An Artful Adventure

Celebrating with a Giveaway!

I am so very excited to announce that my blog is featured in the current issue of Artful Blogging!  I was on vacation this past August when I got the email asking me if I would like to be in the issue, and I just about fell to the floor!  The issue is available November 1st, but I think you can already pick it up in some book stores. I have not picked up my issue yet, but I CAN'T WAIT!  I am also excited to see all the other lovely blogs, including my sweet blogging friend Elyse who is also featured in this issue.

Over the years I can not tell you how many times I have looked back and reflected on where I have came from, all the good times, memories and new friends it has brought me!  So I felt it would only be fitting to do a "Celebrate Blogging Giveaway".

I will be giving away this handbag I created.  It measures about 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches.  I created it using a variety of different laces, vintage linen, and tea dyed french ticking fabric.  It closes with a big bow of lace in the front.

Inside is a pocket decorated with lace pieces.  Inside you can fit your phone, keys, or other desired goodies.  The back is decorated like the front.

So here's how you can get a chance to win!

1.  Leave a comment in this thread letting me know what you enjoy most about blogging. This will earn you one entry.

2.  Share with others on your blog sidebar, do a post, or mention it on facebook. For another entry.

Then on Saturday Nov. 5th I will tally everything up and draw a winner!

Thank you THANK YOU to everyone who has been with me through my adventures over the years!  Each and everyone of you mean so much to me!!

THANK YOU ALL!

 

Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap

One of the best things for a crafter about Christmas is making ornaments!

Paper, clay, fabric, lace!  The sky is the limit.  With so many options and adorable ideas, it's no wonder making ornaments can be so addicting!

I found these cuties HERE on Etsy.  Such a simple and stunning ornament!

I loved making these little birdies last year.  Just cut two shapes out of fabric, add little stuffing and embellish.  Once you start you'll find it's hard to stop.

Check out these adorable fabric candy canes I found HERE on Flickr!

This year I want to give paper clay a try like these stunning snowmen I found HERE on Etsy.

I would like to invite you to join me for an ornament swap!

Here's how we will play.  If you are interested please email the following information to cdvcreations@yahoo.com titled "Ornament Swap"

1.  Your name and complete address

2. A link to your website, store, gallery, blog, or any other site where your artwork can be viewed.

3.  Please let me know if you have swapped before and if it has been through a swap community, or other blog hosted swaps.

4.  Please let me know what color group you would be interested in:

* Pinks and Blue

* Whites and cream

* Winter blues

*  Red and Green

* Retro Brights (Fuchsia, pinks, turquoise, red, green, etc.)

5.  Let me know what interest you most.

* birds, nest, nature things

* cupcakes, candy canes and kitschy things

* French inspired and elegant things

* typical holiday snowmen, santa, and reindeer

*  Anything as long as roses are involved!

This information must be received by November 1st! 

Once sign ups are closed I will group everyone the best I can according to color interest by groups of 4 people.  Because ornaments are like potato chips, you can't have just one, each group will be responsible for making 3 ornaments for each member in their group.  For example you will make and receive a total of 9 ornaments.  You will be responsible for packaging these ornaments in a SAFE and SECURE manor and shipping them to each member of your group.  You will have a whole month to make your ornaments and have them shipped out to your partner by November 30th.  This way everyone will have their ornaments in time to enjoy them for Christmas.   

INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS

Please feel free to join us!  We would love to have you!  I would ask however that you can be a little flexible with me.  My goal will be to group you together to help with shipping cost.  Therefore you may not be able to be grouped by color interest and might have to be a little flexible in this area.  Meaning  you might have to make one group member one color, and the next a different color palette.  I really appreciate your understanding.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

We all love to receive pretty things carefully constructed with care adored in lovely packaging.  So please take this into consideration when making your ornaments.  It's simple!  Here are a few suggestions to help you out!

No glue should be showing.

GOOD glues should be used so parts stay attached and don't arrive in pieces.

Simply printed images just won't do.  Don't be afraid to embellish with love.

Paper ornaments should be constructed sturdy and not flimsy.

Don't be afraid to use a little sparkle.

Bubble wrapping before wrapping in pretty tissue could save your fragile works of art from arriving damaged.

Let the post office know your box is fragile.  Even if it maybe fine, it still doesn't hurt.

Creative wrapping is always a nice touch.

A simple pretty note to say hello can warm the heart.

Courtesy goes a long way!  Life happens, and most of us are understanding.  Please notify me and your group immediately if something has come up and you are unable to ship on time.  I will do my very best to resolve these issues the best I can.  All I ask is you keep me informed.

You are more than welcomed if you wish to share your ornaments with others as  you receive them, but if anyone is interested we will be doing a blog swap reveal on December 3rd and I want to encourage everyone to post about your swap returns then.  I will be providing a list of names then on my blog for others to stop by and visit.

I am really looking forward to this swap and do hope you will join me! Please feel free to post the swap buttons on your blog and share with others.  The more the merrier!

 

Recent Junkin Finds

I was so excited to attend my first Estate sale this past Friday.

I got a great deal on these AMAZING books!  I got them for $5 each for the two small ones and $10 for the larger one.  One of the little books is an old Testament Bible.  The other says "Autographs".  Inside it says " A token of remembrance to Hattie from her Classmates July 28th 1880."  It's the neatest little thing!  Inside are such amazing pages of sweet and inspiring greetings!  Like this one:

" May your Life be long and happy, may your enemies be few, may your friends be just as many as the shining drops of dew."

Some are interesting and even funny!

"Fall into the ocean from on deck, fall down stairs and break your neck, Fall from the stars of heaven above, but NEVER! O never fall in love.  Take this advice from your friend."

"When at home and washing dishes, think of me and my best wishes."

"When you are old and can not see put on your specs and think of me."

All of these thoughts are written in the most beautiful handwriting!

The larger book is titled "Album of Love".  Inside it too contains the most amazing notes from former friends and classmates.  Above is a picture of my favorite page in the book.  I will NOT be taking these apart to use in my art.  I will however do some digital work and probably use them in my collage sheets.  Then they will be displayed with care in my home.  This was my favorite find!

I also picked up this lovely and VERY HEAVY wooden door!  I have been wanting one and fell in love when I saw this!  It even has an adorable rusty hook on it. I found it at a local antique store and they let me take it for $50.  This was a really good deal compared to the other doors I have seen in this shape.

I was in need of an old suitcase to use for Karen's Queens of Art event.  She is having a Suitcase Showcase where anyone interested can set up a little display in the suitcase of items to sell.  I think I am going to paint this light blue, BUT I am still thinking about it.  My first thought is light pink, but I dunno.  I got this at the Estate sale for $10!

Another great find at the Estate sale was this pile of lace goodies!

All of it is really OLD and unique pieces!  It is very fragile but very lovely!

I got a gallon sized bag STUFFED with it for $8!  And the feather is so DARLING!

I also picked up a few silver pieces.  The bottom tray was a little higher than I would usually spend for a tray.  It was at a local shop here in town for $20.  But I LOVED it so much!  It is so cute and has little feet on it!  The two little trays where at the Estate sale for a couple bucks each, and the darling fork was $3.

Lastly I got this wire basket in town.  I LOVE IT!  I REALLY REALLY LOVE IT!

My husband finally made a trunk I had into a coffee table with legs and the basket sits next to it.  I think it is just the neatest thing to put a few of my small throw pillows in!  It was a little bit of a splurge for me.  It's a pretty good sized basket.  I am not sure what they normally go for, but they sold it to me for $25.  shhhh don't tell my hubby though.  He would not understand spending anything on a rusty old basket. lol

I have also been busy refinishing more in the house white.  I painting the lighting in the dinning room and painted and added crystals to our chandelier.  I am not sure if I am going to embellish it with lace yet.  I've thought about it, but still not sure.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

 

A French Macaron Adventure

As mentioned I thought I would share with you my little French Macaron adventure.

Before we begin though, I will say you can do this!  There is no need to worry.  With a few simple steps I promise you too can make lovely macaroons!  Macarons are sensitive to humidity.  So if at all possible pick a sunny day with low humidity.  That being said, I live in Florida!  Almost everyday is a humid day.  I have yet to have a recipe flop due to humidity.  I have not intentionally made them on a rainy day, but I have had it rain once during the baking process and they turned out fine.

French Macarons
(Recipe from Marthastewart.com)

Ingredients

1 cup of confectioners sugar
¾ cup almond flour (You can find this at some grocery stores, or at a health food store.  You can make your own in a food processor, but I found purchasing it much easier)
2 large egg whites at room temperature (your egg whites can sit on the counter all day long and be fine.)
Pinch of cream of tarter
Pinch or two of Meringue Powder (optional depending on humidity.  I use this every time.)
¼ cup super fine bakers sugar
Frosting or fruit preserves for filling

Tools

I would recommend a mixer such as a kitchen aid verses a hand mixer.
Pastry bag (I prefer disposable.  Please do not try the sandwich bag trick, it’s worth it to use disposable pastry bag)
Food coloring  (I prefer paste, but liquid will work fine)
Parchment paper
Rubber spatula
Medium sized fine sifter

1.  Sifting.  Most all recipes will tell  you to run the almond flour and the confectioners sugar through a food processor.  I do not have one.  With a fine sifter I sift the almond flour and confectioners sugar through twice.  Each time tossing any little lumps left over.  When measuring the confectioners sugar and almond powder I do not worry about being too exact.  If you are over it will not ruin your recipe because you may end up tossing out a table spoon or two out anyways.  Set the sifted mixture aside.

2.  I like to have everything ready.  Once I have sifted my confectioners sugar and almond flour, I line my baking sheets with parchment.  You want your parchment to lay flat as possible.  One batch uses about two baking sheets.   Have your eggs, cream of tarter and meringue powder handy, and go ahead and measure out your baker’s sugar.

3.  Your eggs should be at room temperature.  Put the eggs in the mixer and turn it on med.  Mix until the eggs look a little foamy with lots of bubbles.

4.  Once the eggs are foamy add the pinch of cream of tarter.  If you are using meringue powder add it now as well.  Increase your mixing speed to high and mix until soft peeks form.

5.  Once you have soft peeks  slow your mixer down to add your baker’s sugar.  Continue to beat until stiff peeks form.   Add your coloring towards the end of this step.  Steps 3-5 generally take about 4-8 minutes.

TIP:  I have yet to find where anyone explains how to make multiple colors of macarons.  I find the best answer to this is to do it in different batches.  That is why I like this recipe.  It is a smaller scale recipe compared to some of the others I have seen.  Complete one batch at a time for each color.  When I tried a larger batch, dividing the batter, and adding multiple colors it resulted in over mixing and flat macarons.

6.  Next we will take the whites and mix it in with the flour mixture.  Fold in your flour mixture until the batter is smooth and shiny.  About 50 strokes.  You do not want to under or over mix.  When the batter is just right, you should be able to scoop it up with the spatula and it will gently and fluently flow off of the spatula like a ribbon.  If it is under mixed it will fall off in globs, and if it is over mixed it will appear almost runny.

7.  Next you will spoon your mixture into the pastry bag.  Many sites recommend to use a tip eight.  If you wish to you can.  I however do not.  I find for myself simply cutting the pastry bag once it is filled works fine.  To fill the bag I take a disposable uncut pastry bag and fold the top 2 ½ inches of the bag down.  Spoon the mixture into the bag.  Unfold the top edge up.  Cut about and ½ inch up from the bottom of the bag.  This will give you a good sized hole.  If the hole is too big it will spill out too much.  Your mixture may run out of the bag a little once you cut the hole, and this is ok.

8.  Now we will pipe the macarons.  Your parchment should already be lined.  Depending on what you are most comfortable with, you can make a pattern of circles to slip under the parchment to help with your circles.  Once your macarons are piped you simply pull the temple out from underneath the parchment.  For me, when I tried this I was too concerned about the pattern.  I felt more accurate and comfortable without it.  You can pipe your macarons whatever size you would like depending on your preference.  Just be sure to space them out about 1 ½ inch  apart.  It is important to give them space, and not to put too many on a baking sheet.  If you do it created too much humidity and your macarons will not develop the cute ruffles on the bottom called the “feet”.  To pipe the macaroons hold your pastry bag straight up and down and about a ¼-½ inch off the surface.  Slowly apply pressure and let the mixture gently expand out.  Simply release pressure and pull up when you reach your desired size.  Keep in mind that the mixture will expand out as it sits.   I tab the pan fairly vigorously on the table a few times to smooth out any soft peeks and flatten them out.

9.  And now we sit!  For whatever reason the first batch I had I let sit 15 minutes and they did not seem to develop feet.  So I found another recipe that says let them sit for 30-45 minutes at room temperature.  This worked well for me.  The shells to start to appear dull and will crust over a little on top.  While they are sitting set the oven temp to 350.

10.  Now it’s time to bake!  I lower the temperature to 325 and put the macarons in.  Let them bake for 5 minutes then open the oven and rotate the baking sheet. You should notice the feet already developed at this point.  Bake for another 5-7 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool.

11.  To fill the macarons I prefer the shells to be cold.  This is just my preference and not necessary.  The first batch I did, I filled them once they cooled at room temperature, and they seemed to be fragile and would crack every now and then.  When you take so much care baking them, this was very frustrating to have them break in the last step!  After that I would stick them in the fridge for a hour or so and then fill them.  I felt much more comfortable with this and did not have any breakage.

12.  You can fill your macarons with anything you would like.  Buttercream, store bought frostings, jellies, Nutella, peanut butter and jelly, etc.  Use your disposable pastry bags to fill your macarons.  Pipe filling into the center and then twist the two shells together.  You can serve your macarons right away, or refrigerate them.  I personally like them a little chilled.  They can also be frozen and thawed out later to be enjoyed.

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it will encourage you to give it a try.  They are so YUMMY and well worth it!

 

What I Have Been up to . . .

 
CREATING!

AND SEWING!

AND MORE CREATING!!

In a few weeks Molly is hosting a Mad Hatter Halloween party.

She was inspired by an article from Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

We have got together a few times now to work on our creations.  Our last visit we worked on our top hats.

This is Molly's adorable little top hat!  So sweet.

It was really challenging at first because I kinda just went for it and did not really have a pattern, BUT in the end I had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed creating it!

I also made the funky bag and skirt above to go with my outfit.  I know it is really contradicting in style, but with it all together I really love it!  Now just to decide whether or not to wear a wig!

Also I wanted to show you some new handbags I created and put in my Etsy shop.

 

You can check them out HERE.  Thanks so very much for stopping by!

HAPPY CREATING!

 

 

A Dream Come True

I can't believe it.  It's here!  It's really REAL! 

When I received the email that Stampington & Co. was interested in publishing an article on my Marie's Danse des Fleurs event I about fell to the floor!  I could not believe it!

But here it is!  Page 36!

 

When I opened it up to read the article they wrote I felt like the world stopped.

They did such a wonderful job with the article!  Thinking back on the event makes me miss everyone so very much!  It's hard to believe it was only this past February!  It feels like it was years ago!  

I hope someday to have the honor of hosting another event.

Thank you so much Tiffany for all the wonderful photos you took!

If you have not seen this magazine, HURRY and check it out!  It is fabulous and I can not wait to see the next issue.

I was also excited to see an advertisement for my blog in the next issue of Artful Blogging in the Mingle issue.  All of my interest in art started with an issue of Somerset, so to see myself mentioned with something I look up to so much is like a dream!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and thanks again for all your encouraging words and sweet comments regarding the last couple post.