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Showing posts from September, 2011

Transfer inkjet photo to wood

Source:  http://matsutakeblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-transfer-inkjet-images-to-wood.html Here we go! This is what you'll need.  Mod Podge , Elmer's washable glue, and a piece of cardstock. Step 1: Brush the Elmer's glue onto the cardstock in a nice smooth layer. Make sure you cover the area where you will be printing. Let it dry. Step 2: With an inkjet printer, print an image onto the glue side of the cardstock. Step 3: Brush a smooth, thin layer of Mod Podge onto the wood. Step 4: Stick your image face down onto the wet  Mod Podge . Press and smooth to make sure the image has good contact with the wood. Let it dry OVERNIGHT. Don't peek too soon! Step 5: Soak it. You can dunk it in water, run it under a faucet, or squirt it with a spray bottle. Let the cardstock get really wet and soft. Gently peel off the cardstock. I held this under running water while I peeled it. You can gently rub the image with your fing

Free Vintage prints

Source:  http://farfarhill.blogspot.com/2011/06/freebies-vintage-music-paper.html Music:  I can use these for the choir girls

Artists that inspire me

Juln Hansen:  http://www.linejuhlhansen.dk/kategori/blog  - New blog http://linejuhlhansen.blogspot.com/  Old blog

Cute cows

One thing I really like to paint is cows.....they are just too cute. That is unless they are chasing you across a field like the time I was at my sister in law's farm and for those of you who know the story, it's one for a Barbara roast. I came across this cow pic on Clothpaperscissors which looks like collage which I have put on the to do list when I get out my collage. Source:  http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/media/p/222.aspx Mad Cow #1 for Kitty, # 2 Leslie and #3 given to Chuck's employee Katrina for her 25th birthday gift This cow I cut out of a plank of wood and painted for Leslie's 40th bday gift.  She is mad about cows too! I just came across this little fact about paintings that sell. I guess I will move away from painting cows now.

Baked zucchini chips

Source:  http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/2011/05/oven-fried-zucchini-chips-with-basil.html Oven-Fried Parmesan Zucchini Chips (adapted from  Cooking Light ) 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, fresh grated 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup milk 2 small zucchini cut in 1/4-inch-thick slices Cooking spray or vegetable/olive oil 1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Grease a large oven-proof wire rack set on a baking sheet. 2. Whisk together bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, onion powder and pepper in a medium bowl. Place milk in a separate shallow bowl. Dip zucchini slices in milk then in breadcrumb mixture patting the crumbs on. Place slices on wire rack. Repeat until all are coated. 3. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with basil dipping sauce if desired. Basil Dipping Sauce (adapted from  Melissa D'Arabian ) 1/2 cup Sour Cream 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (like Hellmann'

Green Tomato Chutney

Source:  http://www.foodinjars.com/2010/11/green-tomato-chutney/ Green Tomato Chutney yields 2 pints 6 cups chopped green tomatoes 1 1/4 cups chopped onion 1 cup white vinegar 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon cloves (use a teaball or spice bag to keep them from overpowering your chutney) 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise pieces 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (use more for a spicier chutney) 1 teaspoon sea salt (if using regular table salt, use 1/2 teaspoon) Combine tomatoes, onion, vinegar and sugar in a 5 quart non-reactive pot over medium heat. Add the ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and red chili flakes. Cook over low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add salt at the very end of cooking. When chutney has reduced by more than half, turn off heat. Use tongs to remove cinnamon sticks and star anise bits. Fill jars, wipe rims, apply lids and screw on rings. Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Roll ups

Source:  http://homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com/2010/03/spicy-chicken-tortilla-roll-ups.html Spicy Chicken Tortilla Roll-Ups Adapted from  Sing For Your Supper 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 can Ro-tel diced tomatoes, drained 12 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese 1 clove garlic, minced 3 tsp ancho chili powder 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp garlic salt (I like Lawry's) 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 6 scallions, white and green parts, chopped 6-8 large flour tortillas Season the chicken breasts with salt, half of the cumin, and 1 tsp of the chili powder. Add chicken to a skillet and add about 1 cup of water. Cover and cook on med-high heat until cooked through. Add more water if necessary. Once the chicken is cooked, cool slightly and shred with 2 forks. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, drained tomatoes, cheese, remaining spices, garlic, cilantro and scallions. Mix together until well-incor

Bread dough and cinnamon rolls

Source:  http://deliacreates.blogspot.com/2010/10/best-bread-ever.html

Picker sisters

http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/picker-sisters/tips-and-tricks-for-picking http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/picker-sisters/guide-to-treasure-hunting I  came across this show while flicking through the stations on Lifetime TV at 10pm a couple of weeks ago. There is a couple of shows out there right now in the US such as American pickers and they all have some wonderful ideas. These girls pick up some pretty heavy industrial pieces and revamp them with the help of their carpenter, welder helper Alan.

Block printing diy project

Source:  http://www.thevedahouse.com/2011/08/guest-post-diy-project-over-sometimes-sweet/ Block printing on fabric can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. I'd suggest sticking with a simple design for newbies and working you're way up as your comfort level grows. You can use any kind of fabric you'd like, but the smoother the better. Once your done printing, you'll have a totally unique piece of fabric to turn into anything you dream. (seat covers, pillow cases, kitchen napkins, etc) Feel free to email me with questions if you get stuck during the process. There are also a lot of online tutorials out there you can peruse. THE SIMPLE STEPS: 1. Draw your design directly onto the linoleum block with a pencil. Using a pencil will allow you to change things up if you choose. Remember, this doesn't need to be perfect.   2.  Once you have the design how you want it, outline the design in permanent marker so it is easier to see while you are carvi

Designs I want to make stencils or lithographs of

for my plain beige rug that I got at Zellers which is now in the front hallyway. This is the perfect match design for what I want to inject to add some flair.

wall art with paint pens

Source:  http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-to-make-wall-art-with-paint-pens.html

How to transfer an image to fabric

source:  http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-transfer-image-to-fabric-with.html Here are some of the projects that I experimented with for image transfer: My daughter Sam with her goddaughter, Karina for her confirmation.  Picture of my husband and his brother while visiting Germany in the 60's with a Siberian tiger. This is on of my favorite photos.  My kids, still in progress. Image of Mtl transferred on birch panel. Used various inks and then highlighted the contours of the windows and buildings with metalic permanent inks. Donated for contribution towards travelling musicians at Ce & Rick's house concert 2011.  Final version for my brother in law Vincent 2011.

Gift bags from newspapers

Another amazing recycling project from  http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-make-gift-bags-from-newspaper.html

Homemade Bath Salts and Face cleaners, Febreeze

source:  http://www.marthastewart.com/270270/homemade-bath-salts After a full day spent working or tending to the garden, there's nothing better than a hot bath -- except, of course, a hot bath enriched with fragrant bath salts. While there are many commercially prepared bath salts available, it's surprisingly easy to prepare your own blend at home. In a large bowl, mix to combine: 6 parts coarse sea salt; 3 parts epsom salts, to soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation; and 1 part baking soda, to soften waters and alleviate skin irritation. Add a few drops of essential oils, and combine. Add a few drops of food coloring, until you achieve the desired shade. If you intend to present the bath salts as gifts, be sure to store them in a stoppered and labeled container to keep out moisture. Face cleanser source:  http://simplemom.net/oil-cleansing-method/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+simplemom+%28Simple+Mom%29&utm_content=Google

Grasshopper brownie bars

omg this look like Naiamo bars by Grandma source:  http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2011/02/grasshopper-brownie-bars.html grasshopper brownie bars Makes 16 large brownies or 32 small brownies (halve recipe for an 8x8 pan). Recipe from  Baked Explorations , via  Serious Eats . INGREDIENTS: For the brownie base: 3/4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon dark unsweetened cocoa powder (like Valrhona) 5 ounces good quality dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into 1 inch cubes 3/4 cups sugar 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 3 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoons vanilla extract For the buttercream: 3/4 cups sugar 2 tablespoons flour 3/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter, softened but still cool, cut into small cubes 3 tablespoons creme de menthe 1 teaspoon peppermint extract For the chocolate glaze: 6 ounces good-quality dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon light corn

Pasta recipes

Source:  http://meggielynne.tumblr.com/ Pasta with creamy roasted pepper and basil sauce by  One Lovely Life Ingredients: 3 red bell peppers 1/2 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced olive oil salt and pepper to taste 1/4c cream, or half-and-half 1/4c fresh basil, minced 1/2 lb. small pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or gemelli fresh parmesan, to taste Directions: Cook pasta, according to package directions. Meanwhile, on a gas burner or in the broiler (I used the broiler), roast peppers until they are charred well on the outside. Be sure to rotate peppers often, so that they blacken evenly. Remove peppers from burner or broiler and place in a paper or plastic bag to steam for about 10 minutes to loosen the skins. Scrape off charred skin, remove stems, and scrape out seeds. Puree peppers in a blender or food processor until smooth, almost like a pesto. In a medium saucepan, saute onion in a drizzle of olive oil until tender and translucent. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes l

For Sam

The dress we saw some where that Sam loved. The reception with all the candles that Sam wants B for her Beta fish source:  http://www.addicted2decorating.com/diy-project-accessories-gumball-machine-fish-bowl.html I believe that my daughter would love this cake for her wedding as she is going to have a candy table.....what do you think? Source:  http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2010/11/rainbow-cake.html rainbow cake with white chocolate buttercream This recipe is a bit uneven. I used 6" pans, and the layers were too thick and and I had way too much frosting. I think it'd be better suited to a 7" or even 8" cake, so adjust as necessary depending on the size of your cake pans. Cake recipe from  Cooks Illustrated . Frosting recipe from  Martha Stewart . INGREDIENTS: For Cake: 2 1/4 cups cake flour (9 ounces) 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature 6 large egg whites (3/4 cup), at room temperature 2 teaspoons almond extract 1 teaspoon vanilla e

Ultimate chocolate chip cookie n oreo fudge brownine bar

source:  http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/ultimate-chocolate-chip-cookie-n-oreo-fudge-brownie-bar.html Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n’ Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips 1 pkg Double Stuffed Oreos 1 Family Size (9×13) Brownie mix 1/4 cup hot fudge topping Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter and both sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well to thoroughly combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt, then slowly incorporate into the mixer until the flour is just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish that’s been lined with wax paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Top with

Chocolate chip recipe to try

Jacques Torres' Secret Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Makes twenty-six 5-inch cookies or 8 1/2 dozen 1 1/4-inch cookies Ingredients  1 pound unsalted butter 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar 2 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar 4 large eggs 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons pastry flour 3 cups bread flour 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 pounds bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped Directions - Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats; set aside. - In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugars. - Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. - Reduce speed to low and add both flours, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, and chocolate; mix until well combined. - Using a 4-ounce scoop for larger cookies or a 1-ounce scoop for smaller cookies, scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, ab

Easy long vest wrap

http://theseams.blogspot.com/2010/02/diy-wrap-turned-scarf.html

How to make a sign look vintage

from:  http://www.lilblueboo.com/2010/06/vintage-sign-using-canvas-tutorial.html

General Tso's Chicken

This has to be one of our most delicious Chinese recipes hands down.  You can make Chinese food that tastes just as good as any Chinese restaurant that you might go to. While this recipe make take a little extra work, we know that you will find that it is worth it. General Tso’s Chicken Yield: 4 to 6 large servings. Make sauce and refrigerate until needed: 1/2 C. Cornstarch 1/4 C. Water 1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh Garlic 1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh Ginger 3/4 C. Sugar 1/2 C. Soy Sauce 1/4 C. White Vinegar 1/4 C. Sherry (I have used a white wine before as well) 1 can condensed Chicken Broth Put everything into a quart jar with a lid and shake it up, then put in the fridge. Just shake it up again when you are ready to use it. Meat 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken, cut into chunks 1/4 C. Soy Sauce 1 egg, beaten 1 C. Cornstarch 2 C. sliced Green Onions 8 small dried Hot Peppers, seeds removed (Get these the produce section in a grocery store) Mix chicken, soy sauce, and hot peppers. Stir in egg.