SSD51 and OTWC#33

How's that for a blog title?  Hubby was off  part of the day today so no time to get these posted earlier.  We had to run a couple of errands and he completed not one but two "honey do" jobs.   Yah!

Here's the story of how things go here though....wine cooler stops cooling.  No problem says, DH.  He can fix it.  He orders the part online, only $15!  A big savings. See how clever he is?

Now, how to install part.  Open back of unit. No idea how to install part.  Call engineer friend.  Problem solved. Part installed.  Wine cooler - doesn't work...at all.  Nada, nothing. Unintelligible words muttered. Wine cooler sits in hallway for 2 weeks.  DH finally relents, calls appliance repair.  Bring it in - cost $50...the fan was stuck. 

Install wine cooler back in spot...nope.  The wood has swelled because unit has been out too long in humid climate.  Damage cabinet fillers trying to jam the thing in and out.  Remove filler parts.  Take to cabinet shop.  Cost to repair - $50.  Meanwhile, put dehumidifier into wine cooler spot. 

Today, the cooler gets installed with lots of pushing but no unintelligible muttering...wife stays as far away from installation site as humanly possible to avoid possibility of offering advice that will definitely not be appreciated.  DH had brilliant idea (really!) to put velcro on filler pieces so they could be installed after cooler was in place and taken off, just in case of a future cooler breakdown to save $50.

Total time and cost - 1 month, $125 parts and gas.  Still married - wine cool.  ;-D

Now to the important stuff.....

The first card is for the sketch challenge on Skipping Stones Design. SSD51.  I loved this sketch the minute I saw it.

This is for our good friend, Mike, who turned 65 today!  Party Hearty, Mike!

This next card is for the Off the Wall Craftiness Challenge #33

I couldn't decide which version I liked better the pink layered one or the clean and simple one.  A fun way to use up scraps of May Arts ribbon!  Want to win some May Arts ribbon of your own?  Head over to Off the Wall Craftiness and play along...the prize is an assortment of ribbon from May Arts!!

May Arts Tutorial Sneak Peek

Need some quick, inexpensive yet "substantial" and elegant gifts?  I've got just the ticket.  Here's a sneak peek.  If you want to see what's inside this elegant box and learn how to make it, head on over to the May Arts blog.  We'd love to know what you think!

I'll be posting some of my handmade flowers on my Etsy site soon.

Teapot Tuesday and a Chain of Love

This week's Teapot Tuesday Destination (MMTPT120) is Lynn, Massachusetts, the home of the 88 yr. young Evelyn Fredrickson.  Evelyn is the mother of SCS stamper, Anne Harmon aka jdmommy.  Evelyn likes to crochet so I thought she might enjoy this crocheted flower.

Supplies:

Paper - PTI, Neenah

Stamps - Hero Arts leaves, SU Absolutely Fabulous

Ink - SU Craft White, Sakura white gel pen, Versafine, PTI Chai

Accessories - button, embroidery floss

This card is for a new Musical Challenge on SCS (DDMCC02).  The song this week is "Chain of Love".

I just happened to pick up some of this chain on clearance at JoAnn's a long time ago thinking it would make a cute handle on a bag or purse.  There's a secret destination for the cards submitted for this challenge...can't tell you yet....shhhh.

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah, SU

Stamps - Inkadinkadoo

Accessories - May Arts Ribbon, chain, clear EP, wire

Clean and Simple Monday - Sketch Challenge

Our CAS challenge (CAS93) on SCS on SCS this week is a sketch challenge by Lori based on her super cute card A new pair of shoes.  Come and see what the rest of the DT has created and play along!

I changed it up a bit by flipping the image to the left and using an oval instead of a circle, making this a OL card and using 3 ribbons instead of one.  I did keep her red/black color palette.  I drew the snowmen arms with an SU marker.

It's also time for the new CAS DT search!!!  Do you love CAS cards?  Are you up for a challenge?  The next SCS CAS DT member....could be you!!

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah Classic, SU Real Red

Stamps - PTI Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers, Holiday Button Bits

Ink - SU Real Red, SU black marker, Copic markers - R27/R29

Accessories - May Arts Velvet WR 3/8" Ric Rac, dimensionals, Flower Soft, stick on red dots

Moxie Fab - All Zipped Up

The Moxie Fab World Challenge is All Zipped Up...and I mean literally!  The challenge is to use zippers in an innovative way.  I've seen zipper flowers all over the web so I knew that wouldn't be too innovative.   I had some awesome Jenni Bowlin supplies on the workdesk for an upcoming project so I pulled out my box of old zippers to see if anything matched.

I used a small piece of a deep green zipper for the stamen of my handmade flower...nice but not that innovative, right?

Ok, here's the inside of the card...

It's a money holder! And, whew...the zipper works!

 Fairy Fun Friday - Make your own flowers

Gingersnap Creations - Sewing Notions

I'd love to know what you think!  Thanks so much for popping in.. 

Supplies:
Paper -Bazzill Basics, Jenni Bowlin Family Tree, PTI Ivory
Ink - PTI Chai
Accessories - distressing tool, Jenni Bowlin Embellished Butterfly, Journaling Card, May Arts Ribbons, zippers, sewing machine, handmade flower, Crafty Secrets Vintage Cuts - Christmas Time

Foodie Friday and Craft Show Goodie

First my apologies to my email readers...you will be getting this late!  I didn't feel well yesterday so even though I baked in advance, the post didn't get written until this morning.

I love fall!  The air is crisp and clean, it's still warm enough to make me happy, and it's apple season!!  Is there anything better than fresh cold apple cider,  crisp crunchy apples and warm lucious apple pie.  There are so many apple pie recipes and everyone has a favorite.  Our number 1 favorite is this Praline Taffy Apple Pie I posted a while back but a close second is this yummy crumb topped apple pie I got from our newspaper in Louisville, KY many years ago.  It's super easy if you have Perfect Pie Crust in your freezer (wink) and sooooo good served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Yum!!

Bradley Ogden's Apple Crumb Pie

1 single 9" pie crust

Filling

7 large cooking apples (Gala, Granny Smith, etc.)

1 T. fresh lemon juice

2 T. all purpose flour

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 t. cinnamon

Crumb Topping (may be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to assemble pie)

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar

3/4 c. all purpose flour

1/4 t. ground ginger

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

pinch of salt

6 T. butter

Roll out pie crust.  Place in 9" pie pan.  Place in refrigerator.

To prepare topping:  Combine sugars, flour, spices and salt.  Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut butter into the dry ingredients until the pieces of butter are the size of oatmeal.  Refrigerate until assembly.

To make the filling :  Peel, core and quarter apples.  (A Yankee Apple Peeler makes this easy and little ones love it!)  Place apples quarters in a large bowl.  Add lemon juice, toss well.  Combine flour, sugar and cinnamon.  Toss with apples. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Pile the apples into the prepared pie shell, leaving slightly higher in the center.  Sprinkle crumb topping over the apples.  Bake for about 1 hour or until the apples are tender when tested with a knife.

Enjoy!!

Here's  peek at some "Organize It" sets I made for the art show last weekend.  I have another show in December.  I'll  have just a couple of these in my Etsy shop as well.

                                 

Gift Card Holders in Abundance

Today's my day to post a tutorial for the May Arts/Glue Arts Challenge on the May Arts blog.  There's a full tutorial for each of the 3 styles of gift card holders I made.

Here's a sneak peek at a couple that aren't on the May Arts site (but the tutorial is!)

May Arts Glue Arts Giveaway! and What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday

                                       
Did you know that May Arts has paired up with Glue Arts this week to bring you an awesome Giveaway? 
Hop on over to the May Arts blog to find out how to win and to see some awesome inspiration projects from the Design Team.    There is more than one giveaway post so be sure to scroll down to see them all.

My friend, Sue, from Sue's Stamping Stuff, challenged me to put the whole dirty truth about my studio out there for "What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday" so here goes...this photo was taken at night so the light is awful. 

The cabinets are from Ikea...the one on the left is my cutting/scoring/embossing unit...all glass front drawers...I love it!!  That's the one that took multiple trips to Ikea (two hours away) to get decent wood parts to complete.  These are actually free standing kitchen units but are perfect work surfaces with tons of storage.  The stainless table in the center was actually a counter height unit that DH cut down to table height...sometimes I wish I hadn't asked him to do that but it comes in handy if someone comes over to stamp.  Right now, it's loaded with DT paper and ribbon! 

Ok, here I go, deep breath, inhale, exhale

Yikes!  I haven't had a chance to clean up after the marathon work session for the art show.  Several May Arts Ribbon projects are in process.  You'll have to check out the MA blog to see what they are.  Wicked, I know.  Someday...when the room is cleaner, I'll take a photo of the whole thing....sigh...I can dream.

Thanks for stopping in...I appreciate you!  I'm trying to catch up on your blogs!

Moxie Fab Tag

Don't faint but I managed two posts today so be sure to scroll down for Teapot Tuesday. 

I just peeped into the challenge at Moxie Fab World...Diggin on Damask.   There's still time to play and I had a couple of my vanilla tags on the work table.  In under 5 minutes, I had this tag/bookmark.  Perfect for tucking into a gift book or tying onto a gift bag or box.   A tiny bit of sponging, a bit of ribbon and done...Now that's "Moxie Fab"!

Supply List
Paper - Vanilla Tag
Stamps - PTI Damask Designs
Ink - Versafine Jumbo Java

                                                              

Teapot Tuesday - Everything's Coming Up Daisies

Welcome to another Teapot Tuesday!  Here's this week's challenge (MMTPT119) teapot card.  CAS, no ink, no stamps and blank inside except for Martha Stewart daisy stickers trailing from top to bottom.  I didn't use a sentiment as this is going to a Hospice House. Details follow.

based on this teapot.

Our cards are headed to Austin, Texas to the Lighthouse Hospice to cheer the patients and their families.  If you have an extra card to send I know they would be so appreciative.  The information and adress are at the link.

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah Classic, Bazzil Linen Texture

Accessories - MS daisies, dimensionals.  May Arts 1.5" Solid Wrinkled Ribbon - EA46

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Your visits and comments mean alot!

Clean and Simple Monday and Art Show Photos

I'm sitting here trying to unthaw from the coldest windy weekend we've had this year.  Our normally warm S. Florida weather was sunny on Saturday but far from warm and Sunday was pretty much a washout with cloudy, windy and rainy skies.  I've got a few photos my DH took of our little space below.

First things first!  Today's CAS challenge on SCS is a Color Challenge (CAS92) - Soft pink, Old Olive, Kraft and White with Marina Mist as an option.  I don't have any Marina Mist so I looked it up and tried to match as close as I could. 

I used Karen's fabulous sketch from CAS89 - A Couple of Bulbs to make a very simple card.  (Of course I waited until the last minute!) The kraft layer is popped up on dimensionals.

                                      

Supply List:

Stamps - PTI Holiday Button bits

Paper - Neenah Classic White, PTI Kraft, SU Pirhouette Pink, Old Olive, (can't remember the name of the blue!)

Ink - SU Craft White, Versafine Black

Accessories - Sakura white gel pen, glitter pen, 1/2" punch

Ok, now here's a few photos of our space.  It was a lovely courtyard area flanked by oak trees all around and an awesome gift shop behind us.  I'm actually wearing the same winter coat I wore in MN so you have some idea how cold it is despite the bright sunshine.

                                    
You can tell by the tablecloths how hard the wind was blowing...some of the gusts were between 25-30 mph!  All day long the art canvases could be heard thumping to the ground when the gusts kicked up.  

This is me and my good friend, Gretchen.  Gretchen does awesome nature photography and has been accepted into several juried competitions.  Her beautiful photography is the backdrop for my humble paper art.

Thanks for dropping in!  I look forward to seeing your CAS cards this week. 

 

Foodie Friday - Superfast Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

Edited to add:  I had a question about where to buy Lemongrass.  Some large grocery stores carry it in their produce department.  If you can't find it fresh, you can substitute dried although you will have to reconstitute it in hot water first (not quite as good though), lemon zest or lemon verbena (herb).    Here's a learning link.

I love "fast food" this time of year.  There are so many projects to be done and events to attend that dinner has to be quick and easy.  We don't go out for fast food though.  You'll see why when you try this superfast and really good soup.  Perfect for a chilly night. 

The original recipe was from Cooking Light...I think, but I've made some changes.

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
1 T. vegetable oil
1 T. minced garlic
1 T. grated ginger
2 stalks fresh lemongrass, peeled
2 c. water
2 (14 oz.) cans fat-free, low sodium chicken broth (I add a bit more)
1 lb. chicken breast tenders, cut into bite sized pieces
4 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1 T. fresh lime juice (I squeeze and freeze lime juice when limes are in season and freeze in 1 T. portions in ice cube trays)
1/2 t. salt
2 green onions, thinly sliced
crushed red pepper flakes

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over med.-high heat.  Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass; saute 3 minutes.  Add water and broth; bring to a boil.

Add chicken and pasta; cook 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. 

Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients except for red pepper flakes.  Let stand 5 minutes.  Discard lemongrass.

Serve hot with rice crackers and additional lime wedges.  Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

That's it!!  Serves 4-6 depending on appetites.

Enjoy!  See you after the art show.  The weather is supposed to be beautiful...Yeah!

Almost forgot...May Arts has a new challenge on the blog.  Hop over here for the details!!


                                  

WOYWW and a Fluffy Doodle

Well, today was an adventure...An unexpected trip to the orthopedic doc that resulted in the fact that I somehow managed to get a stress fracture of my foot.  I'm thinking it happened during a happy dance by the fluffy white culprit in the photo below. 

Yep, a happy 55 lb. doodle dancing on your feet is not a good thing.  Nor is it a good thing when she takes a flying leap into the lap of DH and looks at you like, "What?  I got here first so live with it!"

So....I get to wear ole' flat shoes and limp around until after Thanksgiving and then get another X-ray of said foot. 

My friend, Sue, the uber talented one of Sue's Stamping Spot, challenged me to participate in What's on your Workdesk Wednesday (WOYWW) over at Julia's Stamping Ground.  Soooo, grit your teetch and get prepared:

I cropped the photo to the less offensive part of the work area to save you from a total breakdown.  These are some cupcake pincushions I made for the art show this weekend.  Trying to get them packaged.

Here's the final...what do you think?

I'm thinking of serving them on a silver tray.  :-)

Teapot Tuesday - Black and White at the Taj

You'll have to head here to read the Mother's story this week.  It sent my old brain spinning!  What I did get was "black and white".  Since I was in black and white mode from yesterday that part was easy. 

Here's my take on the Teapot:

                                     

The panel is popped up on dimensionals.

Supplies:

Stamps - PTI Damask Designs

Paper - Neenah Classic Solar White, black

Accessories - dimensionals, Spellbinders Square dies.



The teapot photo is a bit dark so I think you'll be able to see it better if you head to the link and take a peek.

Here's the destination station link.  Our cards are heading to a nursing home this week where both Teapotter Traci's parents are recuperating.  If you have an extra card in your stash I know it would brighten their day.

I'm making progess on my art show stash but oh so much more to do!  Will give you a peek tomorrow.

Thanks for hanging in with me...I'll have some blog candy soon...Christmas is coming!

Clean and Simple Monday and Paper Cubed November Challenge

Busy, busy week...preparing for a two day art show this coming weekend and worrying I don't have enough art created and worrying that I will be a simple paper artist in the midst of painters and sculptors and jewelry makers.  I try not to think about it too much.

Back to today's post.  The SCS Clean and Simple Challege this week is a theme - "Sympathy".  I don't know anyone who enjoys making sympathy cards.  I think handmade greetings are so much nicer than store bought cards for times like this.

Here's my offering this week:

Card size is 4.25" x 4.5" .  I popped up both panels on dimensionals.  The embossed layer is an older Cuttlebug folder.  The sentiment is an older stamp that I picked up at Michael's years ago.  It doesn't have a manufacturer listed on it.  Ribbon is May Arts Black silk attached with Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive (love that stuff!). 

It's also time for another Challenge at PaperCubed aka P3!  This month, the DT was challenged to make a votive or candle wrapper.  I have to admit that this candle is actually one I made last year since I'm so short on time due to the art show prep.  I was amazed how beautifully it has held up so I nestled it among my sparkly pumpkins. 

All supplies are Papertrey ink except for the MS binding ribbon.  The wheat sheaves are embossed and have a bit of Sakura glitter pen on the kernels.

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year.  I love seeing little ones dressed in spooky cute costumes when they come ringing our doorbell for treats.  I love the smell of pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie as it bakes and the spicy sweet scent that perfumes the whole house.  I love fall leaves and turkey and counting my blessings and baking Christmas cookies to share with friends.   Amidst all there is to I love,  I hate the busyness...the rushing, the deadlines, the shopping (I don't have shopping gene!).  I hate seeing Christmas decorations before Halloween and I hate missing my children and grandchildren. 

Our grandchildren called tonight to share their trick or treating experience with us.  Our grandson said he wore the apple costume I made for his daddy when he and his friends decided to be the "Fruit of the Loom" guys.  I can't believe our son saved that costume all these years but I'm so glad he did.  Sigh....yep, I miss them.

Hurry, hurry! May Arts has Treats not Tricks

May Arts Ribbon is giving away treats on their Facebook page.  Are you ready?  


                                3 rolls of ribbon!!!!!


If you're not yet familiar with May Arts...their ribbon is fabulous in quality, comes in every texture and design  and comes in rolls of up to 30 yards!


Here's all you have to do....just post a Halloween project on the May Arts Facebook page.  That's it!!  No tricks!


What are you wating for?  I'm heading over...I can't play but I can dream.   Hurry though because the winner is being drawn on Monday. 

Foodie Friday - Quick Italian Cream Cake

So sorry...I forgot it was Friday!  There's been some family issues and I've lost track of the days.  Here's the
WONDERFUL Italian Cream Cake I told you about...It's quick and easy and best of all....it is soooooo good!

Mmmmm....we ate the last piece last night...should I make another?

Quick Italian Cream Cake

I know what you're thinking...she used a BOXED cake mix!!!???  Well, yes she did...it makes this cake fast for those of you who are limited in time and it will be our little secret because noone will able to tell the difference.  Shhhhh.

1 pkg. white cake mix with pudding in the mix
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 1/4 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. vegetable oil

2/3 c. chopped pecans, toasted  plus 1 c. for the frosting 
1 1/3 c. shredded coconut
(to toast nuts, place in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 min.  Don't skip this step!)

3 T. rum (optional but soooo yummy!)
Cream cheese frosting 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   Grease and flour 3 (9 inch) round cake pans.

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes.  Stir in coconut and 2/3 c. toasted pecans.  Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.  Remove from pans, cool completely on wire racks. 

Sprinkle each layer with 1 Tablespoon of rum.  Let stand 10 minutes.

Spread frosting between layers and on sides and top of cake. 

Chill 2 hours before slicing. 

Cream Cheese Frosting 

12 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. butter, softened
24 ounces powdered sugar (a box and a half)
1 c. chopped pecans, toasted
3 t. vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at med. speed with electric mixer until smooth.  Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.  Stir in pecans and vanilla.

Enjoy!

Meggie...that piece is for you!  :-)