swing time designs

Sundry Soiree

2012-01-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

I am so hap hap happy to say I am a judge in the Sundry Soiree! Here is the scoop:

Get creative and get going. Can't wait to see all the creative ideas out there.

Cheers!

Valentine Cupcake Liner and Coffee Filter Garland

2012-01-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

I just can't stop myself. I was at the cheap cheap grocery store buying not so cheap groceries. Geez! Groceries are expensive now days. Am I the only one that thinks so?

Well I was on the coffee aisle loving coffee filters and saw these disc coffee filter. I hadn't noticed them before. I grabbed a bag for $1.49 and then I saw some really cute cupcake liners for $1.58 and decided to give myself a challenge to come up with some. Here's what I came up with.

Here's how you can make this cool garland.

Simple simple. Grab your supplies:

Coffee filter disc liners

Cupcake liners

StazOn ink pad in Blazing Red

Yarn or thread or twine

Needle

Background stamp

I didn't have a large background valentine's stamp pad so I rigged one up.

I didn't have a large acrylic block so I took individual heart stamps and arranged them on the acrylic block. It worked like a charm.

Saturate you stamps and stamp on to the disc. The disc is thin and it bleeds through which is the whole point because you want both sides to have hearts on them.

Now thread your needle.

Punch a hole through the cupcake liner. It doesn't matter if its through the bottom or the center of the inside of the liner for the first cupcake holder. But from there on rotate the direction with the next liner you do.

Now stick the needle through the hole of the disc filter. Repeat until you have a lovely cupcake and disc coffee filter garland.

Pretty soon you will have a lovely garland and a cheap one also.

Cheers!

A Coffee Filter Garland DIY

2012-01-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share my idea for a swell coffee filter garland.

Supplies:

Choose a stamp. I chose musical notes.

StazOn ink in Black Cherry

Yarn or twine and a needle

glue gun

coffee filters

glue stick

hole punch

decorative scissors

Now that you have collected your supplies separate your coffee filter into three's. I used five groups of three.

Stamp each coffee filter randomly all over concentrating on the edges. Just stamp one side.

Now fold the coffee filters in half and then again in half and once more. Trim the edge with your decorative scissors.

Now open them back up so they are flat. Take one coffee filter and cut a line straight to the middle.

Start rolling the edge up and glue it down.

Now you have a flower. It should look like this.

Take another coffee filter and dab a bit of hot glue on the center of the filter and press the flower filter into the middle on the glue and scrunch the layers together.

Now take the last coffee filter and fold in half. Use your hole punch and punch through both layers. Open the layer back up.

Now dab hot glue in the middle and scrunch all three layers together to form a flower.

Run your choice of thread through the holes and string the flowers through thread.

And now you have a wonderful hand stamped coffee filter garland perfect for Valentine's Day.

Enjoy!

How To Make Four Fun Hearts

2012-01-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

I was messing around with my heart shaped cookie cutter and came up with four different ways to use the cutter as a template. I thought I would share.

I chose a vintage distressed look but you could use bright materials for brighter hearts.

A heart made from Hersey Kisses.

Open a couple of kisses carefully. Eat the kisses. (must do that). Then take the wrapper or wrappers (number of wrappers depends on how big your heart cookie cutter is) and mold them into the heart cookie cutter. Lift cookie cutter and voila you have a foil heart. Flatten out the little white note/paper and glue it to the back of the foil heart. Now you can transfer the entire heart to your favorite card or garland or whatever you can think of.

Next up!

A Wax Heart

Light a candle let the candle burn down a bit so there is liquid wax. Blow out candle, hold down cookie cutter that has been placed on a heart resistant surface on wax paper. Pour wax into cookie cutter. When the wax is cool remove cookie cutter and lift off wax paper. Gently pop wax heart out of the cookie cutter.

Wonderful! Now you have a wax heart for embellishing. Side note: I sprinkled a little glitter on mine when it was in the mold.

A wax seal heart.

Place cookie cutter in a heat resistant surface place wax paper over surface. Light the wax seal stick and let it drip. Pay close attention to this. Hold down cookie cutter. It doesn't need much wax only a thin layer. Once you fill the heart so it looks like a heart shape. Let it cool. The wax paper will crinkle up but that's ok. Lift off cookie cutter and peel the heart off as best you can. If the wax seal heart gets crumpled and starts to bend that looks cool too.

A cling wrap heart.

Round up some cling wrap in red. Rip off about 12". Fold it over and over (this depends on how dark you want the red). Be sure to fold the cling wrap to the width of your cookie cutter. Place cookie cutter on cling wrap and mark around the outside with a pencil. Lift cookie cutter and cut the heart out.

So cool I love the texture.

Last one

This was a mistake I glued the wax heart onto a pennant and didn't like it so I took it off and then I loved it.

So sometimes mistakes are good.

Enjoy!

Tori Ava Photography

2012-01-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

I am so privileged to know and work with Tori Ava Photography She is so talented. My products come to life when she takes the photos. Let me show you what I mean.

These are photos of my Hearts Hot Pink Garland.

Oh my little dresses look like they want to go out dancing.

And my tiny purse looks lovely. Thank you Thank you Tori Ava

Here is a shot of my Pink Pom Pom garland.

And my teacher tags.

Various tags.

And some more tags.

Wow! I can not thank you enough Tori Ava. Check out her beautiful website here Tori Ava photography

Valentine's Dress Garlands

2012-01-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

I have create two lovely dress garlands that will be available on my etsy shop soon.

This dress garland comes with three handmade dresses and four handmade flags. The nubby wire covered string can extend to over four feet. So there is plenty of length to hang across a mantel.

The next one is a love garland with three handmade dresses and four medallion circles which spell out love.

Cheers and Happy New Year!

Ann

Our Hot Toddy Bar

2011-12-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Lisa Fancy That and I Inkberry got featured today on pizzazzerie

Check it out.

And here are a few pictures just for my blog. I love plaid. Nothing says Christmas better except Bing Crosby.

Happy Holidays!

Vase Redo

2011-12-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Just a quick idea. I recently need to set up a display with a plaid theme. Nothing seemed to work and I didn't want to buy another vase so I found an old sweater of mine and cut off the arm. I slipped it over the vase.

It still didn't look right. So around the sleeve cuff I threaded red yarn for a rustic look then I hot glued two of the sweaters buttons on the front of the vase and finished the buttons off with two covered buttons I made out of plaid. Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. They are so dark but that's how it is why up here in the Northwest.

I think it turned out really cute. Now I am sweater hunting all the time.

Have fun.

Great Gift Bags

2011-11-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

I just made a ton of these for the shop and our tree lighting event at Bethany Village. They are great for gift cards or treats. These are the perfect vessal to hold your childrens teacher present in. No need to wrap just stuff and go.

I Have Been Busy

2011-11-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy. I finished up a beautiful reception a couple of weeks ago. The centerpieces were incredible. Pictures will be coming soon.

Now I have a show at Bethany Village on Nov. 29th. It's the tree lighting event. There are going to be a ton of vendors. It's should be really fun and the our local Fox news channel will be there.

I have been working on my Hot Toddy Bar craft night coming up on Dec 4th. I am so excited the Hot Toddy Bar is looking beautiful. Plaid and vintage Christmas put together there is nothing better. I can't wait to show photos of that.

And I have been working on product for the shop and Etsy and the show and and I don't know what else.

Here is a sneak of my latest vintage tags. These images are from the 40's my favorite time period. The tages turned out so cute. The colors are vibrant and fun. Puts me in the mood for a little Bing and Fred at Holiday Inn.

Ho Ho Ho!

These will be Fancy That next week.

Ciao and Happy Thanksgiving.

Our Peacock Wedding Inspiration Shoot

2011-11-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of our Peacock Inspirational Shoot.

The shoot was at bella via . And Tori Ava is again our wonderful photographer. We had such a great time.

Thanks ladies.

New Items

2011-11-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Now that Halloween is over I am starting to think about Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Here are some new items that are going into Fancy That this week.

My Harry Potter Garland. All the houses are represented. This garland would look great in any childs room.

And my new Magical Santa Dust.

Stop in if you are in the area.

Our Poppy Bridal Tea Got Featured

2011-09-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

Our Bridal Tea photo shoot got featured today on Amy Atlas.

WOW!

We are so excited the shoot turned out so pretty. Thanks Lisa at Fancy That and Victoria at Tori Ava Photography. You ladies rock.

New Witches Brew Garland

2011-09-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here is my new Witches Brew Garland. I think its one of my favorite Halloween ones.

Enjoy

Good News Today!

2011-09-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Amy Atlas, the guru of parties featured our Ooh La La Party on her blog today. Needless to say we are very excited here at Inkberry and Fancy That Wow!

Ciao for now

In The Mood For Halloween

2011-09-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

I'm in the mood for Halloween even though we are experiencing the hottest weather we've had all summer.

Still a part of me can feel fall coming.
Here is a shot or two of my halloween garlands for 2011. They are not yet complete but I just had to share.

Enjoy the day.

Wonderful Trip

2011-08-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

Our friends son turned 14 and we all went to Seattle to celebration. The trip was a sports fans dream.

First it was the Mariner's game. What a beautiful day for baseball. But before the game we went to

the bullpen for warm ups and got some autographes. The nice players even game Joe a ball they had been using and one of the pitchers signed it. Wow! Very exciting.

After the game we went to lunch and walked over to Century Link Field to watch a

Sounders vs Panama game.

Very fun. Really good seats.

There was even a fight that the boys found very cool.

Celebration! We had our scarves.

We have never screamed so hard. There is something about a soccer game . . .so thrilling.

After the game. It was very warm and clear. Love that skyline. I miss living in this beautiful city.

The next day was equally as pretty. This is the view from our balcony. Lake Union looking as lovely as ever.

Then . . .mom time

Of course we had to do this . . .

and this.

What a wonderful trip

Lisa Hannigan

2011-08-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Lisa Hannigan is one of my favorite Irish musicians.

I love her music. This is a video of her song Lille. What a wonderful video. Sorry its so small. click on it and what on YouTube.

If you are in Portland

2011-08-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

We went to the Grill Cheesed Grill the other day and then the Waffle Window. Both are outstanding and really fun for kids.

The Grilled Cheese Grill in SE Portland has a double decker. The boys loved eating in side the bus.

And the sandwiches were very good. Check it out The Grilled Cheese Grill

Love the Waffle Window. Check it out Waffle Window

Ciao for now

The Best Pita Chip Recipe

2011-08-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have got to share. I found this recipe in this cookbook my friend gave me. It is the easiest and best recipe for pita chips and it has really helped me with my craving for potato chips. :)

I thought I would share:

Pita Crisps

I package whole wheat pita bread
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt
freshly ground pepper

mix together

(i use sea salt and sprinkle some on after I put the chips on the cookie sheet.)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grab a cookie sheet.

1. cut each pita round in half.
2. open each pita round up and separate
3. brush evoo mixture on pita
4. use a pizza cutter to cut pita in wedges
5. place on cookie sheet and pop in oven
6. bake for 20-30 minutes. I usually only do 20 and they come out perfect

You are done. They are crisp and delicious. Try them with hummus. Yum

New Vintage Tags On Etsy

2011-08-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have some new tags for sale on Etsy check them out.

This is from a 1950 childrens book. The little guy is a circus trainer in training. So adorable.

This sunny tag is from a 1947 childrens garden verses book by Robert Louis Stevenson

This one is from the same garden book verses. I love this watercolor.

This is from a 1950 childrens book. The colors are so vibrant it looks freshly watercolored.

I will be adding more on Etsy today. Stop by

A Day On The Farm

2011-08-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

The boys and I spent the day at my sisters house south of Portland. We picked the last of the pie cherries.

We went home with a ton of beans and cherries and plums. So yummy.

We picked yellow plums.

The pears weren't ready :(

We feed the cows. So cute and so big. Wow.

We went home and made pie. What a lovely day and thank goodness we had a sunny day.

My Autumn Table Runner Tutorial Was Featured

2011-08-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The nice gals at All Free Holiday Crafts featured my tutorial Autumn Table-Runner. They have some great projects on their site check it out all free holiday crafts

Thanks ladies!

Oregon Coast Trip

2011-08-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Florence, Oregon. The weather was so beautiful. We kayaked and had a blast sand boarding at Honeyman State Park. Look how beautiful Lake Cleawox and the dunes are. Just perfection. The blues are really this blue. If you haven't been to this state park make a point to go. The water is so warm. There is swimming and canoeing and kayaking oh my. Truly magical.

Honeyman State Park

Enjoy your Summer.

Beach Wedding Was Featured

2011-08-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is so cool. Our Beach Theme Wedding was featured on Hostess With The Mostess.

So happy that this turned out so well. Thanks Fancy That and Bliss!

Fruit Stand Party

2011-07-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our Fruit Stand Party that was featured here Pizzazzerie

Lisa at Fancy That does such a great job. Check out her site.

Ciao for now.

Pom Pom Cupcake Toppers and Cake Toppers

2011-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Aren't these fun? I've made a bunch of cake toppers and cupcake toppers in all different color combo's.

They will be available this week at Fancy That.

I am taking orders. Just drop me a line.

Have a great day!

New Autumn Artwork

2011-07-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

I am working on some season pieces with my dress idea. Here is a sneak peak.

Have a great day!

I am computer challenged

2011-07-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was trying to be all fancy and all and update my button that links me to my Etsy site and I deleted it all together.

So now I have to figure out how to get it back. My lovely computer savvy friend is across the country it's late on the East coast so I have to wait for a more reasonable hour to contact her. So I am just going to say it- if you would like to shop my Etsy shop do so here Inkberry at least until I get the dang button thingy figured out.

Meanwhile you can gaze upon the beauty of the vineyard we spend the 4th of July at VX Vineyard

We had the place to ourselves. It was so lovely. Thanks Kelly for getting us into the vineyard after hours.

My New Studio

2011-07-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

My studio is almost done. I thought I would share what it looks like so far. I love it!

Yippee! And excuse the mess.

New Product

2011-07-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

I just added a new garland to the shop. It's my umbrella garland. It's on line here Umbrella Dress Garland.

Ann

Vintage Lavender Wedding

2011-06-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Teamed up again with Fancy That and Bliss Bake Shop for our Vintage Lavender Wedding.
Here is a sneak peak at our Vintage Lavender Wedding Display:

So beautiful

These are tea bag favors. Just makes we want to get married again and again but of course to my husband.

OH MY GOODNESS!

2011-06-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Fancy That just got featured on pizzazzerie. My wee fairy bottles are out in cyber space. I am so excited they looks so pretty and so does the party. Wow! Thanks Lisa for letting me help.

Fun Fun

We Got Featured

2011-05-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

The ice cream party was feature here Catch My Party

Lisa at Fancy That also had a professional photographer Tori Ava Photography come in and take some photos of a Woodland Fairy Party at Bliss by Fancy That. Here is a photo of my custom ordered magical fairy bottles. There were 16 very happy little ladies after the party.

So excited.

Woodland Fairy Themed Party

2011-05-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy. Here are some things I have been working on:

Our Woodland Fairy Party

Thanks To Fancy That and Bliss Cupcake Shop

Custom vintage University Of Oregon football banner is now available at Bliss. Stop in and check it out.

Beach Wedding

2011-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here is what I have been working on with Lisa at Fancy That and Bliss Cupcake Shop

Absolutely the coolest beach wedding cake ever.

simple clean and elegant

elegant invitation

lovely beach bag favors

up-close shot of the clever smore favor

placecards

Brilliant smores favors

Wow! That was fun. Thanks Lisa and Bliss.

Ice Cream Party By Fancy That

2011-04-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

I had the great opportunity to help put together a Ice Cream Party at Bliss by Fancy That. I got to help with the styling! Here are some photos

Thanks Lisa!

Thinking Of My Dad Today

2011-04-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

He is the one being cool with the cigarette.

He is the one on the right.

Ray Purscelley Feb. 13, 1919- April 14, 2008

inkberry

2011-04-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have changed my little business name to inkberry.

Easter Tags

2011-04-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here are my Easter tags available at Fancy That inside Bliss Cupcake Shop.

Cheers!!

Vintage Flower Fairy Dust Bottle

2011-04-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have just posted one of my vintage flower fairy bottles on Etsy. I love this little bottle. I found it in a vintage shop and immediately thought Fairy Dust. As an inspiration I used Cecily Mary Barker's flower fairies as an inspiration.

Check it out!

Super Simple Easter Garland

2011-04-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

I just made an really easy Easter garland.

Here's how:

The only thing tough about this garland is the supplies you need to make it. So if you have these items you are good to go.

Fancy fun cardstock
A Cuttlebug or any other sort of die cut machine or a oval punch in different sizes
A ribbon threading punch
Bakers twine or ribbon or thread or yarn
A needle

Cut varying sizes of ovals in all different colors and or printed paper. Easter colors of course work the best.

Punch hole with ribbon punch in the top of the oval. String twine or ribbon or thread or yarn through the holes and voila!! You have your garland

Enjoy!!

I Am In Love

2011-03-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

I purchased a Squeezebox Radio where I can listen to music from all over the world. Well the other day I found a channel called UK 1940's Radio.

I love it!!!

The announcers are so cool to listen to and the vintage advertising and wartime warnings are very interesting.

The announcers talk about upcoming events in the area i.e a dance in the heart of Bronte country (sigh). I would love to hop over to a dance in the heart of Bronte country.

I thought this cover graphic was so cool.

Check it out.

UK 1940's radio

New Vintage Journals At Fancy That

2011-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here are three new journals that I put in Fancy That inside Bliss Cupcake Shop.

This journal is covered in my 1798 newspapers and embellished with various British themed images.

The back

The inside.

Next is my Vintage Original Journal. These vintage journals are made from original clippings from the Oregonian 1932-1939

Buy a piece of history.

Each handmade journal is covered with a firm coat of Mod Podge to make it durable.

All of these will be available tomorrow at Fancy That

Harry Potter Mail Box

2011-03-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

My boys had a brain storm and decided to get creative. Here is what they come up with.

They took two unfinished wooden mailboxes and sprayed walnut ink on them. They used a damp paper towel to rub the ink in.

Once they got the ink on they let it dry. Next they glued Harry Potter paper and embellishments on the mail box. Then I hot glued Styrofoam balls on the top and they glued feather on it complete with eyes and beak.

Each box is the house they liked in Harry Potter. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. They wrote letters of acceptance and addressed them accordingly. One letter goes to Harry the other to a Mr. Boot who lives in Cardiff.

The mailboxes turned out very cute.

I Was Featured

2011-03-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

My vintage basketball collage was featured in this really cool Treasury from Love In Bloom on Etsy. Here is the link

What's Black White And Red All Over

Here is my March Madness Collage

My Man Thursday

2011-02-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

Okay,

I have been obsessed with this show called The Pacific. It is so so good. Check it out but be prepared it's very violent and graphic but the story of what these men went through during WWII is incredible.

For this Thursday my guy is James Badge Dale the guy who plays Leckie.

Grab a tissue and start watching. The extras are outstanding.

My New Mother's Day Dress Garland

2011-02-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

I have just finished a Garden Dress Garland for Mother's Day. I love this one. I used a muslin fabric on the dress. It reminds me a an old fashion garden apron.

This will be available at Bliss inside Fancy That in a few days. I will be making a couple of more with the Mother's Day garden theme and putting them on Etsy helpfully soon.

My Man Thursday

2011-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

After a short absence My Man Thursday is back and oh what a man. Today is Bradley Cooper!!

This guy is so funny and cute.

Best movies:

The Hangover

The A Team

He needs to do more movies and good ones at that.

An Idiot Abroad~And A Correction

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

First of all, An Idiot Abroad is funny and cute and I love Karl even if he is an idiot. Watch it on the Science Channel (don't ask why). You can't help but love Karl's sweet dumbfounded face. I didn't really care for the India episode but the "alright wall" of China episode was funny and so was the Jordan episode. Very much worth the watch.

NOW!! I am sure you will never believe me again but I said a couple of posts back that Portlandia was funny. Well after watching all the episodes that are available and after admitting to myself that its not funny I need to say Portlandia is --stupid. Just plain stupid.

We have a slogan here in Portland it says Keep Portland Weird. Well the show isn't clever enough to be weird it's just dumb. There was one bright spot, the PCC hide and seek tournament and maybe the Woman and Woman First skit.

I have asked several Portlanders and we all say- what the what???? And even though after the second episode we spent much of the day saying cacao randomly to anyone we thought had seen the show we quickly shivered and shook our heads because that cacao skit was disturbing.

So there you have it watch An Idiot Abroad for fun and Portlandia for boredom.

My Own Decorative Tape

2011-02-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

I am sure some of you have seen the decorative tapes that are out there. Their is the Washi Japanese Tape.

And Tim Holtz has his tissue tape tim holtz But I don't have a lot of money to be spending on tape so I thought I would make my own. It is so fun in fact I can't stop making it.

Here's how:

You will need StazOn ink pads, masking tape, wax paper, and any stamps you want.

Now you are ready.

Rip off a good size of wax paper. Lay it down. Now rip of strips of masking tape and stick it to the wax paper. Find your stamps and ink colors.

Once you get some designs you like cut the wax paper into strips around your tape.

Oh and make sure you give the ink time to dry a bit. It doesn't take long.

Voila! You are done. Now start sticking your strips everywhere.

I decorated a bulletin board.

I wrapped the tape around a flameless candle. So fun. I can't wait to find other places for my tape.

Enjoy!!

A New Twist On Twisties

2011-02-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

You know those things your kids love to grab in the produce department at the grocery store? Those twisty things?? Ringing any bells? Well, I found a bunch of white one as I was cleaning out my utensils draw today and thought I would put them to good use. Here's how you can too.

You will need:
white twisties (I call them this I don't know their real name) brown ones would work also but the look would be more rustic and I am not sure if the colors would pop as much.
Staz-On ink pad
A large background stamp of anything you would like ink splashes, paint splat's, polka dots etc.

Lay out your twisties stamp them a couple of times turn them over do it again. Guess what?
You're done!! Very simple.

These are great to finish off any treat bag for a special someone. I used a pencil and wrapped the twisty around it to create curly twisties.

My Kids Want This

2011-01-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

Think how much easier it would be if we could just slide downstairs.

My kids want this bad and I do too!!

Cheers!

More Fairy Dust & New On Etsy

2011-01-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

The purple bottle is my Dog Violet Fairy Dust and the pink is my Wood Sorrell Fairy Dust. These tiny bottle are from the late 1940's. They were salt and pepper shakers covered in wicker to look like wine jugs. I stripped off the wicker and voila! I think they look splendid all dolled up. These will be available this week at Bliss Bakeshop inside Fancy That.

New On Etsy!

I am just about to post my Shamrock Garland on Etsy. This little beauty has stolen my heart. Everything from the embossed, hand stamped flags to the jute cord remind me of St. Patrick's Day. I think the 1798 London Herald is the perfect background to for these hand stamped shamrocks.

Check it out on Etsy

This Is Portland, Oregon!!

2011-01-28T10:52:00.000-08:00

Do you want a look at the town we call home? Then watch our claim to fame.

Portlandia

This is such a funny show.

It's in the Cutting Edge section of On Demand under IFC.

Faerie Dust Bottle

2011-01-26T15:38:00.000-08:00

Here are my faerie dust bottles that are going to be at Bliss tomorrow. I was inspired by

Cicely Mary Barker Her watercolors are so beautiful.

Enjoy!

Downton Abbey

2011-01-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

I am in love . . . with Downton Abbey. Oh my it is sooo good. Julian Fellows is brilliant. He has created a story that is so gripping I dread the coming of the ending credits.

Julian Fellows is so talented. He is an actor, director, writer. He wrote Gosford Park, Young Victoria, and Downton Abbey and much much more. But I love him the best as Kilwillie in

Monarch Of The Glen. He is so funny.

What a talented fellow :)

If you haven't started watching Downtonw Abbey I would highly suggest trying to find the episodes and getting caught up.

Cheers!!

New At Bliss

2011-01-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have just added this Irish Garland to the Munchkin Designs shop inside Bliss. Contact me if you would like to special order it.

I have also finished up a heart garland with my 1798 London Herald newspapers. This will be available soon at Bliss. If you would like to order this just drop me a line. These are very limited.

My Man Thursday is Justin Kirk. You may recognize him from Weeds or Modern Family. He is so cute

and very funny.

Cheers!

A Love Garland

2011-01-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Here is my lastest custom order. I think it turned out really pretty.

Cheers!

Spring Is In The Air

2011-01-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

I have been working hard on a custom order garland with a Spring theme.

This garland was a complete change for me. Each dress in the garland is a different color. Usually I stick to rotating prints and colors. But how can you choose from Spring colors? There are so many pretty pastel colors in the Spring palette. I love daffodil yellow and fresh green grass and lavender . . . oh my.

My next custom order is a Valentine's theme with the word LOVE.

Then on to a really cool idea. A garland to celebrate a birthday trip to a tropical beach but I can't say more in case the recipient of the gift is a follower of my blog. That would be bad to let the cat out of the bag.

Cheers!!!

GO DUCKS!!!!!

2011-01-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

I am a Duck!

Yes I am.

You have to check this out U Of O Power Ballad

to understand the love we all feel for the Ducks!

We Love Our Ducks!!

Valentine Garland's

2011-01-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

I have been making Valentine Heart Garland's like crazy. Here are two styles that are available at Bliss Bake Shop.

They are so festive. I love them.

My Man Thursday

2011-01-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

Colin Farrell!!

Yes, he has made some mistakes in his life and yes, he has had some bad hair and yes, he has made some really dumb movies but . . .I think he's still a good actor.

And he's kinda cute

A few of his good movies that are worth seeing are:

Ondine

The New World

Phone Booth

Minority Report

Falling For A Dancer

Cheers!

A Gift For A Dear Friend

2011-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a gift idea for a special friend.

My friend Kim grow up in a lot of different places but one place is special to her~ Seaside, Oregon.

So when her birthday rolled around in June I wanted to give her something that reflected this special time in her life.

Lewis and Clark standing guard.

Phillips Candy Kitchen

She has wonderful memories of working in Phillips Candy Kitchen and spending time at the beach. So on a trip to Seaside I collected knick knacks from the area and made them into a collage for her. And here it is.

Each little square holds a vintage image or clipping with a sea theme and or a treasure from the area.

She loved the collage and has it hanging in her house.

The candy is fake so it won't rot but the wrapping is from Phillips. I just had to eat the taffy inside. :)

MY MAN THURSDAY

2010-12-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

I can't help it. I know I have done him before but I just saw The King's Speech and I loved it. Absolutely the best movie I have seen in a long time. Jeffery Rush was brilliant and so was Colin.

And so was My Man Thursday is Colin Firth.

Enjoy!

We are gearing up for the big BCS Game

2010-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on some vintage University Of Oregon banners that will be in the shop Bliss the day after Christmas.
Here is a sneak peak:

MY MAN THURSDAY!!

2010-12-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Jonny Lee Miller!! I love him in Emma.

And my all time favorite is Mansfield Park.

Other movies that are worth while:

Dracula 2000 (campy but fun)

Emma

Byron

Mansfield Park

Plunkett and Macleane

Cheers!

Holly Raleigh And Harry Potter

2010-12-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

Holly Raleigh is over. It was alot of fun. The weather stunk but I saw a lot of my peeps. I was also amazed at how quickly my Harry Potter items flew out the door. Here is a really bad photo of the House Garland

The little boy that bought my garland was so excited. I told him I was glad it was going to a good home.

I also made a notebook and that went to another little boy and he loved it and told me he is already writing in it. I don't have a picture of the notebook.

My journals sold well and so did my dress garlands. I am now moving my stuff down to Bliss Bake Shop and Munchkin Designs. I will have my product back there this week.

I am working on some vintage University Of Oregon banners that I hope to have in the shop soon.

Cheers.

My Man Thursday

2010-12-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

My Man Thursday is: Johnny Depp

Okay he is a little over done out there in the world but I still enough his movies.

Of course Pirates

Chocolat! Loved it!

And love reading my VF

Here are a few of his movies that I love:

Benny and Joon

Chocolat

Sleepy Hollow

From Hell

The Libertine

Pirates

And I hope the Tourist is good. We will see.

Cheers!

Wedding Garland

2010-12-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak at my new Wedding Garland. It will be available at Holly Raleigh. Dec. 11th at Raleigh Hills School Beaverton, Oregon. This garland would make a great shower gift. Each bridesmaid can take a dress home after the shower so she has keepsake from the event and the bride can keep the brides dress of course :)

Cheers!

Early Valentine's

2010-12-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a garland for Valentine's Day for the shop. Here is a sneak peak. I had to listen to Nat King Cole today. L is for the way you look at me . . . . . .

MY MAN THURSDAY

2010-12-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

My Man this week is Ewan McGregor.

He just gets better as he gets older. Here are a few good movies he has made:

The Ghost Writer

Star Wars

Long Way Down

Long Way Round

Down With Love

Miss Potter

Enjoy

Sugar Plum and Gum Drop Garland

2010-11-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my Thanksgiving vacation. I ate alot of good food and gained alot of bad weight. But I have been busy making new items for Holly Raleigh like the above Gumdrop Garland and below my Sugar Plum Garland.

Sorry about the photos they're a tad blurry. I'm moving so fast these days everything is a blur including my photos. :)

MY MAN THURSDAY!

2010-11-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Aidan Quinn. I love this guy.

Here are some of his movies that I really liked.

Benny and Joon

Song Catcher

Practical Magic

Haunted

Blink

Crusoe

The Mission

Frankenstein

Legends Of The Fall

Two New Christmas Dress Garland

2010-11-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share what I am working on. I believe these will be available at Munchkin Designs inside Bliss Bake Shop soon.

Sorry the photos are so bad we are having a really bad wind and rain storm which lets in very little light. Today has felt like 4:30 all day long. But I love the wind and rain. So very Emily Bronte.

What's A Girl To Do With . . .

2010-11-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

cotton balls, glue, glitter, a paper cone, misc. faux gum drops, and a hot glue gun?

Well, make a cotton ball tree of course. Duh!

These just make me happy.

Here's how to put some joy in your life.

Round up your supplies:

Paper cone

glitter

craft glue

old paint brush

cotton balls

fire up the hot glue gun and you're off!

Start at the bottom of the cone and carefully apply the hot glue three cotton ball spaces at a time.

Next apply cotton balls and press the balls as you go. Keep this up for the entire cone. Then dap a bunch of craft glue on wherever you feel like it. Sprinkle glitter over the glue and shake of extra glitter. Let that dry.

Next I hot glued some, faux gum drops I had tucked away in a drawer, around the tree. You can hot glue buttons or small pom poms, or old tiny ornaments wherever you think they will look good.

idea

Have Fun!

Holly Raleigh

2010-11-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Save the date. Please stop in if you are in the area.

Ciao for now!

Shop For Makenzie Table

2010-11-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at Shop For Makenzie. Now I will be working on a ton more swell stuff. Big sellers today were, dress garlands, tags, Santa's Own Magic Reindeer Feed, and tea stained gift card holders.

My little fingers will be flying to restock. I have been asked to put some of my items in a store here in the Portland area Munchkin Designs She will be opening her shop inside Bliss Bake Shop

Can not wait.

Cheers!

MY MAN THURSDAY!

2010-11-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am delving into dead men. I have exhausted my thoughts on males who are alive. But somehow the good old stand by are still very good.

Cary Grant

There are so many of his movies that I love but here are my top ten

1. My Favorite Wife

2. The Awful Truth

3. Holiday

4. Arsenic and Old Lace

5. Suspicion

6. Notorious

7. Bringing Up Baby

8. The Philadelphia Story

9. Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

10. Topper

Happy Birthday My Darling Boy!

2010-11-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Joe! I can't believe you are 9 years old now. You will always be my little baby boy.

Love Mommy.

IN TIME FOR HARRY POTTER

2010-11-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

I made another Witches Night Out Garland! In honor of Harry Potter

Check it out on Etsy

Something Wicked This Way Comes.

My Man Thursday

2010-11-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

Geez! This was a hard one I think I might be running out of men.

Then last night I was rewatching Persuasion and then it hit me. Mr. Wentworth

Rupert Penry Jones

Oh Mr. Wentworth on a horse.

Best movie: Persuasion. Love it need to buy it.

Enjoy!

Best Pie Crust Ever!

2010-11-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe my mom gave me. I am not sure where she got it. I'm just glad she found it. It's the best crust recipe ever. I love crust, sometimes more than the pie innards.

My pumpkin pie

Cherry pie before hitting the oven. I would have after photos but my boys ate it too quickly.

Vinegar Pie Pastry

4 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 3/4 cups shortening

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 egg

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, and salt.

With a pastry blender or two knives or forks, use scissor fashion to cut in shortening

until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Combine, water, vinegar, and egg. Add to flour mixture. Mix well until pastry holds together

(dough will be sticky)

Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Divide dough into 4 or 5 balls. Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 2 months.

If frozen when you want to use it thaw in refrigerator 2 to 3 hours.

Makes enough pastry for 4 or 5 single crust pies.

Enjoy.

Happy Halloween ~A Day Late

2010-11-01T01:24:00.000-07:00

So much has been going on here. I am trying to organize a gift show that I am hosting, toss together Joe's birthday party, and get ready for the Shop For Makenzie show and a Murryhill Show.

So here's a late Happy Halloween and a picture of what a Autumn Oregon morning looks like.

My Man Thursday ~ A Little Late

2010-10-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy working on stuff for my up coming event at Raleigh Hills k-8 that I haven't had a moment of time to get to the computer. So here is my pick today:

Rufus Sewell!

He is so wonderful. I love him as a good guy but he plays a jerk really well also, think- The Holiday.

Here are a few of my favorite movies/tv shows he has made

The Pillars Of The Earth

John Adams

Tristan + Isolde

Arabian Nights

Cold Comfort Farm

Shakespeare Re-told The Taming Of The Shrew(This is soooo good)

Wow! Good stuff.

MY MAN THURSDAY!

2010-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Stephen Dillane!

This guy is such a good actor. Wow! I believe he made one of the best romantic movie ever made, Firelight. Put it in your queue. His acting seems effortless and he desolves into his character. He is definitly underrated.

He stole the show in John Adams.

Some good movies he has been in:

Firelight

Deja Vu (dated but good)

Love & Rage (you get Daniel Craig in this one too)

Kings In Grass Castles

John Adams

King Arthur

Just to name a few.

Ahhhh.

Swell Stuff Available At Shop For Makenzie

2010-10-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Nov. 13th I have a event that I mentioned in an earlier post. It's Shop For Makenzie!

Here is a sneak peak at some of the items I will be selling:

My lovely vintage gift box. The box is covered in vintage Christmas sheet music, German glass glitter, and some gorgeous scrapbook paper. The little elk and tree I found in a antique shop and the pine cones I picked up on a walk here in the great Northwest.

This little guy is completely covered in vintage Christmas sheet music and lined with fine glitter and German glass glitter. The tree is again vintage and the tiny fawn is a porcelain figurine I found in an antique shop.

Both these boxes would make great gift boxes or a lovely decoration.

These are my vintage wall hangings. The cards I purchased at an estate sale.

The cool thing about these items is that they are one of a kind and from the 1940's. You won't find the images at Hallmark or Target. All the wall hangings are carefully distress and whenever possible they are adorned with vintage items, such as ribbon and Christmas balls.

These are just a few of the tags I am making for the show. They will be hard to part with. Each time I make a set I think wow I could use these. Maybe I will find time to make some for myself.

I love this little guy. His face is so sweet and jolly.

This one is just the coolest thing out there. I will have to make some of these for my boys.

Now when I think of Old Saint Nick or Father Christmas I think of this guy. So so beautiful.

Of course, I will have my dress garlands. These garlands are labor intensive but well worth it. It makes me very happy to know people enjoy my little garlands. And plus for just a second or two I get to play fashion designer.

These are only a few of the items I will have at the show. I am not putting them on Etsy because if they sale I won't have anything for the show. But if anyone is interested in these items please email me and I can make you some as a custom order.

Enjoy your day!

A Fall Get Together

2010-10-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

The other evening we had some friends over for dinner and dessert.

Joe wanted to help me decorate so I got him started on the place mats. They turned out lovely and everybody raved about them which made Joe smile really big.

As I was tossing things together I realized that I never shared my favorite dessert recipe. So here goes.

Guinness Stout Cake:

1 1/4 cups Gunniess Stout -don't include foam.
1/3 cup dark molasses
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder not dutch processed (add a little more for sprinkling pan.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp table salt
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter softened to room temp.
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
3 large eggs room temp.
6 oz. semi sweet chocolate finely chopped (if not picky about chocolate regular chocolate chips work great).

Chocolate Glaze:
3/4 cup heavy cream
6 oz. semi sweet chocolate finely chopped

Heat oven to 350. Butter bunt pan lightly coat with sifted cocoa- tap out extra cocoa

In a small sauce pan on high heat bring stout and molasses to a simmer
Remove pan from heat and let stand while preparing batter

Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda, and salt. With a mixer cream butter in large bowl on medium speed until smooth.

Add brown sugar and beat on medium until light and fluffy

Beat in eggs one at a time stopping to scrap bowl after each addition

With a mixer on low alternate adding flour and stout mixture -beginning and ending with flour

Beat at medium speed until batter is smooth then stir in the chopped chocolate

Spoon batter into pan spread evenly. Run knife through batter to eliminate air pockets. Then cook 45-50 min. until wooden stick stuck in middle comes out clean.

Set pan to cool 20 minutes not longer

Invert cake- remove pan, cool until barely warm

Glaze:
Bring cream to a boil in a sauce pan over high heat. Remove pan from heat add chocolate.

Let stand one min. then whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Let cool for 5 min. before drizzling over the barely warm cake. Let the glaze cool at room temp before serving.

This cake is to die for. I mean it! Last meal type thing. I'm telling ya it's goooooooood!

MY MAN THURSDAY

2010-10-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

James McAvoy!!!!!!!!!

I love this man.

Here are a few of his movies that I like:

Penelope

The Last Station

Atonement (hard to watch but he is good so sad)

Becoming Jane

Shakespeare Re-Told

Enjoy!

SHOP FOR MAKENZIE EVENT

2010-10-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

On Saturday November 13th I will be involved in a wonderful fundraiser to help litttle 6 year old MaKenzie Shirey who is a very sick little girl. Makenzie's story So sad and scary because it happened so suddenly and they still don't know what the cause is. Hug your kids.

Everything is in the works but I thought I would give people a heads up if you are in the Portland, Oregon area to save the date. Here is the link to the blog for the event event blog more to come on the blog, Lisa at Munchkin Designs has just developed this. Its hot off the press.

Ciao for now

New Christmas Garland

2010-10-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

I am back. Boy! I've been busy.
I'm getting lots of swell stuff ready for a show I am doing. In fact, it could potentially be three shows.

I am cranking out the swell stuff.

Here is my Christmas 2010 Baking Dress Garland. Can you smell the Christmas Cookies?

I wish they made real dresses that looked like these little guys.

These photos aren't dolled up. I was in a hurry to post something . . .anything. If you are interested in this garland contact me I am only making one of these unless someone wants to special order one.

Enjoy!

A FUN WEBSITE!

2010-10-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Pantone

This website predicts color trends and is really fun to check out.

Enjoy

MY MAN THURSDAY

2010-10-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is all I seem to have time for any more but my paying contract job ends tomorrow so I will be back on track hopefully.

Here is my man for this Thursday: Richard Armitage

If you haven't seen North and South (the British North and South not the one with Patrick Swayze as Orry Main) then put it in your queue. It is brilliant and so is Richard Armitage.

Sorry, it was hard to find pictures that were clear. Some of these seem a little fuzzy.

Here is a short list of what I like him in:

Shakespeare Re-Told

The Impresssionists

North and South

The Vicar Of Dibley

Check him out.

A Day At The Beach

2010-09-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

Last year I took these photos but I just found them and realized I never shared. So here goes:

Last Summer, Oregon had one of the lowest tides on record. So, some friends including a marine biologist friend of ours met up at the Coast to explore and here is what we found-

All of this is usually underwater. I believe the sea life was feeling a little naked.

This is an actual road, the original old timers road but when they constructed Highway 101 they moved the road further inland. This road is rarely exposed because the sea has taken it over completely. You can still see the ruts in the rocks.

All around us we could hear the little snaps and crackles coming from the sea life.

Every inch of ground was covered in a living organism.

Here is another view of the old timers road. I believe the story goes, that the original road could only be used part of the time until high tide. It was difficult for communities to contact each other. Kinda romantic if you ask me. Sure, I can think that (the girl who can't stand to be without a Starbucks).

All of this is underwater.

This was so cool. Sometimes I forget how beautiful Oregon is and how much history

we have right in our backyard.

My Man Thursday

2010-09-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Is (drum roll please) . . . Dougray Scott

I mean really, do I need to say more?

There is something about him

timeless

classic

Okay, he has made some stinkers but here are a few of my favorite good movies he has made:

Enigma

Arabian Nights

Ever After

And who can resist his name, Dougray?

New Tags

2010-09-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a ton of things. This is just one type of tag.

In A Day

2010-09-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

I just watched the cutest movie. IN A DAY from 2006. Netflix it.

MY MAN THURSDAY

2010-09-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Is Jeremy Northam!

I love watching Jeremy some of my favorite movies are:

Emma (my favorite)

Possession

An Ideal Husband

The Golden Bowl

Happy Texas

Gosford Park

Enigma

The Net

The Misadventures Of Margaret

You got to love this guy.

Revamp A Tazo Tea Tin

2010-09-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

I write this as I rush out the door. I have been absent lately because I am working during the day for awhile, at least until Oct. 14th.

But I thought I would show you what I'm working on. I love Tazo tea tin's. The shape, the sturdiness make then something I like to keep around.

I revamped this one by mod podging paper and then gluing ribbon on it. It's a great idea to give to a friend. You can tailor make the tin into something your girlfriend would like. How about a theme~A Jane Austen Tea Tin or an I Capture The Castle Tea Tin (with tea stained doilies inside).

You can fill the tin with whatever you want. An assortment of your friends favorite teas perhaps or cookies or keep the tin for your self and put pencils or whatever you can think up inside. The sky's the limit. The good thing about these tins is that they always smell good inside.

Ciao for now!

In The Autumn Mood

2010-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today I'm in the mood for Autumn. I ran to the dollar store and found these great paper leaves

(seen above).

I also collected branches from our yard and mounted a sturdy branch above the fireplace. Then I hot glued the leaves on the sturdy branch. Voila! Autumn.

When I'm in the Autumn mood I like to watch Practical Magic.

The movie is brilliant and the house (even though it's fake) is gorgeous.

Happy Autumn!