or-treating in downtown Oshkosh, EmmaJean's will be open.

Have a great day!

Mindy

Crafting Workshop Tonight!

2011-10-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

The shop will be open today 10-8 and from 5-8PM we will be hosting a make & take craft night! You can stop in & make your own piece of hand stamped jewelry. Prices are $8-$13 depending on the piece you make.
This is a good kids project too (with parents help) you just need to be able to swing a hammer.
Please email me if you have any questions
mw.kuen@gmail.com

A lovely day for a show!

2011-10-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

It was a blustery weekend! Good thing we were at a lovely indoor show at the Butte des Mortes Country Club. It was hosted by the lovely Sandra Began...here is a photo of the set-up for this year.

Although this post is short, I have to go.....there is a group of kids over all playing dress up & I think it's about to get CRAZY!!! There are fairies, princesses and a dragon and Harry Potter.

Great Show - this weekend!!!

2011-10-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

I will be at the Sandra Began Holiday Preview Event this weekend! Mom will be at the shop & we will have our regular hours both days....

We are also selling tickets for the event - they are only $10 in advance and 100% off the ticket sales is going to Bundle Up Kids/Miracle League Charity!

Hope to see you there!

EmmaJean's Boutique fall hours are-
Wed-Fri 10-6
Saturday 10-2

**Next Thursday we will be open until 8** I will post more info on all the fun soon!

Another First Day of School!

2011-09-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Little Sydney also started preschool this year.....she was SO happy and excited to go! She has gone with for 2 years to drop Audrey off & pick her up at school. Now she got to stay & play - she was beaming.

We also went to the day at the farm just outside of town. There were hay rides, a pumpkin patch, animals to check out and a really good corn-maze. Here is a pic of the girls leading the way thru it.

I hope all of you are also enjoying the crisp fallness to the air! I want to get a few more plants to pop in really quickly this week - wish me luck

They Grow Up SO Fast

2011-09-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

Wow - again I find myself saying I can't believe how quick the kids are growing up and how fast time is just flying by!

Here is a picture from Audrey's first day of school. I think she is really enjoying herself she has already made a few nice friends and they all live close by :)

I will be at the market this weekend and the shop will be open as well. We have been getting in new things each week -I post most of them at www.facebook.com/emmajeansOshkosh

I'll try to keep my blog better updated too - but there is only so much time in a day

Easy Tomato Basil Sauce

2011-08-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

So my tomatoes are starting to roll in. Which is great. They started to ripen a bit late this year so I was a little worried. While I love homemade tomato sauce canning isn't something I enjoy doing, so here is a quick and easy way to make a delicious freezer-friendly sauce.

What you need-

14-16 tomatoes

about 1/2 cup fresh cut basil

1t balsamic vinegar

1t salt

garlic....I think the more the merrier!

1 - 2T of Italian Seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, parsley)

parchment/waxed paper

first - take your tomatoes, clean them off and put an X in the bottom.

Preheat your oven to 375 and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper of waxed paper. If you only have waxed paper that's okay, it will just stick a bit to your pan. Let them roast for about 20 minutes. Take them out & let them cool until you can handle them.

Once cooled peel the skins off & core them, do this over a bowl so any juice is kept. Once all of the tomatoes are peeled/cored you need to squish/cut them all up in your bowl.

When they are all cut up add all of the other ingredients & mix well.

Pour the sauce into clean jars/containers and pop them into the freezer for up to 6 months.

I ended up with several jars today, I put 1 right into the fridge to use for tomorrow's eggplant Parmesan! There is the eggplant I just picked too.

Even after all of the sauce was made, I whipped up some fresh salsa and still have enough left for tomato pie.....that recipe will be posted once I make it - it's from my dad & SO good!

here is the salsa - that one is usually whatever I happen to have around kind of thing....this week it was tomatoes, chives, jalapeno, green/purple bell peppers and come dried cayanne peper & cumin

busy, busy, busy

2011-08-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

We have been busy trying to enjoy the last few days of summer. The girls will be starting school soon and before we know it it's going to be time to carve pumpkins and plan a Thanksgiving dinner. WOW. Things at the shop are going great. We just picked up a few odds-n-ends for a new window display, that is next on the to-do list. I'll leave you with a pic of the girls outside color with chalk & playing house outside.....

the Opening.....

2011-08-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how wonderful this weekend has been! We had our grand opening at the shop. So many people came out to check it out, we felt truly honored.

This is an "aerial view" of the shop during on Saturday.

And here is also on of a happy Mindy & Tammy!

This week I think I will be skipping the Appleton Market & REALLY get caught up with my sewing. I have had people ordering purses since my stock of them has been so low. That is a good thing though I guess because I haven't been able to keep up :) I also have an awesome new hat to make more of too, and I need to restock Anthology. YIKES! I better get off the computer & get to it.

It's Grand Opening Time!

2011-08-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

We have had EmmaJean's open for a glorious 4 weeks now. It has been wonderful to say the least. There have been new friendships made and many wonderful handcrafted goodies have found new homes. We have been so pleased with the feedback we have been getting from shoppers. I feel so lucky!
To help celebrate we will be having our GRAND OPENING this Saturday night during Downtown's Gallery Walk (www.oshkoshgallerywalk.com) . We will be having a few giveaways (an adorable mommy & me apron set AND gift certificates too!)
The ladies from Mind & Body Products will also be at the shop and you will be able to try out all of their great bath & body products out.
I hope to see you there!

EmmaJean's Boutique
223 N Main St
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Wed-Fri 10-5
Saturday 10-2, grand opening celebration 6-9pm

Craftacular - this weekend!

2011-07-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

In addition to the Downtown Market this Saturday in Appleton I will also be heading down to Madison for the 7th annual Craftacular. It is an amazing show for sure! I always end up meeting great people and getting a few new things for myself there! The first 50 shoppers will be getting a goodie bag too!

Sunday July 24th from 10-5

East Side Club

3735 Monona Drive

Madison, WI

A "lazy" Sunday

2011-07-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning at the beach today.....it was so nice! There was also an Art Fair in town today so the girls & I headed over there after swimming. It started to rain a bit, but we were still wet from swimming so it didn't matter too much!

We picked up a few pretties for the garden & scored an AWESOME little school desk from a lady who bought it on an impulse from a rummage sale.

Have a great Monday!

We are O~P~E~N

2011-07-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yep....EmmaJean's Boutique is officially open! I can't even believe it. It was such an amazing feeling after the first day, like I can really cross something off of my life-goals list (having a shop was on there)

So needless to say I have been busier than a bee. But it is all worth it.

We will be open

Wednesday-Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-2

I have been posting pictures and info on www.facebook.com/emmajeansOshkosh

Please stop by & check us out!

223 Main St

Oshkosh, WI 54901

920-479-6078

Ahhh...The First Day of Summer

2011-06-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the first day of summer here. We spent some time at the beach. Yep - the kids are wearing coats and pants. It was 60 and rainy, but that didn't stop us from getting to the beach. We all wore our rainboots & went in the water. The girls had fun digging in the shells. Maybe it will get warmer some day!

It's Like Christmas - EVERYDAY

2011-06-14T18:14:00.001-07:00

So this week has been the most amazing mail week EVER! I have come home to boxes (yes, plural) each day this week.

And it is all goodies for the shop! Here are a few pics of things that have come in this week. We have delicious soap from Blushie and jewelry and hair clips from Molly of Whimsy House. I will share more photos things soon! Off to sew - the first market is this weekend too!

EmmaJean's Boutique

2011-06-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I can't believe it. We can start to set up the shop later this week. I feel like someone should pinch me & see if I wake up.

I will post pics soon.

Also - the Appleton Market starts this weekend!

We are on facebook now too - www.facebook.com/emmajeansOshkosh

Fly Free!

2011-06-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

So after a morning filled with painting & window display shopping (okay, and some ice cream too!) we came home and I left the back door open while I unloaded the car. Well then I got talking to the neighbor about her hostas and a few minutes later Audrey comes outside and says - Mumma - there is a bird in our house! It's okay, but Lola (our cat) is trying to play with it!

So I can inside to see what was going on...sure enough - there was a little birdie in the house! It ended up flying to the window so I quick popped the screen out & it flew away but for once I had my camera handy!

Teacher Gifts!

2011-06-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

I finished up all of the teacher gifts last night! I had an order for a few & needed to make some for Audrey to take. I think they turned out great! They are keychains that say INSPIRE BELIEVE TEACH on them with a few pretty beads at the top.

Things for the shop are moving right along! We painted the main walls and now just have the window area to paint.
The signs have been ordered and we have the most AMAZING, talented artists/crafters who will be consigning with us. I'll post pics as the goodies come in.

Whirlwind of a week

2011-05-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

This week has been a whirlwind for sure.

The week started out on a sad note as my Aunt passed away after loosing her 2 year battle with ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease.

Then on a completely different wave we found out that a store front my mom & I had wanted was going to be OUR storefront. We had been eyeing this place up and had been in contact with the owners for the better part of 2 months.

Now it has been amazing being able to ask my crafty friends and people who I have admired if they would honor us by selling their handcrafted goods in our very own shop. That has been wonderful.

We are still looking for consignors for the shop. So if you are interested please email me for details.

Here are pics of what I have been working on.

I'll keep you updated on things!

Sneak Peek

2011-05-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

from the street (on Main Street)

from the back room

from the door

And the GIANT front windows..........EmmaJean's Boutique is COMING SOON!

Welcome Home!

2011-05-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

You nasty bugs! I thought with the cooler temps this spring and the late blooming of everything that we would be spared the wrath of the lake flies. I was WRONG. They are here in full force. I just repainted my trim on the garage and the front windows too! Looks like that will have to get done again.

This is the view from the front of our house this morning

this is right next to the mailboxes - imagine getting your mail in this!

Here is a view from the windows last night. The bugs have just about doubled since this picture.

The only good news is they don't last too long, but the cleanup isn't fun and they leave behind these green spots everywhere.

Um - WINNING!

2011-05-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yippee for me! I just won this pattern-

From this blog
http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/

I can't wait to make myself pretty new grocery bags! Yes, I am a reuseable grocery bag person, but now I have the plain old ones that I got for free with the newspaper. Not too cute! But these will be beautiful & they fold up like a brown bag for storage!

Lots going on this week - will post more later!

Up & Running

2011-05-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

www.EmmaJeansBoutique.etsy.com

Well I FINALLY got my other etsy site up & running. It will have my sewn goodies in it. So far I have 4 things in there, but I am still listing more.

I tried out my new light box. It worked pretty good (I think!) I am still learning how to use the lighting on the outside, but for a few quick pictures taken on my craft table I think they are nice.

Today if the weather stays nice I want to start to scrape the paint off the front windows so I can repaint them before I put the window boxes up.

Have a great day!

Another Deal!

2011-04-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.groopdealz.com/

$4 for this bracelet!

Thrifty is Nifty!

2011-04-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all - I am running a few select specials this week.

Today on http://www.thriftyseeker.com/ you can get this pendant for only $5!! Just in time for Mother's day or graduation. So get on over there & check it out.

Stamping Workshop This Weekend!

2011-04-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

I will be at the Glitter Workshop (Mineral Point Rd)in Madison this Saturday from 10-1 hosting a hand stamped jewelry workshop. You can come in & make something for Mother's Day, a special graduation gift or a great gift for yourself. I will have TWO stamping stations going so it should be great. I also have a new set of letter stamps and new bracelets too.

It will be a drop by kind of day so stop in whenever works for you - no need to register.

See you then

Smile!

2011-04-06T06:24:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...those silly girls....here they are just after dance class.

And this is what they are like at home. Almost always in dress-up clothes, but acting goofy. I love those crazy kids.

My new workspace

2011-04-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

So....I finally took the plunge & decided to rearranged the house. I L-O-V-E it! My only regret is that I didn't do this a long time ago.

Now I have a sewing table AND a work table. And I am moving all of my crafting supplies from the side porch into the room as well. Here is a picture of my fabric. I "cut back" my fabric but it still doesn't all fit on this shelf so I have my flannel/fleece in a different cabinet. Also the kids have been using the table every day. They have been painting & coloring at it.

Wow

2011-03-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go!? I have been a busy bee making bracelets for my groopdealz offer - which was a great success I am so happy they featured me! I plan on having them all out by tomorrow so I can crack down on getting ready for summer markets. They will be here before I know it.

I have made a new bracelet style and LOVE it. Other than that I am just waiting for spring - patiently. And I have been ordering lots of great new fabrics for purses & headbands!

I hope you are all having a great week.

~SALE~ on Groopdealz.com

2011-03-05T04:34:00.000-08:00

SO for those of you who haven't heard of Grropdealz.com it is a website that offers amazing deals on goodies - often times handcrafted. I have gotten rings & a headband from there.

Anyways I AM ON THERE TODAY! Offering you a handstamped bracelet for $4! The deal is good for only today so be sure to pounce on it!

http://groopdealz.com/index/index-home

There is the link for you

New Goodies!

2011-03-04T04:35:00.000-08:00

Yippee!! I have made a few new things lately that I will be "debuting" at the trunk show tomorrow.

I made wristlets - in all sorts of yummy fabrics. They are lined, have a pocket & a zipper - its like the perfect little purse.

There are new bracelet styles too. I will have them made from multiple strands of cotton cording or glass beads.

And I'm bringing back an oldie, but a goodie Since this show is called the LUCK of the craft & Saint Patty's day is just around the corner I have made a bunch of my LUCKY penny goodies. I'll have rings and necklaces too.

Hope to see you there!

Luck of the Craft

At the GlitterWorshop

Mineral Point Road

Madison, WI

Saturday March 5th

10-5

4 Cheese Pasta Florentine Recipe

2011-03-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best new recipes I have tried in awhile. It was even a little bit more delish on day #2 for lunch!

3 c uncooked mostaccioli noodles

1 pkg (8 - 10 oz) frozen chopped spinach

4 oz cream cheese - cube it up

1 c Cottage Cheese

2 eggs

8 oz (1 small package) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 c Parmesan cheese

-cook pasta according to directions on package

-thaw/cook spinach according to the package as well. Once the spinach is ready & drained add it with the cream cheese in a medium/large bowl & mix until the cheese melts.

-Then add the cottage cheese and eggs - stir well.

-once the pasta has cooked drain it and add it to the spinach mix, stir in the mozzarella cheese.

-Put mixture in an 8" or 9" dish. Then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

-Bake for about 25 Minutes at 375 - or until the center is set.

I paired this up with soft rolls and garlic green beans/carrots last night - it was really good & smelled great while it cooked!

My Next Show

2011-02-24T06:28:00.000-08:00

I will be at the Luck of the Craft Trunkshow at The GlitterWorkshop in Madison.

It will be on Saturday March 5th. There will be 5 other talented ladies there too showing their wares. The store will also be packed with handmade & vintage goodness as always.

I'll have a HUGE selection of girls skirts, hand stamped jewelry, hair accessories and some great new purses - wait - did you say purses? Yes, I sure did. I have been in a funk lately with sewing so I decided that I NEEDED to make something different & new. And I am having so much fun making them. Stop by and see the new goodies.

Yummy & EASY Cake Ball Recipe

2011-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

For Valentines Day we made these delish little cake balls.......here is the so easy recipe

~the ball is the one on the top....the others are covered oreos~

1 box cake mix, bake the cake according to the directions on the box

1 tub of frosting

Almond Bark "candy" coating or Ambrosia Chocolate, whichever you have

Optional-

gel food coloring for almond bark

sprinkles

a little veg shortening to thin the almond bark - I like a thin coating

a cookie scoop - it makes the "balling" part SO easy!

-make the cake according to the box, let cool then crumble it up into a bowl

-add 3/4 of the frosting container.....use the remainder for graham crackers or late night snacking!

- Mix it well, it will get doughy

-scoop the dough out unto wax paper lined cookie sheets, cover then let chill overnight in the fridge, or if you are in a hurry let them cool in the freezer for about 30 minutes

-once they are chilled melt your bark, I like to thin it a bit with the shortening and then add a little colorant - this time it was pink.

- I used a slotted spoon to dunk the balls in the bark, then the slots in the spoon drained the extra right back in to the bowl

-sprinkle with jimmies if you'd like.

If it's warm out you can keep them in the fridge until they are ready to eat ....they keep well in an air tight container

Valentine Treats

2011-02-13T17:05:00.000-08:00

Ah...what a lovely weekend......the girls started dance class this weekend. It was a trip for sure. They both were so excited to get on their leotards and sparkly headbands and tights. When we got there they were happy too...until they went into the studio/gym and they separated the girls. Sydney panicked and started to cry. I had to go in there to calm her down. When class was over and we went to get ready to leave she got all excited about going back in to the gym. So we peeked in and there was another small class starting and they let the girls join in. Syd & Audrey had a great time. Yippee

Also we made treats for Audrey to take to school for Valentine's Day. We made chocolate covered oreos and cake balls. They are so easy to make! I'll post instructions later!

~~Snow Day~~

2011-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Well there was lots of snow for us last night....so today Audrey had no school & I stayed home from work and we had a snow day. I got some sewing & baking done and we were able to do a little sledding too!

I hope you all are staying warm.....

And The Winner Is....

2011-01-28T21:48:00.001-08:00

Aimee......

You have won the pendant or bracelet. Please contact me with your friends info & I will get her gift on the way.

Thank you to all who entered!

No One Mourns The Wicked

2011-01-27T10:25:00.001-08:00

So....last night my mom and I went out last night to dinner, the fabric store and then onto see Wicked. Sounds great I know!

This was the first musical I have been too & I was a little nervous that I wouldn't like it. But I did! I was wonderful & so entertaining. If you get the chance to catch it - I highly recommend it!

I was really impressed with the story line and how it ties everything together with the Wizard of Oz (which is my moms favorite movie, that's why we went to this). It was so clever and interesting. There was such a unique spin on the characters even if you've seen the Wizard of Oz a million times this will surprise and entertain you.

Is It Spring Yet?? Also A Sale!

2011-01-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

Well it is on my kitchen counter now! I saw this cute little primrose plant at the grocery store and knew I needed it in my kitchen. I am just trying to patiently wait until it is nice enough to play outside and see the green grass...until then this will have to do!

Also - I am running a sale on brag pendants until 2/7/11. They will be $8 for a pendant, $12 with a chain. $2 shipping or free pick up/delivery in town. Please email (mw.kuen@gmail.com) me if you'd like to order one. They would make a great Valentine's Day gift!

Thank You!

2011-01-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

The stamping workshop was a big success! Thank you to everyone who took the time to head on over to the GlitterWorkshop and stamp something. If you missed it or had such a great time you can't wait for another class there will be one in April.
It will be just in time for Mother's Day & you can make your mom or grandma or yourself a little something special......
Of course there will be more details to follow.

Right now I have filled all of my orders and am getting new pictures taken of my goodies to put online.
And I have about a million projects piling up. I am still trying to get ahead for the summer market. It's hard to think about getting ready for summer, but it will be here before I know it.

Hand Stamped Jewelry Workshop

2011-01-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will be at the Glitter Workshop in Madison. You can stop in anytime from 12-3 and make your own pendant ($9) hemp or faux suede style bracelet ($8) or key chain ($8).

They would make a great Valentine's Day gift too!

Stop by~

The GlitterWorkshop

6138 Mineral Point Road

Madison WI

608-238-3264

noon-3pm

http://www.theglitterworkshop.com/

Not All Bad......Giveaway

2011-01-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

So a few Days ago I posted about how upset I have been with rude people out & about these days. While I think there are plenty of jerks out there......not everyone is one.

Take April here from http://www.bysmallmeans.wordpress.com/ she also runs http://www.bysmallmeansgiftofgiving.wordpress.com/ which is a site where she makes things and then sends them to someone as a gift. No strings attached. She just does it because she likes to make things and enjoys giving a little something back. I was lucky enough to have one of her books sent to my mom who has been looking for a nice covered book. This photo is from her Etsy shop.

I have decided to do something similar to keep her giving favor going. So I will send out a little gift to someone who you feel needs one. It could be a bracelet or a pendant. You can pick the name/saying/phrase that goes on it. You just need to leave a comment & I'll have the good old number generator select a "winner" and I'll contact you for the mailing info. I'll leave it open thru Friday Januart 28th.

The Lost Art of Good Manners

2011-01-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

I must be getting old. I am noticing the lack of good - even decent manners more & more these days.

The last week has been especially trying on the nerves. It all started with a trip to Hobby Lobby. The girls & I went there after work and had filled our cart with some 90% off clearance holiday trimmings. As we got to the counter to check out it was pretty busy so we picked a line & waited our turn. The girls were laughing & playing with the stuff in the cart & having a good time. Hob Lob opened up another lane & people rushed over to check out quicker. We were unloading our cart of goodies onto the counter when I noticed the cute little old lady behind me that had 1 hank of embroidery floss. I asked if she wanted to go ahead of me. She looked at the kids & politely declined probably thinking we wanted to get out of there. I insisted she go ahead of us (although another lady had offered her to go ahead of her full cart after hearing our conversation, but our line was quicker) - we had a cart full & she was out the door before we were done anyways.
While leaving the store with the cart I had to finagle the door open - have you guys ever been to Hobby Lobby? The doors weigh a ton & aren't sensored. While I struggle with the door there are people coming & going out of the door next to me - not 1 person tried to help. While I glanced behind me I noticed a lady with 1 arm having the same struggle I was with the doors. Again no one helped her with the door. Once I got my cart thru I did go & get the door for her as well as she commented on their need for electric doors & I thought no - we just need more people with good manners.

The next day we went to the library. I had lost my card so I had to go to the desk for a replacement card. While I was getting my new card another person approached the counter. She told the librarian that she wanted to know how much the would charge her if she kept the book she had checked out. She asked for her library card or ID. She woman quickly gave her an ID. The librarian asked - did you happen to have your library card (she still had her wallet out) The woman got very rude and said - you said my card or ID - there is my ID. The librarian replied, yes, but it is easier to look up your account with your card. The woman grabbed her ID back and hollered at her "well I guess you don't want my money then!!" The librarian calmly said - well I guess not. The woman become even more angry and asked for her supervisors name. She replied "Ruth". Then the crabby customer asked what the phone number was there - the librarian started telling her the number and the women screamed at her - NO! You write it down for me! . And she did & the lady stormed off. I gave the librarian my number in case the woman did call & complain. It was crazy, like she went there to pick a fight. Who does that? Oh, and while looking for a spot to park we were cut off by some guy who speed thru & cut across lanes to park in the spot we were about to.

Then this morning I pulled up to the library to return a couple of books. I noticed someone had pulled in behind me so I put all of my books in & closed the book return door - only to find it was FULL and some of my books were jammed. So I tried to get them unstuck as quick as I could. I motioned to the lady behind me that it was jammed & she glared at me & pulled around to the next drop box, only she was so huffy about it she parked so stupidly that she couldn't reach the box & had to get out of her car. There was also a car behind her that I motioned to let know this box was jammed so he didn't have the same problem as I did. He just looked at me & peeled away.

Who are you people? Where are your manners?

I'll get into my Wal Mart story tomorrow. I'm just not up for it today.

Wow - it's 2011 already?

2011-01-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go? The last couple weeks here have been busy ones. We've had colds, the flu and just have been busy trying to get our life back in the swing of things.

I made a new girls skirt! I just love it! There will be sizes 2-8 available. I am working on stocking them up right now for the summer market.

The skirts would not have been made with out this thing. My new serger. I have to admit I was a little intimidated by it at first, but after having to rethread the thing 3 minutes after it was out of the box it took the edge off of it!

There is also a heaping pile of headbands in the works too. I hope all of your New Years are going well too!

Sneak Preview

2010-12-28T20:21:00.001-08:00

Here is a sneak preview of a little something I have been working on......I am so in love with the felt flowers my pretty winter hats that I needed something I could wear them on year round....I also foresee different flowers in the near future.....

And then it's all over....

2010-12-27T19:35:00.001-08:00

What a fun filled holiday season we had this year. We were able to spend time with loved ones and eats lots of treats. While I shopped the 50% off deals today I am already making plans for next Christmas season. Little Audrey fell in love with my mom's all pink tree (yes - all pink.....the lights, the ornaments, the beads even her wrapping paper is pink) so I started picking up pink trimmings for a tree just for the girls to decorate next year all in pink. I even found pink globe LED lights.

The holidays were also filled with thoughtful & wonderful gifts. The girls received a large (8') trampoline from Santa. It is in the play room right now but will go outside when the weather gets nicer. They love it & it is a great way for them to exercise & burn off some energy during the winter. I was lucky & was given a serger from my mom! Now I feel really official like I can take my sewing to another level - so LOOK OUT!

I am also planning a workshop at the Glitter Workshop in January where you can come down & make some great handstamped gifts for Valentines Day! You can make a bracelet, pendant or keychain. More details to follow of course.

Well - by some miracle both of my kids are sleeping & I have slim pickins' left for headbands so I am off to cut a bunch!

I hope all of your holidays were great too!

Holiday Cocoa Mix

2010-12-15T04:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a delish recipe for making hot chocolate. I like to put it in a jar with a pretty lid and pair it with fun flavored marshmallows.

1-1/2 cup cocoa powder (I use Hershey's)

3c powdered sugar

5c powdered milk

1c powdered creamer

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp allspice

mix in a bowl & put into jar/bag. Use 2-3 rounded spoonfuls - depends on the size of the mug & your flavor preference!

To make a minty varitey crush up some candy canes into the mix.

What's Cookin'.....

2010-12-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

Wow - I can't believe it's December already! YIKES!! Luckily we do have our tree up & the house is decorated. Most of our shopping is all done we just have 1 more gift to buy & a few to create. No sweat.......but......I have a show this coming weekend! I feel really unprepared for it - but I can only do so much.

I have had fun making some soy candles that I will have at the show. There are 4 yummy flavors - Candy Cane Lane, Home for the Holidays, Crisp Cotton and Magnolia Blossom. They make great teacher or hostess gifts too. That is if you can part with them yourself.

My mom came over & made cookies with the girls tonight too. Little kids & sprinkles. You can imagine what the floor looks like.

So if you are in the Madison areas this Saturday head on over to the East Side Club on Monona Drive. There will be 50 goodie bags going out to the first customers & I have a nice coupon in there too.

I'll have a post soon for a delish hot cocoa mix recipe. Take care!

Stamping Workshop!

2010-11-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Craft Lounge was this past weekend & it was great. It was a craft show like no other I have been to. Here people weren't just selling their wares, but many also had a project to do while you were there or a fun take home kit. Projects ranged from making paper wreaths, sock monkeys, making a paper ornament, assembling your own enamel earrings (I am wearing a pair right now) and other goodies. I had a stamp your own ornament/bracelet station. I wasn't sure how it would turn out going into it, but it was a blast! People really seemed to have fun creating their own unique gift.

After I got home on Saturday I had emails from people saying what a nice time they had.....I also received an interesting email from Laura at Anthology (the hosts of the show) asking if I would come to their shop & host a little workshop any time in the near future.....so I will be at Anthology 218 State Street Madison WI this Saturday from 12-3 for a stamp your own ornament workshop!

Come down & make your own piece of hand stamped goodness!

Hope to see you there.

Sigma Show Tomorrow!

2010-11-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow I will be at the Sigma Holiday House Show in Fond du Lac.

The show runs from 9-3 and is at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. There will be over 60 vendors there, live music, delish bakery & lunch and will also have a silent auction!

This will be my last show in the area before Christmas (the rest are all in Madison), so stop down & see the new goodies. I'll have hats, headbands, stylin' onesies, hand stamped bracelets & pendants as well as my new ornaments.

My Helpers

2010-11-12T04:50:00.000-08:00

I have been busy this week trying to get ready for the Sigma House Show next week. Good thing I have had such good helpers they took some time off while playing dress up & helped me put flowers on my hats the other night - it was interesting.

We also have adopted a new doggy recently too. His name is Tyson & he is a Japanese Chin. Here is a not so great picture of him. Next time I'll have to try & get one while he's sleeping so he doesn't rush the camera.

Here is what I have been up to

2010-11-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

I have been a busy little bee lately! I have a new style of pendant - here is a picture. It was hard for me to get a good pic, but they are really neat! They are now at Dainty Daisies & my shows.

I also made cool & comfy new winter hats. They are a cloche style, they remind me of the 40's. They are made of fleece so they are warm, and fit about ages 7-adult. Those are also at Dainty Daisies & my shows.

And a friend is opening a shop in Madison called the Glitter Workshop. It is located at 6138 Mineral Point Road in the Homestead Shoppes. The grand opening in Saturday Nov 13th. I have sent her goodies including these - hand stamped ornaments! I really love they way they turned out. They are about 2" diameter & are nice & light so they won't pull down the branches of your tree.

Well, we need to have breakfast & got some more sewing done. My next show is in 2 weeks. YIKES!

Trick or Treat

2010-11-01T06:53:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely time trick-or-treating last night.....The girls had a blast & were SO excited when I told them that they can put their costumes into their dress-up clothes.

Syd went to bed in her PJ's & when I woke up she had her costume on.....too cute....

The Show....

2010-10-26T08:09:00.001-07:00

So, the Holiday Preview Show was this past weekend. I had a blast! Sold some goodies, bought some goodies & made a new friend! A successful weekend for sure.

Here is a pic of the display. I have to say it did look better in person! But I was happy with the way it turned out. I have a few orders I am finishing up from the show and then on to restocking the shops I consign in.

The big sellers for the weekend were hats and headbands.

Where does the time go?

2010-10-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Ugh - do you ever just feel like the days are just melting by? I have had that feeling a lot lately. There were grand visions of craft projects to be done, pies to be made, Princess costumes to be sewn, bulbs to be planted, pumpkins to be carved and construction to be rolling along........I am sad to report that we are officially behind schedule. But it seems that is the way it goes sometimes.

I have a big (well okay - hopefully big) show this weekend and I only have 3 days to finish getting prepared. I have a bit of everything to work on for it, so it always feels like nothing is getting accomplished. Sigh......

Well, enough of my pity-party, I have too much to do! Wish me luck!

ps- I have no idea where this pic is from, but isn't it just cute? I can just picture the girls doing this.

Holiday Preview Show Coming Up!

2010-10-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

It is just about time for Sandra Began's Holiday Preview Show.......Yippee! There are amazing goodie bags for the first 100 customers each day and there are great local artisans/crafters as well as local small businesses there.

I was at the show last year as well and had a great time. Hope to see you there!

There is an admission charge ($10 ahead, $15 at the door) and all of the money is donated to local charities.

Hope to see you there!

new banner for my etsy shop

2010-10-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

So I felt like my etsy shop was a little tired looking so I got a fresh new banner for it.

I have worked with Noa from Grain ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/grain ) before & she is great. I can describe something to her & BAM - she sends me just what I was picturing! And she is very quick with her turnaround time. I would highly recommend her for your graphic needs. And if you are like me you need all the help you can get!

Well, I'll be at the Appleton Market this weekend - so head on down! I have a new style of pendant & lots of new headbands

Yikes

2010-10-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit but this is a photo of my sewing table today......it is a disaster area. I'd like to pretend like this isn't how it normally looks - but it is. But the pile of projects/supplies does vary.

Today it's a heap of headbands. And a large pile of onesies.

Good thing I have such good helpers!

..~~..Have A Magical Day..~~..

2010-10-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Ahh....we have been out of town the last couple weeks......we took a drive to Florida & visited my dad and made a trip over to Disney. It was a great vacation. I read a book and didn't sew or create (even though I did take my machine with me.....I have issues I know)

It was 80-90 while we were there & we did lots of swimming. In the pool & the Gulf. And on the drive back we had to stop & put sweatshirts and pants on.....When we got home it was fall.

I also got to stop at Ikea and we picked out a new bathroom vanity/sink & mirror, which is good because just before we left I came home from work to see this in our bathroom. (yes, that is WIll pounding holes in to the wall - the wall is all gone now) Our bathroom was UGLY before and it really needed a face lift. Always something to do I guess! But we did find this newspaper in the wall - it is dated December 31st, 1916! Pretty fun....

Well, I am officially behind on my projects now. I had planned on making a bunch of hats while I was down there for my winter goodies, but I didn't make a single one. So I will be finishing unpacking today and fill a couple orders from the market that I had got just before we left....

Have a great day!

Oh where does the time go?

2010-09-14T04:22:00.000-07:00

The days of summer seem to have just flown by......I am not really sure where they went or what we all did but fall is upon us.

The husband & I did manage a little antiquing time recently...here are some of my finds

I found these cute mugs - they are melamine with a metal handle.

And this cute little iron table - the girls have loved playing with it & their dolls.

The girls also had a nail painting party with new glitter polish...

School Days

2010-09-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Little Audrey started 4k this year....sniffle....snifflle. She loved it! Here are a few pics from the day. Syd also was really excited to go with, but she isn't quite old enought yet. But she had a good time taking Audrey.

Whoa

2010-09-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

After a REALLY windy day at the Appleton Market I came home & the girls dragged me into the backyard. They HAD to show me something.....I even had to keep my eyes closed until we were there. This is what they had found.

There were tons of butterflies in our trees and flying everywhere. It was amazing. They were flying around with the crazy swarms of dragonflies we've been having too.

Audrey was feeling daring too.

Aren't they just beautiful?!

Another One Bites the Dust

2010-08-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Sigh......I am sad to say I have burnt out another iron.......it happened while I was cutting fabric this morning.....I only had 2 more pieces to cut (and my work clothes). All of a sudden it wasn't steaming, wasn't hot & water was pouring out of the bottom steam holes. I did manage to finish cutting my fabric (luckily it wasn't wrinkly fabric) and I had to dig in my closet for unwrinkled clothes. I think this is my third iron in the last few years.......sigh.....I do love the thought of a new iron though, as I really didn't like the last one - it had an auto shut off so it turned itself off every 1/2 hour - no matter what.....kind of inconvenient when you sew......

Face Books #1 Idiot = ME!

2010-08-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

I am starting to think I am the only person out there who completely does not understand Face Book. I just don't get it. While it is kinda neat tracking down an old friend you may have lost touch with I pretty much am baffled after that point. I don't get the updates & the "likes" and all the cause-invites and suggestions. Like I went on today & found an MIA friend & I think I sent her a friend-request....but I'm not 100% sure.....and then I have a profile pic now too - but one I never put online.....too much for me to figure out. But sometimes I feel like I am missing out on something there....not sure what....but something....

Am I getting old? I didn't think so, but maybe.....just maybe.....

....Wow.....

2010-08-18T06:51:00.001-07:00

Well, I have had 4 shows over the last week.....that was A LOT. I think I have found my "too much" point........but, it's over & I made it!

The Saturday Market was wonderful as usual - I am so grateful to have that venue for my goodies!

On Sunday we were at the beautiful East Side Country Club in Madison - right on Lake Monona. It was lovely - I was right on the water. It was a bit breezy though - but that breeze kept the bugs away & kept it cool outside. I picked up some great cards & messenger bags while I was there too.

I am going to try 2 new projects this week.....my fun new fall/winter ideas. And I have lots of new recipes to post, but by the end of the day have been too pooped out to want to type them!

2 shows this weekend!

2010-08-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Wow - I have 2 shows again this weekend! Yikes! Tomorrow (Saturday July 14th) I will be a the Downtown Appleton Market from 8-12:30

And then Sunday I will be in Madison at the summer Craftacular.....the first 50 shoppers are getting crazy goodie bags - so get there early!

Wish me luck!

Itsy Bitsy Yoga

2010-08-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

I was thinking it would be fun to teach the girls yoga so we could have a nice relaxing wind-down to the end of the day. I went online and found this book "Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddles & Preschoolers".

It came in the mail yesterday so after the girls bath I asked them if they wanted to try it. They did....it was GREAT! They were so excited & had so much doing the poses that we finished the nighttime routine & they were asking for more so we went thru and did most of the poses in the book. They were having so much fun and so was I. If you are thinking about trying yoga out with your little ones I would definitely recommend this book to you.

Namaste!

Show this Sunday in Oshkosh

2010-08-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Sorry for my lack of posting, but hey, it's summer! :)

I will be attempting a double show weekend coming up (and next weekend too!) I will have the Appleton Market on Saturday and then on Sunday the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley is having a art/craft show right in Oshkosh so I will be there as well - wish me luck!!

Hope to see you this weekend!

I won't let the fame get to me.....

2010-07-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

HA HA HA!

Fox 11 news made it down to the market last weekend & I was lucky enough to get interviewed -(thanks again Allison!)

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/good_day_wi/local-finds-appleton-farm-market

click on the "click to watch"

I hope it doesn't pour tomorrow....if it does I will not be heading to the market.......

A good hair day

2010-07-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was little my mom used to put foam rollers in my hair at night when it was wet & in the morning I would have curls........Audrey asked me if I could put curlers in her hair! How fun. So after her bath we did...and her hair was nice & bouncy the next day. After I took her picture she really wanted to take a pic of Syd so this is it!

Hope you all had a great Monday

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

2010-07-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

1 c Peanut Butter

1 c Sugar plus a little extra for rolling

1 egg

1 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 325.

Mix all ingredients. Roll rough into 1" balls, then roll the balls in a little dish of sugar to coat them. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet & then press a fork into the top to make a criss-cross. Bake for about 15 minutes.

Enjoy

The Market

2010-07-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well, it was another successful market day...thank you SO much to all of you who made it downtown. I wasn't very happy with the way I was displaying the clothes so my mom & I went to the store & found this neat "portable closet". It worked great. We just didn't put the wheels on it. The skirts & tunics looked so nice hanging up there and a lot more people seemed to notice them.

The display is still kind of utilitarian - not "pretty" like some peoples.....Andrea.....now I just need to figure out something for my cuff bracelets - I have an idea in my head....Ijust need to find the perfect thing. (and no, that is not me smiling back there it is - http://mindandbodyproducts.com

My week off is over as of tomorrow. I am sad to say I didn't get my to-do list finished. Maybe next time I won't have such a long list! Seems like a good solution to that problem.

Today we want to get to the beach and plan on grilling out later. Oh and a little cleaning of course. We will have our EAA guests here in 2 short weeks too! Where does the time go?

Ah to be young & dress yourself.....

2010-07-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

The girls & I were heading outside to play.....I asked them to go get shoes on......they were gone for awhile......a little too long......I peeked in their room & saw them digging thru their dress up clothes. This is what they came up with to go play in

Syd did pick out her own accessories too!

We also went to the 4th of July parade this week - this is the bowl with all the goodies they got from it - holy cow! This is the same bowl we put the trick-or-treat candy in.....but it wasn't even this full. I don't remember that happening when I was a kid!

In Bloom

2010-07-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

This year we have planted quite a bit. We have a veggie garden that has tomatoes, green peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, watermelon, honeydew melon, pumpkins and an herb garden. The herbs & tomatoes are doing GREAT. The other stuff not so much. Which is weird to me since it's all in the same garden - so the same water, sun and dirt.....but who knows. I am very happy to report that a cherry tomato is finally ready for the picking!

We also planted flowers. Annuals - sweet potato vine, dianthus, coleus and a few others I can't recall....Perennials - lilies, lavender, buttercup, primrose, hosta, roses and 2 arbor vitae shrubs. I really have been having fun with planting this year (which is pretty much only my second year of planting)

When we bought our house a few years back it was zoned "prairie land". For real. The front yard did not have a stitch of grass. Now this look can be really neat, but not if you plant shade plants in full sun & let it get so overgrown with weeds and yarrow & daisies. Our family & neighbors came by & took the plants they wanted and we tilled & leveled the rest. Our yard was essentially barren for a couple years. There was always something else to do. Like put a new porch on, or finish the garage before putting plants in. Now those tasks are done (there are still many more around the house - don't worry) and we have started planting. the back yard still doesn't have too much because we'd like to put up a fence & want to plant after that.

The photos are of our blooms......there are cone flower, roses, the little tomato, my new succulent garden and out most prized blooms of all.....

The official start of my "vacation"

2010-07-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

Ahh....today is the official start of my time off from work. I took some time off to get a few projects done. I intend to paint our upstairs as we have it rented for EAA and then intend on moving the bedrooms up there (and then I will have my very own craft-room! be still my heart!) So anyways I decided to start in the front room. I bought gallons of Zinsser primer & was going to get it all primed & then work on the painting. Well.....I have to remember that when you start even the simplest projects on a 90+ year old house sometimes you get more than you bargained for.

I had started to sand down the trim & noticed a little bulge in the paint along the baseboard. I kind of poked at it. I realized the paint was coming off the walls....so I pulled at that spot.....the paint just fell off......all the way down to the cement board. So then I couldn't stop my self & I kept peeling the paint back. But wait - the paint stopped coming off all nice & easy - so now I am scraping it all off - yikes! DO I finish scraping, do I stop while I can & quick throw paint on? Should I re-drywall? Decisions....I called our fix-it friend & he said that time & money wise he'd just scrape it all off. So I did. I was covered in a funky blue dust by the end of the day (maybe lead or asbestos one can only hope).

But I know when all is said & done I will be happier with the extra work as you can see from this before photo the walls were in rough shape - you can see lots of lines that we thought were wallpaper, but ended up being contact paper - yeah shelf liner! Someone covered the walls with freaking shelf paper & that is what was peeling off not sticking any longer. Well I must go to Menards & see what sort of cleaner/sealant I need to put on my crack-house walls. I also need to sew & create as I was another great day at the market - thank you so much to all who came down!

~laundry day~

2010-06-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well it was laundry day here - but it was an odd load on the clothes line today! I was given a large box of ties from Michellehttp://daintydaisies.blogspot.com/ it was an AWESOME assortment of ties - few solids & there were ones with birds, butterflies, flags, totally retro/vintage & everything in between!

I will be making LOTS of goodies from these - thanks!

Also - the market was a huge success - thank you to all who came down - I will also be there tomorrow morning - College Ave, Appleton, right outside Starbucks - hope to see you there!

Say What!

2010-06-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

The summer Market starts THIS SATURDAY! Yikes! You would think since it always starts at the end of June one would spend all winter getting stocked up for it. Well, I tried that......and luckily for me the shops I consign in have been busy so I was sending them my stock. But that leaves me a little under-prepared for the market.......but I'm not worried!

My herb garden is growing like crazy. I am trying to cook with the herbs everyday. I am still waiting for my lavender to flower though........I am looking very forward to that!

Life Is Good.....

2010-06-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

We are very lucky to have a nice little beach very close to our house.....we have been spending as much time as we can there lately. But with our crazy Wisconsin weather it can be 85 and sunny one day, 65 and rainy the next!

A little Give-A-Way Celebration

2010-06-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Thru the wonderful world-wide-web I have found a blog that I love to read.....And the funny part is the blogger lives right in my town too! She's creative & funny and celebrating her blog anniversary with a bunch of give-aways. I am hosting a give-away on her blog as we speak...

Feel free to enter to win a custom hand stamped piece from me!

www.forwhatitsworth-ornot.blogspot.com

Yummy Apple Bread

2010-06-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

This bread is delish! It's moist and easy to make.......

1-1/3c flour

3/4t baking soda

1/2t salt

1t Cinnamon

1/4t cloves

1 c sugar

1/2c oil (veggie or canola)

2 eggs, beaten

1t vanilla

2 - 3 apples, peeled & chopped

Preheat oven to 350. Mix dry ingredients together, then stir in the rest....pour into greased loaf pan, bake for 1 hour.

The week in review....

2010-06-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

So - I am sorry I haven't been posting often - still just a busy-bee.....

Over the holiday weekend we spent time outside...went to the beach, played in the pool (it's a little kid one), put together the girls swing set, gardened, crafted and somehow felt relaxed the whole time!

I am the featured artist at Dainty Daisies this weekend for Gallery Walk - feel free to stop by & check it out. I'll have new cuff bracelets (this is my hand after sanding/polishing the cuff metal!)

I will also have a bunch of new bookmarks - they make great grad or teacher gifts too!

I am off to enjoy a summer shandy & get some pendants done.

Little Syd is Offically 2....

2010-05-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go??

We had a party for the girls this past weekend at Chuck-E-Cheese. It was fun & I am really glad we didn't have it outside - Sunday ended up being really warm out!

Today we will play & eat cake.....it will be a good day.....

This is Syd last year on her birthday - all tired out & dirty from playing in thier new playhouse

Here she is this past Easter...they do grow up so fast don't they?

A little planting.....

2010-05-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

I officially have an herb garden. I am pretty excited about it. We have parsley, chives, lemon balm, dill and basil in there so far. I also did a little bit more planting. We got our little lilacs in, a few flower pots planted and some planting done in the front of the house (lilies, hostas, lily of the valley & buttercups). I also have more annuals to plant (translate - more pots to get!) and my veggies to plant.

I hope you all had a nice weekend.....

Banana Overnight French Toast with Syrup Baked In!

2010-05-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

6T butter or Margarine
1-1/2c Packed Brown Sugar
5 large, ripe bananas, cut into 1/2" thick slices
1 loaf french or Italian bread sliced 1" thick - I used cinnamon bread & it was great
6 eggs
2c milk
2 t vanilla extract
1t ground cinnamon

-melt butter in a microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds or so until melted, stir in brown sugar. Pour & press sugar mixture into the bottom of a 13x9 glass or stone baking dish
-place sliced bananas on top of sugar.
-whisk eggs, then mix in vanilla, milk & cinnamon
-I had 2 layers of bread in mine so, place 1 layer of bread on top of the fruit & then pour about half the egg/milk mixture on top. Then put on second layer of bread & pour the rest of the milk mix on top.
-Press gently to help it soak in
-cover with plastic wrap & let it sit at least 2 hours to overnight.
-Uncover and bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes until bread is browned & knife is clean when inserted into the middle

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We had this on Sunday & it was SO good! I'm sorry I don't have a picture because I had served it all before I thought about it.
Also sorry I've slacked on posting. I've been busy. Just plain old busy. And my next True Blood book came out last Tuesday so I had to sit & read that of course!

4 years ago today....

2010-05-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

My little Audrey was born.....it has been a crazy (but wonderful) life ever since that day!

Thank you so much for bringing so much joy into my life.

The big 1-0-0-0 has happened!

2010-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yippee - I have officially hit the 4 digit sales on etsy as of today.

Many thanks to you all!

Oh happy day.

Little Word Egg Tutorial

2010-04-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

So a friend showed me a picture of these sweet little eggs with words on them.....I thought they were very cute & she wanted to make some for herself - so here's a how-to just for you Kelly!

Materials needed-

Clay - I used white polymer, you could use air dry or colored clay if you'd like

Paint - acrylic, I used burnt sienna & a light green & Paint brush

Rubber Stamps - alphabet

These are really, really easy to do - I promise.

Preheat your oven to the temp from the package.

Knead your clay until soft - then roll into a ball & pinch the end slightly to get an egg shape.

Take your stamps & stamp the middle letters first - it's a little trick so the word is even.

Bake according to the directions, my clay said bake 15 minutes for every 1/4" thick, so I baked them for a 1/2 hour.

I wish I could tell you I did something great while they baked, but really I cleaned my bathroom. If that is your idea of fun though, please come over & clean it anytime!

Once they are baked & cooled put a little of your dark paint on a brush & swirl it over the letters, then take a damp cloth & wipe the excess off.

You can leave it the clay color or paint the egg a different color - I decided to lightly paint a very light minty green over the top.

I then grabbed a little filler from a gift basket we received & made a little nest - viola! You're done! How cute are these? You can put names on them, or MOM for Mother's Day coming up. If you are making one with a longer word or name, just make your egg a little bigger.

Lord Of The Flies

2010-04-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

So - it's lake-fly time again - YIPPEE! I just love the swarms of big nasty, noisy bugs that cover your house, die & pile up on the sidewalks, swarm over your head, fly into your face & up your nose.....Did I mention how awesome they are for little kids too? The girls LOVE going outside when the flies are covering their toys, when every step they take there are flies zinging them in the face.

When I left the house yesterday there were a few flies - this is what I came home to - seriously. This picture is out my kitchen window. The only good thing is they only live for about a day, but they keep hatching, so there are more everyday. Usually we get them in the beginning of May - they are early this year

Madison Show - This Weekend!

2010-04-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Craftacular is this weekend! I am so excited. It is from 10-4 Saturday April 24th at the High Noon on Washington St in Madison, WI.

I will be there so will about 20 other local crafters - for a full listing of vendors check out

www.glitterworkshop.com

The first 25 customers will also get a fun swag-bag full of goodies. Hope to see you there!

Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake

2010-04-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

40 Nilla wafers - crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)

3 Tbs melted butter

4 pkg (8 oz size) cream cheese, softened - divided

1 c sugar, divided

1 Tbs & 1 tsp vanilla, divided

3 eggs

1 tub (8 oz) cool whip

Preheat oven to 325f.

Mix the Nilla crumbs & melted butter - press into bottom of 9" spring form pan

Beat 3 pkgs of cream cheese, 3/4c sugar & 1 Tbs vanilla until well blended. Add eggs to mix 1 at a time, mix on low after each until just blended, pour over Nilla crust

Bake 50 - 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan & let cool completely in pan.

Beat the last pkg of cream cheese, 1/4 sugar, 1 tsp vanilla until well blended. Whisk in the cool whip, spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 4 hours - I like to make cheesecakes the night before - to really let the flavors mingle & ferment :)