tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42761440478752075362024-03-14T05:24:12.538+11:00Inkspirational DesignsThis where I share my crafts, favourite recipes & anything else life has to give us. MichelleMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-73366190483047179762017-01-04T04:50:00.000+11:002017-01-04T04:50:06.030+11:00Sock dolls have taken off<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had no idea that my sock dolls would take over my craft life. I found that
enjoyed making them. I sold a few straight away as friends
saw them. This support inspired me to post some photos of them on Facebook and more saw them and
liked them too! More sales eventuated. <br />
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Once again, we've been travelling, this time 6 months around western NSW and then up into Queensland. I always have to have something crafty to do and making sock dolls are very easy to take on the road with me. I have now expanded to include a variety of sock creatures. If you are interested you can look or follow my travel blog: <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Robbiegabgo</a>.<br />
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Today there are lots of different models of cats, rabbits, owls, penguins, dogs and cats. My sock monkeys have really taken off and I can hardly keep up with the demand. I have so many ideas for more animals but we'll see as I also have a life outside of craft.<br />
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I have decided to have a separate blog for my sock creations so from now on 99% of my sock dolls can be found there on <a href="https://platypuscreations1.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Platypus Creations</a>. So pop over or follow me on Facebook of the same name! I hope to post a tutorial on some of the dolls and animals I make one day.<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-71940004077428235212016-06-26T14:13:00.001+10:002016-06-26T20:04:41.418+10:00Sock dolls are taking over<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The reason I have been so quiet lately is that I have started travelling again after 18 months of ill health. So a new trip means of course, I needed to decide which craft to take on the road with me. Sock dolls was an easy choice. They are light weight and all the supplies are easily available in just about every town in Australia. Socks, cotton thread and stuffing (pillow innards do exceptionally well).<br />
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I took maybe 20 pairs to start me off with, a bag of stuffing, needles, cottons and some yarn that were left over. I was set.<br />
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Now I have accumulated many more socks as I keep finding them on special. Even Op Shops sell brand new socks in the original packaging now and then.<br />
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I have decided to sell them on the road when I can. I started up a Facebook page for my crafts and called it <a href="http://www.facebook.com/platypuscreations1" target="_blank">Platypus Creations</a>. I also invited Lindy from <a href="http://piggywhistles.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Piggywhistles</a> to join me with her own crafts.<br />
We each have our own talents. Here are some of her creative works.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindy's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/platypuscreations1/photos/a.1699263273679811.1073741828.1697505857188886/1704969239775881/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">beaded owl brooch</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJEiDPv65lQ/V29SSel4c-I/AAAAAAAAJpc/AWgKmIJoxYc1FJjkh0JyVvpaSb43gSnMgCLcB/s1600/toadstool%2Bcolours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJEiDPv65lQ/V29SSel4c-I/AAAAAAAAJpc/AWgKmIJoxYc1FJjkh0JyVvpaSb43gSnMgCLcB/s320/toadstool%2Bcolours.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindy makes these cute little polymer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/platypuscreations1/photos/a.1699263273679811.1073741828.1697505857188886/1729445267328278/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">toadstools for sale</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I absolutely love how she uses the toadstools as Christmas decorations on her own mini tree</td></tr>
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Due to travelling and my fluctuating fatigue levels, I will not be taking custom orders for the foreseeable future.<br />
Here are just some of my sock dolls, I have made along the way. Some are sold and some are still available. There are many more to be seen on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/platypuscreations1" target="_blank">Platypus Creations 1</a><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-36768020451435209132016-04-16T20:26:00.000+10:002016-04-16T20:26:12.400+10:00Dolls and more up for sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yippee! We have finally done it. Lindy and myself have finally started our own crafty facebook page where can show off and sell our creative endeavours. We have called our page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/platypuscreations1/" target="_blank">Platypus Creations.</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small collection of my dolls</td></tr>
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Lindy's creative talents lie in a totally different direction to my own. She leans towards felt, beads and doodling art work especially where toadstools and magical elements ensue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoooo's this? One of Lindy's beaded felt owl</td></tr>
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My own creative bent is towards papercrafts (which you can see a variety of from earlier blog posts here) and sewing. I have really taken lately to making sock dolls. I also crochet bigger items such as blankets but so far these have all gone within the family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my box cards with handmade flowers</td></tr>
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So come follow us and keep upto date with our creative endeavours and think of us when you need that special hand made touch for a loved one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grand daughter loves her little blanket</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe - my latest doll with movable arms.</td></tr>
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So come and like our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/platypuscreations1/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> and remember us when you have a loved one you wish to buy something special for.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-82452559985695499042016-03-31T23:25:00.003+11:002016-04-08T05:06:52.583+10:00Sock dolls galore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am still toying around with sock dolls. (HA! Pun intended!). In fact my crafty little heart has been lapping it up and I find it hard to walk past any shops that sell socks and if they are on special then invariably I end up buying 1 or 2 (or more but shh that's a secret just between you and me!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aerxipPyy8o/Vvz_Z31__II/AAAAAAAAJR4/VUSuX6E2iQ8alLgvowZINFuvbTFrN1D9g/s1600/Collection3_1095_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aerxipPyy8o/Vvz_Z31__II/AAAAAAAAJR4/VUSuX6E2iQ8alLgvowZINFuvbTFrN1D9g/s320/Collection3_1095_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the family of sock dolls I left back home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have started to experiment with different designs, including a few animals and checking out the viability of machine stitching for the legs and arms.<br />
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You might remember that I made quite a few <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/finding-my-crafting-mojo.html" target="_blank">snowmen out of socks</a> last year. So I went a step further and I started out with the sock babies at <a href="http://geesprojects.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/sock-babies.html" target="_blank">this blog</a> but once you've done one it is easy to adjust and put your own unique touches on each one. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yx0CRfh0MxE/Vvz_lnayFGI/AAAAAAAAJR8/xv-8qzeufxwKRb0OfCTny9bUTUEt19zMQ/s1600/collection2_0961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yx0CRfh0MxE/Vvz_lnayFGI/AAAAAAAAJR8/xv-8qzeufxwKRb0OfCTny9bUTUEt19zMQ/s320/collection2_0961.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These three friends I made on a short trip back in February this year.</td></tr>
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I find that the socks are very easy to work with especially as the fabric is very forgiving being so stretchy. The biggest attraction for me is that I can easily take this craft on the road when we go free camping in our converted bus, <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">the Robbiebago</a>. I can buy socks at just about anywhere in Australia even in remote places and I can buy pillows in many towns too and use the poly stuffing in them. So, as long as I have a needle and thread and a few bits of wool, ribbon etc there's not much more I need.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pK6mrXtJcpk/Vvz_re-3xSI/AAAAAAAAJSE/Av93SRzBpsYj3xIzWLtzhjPfpp41VROIg/s1600/Nelly_1268_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pK6mrXtJcpk/Vvz_re-3xSI/AAAAAAAAJSE/Av93SRzBpsYj3xIzWLtzhjPfpp41VROIg/s320/Nelly_1268_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelly is my first attempt at a sock doll with movable arms, she works beautifully.</td></tr>
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They are also lightweight and compact down easily in one of those space saver bags if I really get carried away and make more than I can sell. I might even try to sell some at a country market stall if I get that far to offer a good selection of choices.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsl6eNatSWw/Vvz_pMGFhkI/AAAAAAAAJSA/zUyGH-670Zoo94qDBF36NXvqtSxVZJUeg/s1600/Sally_1265_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsl6eNatSWw/Vvz_pMGFhkI/AAAAAAAAJSA/zUyGH-670Zoo94qDBF36NXvqtSxVZJUeg/s320/Sally_1265_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Sally: She is my most recent doll. I wanted to try a different hair style</td></tr>
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They are all made with a whole lot of love, and they are all unique, definitely one of a kind. I am selling these sock dolls and animals and 50% of all sales goes to a Rare Cancer charity I am involved in called <a href="http://www.withoutaribbon.org/" target="_blank">Without a Ribbon</a>. If you would like to buy a doll or have a look at any of the other sock creatures then please visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Platypus-Creations-1697505857188886/" target="_blank">my Facebook page: Platypus Creations</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHv1RP6C3Gs/Vvz_tHxyRRI/AAAAAAAAJSI/tlJP4pqUQ7MT16X-w1-tM_efo7PmKXJgA/s1600/Robyn_1270_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHv1RP6C3Gs/Vvz_tHxyRRI/AAAAAAAAJSI/tlJP4pqUQ7MT16X-w1-tM_efo7PmKXJgA/s320/Robyn_1270_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shhh: Baby Robyn has fallen asleep with the hum of the motorhome.</td></tr>
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I hope to add at least one doll each and every week. So get them while you can, especially if one particular doll appeals to you. I am sorry but I am unable to take custom orders as my health isn't reliable and it wouldn't be fair to you nor to myself. I am open to suggestions though ;) <br />
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If you make sock dolls or any other sock creatures, I would love to see yours! Show us a picture via our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Platypus-Creations-1697505857188886/">Facebook page.</a>
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-48929587463491999852016-03-09T09:40:00.000+11:002016-03-09T09:40:39.997+11:00Can you sit still?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A friend texted to wish me well whilst I was enroute in the train to see 2 of my children before we headed off on our next trip in <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">the Robbiebago</a>, our RV motorhome. I mentioned that I was thoroughly happy creating the hair for my next sock doll. She replied "Don't you ever just sit idly?" and proceeded to gently admonish me to enjoy the view too especially as I was passing through some spectacular coastal escarpment with sweeping views over the ocean as well as the mountain.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi8mwqKO37I/Vt9Oi5m5R1I/AAAAAAAAJRE/QqudoJ5_Rh8/s1600/Bald%2BHill%2BWollongong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi8mwqKO37I/Vt9Oi5m5R1I/AAAAAAAAJRE/QqudoJ5_Rh8/s1600/Bald%2BHill%2BWollongong.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Stanwell Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It is true I rarely just sit and do nothing. I get bored then I'd nap whereas if I do something such as crocheting then I can watch and work at the same time. Being deaf I can't hold a conversation or watch television and craft at the same time as I need my eyes to assist my ears (lipreading or reading captions/teletext).
I love to read also but I don't interact with anyone or anything once I get nose into a good book, in fact I am so mesmerized that don't get much housework or craft done either until it is finished, so I try to restrict the amount of reading that I do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcFYlrC80vk/Vt9UZDn1a8I/AAAAAAAAJRc/4SjsBhP-zc8/s1600/Evelyn1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcFYlrC80vk/Vt9UZDn1a8I/AAAAAAAAJRc/4SjsBhP-zc8/s320/Evelyn1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my sock dolls</td></tr>
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I love take advantage of the time when we are actually driving from place to place especially in the motorhome. Rob doesn't like being a passenger and I am fortunate in that I do not get car sick even if I read in the car, but then I wouldn't talk to Rob nor would I see any of the views around me. So generally I prefer to do something crafty whilst Rob is driving. Lately it has been crocheting, which I find it is easy to keep in touch with the world outside my windows and keep interacting with Rob from time to time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3FJFCNXXI/Vt9SySXtUaI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/GvckrI-S9II/s1600/DSC_0008%2BAt%2Blast%2Bhole%2Bslip%2Bstitch%2Bacross%2Bsecond%2Bsquare%2Bto%2Bcorner%2Bto%2Bcomplete%2Bwith%2Bone%2Bmore%2Bdc%2Band%2Bfinish%2Boff.%2BRepeat%2Bfor%2Ball%2Bsquares%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bfirst%2Brow.%2B2nd%2Brow%2Bis%2Ba%2Bdifferent%2Bset%2Bof%2Brules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3FJFCNXXI/Vt9SySXtUaI/AAAAAAAAJRQ/GvckrI-S9II/s320/DSC_0008%2BAt%2Blast%2Bhole%2Bslip%2Bstitch%2Bacross%2Bsecond%2Bsquare%2Bto%2Bcorner%2Bto%2Bcomplete%2Bwith%2Bone%2Bmore%2Bdc%2Band%2Bfinish%2Boff.%2BRepeat%2Bfor%2Ball%2Bsquares%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bfirst%2Brow.%2B2nd%2Brow%2Bis%2Ba%2Bdifferent%2Bset%2Bof%2Brules.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My latest crocheting project - a granny square blanket for <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">the Robbiebago</a>.</td></tr>
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</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-42026410890306399612016-01-14T16:23:00.000+11:002016-01-14T16:23:02.017+11:00My first Sock Doll Sweetie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just can't help myself. I just have to keep on crafting.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yU3jxBGH-c/VpcumE6Qh2I/AAAAAAAAJPk/nlzuc07t8HY/s1600/baby%2Bdoll_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yU3jxBGH-c/VpcumE6Qh2I/AAAAAAAAJPk/nlzuc07t8HY/s320/baby%2Bdoll_0808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After enjoying making sock snowmen last year as gifts, and for charity, I have found another cute
way to convert those lost and lonely socks into a sweet little
playmate.... aaah forget the lost sock syndrome - I just went ahead and bought a
collection of cute socks from my local discount store and here is my very first sock doll. Thanks to a wonderful friend Lindy of Piggwhistles Blog for encouraging me to keep on crafting when we get together for a weekly chat and craft sessions! I will be making more for sure. My mind is racing ahead as one of my sock has leopard prints on it... can I make a leopard after I become accomplished with these simple dolls.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQmu8QhNgCo/VpcuqVvDZLI/AAAAAAAAJPs/lZ-6jinLxdE/s1600/baby%2Bdoll_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQmu8QhNgCo/VpcuqVvDZLI/AAAAAAAAJPs/lZ-6jinLxdE/s320/baby%2Bdoll_0807.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span> I started by following a tutorial I found on <a href="http://www.plushiepatterns.com/sock-doll-babies-tutorial/" target="_blank"> Plushie Patterns</a>. </span><span>Mine are a close copy but I still managed to make it mine mainly with the addition of a tiny nose. I have named her "Sweetie". I didn't want to use any stick on eyes, beads or even safety eyes as I want babies to be able to cuddle her. I used embroidery wool and french knots for the eyes. and added 2 tiny curls of the same wool for hair peeking out of the beanie which I tasseled. Sweetie can be thrown inside a pillowcase and into the washing machine when she gets a little grubby after spending a day with the girls.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>My Sweetie is not good enough to sell, but she is definitely the first of many to come. I am sure my grand-daughters will love Sweetie in spite of her imperfections anyway. Can't you see her blushing with all the love she will get. (I used permanent ink and a cotton bud so it doesn't wash off)</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALu0Ng8PbkY/Vpcuu8ob4RI/AAAAAAAAJP0/VZH0U4t7uTE/s1600/baby%2Bdoll_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALu0Ng8PbkY/Vpcuu8ob4RI/AAAAAAAAJP0/VZH0U4t7uTE/s320/baby%2Bdoll_0806.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>I am in two minds whether to have a mouth on them. What do you think?</span></span></span></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-33982233655871770782015-10-31T15:21:00.001+11:002016-01-14T16:32:07.775+11:00Time to stop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think it is time to stop. It has been a good few years of posting and with my past health issues and now my husband is not well, I think it is time to call it quits.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWisiLgC3g/VjQ_g_F_34I/AAAAAAAAJOc/HFftJto0obQ/s1600/goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWisiLgC3g/VjQ_g_F_34I/AAAAAAAAJOc/HFftJto0obQ/s320/goodbye.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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It seems that there is an abundance of craft and home lifestyle blogs available and I am just one more. I am not complaining. Either you have it or you don't and apparently I don't. I don't need to post to keep in touch with far flung friends and family. A part of my would like to keep posting but there's no point if no one is interested.<br />
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It is hard to judge peoples' reaction to my blog and obviously I can't be objective. Statistics don't tell me much more than how many visitors and what country they are from. Rarely does anyone show enough interest to comment other than one or two close friends whom I see regularly anyway.<br />
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Don't fret though. I still have<a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"> my RV travel blog</a> and I will be keeping that blog going as long as we keep on traveling around this great country of ours. It will include some recipes and maybe those crafts that I do on the road.<br />
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If I have judge incorrectly and there are a silent audience that like what I see then please let me know in the comments at least this one time and I may yet revise my decision to stop posting here.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hZfKhA774Y/VjRAIo_r6hI/AAAAAAAAJOk/e6-UYm4oe5A/s1600/Easel%2BCard%2Bthank%2Byou%2B2053w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hZfKhA774Y/VjRAIo_r6hI/AAAAAAAAJOk/e6-UYm4oe5A/s320/Easel%2BCard%2Bthank%2Byou%2B2053w.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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So here is my thank you card for any of you that are still with me. It has been a great learning curve and sometimes I have been challenged to do things I would not have done otherwise. (PS The card style is called an Easel Card. You can watch and learn with how to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAsPQDwH87A" target="_blank">make your own easel card </a>with this YouTube tutorial that explains it quite easily.)<br />
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Pop over and see me anytime on the <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Robbiebago Blog</a><br />
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POST SCRIPT: It is now a few months later and what a difference this has made. I feel rejuvenated and I am encouraged by the improvement in my husband's health. He will never be 100% but he is leaps and bounds ahead of what last year seemed to indicate. This has reflected in my outlook and my own health is stable with no cancer noticeable in my regular 3 monthly check ups. Eventually I should be able to cut it down to once or twice a year if there is still no changes. So all in all life is good and God is in charge and I just have to hand everything over to him, the negatives as well as the positives.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-15249967919196300012015-10-24T02:39:00.000+11:002015-10-24T02:39:00.646+11:00Hobby Horses are loved by the kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was going back through some posts and discovered that I had neglected to post my hobby horses that I had made for my grand daughters and a niece.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVXip6yH5xk/ViZe6etDIMI/AAAAAAAAJF8/FLsRO56NkT0/s1600/Hobby%2Bhorse%2BMirri_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVXip6yH5xk/ViZe6etDIMI/AAAAAAAAJF8/FLsRO56NkT0/s320/Hobby%2Bhorse%2BMirri_2091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The first one took a bit of time making it but once I had played around a
bit and finally designed the pattern and tweaked it, then the project
came together neatly. I found a simple <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2010/10/hobby-horse-tutorial.html" target="_blank">sock horse tutorial here</a>, but I really wanted pretty ones for my girls.<br />
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The girls loved getting them as presents and had many hours of pleasure from them.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-54829335682376528582015-10-20T08:00:00.000+11:002015-10-20T08:00:04.840+11:00Easy Picking Mulberries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mulberries are a wonderful tree to have in an out of the way part of the garden. Hang on, I can almost hear you saying! Why out of the way? Well the down side is that they drop a lot of fruit and this can stain concrete, pavers etc. I haven't any problems with birds eating then pooping stains on my clothes line and it is only 10m from my line, but I have read about it as a complaint for some.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFq6RSEAtgc/ViTDpDPcfMI/AAAAAAAAJEY/ec8jmOz_Pg0/s1600/Mulberry%2Bpicking%2Bbumper%2Bcrop%2Bin%2BOctober%2B2015_0584_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFq6RSEAtgc/ViTDpDPcfMI/AAAAAAAAJEY/ec8jmOz_Pg0/s320/Mulberry%2Bpicking%2Bbumper%2Bcrop%2Bin%2BOctober%2B2015_0584_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just have to eat some along the way as I collect some for the table.</td></tr>
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Mulberries are wonderfully healthy for you as they contain significant amounts of Vitamin C and K, Vitamins E, B6, Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Niacin. They also contain a decent amount of iron, minerals, protein, fibre and even Omega-6 fatty acids. Mulberries contain high levels of reserveratrol, which is the same powerful antioxidant that is found in the skin of red grapes and red wine. Reserveratrol helps to prevent cellular damage by free radicals, reduces the growth of cancer cells, is good for maintaining a healthy heart and promotes longevity. Mulberries have been used medicinally by many cultures, especially the Chinese, to strengthen the kidneys, help with weakness and fatigue, reverse premature gray hairs, balance out blood sugar levels, promote restful sleep and to calm the mind. (Some of this is copied from http://www.healthyreader.com/wild-mulberries/ since I have no medical training what so ever.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLkeiNR_F4w/ViTEwG9ZYYI/AAAAAAAAJEk/AA5ghwcC04E/s1600/Mulberries%2B3141w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLkeiNR_F4w/ViTEwG9ZYYI/AAAAAAAAJEk/AA5ghwcC04E/s320/Mulberries%2B3141w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bowl full of delicious Mulberries</td></tr>
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They are sweet and rather mild tasting. I love to eat them fresh as well as to cook desserts with them. Others I know make jam but I never remember to collect jars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9LZGeAmztI/ViTDEKJkR0I/AAAAAAAAJEQ/0s9XRxoXMsM/s1600/Mulberries%2Bbumper%2Bcrop%2Bin%2BOctober%2B2015_0586_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9LZGeAmztI/ViTDEKJkR0I/AAAAAAAAJEQ/0s9XRxoXMsM/s320/Mulberries%2Bbumper%2Bcrop%2Bin%2BOctober%2B2015_0586_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These need a few more days before they ripen to dark purple black</td></tr>
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Picking mulberries is very easy. You almost only have to touch the ripe berries and they will just about fall off with very little effort in your bowl. Ripe mulberries are dark purple, almost black. The under-ripe ones will have some red or pink and are little too tart for eating fresh off the tree. They wont continue to ripen. This year we had an extraordinary bumper crop. In just one day I collected 2.5 kg and that was only half the tree and the tree didn't even look like I had taken any berries off it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yggH_gSWmfc/ViTE7C_2lUI/AAAAAAAAJEs/nHBeRl1ccGs/s1600/mulberries%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bhand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yggH_gSWmfc/ViTE7C_2lUI/AAAAAAAAJEs/nHBeRl1ccGs/s1600/mulberries%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bhand.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a teeny handful</td></tr>
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This was how I came to realize that there was a super easy way to get my berries. Since the ripe ones drop off so easily and you will have them fall onto the ground sometimes before you can get your hand there to catch it. So I thought I would grab a large but old bed sheet that I was keeping for a paint drop sheet and place that sheet under the branches I was working on. All I had to do then was wiggle the branches and most of the rip berries would drop onto my sheet. A few not so ripe berries would fall too, but they are easy to spot and I popped these into the compost. If they are just a it under ripe you can still use these in cooking allowing for the tartness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueSGtpObaQM/ViTDBa3AA_I/AAAAAAAAJEI/Ui5dXbqK_ys/s1600/Mulberry%2Bpicking%2Bbumper%2Bcrop%2Bin%2BOctober%2B2015%2B-%2Bnote%2Bsheet%2Bon%2Bground%2Bto%2Bcollect%2Bmulberries_0585_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueSGtpObaQM/ViTDBa3AA_I/AAAAAAAAJEI/Ui5dXbqK_ys/s320/Mulberry%2Bpicking%2Bbumper%2Bcrop%2Bin%2BOctober%2B2015%2B-%2Bnote%2Bsheet%2Bon%2Bground%2Bto%2Bcollect%2Bmulberries_0585_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the sheet on the ground. I also garden in my old cut off jeans </td></tr>
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Mulberries have a very short shelf life. If eating fresh, they are best consumed within 24 hours else they go mushy and mouldy. Mulberries are <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/saving-berries-for-later-use.html" target="_blank">fabulous for freezing</a>. Rinse them if you desire, however since I never spray my garden, I tend to spread a single layer of berries on a cookie tray and freeze them whole. When they are frozen then I scoop them into zip lock bags as they will separate easily into the quantities you desire. They will defrost all soft and mushy ready for use.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed2LQr0BGHs/ViTGUsOK8sI/AAAAAAAAJFA/3Yqvnhxwzhc/s1600/Mulberry_Muffins_opened_3333w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed2LQr0BGHs/ViTGUsOK8sI/AAAAAAAAJFA/3Yqvnhxwzhc/s320/Mulberry_Muffins_opened_3333w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/light-delicious-mulberry-muffins-recipe.htm" target="_blank">Mulberry Muffins</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aObTu9e0jMo/ViTGgI-9ojI/AAAAAAAAJFI/9VuZ-8hUPqk/s1600/Mulberry-Buckle-Cobbler_3350w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aObTu9e0jMo/ViTGgI-9ojI/AAAAAAAAJFI/9VuZ-8hUPqk/s320/Mulberry-Buckle-Cobbler_3350w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com/2013/10/mulberry-buckle-super-easy-dessert.html" target="_blank">Mulberry Buckle</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dXs1Xy_DNs/ViTGrkKEV7I/AAAAAAAAJFQ/vXUNGKgjRoY/s1600/Mulberry%2BPie%2B3142w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dXs1Xy_DNs/ViTGrkKEV7I/AAAAAAAAJFQ/vXUNGKgjRoY/s320/Mulberry%2BPie%2B3142w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/you-cant-go-past-great-mulberry-pie.htm" target="_blank">Mulberry Pie</a></td></tr>
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Try these wonderful mulberry recipes: My husbands' favourite is a <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/you-cant-go-past-great-mulberry-pie.html" target="_blank">Mulberry Pie</a>. My favourite is some <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/light-delicious-mulberry-muffins-recipe.html" target="_blank">super tasty and light mulberry muffins</a>. My daughter tends to add them to her healthy smoothie and my son adds them to his breakfast yoghurt. My sister in law just sent me a recipe for making a mulberry sorbet, so guess what I will be trying next?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7hvMvZAcQA/ViTISMIUFbI/AAAAAAAAJFc/fFp6wq3yZ_g/s1600/mulberry%2Bparfait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7hvMvZAcQA/ViTISMIUFbI/AAAAAAAAJFc/fFp6wq3yZ_g/s1600/mulberry%2Bparfait.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulberry parfait.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Did you know that you will also get a smaller second crop when autumn comes around? </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>So what's your favourite berry recipe? </b></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-49414752698446476572015-10-19T10:16:00.002+11:002015-10-19T10:25:13.586+11:00More Sock Snowmen and an angel too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hooray! After a few false starts, I am finally getting a roll as far as my crafting goes. Here's some more snowmen I have made lately.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBF7XL6mDJ0/ViQl7z_BlgI/AAAAAAAAJC8/LWihIaAjFLE/s1600/snowmen%2Bwith%2Bfelt%2Bhats_0580_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBF7XL6mDJ0/ViQl7z_BlgI/AAAAAAAAJC8/LWihIaAjFLE/s320/snowmen%2Bwith%2Bfelt%2Bhats_0580_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Olafs are very popular at the moment. I have sold a few of these and the ordinary snowmen and will be gifting the rest to a charity that's close to my heart: The <a href="http://www.illawarracancercarers.org.au/">Illawarra Cancer Carers</a>. These wonderful craft ladies were the reason <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/my-hexagon-bag.html" target="_blank">why I didn't completely lose my sanity</a> on the long road to health after <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/life-is-unpredictable.html" target="_blank">my cancer diagnosis</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh1YR4ok0mE/ViQmCVXIh_I/AAAAAAAAJDM/IbGg1KmxHns/s1600/Olafs_0581_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh1YR4ok0mE/ViQmCVXIh_I/AAAAAAAAJDM/IbGg1KmxHns/s320/Olafs_0581_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I even started to get serious and had a production line sort of set up going. It certainly makes it faster when you are doing half a dozen of similar jobs at the same time. These snowmen are really starting to come together quickly. I have even been asked to show & teach a small group of ladies at a local craft group. I haven't taught crafts for years. It is great to be asked again.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25ofZvcs_gg/ViQiOFRIzjI/AAAAAAAAJCw/H2xyNG-7Eqs/s1600/Snowman%2B_2143_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25ofZvcs_gg/ViQiOFRIzjI/AAAAAAAAJCw/H2xyNG-7Eqs/s320/Snowman%2B_2143_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I wanted at least one of my snowmen to have a hat and so I played around with my felt and made my own little felt hats.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ1UpJrFzQ4/ViQmAc22_AI/AAAAAAAAJDE/0RU0wVt2Mhs/s1600/felt%2Bhats_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ1UpJrFzQ4/ViQmAc22_AI/AAAAAAAAJDE/0RU0wVt2Mhs/s320/felt%2Bhats_0568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also played with the idea of making a sock angel and though my first angel looks a tad startled, (I was aiming for a singing angel) I am quite pleased with how she turned out too. I will certainly be making more angels but hopefully not quite so startled! LOL.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2EPSpk2R2E/ViQmPnaxNpI/AAAAAAAAJDc/bKqd0-Iy-eI/s1600/My%2Bangel_0578_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2EPSpk2R2E/ViQmPnaxNpI/AAAAAAAAJDc/bKqd0-Iy-eI/s320/My%2Bangel_0578_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy looking and maybe even become inspired to make some for your loved ones or for charity.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzC8ppcHwLA/ViQmGoU_-4I/AAAAAAAAJDU/ad6sUPttMk8/s1600/snow%2Bangel_0582_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzC8ppcHwLA/ViQmGoU_-4I/AAAAAAAAJDU/ad6sUPttMk8/s320/snow%2Bangel_0582_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Christmas is only a couple of months away. </i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Have you started making any Christmas crafts yet? </b></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-42664509580636512302015-09-18T10:34:00.000+10:002015-09-18T10:34:15.467+10:00Finding my crafting mojo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Having been sick with cancer and the corresponding fatigue that comes and goes after that, really sapped my energy, brain cells and motivation.<br />
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I had tried to pick up my crocheting but I am just too tired to concentrate on learning something new at the moment. (I have yet to pick up how to join the squares.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WjSby0sfkE/Vfprx3V_K3I/AAAAAAAAJBs/proQTSHGTzo/s1600/snowman%2Bolaf_0087_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WjSby0sfkE/Vfprx3V_K3I/AAAAAAAAJBs/proQTSHGTzo/s320/snowman%2Bolaf_0087_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The original Olafs: You can see the 'recycled' sock was used on the larger Olaf.</i></td></tr>
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I've reconnected with Lindy, my crafty friend, I think I have started up again. I just love seeing something come to life from one medium to another whether it be a tangled ball of yarn turning into something beautiful or socks and a few bits and bobs turn into sock snowman.<br />
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I really needed to get back into the swing of crafting regularly.<br />
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It really started with one of my grand daughters needing the Olaf repaired, that I made for her last Christmas when we were in Tasmania. I was foolish enough to recycle an old odd sock the first time but with time, the material was beyond repair so I had to make a duplicate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBL1AFGvyw0/VftZE_jvo7I/AAAAAAAAJCU/EBd3JToQdao/s1600/Olaf%2Ball%2Bfixed_0489_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBL1AFGvyw0/VftZE_jvo7I/AAAAAAAAJCU/EBd3JToQdao/s320/Olaf%2Ball%2Bfixed_0489_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Olaf all fixed</i></td></tr>
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I mentioned this to my friend Lindy. She had never seen even a sock snowman, so I offered to show her how to make one. I had left the materials out on the table with the hope that seeing it there would motivate me to make some more since I had bought lots of socks on special earlier in the year for this express purpose.<br />
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Lindy & I had such a grand time making a couple of sock snowmen that we have decided to recommenced our weekly crafty afternoons. At least this way we will make some thing weekly as well as have a good old chin wag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwT18QQi0yc/VftZFt8i5LI/AAAAAAAAJCY/J0DZXbFEky8/s1600/Olaf%2Band%2Bhis%2Bcousins_0510_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwT18QQi0yc/VftZFt8i5LI/AAAAAAAAJCY/J0DZXbFEky8/s320/Olaf%2Band%2Bhis%2Bcousins_0510_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here are the 2 Olafs with their cousins!</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Come back and see what we will make over the coming weeks and months!</b></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-62996703000132087632015-09-16T07:00:00.000+10:002017-02-05T21:24:33.412+11:00Cheese stuffed meatballs in easy tomato sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Such a simple easy dinner that comes together with very few ingredients. It is unbelievably tasty and it is one of our family's favourite dinners and I love it too as it is so quick to make. Our family actually just call it cheesy meatballs.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Sj5E-WqYOg/VfUyrEr6asI/AAAAAAAAJAg/D5QqJeyNghY/s1600/cheesy%2Bmeatballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Sj5E-WqYOg/VfUyrEr6asI/AAAAAAAAJAg/D5QqJeyNghY/s320/cheesy%2Bmeatballs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</h4>
½ cup rice<br />
90g processed cheddar cheese*, cut into 1cm cubes <br />
425g tomato soup<br />
½ cup water<br />
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce <br />
500g mince<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
1 egg<br />
salt & pepper <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4DaAe4AQNU/VfUzDIHkhPI/AAAAAAAAJAo/1vLzm_YgBgY/s1600/cheese-stuffed-meatball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4DaAe4AQNU/VfUzDIHkhPI/AAAAAAAAJAo/1vLzm_YgBgY/s320/cheese-stuffed-meatball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Precook rice in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes in microwave. Strain, rinse in cold water, set aside to dry as much as possible before using.</li>
<li>Combine soup, Worcestershire sauce and water in baking dish. Set aside.</li>
<li>Cut cheese into 10 – 12 cubes. Set aside.</li>
<li>Combine rest except cheese including drained rice.</li>
<li>Form into 10 –12 meatballs.</li>
<li>Add 1 cheese cube into centre of each ball, enclose cheese thoroughly</li>
<li>Place meatballs into soup mix.</li>
<li>Cover dish with lid, alfoil or baking tray</li>
<li>Bake @ 180o C for 1 hour (350o F)</li>
</ol>
Serve with mash potatoes, spaghetti or steamed rice<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oA5UiVlruvk/VfUzNPYPIwI/AAAAAAAAJAw/1y7tLTuG1M0/s1600/cheesy%2Bmeatballs%2Bopened%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oA5UiVlruvk/VfUzNPYPIwI/AAAAAAAAJAw/1y7tLTuG1M0/s320/cheesy%2Bmeatballs%2Bopened%2Bup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Hint: </h4>
<br />
* The cheddar cheese is the long life type as shown below. It is such as what cheese sticks are made of, only we can buy it in blocks off the shelf near the preserves/jam and vegemite section in Australia. Mozzarella might be substituted instead. Regular cheddar cheese can be used but you'll find it has a habit of melting INTO the meatball rather than remaining as a lovely blob of molten cheese. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY3yXv9WdIc/VfUwZHpRO5I/AAAAAAAAJAU/l9P0FcDmX2A/s1600/Kraft%2Bcheddar%2Bcheese.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY3yXv9WdIc/VfUwZHpRO5I/AAAAAAAAJAU/l9P0FcDmX2A/s1600/Kraft%2Bcheddar%2Bcheese.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
If you wish to cook this recipe in a thermal cooker such as a DreamPot or a slow cooker then fry the meatballs after forming so that the balls maintain their shape.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-39072773624198256112015-09-13T17:07:00.000+10:002015-09-14T09:57:23.264+10:00Granny Squares - Many squares needed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow! So many granny squares are needed for a single blanket. You might remember that I taught myself how to crochet on the last big trip in 2012 in the caravan starting with <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/christmas-stocking-crochet-one-yourself.html" target="_blank">these tiny christmas stockings</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Picking a colour theme</h4>
The colours of these granny squares were chosen to match the caravan. However, it has has taken much longer than expected and getting sick with <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com/2013/12/life-is-unpredictable.html" target="_blank">cancer</a> in the meantime didn't help. I just had no energy or brain power for most creative pursuits for more than 18 months. Anyway it was a project that got left on the back burner for so long. We are now selling our beloved caravan and it is not quite the colours I envisioned for our <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/bus-conversion-finding-bus.html" target="_blank">converted bus/</a><a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/bus-conversion-finding-bus.html" target="_blank">motorhome</a> that Rob started even before I got sick.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jetobgd_VjE/VBq-QFxmAHI/AAAAAAAAHTc/Z1hT16r1z9s/s1600/1024%2BMichelle%2Blearning%2Bto%2Bcrochet%2Bat%2BMorven.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jetobgd_VjE/VBq-QFxmAHI/AAAAAAAAHTc/Z1hT16r1z9s/s320/1024%2BMichelle%2Blearning%2Bto%2Bcrochet%2Bat%2BMorven.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crocheting outside my caravan on a trip</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Resuming crocheting</h4>
Lately I have resumed the project especially as it was an easy project to do at night keep the hubby company whilst he watch TV and I sorted of watched TV and crochet at the same time. One thing I love about crocheting is that it is easy to do in dribs and drabs as my attention span tends fluctuate at times. I know many of you can crochet and watch tele easily but being profoundly deaf and reliant on captioning, I can't effectively do both... but there's always lots of ads and if the show is boring I can concentrate more on my craft. There's always 2 sides to a coin.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcw7D1f3JGw/VBrCkUCW3XI/AAAAAAAAHTk/uuw2HKs4y5A/s1600/Granny%2BSquares_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcw7D1f3JGw/VBrCkUCW3XI/AAAAAAAAHTk/uuw2HKs4y5A/s1600/Granny%2BSquares_3757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
The next step</h4>
Well now I think I've reached the point where I'm ready to start joining them altogether. I have made 100 squares in burgundy, pink, hunter green and soft green.I haven't done this before as all my previous crocheting have just been one giant granny square. I know I can whip stitch them, but I am going to trial a few crochet joins and see what I end up with. I have already decided against one method as it looked too untidy and uneven.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--qbT-RuOumA/VBrDOXCvQKI/AAAAAAAAHT0/rn4l-oOkFoY/s1600/Granny%2BSquares%2B3755w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--qbT-RuOumA/VBrDOXCvQKI/AAAAAAAAHT0/rn4l-oOkFoY/s1600/Granny%2BSquares%2B3755w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
The type of join I decide with also affect the end size of the blanket. I wonder just what size it will end up being. It has now grown from being a lap rug in the caravan a few years ago when I started it to being one I hope will fit across the bed in the motorhome. I'd love to know how people work out how much wool to buy without buying too much but certainly no one wants to run out of wool so close to the end either!<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Too many UFO's</h4>
Like many of us crafts people, I've got a huge list of UFOs. (Un Finished Objects) However I am starting to tick them off bit by bit. If only I would stop starting yet another project.<br />
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
My next project </h4>
I can't wait to show you what I made for my grand daughters' last birthdays. I am very happy with them. So pop on back in a few weeks and see what it is. Here's a teaser! I have sewn it and they will be able to play with it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jySnhhLPdns/VfUcPwZakQI/AAAAAAAAI_4/1T40YZnN9Vw/s1600/Lilac%2BHobby%2BHorse_2069%2Bteaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jySnhhLPdns/VfUcPwZakQI/AAAAAAAAI_4/1T40YZnN9Vw/s320/Lilac%2BHobby%2BHorse_2069%2Bteaser.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A teaser of what I made for my grand daughters!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A reminder of<a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/christmas-stocking-crochet-one-yourself.html" target="_blank"> my cute little Christmas Stockings</a> I made back in 2012.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtGx_pwOnsw/VfUdhhfB0SI/AAAAAAAAJAE/V0irr4ZnX8U/s1600/Christmas%2Bstocking%2B2338w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtGx_pwOnsw/VfUdhhfB0SI/AAAAAAAAJAE/V0irr4ZnX8U/s320/Christmas%2Bstocking%2B2338w.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just one of my Christmas Stockings</i></td></tr>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-37618204268740426882015-07-25T08:56:00.000+10:002015-07-25T08:56:19.588+10:00Decedent Chocolate Fudge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I came home from a trip to Tasmania having one cooking ambition and that was to find a simple but perfect chocolate fudge recipe. It took a couple of experiments but this version adapted from <a href="http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2015/02/crock-pot-chocolate-fudge.html" target="_blank">Repeat Crafter Me</a> is the closest one to the perfect fudge that I fell in love with at <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/camping-at-chudliegh-and-more.html" target="_blank">Chudleigh</a>, Tasmania. I wanted to make it quickly and yet ensure that it is silky smooth. I hit the jackpot with this combination. Try it. I am so convinced that you will love it too.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-bXkUzDphg/VbLB44VVOwI/AAAAAAAAI7g/Tu9z-T7MqyM/s1600/fudge_0396_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-bXkUzDphg/VbLB44VVOwI/AAAAAAAAI7g/Tu9z-T7MqyM/s320/fudge_0396_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE FUDGE </h3>
<br />
680g (2 bags) milk chocolate chips<br />
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk<br />
1 Tablespoon salted butter<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
DIRECTIONS</h4>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Place the chocolate, condensed milk, vanilla and butter in a microwave safe bowl & microwave for 2 minutes stirring once or twice, then zap in 15 second increments until the chocolate is melted. Be careful not to let it seize.
Allow it to cool a bit (30 minutes) and then beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened about 5 minutes.</li>
<li>Carefully pour the mixture into a lightly greased tart lined with non-stick baking paper and smooth over with the back of a spoon.</li>
<li>Set aside until set . A couple of hours at least, overnight if possible.</li>
<li>Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into 4cm squares and wrap each piece in non-stick baking paper. Makes 16 squares </li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6bnVOqfxfs/VbLCEGAeNUI/AAAAAAAAI74/V7g1zaVd5hs/s1600/chocolate%2Bfudge_0008_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6bnVOqfxfs/VbLCEGAeNUI/AAAAAAAAI74/V7g1zaVd5hs/s320/chocolate%2Bfudge_0008_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
VARIATIONS:</h4>
Do you want to try different flavuors? Use different flavoured chocolate chips.<br />
Or when you pour
your fudge into the pan, first add a layer of candy or cookies<br />
Try some
sieved rasbpberry couli!<br />
There are lots of different ways to add to this recipe!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tBslapsdRc/VbLB8vXarfI/AAAAAAAAI7o/92jwmz2jsP8/s1600/chocolate%2Bfudge_0011_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tBslapsdRc/VbLB8vXarfI/AAAAAAAAI7o/92jwmz2jsP8/s320/chocolate%2Bfudge_0011_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
MY NOTES: </h4>
My 1st attempt: I first tried it in the slow cooker: as per <a href="http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2015/02/crock-pot-chocolate-fudge.html" target="_blank">repeat crafter me</a>. The original recipe calls for 30 minutes in the slow cooker, mine had been going for 60 minutes and there was still tiny blobs of un-melted chocolate about the size of a pearl head on a pin or smaller. I was scared of it over cooking and took it out at this point. It was still delicious and had a little texture of minute chocolate bits in it which didn't detract from the fudge as a whole. Beaut flavour. <br />
My 2nd attempt: I decided to use the microwave and beaters as per above instructions. I used 100% milk chocolate. Beautiful texture - so smooth though I tried to 'pretty' the top and thus I disturbed the crusty skin so it didn't look as good. <br />
Next time I want to try 50:50 dark:milk chocolate with or without some Raspberry couli<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qT4edOQoX-U/VbLCCN1HP2I/AAAAAAAAI7w/vl0DAaxorJ8/s1600/fudge_0393_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qT4edOQoX-U/VbLCCN1HP2I/AAAAAAAAI7w/vl0DAaxorJ8/s320/fudge_0393_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What flavours would you want in your fudge? One son wants caramel fudge and another says his wife adds crumbled honeycomb to hers and he loves it.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-30381617996213441472015-07-03T20:26:00.001+10:002015-07-03T20:26:13.137+10:00Some simple handmade cards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have so many card making supplies left over from when I was teaching and publishing cards. I found I had lost a lot of motivation with being sick for months after the cancer diagnosis and then travelling in our RV when I was up and about at last.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uu-0vQ8mP9o/VZZglVdr2vI/AAAAAAAAI5k/jsaOdrKP5zU/s1600/easel%2Btwisted%2Beasel%2Bemu_2032w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uu-0vQ8mP9o/VZZglVdr2vI/AAAAAAAAI5k/jsaOdrKP5zU/s320/easel%2Btwisted%2Beasel%2Bemu_2032w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisted Easel Card and co-ordinating envelope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eventually I had to try and sort out my craft supplies and found I have so many half made cards and many beautiful background papers that I have made using various techniques. Both of these will make it very quick to make a bundle of cards in next to no time at all. As much as I generally prefer to make flowers and three dimensional cards, sometimes, it is just not practical nor appropriate. I will be looking for some charities to gift these cards to as I have far to many for my own needs and gifts and I doubt I will hold any more markets stalls in the future but certainly not any time soon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92ZXr517Bp4/VZZgnyvCKQI/AAAAAAAAI5s/bO0cijkardk/s1600/easel%2Btwisted%2Beasel%2Bemu_2034w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92ZXr517Bp4/VZZgnyvCKQI/AAAAAAAAI5s/bO0cijkardk/s320/easel%2Btwisted%2Beasel%2Bemu_2034w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisted easel card 'flat' for posting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So take a gander and see the variety that is possible even with simple quick cards especially once the background papers have been made. Feel free to ask any questions re techniques.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yk3Q_UxB_qo/VZZgTqCJHRI/AAAAAAAAI5U/5yGEJAn_3tk/s1600/Arty%2Bfeather%2BCreat_2038w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yk3Q_UxB_qo/VZZgTqCJHRI/AAAAAAAAI5U/5yGEJAn_3tk/s320/Arty%2Bfeather%2BCreat_2038w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">background is paint dry brushed with embossing powder effects</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_j5cHNLRNM/VZZgygtpJtI/AAAAAAAAI58/uCtqx_N0Gg0/s1600/IMG_0324_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_j5cHNLRNM/VZZgygtpJtI/AAAAAAAAI58/uCtqx_N0Gg0/s320/IMG_0324_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender layer is from the side of a tissue box. "Love" is stamped under the vellum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-LoSwlRG9E/VZZg0-EcwzI/AAAAAAAAI6E/tOWWkRCexzc/s1600/IMG_0323_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-LoSwlRG9E/VZZg0-EcwzI/AAAAAAAAI6E/tOWWkRCexzc/s320/IMG_0323_tn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multiple stamped background on fabric dyed coloured card</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXKWeaWTw-4/VZZg2yCXxeI/AAAAAAAAI6M/p1IhyB4H4XU/s1600/IMG_0326_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXKWeaWTw-4/VZZg2yCXxeI/AAAAAAAAI6M/p1IhyB4H4XU/s320/IMG_0326_tn2.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple ripped card for a distressed effect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsLIob2Zuj8/VZZhCNYg3II/AAAAAAAAI6U/I3sYtJMEOKw/s1600/shabby%2Bvintage%2Bbutterfly_2036w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsLIob2Zuj8/VZZhCNYg3II/AAAAAAAAI6U/I3sYtJMEOKw/s320/shabby%2Bvintage%2Bbutterfly_2036w.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty scrapbooking papers make cards very quick to do. I love my cuttlebug for dry embossed backgrounds too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-19996927814636757222015-07-01T19:50:00.001+10:002015-07-02T18:41:27.656+10:00White Chocolate Mud Cake with Raspberry Coulis Swirl - the ultimate Wedding Cake & Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="st">This special cake is so delicious. It is extremely moist and very rich...it almost melts in your mouth and that swirl of raspberry coulis through it, is just inspirational. </span>Here are the promised recipes: the white chocolate mud cake, the raspberry coulis as well as the lemon buttercream that we use for incing the cake. I have given the recipe for a regular size cake. For <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/rustic-wedding-cake.htm" target="_blank">Camille's wedding cake</a>, the final quantity was six times this recipe in the end! I've given the quantity for a 8 inch cake.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRwopr2pPUo/VYatOFTKkFI/AAAAAAAAI3g/PtvW_Jj5LBs/s1600/cake_0241.tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRwopr2pPUo/VYatOFTKkFI/AAAAAAAAI3g/PtvW_Jj5LBs/s320/cake_0241.tn.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/rustic-wedding-cake.html" target="_blank"><i>Camille's wedding cake</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
CAMILLE'S WHITE CHOCOLATE MUD CAKE</h3>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>adapted from <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/white-chocolate-mud-cake-3436" target="_blank">Nigella</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">'s</a> recipe </i></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients </h4>
250g chopped butter<br />
450g caster sugar<br />
150g chopped white chocolate<br />
1 cup milk<br />
225g plain flour<br />
85g self-raising flour<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla essence <br />
2 lightly beaten eggs<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uj7_Htvjpc/VZOnOm3XW9I/AAAAAAAAI4s/9pwk8kqI62E/s1600/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0233_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uj7_Htvjpc/VZOnOm3XW9I/AAAAAAAAI4s/9pwk8kqI62E/s320/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0233_tn2.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Camille helping me make the trial version</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Method</h4>
Line base and sides cake tin with baking paper.<br />
Combine butter & sugar in saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolved. Do NOT boil.<br />
Add chocolate and keep stirring until melted.<br />
Add milk and mix together.<br />
Set aside to cool. (I found that takes quite a bit of time - like an hour or two.)<br />
<br />
Now turn your oven on 170oC.<br />
Back to the mixture: Add flours slowly, mixing continuously.<br />
Add eggs and vanilla.<br />
Pour mixture into your prepared 200mm cake tin. If you are adding coulis as I did, then do that at this point and swirl around through the cake mix with a knife edge <br />
Cover the tin with foil.<br />
<br />
Bake for 2 hours. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0LduiYZMaw/VYatceRgQdI/AAAAAAAAI3o/EXjxdrUewhE/s1600/cake_0021_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0LduiYZMaw/VYatceRgQdI/AAAAAAAAI3o/EXjxdrUewhE/s320/cake_0021_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cake just out of the oven</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
HINTS:</h4>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>If you make extra quantities may these size tins and associated baking times be a guide to you. Each oven may differ so watch your cake carefully.</li>
<li>Bake 130mm size cake for minimum 1 3/4 hour. - takes approx half the recipe</li>
<li>Bake 300mm size cake for minimum 2 3/4 hour - takes approx double the recipe</li>
<li>I found the use of wet<a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?sku=pg_bakeevenstrips" target="_blank"> Bake Even Strips</a> which are basically insulator strips around cakes helped prevent over cooked edges which is especially helpful with such long cooking times. (It definitely also increases the cooking time needed.) You could use a towel wrapped around the tin. I<span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">t doesn't need to be dripping wet, but it needs to be quite wet. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsNHUPPuaQU/VYas19OWRGI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/EOmVB_oq7xM/s1600/cake_0018_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsNHUPPuaQU/VYas19OWRGI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/EOmVB_oq7xM/s320/cake_0018_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You can just see the Bake Even strip on this tin and in the back left corner</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
RASPBERRY COULIS RECIPE </h3>
250g frozen raspberries<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
¼ cup sugar. <br />
<br />
Heat the sugar & water in a saucepan on the hotplate stirring from time to time, until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes<br />
Add the raspberries. It is quicker if the raspberries are defrosted but it is not necessary for success.<br />
Give it a quick whizz in a blender to break up the larger pieces of fruit & puree it. For this cake I didn't sieve the sauce to remove the seeds - I like the seeds!<br />
Swirl tablespoonfuls through cake mix before baking, ensuring that the coulis doesn't come too close to the edge of the cake as it makes it harder to ice afterwards.<br />
The sauce keeps well, covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and freezes perfectly for several months. Raspberry coulis is the red sauce that chefs often use to decorate your dessert plate with either with swirls or a brush of sauce across the plate.<br />
Any left over sauce is easily used in a multitude of applications: drizzle it on breakfast foods like oatmeal, granola, yogurt or pancakes. Spoon it into your smoothies. Add it to the top of a bowl of ice cream. Also makes a terrific dipping sauce for sliced fruit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nAD9hRofzqY/VYavx1gnXHI/AAAAAAAAI38/eg2mED1Itjc/s1600/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0232_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nAD9hRofzqY/VYavx1gnXHI/AAAAAAAAI38/eg2mED1Itjc/s320/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0232_tn.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Do not add coulis too close to the edges of the cake as shown</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
LEMON BUTTERCREAM RECIPE</h3>
<br />
125g copha<br />
125g butter <i>* See note</i><br />
500g icing sugar sifted (powdered sugar) <br />
4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<br />
<br />
Melt Cohpa in microwave until just soft and cool. Add room temperature or soft butter to the copha which you've allowed to cool and whip together until well blended.<br />
Add about a quarter of the sifted icing sugar gradually and blend into the butter mix.<br />
Add 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice. Mix just enough to blend. Keep alternating more sugar and juice. Ideally you want the buttercream to be the consistency of heavy whipped cream where it holds it's shape without collapsing. You can add more icing if it is too runny or more juice as desired.<br />
<br />
If a decorative finish required then you especially need to crumb coat your cake first. This is where you apply a thin coating of buttercream over all the cake. Do not worry too much about crumbs spoiling the look, as this gets covered later with a second coating of buttercream after the crumb coating has had time to dry a little and harden. Spread the buttercream thickly over cake preferably using a palette knife.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fateQUCXAWQ/VYatr7fyIZI/AAAAAAAAI3w/k_l3w0bQyH0/s1600/cake_0016_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fateQUCXAWQ/VYatr7fyIZI/AAAAAAAAI3w/k_l3w0bQyH0/s320/cake_0016_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cakes wrapped awaiting the crumb coating.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Approx. quantities needed for icing a cake <br />
<br />
130mm (5 inch) cake: 225g buttercream<br />
200mm (8 inch) cake: 600g buttercream<br />
300mm (12 inch) cake: 1.5kg buttercream<br />
<br />
I made some thing close to 5kg buttercream with leftovers which I took to the wedding reception for touch ups if needed!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
NOTES: </h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">*If whiteness is not important to you, then double the butter and forego the copha. I really didn't notice a drop in flavour when it was half and half.</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNcJIVk-NME/VZOloYna37I/AAAAAAAAI4g/autTWZXGDsY/s1600/trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0237_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNcJIVk-NME/VZOloYna37I/AAAAAAAAI4g/autTWZXGDsY/s320/trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0237_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trial Cake: Maybe you can see how yellow the buttercream was before the copha adaption!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Gluten Free Cake</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is easy to make this gluten free with the appropriate GF flours. My
middle tier was Gluten Free as we had several guests that required GF if
they were to join us in celebrating with cake. All my icings are done
with Pure Icing Sugar (powdered sugar). Also each layer was physically
separated by a cake board which not only ensured lack of contamination
but also help support the various layers! </div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Freeze:</h4>
Did you know that most cakes freeze well when iced with buttercream especially if you follow these suggestions!<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Wrap with plastic cling wrap after it is frozen.</li>
<li>Defrost cake completely wrapped so as no moisture escapes.</li>
<li>Defrost cake naturally overnight.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Make in advance & storage:</h4>
<span class="st">Buttercream icing can be made as much as a week in advance and it doesn't need to be kept in a fridge. You will however need to ensure it is airtight to stop the buttercream 'skin' from drying and crusting. I like to place a couple of layers of plastic cling wrap right down touching the buttercream as well as sealing off the bowl or container.Once it is on the cake it will 'seal' the cake and stop the air from aging or drying the cake out. The buttercream itself will form a crust which is why I advise that you wrap the cake in plastic cling wrap after this crust forms or after freezing.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F7p2hSiex4/VZOv8r-En5I/AAAAAAAAI48/AM1nkuMvmeE/s1600/Bride%2Band%2Bgroom%2Bcut%2Bthe%2Bcake%2B-%2BKaye%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F7p2hSiex4/VZOv8r-En5I/AAAAAAAAI48/AM1nkuMvmeE/s400/Bride%2Band%2Bgroom%2Bcut%2Bthe%2Bcake%2B-%2BKaye%2527s.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The happy bridal couple with their cake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-23574871170725376142015-06-21T21:08:00.002+10:002015-06-21T21:08:31.876+10:00Rustic Wedding Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I made my daughter’s wedding cake and used a lemon buttercream to ice it. I believe buttercream icing is both simple and delicious. I find it is so much tastier and the tartness of the lemon just offsets the sweetness of the icing just wonderfully without taking away from the cake itself.<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rkJGjt9NOU/VYZw1l9Vj1I/AAAAAAAAI1o/jXCpZOOXsm8/s1600/cake_0241.tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rkJGjt9NOU/VYZw1l9Vj1I/AAAAAAAAI1o/jXCpZOOXsm8/s400/cake_0241.tn.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The rustic wedding cake made for one of my daughters</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
There was basically only 4 requirements from the bridal couple:<br />
1/. White chocolate mud cake<br />
2/. Raspberry coulis swirled through the cake<br />
3/. Three tiered cake <br />
4/. White butter cream icing in a rustic look.<br />
<br />
My daughter seems to believe I can make anything, but cake decorating at
the 'professional' level for a wedding was pushing me way out of my
comfort zone. I haven't done much cake decorating over the years and
certainly nothing close to a wedding cake level.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6AzSq4Tqvk/VYaQig-x3uI/AAAAAAAAI2k/B0QqaltZQxg/s1600/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0233_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6AzSq4Tqvk/VYaQig-x3uI/AAAAAAAAI2k/B0QqaltZQxg/s320/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0233_tn2.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bride helping me make the buttercream</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a trial run. Each layer had homemade raspberry coulis swirled through just like any rainbow swirled cake mix. I quickly realized that having the coulis come close to the edge when I swirled it, made the edges break away easily thus making it very difficult to cover with the buttercream, so that was my first lesson learnt. We then <a href="http://www.wilton.com/blog/index.php/start-with-a-crumb-coat-for-a-smooth-cake-finish/" target="_blank">crumb coated</a> the 3 layers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SaeuYwzHBxk/VYaQ9GsS3gI/AAAAAAAAI2s/_GNzyhpc5DA/s1600/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0232_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SaeuYwzHBxk/VYaQ9GsS3gI/AAAAAAAAI2s/_GNzyhpc5DA/s320/Trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0232_tn.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The coulis is too close to the edges on the trial cake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We then layered the cakes on top of each other and put them on a lazy susan so we could practice the icing technique to try and achieve something close to the rustic look the bride found & liked on <a href="http://bridalmusings.com/2014/05/2014-wedding-cake-trends-3-buttercream-beauties/" target="_blank">Bridal Musing Site</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeygU_zO-YU/VYaD1DP-qrI/AAAAAAAAI18/wET7kS7n-Co/s1600/wedding%2Bcake%2Bsample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VeygU_zO-YU/VYaD1DP-qrI/AAAAAAAAI18/wET7kS7n-Co/s320/wedding%2Bcake%2Bsample.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our inspiration</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My trial cake looked nothing like the one above but when we scattered some strawberries I just happened to have in the fridge over the layers, it really made a huge difference. The bride was worried that it wasn't big enough, so we determined that the real wedding cake was going to have double layers on each tier!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcs_mmgRqJc/VYaOTyiCSWI/AAAAAAAAI2I/B8nwITgPMb4/s1600/trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0239_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcs_mmgRqJc/VYaOTyiCSWI/AAAAAAAAI2I/B8nwITgPMb4/s320/trial%2Bwedding%2Bcake_0239_tn.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trial wedding cake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since I am still having periodic bouts of fatigue so we experimented with freezing our trial cake after it had been iced, so that it could be done on one of my good days. I found that it defrosted without any deterioration in quality of the cake itself or the buttercream icing providing that it was wrapped in plastic cling wrap after it froze solid <u>and kept it wrapped as it slowly defrosted overnight.</u> <br />
<br />
<br />
I start freaking out about how was I going to transport it over an hour away, without damaging it and how to decorate it. I decided to transport each tier separately and finish assembling at the reception venue. I didn't weigh it but I am sure it was at least 15kg collectively. It was jolly heavy that's for sure!<br />
<br />
Thankfully my sister was willing to adorn the cake with beautiful red roses making this the gorgeously rustic yet romantic three tiered wedding cake it turned out to be.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J31MXcxvmeI/VYaZoyYjQVI/AAAAAAAAI28/qD0wjVD9DTw/s1600/0228%2Bfinishing%2Bthe%2Bcake_tn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J31MXcxvmeI/VYaZoyYjQVI/AAAAAAAAI28/qD0wjVD9DTw/s320/0228%2Bfinishing%2Bthe%2Bcake_tn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finishing the cake I am on the left and my sister on the right!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I will post the recipe in the next post in case anyone is interested to try it for themselves. It did take quite a bit of time both the baking and the assembling/icing. No wonder wedding cakes costs a packet but it is something many of us can do given a little time and practice! I can bake but believe me when I say I am not a cake decorator!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60rwtnP-ktc/VYaa_wiNmqI/AAAAAAAAI3I/aeuXcXjIcrQ/s1600/Bride%2Band%2Bgroom%2Bcut%2Bthe%2Bcake%2B-%2BHolly%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60rwtnP-ktc/VYaa_wiNmqI/AAAAAAAAI3I/aeuXcXjIcrQ/s320/Bride%2Band%2Bgroom%2Bcut%2Bthe%2Bcake%2B-%2BHolly%2527s.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bride and groom cut the cake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-25952772920800621262015-05-10T19:00:00.000+10:002015-05-10T19:13:27.515+10:00Super Easy Apple Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You wont believe just how easy this cake is to make and it is <span id="lblDescription" itemprop="description">so moist & delicious it is almost sinful.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyf5Lu4z4NI/VU8SKuwLA-I/AAAAAAAAIo8/vkdkq8_3s0o/s1600/Apple%2Bcake_0054_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyf5Lu4z4NI/VU8SKuwLA-I/AAAAAAAAIo8/vkdkq8_3s0o/s320/Apple%2Bcake_0054_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ooops! Half of it was gone before I took the photo - it was THAT good!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This cake is so easy and no one is likely to know that it started with a boxed cake mix. Generally speaking I make my cakes from scratch, however this is so simple and quick and tastes great, that it may just become my go to cake more often. It is my cheat's take on an apple cake a friend's father used to make, who was a Dutch Pastry Chef!<br />
<br />
Having a packet cake mix on hand is great for quick unexpected guests or if you rarely bake. You will have no excuses from now on not to have a 'homemade' cake when ever you feel like it and one that will impress your friends and your mother in law! ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLR3hl0FHws/VU8SQM3nUnI/AAAAAAAAIpE/JabXKKjHR78/s1600/Apple%2Bcake_0043_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLR3hl0FHws/VU8SQM3nUnI/AAAAAAAAIpE/JabXKKjHR78/s320/Apple%2Bcake_0043_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just add a egg and a little water to these ingredients and you have a great cake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</h4>
1 packet butter cake mix<br />
1 egg
<br />
1/3rd cup water<br />
800g tinned apples <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojN0CwCSxXk/VU8atq75yyI/AAAAAAAAIpU/_o561Uu0-7o/s1600/Apple%2Bcake_0044_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojN0CwCSxXk/VU8atq75yyI/AAAAAAAAIpU/_o561Uu0-7o/s320/Apple%2Bcake_0044_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cake ready to cook and with the left over apple in the bowl next to it</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat you oven 180C (350 F)</li>
<li>Line your cake tin with baking paper. I used a square tin.</li>
<li>Add cake mix, half the liquid and just one egg and half the and apple pie filling to your mixing bowl.</li>
<li>Mix well until all ingredients are combined.</li>
<li>Pour the cake mix into your prepared tin. I used a square tin.</li>
<li>Top the cake batter with slices of apples and then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.</li>
<li>Bake for 35-40 minutes</li>
<li>Test with toothpick in between apple slices.</li>
</ol>
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It is lovely served warm with whipped cream for dessert or cold with a lovely cuppa. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9a5sGzK6YJM/VU8a-GSu2fI/AAAAAAAAIpc/hS25JpEDbiA/s1600/Apple%2Bcake_0053_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9a5sGzK6YJM/VU8a-GSu2fI/AAAAAAAAIpc/hS25JpEDbiA/s320/Apple%2Bcake_0053_tn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It is half gone already!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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* I did have some apple slices left over, which I just blended together with a good sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and heated it up to serve on the side with mashed potatoes at our next dinner for my husband. Appelmoes (Apple mousse) is a common Dutch custom to accompany grilled meats.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-41996513303934925152015-05-09T22:48:00.002+10:002015-05-09T22:48:34.398+10:00Enough is enough - life is good once again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That's it! I have had enough. These last 18 months have been terrible and I think I am finally through with all the crap that life can dish out. It's time to turn it around! I can say it again 'Life is great.'<br />
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In the last 18 months...<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ka9SpaNh4f0/VU39LJHOarI/AAAAAAAAIoM/5D1TXkjIyv8/s1600/Air%2BAmbulance%2Btasmania%2Bplane%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ka9SpaNh4f0/VU39LJHOarI/AAAAAAAAIoM/5D1TXkjIyv8/s200/Air%2BAmbulance%2Btasmania%2Bplane%2B(2).jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li>I've been so very, very sick...a rare form of cancer called Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. You can read part of my cancer journey starting <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/let-me-introduce-you-to-aden.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>I've had numerous operations (7 in 14 months!)...some for the cancer and some for kidney stones.</li>
<li>I've been badly hurt by people & had some terrible personal challenges to work through... </li>
<li>As part of my recovery, my husband & I have recently spent 4 lovely months cruising Tasmania in a motorhome. </li>
<li>I've had to replace my laptop & thus had to learn a whole new interface (and at a time when my brain wasn't functioning the best). </li>
<li>My sewing machine died and needed replacing. </li>
<li>Life has made me too tired or dispirited to bother with the little things such as taking & editing photos and writing up my blog posts for a long time. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-os5idGttK7A/VU3_frULkHI/AAAAAAAAIog/8TR8OT5r41c/s1600/a%2Bpositive%2Battitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-os5idGttK7A/VU3_frULkHI/AAAAAAAAIog/8TR8OT5r41c/s200/a%2Bpositive%2Battitude.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Oh well that's enough of the bad stuff. Let me say it again: Life is good once again.<br />
<br />
I am sorry that I don't post on this blog more often, but I want this blog to be something I enjoy doing not something that I have to force myself to do and thus resent or feel that 'have' to sew or blog or what ever.<br />
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Gardening, crafting and traveling are stress relievers for me. As such they are things I love to do and thus if I don't want to sit down and write and such for what ever reason then that's just the way it is. I really do enjoy crafting and I enjoy blogging too. I would like to keep on 'liking' them rather than making it a chore. :)<br />
<br />
So our good news?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NLLY-yS1nE/VU36SJLOzdI/AAAAAAAAIn4/i016WfkafQU/s1600/Spirit%2Bof%2BTasmania_0109w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NLLY-yS1nE/VU36SJLOzdI/AAAAAAAAIn4/i016WfkafQU/s200/Spirit%2Bof%2BTasmania_0109w.jpg" width="200" /></a>Rob and I have enjoyed our 5 months leave traveling including 4 months in Tasmania, a little island off the south coast of Australia in our motorhome. You can follow <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Tasmania" target="_blank">our journeys in Tassie</a> or any of the other places on a separate <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">travel blog</a> that I keep which also includes details of our <a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Bus%20conversion" target="_blank">bus to motorhome conversion.</a><br />
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We came home in time for our beautiful youngest daughter's wedding. She is getting married to a lovely young man at the end of May and there's some things we wanted hand-made for their wedding.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT_drQuuB5c/VU34szsSOXI/AAAAAAAAInk/eR52DWv7alc/s1600/pleated%2Blove%2Bheart%2Bvalentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT_drQuuB5c/VU34szsSOXI/AAAAAAAAInk/eR52DWv7alc/s200/pleated%2Blove%2Bheart%2Bvalentine.jpg" width="200" /></a>I promise that I will go into more details with proper photos after the wedding as we don't want to spoil the surprises for anyone attending the wedding.<br />
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So far..<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I have helped with the pop up portion of the wedding invitations.</li>
<li>I have cut & redesigned the wedding veil from my old wedding veil.</li>
<li>I have made the wedding cake. </li>
</ul>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3JY7Px082w/VU34HOZ5SZI/AAAAAAAAInc/Wtt3whcPl5E/s1600/veil_0032%2Bcropped_tn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3JY7Px082w/VU34HOZ5SZI/AAAAAAAAInc/Wtt3whcPl5E/s200/veil_0032%2Bcropped_tn.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Now I am currently working on the hair clips for the flower girls to match the comb part of the wedding veil.<br />
Still to come are table centre pieces, flower girl baskets, wedding favours and maybe the cake boxes. <br />
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All these are being done in between general life and catching up with friends and family let alone 6 months worth of weeds. I swear the weeds grow faster than any plants! Grrr!<br />
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<br />
So thanks so much for stopping by my blog! It is great to be enjoying life again.<br />
I am certainly blessed in so many ways, especially in my husband and my family.<br />
I have so much to be thankful for.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjE0ohxUnP8/VU3-dEwf7cI/AAAAAAAAIoY/uNHydwIBeuc/s1600/I%2Bam%2Bmarried%2Bto%2Bmy%2Bbest%2Bfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjE0ohxUnP8/VU3-dEwf7cI/AAAAAAAAIoY/uNHydwIBeuc/s200/I%2Bam%2Bmarried%2Bto%2Bmy%2Bbest%2Bfriend.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I also love the little notes you guys leave me as well as it gives me a
chance to get to know many of you via my blog, so leave me a comment if
you will! </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-54664635205970432712014-09-20T22:58:00.002+10:002014-09-20T22:58:37.175+10:00Face the Music Card<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have the time to join in a card challenge again. The card theme on Simply Less is more this week is "<a href="http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/week-190-theme.html" target="_blank">Face the Music and Dance</a>".<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qplcw4fxuw/VB15KmTS_BI/AAAAAAAAHUw/eLFiy8UEY3k/s1600/Music_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qplcw4fxuw/VB15KmTS_BI/AAAAAAAAHUw/eLFiy8UEY3k/s1600/Music_2099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not having any dance style stamps,
I have chosen to make a simple but dramatic black & gold card with just music as my theme. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g8eznUteyM/VB15NQJPIAI/AAAAAAAAHU4/p_osvhZoyME/s1600/Music_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g8eznUteyM/VB15NQJPIAI/AAAAAAAAHU4/p_osvhZoyME/s1600/Music_2100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have aged the torn music sheet with coffee and used multiple layers of
Ultra thick embossing enamel on some broken CD tiles as a anchoring
point. <br />
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It is rather different to what I normally make, but hey it's good to stretch one self from time to time.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-81108526500628530292014-08-26T18:12:00.002+10:002014-08-26T18:12:35.772+10:00Designing a card using a sketch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whether you are new to card making or an experienced hand, following a sketch when making a card can make you more creative as you can concentrate on different elements. It is like when we were choosing a name for our babies. By limiting the starting letter A for the 1st child, B for the 2nd etc, acutally made it easier and freed us up as instead of having 10,000 names to choose from we limited to 1,000 names. (We ended up having 4 kids Allan, Benita, Camille and Dean. They didn't have to be unique, they just had to not be common for that age. We didn't want half a dozen heads to turn when we called one of our kids!)<br />
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Now back on topic, card sketches make it very simple by suggesting a design layout. The card sketch will have basic shapes and designs drawn on the layout but no other instructions are given. You are free to interpret it however you like. You can use your favourite stamps, papers, color schemes etc to create your cards for any occasion you choose. You can even turn the sktch around mirror image it and so forth.
Take this week's <a href="http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/week-186-sketch.html" target="_blank">Simply Less is More challenge: "Week 186"</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVvUSQeY4BQ/U_p2vG7au-I/AAAAAAAAHI8/JEisivA-YEc/s1600/LIM%2BSketch%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVvUSQeY4BQ/U_p2vG7au-I/AAAAAAAAHI8/JEisivA-YEc/s1600/LIM%2BSketch%2B13.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></div>
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This single card sketch will be interpreted in so many ways. Just look at all the variations you will see other participants have come up with at the bottom of the blog page. You will be blown away at so many ways to interpret it.<br />
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So without further ado, here is my take on it this week.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-iEU1lwLng/U_w_rHuvNWI/AAAAAAAAHLc/3IooYticSjE/s1600/Feather%2BLIM_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-iEU1lwLng/U_w_rHuvNWI/AAAAAAAAHLc/3IooYticSjE/s1600/Feather%2BLIM_2060.JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have rotated the sketch and used a feather stamp on which I had marbled the inks before stamping and then fussy cut it and used that for my main image in place of the rectangle and my greeting as per the sketch. As you can see from the lighting and the angle I have embossed the feather with a poly sparkle glitter embossing powder. <br />
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I hope you like it and will think of joining us now or in the near future on another challenge at <a href="http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Simply Less is More </a><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-21484663069411855502014-08-24T06:30:00.000+10:002014-08-24T06:30:00.980+10:00More Owl Heat Packs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These cute sleeping owls I made for the <a href="http://www.illawarracancercarers.org.au/" target="_blank">Illawarra Cancer Carers </a>Craft Group to sell at one of their many market stalls. The owls also fill a practical purpose. Heat packs certainly don't need to be boring. They can be all sorts of fun shapes.<br />
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I prefer heat packs to be filled with low allergenic rice instead of the more common wheat. You can heat them in just the same manner.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWtaeT_16wk/U_Rx6umP-nI/AAAAAAAAHGY/0hdgh6QclSQ/s1600/Heat%2Bpack%2BOwl_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWtaeT_16wk/U_Rx6umP-nI/AAAAAAAAHGY/0hdgh6QclSQ/s1600/Heat%2Bpack%2BOwl_2070.JPG" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/diy-cute-and-easy-owl-heat-pack.html" target="_blank">tutorial instructions</a> written with lots of photos on how to make the minky owl as shown below on an earlier post <a href="http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/diy-cute-and-easy-owl-heat-pack.html" target="_blank">here</a>. These instructions will be easily adaptable for the even simpler owl design I made as shown above.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLfrNyl2PVg/U_R-NfbqnhI/AAAAAAAAHGo/nMhVGWh3_ws/s1600/Owl_3312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLfrNyl2PVg/U_R-NfbqnhI/AAAAAAAAHGo/nMhVGWh3_ws/s1600/Owl_3312.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are some other heat packs I have made in the past. I am sure they wont be my last. At the time of writing I have just one zebra one left for sale at $15 plus postage if you are interested then drop me a line.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTY9eBNsfqI/U_R-Q0O6RzI/AAAAAAAAHGw/vGYkCd9rTps/s1600/Owl_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTY9eBNsfqI/U_R-Q0O6RzI/AAAAAAAAHGw/vGYkCd9rTps/s1600/Owl_3311.JPG" height="193" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtJ7XEODPkg/U_SAU7YVFcI/AAAAAAAAHHE/BNB9W5Xziko/s1600/Owl_3193w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtJ7XEODPkg/U_SAU7YVFcI/AAAAAAAAHHE/BNB9W5Xziko/s1600/Owl_3193w.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkih1pQ8gN0/U_R-Vf3cBSI/AAAAAAAAHG4/HQsk9oQV5r8/s1600/Zebra-heat-pack-%2B2029d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkih1pQ8gN0/U_R-Vf3cBSI/AAAAAAAAHG4/HQsk9oQV5r8/s1600/Zebra-heat-pack-%2B2029d.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-89910935853866814892014-08-20T18:05:00.000+10:002014-08-20T21:07:18.980+10:00My Hexagon Bag<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been keeping busy making QAYG hexagons by hand, generally just keeping my hubby company at night watching TV together.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fqp06gHVmvI/U_RQQU6O3tI/AAAAAAAAHFE/cJkAkbHU1wM/s1600/Quilt%2Bas%2Byou%2Bgo%2BHexagon%2BQuilt_2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fqp06gHVmvI/U_RQQU6O3tI/AAAAAAAAHFE/cJkAkbHU1wM/s1600/Quilt%2Bas%2Byou%2Bgo%2BHexagon%2BQuilt_2072.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had become quite reclusive after my cancer operations and so with the advice of my cancer psychologist, I joined a very active craft group that supports <a href="http://www.illawarracancercarers.org.au/" target="_blank">Illawarra Cancer Carers</a> by having <a href="http://www.illawarracancercarers.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=34&Itemid=41" target="_blank">frequent craft stalls</a>. It has been very therapeutic and I feel that what I am doing is worthwhile.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IGw-cGbBOk/U_RQb4jyWaI/AAAAAAAAHFU/ocFE1VFBIhI/s1600/Quilt%2Bas%2Byou%2Bgo%2BHexagon%2BQuilt_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IGw-cGbBOk/U_RQb4jyWaI/AAAAAAAAHFU/ocFE1VFBIhI/s1600/Quilt%2Bas%2Byou%2Bgo%2BHexagon%2BQuilt_2073.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the donations to the craft group was someone else's UFO (Un Finished Object) which was a QAYG hexagons. The fabrics were all cut and just a couple of patches were complete. I offered to give it a go. I basically followed the excellent tutorial by <a href="http://alwaysquilting.wordpress.com/2013/07/10/quilt-as-you-go-hexagons/" target="_blank">knitsnquilts</a> found on the Always Quilting blog, though I had to make a couple of adjustments being someone else's pattern and cutting. My bag is different, but she is the one that gave me the inspiration to make a bag instead of a quilt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byh6pZWb_bM/U_RSl0mtLmI/AAAAAAAAHFo/JtCV-TG_gbA/s1600/Quilted%2BHexagon%2BBag_2081d.jpg" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bag minus the handles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I think the original purpose of the hexagons were to make them into a quilt but I decided to make at least one bag with some of the patches. This is how it turned out. Making the handles were very challenging. I couldn't find any fabric that was close to the colours without over whelming the bag. In the end I decided to twist his cord that was also a donation to the Carers and make my own rope.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUbbMEsDBwE/U_RSr7Ve5BI/AAAAAAAAHFw/vbnD23rrC10/s1600/Quilted%2BHexagon%2BBag_2082d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUbbMEsDBwE/U_RSr7Ve5BI/AAAAAAAAHFw/vbnD23rrC10/s1600/Quilted%2BHexagon%2BBag_2082d.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am quite happy with how it turned out! I am happy to make more bags if there appears to be a market for them. <br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-16987100775095476822014-07-25T15:24:00.000+10:002014-07-25T15:24:00.546+10:00Meal planning: is it a good fit for you?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have always struggled with meal planning. I just hate the idea of being tied down what I am going to be cooking or eating on any day let alone in 7-14 days time. What if I don't feel like eating that day's designated menu that night, let alone whether I am up to it now that I have frequent attacks of fatigue after my cancer diagnosis?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDociVi2xSU/U7904u2b5hI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/14yfJYWlrmo/s1600/what+is+for+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDociVi2xSU/U7904u2b5hI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/14yfJYWlrmo/s1600/what+is+for+dinner.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the other hand, I have a wonderful friend who home-schools her 5 wonderful kids and who makes up a yearly
meal plan covering 6 different meal categories. If your want to or need to be super organized then I recommend Simone's plan <a href="http://www.boswellbunch.com/simone/section/Blog/Entries/2010/1/11_Meal_Planning.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Whilst I admire her talent and may even desire to emulate it a bit, but it just doesn't
suit my personality, even more so now that I have only my husband at home to cook for aside from myself. If you need to learn the whys and how to then I recommend <a href="http://www.mealplanningmagic.com/how-to-meal-plan/" target="_blank">Meal Planning Magic</a> blog which also gives you weekly meal plans to follow until you get into your own groove.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tb560fLyNMc/U79xpUxb6mI/AAAAAAAAG84/dH7ux8W8U_Y/s1600/In+your+trolley+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tb560fLyNMc/U79xpUxb6mI/AAAAAAAAG84/dH7ux8W8U_Y/s1600/In+your+trolley+2.JPG" height="139" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the years my 'meal planning' attempts have changed along with my circumstances. In an effort to save dollars, I bought half a side of beef once only to discover that I truly didn't save that much money as I didn't like a lot of the cuts of meat. Next I tried a hind quarter of beef since that gave me more beef for my dollars (taking into consideration the waste of bone, fat and offal - which I absolutely detest the idea of cooking.) The hind quarter was much better value for us and I went down this road for a few years. My hubby loves steak and I love mince and casseroles and I certainly made good use of my slow cooker back then as I do now except I tend to use my<a href="http://robbiebago.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/thermal-cookers-are-ideal-for-rvs.html" target="_blank"> Dream Pot</a> both in my RV and at home now days. However I can only eat so much beef in any given month! I crave variety! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K38AMQWWskU/U79KDuYBGDI/AAAAAAAAG8E/pypw85e1mXs/s1600/old+woman+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K38AMQWWskU/U79KDuYBGDI/AAAAAAAAG8E/pypw85e1mXs/s1600/old+woman+shopping.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0rfFkch0eQ/U79w0PFYV6I/AAAAAAAAG8w/St97m0be654/s1600/Shopping+list.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>For most of my 30 odd years of marriage I have been a stay at home mum but one with a family business. As the kids grew up, I became more and more involved in our business. The 'office' was just 3km away and I go past a big name grocery store with a decent butcher and greengrocer next door to them, to get to work and back each day. I ended up making use of this and picked up food every few days in small amounts especially fresh milk, bread and cut deli meats. I found that by sticking to my 'shopping list' and not buying much more than what was on my list I rarely went over my weekly budget. The only exception would be when I bought bulk orders of some items that were on special that wouldn't spoil before I got around to using them. This way does take up a little extra time each day, but really not much more than the 90 minutes or so that a 'big shop' when I did it every 2 weeks. I also found that I didn't end up spending more than if I did my fortnightly 'big' shop.<br />
Another way to save money is to buy seasonal fruit and vegetables only. In these days of a global economy, you can usually find whatever produce you want any time of year, however if the items aren’t in season locally, you’ll end up paying a lot more for it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6cJlevIZoI/U79cxqFNCYI/AAAAAAAAG8g/shpwk1zMTJk/s1600/magazines+web+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6cJlevIZoI/U79cxqFNCYI/AAAAAAAAG8g/shpwk1zMTJk/s1600/magazines+web+size.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of food magazines</td></tr>
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I have always cooked more or less from scratch without out using 'packet stuff'. In the early years, I felt more confident using a recipe but as time and confidence increased, I tended to use a recipe as a kicking off point and for inspiration rather than adhering to them religiously.<br />
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So just how do I do my meal planing? We do prefer fresh steak, fish and chicken and so occasionally I will pick up something when I am out & about, knowing that I will cook something with that item within the next few days! I also have a well stocked pantry and I have all the meats that we tend to have on a regular basis in the freezer. I would hate to have to run down to the store just for a single item at the last minute.One thing I have introduced in the last few years, is that I aim to try one new recipe per week. Now the reality especially with me being sick these last 7 months is that this generally happens only once every two weeks, but still we try something new every now and then.<br />
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Now that my kids have left home and that most of the time there is only my husband and myself, I find that I am cooking too much and so I need to freeze left overs (or we'll consume too much in one sitting - that's a huge part of why we are struggling with a weight issue!) On the days when I am too tired to cook and Robert has to take over, he knows that in addition to the 4 or 5 meals he is comfortable with cooking, he can choose to pull out a pre-made meal to defrost in the microwave oven and dinner is done!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyACq-agiT0/U79TTgsZmrI/AAAAAAAAG8Q/P_0-Fz8w0Zc/s1600/we+are+not+eating+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyACq-agiT0/U79TTgsZmrI/AAAAAAAAG8Q/P_0-Fz8w0Zc/s1600/we+are+not+eating+food.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://www.rawfoodforlife.org/" target="_blank">Raw Food for Life</a></td></tr>
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It's much healthier and often tastier than saying you'll pop down & get takeaway tonight and a whole lot cheaper too. So do think about how you plan meals. There is no right or wrong way, as long as you are giving your loved ones healthy, balanced meals from as many raw and 'real' food basics as possible rather than relying on takeaways (takeouts) or package foods including convenience foods.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276144047875207536.post-46125111555553634762014-07-21T10:11:00.001+10:002014-07-21T10:51:40.107+10:00Sympathy Cards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of my favourite ways to sit quietly is with some crafts and I decided to join the CAS On Sunday Card challenge this week, which is for <a href="http://cleanandsimpleonsunday.blogspot.se/2014/07/challenge-38-sympathy.html" target="_blank">Sympathy Cards</a>. Their Clean and Simple policy is very easy on a sluggish brain too! ;)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYRAKrhtcV4/U8xW9qsi5QI/AAAAAAAAG-g/2_Sd_Zvnads/s1600/Sympathy+2049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYRAKrhtcV4/U8xW9qsi5QI/AAAAAAAAG-g/2_Sd_Zvnads/s1600/Sympathy+2049.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ended up making 2 cards in the same lilac colours. Which do you like better?<br />
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Unfortunately we occasionally need Sympathy cards and it is always handy to have some on hand. Here is my entry for this week's card challenge.
Pop over to <a href="http://cleanandsimpleonsunday.blogspot.se/" target="_blank">CAS on Sunday</a> to see all the wonderful cards to inspire your next card creation. The second card also fits with the <a href="http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/paper-players-challenge-205-sandys.html" target="_blank">monochromatic theme</a> over on the <a href="http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Paper Players</a> Challenge this week too! Popover there to see more ideas too.<br />
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I loved having my 3 of my 4 kids here over the weekend along with my
daughter in law and 2 young grand daughters however, I am feeling
absolutely exhausted. I really must remember I can not do anywhere near
what I used to be able to do pre-cancer. Still one must make the most of
every opportunity one can even if I have to conk out when they leave
and have a few very quiet days afterwards to recoup my energy. I can see a few quiet days doing queit craft work is just what I need to start this week.<br />
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Have a wonderful week yourselves!</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08043171190520380845noreply@blogger.com13