I've been re-reading Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things for the authors' book club I belong to. The book was my choice. It's almost guaranteed to spark a lively debate for many reasons. I find myself intrigued by the way that Alma, the main character, can find beauty and wonder in the world around her. It is, I think, a talent well-worth having. To see past the broken, the ugly, and the dirty, and to find pockets of wonder. … [Read more...] about These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
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How to Make a Miniature Rustic Bench
My sister has this wonderful rustic chair outside her house. It was made with twigs (okay...BIG twigs), and I love it. Right now, rustic/twig furniture is all the small rage. This pattern will work for a real miniature setting (1:12 scale) or for a fairy garden. This was also inspired by the wonderful tutorial by Lesley Shepherd. I urge you to check it out before you start this … [Read more...] about How to Make a Miniature Rustic Bench
How to Make Your New Dad Love You
A special Father's Day post by Jax, the Havanese puppy. Being adorable is hard work. Time for a nap! Even if that male human wasn't entirely sold on getting a new dog--and a puppy at that--you can change his mind. Here's how: 1. When you first meet, leap into your new human Dad's arms and lick his face. Over and over. 2. Nibble on his ears while you wiggle with joy. 3. When you are in the car on that long ride home, refuse to sit on your new … [Read more...] about How to Make Your New Dad Love You
Miniature Basket Tutorial
This is a fun project that keeps another bit of plastic out of the landfill. Here are two finished versions of this project. SUPPLIES: Empty and clean plastic coffee creamer container Quilling strip (or strip of paper cut 3/8 inch wide) Duct tape (optional) Masking tape (cut into half inch pieces) Scissors Punch (optional) Paper to match or contrast with your quilling strip Beads (optional) METHOD: 1. Cut the rim off the creamer … [Read more...] about Miniature Basket Tutorial
Murder at the Breakers–Excerpt and Contest
Note: My friend Alyssa Maxwell has a new mystery, Murder at the Breakers. Thanks to her generosity we have an except below--and one lucky person will win an autographed copy. Enjoy ~ Your friend, Joanna Midnight approached. At twenty minutes to twelve, liveried footmen and hired waiters began moving like a silent army through the Great Hall, wielding trays filled with glasses of Uncle Cornelius's finest … [Read more...] about Murder at the Breakers–Excerpt and Contest
What You Can Do With a Ruined Tee Shirt
I have no idea how my red top wound up in the wash with all my white and cream clothes. None. Worse luck, I added a cup of bleach to the mix and let the whole mess sit for a couple of hours. Not surprisingly, this cream top picked up a hint of red (much diluted) here and there. Rit Dye Remover is expensive, and the top was not. However, I'd been wanting to try Zentangle on fabric, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity. Supplies: One piece … [Read more...] about What You Can Do With a Ruined Tee Shirt
