tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65911058407534191842024-03-13T11:20:05.324-07:00Meridian ArielAprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.comBlogger636125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-72546736647577209322012-12-01T03:15:00.001-08:002012-12-01T03:15:30.854-08:00A tale of two Edwards and a recalcitrant muse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi remember me? You may not as it's been over half a year since I have managed to blog, and nearly as long since I properly crafted anything. My muse ran away and hid for a very long time, eons in the life of the Internet. I've still been around, mostly just feeding my instagram habit, and occasionally wandering around Facebook and twitter when not having my nose in a book or reading the kindle app on my phone. </div>
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Then a few weeks ago I got the urge to start crafting again and made a few dolls, Lydia the Librarian and Natalia the Maybe Assassin, a random assortment of pin badges to amuse myself and then I started an Edward Scissorhands doll. Now I have had an Edward Scissorhands doll on my list to make for over a year now, I just needed scissors, buckles and the muse to get it done. So earlier this week I scavenged a doll that I wasn't happy with and started making him into the delightfully sad Edward. It took a bit of fiddling about and finding that arms just weren't working for me and then he was done. Before I could list him my friend Flame said she would buy him and then before the day was over another friend lamented that she had missed out on snagging him and so I promised when I found another pair of scissors that I would make her a Scissorhands doll too. </div>
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The very next day I found a lightly rusted pair of scissors (the ones on the left) an dragged out scraps of fabric to make a new Edward doll. My dolls are wonky and because I just use whatever scraps of fabric, lace and oddments I find, each doll I make is never the same. Really I just can't make anything with straight lines. So Edward Scissorhands II was created. </div>
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I don't know how often I will blog now but I have ideas for more dolls that need making, and a few random craft projects to start while avoiding doing the housework and finishing tidying out all my hoarded craft supplies. Which really isn't that much considering I have just used up all my scissors and nearly all of my tiny rusty buckles, right? I really should stock up on some more of those. I'm sorry it's been such a long time since I blogged but I'm happy to have my muse back inspiring me and to have stepped out of the mild fog of depression I was in. So I'm here if you need me or if you want to request a doll making....I do have plans for Alice (Wonderland not the zombie killer but that isn't a bad idea either) and Beetlejuice dolls and perhaps a few more. </div>
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<i>Look at those sad eyes. Makes the heart melt.</i></div>
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<i>Best wishes,</i></div>
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<i>Apryl</i></div>
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<i>P.S. Happy December too. </i></div>
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<i>p.p.s. I have no idea how to do anything on blogger anymore. </i></div>
Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-65784045287379312792012-04-25T04:38:00.002-07:002012-04-25T04:38:50.465-07:00Crafter...oo Magazine issue 3<br />
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follow the link below to find out how to buy</div>
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ISSUE 3</div>
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<a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,8757.0.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,8757.0.html</a><br /><div align="center">
There are 18 great projects in issue 3.</div>
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Plus lots of great features, books reviews, and a recipe by yours truly. </div>
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Please pop over to Crafter...oo and support a great online magazine and small craft forum. </div>
</div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-57698823301239949912012-04-25T03:50:00.002-07:002012-04-25T03:50:46.648-07:00Practically Imperfect in Every Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My style of sewing is on the rough side. My stitches are wonky, my seams are anything but straight, but somehow that fits. I like the wonky ill fitting stitches that I use on my dolls and monsters. It gives them life and character. A part of me would love to be able to make a beautiful quilt with perfectly lined up squares. Wouldn't that be fantastic? But perfect isn't me, and I'm OK with that. Oh I still have my tics and the things that I make *have* to be just so. Perfectly imperfect.<br />
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<i>fabric cuff made before we went away</i></div>
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A few weeks before we went on holiday I found a fabric cuff I had made well over a year ago. I put it on and was still quite happy with it's scrappy fabric, frayed edges and vintage buttons. I kept meaning to make some more, not so much to see but just to play with bits of fabric and to wear myself. So when i was packing suitcases and decided to take a partly sewn doll with me to finish while we were away I decided to fire up my sewing machine and sew a few scraps of fabric together to turn into a fabric cuff or two.<br />
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<i>fabric cuff finished yesterday</i></div>
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I finished my packing early and ended up sewing a cuff while my friend Kate was visiting before we left. I ended up wearing that cuff most of the holiday and only worked on one of the other cuffs a bit before we headed back again then kept dragging my travel craft kit around with me determined that I would sit down and finish the fabric cuff or else. I'm not entirely sure what the 'or else' would be though.<br />
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<i>modelling the fabric cuff and messing about with a TTV app. Also coffee. </i></div>
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Yesterday in the car on the way to the dentist I sewed on the last button after much arguing with my buttons as to which would be used, in a lacklustre attempt not to think about the dentist, which let me tell you did not work in the slightest, ho hum. The cuff incorporates vintage buttons, scraps of text filled fabric, a slightly bent cog, and an old zip that was in an old sewing box I bought last summer while thrifting in Belper, Derbyshire. There probably isn't a straight line to be found on the cuff but that's fine and dandy with me. I love it anyway.<br />
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<i> Close up of yesterday's cuff.</i>
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<i>The first cuff I made and still wear....</i></div>
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<i>While drinking coffee obviously.</i></div>
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<i>p.s. I'm still trying to figure out this blogger update, everything keeps going weird on me. And why did I not get asked if I wanted to be .co.uk ? I was happy with .com. *grouchy* </i></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-13253894615609632042012-04-21T00:59:00.000-07:002012-04-21T00:59:56.815-07:00Miss Helena March: A doll story<br />
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Once there was a girl with hair the colour of sunsets and eyes that told stories if only you knew how to read them. Her name changes with the days and the months of the year. When last I knew her she went by the name of Miss Helena March. True names have power, but a nameless girl can call herself anything she likes. Names are turned as easily as coats, a twist of the tongue, a string of meaningless syllables. A stretch of letters scrawled in a hotel ledger.<br />
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She is a liar, a story teller, a traveller of the roads between time and reality. Her key opens doors to the past and to the almost was, and nearly is. Worlds in worlds.Earth but not our Earth. Doors and keys and twisting realities.<br />
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Her smile is sweet but wickedness and sorrow linger in her eyes. Her fingers twitch and she is ready to open another door. She is here one minute and gone on an adventure the next.<br />
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She collects clocks, and keys and funny little objects that each reality has discarded. Junk or trash, antiques or vintage. She travels the past and only she knows the things she will treasure most. She meets people and smiles that sweet sorrowful smile. She pours another cup of tea, lights another candle and plans another adventure, dreams of opening another door and sidestepping the world that is for one that isn't quite the same. Worlds within worlds and she has the key to slip between them all.<br />
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She is a girl with a key to worlds beyond our own. A little rusty key found in a puddle reflecting a perfect twinned sun sky that never was on this Earth. She takes the name of towns and cities, days and months, places she has been and we will never go. Where monsters roam, and magic lives and things aren't quite the way they are here. Today she is Miss Helena March. Yesterday she called herself Alene. She works in coffee shops, in diners, and in book shops. Small places. Unnoticed. A collection of name tags with the names of places she has been. Cities and towns. Universes and realities.<br />
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Miss Helena March was made for my very good friend Jaci. I finished the doll while we were away in the states. I could never quite pin down a name for Helena but I knew it had to be a city name and I was very nearly Roanoke or Alexandria, it could quite possibly be, the doll wouldn't tell me for certain, nor would she share her key with me. I left the doll unstained or grunged up and told Jaci she was free to stain her with coffee or tea if she wished a more aged look. I dare not make a mess of my parents kitchen like I do mine when I stain dolls at home.<br />
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I have a few more dolls that I have been woefully neglectful in finding stories for but hopefully I shall attempt to fix that in the next few weeks. Like that poor steampunk Red Riding Hood that only has half a story written (the rest is in notes honest). If I can get the stories written I can list the dolls in my little etsy shop. Red really wants a new home to explore and she is pestering me to finish her tale and get her listed. Who am I to argue with dolls? Don't answer that!Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-68689472720086734582012-04-20T01:58:00.007-07:002012-04-20T03:23:30.411-07:00Adventures in Thrifting in the Pacific Northwest<div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htNGNlz0t1U/T5EvUfjmMAI/AAAAAAAAD40/Op5L0iQgZmg/s1600/IMG_4184%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htNGNlz0t1U/T5EvUfjmMAI/AAAAAAAAD40/Op5L0iQgZmg/s320/IMG_4184%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733415829734043650" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ephemera and tins full of secrets.</i></div></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The tins stayed at my parents as I ran out of room </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and technically the flower tin is my mother's find.</i></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Last Saturday we flew home from nearly three weeks holidaying in Northern Idaho visiting my parents. We all had a grand time despite some rather wild weather. True the weather is always wild and unpredictable in the mountains, or between the mountain ranges. The trip started off Sunday morning with a three hour drive to Heathrow then a ten hour flight to Seattle, a few hours sleep in the holiday in before waking at some inhumane hour to repack and stumble across to the Denny's down the street for bacon, terrible diner coffee (You should all know we are coffee snobs), and pancakes drowning in syrupy goodness.</span></span><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwO46KmUY6A/T5EvSWpjCuI/AAAAAAAAD4I/E0kKpXSWQXg/s320/IMG_4015%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733415792983345890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Washington State tray $1.49</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Last year I saw and Idaho one and wished I had bought it.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pkTcIqG6VAg/T5EvSozWrrI/AAAAAAAAD4U/PhCYFUt2BIk/s320/IMG_4042%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733415797856317106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><i>Um, cake. Not at all thrifty but it was damn nice.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><i> From Chaps Cake in Spokane.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">It was still dark when we hit the Cascades Mountains. Dark, freezing cold, and soon the car was pelted with snow, sleet, hail, and we travelled trough patches of thick fog all across Washington state. A couple of stops were made on the 5 hour drive to refuel on coffee, snacks and stretch our legs. The Cle Elum Safeway is freaking terrifying at 5 am when you step through the back doors to find the toilets. I half expected zombies to come shuffling through and I didn't have a baseball bat or any decent zombie killing weapon. We found a little coffee shop and fed H various things to keep him happy while he played on his DS, ipod, our phones and the ipad.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eru13XDoeGg/T5EvTNl0VlI/AAAAAAAAD4g/MxbXMbfOoP8/s1600/IMG_4059%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eru13XDoeGg/T5EvTNl0VlI/AAAAAAAAD4g/MxbXMbfOoP8/s320/IMG_4059%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733415807731652178" /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><i>Starry fabric, book, buttons, and a child's silver bracelet.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><i>I can't wait to turn this lot into dolls.</i></span></div></div><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">The foul weather chased us into Idaho where it settled into snow and we collapsed at my parents home amid a pile of overly excited pugs. The weather for the rest of the holiday was just as wild but the last week there was mostly sunshine and we were so happy to see it. Last year when we visited it snowed everyday, not proper snow mind you it was something they call grapple which looks exactly like little styrofoam balls. It was so good to be home...be in my other home, because no matter how long I live in England and have made a home here, America is still my home too. Not just because my dad is a wonderful cook and makes all my favourite foods but because culturally I will always be an outsider here no matter how blurred my accent becomes. The states always feel like home and after a year away I missed being in my parents home curled up with a little dog or two listing to H chatter on about whatever interests eight year old boys.<br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div></div><span><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3GeetabdqvU/T5EwbkqYoGI/AAAAAAAAD5E/KWFCfUPoYnU/s320/IMG_4161%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733417050875404386" /></span></span><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pearl buttons and a rusty apple shaped cookie cutter.</i></div></i><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdtkGAXcvHU/T5EvT1dgPPI/AAAAAAAAD4s/wvvXDM4Kox8/s1600/IMG_4149%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdtkGAXcvHU/T5EvT1dgPPI/AAAAAAAAD4s/wvvXDM4Kox8/s320/IMG_4149%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733415818434198770" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A few vintage keys. </i></div></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My mother found for me at an Estate Sale before we arrived.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">We went out every day that we were there, going for coffee, breakfast, coffee, shopping, thrifting, and coffee. Did I mention coffee? You really can't go anywhere in the Pacific Northwest without being inundated with coffee everywhere, coffee shops, coffee sheds, Starbucks in most of the grocery stores. Coffee is everywhere. And coffee shops all have free wifi so I could happily instagram all the pictures I took and tinkered with. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Os3erkyRtU4/T5EwcmpfXXI/AAAAAAAAD5c/a7Dxgp8ExRg/s1600/IMG_4207%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Os3erkyRtU4/T5EwcmpfXXI/AAAAAAAAD5c/a7Dxgp8ExRg/s320/IMG_4207%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733417068588391794" /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Vintage wooden handled cookie cutter</i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>(this has been on my list forever)</i></div><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FngGaALG2gs/T5EwdAkueoI/AAAAAAAAD5o/-pFVWEuBfXQ/s1600/IMG_4231%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GrDnly7sDU/T5EwdgNTLOI/AAAAAAAAD50/XSL4hO_ti08/s320/IMG_4150%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733417084039408866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Montana license plate. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bought on a day trip to Montana for authenticity.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Thrifting was the theme of this trip, along with coffee and candy. But mostly it was thrifting. On the weekends we went to Estate Sales and Garage Sales and in the week we went to thrift stores and junk stores. I didn't buy a ton of things though I did want to buy more than we did. It's a good thing I'm fussy about the things I buy, fussy and cheap that's me. I bought a lot of vintage buttons, which probably isn't a lot to some button addicts I know but is enough to keep me crafting for a long while.</span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bexu0udfA4/T5EwcBgGk7I/AAAAAAAAD5Q/BurJ0lu1I9o/s1600/IMG_4167%255B1%255D.JPG"><span><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bexu0udfA4/T5EwcBgGk7I/AAAAAAAAD5Q/BurJ0lu1I9o/s320/IMG_4167%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733417058616906674" /></span></span></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; text-align: center; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><i>k*nex</i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><br />Matt only grumbled a few times at all the thrift shops I made him take us. And H? Well H occasionally grumbled at the thrift shops but he was more than happy to rummage around Estate Sales and find a absolutely bargain box of lego, a bag of k*nex and a few other bits and bobs to occupy him for the rest of our trip. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjCc1rAoYTA/T5E3eFWXVKI/AAAAAAAAD6I/wdUrWGNwMqw/s1600/IMG_4151%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjCc1rAoYTA/T5E3eFWXVKI/AAAAAAAAD6I/wdUrWGNwMqw/s320/IMG_4151%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733424790590936226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><i>Brass belt buckle and tiny glass vial from an antique/thrift shop in Wallace, Idaho. </i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><i>Both items were .50 cents, and will be perfect for doll making.</i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ne2Wp3u1BpA/T5E3dnyP-RI/AAAAAAAAD6A/AanziRpAXig/s1600/IMG_4208%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ne2Wp3u1BpA/T5E3dnyP-RI/AAAAAAAAD6A/AanziRpAXig/s320/IMG_4208%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733424782654830866" /></a><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><i>Pearl buttons. </i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><i>Most were from a junk shop in a mixed bag of buttons for two bucks</i>.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Even Matt had fun finding some CDs in a huge Goodwill store in Spokane, and H found a skater jacket and a green shirt to his liking. Most of what I bought and brought back is craft related, buttons, vintage junk, a 1979 copy of the Sears & Roebuck catalogue, old keys, tins and books. Most of the toys H found we left at my parents home so he can build lego cities and k*nex contraptions next trip. </div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FngGaALG2gs/T5EwdAkueoI/AAAAAAAAD5o/-pFVWEuBfXQ/s320/IMG_4231%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733417075547732610" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sissy the pug is not amused.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-34172065156089229392012-03-08T04:18:00.006-08:002012-03-08T04:38:51.413-08:00So I'm a bad blogger...again<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBLGRguVUCE/T1im8_NMEAI/AAAAAAAAD38/9JNFGj-g8kM/s1600/IMG_3845%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBLGRguVUCE/T1im8_NMEAI/AAAAAAAAD38/9JNFGj-g8kM/s320/IMG_3845%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717503293635956738" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">You have probably figured that out already by the lack of any frequent posts for pretty much all of winter. Spring is coming and in two and a half weeks time we all go on holiday to visit my parents in the wilds of northern Idaho. I am so looking forward to getting away and seeing my folks and running around drinking too much coffee and buying tons of candy, Old Navy clothes and roaming around yard and estate sales. In the mean time I have a hell of a lot of organizing to do and for some reason the next few weeks are ridiculously busy.</span></span><div><span ><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-geGDitj_0/T1im8j2BqOI/AAAAAAAAD3w/ZtxySM7Abok/s320/IMG_3844%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717503286291048674" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I haven't been crafting though I have been routing through my craft supplies and have set out some fabric for a couple of dolls. I plan on sorting out a craft kit to take with me for crafting on the plane and in the car. Hopefully after our little vacation I will find my crafty mojo again and actually do a proper amount of crafting. One can hope anyway. Today I get my hair cut short so I best hustle and get some tidying done before the afternoon is over with. I may need more coffee to get me through it....I definitely need coffee to get me through tidying the house.. So this is me mooching to the kitchen to put the coffee machine on and I'm going to drink my coffee and go play with the buttons and fabric sitting on my desk. Can't get much better than coffee and vintage buttons can you?</div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-54183825778129012102012-02-16T08:08:00.006-08:002012-02-16T08:34:25.593-08:00I hate winter<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HOY15YpW3w4/Tz0u6alLNdI/AAAAAAAAD3k/NRPMPYxIjvI/s1600/IMG_3829%255B1%255D.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HOY15YpW3w4/Tz0u6alLNdI/AAAAAAAAD3k/NRPMPYxIjvI/s400/IMG_3829%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709771483678193106" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">I really do. I hate the grey skies and the lack of light. I don't remember hating it when I was a kid but I certainly hate it now. This morning there was a story on the news about Britain not being so bad weather wise. I believe it was a story about tourism but Matthew and I were too busy mocking it to really pay attention. 'Britain not as bad as you though. Bring your umbrella. We're sorry. More tea?' or something to that effect anyway. </span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Matt tolerates me in winter, I really am lucky that I have him and that he loves me and can deal with my melancholy nature, slips into depression, and general hatred for humanity. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Well that last one he shares with me so we are pretty much well matched, save for me being slightly more evil and him being much more happy go lucky that I have ever been. Harrison loves the winter but he is eight and snow is magic, even two inches of snow that barely lasted a week and more icy slush and black ice more days than there was snow worth playing with. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_N5AWHhzoLs/Tz0u53QwlEI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/DxgFACfG3Us/s400/IMG_3805%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709771474197320770" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I haven't been blogging or on the Internet much lately mostly bundled up under blankets reading books and fic and watching terrible (the good sort of terrible) movies and too much tv. I am hibernating... or a hermit. Probably the latter. I have finally started crafting again, in fact I finished making a doll just yesterday but she doesn't have a story just yet, though I'm pretty sure she hates the winter as much as I do. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">So I'm here sat by the fire with a stack of books and magazines to read, an unnamed doll who is begging for a story and a little grey cat purring at me. I think I hear the coffee machine calling my name in the quite while Harrison is playing in his room destroying everything I spent the day tidying up. I may hate winter but I'm feeling better than I have in months, the magic of a happy eight year old and rediscovering my crafting muse. </div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-81179992210183414202012-01-13T10:28:00.000-08:002012-01-13T12:40:44.925-08:00Scarlett Hart aka Rowan Redd<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOpkIKSbo5o/TxCLZPCFWZI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/izYUUVZWWYs/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOpkIKSbo5o/TxCLZPCFWZI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/izYUUVZWWYs/s400/IMG_3742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697206794271938962" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Once upon a time there was a girl in a blue dress that went on an adventure down a rabbit hole. The girl in the blue dress slayed a dragon, killed a Queen, and nearly destroyed a kingdom. This is not her story, but it is the story of a princess who became a girl lost in Wonderland. The girl did not have a name though she sometimes called herself Rowan and sometimes Scarlett. Some say she is a blue blood but she will tell you that her blood is red the same as any. She is said to be the bastard daughter of the Queen of Hearts and an unknown lover of questionable mentality. Upon her birth she was placed in the Wonderland Asylum for Lunatics and the Criminally Insane, some say that madness burns behind her mismatched eyes worse than the blood rage that burned within the Queen herself. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Princess Scarlett Hart was put away and forgotten by Wonderland, but she did not forget. She is beautiful, serene, a genius, a thief, a sociopath and quite utterly mad. A brilliantly broken and addled porcelain doll. Though no more mad then anyone left living in a broken Wonderland. She is obsessed with locks, and keys, and bright shiny blades. No locks can keep her out or in. She wanders the halls of the Asylum and the City humming, and singing slightly off key in a voice sweet as cyanide laced tarty tarts. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">She laughed at the Queen of Heart’s fate and cried for the dragon as she bathed in the pool of tears. She wanders the forest in the day and sometimes takes tea with Hatter muttering about skinning white rabbits to make coats. A mad grin of too sharp teeth flickers across her tear streaked face while playing with her shining knives. On odd days she tells only lies, on even days she tells the truth. In Wonderland all the days are odd. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">In your tour of Wonderland you may visit the Wonderland Asylum for Lunatics and the Criminally Insane for a very modest fee. You may even bribe a guard with a nice tarty tart to walk within the garden there. Whatever you do promise me you will be careful to never take tea with a flame haired fury with mismatched eyes, and bleeding hearts upon her gown. The forgotten princess of Hearts may tell you truths or sweeten your tea with honey and gentle lies or serve you sweet cakes laced with laudanum and spite. Or she may follow you home with her shiny blades as she serenades you with sugary sweet songs. </p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUfONB5e56E/TxCLY42--MI/AAAAAAAAD3A/HgQ1ynTP_Ek/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUfONB5e56E/TxCLY42--MI/AAAAAAAAD3A/HgQ1ynTP_Ek/s400/IMG_3739.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697206788319803586" /></a>Better pictures soon but the light had already gone when I finished making Scarlett so I wrote down the Wonderland-ish story that was swirling about my head. This is the first doll I have made of the new year and the first doll I have made in two months, I think I may have found a little piece of my crafting mojo. *crosses fingers* I have more writing to do but hopefully I can start on another doll or craft project in the morning while the Boy does whatever he likes, mainly ignoring me until he wants feeding or I want to bribe him to escape the house for a few hours.Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-55514275258320054292011-12-31T02:32:00.000-08:002011-12-31T02:58:23.685-08:00Crafter...oo Issue 2<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIxyKC1Kr0/Tv7o_M-9RsI/AAAAAAAAD2w/MOdINVpzBqg/s1600/crafteroo2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIxyKC1Kr0/Tv7o_M-9RsI/AAAAAAAAD2w/MOdINVpzBqg/s400/crafteroo2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692243151557576386" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Issue 2 of </span><a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,8955.0.html" style="font-size: medium; text-align: left; color: rgb(133, 159, 160); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Crafteroo Magazine is out right now</a><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left; "> please go check it out on Crafter...oo. The online magazine is only £1.50 and packed with projects and articles written by some very talented crafters. I have a tutorial (Wired for Sound page 10) and a thrifting article (For the Love of Thrifting page 14-15). Many thanks go to Kerry for all her hard work editing the issue and being all around fabulous! Please pop by the forum and buy a copy of the Crafter...oo for download.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-894fb2n3phw/Tv7o-6dRCjI/AAAAAAAAD2o/kLVpMdyzpls/s400/contentsiss2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692243146584427058" />Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-85249937673412198982011-12-23T23:55:00.000-08:002011-12-24T00:01:54.279-08:00Reindeer Food (Luxury Granola) recipe<<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tgo3NhsaF5M/SUeyI9PktCI/AAAAAAAAB3I/OR5aAv8G8lw/s1600-h/reindeer+food+1" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(153, 51, 34); "><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280384955063776290" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tgo3NhsaF5M/SUeyI9PktCI/AAAAAAAAB3I/OR5aAv8G8lw/s400/reindeer+food+1" border="0" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; position: relative; padding-top: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><em>Luxury Granola (aka reindeer food)</em><br /><br /><div align="left">Ingredients:</div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left">2 1/2 cups porridge oats</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">½ cup flaked almonds</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">1/2 cup desiccated coconut<br /></div><div align="left">1 teaspoons cinnamon</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">1/4 cup maple syrup<br /></div><div align="left">3 tablespoons melted butter (margerine)</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /></div><div align="left">3 tablespoons light brown sugar</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">¼ cup raisins<br /></div><div align="left">¼ cup dried cranberries (sweetened)<br /></div><div align="left">3/4 cup plain chocolate chips (optional)</div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left">Pre-heat the oven to 300F (150 C)<br /></div><div align="left">Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, mix thoroughly and place in a single layer on a non-stick baking try ( if you don’t have non-stick then you will need to grease the baking tray with butter or oil).</div><div align="left"><br />Place in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.</div><div align="left"><br />Every 5 minutes you will need to open the oven door and stir the granola mixture.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Cool completely and add the raisins, dried cranberries and chocolate.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The granola can be eaten on its own, or with milk for breakfast, sprinkled over yogurt or ice-cream, and of course left out on a dish for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.</div><div align="left"><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />A little help for those who don't use cups as measurements. Oh and for the record I just use normal everyday teaspoon and tablespoons for measurements, less hassle than attempting to locate the measuring ones. Which I think have migrated to H's toy box.</div><div align="left"><br /><br />U.S. to Metric Conversion Table<br />1/5 teaspoon = 1 ml<br />1 teaspoon = 5 ml<br />1 tablespoon = 15 ml<br />1 fluid oz. = 30 ml<br />1/5 cup = 50 ml<br />1/4 cup = 60 ml<br />1/2 cup = 120 ml<br />1 cup = 240 ml<br />2 cups (1 pint) = 470 ml<br />4 cups (1 quart) = .95 liter<br />4 quarts (1 gal.) = 3.8 liters<br /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280384943639622418" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tgo3NhsaF5M/SUeyISr18xI/AAAAAAAAB3A/WfrOtEBWKRQ/s400/reindeer+food" border="0" style="padding-top: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; width: 400px; height: 374px; " /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><em>Cooks Notes: later today H and I will be baking this recipe so it will be ready to place in a little dish for Rudolph next to cookies and milk for Santa. Tomorrow we shall have it for breakfast too. It is also a great topping for yogurt or ice cream. Merry Christmas everyone! Sorry I have been such a bad blogger but hopefully with the New Year it will see a return to my craft blogging, some tutorials and bunches of geekery. </em></div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-37852260877355595902011-11-21T08:04:00.000-08:002011-11-24T08:42:50.520-08:00LaffyTaffy, magic and little houses<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeZ6-aXDBNU/Ts5tKd9T_KI/AAAAAAAAD1g/HOgpgP4EVAI/s1600/IMG_3635%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeZ6-aXDBNU/Ts5tKd9T_KI/AAAAAAAAD1g/HOgpgP4EVAI/s320/IMG_3635%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678596206768684194" /></a>Autumn is a difficult time of year for me but the magic of crafty friends on the internet means that when I go about in a grump for weeks on and and get homesick my friends are there to help. I lamented on Facebook that I was missing of all improbable things banana flavoured LaffyTaffy. Odd I know but it is something that reminds me of being a kid, trick or treating or just going to the store with my best friend for that magical elixir of sugar and chemicals to send us into the stratosphere..or at least spend three days staying up watching movies without sleep. My friend Lisa replied to my misery and said she would happily swap with me.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9urFdThQSjE/Ts5s3qFdGKI/AAAAAAAAD1U/gfzLCjMor1w/s1600/IMG_3634%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9urFdThQSjE/Ts5s3qFdGKI/AAAAAAAAD1U/gfzLCjMor1w/s320/IMG_3634%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678595883606546594" /></a>If you don't know Lisa's work, and you really really should, then visit her blog <a href="http://lilfishstudios.blogspot.com">lil fish studios</a> and be prepared to be inspired. I don't know Lisa all that well but I have chatted with her on twitter and Facebook a bit and I really must say I'm in awe of her phenomenal talent. We share a love of the Little House books and I knew I had to make a badge for her with a Laura Ingalls Wilder quote on it, if I had had a broken copy of one of the books to tear apart for paper craft I probably would have made badges from that too. The doll I made and sent her was simple and made with vintage mother of pearl buttons that I think little Laura Ingalls would have loved.<div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YRV6RFYqmY/Ts5s3IVoqXI/AAAAAAAAD1M/g7HAfEdyMBY/s1600/IMG_3633%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YRV6RFYqmY/Ts5s3IVoqXI/AAAAAAAAD1M/g7HAfEdyMBY/s320/IMG_3633%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678595874547607922" /></a>Lisa's package arrived last week and I think I am still stunned by the beautiful toadstools she sent me, the picture above does it no justice as there seems to have been no decent light for days here but having the art on my desk has kept me smiling all week... well that and the pieces of LaffyTaffy I have *NOT* been sharing with anyone. Mine Mine Mine!!! </div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poanye0VjI0/Ts5s2wVrqQI/AAAAAAAAD08/MEqPtDJH3mU/s320/IMG_3632%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678595868105353474" /><div>Lisa also sent me a vintage matchbox filled with vintage mother of pearl buttons that have gone to live on my desk and will one day be added to the new dolls I have in the works. </div><div><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8yW18cMr24/Ts5s2oW4VZI/AAAAAAAAD0w/FZc4Gi2j6Vc/s320/IMG_3497%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678595865962894738" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>forest child doll I sent Lisa</i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div>I think Matthew must think I'm crazy for the gleeful squeeing I did when I opened the parcel, though I'm pretty sure he thought I was crazy from the moment we met, ( he still kept me though). I hope that Lisa was half as happy with what I sent her. I didn't take many photos of the parcel I sent as I forgot to (I know I'm useless) and though I wrote a story for the little Forest Child doll I sent I can't seem to find it at the moment. (no real surprise there either) Happiness in small magical things. </div><div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kGe8h3iqDQ/Ts5s2ZDqjvI/AAAAAAAAD0k/5hw7N1eJ7aM/s1600/IMG_3425%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kGe8h3iqDQ/Ts5s2ZDqjvI/AAAAAAAAD0k/5hw7N1eJ7aM/s320/IMG_3425%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678595861855768306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Home is the nicest word there is. - Laura Ingalls Wilder</i></div></div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-76898363465168332142011-11-18T08:58:00.001-08:002011-11-18T09:16:21.734-08:00Believe me....<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IfzsSSsvkA/TsaPE7-J5wI/AAAAAAAAD0M/VxOWhNx7w6s/s1600/tin%2Bman%2Bqb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IfzsSSsvkA/TsaPE7-J5wI/AAAAAAAAD0M/VxOWhNx7w6s/s320/tin%2Bman%2Bqb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676381695327725314" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></a>'Believe me, heart's got nothing to do with it.' - Tin Man quote badge<div><br /></div><div>I made this badge a few weeks ago when Matt ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tin-Two-Disc-Collectors-Zooey-Deschanel/dp/B0010X744G">Tin Man</a> for me. I may possibly have bribed him with promises of bakes goods and Mexican food. Tonight or tomorrow shall be movie night and I plan on watching Tin Man by my self if nobody wants to watch it with me. Its a syfy miniseries that is an updated darker Wizard of Oz, it was on the syfy channel a few weeks ago but it was the last episode of the miniseries so I couldn't watch that so I really needed to own a copy on DVD to indulge my inner geek...hell who am I kidding I'm a geek inside and out. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IfzsSSsvkA/TsaPE7-J5wI/AAAAAAAAD0M/VxOWhNx7w6s/s1600/tin%2Bman%2Bqb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lYYxWDAPvA/TsaQ5vpzMOI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/nkp13ICVIcU/s320/tinman%2Bmovie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676383702065819874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></a><div>I have a bunch of crafting to do in the morning as it's been ages since I have made anything other than a few birthday cards and zombie badges and I really should restock my etsy shop with some more dolls and badges. Perhaps I shall make a few more geek quote badges. Any requests? :o)</div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-47088286409973490852011-11-11T03:12:00.000-08:002011-11-11T03:40:51.311-08:00little red queen<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4175S7T0PQ/Tr0EbFwElTI/AAAAAAAADzg/0sEEi1WGlOU/s1600/IMG_3501%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4175S7T0PQ/Tr0EbFwElTI/AAAAAAAADzg/0sEEi1WGlOU/s320/IMG_3501%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673695969003476274" /></a>Ages ago when I posted about my <a href="http://meridianariel.blogspot.com/2011/08/moo-mini-cards.html">moo mini cards</a> arriving Jess of<a href="http://jessicarodarte.blogspot.com/"> Kids' Napping? I'm Scrapping</a> asked if I would like to do a little swap with her for some of my moo cards. I swapped with Jess before on <a href="http://meridianariel.blogspot.com/2011/04/nightmare-before-valentines-day-swap.html">the Nightmare Before Valentine's Day Swap</a> I ran last Valentine's day. I may have taken a lot longer than I needed to to sort out what little treats I would send to her and what crafty things I could make for her. We emailed back and forth, mostly with me saying I haven't sent anything yet but that I was working on it. <div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvJ4LQQM_Yk/Tr0Eam_5OTI/AAAAAAAADzU/_xydIRATWsk/s1600/IMG_3468%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvJ4LQQM_Yk/Tr0Eam_5OTI/AAAAAAAADzU/_xydIRATWsk/s320/IMG_3468%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673695960748341554" /></a><br />After much grumbling with myself I finally settled on a vague Alice in Wonderland theme of things to send and started gathering together materials to make a small Red Queen doll. The yarn was the last thing I found and I think it turned out perfect for making a little Red Queen. I painted the little heart shaped mouth, eyelashes and eyebrows with acrylic paint before staining her with a mixture of tea, vanilla, and cinnamon. I must say that she is one of my favourite dolls I have recently made, though I must admit that each doll I make is a part of me and I love them all dearly. I forgot to take a picture of all the bits that I sent to Jess but if you mosey over to Jess' blog you can<a href="http://jessicarodarte.blogspot.com/2011/11/red-queen-doll-and-other-goodies-from.html"> read her post</a> about what I sent. </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlJs61jpQ6I/Tr0EaaDLNKI/AAAAAAAADzI/2UekYuHy28w/s1600/IMG_3472%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlJs61jpQ6I/Tr0EaaDLNKI/AAAAAAAADzI/2UekYuHy28w/s320/IMG_3472%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673695957272442018" /></a>I have more red yarn left and found some white material with red hearts so I think it is safe to say I may jump back on the crafting bandwagon and sew another little Red Queen doll sometime soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you so much for the lovely comments on my last blog post. I really appreciate everything said and am trying to have a nice calm week and get back into crafting, and blogging though I have a cold so I can feel a little bit sorry for myself. *snuffle* *cough*</div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-34674694147073268562011-11-02T08:08:00.000-07:002011-11-02T08:38:37.070-07:00break: here be whininghey everybody sorry I haven't blogged in forever but I took a break from blogging and the internets. Shocking I know but I needed some time to myself to sit and read, listen to random music on my ipod, read a bit more, sulk a bit and feel a bit homesick for the states. Autumn is my favourite time of year.... but not here. I have lived in England for 11 years and still sometimes I feel like an utter fraud. I can casually talk about the weather for about 30 seconds before my mind wanders off and I desperately wish to shoot myself in the head with an overly dramatic finger gun. I am utterly abysmal at small talk anyway so usually attempt to avoid it at all costs when on the school run. Thankfully I'm quiet and shy and only a few friendly parents talk to me anyway. <div><br /></div><div>I have always been reserved and have a tendency to withdraw into myself for a bit, fall into an out of the puddles, lakes and oceans of depression. I'm ok just a bit down, I miss my parents. I miss the dogs. I miss the states at this time of year. I miss Idaho and California. I miss the autumn festivities of being in the states surrounded by autumn leaves, pumpkin spice lattes (I don't drink them I just like the idea of them), pumpkins, pie and just all things Americana. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is my time of year, I really don't give a damn for winter and Christmas, Matt says that's because I'm a Grinch. I just say it's because I hate 98% of Christmas music. I adore Halloween, I always have, and Day of the Dead is pretty damn awesome too. I hate that the schools here don't do anything fun and Halloween related. Halloween is pretty much a bust anyway, maybe in another 5 or 10 years they will get it right. Maybe not. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have so many things ticking over in my brain and I have taken the last few weeks to just curl up read books, magazines, fan fiction, and even plot out a few broken fairy tales of my own here and there. I am fine. See I said it so it must be true, it's just sometimes hard to remotely attempt to be vaguely perfect. Not that I am anywhere near perfect, if I was I wouldn't be this fat, this grumpy or this hard on myself for every little thing I think is something I am or have done wrong. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have never been a bubbly blonde, my roots are very very dark but the last few weeks of having a break and having a week away down in Dorset have settled my mind a bit. I do love England and Dorset is beautiful though I did find myself feeling just a little heartbroken on the beach missing the Pacific ocean just north of Bodega Bay in California. I did find some pretty pebbles to bring home with me so that's all good right?</div><div><br /></div><div>I find it strange that I have barely been on the internets for weeks on end and not done any blogging and here I am having a cathartic whine about nothing and everything. </div><div><br /></div><div>I really think I need coffee. </div><div><br /></div><div>And to work on some blog posts of a crafty nature. </div><div><br /></div><div>I shall go bumble into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee and see about working on something creative this afternoon while H is at his grandma's house. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also I may need cake. Good thing there is some leftover from H's 8th birthday party. Yup my little boy is the grand old age of eight. He is still brilliant and sweet and an utterly charming, wild, loud, imaginative and excitable kid. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm ok and I'm happy but sometimes, sometimes I need to curl up and hide inside my head. I'm going to go put my ipod on and shuffle the laundry along and think a bit more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your regularly scheduled blogging shall hopefully resume soon. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-82520605614025906632011-09-30T04:43:00.000-07:002011-09-30T05:02:05.428-07:00Crafteroo Magazine<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ySZuU9eUNI/ToWr_G_q_zI/AAAAAAAADyo/QkIggEdoAGc/s400/cover-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658117607558676274" />Tomorrow marks the launch of Crafteroo Craft Forum's shiny new online Magazine. I along with the great creative team at crafteroo and especially the Editorial skills of Kerry have worked our fingers to the bone to make the online magazine worth the modest £1.50. The magazine is out tomorrow and is filled to bursting with tutorials, blogs, recipes, reviews and so much more. <div><br /></div><div>I have written book reviews, app reviews, and a recipe for the issue and I would love for every one of my loyal blog readers to visit crafteroo and purchase the magazine for download. It has been a great joy brainstorming and collaborating with forum members to create a brilliant little craft magazine. </div><div><br /></div><div>The idea of Crafteroo Magazine began with a wish to keep our small little forum running, all sales of the magazine will go towards upkeep of our little forum. Crafteroo is a small UK based craft forum that we started several years ago after several founding members fell victim to cyber bulling on another craft forum and decided to create a happy and safe little forum of our own. I hope that the magazine will do well and it will brink new life and new inspiration to our little craft forum. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please pop by Crafteroo and say hello and have a little look at the <a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,8765.0.html">Issue 1 Overview page</a> and see a little of what the 64 page magazine has to offer. </div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-74351884704689714082011-09-25T05:54:00.000-07:002011-09-25T06:13:18.031-07:00Miss Elmira Ravenhurst<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNXAhh5g5vQ/Tn8oiNWaDWI/AAAAAAAADyY/--gUSNK4Bfw/s1600/IMG_3430%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNXAhh5g5vQ/Tn8oiNWaDWI/AAAAAAAADyY/--gUSNK4Bfw/s320/IMG_3430%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656284225164938594" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Miss Elmira Ravenhurst was a school teacher in the small town of Doornail in the foot hills of the Serra Nevada Mountains in California. Fourteen years since the discovery of gold, and five years since a steamer ship docked in San Francisco carrying a cargo of death and the end of the world. The ship carried a plague of the living dead. Grey fleshed corpses that should have been buried six feet under, their flesh rotten off the bone as they infested San Francisco feeding off living flesh. Now the country was at war with a plague of un-dead zombies in the west as war raged between North and South. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Elmira had dreams that were broken when her fiancée was eaten by a pack of zombies on a supply run to Sacramento. The children solemnly listen to lectures with wide eyes as she walks back and forth the heavy ring of keys at her side jingle with every step. A bell rings in the distance and Miss Ravenhurst, mouth set in a grim line, uses the keys to open a small door in the tidy little school house. The door opens on a tiny room with a hatch leading to an escape tunnel underneath the town. Elmira ushers the children through, dabbing at tear stained faces as the children march down the tunnels to safety.</p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .75pt;padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .75pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm">Elmira locks the hatch as the last child disappears down into the escape tunnel. The iron key gripped tightly in her hand as she scans the walls of the room. Guns, ammunition, wickedly sharp blades and machines of copper, brass and glass fill the walls. Miss Elmira Ravenhurst smiles grimly as she reaches out for her favourite guns. Miss Elmira Ravenhurst, spinster, teacher, and ruthless zombie hunter stepped out from the school house raised her rifle and aimed as the first zombie shambled along the dirt road.</p><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aW-mcznCY8U/Tn8oiTjR_RI/AAAAAAAADyg/cjW0sv1qUs4/s320/elmira%2Bravenhurst.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656284226829548818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext .75pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; font-size: medium; ">Dear little Miss Elmira Ravenhurst is listed in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82502823/miss-elmira-ravenhurst-doll">etsy shop</a>. </span></p></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-82853353592863370132011-09-13T05:42:00.000-07:002011-09-13T06:26:20.407-07:00*bespoke* zine<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7g17ceVsTlE/Tm9YO2KzSZI/AAAAAAAADyQ/a23RrjOAJQg/s1600/bespoke-Issue-4-Cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7g17ceVsTlE/Tm9YO2KzSZI/AAAAAAAADyQ/a23RrjOAJQg/s320/bespoke-Issue-4-Cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651833069455493522" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the cover of *bespoke* issue 4</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div>*bespoke* zine is the creation of Jessica Van Den of <a href="http://epherielldesigns.com/">Epheriell Designs</a>, a blogger, zine publisher, jewellery maker, and all around fabulous lady from Brisbane, Australia. A few months back Jess called on the crafty community to submit ideas for issue 4 of the zine. I said it would be great to do a little piece on drabble writing, something I like to do in my spare time and tend to hideaway on another tiny writing blog. A little while later Jess got back to me saying it was a great idea and can I write up 200 words for the zine.<div><br /> <div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_WCB0j5tO8/Tm9YOjvX94I/AAAAAAAADyI/jGbsVy4pX2k/s320/bespoke-4-inside-page-21.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651833064508618626" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My little bit in the zine</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div>I think my head nearly exploded before I went into panic mode as I dug through my notebook and files to find a few craft based drabbles. I then tried to pull my thoughts together to explain not only why I write them but what drabbles actually are. I was quite possibly a nervous wreck and bothered several of my best friends (Thank you so much) to read through my article before I sent if off to Jess for her approval. Jess asked if I had any photos to include with my drabble article. I didn't but I knew just who to ask. At which point I bribed Matt with promises of cake and chocolate to get him to take some photos of my craft/writing space, dolls and general clutter. I'm pretty sure I still owe him more cake. </div><div><br /></div><div>So now you must all go out and order issue 4 of <a href="http://bespokezine.com/">*bespoke*</a>, because you all love me very much and want to see what I wrote. Right? Right? </div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-66456653091813899472011-09-10T02:39:00.000-07:002011-09-10T03:01:38.981-07:00Blue Skies Coconut Ice<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_I8dqMxtEWE/Tmsyj3NYHfI/AAAAAAAADx4/xsMnaabEgiY/s320/blueskies.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650665749163286002" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blue Skies (coconut ice squares)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><b>Ingredients:</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">2 cups desiccated coconut</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">½ cup caster sugar or icing sugar<b><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">¾ cup condensed milk</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Blue food colouring</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Instructions:</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Line a square pan with baking/greaseproof paper.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mix the sugar, dried coconut, and condensed milk together in a large mixing bowl. The Mixture will be quite stiff once thoroughly mixed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Add a small amount of blue food colouring to the mixture, mix until you achieve an even colour.<b><span class="Apple-style-span">** </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Press the mixture into the pan gently then top and press with the other mixture.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Place in the fridge to set for 30 minutes then cut into small bars with a sharp knife.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wrap the coconut ice with waxed or greaseproof paper and store in the fridge in an airtight container.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></b>I used caster sugar as I didn’t have any icing sugar in the house. I like the gritty texture the sugar adds but Matt says I’m weird. </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span">**</span></b>I used blue food colouring but If you prefer a more traditional looking coconut ice then divide the mixture in half and add red food colouring<span> </span>to one half of the mix to make it pink. Press the white half of the mixture into the pan before pressing the pink on top.<span> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span><b>cook's notes:</b> It's a super simple no cooking/baking recipe that I slapped together after reading through several different variations of recipes. In the end I threw everything together and took notes all the while. I may also have got food colouring all over my hands and on my chin... I'm a total klutz. I think there is a room to add a bit more of this or that to alter the consistency of the coconut ice, it is a sticky mixture but by keeping in the fridge it keeps it from falling apart... and it can be hidden behind the lettuce. </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>Why blue skies? Ever watch Dollhouse? If not you should, It's a reference to something Echo says as Taffy the thief. Yeah I'm a geek, but you probably knew that already.</span></i></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJODMS9tD7k/Tmsz8MlYlTI/AAAAAAAADyA/sOJ_s5_TPyM/s320/dollhouse-tv-series-.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650667266729612594" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollhouse_(TV_series)">Dollhouse</a></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-77100210734258445202011-08-26T07:20:00.001-07:002011-08-26T07:28:30.914-07:00my craft space<div style="text-align: center;"><img width="340" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1j7OMWV0h-A/TlerngL5VII/AAAAAAAADxs/rxFdN2QINr0/img_4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>vintage buttons, measuring tapes and magical things</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today I have been working on a few different small projects. I've been painting, drawing and sifting through buttons and nifty things for a swap with a friend. I dragged out more buttons and things to inspire my crafting and the notes I'm writing for a little story in my battered notebook. I hope you are all having a lovely crafty Friday. I have done my housework...or as much of it as I can stand to do without pulling my hair out. I have made cheesecake and there is a pot of chicken bubbling on the hob to shred for chicken burritos later. I feel I have accomplished something today, aside from drinking three cups of coffee...What have you been up to today?</div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-55288614121413547442011-08-25T04:11:00.000-07:002011-08-25T04:40:46.570-07:00Craft Club: Strawberry Pincushions<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80jpOh4hBsg/TlY0bsLI6uI/AAAAAAAADxo/DE2KNkufJI0/s1600/IMG_3118%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80jpOh4hBsg/TlY0bsLI6uI/AAAAAAAADxo/DE2KNkufJI0/s320/IMG_3118%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644756833274489570" /></a>
<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Why a craft club? Why not. After much dithering, daydreaming and wittering I spoke with Caroline at the Book Boutique about my wish to start a Craft Club up. She agreed and I Decided on a date and then figured out how to make an Event on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139198879504888">right here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" >. Please click if you feel like venturing into the deep dark heart of Derbyshire and dragging your crafts along.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeM-f8fYEHY/TlYya73SKhI/AAAAAAAADxg/9vk8loPEq8M/s320/IMG_2408.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644754621283052050" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>CRAFT CLUB: STRAWBERRY PINCUSHIONS</b>
<br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Learn to make strawberry pincushions. Come along to the craft club and make some small strawberry pincushions. We shall have some small strawberry making kits available to purchase or bring your own fabric and sewing supplies.
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<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "><b>Where:</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">the Book Boutique, Church Street, Ripley, Derbyshire.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b>When:</b> Monday the 26th of September
<br /><b>Time:</b> 7pm-8:30pm<b>
<br />Contact:</b> Apryl meridianariel@hotmail.com with any questions you may have.
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<br />The Craft Club is a brand new friendly and informal place to hang out with like-minded crafty folk. We’ll be here at the Book Boutique In Ripley 7pm until 8:30pm on the Monday the 26th of September. If things go well there will be more meet ups in the future.
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<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Please do pop along and join us. Please feel free to bring along any craft project you are working on, chat, learn some new skills, browse the bookshelves and have fun. There will be tea and cakes to purchase and we really hope you have fun joining us for some crafty fun.
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<br /></span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbwheQ6Nid4/TlYyA4koewI/AAAAAAAADxY/HST18vQdSeQ/s1600/craft%2Bclub.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbwheQ6Nid4/TlYyA4koewI/AAAAAAAADxY/HST18vQdSeQ/s400/craft%2Bclub.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644754173722917634" /></a><div>
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<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-27460973926907724222011-08-15T06:31:00.000-07:002011-08-15T07:28:37.050-07:00Caleb the Imp<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDGcKWOQNyY/TkklNa4YfTI/AAAAAAAADw8/0fxyZ_V8vhU/s1600/IMG_3003%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDGcKWOQNyY/TkklNa4YfTI/AAAAAAAADw8/0fxyZ_V8vhU/s320/IMG_3003%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641080920742591794" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Caleb the imp is small and lonely little creature, prone to mischief, bouts of melancholia, lover of fairy tales and converse shoes. He is a tiny bit huffy and stubborn, but you didn’t hear that from me. He is wicked, and sweet, a charmer and a procrastinator. He has a way of generating messes that make you forget about the job you were meant to be doing. Caleb love listening to fantasy stories of broken knights, hysterical dragons and forgotten magical realms, and watching epic fantasy movies and shows like Game of Thrones, Conan, Camelot, <span> </span>Legend of the Seeker and Labyrinth to name but a few. Did I mention he loves shoes? Because he really loves converse shoes, he won’t go to a home without any chucks in the house, and may drive his owner to buy more and more shoes. He says the shoes are his pets and his friends. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You must be careful if you own Caleb for you might come to harm tripping on carefully arranged piles of converse. He mostly means well, honest, but Caleb is an imp and that means trouble no matter how many shoes you own. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<br /></div><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V81O8s7zdT4/TkklNlLb7wI/AAAAAAAADxE/M-qpW_JXC_I/s320/IMG_3093%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641080923506863874" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Caleb and my favourite chucks</i></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V81O8s7zdT4/TkklNlLb7wI/AAAAAAAADxE/M-qpW_JXC_I/s1600/IMG_3093%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>
<br />Caleb was made from a Converse One Star button down shirt, vintage buttons, vintage doily, and toy filler.Caleb was stained with a mixture of coffee, vanilla and cinnamon. He is meant to be a decoration and not to be roughly played with my small children, due to his button eyes. Caleb the imp is a one of a kind creation, and I hope that you love him as much as I loved making him. I mean just look at that face, how could you not love him? </div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79801771/caleb-the-imp-prim-style-doll"> Caleb is listed in my etsy shop</a>. </div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-48814145092277247632011-08-12T06:15:00.000-07:002011-08-12T06:51:49.992-07:00I've packed my case<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYv-ViHfSlE/TkUrlGzWQAI/AAAAAAAADw0/hUYDcGz4DdE/s1600/IMG_3064%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYv-ViHfSlE/TkUrlGzWQAI/AAAAAAAADw0/hUYDcGz4DdE/s320/IMG_3064%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639962024832548866" /></a>I have packed my case but not to run away. I have filled a small vintage case I thrifted a few summers ago with geeky badges and poison apples for a small display in the Book Boutique. It's a local book shop that opened not too long ago, family run and filled with very nice books. I may end up spending whatever money I get for any sold badges on new books. <div>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUvApJYL3-o/TkUrk5wUQfI/AAAAAAAADws/-AzKxWsQCe8/s1600/IMG_3056%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUvApJYL3-o/TkUrk5wUQfI/AAAAAAAADws/-AzKxWsQCe8/s320/IMG_3056%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639962021330174450" /></a>I am ridiculously nervous about having my crafts on show so please come hold my hand and tell me it will all be alright and that people will love my lavender filled poison apples and bookish pin badges. I did have some jewellery on sale in another shop a few years ago but I wasn't nearly as nervous about that. Possibly because the bracelets I made were tucked away with a little card and my little suitcase of fairy tales is on display on the counter. Please if you are local to Ripley, Derbyshire pop into the Book Boutique, wander around, have a chat, buy a book and buy a badge too? Pretty please with sugar on top? I'll make you a coffee.
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ikS67QsbRg/TkUrkw37-yI/AAAAAAAADwk/iCJCQXT4eD4/s1600/IMG_3059%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ikS67QsbRg/TkUrkw37-yI/AAAAAAAADwk/iCJCQXT4eD4/s320/IMG_3059%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639962018946218786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>display</i></div></div><div>I dithered over what to take to the shop to display, and decided to take in some of the little poison apples I have been obsessed with making the last few days. I have made apples before but every time I have made them I have used a different pattern*. I think my little case display turned out OK, it is very me with bits of paper, poison apples and pin badges. I may bring in a small doll or the half finished fox plush I have hidden under my desk. </div><div>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwa0_swgzIs/TkUrkoubeMI/AAAAAAAADwc/AsAfTKmeIps/s1600/IMG_3060%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwa0_swgzIs/TkUrkoubeMI/AAAAAAAADwc/AsAfTKmeIps/s320/IMG_3060%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639962016758855874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">display</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>*When I say pattern what I really mean is what shape of scrap fabric I have and what I can do to fit it together. Mainly whatever if buzzing about my brain. I really don't do patterns so very well. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>p.s. please can you like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meridian-Ariel/194727073917299">Meridian Ariel </a>on Facebook ? And while you are at it will you like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Book-Boutique/187404571317433">the Book Boutique </a>too? *flutters lashes*</div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-8886389387451891422011-08-10T09:17:00.001-07:002011-08-10T09:38:07.535-07:00Moo mini cards<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOEozbjeW-U/TkKvmQmGxdI/AAAAAAAADwU/cmaOGbhAt0w/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOEozbjeW-U/TkKvmQmGxdI/AAAAAAAADwU/cmaOGbhAt0w/s320/IMG_2881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639262755245966802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>strange little dolls, jewellery, vintage, geekery & fairy tales</i></div><div>
<br /><div>I wanted to share with you my <a href="http://uk.moo.com/">moo mini cards</a> that arrived the other week. Most of the pictures I used were ones through instagram, and a few from a secret project I'm very excited about. I know I'm totally obsessed with instagram, I even added an app on the right hand side of my blog that links to my instagram. I'm really pleased with this set of cards and wish that I had ordered more, next time huh? Anyway I must run off and get some housework done or at least put the coffee machine on while petting my moo mini cards...definitely the latter option. <div>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jAUjKPX61Q/TkKvl_AaixI/AAAAAAAADwM/rPo_OXm8Q2g/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jAUjKPX61Q/TkKvl_AaixI/AAAAAAAADwM/rPo_OXm8Q2g/s320/IMG_2880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639262750524476178" /></a>
<br /></div></div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-16743533800569373992011-08-07T07:12:00.001-07:002011-08-07T07:44:18.605-07:00What's in my bag<div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7kbfvgguDM/Tj6dfRkXLSI/AAAAAAAADvc/CBTuh5SrnQU/s1600/IMG_3006%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7kbfvgguDM/Tj6dfRkXLSI/AAAAAAAADvc/CBTuh5SrnQU/s320/IMG_3006%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638116944131861794" /></a>I'm not much of a girly girl most of my handbags are simple and functional, my favourite bags are probably the two men's leather satchels that I have had forever or so it feels anyway. For the last few weeks I have been using a book bag/shopping bag I got in the sale at American Eagle Outfitters last April. I bought it on my birthday with a larger red satchel/man bag as my present. Why am I going on about bags? Well <a href="http://www.athriftymrs.com/2011/08/whats-in-my-bag.html">A Thrifty Mrs</a> blogged about her's yesterday and as H is having a lie down on my bed watching cartoons I thought I would work on a quick blog post while I drink a cup of tea. Yes really I have a cup of tea. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miLtJ1cuYBQ/Tj6dfB7VqxI/AAAAAAAADvU/9sJfFE0-Vnc/s1600/IMG_3007%255B1%255D.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miLtJ1cuYBQ/Tj6dfB7VqxI/AAAAAAAADvU/9sJfFE0-Vnc/s320/IMG_3007%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638116939933264658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">the contents of my bag</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First there is the vintage flowery purse it holds all my precious pennies and paper..and occasionally random buttons too. I found that purse in a thrift shop in Railroad Square in Santa Rosa while shopping with <a href="http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/">Apron Thrift Girl</a> a few years ago. It's lived in my various bags ever since. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A little dusky pink leather card holder it was ridiculously cheap in T.K. Max and I had to have it to hold a random assortment of credit and store cards. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few of my new moo cards in case I run into anyone to swap with or anyone that enquires what do I do all day. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ipod and headphones. I can't walk without my headphones on listening to whatever music I'm currently obsessed with. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">House keys with a little torch/flashlight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Notebook for doodling and writing plus a pen and pencil to do said writing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A silver fruit knife that my dad gave to me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A birdy pouch that most of the small junk fits into. I bought the pouch in the shop at the end of the Seattle Underground tour. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's about it for my handbag though there are a few things not in there. I quite often bring a book with me where ever I go but I just started reading A Game of Thrones yesterday and I'm not lugging that house brick with me everywhere. Also Matt has a tendency to give me his wallet, keys and whatever else he doesn't want to carry for himself. And I often carry snacks or the DSi for Harrison. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what's in your bag?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWnUEbenFKQ/Tj6f4Lmj7MI/AAAAAAAADvk/cBwmaSgBzmw/s320/IMG_2384.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638119571050458306" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i> the two badges on the outside of my bag. </i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A manga badge and a Serenity quote I typed. </i></div><div><br /></div></div>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591105840753419184.post-12657888483786559242011-08-05T04:11:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:16:16.192-07:00Molasses Rye Bread Recipe<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhwgxQL4WLM/TjwHerlXfBI/AAAAAAAADvE/yZ3daasBlV8/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhwgxQL4WLM/TjwHerlXfBI/AAAAAAAADvE/yZ3daasBlV8/s320/IMG_2895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637389057237941266" /></a><i><b>Molasses Rye Bread Recipe</b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px; "><li class="ingredient" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >2 packages dry yeast<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >1/2 cup warm water<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >1 tablespoon sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >1 cup warm water<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >1/2 cup dark molasses<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >1 tablespoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >2 tablespoons oil<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >3 cups rye flour<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >1 1/2 -2 cups bread flour/plain flour<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >1/2 cup cornmeal (semolina)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Directions:</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Soften yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Stir in the sugar and let stand until frothy and bubbly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >In large mixing bowl combine the yeast/water with 1 cup warm water with molasses, salt, oil and rye flour. Mix in the plain (bread) flour until the dough is smooth and elastic. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Knead the dough and then let it rise in a covered greased bowl until it’s doubled in size.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Punch the dough down and shape into 2 large round loaves or 6-8 small rolls.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Placed the loaves a few inches apart on a greased and cornmeal dusted cookie sheet. Sprinkle a bit of the cornmeal over the top of the loaves as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Let loaves rise in a warm place until doubled.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Bake loaves at 190C (375F) for about 30 minutes (20 minutes for small rolls) The crust will make a hollow sound when tapped lightly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " >Serve warm with plenty of butter. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; " ><i><b>Cook’s notes:</b> <b>my recipe is the combination of a few different recipes from food.com<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and a clone recipe for Outback Steakhouse’s bread. I would have used the recipes I found exactly but I only had a cup and a half of plain flour to add to the bag of dark rye flour I bought from Caudwell’s mill. I’ve not strayed too far from the recipes other than I used Billington’s natural molasses sugar (a very dark brown sugar as I had no molasses).<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; "><span style="color: black; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>I’ve heard that the bread will freeze very well but we ate it all up before there was a chance to freeze it</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" >.</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><o:p> </o:p></p></li></span>Aprylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12196354506684745214noreply@blogger.com5