tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54382802096640192452024-02-19T19:57:01.311-05:00Cooking and Crafting with Aunt PosMartha Stewart...watch out!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-66779263663224924102011-10-28T23:46:00.000-04:002011-10-28T23:46:49.495-04:00Delicious Clam ChowderOnce or twice a year I make this Clam Chowder and it is always a hit! A couple of friends asked for my recipe so I figured I had better post it. Enjoy! I like to serve it in homemade bread bowls--for those, just use your favorite bread recipe and make individual size bowl loaves instead of the "normal" loaf.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Creamy Clam Chowder</b></u><br />
<br />
1 large onion, finely chopped<br />
2 medium white potatoes, diced<br />
1 cup finely diced celery<br />
2 (6 1/2 oz) cans chopped clams<br />
1 bottle clams juice<br />
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar<br />
3/4 cup butter<br />
1 quart half and half<br />
3/4 cup flour<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons salt<br />
freshly cracked black pepper<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
<br />
*Drain juice from clams and pour all clam juice over veggies in a medium sauce pan. Add bay leaf. If needed, add enough water to barely cover the veggies and simmer while covered until barely tender.<br />
*Meanwhile, in a soup pot, melt butter, add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, Add cream, stir with wire whisk until smooth and thick.<br />
*Add un-drained veggies, salt, clams, and vinegar. Heat. If chowder is too thick, add some milk. Add pepper (and additional salt if needed) until the seasoning is right.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-65704328206514510312011-10-28T23:33:00.001-04:002011-10-28T23:34:44.845-04:00Dad's Birthday Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8C05E5UnY-MXLEVLjvgv8aDuKukbL9ukPQYcQ5lkCwFVAFQ7TRYbOIfT-JWQ7lvx-q75ns21la0wQhZgdi-HvEUe1JUndWuuiPiuQxrWqmOgfPWw7L6QQ1FfAPWDBLQsINT4Q9HkPyY/s1600/kayak+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8C05E5UnY-MXLEVLjvgv8aDuKukbL9ukPQYcQ5lkCwFVAFQ7TRYbOIfT-JWQ7lvx-q75ns21la0wQhZgdi-HvEUe1JUndWuuiPiuQxrWqmOgfPWw7L6QQ1FfAPWDBLQsINT4Q9HkPyY/s320/kayak+cake.jpg" width="240" /></a>For my dad's birthday I made this kayak cake. The cake itself is a carrot cake and I made cream cheese frosting. The recipe was delicious. I used the Wilton's pre-made fondant. It turned out wonderfully! Very happy with the end result. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Carrot Cake</u></b><br />
<br />
Mix together the following ingredients:<br />
2 cups sugar <br />
3 eggs<br />
1 1/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
2 cups grated carrot<br />
3/4 cup flaked coconut<br />
1 small can crushed pineapple<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mix together in a separate bowl, then add to above mixture.<br />
3 cups flour<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts<br />
<br />
Bake in a greased and floured 9" x 13" cake pan at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool for 15-20 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Cream Cheese Frosting</b></u><br />
<br />
*Soften 4 oz. cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at room temperature. Beat together until smooth.<br />
*Beat in 2 cups sifted confectioners sugar and add 1 tsp. vanilla.<br />
*Mix until smooth. Add milk to moisten if needed. Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-47746251364741083422011-10-16T21:46:00.000-04:002011-10-16T21:46:15.529-04:00Award-Winning Coconut Cream Pie<div>At work our department sponsors a Pie Contest each year. Last year I made this coconut cream pie recipe and it won first place. This year I made it again, and it took 2nd place to a Peach-berry pie. I made that one too. :-) I hadn't ever made it before (...the Peach-berry) but I love peach/raspberry snapple, so I got the idea to combine the two flavors from that drink. I ended up adding some blueberries to it as well and it was REALLY delicious...if I do say so myself...but, the judges liked it too, because it beat out my coconut cream pie. I can't really give a recipe for the Peach-berry because I just sort-of threw it all togher...basic fruit pie (I use tapioca for thickening,) and used peaches and raspberries...and blueberries. See below for the crust recipes and the coconut cream recipe. </div><div><strong><u></u></strong> </div><div><strong><u>Coconut Cream Pie</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>2 baked 9-inch pie shells</div><div>1 quart milk (I use whole...it makes for a creamier pie...but I have used skim and it turns out well too.)</div><div>2 cups half-and-half</div><div>2 Tablespoons butter</div><div>3/4 cup sugar</div><div>3 eggs yolks</div><div>1/2 cup sugar</div><div>1/4 teasponn salt</div><div>1/2 cup cornstarch</div><div>1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla</div><div>1 cup coconut</div><div>1 quart whipping cream, whipped and lightly sweetened</div><div>1/4 cup coconut, toasted</div><div> </div><div> Reserve up to 1 cup of milk to mix with cornstarch. Place remaining milk in top of a double boiler and add half-and-half, butter, and 3/4 cup sugar. Cook until butter is melted and milk looks scalded</div><br />
<div> In a bowl, whisk egg yolks until well broken up; then add 1/2 cup sugar and salt and whick together very well. Slowly add this mixture to the hot milk mixtuer, stirring constantly. Stir for approximately 1/2 minute and then allow to cook for 15-20 minutes. (This gives the eggs time to cook and starts the thickening process. Undercooking at this point slows the finishing process down by as much as half an hour.)</div><br />
<div> Mix reserved milk and cornstarch together and slowly adad to the hot mixture. Be careful to stir constantly or lumps will form. Continue to stir for at least 2 minutes and every 5 minutes for the next 15-20 minutes. (A good test to see if the pudding is done enough is to stand up the whisk in the middle of the pudding with the whisk touching the bottom of the pan. If the whisk will stay straight up after you let go, the pudding is thick enough. In my experience, it takes closer to 30-45 mintues.)</div><br />
<div> When pudding is thick enough, stir in the vanilla. Stir in coconut and remove the whole double boiler from stove (The hot water will help to keep the pudding hot while you dish up the pies.)</div><div> Pour filling into pie shells. Fill pies so the tops are a little rounded. When cool, top with whipped cream and garnish with toasted coconut. Makes 2 pies. </div><br />
<div> </div><div>Crust I use for cream pies...</div><div> </div><div><u>Crust</u></div><div>1/4 cup butter</div><div>1/3 cup lard</div><div>1/4 cup margarine (I use Imperial...)</div><div>1/3 cup shortening</div><div>1 Tablespoon sugar</div><br />
<div>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div><div>1 teaspoon salt</div><div>1 Tablespoon nonfat dry milk (powdered)</div><div>1 1/2 cups pastry flour*</div><div>1 1/2 cups bread flour*</div><div>1/2 cup COLD water (may need 1 Tablespoon more....)</div><br />
<div> </div><div>* I have used 3 cups of all-purpose flour and it works just fine.</div><div> </div><div><div> Using a pastry blender or food processor, blend together the fats. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, baking powder, salt, and dry milk powder together. Then add to the creamed mixture and mix briefly. Add flour and beat until it is blended. Pour water in and beat again only until water is incorporated.</div><div> Divide dough into two balls. Roll out--I roll it out on lightly floured parchment or waxed paper...but however you like to roll out your crust--do it. :-)</div><div> For pre-baked shells, bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes. </div><div> For fruit pies and other pies that bake in the crust, fill pie shell and follow instructions for that particular pie recipe you are using.</div><div> Yield: 2-3 pie shells.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div></div><div><u>Flaky Vegetable Oil Pie Crust</u></div><div>2 cups plus 4 Tablespoons sifted flour</div><div>1 tsp. salt</div><div>2/3 cup vegetable oil</div><div>4 Tablespoons COLD water</div><div> </div><div>Mix together in food processor. Separate into 2 equal pieces. Roll out between 2 pieces of lightly floured waxed paper. </div><div> </div><div>***This crust is slightly more difficult to work with as it is SO flakey...but it is DELICIOUS. It get's crisper and is extremely flakey. I prefer it to the other recipe I posted for two-crust pies. </div></div><div> </div></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-18274494683311846622011-08-21T22:12:00.000-04:002011-08-21T22:12:55.469-04:00Dominos Anyone?<span style="font-size: large;">One of the residents at work has been pretty sick and she loves to play Mexican Train with double 12 dominos...I wanted to make her a special, one of a kind card....so this is what I came up with. She loved it. :-) The stamp on the inside says, "If you don't win, find out if the loser get's anything." :-) Perfect for a hardcore, competitive domino player. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TfWKvpSc323V19P0sxpbiVHfwlfcACXYoD4reBWIjfx-cffj_cVZl3Po7f30Gh2rjZv2spVuqajUz5su2R1EBkhMBriYpbDo3tL_doaeJ6X7vAEdueGP3WefjXJf6N759duLan0qzNk/s1600/domino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TfWKvpSc323V19P0sxpbiVHfwlfcACXYoD4reBWIjfx-cffj_cVZl3Po7f30Gh2rjZv2spVuqajUz5su2R1EBkhMBriYpbDo3tL_doaeJ6X7vAEdueGP3WefjXJf6N759duLan0qzNk/s320/domino.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-22357370747750295652011-08-11T00:46:00.000-04:002011-08-11T00:46:06.572-04:00I'm One Busy Card-Making Beaver...I decided I had to make myself put the sewing machine away and take out the stamping supplies! I haven't made cards in so long...so this past weekend I made 4 each of 10 different cards so I would have some cards on hand when I need one. My supply was running SUPER low. <br />
<br />
This evening, I spent some time making some wedding cards. I always have a tough time making wedding cards for some reason. <br />
<br />
I am posting the pictures below. To see more information about the cards and know colors/stampsets, etc that I used to make them, you can see my postings on <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=73345">Splitcoast Stampers</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ay30y_-fAch5660EvGpXXM_KZserea799D3AuzY34lz6WzJHDju1kCSrKDjqs8ZdTOkhCiEq7Evmp7mcLI6-6ADht74qdxbKFfDehj7Q_dXQJ3igMTGWPD3RKBNsp2KibkrhcXIqFc8/s1600/wedding+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ay30y_-fAch5660EvGpXXM_KZserea799D3AuzY34lz6WzJHDju1kCSrKDjqs8ZdTOkhCiEq7Evmp7mcLI6-6ADht74qdxbKFfDehj7Q_dXQJ3igMTGWPD3RKBNsp2KibkrhcXIqFc8/s320/wedding+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mnsbyC5_uLC3K8g09bMiHPexpGVN938ZecAVsmxkaMgJycc1awF-5l99wVqsP-UZmnYAJDDghNDxd4QJLQAVXI963BSiPWbI6i8Wgb0_rZ3n4hP1RM0EqborzJnbgMBBO7GsSW0IbTg/s1600/wedding+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mnsbyC5_uLC3K8g09bMiHPexpGVN938ZecAVsmxkaMgJycc1awF-5l99wVqsP-UZmnYAJDDghNDxd4QJLQAVXI963BSiPWbI6i8Wgb0_rZ3n4hP1RM0EqborzJnbgMBBO7GsSW0IbTg/s320/wedding+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rzuNa2HI6t7q_jVpGbDGKs1GbYA_zgp6ema04aypYnuUs9UqPWKCIF-ZK-Fuh1e4k7T9njlpOXsSRofsonpQnLrg89iWCNDkBPxtui_FohJTieZ5NjVsD1MVaPqKJAcxrc7hutESJ9c/s1600/wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rzuNa2HI6t7q_jVpGbDGKs1GbYA_zgp6ema04aypYnuUs9UqPWKCIF-ZK-Fuh1e4k7T9njlpOXsSRofsonpQnLrg89iWCNDkBPxtui_FohJTieZ5NjVsD1MVaPqKJAcxrc7hutESJ9c/s320/wedding+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSTekimSxAsuHNpdSe9ajjoqQAXevhRXAzEgOPPsDvkS3RwpWkdlgFw40mUvGE2XWj6L-6AB0Ko3nEqYIiYvFi3bl4KIcNQ2ZyYlfVRpeSEbusPqKSiyBOWGKLkVQ8mxmzo0ger48-Us/s1600/wedding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSTekimSxAsuHNpdSe9ajjoqQAXevhRXAzEgOPPsDvkS3RwpWkdlgFw40mUvGE2XWj6L-6AB0Ko3nEqYIiYvFi3bl4KIcNQ2ZyYlfVRpeSEbusPqKSiyBOWGKLkVQ8mxmzo0ger48-Us/s320/wedding+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBHqO1jJWz4lN_AGG0P5P1aAJ6zZUiO99_p9pTMkuZZrUAP5YoWAOMt1NnzuhfW9TdD8E7JM18_xuPaF8AUtwre49bXqN-Kprs2n58kEy3pNQMvOHdW7_NNTJk-pMZBDB66H7UDfH0xA/s1600/floral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBHqO1jJWz4lN_AGG0P5P1aAJ6zZUiO99_p9pTMkuZZrUAP5YoWAOMt1NnzuhfW9TdD8E7JM18_xuPaF8AUtwre49bXqN-Kprs2n58kEy3pNQMvOHdW7_NNTJk-pMZBDB66H7UDfH0xA/s320/floral.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qbWWdHHZ15evzpeWdRNSZY8FxnhRTy_J4MOIywXXlqxZTOAZSSY9gRW6e1xaqVix4uJ1gD6GuEy0MQwQQJux57BFrNVgrsBRdmxQQ_NHExRJOgSCtFMWwp99PJEOx0phW6HsuiSovsI/s1600/poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qbWWdHHZ15evzpeWdRNSZY8FxnhRTy_J4MOIywXXlqxZTOAZSSY9gRW6e1xaqVix4uJ1gD6GuEy0MQwQQJux57BFrNVgrsBRdmxQQ_NHExRJOgSCtFMWwp99PJEOx0phW6HsuiSovsI/s320/poppy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfwi4G9A93z9RO9ef3LMAiWnOBoncI9ks09iWuvNc1kfm_qqX5RriVz1cM9c9CjKImOcDPCeghd7chSHwQpVGC4RHykW_ouzNYwKQJYY6dP_dbVB-Lr69Vym_M5jeqYj8BHnYOMIzW2s/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfwi4G9A93z9RO9ef3LMAiWnOBoncI9ks09iWuvNc1kfm_qqX5RriVz1cM9c9CjKImOcDPCeghd7chSHwQpVGC4RHykW_ouzNYwKQJYY6dP_dbVB-Lr69Vym_M5jeqYj8BHnYOMIzW2s/s320/garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpZuatvTENID_3aHrPnyUs02ArVkx7Q2kbrS-laj-ZMxRtUScHc5AtoEnN7XAQP3Zjdve9RSMs7DYWcpClClv7yNCIU88xCrHI8W0K1FbHqE-1hc_gzD0iFcpaWSXFN9NSA3Kd5AN_iM/s1600/be+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpZuatvTENID_3aHrPnyUs02ArVkx7Q2kbrS-laj-ZMxRtUScHc5AtoEnN7XAQP3Zjdve9RSMs7DYWcpClClv7yNCIU88xCrHI8W0K1FbHqE-1hc_gzD0iFcpaWSXFN9NSA3Kd5AN_iM/s320/be+yourself.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYh3fXKjooJh7JQL21xHAZrnUwxhHpwdadVs9V6_b7P03IwXfeliaHYD3mel_R-K-sE-PEkgqYTB7V4QVDIMyU5RhtEzQRg63Nx5Eh8kfWFfE4dLZ7Vklk9V8U2LwRZKsS6gSsWTjBT0/s1600/purple+thinking+of+you+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYh3fXKjooJh7JQL21xHAZrnUwxhHpwdadVs9V6_b7P03IwXfeliaHYD3mel_R-K-sE-PEkgqYTB7V4QVDIMyU5RhtEzQRg63Nx5Eh8kfWFfE4dLZ7Vklk9V8U2LwRZKsS6gSsWTjBT0/s320/purple+thinking+of+you+card.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLp89Wx2AXm3x9fS-5RtTXg_0YcZfCl-mj0cnLCFSAVPpexiAAPpKWC3q4xKG-6HOOtTffT9HbLLtq_6C4zT2fv0J-i0jtW3Rkj0OdLvEDBnaqbQl9woD2WoXk4rOcEmHK4aXpoYzeEI/s320/70%2527s+floral+card.jpg" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpEepqRcl-aQRmftdLjEI0dcF8Bp5048QJRxxUcdEJIJlq2qRqPUc3_ExskAm4kc5wgKEPyA6hv-w5jzW4ohIbu_w_6V0S2_OGFbVYkZBuQxjnm2gCnQlvWyeMgghORK1QvIGjN8MHFQ/s320/pickup+card.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOHd_wLFUur2hvpjuWDYnlZRT6MEFnRQDiPljnRxUo7XygM3LEGEXnsB5EHuH8rXcA9306G06z3nks_b-U85lSGFVACDMAhxQWtIHFrLBRnSBW7FEsOB1JuNXfgQr50Z1fxSVXRCaFnY/s1600/moose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOHd_wLFUur2hvpjuWDYnlZRT6MEFnRQDiPljnRxUo7XygM3LEGEXnsB5EHuH8rXcA9306G06z3nks_b-U85lSGFVACDMAhxQWtIHFrLBRnSBW7FEsOB1JuNXfgQr50Z1fxSVXRCaFnY/s320/moose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVfxLXgGq7OaC02kjy5UaXjtjY_j_ZYN79tGb9xtrQsKwqntFD0parT0Fv9FT75AwiwdYaxaelSWjBt-FMIhaZD0zCndhmAhMnHsszGOs4f_WyfpbNtZA6zlxaPgXlDeWSBTC-NIumis/s1600/sheep+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVfxLXgGq7OaC02kjy5UaXjtjY_j_ZYN79tGb9xtrQsKwqntFD0parT0Fv9FT75AwiwdYaxaelSWjBt-FMIhaZD0zCndhmAhMnHsszGOs4f_WyfpbNtZA6zlxaPgXlDeWSBTC-NIumis/s320/sheep+card.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKOkQJuq6d9_2UVoDZ0chGcJZ36YwIUSdcbbuK_k0oeKtAA7RFckKYp_qyAmdboQMEuGg_CCDjrZ9KnDAHnE8gvjZkiy8Id3fKj35smCnkSTNk_vHxO69nw-2rUPcGOVGRGaYytN5l0U/s1600/piggy+get+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKOkQJuq6d9_2UVoDZ0chGcJZ36YwIUSdcbbuK_k0oeKtAA7RFckKYp_qyAmdboQMEuGg_CCDjrZ9KnDAHnE8gvjZkiy8Id3fKj35smCnkSTNk_vHxO69nw-2rUPcGOVGRGaYytN5l0U/s320/piggy+get+well.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-60316039822310620182011-07-07T00:02:00.000-04:002011-07-07T00:02:44.696-04:00A New Purse!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzh4zi2QAZ5iMN11deB0297wCCu29fQexMEfy6OVRpIFnGHplxvq5Kviw3g4wIaLTyp2MKmlkZd213oWJpiqm_MTngcPcL0NePuJeQ5UdiCa6Kpeb2XP4itj1Mz7owc3e56isrvXU6D4/s1600/birdie+sling+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzh4zi2QAZ5iMN11deB0297wCCu29fQexMEfy6OVRpIFnGHplxvq5Kviw3g4wIaLTyp2MKmlkZd213oWJpiqm_MTngcPcL0NePuJeQ5UdiCa6Kpeb2XP4itj1Mz7owc3e56isrvXU6D4/s400/birdie+sling+pattern.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've seen the pattern for this purse for several months. I've seen it made up a few times at various quilt shops. I've been wanting to make it, but had to find the perfect fabric. It is called the <em>Birdie Sling</em> and is an <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_top.php">Amy Butler</a> design and pattern. This was the first time I have made any of her patterns and I would use one again in a heartbeat! Very well written patterns.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii37AoFIcI-Ciul45Ch7Uq7EYKAsgkZqfKbJXZrabwim8O1K3-7mmCWAeRzZDM7lkBDKpnnYq852jkAKLp2CqsqnVA7iDtNS3F1xr30_TuCq5Qw5yU_uPjEZVBVlfDzhkYtdBm1Wwhc4/s1600/birdie+sling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii37AoFIcI-Ciul45Ch7Uq7EYKAsgkZqfKbJXZrabwim8O1K3-7mmCWAeRzZDM7lkBDKpnnYq852jkAKLp2CqsqnVA7iDtNS3F1xr30_TuCq5Qw5yU_uPjEZVBVlfDzhkYtdBm1Wwhc4/s400/birdie+sling.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw this great batik floral and kept thinking that I wished I could think of something great to use it in. I thought about it during a 90-minute trunk show and as I was walking up to pay for the yard of a different fabric I was getting to make a leash and collar for Molly (which I still haven't done!), I saw the pattern and it hit me! This gorgeous blue/purple and green floral batik would be perfect for the main portion of the birdie sling. SO...I began scowering the batik shelves </span><span style="font-size: large;">to find the perfect fabric for the handle </span><span style="font-size: large;">and band as well as a third </span><span style="font-size: large;">coordinating fabric for the lining. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I found lovely fabrics that matched </span><span style="font-size: large;">beautifully! I was super excited </span><span style="font-size: large;">and bought all the fabric I needed. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This was my first time making a </span><span style="font-size: large;">purse, and there were several </span><span style="font-size: large;">things I hadn't done before--like </span><span style="font-size: large;">make gussets and sew in pleats. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I used fusible fleece and fusible </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">woven interfacing. It was a very </span><span style="font-size: large;">educational experience, and ended </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with a lovely final product! Well...</span><span style="font-size: large;">at least I think it is lovely! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've already switched all of my purse essentials over and it is my current purse. LOVE it! :-)</span>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-55877450919554483902011-07-06T23:10:00.000-04:002011-07-06T23:10:14.960-04:00Abe's Hippo Birthday Cake<span style="font-size: large;">While chewing his piece of Chipmunk cake at Scout's family birthday party, Abe excitedly told me that I had a couple of weeks to rest up from cake making before I got to make his birthday cake, and that it would be a hippo. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What have I done to myself? :-) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love those two kids so much that I simply can't say no...so of course I made him a hippo cake. This birthday was a special one too--it was Abe's 8th birthday and he was baptized. I had to make a great cake to celebrate such a poignant event....so a hippo it was! Abe requested a vanilla cake since the last couple of cakes I have made, I've used our family Chocolate Economy Cake recipe. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After Abe's baptism, the family all went to Seneca Lake State Park and had a pizza and wing picnic and hippo for dessert. I wish I had a picture of Abe's face when he first saw the hippo cake. It was priceless. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think my favorite thing about the hippo, other than how happy it made Abe, was that the little guy looked like he was smiling...A happy hippo! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8Sl0TCNY1D1aWD68I9yOBBPOPrh_X5t-Sj7zqQIhO5tWNpoEIRjHWS_qpHN-zVm4uPa7QSi2iw3Z3lVZE-E9_Y2kEepJ3JN27fXEWXWkLUIq1aBadxOwlfLFhqrQ7i2Veqe6wZwJDgQ/s1600/hippo+cake+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8Sl0TCNY1D1aWD68I9yOBBPOPrh_X5t-Sj7zqQIhO5tWNpoEIRjHWS_qpHN-zVm4uPa7QSi2iw3Z3lVZE-E9_Y2kEepJ3JN27fXEWXWkLUIq1aBadxOwlfLFhqrQ7i2Veqe6wZwJDgQ/s320/hippo+cake+3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I started by baking a vanilla sponge in two </span><span style="font-size: large;">8-inch rounds and a medium-sized loaf pan. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Once the cakes were completey cool, I cut </span><span style="font-size: large;">one of the rounds in half to make two thinner </span><span style="font-size: large;">rounds. I made my very favorite buttercream </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">recipe and iced each of the items. I used the </span><span style="font-size: large;">Wilton's fondant and colored it a grey using </span><span style="font-size: large;">the wilton's black gel food coloring. I rolled </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">out the fondant after it was kneaded and the </span><span style="font-size: large;">color was consistent. I covered the bottom </span><span style="font-size: large;">round with the fondant and smoothed it over </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the cake and then cut off the extra fondant </span><span style="font-size: large;">along the bottom. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRYAtmqQmKAKCXqky1ElTf15M1OXHmGRK7JQ1xr395frPliN6-SvNNpvhP6-zQE_l5x30yebuX_ruw1ol1CI1cYjPivyLRoidG-_FKJss7cdP9h-FWGTW1ol5mfmPyImz1LV1L1r6hvI/s1600/hippo+cake+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRYAtmqQmKAKCXqky1ElTf15M1OXHmGRK7JQ1xr395frPliN6-SvNNpvhP6-zQE_l5x30yebuX_ruw1ol1CI1cYjPivyLRoidG-_FKJss7cdP9h-FWGTW1ol5mfmPyImz1LV1L1r6hvI/s320/hippo+cake+4.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I then colored, kneaded, and rolled the fondant to cover the loaf, and then put it right up against the first circle. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8FoC4XXGJEmUnACyfv3SLKkdp66vXbTMPrjj7hIqwwI0vB9q6yfhOzVdLlhY48wVbLKbd2-9GnWd0g2A6TRayJIGBW7b7wBJNYrU8Og2v-GBkzVVezT7UzgAmOZMosnN6ihRkjiBhjo/s1600/hippo+cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8FoC4XXGJEmUnACyfv3SLKkdp66vXbTMPrjj7hIqwwI0vB9q6yfhOzVdLlhY48wVbLKbd2-9GnWd0g2A6TRayJIGBW7b7wBJNYrU8Og2v-GBkzVVezT7UzgAmOZMosnN6ihRkjiBhjo/s320/hippo+cake+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I cut two small rounds out of the </span></div><span style="font-size: large;">2nd round (the one I didn't cut </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">i</span><span style="font-size: large;">n half...) to use as a nose and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">placed them on top of the other </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">round. I iced over the nostrils </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and then kneaded, colored, and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">rolled out the fondant for the top </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of the mouth. I carefully </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">smoothed the fondant over being </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">very careful to smoothe it gently over the nose. Before placing this round I used buttercream to attach two large marshmallows in the front to be the front teeth. I put a dab of buttercream on top of each marshmallow to help secure the bottom of the round. I set the nose round on top of the first and butted the back up against the loaf and the edge on top of the marshmallows. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9MH14jgZ5sEXPVC7wg_TS-gybOzLS6KHo2pGU15RNdxXQenPK4a_n8JTmUPJVHWwvKWYH_SX8QkU_vm241lK5itHbG8CtboUqIRzK9m1sqEPUiDbsCd-I_0_BOFb-WuG4PpWjfekIWk/s1600/hippo+cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9MH14jgZ5sEXPVC7wg_TS-gybOzLS6KHo2pGU15RNdxXQenPK4a_n8JTmUPJVHWwvKWYH_SX8QkU_vm241lK5itHbG8CtboUqIRzK9m1sqEPUiDbsCd-I_0_BOFb-WuG4PpWjfekIWk/s1600/hippo+cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9MH14jgZ5sEXPVC7wg_TS-gybOzLS6KHo2pGU15RNdxXQenPK4a_n8JTmUPJVHWwvKWYH_SX8QkU_vm241lK5itHbG8CtboUqIRzK9m1sqEPUiDbsCd-I_0_BOFb-WuG4PpWjfekIWk/s320/hippo+cake+1.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The next step was the eyes. I cut circles out of the extra round for </span><span style="font-size: large;">eyeballs. I cut a slant off of each of these small rounds so they would sit at a slight angle. I frosted each of them with the buttercream and then covered them in white fondant the same way I did the other pieces. Then I colored, kneaded, and rolled out a small amount of black fondant which I cut two small circles for pupils. I attached the black circles to the eyeballs with a small dab of vodka, and attached the eyes to the hippo head the same way. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgDPLrwayi8gx92LTa8i3lv2rWYv2LOdIn3QKH4C69a16nRYL9djVtBeAUS9eDEXtGm0WZCOK174sGmN9d7EUFgD0krVDqztOcmutc8W30dy318wssv6pSAaZFTuEguFwzxmCuNc5eI/s1600/hippo+cake+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgDPLrwayi8gx92LTa8i3lv2rWYv2LOdIn3QKH4C69a16nRYL9djVtBeAUS9eDEXtGm0WZCOK174sGmN9d7EUFgD0krVDqztOcmutc8W30dy318wssv6pSAaZFTuEguFwzxmCuNc5eI/s1600/hippo+cake+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgDPLrwayi8gx92LTa8i3lv2rWYv2LOdIn3QKH4C69a16nRYL9djVtBeAUS9eDEXtGm0WZCOK174sGmN9d7EUFgD0krVDqztOcmutc8W30dy318wssv6pSAaZFTuEguFwzxmCuNc5eI/s320/hippo+cake+5.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I made little nostrils the same w</span><span style="font-size: large;">ay after coloring a tiny bit </span><span style="font-size: large;">of fondant a light pink color </span><span style="font-size: large;">to use for ears and nostrils. I rolled out a little bit of grey fondant to make ears and cut two raindrops out of it. I rolled out the remaining pink fondant and cut two slightly smaller raindrops. I attached the pink on top of the </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTmBfUbj4dOa2muNt0BMtxxP4sdoEn4fRn4bDaHAeMtrbO_X-et-1r3LCzpFs67bjGlxvCXTbh-CLNRHIyepInljG8Gwgv_RQ0Hv9mFa5p-7TzDyAOIUrpzuBSpDy_DZL3647UQJ3TsY/s1600/hippo+cake+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTmBfUbj4dOa2muNt0BMtxxP4sdoEn4fRn4bDaHAeMtrbO_X-et-1r3LCzpFs67bjGlxvCXTbh-CLNRHIyepInljG8Gwgv_RQ0Hv9mFa5p-7TzDyAOIUrpzuBSpDy_DZL3647UQJ3TsY/s400/hippo+cake+7.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTmBfUbj4dOa2muNt0BMtxxP4sdoEn4fRn4bDaHAeMtrbO_X-et-1r3LCzpFs67bjGlxvCXTbh-CLNRHIyepInljG8Gwgv_RQ0Hv9mFa5p-7TzDyAOIUrpzuBSpDy_DZL3647UQJ3TsY/s1600/hippo+cake+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTmBfUbj4dOa2muNt0BMtxxP4sdoEn4fRn4bDaHAeMtrbO_X-et-1r3LCzpFs67bjGlxvCXTbh-CLNRHIyepInljG8Gwgv_RQ0Hv9mFa5p-7TzDyAOIUrpzuBSpDy_DZL3647UQJ3TsY/s1600/hippo+cake+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">grey with a tiny bit of vodka. I shaped the ears and let them dry over the rolling pin. Once completely dry, I attached the ears with Vodka as well and put a tiny piece of skewer to act as an anchor for each ear. The hippo was finished! </span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so pleased with the way it turned out. This was my very first time working with Fondant. I read a lot online, and found a really great <a href="http://cakestylist.wordpress.com/2007/03/11/working-with-fondant/">blog</a> that taught a lot of info. Due to time constraints, I used the Wilton's premade rolled fondant. I would use it again due to the ease of use, but it really does not taste good at all. I think I would really like to try a marshmallow fondant the next time. The recipe for it is on the blog I linked to above. </span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ72tWh2z1p-XyZkX8mVUYs7p7MGFyUs3YTVjcRlpBC1UnRPsdEvEzXPWb2AuvL9tfHUQuXJNEA8H6UbRVicI0YIhIhdeqSAzrbVj9eDHXC1FMFWNBPpgrSxXjsyjjv4T9-fu6dLLgz8/s1600/hippo+cake+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ72tWh2z1p-XyZkX8mVUYs7p7MGFyUs3YTVjcRlpBC1UnRPsdEvEzXPWb2AuvL9tfHUQuXJNEA8H6UbRVicI0YIhIhdeqSAzrbVj9eDHXC1FMFWNBPpgrSxXjsyjjv4T9-fu6dLLgz8/s1600/hippo+cake+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ72tWh2z1p-XyZkX8mVUYs7p7MGFyUs3YTVjcRlpBC1UnRPsdEvEzXPWb2AuvL9tfHUQuXJNEA8H6UbRVicI0YIhIhdeqSAzrbVj9eDHXC1FMFWNBPpgrSxXjsyjjv4T9-fu6dLLgz8/s320/hippo+cake+11.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I showed the cake to Abe before </span><span style="font-size: large;">his baptism, and he was so excited. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He gave me a great big hug, and </span><span style="font-size: large;">Scouty approved too! Once we got </span><span style="font-size: large;">to the picnic at the park after Abe's </span><span style="font-size: large;">baptism, the kids were so excited to </span><span style="font-size: large;">finish their pizza and eat some cake. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I put 8 candles on the hippo's head, </span><span style="font-size: large;">and they kinda looked like hair! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBxKPxXBjWbWVEjWAfbXUkbA05TsDWs9Ppj2Odilts7ETdwbSzaXITifnbHQzcb9D7q9QswhRJj0SXk6zAtnxPg9ATHb1knMB3zKGFujVxUuKi0vryRQCCgNmb7MCxBkQUP9YrmW38Zw/s1600/hippo+cake+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBxKPxXBjWbWVEjWAfbXUkbA05TsDWs9Ppj2Odilts7ETdwbSzaXITifnbHQzcb9D7q9QswhRJj0SXk6zAtnxPg9ATHb1knMB3zKGFujVxUuKi0vryRQCCgNmb7MCxBkQUP9YrmW38Zw/s320/hippo+cake+9.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">We lit the candles and sang to </span><span style="font-size: large;">Abe while he very seriously thought about what his wish should be. Scout just couldn't wait to get a piece of the hippo cake! After her first bite, she said it was almost as good as her squirrel cake. :-) They were so darn cute! Happy birthday Abraham... M</span><span style="font-size: large;">ake a wish! (He looks so serious in this picture...I keep wondering what his wish was!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF-oDjEhAQiLBGH5bUKlZC2F79IrBC3sgIvCMnRHXaOcRlHOWuCeKYtbgQ8rEt9XY7j7X30niyuzGDqxAMw_-hUf8PQhDyt-iFrCIXyobtNlwj47Fk0JzCTHGMnjnc457vWA82LZUaIg/s1600/hippo+cake+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF-oDjEhAQiLBGH5bUKlZC2F79IrBC3sgIvCMnRHXaOcRlHOWuCeKYtbgQ8rEt9XY7j7X30niyuzGDqxAMw_-hUf8PQhDyt-iFrCIXyobtNlwj47Fk0JzCTHGMnjnc457vWA82LZUaIg/s1600/hippo+cake+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF-oDjEhAQiLBGH5bUKlZC2F79IrBC3sgIvCMnRHXaOcRlHOWuCeKYtbgQ8rEt9XY7j7X30niyuzGDqxAMw_-hUf8PQhDyt-iFrCIXyobtNlwj47Fk0JzCTHGMnjnc457vWA82LZUaIg/s320/hippo+cake+8.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The hardest part of making these </span><span style="font-size: large;">cakes, is cutting and serving them. </span><span style="font-size: large;">After all that time, you take a knife </span><span style="font-size: large;">to this creation, and destroy it... </span><span style="font-size: large;">with one slice of a knife. So </span><span style="font-size: large;">depressing. Since I made the cake, </span><span style="font-size: large;">my mother handed me the knife, </span><span style="font-size: large;">and I had to make the cut. I felt </span><span style="font-size: large;">like I was murdering the poor little </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">hippo. </span><span style="font-size: large;">:-( </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">...it was worth it though, because he was delicious! </span></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-9121946154201350652011-06-30T23:38:00.001-04:002011-06-30T23:40:50.068-04:00Table RunnerThis is a good (and easy) pattern. I made this for my brother and his wife for Christmas this past year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPy21VMuUAYeXTCqylktowDia2Od65ihEXs_mlQSSMBVWZGMg2Q320ac-s81O-Wi2NGhr6Ov4eKlKEfn6CdZwpXUm6z4mQX-j2I36cBtVLuZ7i3UzC8cmFLSP9q1N5alZkL2oQn0AZnA/s1600/J+%2526+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPy21VMuUAYeXTCqylktowDia2Od65ihEXs_mlQSSMBVWZGMg2Q320ac-s81O-Wi2NGhr6Ov4eKlKEfn6CdZwpXUm6z4mQX-j2I36cBtVLuZ7i3UzC8cmFLSP9q1N5alZkL2oQn0AZnA/s400/J+%2526+C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-16439728290509597282011-06-30T21:03:00.000-04:002011-06-30T21:03:56.896-04:00Happy Birthday Scouterella!<span style="font-size: large;">It was my neice's 5th birthday, and she had asked me to please make her a chipmunk cake for her birthday. I have a very difficult time saying no to her...so here it is. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mYK-8qAwqKiXdZdKaGytP4h6U6-GxDz28uMPs3oCJxq-uqzubTqsMe28_qWF5M_oecAfyFn9XBvqec6J24zM5t7R-ybgqmfkDHeNEnRVQwlhwWN20GTxQpvgmZvwYfObe5VjrXoH4-0/s1600/scout%2527s+b+day+party+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mYK-8qAwqKiXdZdKaGytP4h6U6-GxDz28uMPs3oCJxq-uqzubTqsMe28_qWF5M_oecAfyFn9XBvqec6J24zM5t7R-ybgqmfkDHeNEnRVQwlhwWN20GTxQpvgmZvwYfObe5VjrXoH4-0/s400/scout%2527s+b+day+party+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I used the same lamb </span><span style="font-size: large;">cake </span><span style="font-size: large;">mold that I </span><span style="font-size: large;">made the </span><span style="font-size: large;">Easter cake out of, and </span><span style="font-size: large;">shaved some cake off to </span><span style="font-size: large;">make the </span><span style="font-size: large;">face more <span style="font-size: large;">accurate, and attached some for the tail. </span><span style="font-size: large;">If I were to make a </span><span style="font-size: large;">chipmunk </span><span style="font-size: large;">cake again sometime, I </span><span style="font-size: large;">would </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">definitely use fondant instead </span><span style="font-size: large;">of doing this one in buttercream </span><span style="font-size: large;">as </span><span style="font-size: large;">the striping of the chipmunk </span><span style="font-size: large;">fur was </span><span style="font-size: large;">very difficult to create </span><span style="font-size: large;">by piping the frosting. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Scouty loved the cake and it was delicious! Happy 5th birthday to my little Scouterella. :-)</span>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-43630057150834658092011-06-30T20:36:00.000-04:002011-06-30T20:36:39.611-04:00If you can't go to the mountains....eat them!<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of weeks after I mad the lamb cake for Easter, there was a fundraiser for the boy scouts at work. They have an annual cake auction where people make and donate cakes they have made and decorated and everyone bids on the cakes and all proceeds go to the boy scouts at church. I told my family that I would make a cake to donate, and asked my niece and nephew what kind of cake I should make...thinking that maybe they'd say, "Chocolate with sprinkles!", but no....they said "Make a mountain...with a lake, like up at Lazy Afternoons!" (Lazy Afternoons is the name of our family cabin in the Adirondacks.) Boy do kids ever have amazing imaginations. Well, I somehow feel complelled to accept these challenges from 4 and 7 year-olds. Why? 'Cause I am an aunt who is a pushover! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQeDUy3iIaJ3gQYqZJE4J-9yNwuvTtKOoJ1o_-lPuses6iro3hCgdYmZ2Rsa23coKegGj-P7HsegUj-Yv5CqFkWQf3cHILeESfSR0aMEHBDx3oc_FrpJPl3455dFWai80W0nUfAJlXsE/s1600/Mountain+cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQeDUy3iIaJ3gQYqZJE4J-9yNwuvTtKOoJ1o_-lPuses6iro3hCgdYmZ2Rsa23coKegGj-P7HsegUj-Yv5CqFkWQf3cHILeESfSR0aMEHBDx3oc_FrpJPl3455dFWai80W0nUfAJlXsE/s320/Mountain+cake+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I began by stacking the cake to create a mountain shape. After I had the basic shape created, I 'glued' everything together by piping buttercream between all "layers". </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrUVQV2i7Mhim6PBGh2clTKyXvGbyeTWDpgSVTFn57MY4esc1DAbb8xVTiySjeB2k4iBDAyR1oQbBF-1B6HP3ptmXCP-9dAIExSJ3_EehmZtJTs1om0WarmkgKDbaTkMf3-OMi3FWld0/s1600/mountain+cake+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrUVQV2i7Mhim6PBGh2clTKyXvGbyeTWDpgSVTFn57MY4esc1DAbb8xVTiySjeB2k4iBDAyR1oQbBF-1B6HP3ptmXCP-9dAIExSJ3_EehmZtJTs1om0WarmkgKDbaTkMf3-OMi3FWld0/s320/mountain+cake+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">After things were secure, I dirty-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">iced the entire cake after cutting </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a lake-like portion out of the </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">lower portion of the cake. After </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">dirty-icing with the plain white </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">buttercream, I did a base coat of </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">green buttercream frosting over </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the entire cake, except for the lake, which I put a layer of blue-tinted piping gel. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OljRFJEhzzn6IlBhyphenhyphenrHMo1a42_j-Pbsm3gqfOv4p3T8mbpvy_KmOvY219_n5s_MIg2jThsqGIht5IqcJo2IdoM8m9mRYIFH02HWqWZ6lnbjF5Bm8X5jqXVo9AsZG1o9CQkdLyOQOAWw/s1600/mountain+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OljRFJEhzzn6IlBhyphenhyphenrHMo1a42_j-Pbsm3gqfOv4p3T8mbpvy_KmOvY219_n5s_MIg2jThsqGIht5IqcJo2IdoM8m9mRYIFH02HWqWZ6lnbjF5Bm8X5jqXVo9AsZG1o9CQkdLyOQOAWw/s320/mountain+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I used gum-paste to create the trees. I used </span><span style="font-size: large;">gel food coloring to tint the buttercream as well as the gum paste. It was my first time working with gum paste, but it was quite easy to use. I used small lengths of kabob skewers for the trunks of the trees (and the posts for the "to camp" sign) because I forgot to buy the small pretzel sticks. I colored them to look more like tree-trunks by wiping a bit of brown food color gel on them. The </span><span style="font-size: large;">mountain is covered with </span><span style="font-size: large;">r</span><span style="font-size: large;">ocks/boulders as well as </span><span style="font-size: large;">trees. I made the kayak and </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax530vpN_bNTSy6TrSVIa_iDTVGMOc6C0uClvOVFuB3VE75m3-ae986IiJotEw4b9S-y71eUk3D5bSOLyRMhRzaMRDzPK4ReyK4C3La79hKsesr9hDoBknBH5GWy-bW9fU8kvIlCbNGA/s1600/mountain+cake+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax530vpN_bNTSy6TrSVIa_iDTVGMOc6C0uClvOVFuB3VE75m3-ae986IiJotEw4b9S-y71eUk3D5bSOLyRMhRzaMRDzPK4ReyK4C3La79hKsesr9hDoBknBH5GWy-bW9fU8kvIlCbNGA/s320/mountain+cake+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">paddle out of gum-paste as </span><span style="font-size: large;">well. I added a fallen over </span><span style="font-size: large;">tree trunk and set that next </span><span style="font-size: large;">to the lake. Gum-paste is </span><span style="font-size: large;">edible and accepts the color </span><span style="font-size: large;">well. Just be sure to coat </span><span style="font-size: large;">your hands with shortning to </span><span style="font-size: large;">keep it from sticking to your hands.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2hCsowCr-VUTjzWirpuzIwo7e7cxr7iCe8iyzirFpj06_uWpHyyzvWhMKaM4Mo2KWspjeZL83HL5_FXsf_G7aZEH1Q_ELG2G78pbtSTI74LywJS_p0iUFtYsO99MJLqQe4qZF5_N6MU/s1600/mountain+cake+with+its%2527+bidders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2hCsowCr-VUTjzWirpuzIwo7e7cxr7iCe8iyzirFpj06_uWpHyyzvWhMKaM4Mo2KWspjeZL83HL5_FXsf_G7aZEH1Q_ELG2G78pbtSTI74LywJS_p0iUFtYsO99MJLqQe4qZF5_N6MU/s320/mountain+cake+with+its%2527+bidders.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This was a very time consuming </span><span style="font-size: large;">cake, but I ended up being very pleased with the outcome. So were Abe and Scout. It was the only cake at the auction they were even interested in bidding on. Luckily their bid won! Scout did tell me that the cake would be evern better if there had been a little chipmunk on the mountain, however. </span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjmL6Zwh695O0wp7sRV0awA_tG5NnroQdKIchTbg1imhXo1pmAsKHT-LRgGjSGqF5XS9tpii5pct4qj2Qzii0DsGgAJsnJwD4P1iT3tpr7SfFegVVFBa5I7pGOc7y3Usf8iB7lJn-kj4/s1600/mountain+cake+devoured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjmL6Zwh695O0wp7sRV0awA_tG5NnroQdKIchTbg1imhXo1pmAsKHT-LRgGjSGqF5XS9tpii5pct4qj2Qzii0DsGgAJsnJwD4P1iT3tpr7SfFegVVFBa5I7pGOc7y3Usf8iB7lJn-kj4/s320/mountain+cake+devoured.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">After all the time and concentration </span><span style="font-size: large;">that went into making this piece of </span><span style="font-size: large;">cake-art, it took mere seconds for it </span><span style="font-size: large;">to be demolished...and thoroughly </span><span style="font-size: large;">enjoyed by all! Abe and Scout took the cake home and it lasted several days until they finished it...but they enjoyed every bite!</span></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-32827742470406504052011-06-30T19:54:00.000-04:002011-06-30T19:54:42.968-04:00Ace of Cakes OR Cake Boss?<span style="font-size: large;">Neither... :-) but at least I've had fun and my niece and nephew have enjoyed eating them--and giving me new cake-making assignments.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIesllRZFWfclMDY66yTmeFvjZRK0yL9N1qV7Dd8zeEde4THHnoJIP7sKUpnUBBt2isJUV2dzt9hFHCTslnD_dSFEFUhr-29nlidVoIDInzDLZ3dpiIpi5wJJxrA1gU0l2aop_zsSTs7E/s1600/lamb+cake+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIesllRZFWfclMDY66yTmeFvjZRK0yL9N1qV7Dd8zeEde4THHnoJIP7sKUpnUBBt2isJUV2dzt9hFHCTslnD_dSFEFUhr-29nlidVoIDInzDLZ3dpiIpi5wJJxrA1gU0l2aop_zsSTs7E/s400/lamb+cake+2011.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">For Easter I made this lamb cake for dessert for our family dinner. Abe and Scout just loved it. I have a cake form that bakes the 3-D lamb shape. I dirty iced the entire cake and then frosted the face and ears with a black buttercream. I piped the entire body with a star tip to create the wool-look out of natural white buttercrea, and piped the face with a pale pink buttercream. I put the Easter grass and some <em>Robin Egg </em>candies to make it look a bit more Easter-y. The cake was my family "Economy Chocolate Cake" recipe--a very dense and moist chocolate cake. It stands up to carving and 3-D cakes like this very well. (Plus...it's absolutely delicious!)</span>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-82607261646555465152011-06-30T19:47:00.000-04:002011-06-30T19:47:01.487-04:00I've been busy lately...<span style="font-size: large;">This is my most recent quilt top that is finished. It was my first experience with a lot of applique. I am so pleased with the way it turned out! It is called "Watermelon Days". I used Moda's <em>Lilac Hill</em> line for the most part.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyopZhjDD07V2hDwPo6H9AnzQKb51nD594Gl8EImUh_L-9BP_aakeaZLE8Li9ETQX68_P0i1v4QWmaNwiUWlSVkb71C2-wkshxBmXaYTw6kbRFzscyMeokAnrGWqJlaGGyKZeffE-FD8A/s1600/watermelon+days+quilt+block+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyopZhjDD07V2hDwPo6H9AnzQKb51nD594Gl8EImUh_L-9BP_aakeaZLE8Li9ETQX68_P0i1v4QWmaNwiUWlSVkb71C2-wkshxBmXaYTw6kbRFzscyMeokAnrGWqJlaGGyKZeffE-FD8A/s320/watermelon+days+quilt+block+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">My first step was piecing the three patcwork/pieced </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">star blocks. One has brown points, one purple, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and one green. The one pictured here is the brown.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next step was to trace all of the applique pieces onto "heat and bond" and then cut all of those out. Then, I had to cut the centers out so things weren't too thick. Then I ironed the heat and bond pieces onto the fabrics and then had to cut eatch of those pieces out--very carefully! I completed this process for all of the applique pieces before attaching anything to the blocks. Once all of the pieces were cut, I peeled off the paper backing and started to assemble the blocks, by ironing them in place on the blocks.</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy5LQ2MOSDlXddesTNHYMQBRB00xqjxPrGXcttwTDpnafE74-WDbccPPnEHydMZQKTt7uLQeUuN8K7-j2OGmYhoNAvOfIVva9rQYUOjr5n1B6fNMtQTRjcjeeFUD7uSnR6jFZqlol-ik/s1600/watermelon+days+quilt+block+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy5LQ2MOSDlXddesTNHYMQBRB00xqjxPrGXcttwTDpnafE74-WDbccPPnEHydMZQKTt7uLQeUuN8K7-j2OGmYhoNAvOfIVva9rQYUOjr5n1B6fNMtQTRjcjeeFUD7uSnR6jFZqlol-ik/s1600/watermelon+days+quilt+block+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy5LQ2MOSDlXddesTNHYMQBRB00xqjxPrGXcttwTDpnafE74-WDbccPPnEHydMZQKTt7uLQeUuN8K7-j2OGmYhoNAvOfIVva9rQYUOjr5n1B6fNMtQTRjcjeeFUD7uSnR6jFZqlol-ik/s320/watermelon+days+quilt+block+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This is the watermelon block. There are three of them that are exactly the same. After I had the blocks ironed together, I began the machine appliqueing. I used different colored threads to coordinate with each of the different fabrics.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZatYUZ5volM7ONaoK2oPdjKzI2ipjOi_MushaqE1rTNp-IyvrfdeEXmm3Ns7Hjex6vL-mrdOXFt8PrBD2Yq4rw0caFG0sd6fJQjT54zRcVH8TxDjyclraIjvwXogS0-WSldFhHEDpDQ/s1600/watermelon+days+quilt+block+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZatYUZ5volM7ONaoK2oPdjKzI2ipjOi_MushaqE1rTNp-IyvrfdeEXmm3Ns7Hjex6vL-mrdOXFt8PrBD2Yq4rw0caFG0sd6fJQjT54zRcVH8TxDjyclraIjvwXogS0-WSldFhHEDpDQ/s1600/watermelon+days+quilt+block+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZatYUZ5volM7ONaoK2oPdjKzI2ipjOi_MushaqE1rTNp-IyvrfdeEXmm3Ns7Hjex6vL-mrdOXFt8PrBD2Yq4rw0caFG0sd6fJQjT54zRcVH8TxDjyclraIjvwXogS0-WSldFhHEDpDQ/s320/watermelon+days+quilt+block+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This is the flag block. The instructions for this were very confusing...so I made a few little changes. I really like the way the block turned out. There are corner blocks and three additional blocks--two with three stars, and one that is 4 rows of patchwork squares--similar to the center of the star blocks.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyx-vGI64YwX2hkkV5OyiKK59Uyxr_-XjwtgC938CI6kSENE71f46SyI-dLq-vWxEYC-KWUwsLf3tldtezYe0-AGDLlM7blvMu5ie8VZeawaADGoa8CzLLbvFumwGxd5brIfZCOkum-E/s1600/completed+watermelon+days+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyx-vGI64YwX2hkkV5OyiKK59Uyxr_-XjwtgC938CI6kSENE71f46SyI-dLq-vWxEYC-KWUwsLf3tldtezYe0-AGDLlM7blvMu5ie8VZeawaADGoa8CzLLbvFumwGxd5brIfZCOkum-E/s1600/completed+watermelon+days+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyx-vGI64YwX2hkkV5OyiKK59Uyxr_-XjwtgC938CI6kSENE71f46SyI-dLq-vWxEYC-KWUwsLf3tldtezYe0-AGDLlM7blvMu5ie8VZeawaADGoa8CzLLbvFumwGxd5brIfZCOkum-E/s400/completed+watermelon+days+quilt.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This is my completed quilt top. I am excited to get it quilted. I am going to have it custom quilted on the long-arm maching over at the <a href="http://www.ivythimble.com/">Ivy Thimble</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">in Victor, NY. I saw this quilt made up on one of the shop hops that included a shop in Watkins Glen, NY called <a href="http://www.osusannahsquiltshop.com/">O'Susannah's</a>. It is a cute little shop, and as soon as I saw it, I had to make it! I took the pattern with me to a trunk show at the shop in Victor, so I could buy a couple more fat quarters of fabric and the owner saw it and now they are doing a class in it! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-49460586348917321802011-04-08T21:50:00.001-04:002011-04-08T21:58:24.486-04:001st Time at Machine AppliqueI took this tea towell class at the Ivy Thimble to learn how to do machine applique. A couple of the quilts I am starting to work on involve a lot of applique, and I'd never done any of it. So, I figured I should learn.<br />
These tea towells are cute...but if any body ever wipes anything on this, they are gonna be in BIG trouble. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyQY0PpEq4B_0JcZp1NLPWx5c5bx9LP5rVOs8y-ThEg7odlri9nNhJxYBNzL2Sxe7twhg6Xmhg20Z9nLu3dXyBpcsWFCM_jiHZ2KBKVPSKrI59HeEX9I_WLjKKZsRaCVN6r9r-oOcI1g/s1600/tea+towel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyQY0PpEq4B_0JcZp1NLPWx5c5bx9LP5rVOs8y-ThEg7odlri9nNhJxYBNzL2Sxe7twhg6Xmhg20Z9nLu3dXyBpcsWFCM_jiHZ2KBKVPSKrI59HeEX9I_WLjKKZsRaCVN6r9r-oOcI1g/s400/tea+towel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-21800843588923137192011-04-06T22:49:00.000-04:002011-04-06T22:49:02.130-04:00Most Recent Quilting Project<span style="font-size: large;">I just dropped this quilt off at The Ivy Thimble Long Arm quilting shop to have machine quilted. I took the Beginner Graduate class with Cindy at the Thimble and enjoyed making this quilt. It was pretty easy to put together because you just sewed the same thing over and over again...just different fabric in different places. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKglw-NXBR_uEDvzEzCeloVYvE7M2dNtHlz2nphpkGAgvqFRjMUTO9PhP_Rwpl616FvOQolbF8dUHMvfnG-Npbw53Uez4uU5OkxP-ydKKqQOo_GTMALjF2G_bkgG6DtViTolIK80W7LMQ/s1600/beginner+graduate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKglw-NXBR_uEDvzEzCeloVYvE7M2dNtHlz2nphpkGAgvqFRjMUTO9PhP_Rwpl616FvOQolbF8dUHMvfnG-Npbw53Uez4uU5OkxP-ydKKqQOo_GTMALjF2G_bkgG6DtViTolIK80W7LMQ/s400/beginner+graduate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The most complicated part (after chosing the fabric...) was cutting the fabric--trapezoids and parallelograms. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Super complicated. It took me over three hours to get all of the fabric cut!</span>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-23653472672317049252010-12-27T19:33:00.000-05:002010-12-27T19:33:07.135-05:00New ProjectsSanta Clause (ie, my family...) was very generous to me this year for Christmas. I got kits to make two LARGE quilts. Both are quilts I saw made up and have absolutely LOVED and wanted to make. I will be a very busy the next year! I shouldn't need to buy anything but thread and incidentals!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsBkB0ULl_eqAY_cfNgCQ-Y3FLugMepRgIqilRMKAH1RxAw7J2Fhpp4Wzs3UxMob71y-tWwYk8Sk10DqiZ7OiXnCsGN1TnBZzacShxT4ReZdoFfiomPvA0pxXOESGfAqaBVHBsS5_WWo/s1600/colorsplash+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsBkB0ULl_eqAY_cfNgCQ-Y3FLugMepRgIqilRMKAH1RxAw7J2Fhpp4Wzs3UxMob71y-tWwYk8Sk10DqiZ7OiXnCsGN1TnBZzacShxT4ReZdoFfiomPvA0pxXOESGfAqaBVHBsS5_WWo/s200/colorsplash+quilt.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One is called "ColorSplash" and it is made of Purple and Green Batik's (with a little peach-ey cream) and I saw it hanging at <em>The Black Bear </em>in Inlet, NY (near Old Forge) and ooh-ed and aah-ed over it for a year...then my mom told me that she had bought the kit for the exact quilt that was hanging on the walls, and was going to give it to me for Christmas...so I bought the fabric for the borders and the binding. I will wait until it is finished to spend the money on the 8 yards needed for the backing fabric! It is so beautiful....the one at <em>The Black Bear</em> is so much prettier than this picture! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0fM8bBz4qa9Oa2EAiB_etDegTrZfp6haTQitTTes5V9YtkC34zK52jqZtal3N5tQPWQrq_TbryAfzkrkoJ1pLUXJ0bpY8iPAR-rp0d87Ap-SrgZ8FytcP5Hwz0WAyHfnFomrdz9Fr88/s1600/circle+of+friends+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0fM8bBz4qa9Oa2EAiB_etDegTrZfp6haTQitTTes5V9YtkC34zK52jqZtal3N5tQPWQrq_TbryAfzkrkoJ1pLUXJ0bpY8iPAR-rp0d87Ap-SrgZ8FytcP5Hwz0WAyHfnFomrdz9Fr88/s200/circle+of+friends+quilt.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The other quilt is just like something that my Great Grandmother Thornton would have made...the 1930's style fabrics and the dresden plate in the center--it is so reminiscent of the old, family quilts! I love it! I wanted to take the class at The Ivy Thimble, but it was only offered during a daytime class...and I couldn't take it because of work...darn having to make a living! So, they had one kit left, and my mom bought it for me for Christmas. I am very excited to make it!!! I love the colors and the fun fabrics. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
I also got two other small quilting projects, one is a small, circular Christmas table-topper and the other is a neat wall hanging with sheep...I will post pictures as I get things completed....Wish me luck! Plus, my adorable niece, got me a gift certificate! How lucky am I! :-) She even wrote my name on it, and signed her name. So sweet!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-43669110943604445152010-12-27T16:26:00.000-05:002010-12-27T16:26:20.175-05:00Cheesecake SupremeI have loved cheesecake since I was a pretty young kid. My dad taught me to make it and I have taken that recipe and tweaked it to make it my own over the last couple of years. Every year I make cheesecake for Christmas dessert. I typically serve it with a fresh raspberry drizzle and fresh raspberries as a delicious garnish! This year I tried making a sauce from frozen blueberries to serve with the cheesecake. It was delicious! Try it sometime! I forgot to take a picture of the finished product when plated on a nice platter and a picture of a piece with the blueberry drizzle...which is sad, because it looked fabulous...(almost as good as it tasted)!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-vcLItgI8biHMtdyCuY32EcMfY8Mc6mgn8gIbIcMTkqfjbZ3uFkkYjmufAGxMECpHln2XLG3MDUe4XKMsa-ZK1ezQ9vvakJ-x2JDE5xYXJAvARCfpOWYl8ZUI4ID4aopA50lR_1FF78/s1600/cheesecake+crust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-vcLItgI8biHMtdyCuY32EcMfY8Mc6mgn8gIbIcMTkqfjbZ3uFkkYjmufAGxMECpHln2XLG3MDUe4XKMsa-ZK1ezQ9vvakJ-x2JDE5xYXJAvARCfpOWYl8ZUI4ID4aopA50lR_1FF78/s200/cheesecake+crust.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><strong>Martha's Cheesecake Supreme! </strong></u></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Crust:</u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1 cup flour</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1/4 cup granulated sugar</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1 Tablespoon freshly grated orange or lime zest</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1 slightly beaten egg yolk</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1/4 tsp. vanilla</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> ***Combine first three ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Blend thoroughly. Pat 1/3 of dough onto bottom of 9" spring form pan, sides removed. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. Cool completely. Attach sides, pat remaining dough up the sides of pan, about 1 3/4 " up the sides. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> ***Turn oven Temperature up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a baking dish filled with water in oven. Leave the pan of water in the oven until baking is complete. This will prevent the cheesecake from cracking and will promote even baking.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Filling:</u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 5 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese (Philadelphia preferred...)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLikfM0jXfM0C-1vNHT96PP05Ogqly-YUf1GnGERexcv7PBuJUsiONweQkIaQEWpcbXqc-zga85lvWHxi8EQKKhTV6hhEbYdiPvvPXWyDUVp3xVI99PkyEmHni7S9IpQHHwCModEY56vI/s1600/cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLikfM0jXfM0C-1vNHT96PP05Ogqly-YUf1GnGERexcv7PBuJUsiONweQkIaQEWpcbXqc-zga85lvWHxi8EQKKhTV6hhEbYdiPvvPXWyDUVp3xVI99PkyEmHni7S9IpQHHwCModEY56vI/s200/cheesecake.jpg" width="200" /></a> 1/4 teaspoon vanilla</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 2 Tablespoons freshly grated orange or lime zest</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 3 Tablespoons flour</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1 cup (4 or 5 large) eggs</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 2 egg yolks</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> 1/4 heavy whipping cream</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> ***Let cream cheese stand until it reaches room temperature. Beat in stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and zest. Mix next three ingredients in a separate bowl. Gradually add to cream cheese. Add eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating after each just to blend. Gently stir in heavy cream.</div><br />
***Turn into crust-lined pan. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes; reduce heat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for 55 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Best served cold, with fresh berries and/or a berry sauce.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-1256377204151293282010-12-27T14:56:00.000-05:002010-12-27T14:56:13.473-05:00Tic-Tac-Toe BoardsOn Friday night I finished making Christmas Gifts....and that is only if you consider it was still Friday until I went to bed. If Saturday begins at midnight, however, I didn't finish them until about 3:30am on Christmas Day. What is important, however, is that they were finished and SIMPLY adorable for Christmas and Scouty and Abe loved them!<br />
<br />
I bought a kit at my favorite quilt shop, <a href="http://www.ivythimble.com/"><em>The Ivy Thimble</em></a><em>, </em><br />
during their annual porch sale. They only cost two dollars, <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjqFT2YKg5Eo2NdmsRz-Rl5zwksrh3xFlzPrrJJyzaKmkZvO_CRNZRjXOYJ-lwM-tJEbiPTaJZvvXSOwU2FcjNM1EVBDG4_NC6kAO3qlg2Ys9JMePMTnKMP8RWosJJFW-7NKuClOOEJw/s1600/Abe%2527s+Tic+Tac+Toe+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjqFT2YKg5Eo2NdmsRz-Rl5zwksrh3xFlzPrrJJyzaKmkZvO_CRNZRjXOYJ-lwM-tJEbiPTaJZvvXSOwU2FcjNM1EVBDG4_NC6kAO3qlg2Ys9JMePMTnKMP8RWosJJFW-7NKuClOOEJw/s200/Abe%2527s+Tic+Tac+Toe+Board.jpg" width="200" /></a>and the kit included everything you needed for the project </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">except for the fabric of your choice. When I was getting </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">ready to go out and get the fabric, I opened up the patern </div>and really tried to figure out what I needed...upon closer <br />
examination, I discovered that the pattern was making it a <br />
much more complicated project than was needed. I adjusted <br />
the pattern, and went shopping. <a href="http://www.patriciasfabrichouse.com/services.htm">Patricia's Fabric House</a> in <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">East Rochester was having a sale--25% off of everything, so </div>I went there for the fabric this time. It was my first time straying <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">from "The Thimble"...and I am still feeling a bit guilty about it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oh well...I will work through it. :-)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90JD-6otdlK3sb2CwC_tzVKv_t9CQn1jAYoUcJtQ27qJyf7CEcj5domRWiTtZcouYVuafN2AToarq2KBo8gGMC30ocWn6Gfc3elFQjGMZK9mCIicf-8mGweBle1mVEjqRJrioSZloN3o/s1600/Scout%2527s+Tic+Tac+Toe+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90JD-6otdlK3sb2CwC_tzVKv_t9CQn1jAYoUcJtQ27qJyf7CEcj5domRWiTtZcouYVuafN2AToarq2KBo8gGMC30ocWn6Gfc3elFQjGMZK9mCIicf-8mGweBle1mVEjqRJrioSZloN3o/s200/Scout%2527s+Tic+Tac+Toe+Board.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had loads of fun picking out the fabric with Abe and Scout in mind and they turned out wonderfully! Abe's is a bit more complicated. Because of the bright colors, I didn't want to introduce a fourth fabric. The bold blue has many bright colors, and the orange seemed like a perfect contrast to the main fabric. The white is where the tic-tac-toe pieces play. What made the board more complicated, was that I needed to incorporate the orange into the playing board, and not just use it as the inner border. So, I had to be careful with measurments, etc. in order to get those little orange squares to line up. Scout's was just one fabric on all the sashing of the board, and so it was less complicated, but equally beautiful. I chose contrasting colors for painting the wooden pieces. I also made coordinating draw string bags to hold the game pieces they were super cute. :-) Scout's fabric jump off the shelf at me! The different shades of pink, the butterflies, etc. I knew she would love it! Scout even played a round or two with Grandma (my Mom) on her pretty board. She just loved it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The original pattern had you cutting out 64-2" squares, so you had four tiny little white squares to make up one white square. That seemed like an awful lot of (unnecessary) cutting and stitching to me...especially for a kids game! In the end, I cut 3.5" squares for the the white pieces and the sashing was cut into strips that corresponded. After piecing the top together, the finsihed size was closer to 20"x20" than the patterns noted 17"x17". I pressed the gridded inerfacing that was included in the kit, and decided I didn't like the batting that was included. Thankfully I had enough of the "warm and natural" batting to make two 20"x20" square innerds to my two tic-tac-toe boards. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If anybody wants my specific measurments for the boards, etc. then just e-mail me and I will get them to you!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-63598595145861451162010-12-20T19:45:00.003-05:002010-12-27T16:44:56.462-05:00Christmas Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39urkI_ZxizZ0Kyz8eqrOjK2SNYR-eqwWPtwZYLrW5TvHeGPthcSpuN7db_LM5_OteCBTvNTxhkJ3PvmHEQ2W9UKgoHzoUyU7c_MHw-qaJG91TwbUa9XF7ykgR8mY3NFmpxanl15gqRk/s1600/Christmas+Card+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At work some of the residents at the nursing home have been really into making some homemade Christmas Cards this year. I have taken in a bunch of my stamping supplies and we've played in paper and rubber for a few days...I wish we had more time to do it...but at this time of year, there are so many things going on, it is difficult to find the time to do more cards with them. Last week I took the time to work at home on some of my own Christmas Cards. I've been really into embossing with Gold Glory <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/">(Stampin Up!)</a> embossing powder with dark hunter green and deep burgundy papers. I hope you enjoy...these are just a couple I've made. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijqPpK9Rzw6wHuT-hDrhC1z8EtkEhct3quapnqCRhDVnm1mFpAwZgtCQ7POk8f-Mu6ogvzim9PvYJWnfv3r7whSfe4EmF3Y4We9Kwws7MUoeAmqQrxu5f5wdFDfrDS0934PRmHVTGKBs/s1600/2010+Christmas+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijqPpK9Rzw6wHuT-hDrhC1z8EtkEhct3quapnqCRhDVnm1mFpAwZgtCQ7POk8f-Mu6ogvzim9PvYJWnfv3r7whSfe4EmF3Y4We9Kwws7MUoeAmqQrxu5f5wdFDfrDS0934PRmHVTGKBs/s200/2010+Christmas+Card.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39urkI_ZxizZ0Kyz8eqrOjK2SNYR-eqwWPtwZYLrW5TvHeGPthcSpuN7db_LM5_OteCBTvNTxhkJ3PvmHEQ2W9UKgoHzoUyU7c_MHw-qaJG91TwbUa9XF7ykgR8mY3NFmpxanl15gqRk/s1600/Christmas+Card+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39urkI_ZxizZ0Kyz8eqrOjK2SNYR-eqwWPtwZYLrW5TvHeGPthcSpuN7db_LM5_OteCBTvNTxhkJ3PvmHEQ2W9UKgoHzoUyU7c_MHw-qaJG91TwbUa9XF7ykgR8mY3NFmpxanl15gqRk/s200/Christmas+Card+2010.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-30373313416752348882010-12-20T19:30:00.000-05:002010-12-20T19:30:41.803-05:00The Quilting Bug...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiXfrU2aY9godxUsizX0xY8GdZvpiTVXVzIi3LoA-bG1nbF3dm6W3W6EmHQRI2WmEaydNc7j44Ewao-Rh-isGD7ZAlyAZ1Zx209zDL-6CFeT8Vsqx-RyR5r8R1pTUg66eA7TD5aEat50/s1600/finished+quilt+top+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiXfrU2aY9godxUsizX0xY8GdZvpiTVXVzIi3LoA-bG1nbF3dm6W3W6EmHQRI2WmEaydNc7j44Ewao-Rh-isGD7ZAlyAZ1Zx209zDL-6CFeT8Vsqx-RyR5r8R1pTUg66eA7TD5aEat50/s200/finished+quilt+top+b.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mother has picked up quilting again the last couple of years and since I moved back to NY last year, I had been wanting to do the same. I took a beginner quilting class this past summer and made two of the beginner quilts at the same time. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63YGEGVtgcUENArFKQkg4lEdZUDT4An2BRGq15kZKnskI6PyiAPCQOYerth4H2rZccOsItdw9bNfQBP3CQ4mhwNLScIOjP4wbXvgzvU7EO6NeE1feZjPiOeIOFt1UBctnE74KgAJq7Jc/s1600/Block+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63YGEGVtgcUENArFKQkg4lEdZUDT4An2BRGq15kZKnskI6PyiAPCQOYerth4H2rZccOsItdw9bNfQBP3CQ4mhwNLScIOjP4wbXvgzvU7EO6NeE1feZjPiOeIOFt1UBctnE74KgAJq7Jc/s200/Block+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The quilt shop I go to the most is </span><a href="http://www.ivythimble.com/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>The Ivy Thimble</i></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> in Victor, NY. It is the best area quilt shop! Not only do they have amazing fabric and samples, but the staff is so knowledgeable and helpful! They have wonderful sales and everytime I go there, I feel like I am a friend, not just a customer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ABFxEa95-1GxBvKoaIbLk0XffbVQLi6Z_GE9WLHkVYYoUoyVbViI9oj7qIh_jfCNe6VN3_waxI76ZhN8zC8Hk0NhCVAJX34InVGSz30G9nmbpaSPwW9Ex-UK4OWZwb3MCRL52sF6Y6E/s1600/Block+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ABFxEa95-1GxBvKoaIbLk0XffbVQLi6Z_GE9WLHkVYYoUoyVbViI9oj7qIh_jfCNe6VN3_waxI76ZhN8zC8Hk0NhCVAJX34InVGSz30G9nmbpaSPwW9Ex-UK4OWZwb3MCRL52sF6Y6E/s200/Block+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After taking the Beginners class from Cindy, I signed up with my mom to take a Saturday morning class with Barb. We made a quilt called "Diamonds For Judith". I liked that quilt so much, that I bought Christmas fabric to make a second quilt out of the same pattern. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgrw_jluhHhX_cV6h-m1cbYsQxp9UC1mNh5vpRagEhQ7BaMNYaNE80u_GBIVhX7ZfxvRpNtHqZM5TtDfsBVMtcD3Ke5OE33Kt6HPFOtdkJ1NF0_RS7wCQRtsgET_E2Hc-JS9anqABAEQ/s1600/Block+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgrw_jluhHhX_cV6h-m1cbYsQxp9UC1mNh5vpRagEhQ7BaMNYaNE80u_GBIVhX7ZfxvRpNtHqZM5TtDfsBVMtcD3Ke5OE33Kt6HPFOtdkJ1NF0_RS7wCQRtsgET_E2Hc-JS9anqABAEQ/s200/Block+3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had the first one quilted on the long-arm machine </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">there at the store, and the Christmas one is there now being quilted. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyuhKJoih6sBblZDxrJsTg2HXyBSA69cS1O4r3-r6pQd7RRbhyphenhyphenCe6X4VbfIotTTrlB4Rx2FH58zf-u8RpkKTXfyxqrcLfv6uoTA8v-fXuj6L9Av6bfFoyjXLABz9NSWLqzVW_mB8sWBc/s1600/watermelon+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyuhKJoih6sBblZDxrJsTg2HXyBSA69cS1O4r3-r6pQd7RRbhyphenhyphenCe6X4VbfIotTTrlB4Rx2FH58zf-u8RpkKTXfyxqrcLfv6uoTA8v-fXuj6L9Av6bfFoyjXLABz9NSWLqzVW_mB8sWBc/s320/watermelon+quilt.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_621466101"></span><span id="goog_621466102"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also took a Paper Piecing class from Pam where I learned so much! I love the technique, and the wall hanging I made is just beautiful, if I do say so myself! I am excited to make another one with the same pattern in different fabrics! I think it would be really pretty in patriotic colors for Scout for her birthday--since she is a Flag Day baby. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I haven't taken a class lately, but I am hoping to take on over 6 months that begins in January and focuses on applique. I bought a new sewing machine and it is amazing. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHsETSQKqPybNd9pwUuFpF3x1SfHdynPhNHMxFoDCjKxfwPW2vxqqs7arwkENKSXocLkX8uqLxUEQVlEUJmMh3byd0g-heFyAmm0g5ulrXKK6_6hFZE7FeBckRcAoq7rhrGE5fSPM360/s1600/Beth%2527s+Apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHsETSQKqPybNd9pwUuFpF3x1SfHdynPhNHMxFoDCjKxfwPW2vxqqs7arwkENKSXocLkX8uqLxUEQVlEUJmMh3byd0g-heFyAmm0g5ulrXKK6_6hFZE7FeBckRcAoq7rhrGE5fSPM360/s200/Beth%2527s+Apron.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I've also made a few aprons and table runners. I have fabric to make two other quilts and as soon as all of the Christmas gift projects are completed, I will start working on one of those! </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDys4xkTBQpF2nAV143M6vkNXnkCljuGddbVNV6uEsORY2pMNZgZE3SKvjE152Lmbr0RSTEE0wslbrpCZv0w6Z40pHzTqdq0-34Dui5VydO4T0hpwGjB09buykv4qgjKNlWlVi9Et5YMU/s1600/mom+and+dads+table+runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDys4xkTBQpF2nAV143M6vkNXnkCljuGddbVNV6uEsORY2pMNZgZE3SKvjE152Lmbr0RSTEE0wslbrpCZv0w6Z40pHzTqdq0-34Dui5VydO4T0hpwGjB09buykv4qgjKNlWlVi9Et5YMU/s200/mom+and+dads+table+runner.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">If you've ever admired a pieced quilt and thought it would be neat to make, but didn't think you could, trust me! You can do it. Just go to a good quilt shop and take a class. It is amazing how simple it is once you are taught by a good teacher! Once you can make a simple sampler like the beginner quilt, you can do practically anything. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy quilting!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-58581059816110067812010-12-19T14:57:00.002-05:002010-12-20T18:44:22.200-05:00Raspberry Chocolate PavlovaI tried this recipe this past summer. It is from the June 2010 "Food Network Magazine". I had never tried one of Nigella Lawson's recipes before, but since trying this one, I've found several of hers that I want to try. It is SUPER easy, and looks so fancy when all is said and done. I made it when Strawberries were at their peak, so I put strawberries on top the first couple of times I made it. Then I have made it with a combination of fresh Blueberries and Raspberries. It is good every time! <br />
<br />
Do be sure to spend the money on some good chocolate and cocoa. And if you don't have superfine sugar on hand, don't buy it! Just process a cup plus two teaspoons of regular granulated sugar in a food processor to equal 1 cup of superfine sugar. See the recipe (and picture...) below.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova</u></b><br />
Active: 35 minutes <b>| </b>Total" 1 hour 35 minutes (plus cooling time) <b>|</b> Serves 8-10 adults<br />
--Nigella Lawson, Food Network Magazine, June 2010<br />
<br />
FOR THE MERINGUE<br />
6 Large egg whites<br />
2 Cups superfine sugar<br />
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted<br />
1 Teaspoon balsamic or red wine vinegar<br />
2 Ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped<br />
<br />
FOR THE TOPPING<br />
2 Cups heavy cream<br />
4 Cups fresh raspberries<br />
1-2 ounces dark chocolate, curled/grated<br />
<br />
1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment. Draw a 9" diameter circle onthe paper with a pencil, tracing a round cake tin that size. (Hint--Flip the paper over, so your meringue doesn't touch the pencil marks--you'll still be able to see the circle.)<br />
<br />
2. Make the Meringue: Beat the egg whites with a mixer until satiny peaks form, and then beat in the sugar, one spoonful at a time until the meringue is stiff and shiny.<br />
<br />
3. Add the Chocolate: Sprinkle the cocoa , vinegar, and then the chopped chocolate over the egg whites. Gently fold everything with a rubber spatula until the cocoa is thouroughly mixed in.<br />
<br />
4. Shape the Meringue: Secure the parchment to the baking sheet with a dab of meringue to each corner. Mound the meringue onto the parchment within the circle, smoothing the sides and top with a spatula.<br />
<br />
5. Bake the Meringue: Place in the oven, then immediately turn the temperature down to 300 degrees and cook for one to one and a quarter hours. When it's ready, it should look crisp and dry on top, but when you prod the center you should feel the promise of squidginess beneath your fingers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">6. Let it Cool: Turn off the oven and open the door slightly; let the chocolate meringue disk cool completely in the oven. When you're ready to serve, invert onto a big flat-bottomed plate and peel off the parchment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">7. Decorate the Pavlova: Whisk the cream till thick but still soft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BUfZb3KbT0TcHa1y2-VyZuMLX0KX-vWr15rkLBN1CSYIVi8yfpE9uVx7LjpwELpSX_8Z9HqoTlgAqvbWXu9lNHD1kc3RM98710sxZkiQQ2_Z4C6RqzOvjbGBG3qSNjwBs4W3LLOCUdQ/s1600/chocolate+raspberry+pavlova.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BUfZb3KbT0TcHa1y2-VyZuMLX0KX-vWr15rkLBN1CSYIVi8yfpE9uVx7LjpwELpSX_8Z9HqoTlgAqvbWXu9lNHD1kc3RM98710sxZkiQQ2_Z4C6RqzOvjbGBG3qSNjwBs4W3LLOCUdQ/s200/chocolate+raspberry+pavlova.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">and pour it on top of the meringue, then scatter the raspberries on </div>top. Coarsly grate/curl the chocolate haphazardly over the top so<br />
that you get curls of chocolate rather than rubble, as you don't want<br />
the raspberries' luscious color and form to be obscured. You want<br />
the pavlova to look like a frosted cake.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-64987673940173699142009-09-07T10:52:00.003-04:002009-09-07T10:57:16.102-04:00It has been a busy weekend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9L_9uyQNIKh8p8D4bH5y2A1MBwz4DyDqAYEG1hNQ2zLVcdQToxCs2pgjz3CJ5ZSX-HTnNZNLxlQvD4WFRlgkUHZmsDYmjpt0LaimnLgR0Yys_pAq9qBfZKE4E7LlPyH7PmKHoCQVnX8/s1600-h/wild+about+you+2+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9L_9uyQNIKh8p8D4bH5y2A1MBwz4DyDqAYEG1hNQ2zLVcdQToxCs2pgjz3CJ5ZSX-HTnNZNLxlQvD4WFRlgkUHZmsDYmjpt0LaimnLgR0Yys_pAq9qBfZKE4E7LlPyH7PmKHoCQVnX8/s320/wild+about+you+2+front.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I am at home in New York visiting my family for a few days. I came up earlier than expected because I needed to get some dental work done. Becaue of the unexpected early visit, my family has been gone for the weekend. They all left to go up to the cottage on Friday and won't get back until early this evening. At first I was pretty down about my dog and I having to be at my parents house all alone--especially seeing as half of the house is torn up due to some pretty major renovations. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGczGiqoGkSVrzTS7hJwvzNz6BoTzIjkvFK8bv-Rag_N9Vmy7BgQ5yPSmSYT-0Lm_mHRO8uL6A_yHjW8VP1HrrNrzNSGdSyVlkqtgdrow4ifaWbJ2qa6i78q0VDdTtsV78MnB_B30d8AM/s1600-h/hb+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGczGiqoGkSVrzTS7hJwvzNz6BoTzIjkvFK8bv-Rag_N9Vmy7BgQ5yPSmSYT-0Lm_mHRO8uL6A_yHjW8VP1HrrNrzNSGdSyVlkqtgdrow4ifaWbJ2qa6i78q0VDdTtsV78MnB_B30d8AM/s200/hb+front.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDtMAiv2yASDdFzw1wo5AeipPVL8PUjfvywOUfqePn06m-c_RGPu4G8mj5MJVO_rlRiDCpjF4518xMmuk_erk5gGOVj74lVQpnEL-u8FT8kR3VnlHWJIXQgjnZFlxLOKoZS4etCAEQC8/s1600-h/hb+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDtMAiv2yASDdFzw1wo5AeipPVL8PUjfvywOUfqePn06m-c_RGPu4G8mj5MJVO_rlRiDCpjF4518xMmuk_erk5gGOVj74lVQpnEL-u8FT8kR3VnlHWJIXQgjnZFlxLOKoZS4etCAEQC8/s200/hb+inside.jpg" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cWy44V1W27iYViXyZ_DMMaLtrXnGiAPbH9ekBg6HHqLr92TwV8ctKeDIxqxvq2adTbFuq_G1gpgxhw9sOdvOcb8VWjuxzWuwRDOiyJoswdYYE7zCzmQO_4avtjBBqKRmjfBLURPoTdw/s1600-h/wild+about+you+1+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cWy44V1W27iYViXyZ_DMMaLtrXnGiAPbH9ekBg6HHqLr92TwV8ctKeDIxqxvq2adTbFuq_G1gpgxhw9sOdvOcb8VWjuxzWuwRDOiyJoswdYYE7zCzmQO_4avtjBBqKRmjfBLURPoTdw/s320/wild+about+you+1+front.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Thankfully, my friend Jennifer was in town, and it gave us the chance to visit, shop, and stamp! We went to the fabric/craft store on Saturday, out to lunch, and then came home to my parents place to stamp. We both made a couple of cute cards Saturday afternoon, but Jennifer was kind enough to leave her supplies with me (as my mothers supply is inaccessible due to the renovations) so I could play in the rubber and paper and ink some more while I was home alone. I already posted the birthday card I made for my mom, but I also made some more cards, and thought I would post those pictures here. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last evening some family friends (Jenn's parents) invited me over for dinner and games, so I offered to take dessert. I ended up making a dessert pizza. It was yummy! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVkAbd5pGFsqWnBrZ5XbT0U1mVMxdtpYglDskQpZGziki-6-G3IQWWwuSFaUXZFCsR6WIjVgbO6aLtVO38nYCRogsJgxWQvlTdUteHrfbVt9uh0UGCVJzyB3Z33M0v27qBbB3ckFd6eI/s1600-h/fruit+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVkAbd5pGFsqWnBrZ5XbT0U1mVMxdtpYglDskQpZGziki-6-G3IQWWwuSFaUXZFCsR6WIjVgbO6aLtVO38nYCRogsJgxWQvlTdUteHrfbVt9uh0UGCVJzyB3Z33M0v27qBbB3ckFd6eI/s320/fruit+pizza.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-25881192972184620332009-09-05T20:22:00.001-04:002009-09-05T20:35:06.911-04:00Mom's Birthday Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpwYkUUKnDLPSLg1G4dE_p0PvbB28aWWtRGgjnSoGsB1LCwReZLWMLEbB8mifh6INdLOOswOLy6TRPqxv1gfrNR9SgOC8xGJYOS_rwMbKSmqYTm_U9pxfQj7w3rI250QH_ofs-zXSgrs/s1600-h/0905091903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpwYkUUKnDLPSLg1G4dE_p0PvbB28aWWtRGgjnSoGsB1LCwReZLWMLEbB8mifh6INdLOOswOLy6TRPqxv1gfrNR9SgOC8xGJYOS_rwMbKSmqYTm_U9pxfQj7w3rI250QH_ofs-zXSgrs/s320/0905091903.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #e06666;">(front of card)</span></em></div><br />
I used the <em>Stampin' Up!</em> stamp set "Doodle This" to make a birthday card for my mom. I used a <em>Close to my Heart</em> set for the verse. Paper and ink is all <em>Stampin' Up!</em>. My friend Jennifer came over and we stamped and played for a while. She made a cute card too. I hope my mom likes it! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYNEvg0_HSIftIGYZpLM8wej0IZeLoTtEasxjycqn5uxuyuZpeiCm_Elu8AuZ-A5_w602GAq8R_TAuwVJxI-XUPWo2vwKe3cHSahypW0gygxeWLPSVBFx0w8ls0i3e9uKmDo9kycDXwI/s1600-h/0905091904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYNEvg0_HSIftIGYZpLM8wej0IZeLoTtEasxjycqn5uxuyuZpeiCm_Elu8AuZ-A5_w602GAq8R_TAuwVJxI-XUPWo2vwKe3cHSahypW0gygxeWLPSVBFx0w8ls0i3e9uKmDo9kycDXwI/s320/0905091904.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #e06666;">(inside of card)</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aBOFGe4Cwp6luYfMiOGL3JgIrJvqeuPkKFyzN4muNTe5Nuv3Zi7rZZzIu7PgxTE-QcqtX4SHB-8_avuYHmn32GhU0z3PyQTMRxWlOyF_6sTXnfW29KFHctCAdgiswudPji6G6pDnDUs/s1600-h/0905091904a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aBOFGe4Cwp6luYfMiOGL3JgIrJvqeuPkKFyzN4muNTe5Nuv3Zi7rZZzIu7PgxTE-QcqtX4SHB-8_avuYHmn32GhU0z3PyQTMRxWlOyF_6sTXnfW29KFHctCAdgiswudPji6G6pDnDUs/s320/0905091904a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><em>(back of card)</em></span></div><br />
I am going to keep creating tonight and stamp some more cards. More pictures to come. <br />
<br />
--M.Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-27604916140919634212009-09-01T23:31:00.002-04:002009-09-02T00:57:39.020-04:00The Cake Has Been Made...and devoured...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This took a whole lotta butta...about 4 lbs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThZMa2rlnijYU7mlGr2eWN56mFXdZ0ym-FMPYtd14G6-yVgylmQ1zPRNyPumdbK8HRAM_oUAt3rqF_T0dpcil3tC1tMHLtbiPEjSdl5EzFvppIDJXb2h-kP6ntUdRC35qbPFGxETvHPk/s1600-h/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThZMa2rlnijYU7mlGr2eWN56mFXdZ0ym-FMPYtd14G6-yVgylmQ1zPRNyPumdbK8HRAM_oUAt3rqF_T0dpcil3tC1tMHLtbiPEjSdl5EzFvppIDJXb2h-kP6ntUdRC35qbPFGxETvHPk/s320/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Let me begin by saying that: I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR DUFF AND HIS GANG ON "ACE OF CAKES"!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyedJ8TNBw6WeLSaGsU2HzF7YHMoisQsqlvMvBMtr8yp3agb6Cv9zGUCZpgb7Ni2QEvj6obWFrHcn1zSCQ3dBZjuKepyv8HK8p5ZM51XWfPA0HFpilGyxkY7fb5-xXlthbGBovtsKQG0A/s1600-h/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyedJ8TNBw6WeLSaGsU2HzF7YHMoisQsqlvMvBMtr8yp3agb6Cv9zGUCZpgb7Ni2QEvj6obWFrHcn1zSCQ3dBZjuKepyv8HK8p5ZM51XWfPA0HFpilGyxkY7fb5-xXlthbGBovtsKQG0A/s320/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+8.jpg" /></a></div>Cake making/decorating is not easy. While I had a good time, and learned quite a few things that would make it easier the next time I make a tiered/layered cake, it is a heck of a lot of work! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5RwP0O3Fw9PcuX0sHlin1EJTSbK7UkT12PN_Gkp8bxgZKa2GdIp1jfhEOet3ejqcTOxMX3EoitkXv2wim41ikZEmrglqXBRpKF8V8VVf2fItQM_fDsy5YMuSeRk5FCqOYJeB9vR6sMY/s1600-h/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5RwP0O3Fw9PcuX0sHlin1EJTSbK7UkT12PN_Gkp8bxgZKa2GdIp1jfhEOet3ejqcTOxMX3EoitkXv2wim41ikZEmrglqXBRpKF8V8VVf2fItQM_fDsy5YMuSeRk5FCqOYJeB9vR6sMY/s320/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+7.jpg" /></a></div>So...I used the buttercream frosting for the filling and used a different recipe (from Ina Garten) for the exterior frosting. I added butter-rum flavoring in place of half of the vanilla that is called for in the recipe, and chopped some candied pecans and mixed that all together to make the filling. I used food coloring to turn the frosting a pretty lilac color because purple is Kristin's favorite color. I piped the decoration in white and it turned out really well! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRmA_4RgW_XcfVZBNsVw22N7My_ChKZSB_CEq7PL4Is-uhYVSAmAaOCL36C7Sd6RqZ_Gmcmed81beWlbhfAOnJM_4iD-L-UfxkcYDxfK1jLJu7n9QSjzdHtg4mO1rqogLA9372ScfvWg/s1600-h/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRmA_4RgW_XcfVZBNsVw22N7My_ChKZSB_CEq7PL4Is-uhYVSAmAaOCL36C7Sd6RqZ_Gmcmed81beWlbhfAOnJM_4iD-L-UfxkcYDxfK1jLJu7n9QSjzdHtg4mO1rqogLA9372ScfvWg/s320/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+6.jpg" /></a></div>I had some frustrating moments. I think that a cake leveler is definitely worth the money. It is so difficult to get everything perfectly even. When you're just making a layered cake, with no tiers, it's not as big of a deal, however with a tiered cake, everything really needs to be level to prevent sloping and sliding. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6QfWx-YrRT6gQsHLXhDyZH9__0xzCq1H2L_tNnkdu53R70BFT1wXwDc0YpNVpc8CT25elFwqtwkbTsJ6mBEZlrNSZSbyRnlk1a4RrmvR-9bsbz2uRKxAOTkGew7CHLBE_QYozDKveU4/s1600-h/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6QfWx-YrRT6gQsHLXhDyZH9__0xzCq1H2L_tNnkdu53R70BFT1wXwDc0YpNVpc8CT25elFwqtwkbTsJ6mBEZlrNSZSbyRnlk1a4RrmvR-9bsbz2uRKxAOTkGew7CHLBE_QYozDKveU4/s320/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I had a lot fun, and everyone loved the cake. They seemed impressed, as well as satisfied. The recipes were all great. THANK YOU FOOD NETWORK and Martha Stewart. :-) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nVZIznVcAS-lqoVbLC6u0v7kLIRhb4kOd-aZC7L60iq0uoklbMkyv_LFrLhCkdF5dAqxVOIN8cEmZ62KDiysfBE3TwD3ZzJcvbMJdj1mDgyMEPGfUpUnXYY9q8crUD7DMnT00o8spbU/s1600-h/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nVZIznVcAS-lqoVbLC6u0v7kLIRhb4kOd-aZC7L60iq0uoklbMkyv_LFrLhCkdF5dAqxVOIN8cEmZ62KDiysfBE3TwD3ZzJcvbMJdj1mDgyMEPGfUpUnXYY9q8crUD7DMnT00o8spbU/s320/Kristin's+Birthday+Cake+4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Now I need to come up with another baking/cooking project. Any ideas?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>:-)Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-84901119100346256392009-08-31T16:06:00.000-04:002009-08-31T16:06:20.833-04:00Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe...<strong>Vanilla Butterceam Frosting</strong><br />
<em>(Makes about 4 ccups. More than enough to frost and decorate one nine inch layer cake.)</em><br />
<br />
4 large eggs<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
pinch salt<br />
1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, each stick cut into quarters<br />
<br />
1. Combine eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in bowl of standing mixer; place bowl over pan of simmering water. Whisking gently but contantly, heat mixture until it is thin and foamy and registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer.<br />
<br />
2. Beat egg mixture on meduim-high speed with whisk attachment until light, airy, and cooled to room temperature, about five minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add butter, one piece at a time. (After adding half of the butter, buttercream may look curdled; it will smooth out with additional butter.) Once all butter is added, increase speed to high and beat 1 minute until light, fluffy, and thouroughly combined. (Can be refrigerated up to five days.)Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438280209664019245.post-63008544178423032732009-08-30T19:44:00.001-04:002009-08-30T20:25:08.404-04:00The begining...Okay. So. Now I have a blog. I'm not exactly sure what to say in a blog. I am doubting other people will read it, but even if this just serves as a journaling experience for me, I guess that is okay. <br />
<br />
My two biggest loves, outside of family, friends,--and of course my puppy-dog, Molly--are cooking, and crafting. I'm addicted to cooking shows and scrapbooking, and rubberstamping, and Michael's and AC Moore...and every other craft/scrapbook store I can find, and...and...and...<br />
<br />
My next big project is making a birthday cake for my friend Kristin. She turns 22 in a couple of days, and I've got a great recipe to make a tiered birthday cake for her. A few weeks ago Martha Stewart's square 10", 8", and 6" cake pan set was on the clearance shelf at Macy's. I couldn't resist. So, I've been spending loads of time on foodnetwork.com looking at various cake recipes, and planning my method of attack. I had decided on a Barefoot Contessa recipe for a delicious chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream frosting only to learn that Kristin detests chocolate cake. Hmm...so I've found another recipe that I will be trying out tomorrow. It's a Martha Stewart recipe...standard yellow cake.<br />
<br />
Last night I went to see "Julie and Julia" for the second time. I have to admit that the movie has been a large part of my motivation for finally starting a blog. Unfortunately I can't come up with some super creative goal to complete (in a year) involving either crafting or cooking, but I figure that starting a blog is an okay thing to do, even without boning a duck.<br />
<br />
<br />
Recipes I'll be trying this week:<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Martha Stewart’s Yellow Cake</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Makes one 10-inch cake</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 1 tablespoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 2 cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 4 large eggs</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 1 1/4 cups buttermilk</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">· 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Directions</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter one 10-inch tube pan. Dust the bottom and sides of pan with flour, and tap out any excess. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">2. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar, and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until well incorporated, occasionally scraping down the sides of bowl. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">3. Mix together buttermilk and vanilla. Slowly add the sifted flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Do not overbeat. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">4. Pour batter into prepared tube pan, and until cake tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan, and cool completely on wire rack. Cake can be stored in freezer, double wrapped with aluminum foil, for up to 1 month. </span><br />
<br />
My favorite Buttercream Frosting recipe is amazing! I tried it for the first time in June with my six year-old nephew, Abe. He loved throwing in the pats of butter gradually and watching them being "beaten into submission" by the trusty Kitchen Aid. I got the recipe from "The Best Recipe". It is the cookbook published by the editors of America's Test Kitchen. I wonder if Chris Kimball has ever made it? Hmm... It's a fabulous cookbook...and if you've never checked it out, you definitely should. It is a little more accessible than "The Joy of Cooking" and covers the basics...and then some. PLUS...the "Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie" recipe is To. Die. For. <br />
<br />
I digress. <br />
<br />
At any rate...the frosting is a heavenly thing to eat. It piped well for decorating, and I'm glad to be using a recipe I'm familiar with. <br />
<br />
I will take pictures and post them once it's made!<br />
<br />
-----------------<br />
<br />
As far as this weeks crafts...<br />
<br />
My mother turnd 62 yesterday (sorry for the disclosure, Mom...), and I have yet to make a birthday card for her. For some, this may seem abominable: I agree. It should have been there for her to open on her birthday. In my defense, however, Mom went up to their cottage in the Adirondacs for the week, and spent the day by herself (I don't think black bears count as legitimate company...) and couldn't get mail out in the middle of nowhere. I did call her on her birthday, but restrained myself from singing to her over the phone. SO...I think I am going to use a new stamp set to make her birthday card this evening. That way I can mail it tomorrow. <br />
<br />
I've also been asked to help plan some crafts for an enrichment activity for Christmas Crafts for the ladies at church. I've got them both planned, but need to make the hooked sheep ornaments so I can write out directions. I'll have to take pictures...<br />
<br />
--------------<br />
<br />
Okay. So. That was my first blog. Easy enough. <br />
<br />
Stay tuned...Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139281855129190857noreply@blogger.com1