tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56962004948332356212024-03-14T10:56:36.932-04:00the Saltbox"Everyday I wake up and tip my hat to the beauty of the world."
Thoughts on community, art, sustainability, and being a good steward of all I've been given.Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-40659873175319282282012-09-22T13:37:00.000-04:002012-09-22T13:37:00.515-04:00my hero?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5221237/il_fullxfull.319816305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5221237/il_fullxfull.319816305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You can <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf7_HNjlRLs">watch this</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/doublespeak?ref=seller_info_count">shop here</a>.Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-12963141301579933622012-09-01T09:28:00.001-04:002012-09-01T09:32:27.974-04:00How to make your own natural floral crown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/weddings/files/2012/08/etsyweddings_handmadeweddings_diy_howto_floralcrown_housethatlarsbuilt_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://www.etsy.com/blog/weddings/files/2012/08/etsyweddings_handmadeweddings_diy_howto_floralcrown_housethatlarsbuilt_012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hello and happy Saturday! I just read this beautiful how to this morning on how to make your own head wreath using natural flowers on the Etsy wedding blog. It was so lovely I just have to share it with you. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/weddings/how-to-make-a-floral-crown/?utm_source=etsy_weddings&utm_campaign=etsy_weddings_082912_0&utm_medium=email&email_sent=1346373475&user_id=10372374&euid=8zjk02_NthUdU-WDOLIEJEs8JbBM&link_clicked=12">Learn how to here!</a> Enjoy! -hil<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The beautiful photo above is by <a href="http://www.thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/">Brittany Watson Jepsen</a> and <a href="http://blog.amandathomsen.com/">Amanda Thomsen</a> via the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/weddings/?ref=hdr_lnk">Etsy wedding blog</a>.</span>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-10991767159137531812012-08-28T11:15:00.000-04:002012-09-03T16:31:33.698-04:00Sourcebooks and their importance for artists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JygO1XYxKcdtI3JVsIVKcC4xUCvsZXpAmkfQWuLsKdt1wBvRDAnsF3JETRI4tWzWO5Qoch8Pnu9nGRsXvzsUHwEGk26Hk9O2KvRIt_8ZNgT3R24Ze1jhor_GQvMr6tRqRXrBUQsy3ZU/s1600/book+stack+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JygO1XYxKcdtI3JVsIVKcC4xUCvsZXpAmkfQWuLsKdt1wBvRDAnsF3JETRI4tWzWO5Qoch8Pnu9nGRsXvzsUHwEGk26Hk9O2KvRIt_8ZNgT3R24Ze1jhor_GQvMr6tRqRXrBUQsy3ZU/s640/book+stack+top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I want to talk about finding sources this week. Sources are important for artists and craftspeople; they spur on the creative mind and offer tools to accomplish it's vision. Therefore I think it's safe to say that searching out a good source is a worthy use of one's time, and once you've found a good one it's often a spring that can be visited again and again without running dry. One of the most valuable places to find this? A book.<br />
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A sourcebook is any book that you use in your work, whether it's as a drawing reference or for clip art in your graphics. It can also be a book that you simply find full of inspiring images. Obviously we also have the phenomenal sources that the internet brings to our fingertips, but there is wisdom in keeping close a small arsenal of books as sources. Having something immediately tangible comes in handy for an artist now and then. Join me <a href="http://thesaltboxblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/sourcebooks-and-their-importance-for.html#more">after the jump</a> as I catalogue a few different kinds of sourcebooks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEY2Awewiv5H0C-D-rafLOdDFjZfsuglGedXI_zZEvwywy5VytyODKvKUNORmLyY_b3mVYlI6-3DVMO7FJRAyqpJk4zvuvNTxNrdwtqc6zpcFhJjZqkPWo5ISmWkDh8-ghesASkIlHxZ0/s1600/agile+rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEY2Awewiv5H0C-D-rafLOdDFjZfsuglGedXI_zZEvwywy5VytyODKvKUNORmLyY_b3mVYlI6-3DVMO7FJRAyqpJk4zvuvNTxNrdwtqc6zpcFhJjZqkPWo5ISmWkDh8-ghesASkIlHxZ0/s640/agile+rabbit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The first kind may be the most obvious: sourcebooks for graphic design containing high resolution clip art images. These usually will come with disks you can use to upload the images into your computer. These images are usually loyalty-free and can be used in marketing and branding. It is always good to check up on the copyright guidelines or contact the publisher if you plan on using an image for some large, public campaign. Even for you craftspeople out there who work with your hands, like me, and might be saying, "I have no need for graphics. I'm not a designer, I don't work digitally," these are good sources to have. Most of us artisans can't afford to hire a graphic designer, marketing agent, or webmaster. That leaves these jobs in your hands and sources like this make it easier to concoct an eye-catching logo or ad even with minimal computer skills. I am partial to books from <a href="http://www.agilerabbit.com/">Pepin Press</a>, specifically their Agile Rabbit Editions. They come with a CD with both a high and low-res image of everything in the book. Pictured above is <a href="http://www.pepinpress.com/catalogue/view/96">The Agile Rabbit Book of Historical and Curious Maps</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9057680165/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=9057680165&linkCode=as2&tag=thesal07-20">Graphic Ornaments</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRhcyO1epDCEk0aWAZzIGPA1UhwJ6pU1HOA9x8nCCCOdNbc_perNG0MxvXwrFT_QcIqwDv-ZkI-rtLm53AR6NJa7Yb4dfllOGUvqXtGmwdp8XRN3sisZxrkHB76iWAzeQZPtLbu5VrkI/s1600/vintage+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRhcyO1epDCEk0aWAZzIGPA1UhwJ6pU1HOA9x8nCCCOdNbc_perNG0MxvXwrFT_QcIqwDv-ZkI-rtLm53AR6NJa7Yb4dfllOGUvqXtGmwdp8XRN3sisZxrkHB76iWAzeQZPtLbu5VrkI/s640/vintage+books.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Another sourcebook is one that you can use as a reference while actually drawing, painting, or hand-creating images. For example, awhile back I noticed I was using images of birds quite a bit in my work. I stumbled across this beautiful vintage book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785818995/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0785818995&linkCode=as2&tag=thesal07-20">Birds of Town and Village</a> in a shop one day and brought it home with me. It's beautiful bird paintings by <a href="http://www.basiledeprints.com/">Basil Ede</a> have helped me time and time again as I've endeavored to draw birds and feathers. Of course with a source like this it is not suitable to copy the work as it is someone else's, and for this reason many people choose photographic sources so they may be traced and copied. Be careful never to copy another artists work, but merely to use it and others as references. I also enjoy my little pocket copy of John J. Audubon's birds for the same reasons, and picked up this large Collier's atlas at and antique shop some years ago. It's large, folio-sized pages are always helpful when I need to draw a large-scale outline of a state or country. The reference books that will work best for you will have pages filled with whatever it is that you make work about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGG22r-_Hvr0N8BYOUqJJADpwBJjUiPGnRNTRe84pycvAbAzgi2xrcHQVA1IYFiYqajkWsyGh6Wf_AZVpAYiKJUniqaacjBlv2GQvR5F717bc2j7XnLKcjqZWQV2hJ4YBkXQqeejElY/s1600/inspiration+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGG22r-_Hvr0N8BYOUqJJADpwBJjUiPGnRNTRe84pycvAbAzgi2xrcHQVA1IYFiYqajkWsyGh6Wf_AZVpAYiKJUniqaacjBlv2GQvR5F717bc2j7XnLKcjqZWQV2hJ4YBkXQqeejElY/s640/inspiration+books.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My final type of sourcebook are those that feature works of other artists that are merely inspiration. It's always a good idea to keep a few around that will help jog the inner creative. They don't necessarily have to represent exactly the type of work you hope to accomplish, just art that you respect and think is beautiful. For example I have pictured <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581808712/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581808712&linkCode=as2&tag=thesal07-20">Fingerprint: The Art of Using Hand-Made Elements in Graphic Design</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807615773/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0807615773&linkCode=as2&tag=thesal07-20">George Inness and the Visionary Landscape</a>. I am not a graphic designer nor a landscape painter, but the combination of the graphic art and handmade elements presents an aesthetic that is exciting to me, and the paintings of George Inness evoke a beauty and awe of nature that stirs something in me. For this reason they are important to have at hand.<br />
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I hope this discussion of sourcebooks for artists helps you to start your own library or to continue to build yours. What are some indispensable sources you use in your art? -hilHilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-84167689080317156842012-08-23T08:00:00.000-04:002012-08-23T18:50:15.213-04:00Now you too can make Gino's Famous Meatballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW7N-VJkYatfivCQy7hw6TZiKfFKDfiU_2E_FD81lXEBDqpyCFHGNdpfan20OFeSCbnVR3BmkG_IqnohzMDIjShOgQVCPgFX_oHom25YOhv5aXuRUzGZhuryNRr6mI_mh7L577zynLH0/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW7N-VJkYatfivCQy7hw6TZiKfFKDfiU_2E_FD81lXEBDqpyCFHGNdpfan20OFeSCbnVR3BmkG_IqnohzMDIjShOgQVCPgFX_oHom25YOhv5aXuRUzGZhuryNRr6mI_mh7L577zynLH0/s320/ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Whilst we were in New York, our host, Garin, was kind enough to pass down a recipe to me he learned once upon a time from a large Long Island Italian man named Gino. There are a few things I really like about this recipe. The first is that it isn't written down anywhere and there are no precise measurements, so you'll have to use your instincts. The second is that it's resourceful and simple and though it tastes like it's from scratch, it doesn't have to be completely, which allows you to save time. Now, if you have a tomato sauce recipe that was passed down from your great grandma and you swear by it alone even though it takes you a week to brew it up, so be it. You can use that recipe with this ignoring the sauce part.<br />
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The first order of business: make the base of all the things. For this meal you'll be making sauce, meatballs, and garlic bread. There are a few key ingredients that go in all of these, so you can blend them all together at once in the very beginning. Into a food processor, throw a lot of peeled garlic cloves (AT LEAST one whole head), a torn-up bunch of italian parsley, and parmesan cheese.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ijAIRPSUqbbHHycj5kL3l0NGctH6KavD1MX7sBnwm_yKKMvKmmlB86UuFI3LzU6OSQ2iaAFoDfiZmNS3NKbDq-XolW4RRBTbw14dC6RCsn5z__sMt0MYSLsfZhJVWULLVjVld-A99MM/s1600/making+mixture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ijAIRPSUqbbHHycj5kL3l0NGctH6KavD1MX7sBnwm_yKKMvKmmlB86UuFI3LzU6OSQ2iaAFoDfiZmNS3NKbDq-XolW4RRBTbw14dC6RCsn5z__sMt0MYSLsfZhJVWULLVjVld-A99MM/s640/making+mixture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Your mixture should look like this. Now it's time to get the sauce started. Take about a third of this mixture and throw it in the bottom of a large stockpot on medium heat with some butter, olive oil, and diced onions. Let that simmer until the onions begin to turn translucent, making sure not to let the garlic burn.<br />
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The visual how-to continues after the jump!<br />
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You can use a couple jars of a good quality marinara sauce and just spruce it up with this. Also purchase a can of whole stewed tomatoes. Right before you add your sauce, drop in a few bay leaves. One at a time, with clean hands, squeeze the stewed tomatoes into the pot until they break into large chunks to give it some texture. Pour in your jars of sauce. Add seasoning and stir. Bring sauce to a smooth simmer, never letting anything stick to the bottom while it cooks.<br />
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Now it's time to turn our attention to the meatballs. You're going to need around 2 lbs. of ground beef, at least. Put this in a bowl with some salt and pepper. Add another third of the base parsley mixture to the bowl. Also add breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and two eggs. Then, with clean hands, form the mixture into meatballs, being sure not to pack them very hard and to leave them airy. Drop these one by one into the simmering sauce, being sure not to let them touch each other while raw. Once you're done, give it all a gentle stir and let it return to it's simmer.<br />
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The meatballs will take at least a half hour to cook in the sauce, but it's best to give it as much time as you possibly can. You can walk away from this while it cooks, just make sure the heat's not up too high and try to stir it at least once every 20 minutes or so. While this is cooking, prep the garlic bread. Take a loaf of italian bread and make slices across it, but not all the way through. You basically are making incisions in the bread. Fill each of these with a slice of butter and use the rest of the base parsley mixture in the slices. Then wrap the bottom in foil. Slide it in the oven at 350° about 15 minutes before you're ready to eat.<br />
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Cook up your favorite pasta according to the directions on the package. In this case, we used bucatini. Serve yourself a healthy portion, cover it with sauce and meatballs, and garnish with parmesan and any leftover chopped parsley. Tear off a hunk of warm garlic bread and enjoy this large italian feast with family or friends. -Hil<br />
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<br />Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-75254394347282803342012-08-21T09:39:00.000-04:002012-09-22T13:37:48.523-04:00It never hurts to ask...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I don't normally do this, but (oh gosh, isn't that what all bloggers say before they hit you up with a pitch, ad, or favor?) nonetheless, it must be done. Because it's important.<br />
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Some of you might know that I work for a program called <a href="http://local.cincinnati.com/share/news/story.aspx?sid=183358">After School Art</a> at the <a href="http://www.oxarts.org/">Oxford Community Arts Center.</a> Earlier this year I applied for some funding through PNC Bank. They're running a program called Neighborhood Wishlist, which is aimed at providing communities with money to start and sustain programs in their area. It's pretty cool because it allows anyone out there to try and actually make something happen in their community. So I saw this and thought, "wow! With that money we could bring in another visiting artist for the kids! Also, we could buy special materials for them to do unique projects!" And so I sent in my proposal and (drumroll please...) it's a finalist!<br />
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So, what does that mean? Ok, here is where I do it. Here is where I ask for help. I'm just going to rip off the band-aid:<br />
<b>I need you to vote for <a href="http://www.pncneighborhoodwishlist.com/preview.aspx?projectID=58">my program</a> on Facebook.</b><br />
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Whew! There. I said it. Yes, you have to log into Facebook. Yes, you have to add the PNC app to vote. But here's the thing: for every single vote, the After School Art program receives a dollar. That's literally like you donated a dollar out of your pocket to a worthy cause, except it costs nothing. Except maybe one minute of your time. So please (don't make me get desperate) <i>please</i> vote. It's legit. It's a huge help to us running this arts program. Plus, you get three votes for the Wishlist program to use for other worthy causes. There are tons of cool projects out there just waiting to happen in neighborhoods all around us, and you can help make them happen!<br />
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So all you have to do is click <a href="http://www.pncneighborhoodwishlist.com/preview.aspx?projectID=58">this link</a> then click the "go to our Facebook app to vote" button. It will prompt you the whole way, and I'll be ever so thankful.<br />
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Seriously, how can you say no to those cute little faces? Ok, ok, I'll stop. <a href="http://www.pncneighborhoodwishlist.com/preview.aspx?projectID=58">Please vote for us</a>. The end.Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-48766050928035263932012-08-16T12:40:00.000-04:002012-08-17T09:56:37.599-04:00New York house + studio tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I want to draw the veil back just a tad on Sean and I's time in New York. If you're just joining us, my husband and I recently had the opportunity to spend six weeks in the Hudson River Valley while he apprenticed with painter <a href="http://garinbakerart.com/">Garin Baker</a> and I worked in my own studio developing products for my Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/homewardhandmade">HomewardHandmade</a>. It was a productive and exciting summer for us both, and I thought the best way to fill you in would be to give you a little tour of the property on which we were staying.<br />
Garin's home is an old revolutionary era farmhouse that has been fixed up and refurbished over the 20-odd years he's lived there. The house has an old carriage house in the back which has been renovated to become a large and beautiful studio, hence Garin has dubbed it <a href="http://carriageart.com/">Carriage House Art Studios</a>. He works solo in the back section and holds workshops and open model sessions in the front. When he hosts larger workshops spanning a few days, he rents out the bedrooms in the top floor of the farm house, one of which we stayed in for the duration of the summer.<br />
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First, let's head back to the studio. You can see the original door still in place on the front of it, and much of the old wooden beams preserved inside. In the top shot you see the front of the studio where workshops are held with both Garin and Sean working away, and in the bottom shots the back portion of the carriage house.<br />
Next, let's head inside the house. Join me <a href="http://thesaltboxblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-york-house-studio-tour.html#more">after the jump!</a><br />
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We enter the house through the kitchen, which has a phenomenal hearth with a legit stone pizza oven built into the wall next to it. To head up to the second floor where my summer studio was, we'll take the small back staircase off the kitchen...<br />
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...at the top of which we'll find my studio. I was set up in an unrenovated room of the house just down the stairs from our bedroom, which is where we'll head next.<br />
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Finally, our humble attic room where we lived for the six weeks. It's still hard to believe we were really there and actually had the opportunity to go. Thanks for tagging along on my little tour. Hope you enjoyed! -hilHilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-83165116298099721432012-08-14T11:31:00.000-04:002012-08-14T11:31:06.874-04:00Back in town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At long last, Sean and I are back in Oxford. New York flew by and now we're busying our little fingers preparing for the school year, unpacking our new home, and generally getting back into the swing of things. That, of course, includes this blog which has sat sad and neglected all summer long. Well no more, my dear friends. I have quite the slew of material saved up, including a house and studio tour of our New York adventure, thoughts and reviews on hunting down quality materials, and of course a new recipe or two.<br />
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Ah, life as I know it. It's good to back.<br />
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To get you caught up Cliffs Notes style, I'm just going to hook you up to my Instagram IV. A quick rundown: road tripping to NY, our attic room window, studio, NYC times, our live-in dog Lincoln, Sean painting (a model at the house + Grand Central at night), some new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/homewardhandmade">Homeward Handmade</a> pieces, supplies, and home again. Enjoy! -hil<br />
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<br />Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-55765144669409552432012-07-02T15:45:00.000-04:002012-07-09T14:31:15.947-04:00city paintingSo, I may not be the best at updating lately, but as we all know it's hard to keep up on things when life isn't exactly, well, normal. So here's the scoop: we live in the attic of an old 18th century farmhouse in the Hudson River town of New Windsor with Garin (the artist with whom Sean is apprenticing) and his family. This includes a 2-year-old Weimeraner named Lincoln who keeps us busy with tug-of-war, stick throwing, and generally dreaming about having a dog of our own. Garin has a huge studio in the back of the house and some days Sean paints in there and models come at night, other times they do plain air. Well last week Sean got the privilege of painting with James Gurney, whose work you might recognize from Dinotopia or National Geographic, and he posted a video on <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2012/06/plein-air-painting-in-new-york-city.html">his own blog</a>. So to catch you all up, I thought I'd share it here. Enjoy! -hil<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CaCLdbpHwag?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-56549887841026252592012-06-13T11:51:00.000-04:002012-06-13T11:51:32.073-04:00and...scene.This past month has been saturated with the practical stresses of human life: moving, tying up loose ends, and generally preparing for a new chapter. Sean and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at the beginning of this week. It was a welcomed period to the run-on sentence that was our move to a house on the other side of town, an unsavory activity that ate up our entire weekend. Sean is finishing his last bits of work today before summer vacation, and I am making sense of a house littered with cardboard boxes. The end of this week will send us on a long journey north where we will be spending 6 weeks in New York's Hudson River Valley. Basically, it's a busy/exciting/tiring time, which is good. It feels like our stage is being reset, and a whole new act is about to play out. I'm looking forward to devoting my attention to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomewardHandmade?ref=si_shop">etsy shop</a> during our time there, while Sean apprentices with a master painter. The Hudson River Valley boasts an illustrious list of artists in it's history, chief among them being Thomas Cole, and a long tradition of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/En_plein_air">plein air painting</a>. We are thrilled to have the opportunity, and excited to get the moving done so we can get to the fun part.<br />
Until then. -hil<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://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/07/25/travel/25hudson-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/07/25/travel/25hudson-600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Chris Ramirez for the New York Times. Check out the article that goes with it <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/travel/escapes/25hudson.html">here.</a></td></tr>
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<br />Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-73196369717903996252012-05-17T17:10:00.000-04:002012-05-17T17:11:49.747-04:00Confessions of a Lamp Tramp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you were to come to our house, one of the first things you might notice, besides the seemingly eternal stack of laundry that endlessly needs conquering (today it is taunting me, half folded on the couch), is that we have a lot of lamps.<br />
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But seriously, an inordinate amount.</div>
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I've been this way since I can remember, shuddering at the thought of overhead lighting. When I was in high school I purchased lamps from thrift stores to place around my room. I still have one that is so beautiful I refuse to trash it, despite the fact that it flickers every time I step on the wrong floorboard in our living room. I buy good lamps when I see them, even if it means I have to ship them home, even if it means they sit in the basement for a year before we use them. Because a good lamp is hard to find, and I am a lighting fanatic.</div>
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That's why, when I stumbled across <a href="http://www.radiancelighting.co.uk/">Radiance Lighting</a>, a little artisan lamp store in the UK, I was immediately smitten. I have never seen so many beautiful lamps and shades in one place! It's like a junkie's paradise. Especially these shades to the left. They are these old photographs of different neighborhoods superimposed with vintage floral fabrics. Gosh, I feel like they were made just for me.</div>
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On top of simply selling unique and beautiful products, I found Radiance's story inspiring to boot. Sean and I have dreamt many times of having a store with a studio or workshop in the back like the artisans of old, and that's exactly the model that founder Hannah Nunn used when opening her own lamp store. When a storefront opened up in her town, she jumped on it and transformed it into a space where she could work in the back and sell up front. Today she has enlisted other creative lighting geniuses who sell at the store and works alongside family and friends to run the operation. In 2010 Radiance moved to a larger location, and it you're into Before and Afters, you can find the entire process chronicled <a href="http://radiancelighting.blogspot.com/search/label/new%20shop">here</a>.</div>
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more on Radiance Lighting <a href="http://thesaltboxblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/confessions-of-lamp-tramp.html#more">after the jump!</a></div>
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Radiance has grown from just a lampshade hotspot. Featuring artists such as <a href="http://tordboontje.com/">Tord Boontje</a> and <a href="http://www.helenmusselwhite.com/">Helen Musselwhite</a> (gosh. love.) one can find a whole slew of uniquely crafted items sure to tickle their fancy. There are decorations, chandeliers, and these absolutely adorable tea light holders that look like a tiny city. I dream of one day owning one of their items. If you hadn't noticed, I'm a huge proponent for having beautiful things in your home that make you smile, and this store seems like it's here to help. -hil</div>
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<br /></div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-8681168405159686022012-05-10T08:51:00.001-04:002012-08-13T20:35:25.058-04:00Husband of mine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This may be a bit non traditional for this blog, but my sweet husband did an <a href="http://talawandatribune.org/2012/05/09/fourteen-and-a-half-questions-with-sean-oswald/">interview</a> for the high school newspaper where he works. Aside from making me smile, he also has some good insights about art and creativity, so I though I'd share with you today. Enjoy!-hilHilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-84118218843188324282012-04-25T08:50:00.000-04:002012-04-25T08:51:37.651-04:00Crispy Fish Tacos: impress all your friends.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuCPT8me7cwKnir9R2BUaLbrahKg9gF5rfi5-blA3rSXCca6k0PRuPwP_sGig5hHT8ywPbJz74AH-bsRO49cD7Rqhqpg-8Y1OC3KxK2atO9Hz2ORHzBgTE3BcUaC6YdQ1pCGZxdgd-C8/s1600/IMG_6052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuCPT8me7cwKnir9R2BUaLbrahKg9gF5rfi5-blA3rSXCca6k0PRuPwP_sGig5hHT8ywPbJz74AH-bsRO49cD7Rqhqpg-8Y1OC3KxK2atO9Hz2ORHzBgTE3BcUaC6YdQ1pCGZxdgd-C8/s400/IMG_6052.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
When I go to the grocery store for the week, I like to plan meals around what's on sale, namely what sort of meat is on sale as that can be the priciest piece of the puzzle. Lo and behold, Tilapia, which is maybe my favorite fish, was on a pretty fantastic deal last Monday. In the cart it went and out came the old smartphone.<br />
I know. I'm becoming one of those people who stands in the middle of the produce section squinting at her iPhone oblivious to the milling patrons trying to squeeze past her parked cart. But let me tell you this: the epicurious app is phenomenal and totally worth it.<br />
No, I'm not being paid to tout this app, I just love it. Let me gush for a moment: it lets you search for recipes on-the-go in a myriad of different ways. One can search by main ingredient, meal/course, dietary consideration, dish type, and season or occasion. For example, when I found the Tilapia, I pulled up the app to search for a meal.I searched by main ingredient (seafood) and cuisine (mexican) and it lead me to this <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fish-Taco-Platter-233703">sure-to-please recipe for fish tacos</a>. Plus, once you find your recipes, it will make a shopping list for you to check off as you go through the store and it organizes it all according to produce, dairy, meat, and on and on so you can make one quick pass. AND if you have multiple recipes that call for the same ingredient, it adds up the total for you. Oh my. Pure bliss.<br />
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So, back to the fish taco platter.<br />
There were a lot of firsts for me: I had never marinated fish (or really anything) in buttermilk, I had never pickled anything, and had no clue how to make salsa verde. Thankfully those days are behind me now. This fish is pretty straightforward, it's really making all the little accouterments that can be time consuming. The recipe calls for Halibut or Bass, but I think you could use any of the flaky white fishes and this would work. Here's the scoop from the recipe:<br />
Read on for the recipe <a href="http://thesaltboxblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/crispy-fish-tacos-impress-all-your.html#more">after the jump!</a><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Fish</b></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2 cups buttermilk</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">3 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, divided</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">1 tablespoon fresh lime juice</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">2 pounds skinless halibut, sea bass, or striped bass fillets, cut into 1/2x1/2-inch strips</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Mix buttermilk, cilantro, pepper sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and lime juice in large bowl. Add fish; toss. Cover; chill at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Preheat oven to 300°F. Wrap tortillas in foil; place in oven to warm. Whisk flour and remaining 2 teaspoons salt in medium bowl. Add enough oil to large skillet to reach depth of 1 inch. Heat oil until thermometer registers 350°F. Working in batches, remove fish from marinade and dredge in flour. Carefully add fish to skillet, cover partially, and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain, then transfer to oven to keep warm.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(from epicurious.com)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMG9fnJSmz9U0FQWmzwbqdjX0eAQpIxNg8lMgRON5ibOWkMgzpRZjMlXlFu03W2hs-r0YMm6k3mcsXFyowhDc-T0W9Y5dxxkT63LeULEn_oJmvw316OrRZHSToUFtaSUiz63KerH7tjw/s1600/IMG_6041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMG9fnJSmz9U0FQWmzwbqdjX0eAQpIxNg8lMgRON5ibOWkMgzpRZjMlXlFu03W2hs-r0YMm6k3mcsXFyowhDc-T0W9Y5dxxkT63LeULEn_oJmvw316OrRZHSToUFtaSUiz63KerH7tjw/s320/IMG_6041.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fish in the marinade</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Marinade is genius. Keep it in there as long as you can. I marinated mine for about an hour and a half and it was tasty. We used Frank's Red Hot for the pepper sauce since it was all we had, and it worked out great. Also, I tossed it in all purpose flour rather than self rising and it came out crispy and delicious. Just be careful when flipping and removing the fish from the pan not to hurt that delicious crispy shell or break the fish apart. Also, don't worry about the oil temp. We used olive oil and I waited until a crumb fried when I threw it in. Just be careful not to scorch the oil because that tastes bad. If it starts smoking that should be a red flag. Here's a tip: while the fish is marinating, you can get all the condiments made. Start with the pickled red onions.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><strong>Pickled Red Onion and Jalapeños</strong></span></span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 red onion (about 12 ounces), halved lengthwise, cut thinly crosswise</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5 whole small jalapeños</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups seasoned rice vinegar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 tablespoons fresh lime juice</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">Place onion and jalapeños in heatproof medium bowl. Mix vinegar, lime juice, and salt in small saucepan. Bring just to boil, stirring until salt dissolves. Pour over onion and jalapeños. Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)</span></div>
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(From epicurious.com)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I don't think the proportions here for the pickling liquid need to be extremely precise, just make sure you have enough liquid to cover your onions and jalapeños. This was probably the best part of the dish for me. It adds great acidity and a nice freshness. Let me warn you that when you warm up vinegar, it does smell and made me cough a bit. Don't worry, this too shall pass, and it's worth the end result.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><b>Tomatillo Salsa Verde</b></span></span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4 green onions, white and green parts separated</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 jalapeño chile</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 garlic cloves, unpeeled</span></li>
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil roasting pan. Char half of tomatillos, white parts of green onions, and jalapeño directly over gas flame or in broiler. Transfer charred vegetables to prepared roasting pan. Add remaining tomatillos and garlic cloves to pan. Roast until all vegetables are soft, about 12 minutes. Cool.</div>
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Stem and seed jalapeño. Place all roasted vegetables, green onion tops, cilantro, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in blender. Puree until smooth, stopping to push vegetables down into blades several times. Transfer to medium bowl. Season with salt and more lime juice, if desired.</div>
(From epicurious.com)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This was the most challenging. I didn't char the tomatillos because I wasn't equipped to do so, but it would had added a nice flavor. Roasting everything is very important. The Tomatillos are not a very strong flavor, so the Cilantro ends up taking a lead role in this sauce. I found it needed more lime juice plus some salt and pepper when I was done. It's also a great fresh taste.</span></div>
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Finally, there's the Baja Cream. I'm not going to copy and paste the directions because it's easy: 1/2 sour cream, 1/2 mayo, stir together with lime juice. I know it may sound weird but it's delicious! Gives a little more richness than just sour cream. </div>
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Sean and I tore through these tacos. We made a much smaller amount, but I wish we'd invited folks over for a taco night. These are fun, filling, and impressive, so very perfect for company. I hope you enjoy experimenting with your own! -hil</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><br /></span></span></div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-39616136433841301772012-04-24T08:47:00.000-04:002012-04-24T08:47:23.019-04:00Whimsical Wedding in Oxford, Ohio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxK-8BTD0kLTMEJaDof8xkg_2Nx0CRUYS2sy4mzgHgZCXh0njeH8Q0d0uXUxvJfZz2ICmQZ-cj3lhttVrbrSv92o7mwbrG79CgTCcWBeQDPx5gPzheWPdywxXGU0iWosGcHivxurg_f4/s1600/318175_676939940433_66201093_33435236_2146378410_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxK-8BTD0kLTMEJaDof8xkg_2Nx0CRUYS2sy4mzgHgZCXh0njeH8Q0d0uXUxvJfZz2ICmQZ-cj3lhttVrbrSv92o7mwbrG79CgTCcWBeQDPx5gPzheWPdywxXGU0iWosGcHivxurg_f4/s640/318175_676939940433_66201093_33435236_2146378410_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I have the immense pleasure today of sharing with you a truly beautiful wedding. Two of our dear friends, Ellen and Luke, got hitched right here in our little town of Oxford. And while Oxford can sometimes seem small, full of jaywalkers, and home to inexplicably loud frat parties, for a wedding it is only perfect and quaint. Ellen and Luke tied the knot at the <a href="http://www.oxarts.org/">Oxford Community Arts Center</a>, a beautiful historic building that used to be the Oxford College for Women. In addition to their lovely venue, Ellen added creative and unique DIY touches to the entire event. She crafted handmade fabric flowers for the groomsmen and centerpieces and even an adorable banner as a wedding cake topper using the fabric swatches from the custom <a href="http://sohomode.myshopify.com/">Louise Hedley</a> bridesmaid dresses, which were each sewn with a different patterned vintage fabric. I was honored to get to craft a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomewardHandmade?ref=si_shop">bridal headpiece</a> for Ellen, as well as a little something for each of the bridesmaids to wear in their hair. They even had a photo booth that doubled as a guest book. It was a lovely day and a gorgeous wedding, which is so fitting for this couple whose love for one another is so beautiful. Enjoy! -hil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V4HwdhSux9dGfgkbUkE6J2uqlkRkuVJVUJYuSPL4yZA0101EjqrBTARF6Cbn7aq7qCdhhtDCq2BYk9fzsp-rCymLSdYw-P6HJf8QRrsewE8AmcoqLmEn8NYAMQqxMEoexoVmpwt1C_E/s1600/DSC_0438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V4HwdhSux9dGfgkbUkE6J2uqlkRkuVJVUJYuSPL4yZA0101EjqrBTARF6Cbn7aq7qCdhhtDCq2BYk9fzsp-rCymLSdYw-P6HJf8QRrsewE8AmcoqLmEn8NYAMQqxMEoexoVmpwt1C_E/s640/DSC_0438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUksHkvrnC_-yNUBtwSoji9NuDVLwkKEL0kIqtfI7-04xDtW-k_FpMkaCz42qcacDm88GruxXA2cMuT68xZ969m2FS0wdI5Fzgky3Qtbc7Qdxa5cT83-QoOHZwmRMwRNrtiy_NVTQOPk/s1600/DSC_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUksHkvrnC_-yNUBtwSoji9NuDVLwkKEL0kIqtfI7-04xDtW-k_FpMkaCz42qcacDm88GruxXA2cMuT68xZ969m2FS0wdI5Fzgky3Qtbc7Qdxa5cT83-QoOHZwmRMwRNrtiy_NVTQOPk/s640/DSC_0439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4ZAHD7BZxPrcezq4jz72Rg1D5DICs5n6P33w2KjasSH6Pm9wz9jW6nmjpVfU1DIP6HaMfv4k0PKMFzxIuyVFEwmKL6rhre_0mYKOu_LvA0HT_ixrxAbA6mT8RQZlY0pjyp_lMQ8tqE8/s1600/523761_597847946920_115900211_31552539_1170131269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4ZAHD7BZxPrcezq4jz72Rg1D5DICs5n6P33w2KjasSH6Pm9wz9jW6nmjpVfU1DIP6HaMfv4k0PKMFzxIuyVFEwmKL6rhre_0mYKOu_LvA0HT_ixrxAbA6mT8RQZlY0pjyp_lMQ8tqE8/s640/523761_597847946920_115900211_31552539_1170131269_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> more from Ellen and Luke's wedding after the jump!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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</div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-12971610481056458422012-04-18T08:42:00.002-04:002012-04-18T08:43:48.003-04:00Stick Forts as Art Forms: a project inspired by the work of Patrick Dougherty<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://www.wegerzyngardensfoundation.org/images/stories/content_images/franz_foto_lo_res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://www.wegerzyngardensfoundation.org/images/stories/content_images/franz_foto_lo_res.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo by Bill Franz</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You may recall me going on an on last summer about an artist by the name of <a href="http://www.thesaltboxblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/patrick-dougherty-will-make-you-rethink.html">Patrick Dougherty</a>. Well, I'm about to go on a little bit more. This week in After School Art we hosted another visiting artist, Dan Croswell, who assisted Dougherty in his installation at Wegerzyn MetroPark last year. The piece, entitled "A Wiggle In It's Walk" is pictured above. Dan is a sculptor himself, and after giving students a brief presentation on the work of Patrick Dougherty and other sculptors of a similar nature, like Deborah Butterfield, we went outside to try making our own large scale stick sculpture. Read on to see how our project turned out <a href="http://thesaltboxblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/stick-forts-as-art-forms-project.html#more">after the jump!</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp0UDx1JOIVS_rIITd7K4BDOshZfd-ELIwjc5yFKFwG_0ddga97l5hOl4_tp3IwHtkqz2d-5k4yPvMEnjMDErV7ijwNeNb6fYE2IBFHAkm_oMllkZu7E9JETVybzKvbYlXkPryA03X5w/s1600/IMG_1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp0UDx1JOIVS_rIITd7K4BDOshZfd-ELIwjc5yFKFwG_0ddga97l5hOl4_tp3IwHtkqz2d-5k4yPvMEnjMDErV7ijwNeNb6fYE2IBFHAkm_oMllkZu7E9JETVybzKvbYlXkPryA03X5w/s400/IMG_1014.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> First Dan gave the kids a general idea of how structure works with these sculptures. We had decided beforehand to make a four-sided teepee like structure, and he showed the students how to set up the four main structural points with some large sticks he had brought. He then wired these together at the top to hold them in place. Next, he outlined the perimeter of the structure on the ground using four more sizable sticks, this time ones that had forks in them. The forks he used to hook around the base of the structural branches and then laid them on the grounding a straight line connecting them to the next post. After this was done, he wired together all the bottom corners and used metal stakes to secure the whole thing to the ground. Once this was done, it was the students turn to step in. They learned to wedge and weave in large branches vertically to give more structural support to the piece. Once that was done, they wove in fresh willow which Sean and I harvested from a nearby willow stand the night before.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9Gtx8adhRFVgd3IWf8UmW8JlX227NBt7iWu2eQzFH8Re6oU98O4BAN1teSETkQLJTMjrDD5sxU0ktSymDz4D8A2XizjqMkk-QimE_GYvQgOnLMI7-ORzsNDyt_zuA_V44RzNYsF7hak/s1600/IMG_1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9Gtx8adhRFVgd3IWf8UmW8JlX227NBt7iWu2eQzFH8Re6oU98O4BAN1teSETkQLJTMjrDD5sxU0ktSymDz4D8A2XizjqMkk-QimE_GYvQgOnLMI7-ORzsNDyt_zuA_V44RzNYsF7hak/s320/IMG_1019.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
The students were allowed total creative freedom once the general structure was up, and they decided they wanted to be able to go inside their creation, so they made a small doorway in front, with just enough room for one to sit inside at a time. They also came up with some cool ways to decorate it. One student pulled bark off a young stick and wove it in like a ribbon. Other students collected flower branches from a nearby bush and wove them in as a mantel on the door.The students accomplished all of this in an hour and a half and I could tell were really impressed by what they had made. We were so glad to have Dan come and help us and to get outside and learn to use new materials. Building forts and things like this is pretty safe and easy as long as you have adult supervision, so if you're looking for a new sort of project to do with your kids, find some willow, gather some sticks, and go for it! It was definitely one of our favorite projects of the year. -hilHilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-92013215265581763722012-04-17T08:41:00.000-04:002012-04-17T08:41:07.638-04:00definitely flattered<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/zcuTR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.imgur.com/zcuTR.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flattery.ca/2012/03/floral-hairpieces.html">flattery blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>First off, sorry all for my long and spontaneous vacation from blogging. I threw out my back at the end of March which landed me on the rug in our living room with an ice pack and a bottle of ibuprofen for about a week. Yes, my extremities were fully functional, so I had no excuse not to get my little fingers typing, but when your back doesn't work, I find it's difficult to put the rest of yourself to work. After I was finally able to hoist myself off the floor, Spring Break rolled around for Sean and I, and we promptly rolled out of town. But now it's back to business as usual, and I've accumulated quite the list to share with you, including an outdoor art project, a gorgeous wedding, and maybe even a recipe or two.<br />
But before all that I wanted to share a couple exciting somethings: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomewardHandmade">HomewardHandmade</a> has been getting some press! I felt so honored to find one of my pieces featured on <a href="http://www.flattery.ca/2012/03/floral-hairpieces.html">flattery</a>, an adorable fashion blog. Seriously, I can't look through her posts without turning green with envy. Lucky for me (and you!) you can <a href="http://www.shopflattery.blogspot.com/">peruse and purchase her closet</a>. I blushed when I found my little flower crown pictured along with some other creative Etsy women I so admire, like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gardensofwhimsy?ref=seller_info">Garden of Whimsy</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kisforkani?ref=seller_info">K is for Kani</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehoneycomb?ref=seller_info">The Honey Comb</a>.<br />
On top of that, the lovely Sam at <a href="http://thefrostedpetticoat.blogspot.com/2012/04/backyard-love.html">The Frosted Petticoat</a> featured the same piece in one of her beautiful inspiration boards. If you're looking for some wedding ideas, this blog should be a stop on your list. You can view real weddings, inspiration collections, and even the bloggers take on what a wedding would look like for an unlikely pair (one of her featured ideas is for the hypothetical wedding of Angelina Jolie and Mr. Darcy). Stop by and give her a look, and thank you for the love! -hil<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWnuABSUKAKG_uPl333phlGALMTxTDJlHwPz_AsV2N9kawGsQqGOQ30zx10RiLH-zPnIRlCkAB7yscSMi-rDEsRr4bHklLSnU1DAKuDlkpGhm_PkahlkThoxuaBvobJql8g_PptJeKS2w/s640/Backyard+yard+garden+wedding+lace+bride+groom+pie+reception+decoration+flower+girl+favors+centerpiece+table+invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWnuABSUKAKG_uPl333phlGALMTxTDJlHwPz_AsV2N9kawGsQqGOQ30zx10RiLH-zPnIRlCkAB7yscSMi-rDEsRr4bHklLSnU1DAKuDlkpGhm_PkahlkThoxuaBvobJql8g_PptJeKS2w/s640/Backyard+yard+garden+wedding+lace+bride+groom+pie+reception+decoration+flower+girl+favors+centerpiece+table+invitation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thefrostedpetticoat.blogspot.com/2012/04/backyard-love.html">the frosted petticoat blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1888567779"></span><span id="goog_1888567780"></span>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-81574033731579854492012-03-27T08:49:00.000-04:002012-03-27T08:49:12.973-04:00Put a bird on it? Don't mind if I do...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.263110995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.263110995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Lately I've been obsessed with the work of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/katebroughton?ref=pr_shop_more">Kate Broughton</a>. I find myself stopping by her Etsy shop almost everyday, just wondering what new treasure awaits me. To be fair, I didn't discover her on my own. You might remember my friend <a href="http://lauraelise.tumblr.com/">Laura</a> who did all the great photography for the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomewardHandmade?ref=si_shop"> HomewardHandmade shop.</a> One day I saw that she had favorited these awesome nail decals...they had birds on them! I was immediately smitten, and became even more so in the minutes that followed. What did I find in Kate's shop but temporary tattoos featuring scissors and balls of yarn, a beautifully illustrated chart of British Birds, and other printed odds and ends sporting her lovely natural designs. Stop by and take a look. I'm sure it will brighten your day. -hil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.276540798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.276540798.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">more of Kate's products after the jump!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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</div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-8705711078117623422012-03-21T08:40:00.000-04:002012-03-21T08:40:49.287-04:00Why I love Ginestra (and so should you)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnL6OQoK1Wnb2sgEiHJmwJaqkidVkdnXt5g4skohadR-80k7HbiQQh4uJOnfWyRC0X5DTyFyJiTUWhWkWoGPee6kZJZD8JZNp0K95fU2j4q84dDbJ5q1qwNvrhgIqf2PAiYvZ9ILJ_tw/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnL6OQoK1Wnb2sgEiHJmwJaqkidVkdnXt5g4skohadR-80k7HbiQQh4uJOnfWyRC0X5DTyFyJiTUWhWkWoGPee6kZJZD8JZNp0K95fU2j4q84dDbJ5q1qwNvrhgIqf2PAiYvZ9ILJ_tw/s400/IMG_0889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday at the flower shop I was processing a new shipment and in it I found (oh joy!) Ginestra! Ginestra is what we call a filler flower; it's never the star of the show but it does a great job next to big poms or roses in helping to make a bouquet look full. The flowers come in many different colors: yellow, pink, white, lavender, and even orange. They are arranged as many tiny buds on green wispy stalks and have a fresh, weedy elegance to them. But by far the best thing about this flower is its scent. Whereas many flowers you buy in a shop today don't have any scent to speak of anymore, Ginestra smells like a million miles of honeysuckle on your favorite summer day. It's perfume is so strong and rich and pretty...just put a bouquet of it in your home and you'll find yourself catching a wonderful wiff every time you walk by.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mywedding.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/march-7/wild-flower-bouquet-ribbon-vintage-outdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.mywedding.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/march-7/wild-flower-bouquet-ribbon-vintage-outdoor.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mywedding.com/blog/other-inspirations/guest-bloggers/modern-wildflower-bouquet-from-chelsea-at-frolic/">delightfully engaged</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You may be wondering about now why, with all this talk of it's wonder, Ginestra isn't the filler of choice for most florists. I will tell you: it's expensive. Ginestra is imported from the hills of Italy, which accounts for most of the price-hike. Also, babies breath is dirt cheap and the most well-known filler flower, though I have yet to find a florist who thinks very highly of it. (note: if you're looking for a nice filler that's not as expensive, go with wax flower. It doesn't smell, but it's beautiful and comes in a small variety of colors).<br />
I did find a great blog on a gorgeous bouquet you can make yourself using Ginestra. You can find all the details for this lovely arrangement at <a href="http://www.mywedding.com/blog/other-inspirations/guest-bloggers/modern-wildflower-bouquet-from-chelsea-at-frolic/">Delightfully Engaged</a>. They formulated this particular bunch with Sweet Peas (so pretty!), Ranunculus, Dusty Miller, and Rice Flower. It is absolutely to die for, and the how-to is straight forward and easy to follow. I hope you enjoy making it, or at least using the great tips it shares, and if you're ever in a flower shop (or the italian countryside) keep an eye out for Ginestra. You may grow to love it just as much as me. -HilHilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-50215844580317557442012-03-20T08:37:00.001-04:002012-03-20T08:52:06.373-04:00Bridal Shower Decoration DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAKH8s8Wwgf5rFF_lSb40kME86QHb_jpPEXyXlvgpXUP4XpyLwb7C3KdPhhR1ATdD2RpSbUB6go0RQvi-YtrB_qmLw6IAQmRsFANDt2OrdsugGjBGyZ3Hdj2oyXHonemNglDblAGkJbA/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAKH8s8Wwgf5rFF_lSb40kME86QHb_jpPEXyXlvgpXUP4XpyLwb7C3KdPhhR1ATdD2RpSbUB6go0RQvi-YtrB_qmLw6IAQmRsFANDt2OrdsugGjBGyZ3Hdj2oyXHonemNglDblAGkJbA/s640/IMG_0988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This weekend <a href="http://haveanicequay.blogspot.com/">Shannon</a> came into town and we had a bridal shower for our lovely friend Ellen who is getting married in just three short weeks! You may recall me posting a little about Ellen's wedding, in particular her vintage floral bridesmaid dresses from <a href="http://louisehedley.com/index/">Louise Hedley</a>. The nuptials are going to have a blue/green theme along with that lovely dash of bright florals. Our challenge? How to create a beautiful shower to honor our friend on a budget. Get the scoop after the jump!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL76empJcO7K1kPWKHid2GFmmuDyXmj5-aZolrcUb4oirii6cpuyVfR_1umCj79wUOrqTqMN85ZL8HvTPa7iZtTNpqKCYgywcq3d3SGgRggo7nrMG9F2q425Wg5M-e1VjOCzQBctlT7A/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL76empJcO7K1kPWKHid2GFmmuDyXmj5-aZolrcUb4oirii6cpuyVfR_1umCj79wUOrqTqMN85ZL8HvTPa7iZtTNpqKCYgywcq3d3SGgRggo7nrMG9F2q425Wg5M-e1VjOCzQBctlT7A/s320/IMG_0989.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, I found a wonderful tutorial on <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/02/diy-project-giant-paper-flowers-from-ruche.html">Design*Sponge for tissue paper flowers</a> and made a bunch of them earlier in the week. They really are simple! The only materials you will need are tissue paper in the colors you prefer, scotch tape (really whatever tape), glue, and some sort of moss for the center, like spanish or reindeer. You can get a fuller how-to if you follow the link to Design*Sponge, and also tips on how to male stems and leaves (which I didn't do). However, if you want an abbreviated tutorial for just how to make the heads of the flowers, you can read on below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWEpPWioL_ZrwDCgrIcJObE2Dek9t4qpZX8wC7PsVz7jPdKxMhAxHSadFJ5Tv21LLtEWmbtEhLJRyF7pPXs0_Wf5DR_VLVnuAIodP22NOB1r0CCYkQGi4FMqj2YoYhOMLdMdBIytQwPk/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWEpPWioL_ZrwDCgrIcJObE2Dek9t4qpZX8wC7PsVz7jPdKxMhAxHSadFJ5Tv21LLtEWmbtEhLJRyF7pPXs0_Wf5DR_VLVnuAIodP22NOB1r0CCYkQGi4FMqj2YoYhOMLdMdBIytQwPk/s400/IMG_5949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut tissue paper into 3 different petal sizes. Fold your paper over to easily cut multiples. I found I needed at least 5 petals per row.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIzJeS4A0_KHiuz29vgyJzm0liX2gey5MWn6Vt1Fbl5sk4N6CJPUi1SM3Cd5EW9o8mkmiVGP29gjXNlPdxMpGwDSc8LGZI-CJTjRtkNwydhAv_fzxKYIN1UOaxF7eyC7MB6E_PO4-2-o/s1600/IMG_5953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIzJeS4A0_KHiuz29vgyJzm0liX2gey5MWn6Vt1Fbl5sk4N6CJPUi1SM3Cd5EW9o8mkmiVGP29gjXNlPdxMpGwDSc8LGZI-CJTjRtkNwydhAv_fzxKYIN1UOaxF7eyC7MB6E_PO4-2-o/s400/IMG_5953.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arrange petals in circles by bunching them at the bottom and starting with the smallest ones. I taped each group into place before starting the next size.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmYaEwvAdRTCnvAybNS_vCksidG7u9TXhUL58vBBchdv4kg0bPx1wgKnRZzY0NhwZb4oK22jyAaaPhO1cDDxR5zH0k7i6VXaG_bD6azbrqCOkNi6j_K_fasuVh-ZRNuJrRkmsyDfGuow/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmYaEwvAdRTCnvAybNS_vCksidG7u9TXhUL58vBBchdv4kg0bPx1wgKnRZzY0NhwZb4oK22jyAaaPhO1cDDxR5zH0k7i6VXaG_bD6azbrqCOkNi6j_K_fasuVh-ZRNuJrRkmsyDfGuow/s320/IMG_5955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut two circles of different colored tissue paper. Scrunch up the edges of both circles.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvoS0Qg1MoYGXNl4WuSFi2U2IxUOyv254e4A69uvAA4LW5A-F0fprCUMY7FkygYGfzFAS-a7U8qY0VwLPV9iP2AAeJT63rOhuIBCdaYV2ro-EWY0IKflirH1mIp-gPiJ-X-ynChnZb3s/s1600/IMG_5956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvoS0Qg1MoYGXNl4WuSFi2U2IxUOyv254e4A69uvAA4LW5A-F0fprCUMY7FkygYGfzFAS-a7U8qY0VwLPV9iP2AAeJT63rOhuIBCdaYV2ro-EWY0IKflirH1mIp-gPiJ-X-ynChnZb3s/s320/IMG_5956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Layer them on top of each other by adding just a dot of glue to the center of the bottom one. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAItGf6AWOdt_FruNUzams-SKmo9ilftE-wILtwTRLl8aQV4vEo3hAvFMmqCUhCu-9ywByEyd5XUqTmivWte7vmDvcoPuI7gwar-0pBTxkSsMC7L5gELRSYJx464ausdFORvpUEsHAu80/s1600/IMG_5957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAItGf6AWOdt_FruNUzams-SKmo9ilftE-wILtwTRLl8aQV4vEo3hAvFMmqCUhCu-9ywByEyd5XUqTmivWte7vmDvcoPuI7gwar-0pBTxkSsMC7L5gELRSYJx464ausdFORvpUEsHAu80/s320/IMG_5957.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The original DIY used spanish moss for the centers, but I liked the look of this dyed reindeer moss for the centers, especially since it reenforced the blue/green theme.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv9XG2Vl8Jwnqtf1lG0J6Y4Ti7XeUOjibl00dTx4ufFcerHOlfdd5t1LsONeql-O8LsTa-QutUCRmD_vI70Mf6AXLNePxDNVyO-KkY3zN95OahZMiehuIMdCpmVgD1AgFwBER49hT850/s1600/IMG_5961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv9XG2Vl8Jwnqtf1lG0J6Y4Ti7XeUOjibl00dTx4ufFcerHOlfdd5t1LsONeql-O8LsTa-QutUCRmD_vI70Mf6AXLNePxDNVyO-KkY3zN95OahZMiehuIMdCpmVgD1AgFwBER49hT850/s320/IMG_5961.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I taped these up in clusters around the tops of bookcases instead of using stems since our house is so small. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second, we gathered some vintage sheets and ripped them into strips to use as streamers. These went out on the front porch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kj2jv4HwN3rPnoDGvzk3egciIMNHtKjlcndmpuRIahwL_Kk_BNmhWU5O1EaIRiuNUxV_c2A_NDPcgdzMkHI9DSi9y3pqi7YRmBVptI_Ux9pPgwShHTyTq4C-aQY8F8nGkxrpBks-SeU/s1600/IMG_5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kj2jv4HwN3rPnoDGvzk3egciIMNHtKjlcndmpuRIahwL_Kk_BNmhWU5O1EaIRiuNUxV_c2A_NDPcgdzMkHI9DSi9y3pqi7YRmBVptI_Ux9pPgwShHTyTq4C-aQY8F8nGkxrpBks-SeU/s400/IMG_5992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the help of some blue tissue paper puffs Shannon brought and a couple silk flowers, we transformed the porch into a whimsical entryway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VIH4Dw0x6iCnGfX0tYMaXLxYFf8lAVFH-BoUcUiwb-pplgW4ugyfekglsmSJXvkghAP5oecp6jQIpalciLMnFIpzgYTl2XhMy6ZrmVXr3HBckQEbT9lseYVuBb-X5y-ENwpDBjj2D6U/s1600/IMG_5989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VIH4Dw0x6iCnGfX0tYMaXLxYFf8lAVFH-BoUcUiwb-pplgW4ugyfekglsmSJXvkghAP5oecp6jQIpalciLMnFIpzgYTl2XhMy6ZrmVXr3HBckQEbT9lseYVuBb-X5y-ENwpDBjj2D6U/s320/IMG_5989.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lovely bride-to-be enjoying those floral prints all around. Isn't she a beaut? -hil</div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-24119724049562593712012-03-15T08:46:00.002-04:002012-03-15T14:24:51.278-04:00How To: plant a terrarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2scsYxjJ64NNxKwfTbpxkTT4qBCOeXz7LS3FpJg3HN_coRbGJutCV6zGj4AQK81sqhym77MInc8s0pZ0mTppxilxjA-U5FAwiLjwnIcPZHEsfaMgLcCtPSTgFqmxLUj03jwKIagnMRCY/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2scsYxjJ64NNxKwfTbpxkTT4qBCOeXz7LS3FpJg3HN_coRbGJutCV6zGj4AQK81sqhym77MInc8s0pZ0mTppxilxjA-U5FAwiLjwnIcPZHEsfaMgLcCtPSTgFqmxLUj03jwKIagnMRCY/s640/IMG_0969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For years I've been steadily accumulating glass containers with the intention of planting terrariums in them and yesterday, with the wonderful weather and just a little extra time between jobs, I finally did. I've been reading up on them and gathering plants, moss, and soil for about a week now. A couple of years ago my mom gave me the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307407314/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thesal07-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307407314">The New Terrarium</a> by Tovah Martin and Kindra Clineff. I thought it was cool but never took the time to read it...until last week. The book gives a very thorough explanation of terrariums: the first one accidentally created by a fern in a bottle, Wardian cases, open containers, etc. The best part is the great resource of case studies in the back, though. It tells you how to plant your own terrarium and beyond that gives a break down of the different environments and types of plants acceptable for use in them. It also lets you know the preferable supplies you'll need to plant each one. On top of that they list many greenhouses and nursuries from which to obtain supplies. With all this under my belt, I set off to plant my first terrarium. Read on for the visual how-to after the jump!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY8mFrIPABP45uyAUsRPQZP4BJz8knmEyEkRoBrsGZu_UzpwZO_0mD71nmDO4B5-LBzo9gcLSs2-oUfMzRtIV26xB2RpAN70-MkNU6omIfM9BUBCsKbnFhLiR802B_LerzHKo_mIaNiI/s1600/IMG_5963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY8mFrIPABP45uyAUsRPQZP4BJz8knmEyEkRoBrsGZu_UzpwZO_0mD71nmDO4B5-LBzo9gcLSs2-oUfMzRtIV26xB2RpAN70-MkNU6omIfM9BUBCsKbnFhLiR802B_LerzHKo_mIaNiI/s640/IMG_5963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXWR13g6EH74tcwDesbRQdFZgFfy6hW1VWTzYg4Ol_S4yja9KoEi4NyXE8bnx86pMXbzo27_eehmUVJwshjW2NdCnhXvLPq0rxQL5Z8G9VwvSWNScm-2s5d0zedDHX0pxbNa10F6KDFU/s1600/IMG_5964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXWR13g6EH74tcwDesbRQdFZgFfy6hW1VWTzYg4Ol_S4yja9KoEi4NyXE8bnx86pMXbzo27_eehmUVJwshjW2NdCnhXvLPq0rxQL5Z8G9VwvSWNScm-2s5d0zedDHX0pxbNa10F6KDFU/s640/IMG_5964.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> The first step? Gather your materials. You'll need soil (I mixed mine with a little peat moss), pebbles, activated charcoal, sheet moss, a container, your plants, gloves, and a trowel. The gloves are a must, especially for dealing with moss (for fungal reasons) and the charcoal (which is also called activated carbon. You can find it in the aquarium section of a pet store). First, flip your sheet moss over and line the bottom of your container with it. This will both make it prettier and act as a sponge for water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyCFmNsM03tzIF1J_xQI3G20kKrgV4dGRWnmahngfLPqc55AEx_TYMCeDe0t7BQxKGpTLkGZTiytG_xQXaXDsjRTPl7CODV0LBZyy7FspmJfjxrKir4bb9XV8FvykUWlyLvMfp40I1zs/s1600/IMG_5965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyCFmNsM03tzIF1J_xQI3G20kKrgV4dGRWnmahngfLPqc55AEx_TYMCeDe0t7BQxKGpTLkGZTiytG_xQXaXDsjRTPl7CODV0LBZyy7FspmJfjxrKir4bb9XV8FvykUWlyLvMfp40I1zs/s640/IMG_5965.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> Next, mix your pebbles with a handful of charcoal. This helps to filter the water. Add about and inch of that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG6pp6JznpmRGqtqek7pYWh9Tmlm-o1Z6RvXm08SJo-FE-7eMT9WHqqFqgDbT4GLkj7o0j2soh9e7xTZQpUd1auYMwN9z_1ekhqowcX-h3llajAncogGFi29gwO269fwqBq7zquTQoe0/s1600/IMG_5968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG6pp6JznpmRGqtqek7pYWh9Tmlm-o1Z6RvXm08SJo-FE-7eMT9WHqqFqgDbT4GLkj7o0j2soh9e7xTZQpUd1auYMwN9z_1ekhqowcX-h3llajAncogGFi29gwO269fwqBq7zquTQoe0/s640/IMG_5968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Next it's time to add your soil and plant. I learned that I needed to add a thin layer of soil and then fill in around my plants for this one. It takes time because of the tall container, but eventually you'll get it. For this terrarium I used a Fittonia (thanks for the tip!) and some clubmoss.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBMAqnHirDs3ogScMza_4RgAIEQe4JYVL01mfa9PNoWaLRgVIvUCikFENiRvYHHQpzX9UpnZ32O8OvhoaUGxIY_mosd5fnPyhFGl_6oujOENsRqvACUbeC23aKVbGMn1_uVGLykCd-38/s1600/IMG_5973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBMAqnHirDs3ogScMza_4RgAIEQe4JYVL01mfa9PNoWaLRgVIvUCikFENiRvYHHQpzX9UpnZ32O8OvhoaUGxIY_mosd5fnPyhFGl_6oujOENsRqvACUbeC23aKVbGMn1_uVGLykCd-38/s640/IMG_5973.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end I added a tuft of reindeer moss and some pebbles and stones. Be sure to keep your terrarium out of direct sunlight and enjoy! Wasn't that easy? -hil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWdiUoqvmEyPKkQqSoRubDWszuP4mcNP3rRA0w9GU1CaO-AVr8sYBcVkqS5UcS2bwFp1pS6LY39dWOygLlEKzoU0eyU8gLJdBSsKEpENSCv4bZnbhoRvNAJOiCGA2LT5_RcMIRiifhIY/s1600/IMG_5975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWdiUoqvmEyPKkQqSoRubDWszuP4mcNP3rRA0w9GU1CaO-AVr8sYBcVkqS5UcS2bwFp1pS6LY39dWOygLlEKzoU0eyU8gLJdBSsKEpENSCv4bZnbhoRvNAJOiCGA2LT5_RcMIRiifhIY/s640/IMG_5975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-69950143861498865112012-03-14T08:52:00.000-04:002012-03-14T08:52:25.394-04:00In the classroom with felted scarves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCFRbVjx-tDjpMofY3LTDqvZLPfxqkD124JnsZ9nxVQ-D0Vlw1I-eyQRZ1yZErtt8r_wlCBdM0vSUFlyl0l7hIP3U19HbwrG2rx7oToLHqYfG8D9wE7bF_41uoTTi_hjhVEMviAyKH9U/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCFRbVjx-tDjpMofY3LTDqvZLPfxqkD124JnsZ9nxVQ-D0Vlw1I-eyQRZ1yZErtt8r_wlCBdM0vSUFlyl0l7hIP3U19HbwrG2rx7oToLHqYfG8D9wE7bF_41uoTTi_hjhVEMviAyKH9U/s400/IMG_0967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This week in after school art, visiting artist Pamela Howard taught my middle schoolers how to make felted scarves. It was a great project and I think they rather enjoyed it. Pamela had found an adapted tutorial on how to make these with kids using a base of inexpensive sewer's cheesecloth instead of silk (we don't have those kinds of funds!) and easily available tools such as 2" diameter PVC pipe, bubble wrap, olive oil soap, and rubber bands. One of Pamela's friends from an online fiber community she's a part of donated all of the wool we needed for the project, which she had hand-dyed into a beautiful rainbow of colors. Read on for more on this project after the jump!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://forums.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mimi10knitter/96803576/P1060631_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://forums.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mimi10knitter/96803576/P1060631_medium.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>First the students learned about felt and the different animals it can come from, and then how felt is washed, spun, and dyed. Then they each got to start their scarf by laying out thin pieces of the wool on their bubble wrap. They laid their cheesecloth over their first strip of wool (the wool and bubble wrap had previously been cut to the same dimensions to help them measure) and repeated the process on the other side. Then it came time to spray the wool with warm diluted olive oil soap which we had handy in some squirt bottles. After that they tightly rolled up their bubble wrap, felt, and cheesecloth sandwich around the PVC pipe. We rubber banded them in place on each end and then vigorously rolled them until they began to felt. We had to unroll and tighten each one several times, because felting means shrinking! If you try this, be sure to alternate rolling the scarce back up from the alternate end each time. The girls went over by about ten minutes and just got their scarves rinsed out in cool water in time for parent pick up. In the made dash I forgot to photograph their lovely creations, but at least you get to see the process. Enjoy! -hil<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://forums.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mimi10knitter/96803917/P1060634_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://forums.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mimi10knitter/96803917/P1060634_medium.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://forums.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mimi10knitter/96804206/P1060635_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://forums.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mimi10knitter/96804206/P1060635_medium.JPG" /></a></div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-54474716900730370232012-03-13T08:45:00.000-04:002012-03-13T08:45:04.120-04:00Doha Chebib's woodsy-chic log bowls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/99079260521661556_72iRPyQM_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/99079260521661556_72iRPyQM_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I have a new obsession. I've considered these lovely bowls from <a href="http://www.loyalloot.com/">Loyal Loot</a> off and on for a while now, and with the onset of spring they've sprung to mind again. Except this time I discovered something new: I used to think these guys were crafted to mimmic logs and tree branches, but now I realize they are real logs that have been hollowed out, painted, and glazed. This somehow makes them even more attractive to me. Their bright colors and organic nature are perfect for the season. Maybe one day designer Doha Chebib will put them on sale. These bowls were created for a Canadian art exhibition called <a href="http://motherbrand.com/cabin.html">CABIN</a> and as of yet remain (literally) priceless works of art. Until then, we'll just have to drool. Enjoy! -hil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/99079260521661571_mIbDnkwY_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/99079260521661571_mIbDnkwY_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.neublack.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/doha-chebib-log-bowls-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://www.neublack.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/doha-chebib-log-bowls-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-83230218412549177982012-03-08T08:43:00.001-05:002012-03-08T08:43:45.263-05:00Brooklyn Laundry: why Lindsey Manilla should curate your closet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEvA0f7Vp6wZyOzwLUuSEWpWedBltrsYMxcuVC0hEU-ZKghQIPkibzbqbKI8Al4YRQ0Pv2DIurQXABwNe5MQrW-7DukyLaPlwwXjfIjqlpSLSCLjL1F67fUsissBoKKkbbSxMVjGDLGo/s1600/P1080216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEvA0f7Vp6wZyOzwLUuSEWpWedBltrsYMxcuVC0hEU-ZKghQIPkibzbqbKI8Al4YRQ0Pv2DIurQXABwNe5MQrW-7DukyLaPlwwXjfIjqlpSLSCLjL1F67fUsissBoKKkbbSxMVjGDLGo/s640/P1080216.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>You may recall me mentioning a visit to New York City a few months back. That visit was to see a lovely Brooklyn based fashionista by the name of Lindsey Manilla, whose been a dear friend of mine for the last eight years of life. We've been through a lot together: road trips, break-ups, weddings, funerals, graduations, job interviews...you get the picture. I remember Linds when she was still a red-headed, polka dot obsessed high schooler, and even then she was one of the most creative and ambitious people I knew. That hasn't changed. At 25, Linds has already had the opportunity to design for brands as illustrious as J.Crew, Trovata, ADAM, Club Monaco, and Rag&Bone. And now she's bringing her talents to the streets; that's right folks, you can buy her hand-picked looks in her freshly launched vintage shop on Etsy, <a href="http://etsy.me/wt0Nk2">BrooklynLaundry</a>.<br />
Lindsey has always been a classy dresser, but one of the most remarkable things about her taste is she can spot the most well-made, classically fitting piece in a room in a matter of seconds. She says that "i<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">n Fashion Design, you are constantly observing...Constantly!!! You design a lot less often than you think! What is very important is that you are always taking in what's </span>happening around you. What's on the runway, what people are wearing, what color is suddenly on nails everywhere."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAMezBd7JTft8CQTX7nmRb-HU1lTERMupTfmYAhzJyD-nj12cxFUINPZZjA90iW5h-JCCVKwD6hyFAzP7a2yoDzOMW5s1go1Hp0mCwCBGCwUe34-1AtvadaHfpwlX91hRvvl9eTOBkzE/s1600/P1080296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAMezBd7JTft8CQTX7nmRb-HU1lTERMupTfmYAhzJyD-nj12cxFUINPZZjA90iW5h-JCCVKwD6hyFAzP7a2yoDzOMW5s1go1Hp0mCwCBGCwUe34-1AtvadaHfpwlX91hRvvl9eTOBkzE/s400/P1080296.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>This talent alone is not the secret to her success, however. She pairs it with a discerning eye and sees it as her mission "to take it all in and interpret accordingly. New styles and products are constantly coming out, but what I find most impressive are the styles that have lasted through the trend cycles. The classics that you know when you buy, you will be able to wear time and time again, and in a million different ways. These are the types of pieces I look for myself, and what I select for Brooklyn Laundry. I like to think of it as 'curated classiness,' as my home page on etsy will inform you."As the owner of the closet I most covet, I can tell you Linds is phenomenal at this task. She's helped me move away from buying things I won't wear in a year to investing in pieces I know I can constantly transform and that will continue to be classy for years to come. Her mantra has always been to buy classic shapes: "As a girl on a budget, I think classics are a smart way to shop. Why waste the money on a quick trend? Hold off and put your money into a piece that is going to build your wardrobe and is going to give you a lot of miles."<br />
More on Lindsey and Brooklyn Laundry <a href="http://thesaltboxblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/brooklyn-laundry-why-lindsey-manilla.html#more">after the jump</a>!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
To illustrate her point she even sent over a sneak peak of an item she's about to post in the shop. She says it's "a perfect example of my style and what Brooklyn Laundry is about. It's a classic Mens Oxford that I've got styled on Brett very traditionally, but then I'm wearing it tied in a bow to give it a little more feminine flair while, yes, wearing a pant suit. Super clean and classic yet modern and combining a little feminine and masculine."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX5fu4bd8Ukta_90yM3g9EdXNoeDN_1C0jtOwqvYcKyP5ZjIdfiTQV3nmc5jNOu2eixZ_aw6LTFaYJGYNS4rRtk3ysk2oElenRx58c43iwWuBU9SLSY6ICYrRssXaczsaVJevTD93Dgo/s1600/Dual+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX5fu4bd8Ukta_90yM3g9EdXNoeDN_1C0jtOwqvYcKyP5ZjIdfiTQV3nmc5jNOu2eixZ_aw6LTFaYJGYNS4rRtk3ysk2oElenRx58c43iwWuBU9SLSY6ICYrRssXaczsaVJevTD93Dgo/s640/Dual+Front.jpg" width="578" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Lindsey's personal advice? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"</span>One of those wardrobe building pieces that I am currently featuring in my shop is the blazer. I'm a sucker for tailoring and I think every girl and guy should have a great blazer! Whether you want to wear it oversized or fitted, businesslike or with a worn in T, a blazer will add a touch of class to just about any look. Overall, have fun with it! My general rule of thumb is to mix it up, (Style Vintage with New Pieces and mix Masculine with feminine) but always, always keep it Clean and Classic!" She believes this so heartily that she even sent over a coupon code just for the readers here. Enter the code SaltBoxBlazers at checkout and receive 10% off of any purchase in her <a href="http://etsy.me/wt0Nk2">Etsy shop</a>! Be sure to stop by the shop today and in the weeks to come. Thanks Linds, for all the fashion insight! -hil </span>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-35330029295686249722012-03-07T08:34:00.000-05:002012-03-07T08:34:22.503-05:00Tibetan Momos: New York Times recipe review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pkGLkwiJODgGc4EVrTwyBnhSgx4MItulxMEfsKMYVvBfISoOMRULwfDXp2FpDSF7Lv12TzO-a2uH8wiwQLaOq5PKy_tnWmQzyt_pqRy3D_VDfivpYnus76NKgTpRVwplzkl2R9uOIT8/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pkGLkwiJODgGc4EVrTwyBnhSgx4MItulxMEfsKMYVvBfISoOMRULwfDXp2FpDSF7Lv12TzO-a2uH8wiwQLaOq5PKy_tnWmQzyt_pqRy3D_VDfivpYnus76NKgTpRVwplzkl2R9uOIT8/s400/IMG_0927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A few weeks ago the New York Times published an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/dining/momos-tibetans-forbidden-special-treat.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=tibetan%20holiday%20treat&st=cse">interesting food story</a> about sha momos, the dumpling that traditionally accompanies the celebration of the Tibetan New Year. Momas are usually filled with Yak meat or beef and are perfumed with notes of ginger, cilantro and garlic. They are steamed dumplings known for their juiciness. In a nutshell, Tibetan comfort food at it's finest.<br />
Fortunately, the article was followed by a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/dining/tsak-sha-momos-or-tibetan-beef-dumplings.html?ref=dining">recipe for said delicacy</a>, which <a href="http://smudgedblog.blogspot.com/">my sister Lindsey</a> promptly concocted. I was lucky enough to be in the kitchen with her and watch this savory treat come to life. I recorded it for you here and reproduced the recipe as a visual how-to below. Enjoy! -hil<br />
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<a name='more'></a><i>recipe adapted from the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/dining/tsak-sha-momos-or-tibetan-beef-dumplings.html?ref=dining">New York Times</a></i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNK6yuySdv6l8wdmj9xsnwcpho6Dbw2zGd4CnxmsoIHwT5QzC01aAkl3jqW_dUPkPVfYxSYmx95y7ArVQOFIHYDawPfSX_bc9dms0dEt030yUPcoS1Fwvm5BUnupEnRcfH_YZdgUk3-4/s1600/IMG_0928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNK6yuySdv6l8wdmj9xsnwcpho6Dbw2zGd4CnxmsoIHwT5QzC01aAkl3jqW_dUPkPVfYxSYmx95y7ArVQOFIHYDawPfSX_bc9dms0dEt030yUPcoS1Fwvm5BUnupEnRcfH_YZdgUk3-4/s400/IMG_0928.jpg" width="298" /></a><b>you will need:</b><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></i><br />
<div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 pound ground or finely chopped beef, about 85 percent lean</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup minced onion</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup minced cilantro stems</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons canola oil</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons minced garlic</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/4 teaspoons salt</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">About 48 round dumpling or gyoza wrappers (about 3 1/4 inches wide)</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sepen (see recipe) or other hot sauce or soy sauce, for serving.</span></div><div itemprop="articleBody" style="color: black; line-height: 1.467em; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">*note: You also need a steaming rack to stick in a shallow pan and a lid to cover that.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">1. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the beef, onion, cilantro, ginger, oil, garlic, salt and 2 tablespoons of water. Using your hands or a spoon, mix lightly but well. Set aside, from 30 minutes to 2 hours, to develop the flavors.</span><i> </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjkpt-WhFw7MuqiOElhA8x8XJPp15Tn3yT6u3ZUNyit9o_HQ-v-ImZgs_MgFSQiwLGHoUtPf-DXWtmwiZim243HVMjfSOOqEkCX8L18ECeu_VvIjwZJ_d0UdzJxKVpyZU6HTLVJdDcfg/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjkpt-WhFw7MuqiOElhA8x8XJPp15Tn3yT6u3ZUNyit9o_HQ-v-ImZgs_MgFSQiwLGHoUtPf-DXWtmwiZim243HVMjfSOOqEkCX8L18ECeu_VvIjwZJ_d0UdzJxKVpyZU6HTLVJdDcfg/s400/IMG_0930.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linds chops cilantro stems to go in the filling.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxdPMWqzIDw90Y3aXJQRhL0PMpP_G0LqHrinNYhrzhKIS72iRIzqI7vOqs-MBEnNC482BMP6XpAjqM47RgbsNJBB-dicN50XT2c1TzpafULoKX6mw7GxfniKqtzVBksjS30_0jA1DfQE/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxdPMWqzIDw90Y3aXJQRhL0PMpP_G0LqHrinNYhrzhKIS72iRIzqI7vOqs-MBEnNC482BMP6XpAjqM47RgbsNJBB-dicN50XT2c1TzpafULoKX6mw7GxfniKqtzVBksjS30_0jA1DfQE/s400/IMG_0932.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2Xicoww4iemD749zeNX_1qWX_l0nYz0ag3U_YPedYAiY3Xl65mWjhbaEr9SE0XRgtC0MEcuVqhvxKEsnthuwewvpfmO9SQtTL17ljl_opBITKGL_aS6MmWSNOc3AyIeG3hEzoejlgnk/s1600/IMG_0933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2Xicoww4iemD749zeNX_1qWX_l0nYz0ag3U_YPedYAiY3Xl65mWjhbaEr9SE0XRgtC0MEcuVqhvxKEsnthuwewvpfmO9SQtTL17ljl_opBITKGL_aS6MmWSNOc3AyIeG3hEzoejlgnk/s400/IMG_0933.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The filling with everything combined. Time for the wrappers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Make the dumplings: Lay 6 wrappers out on a work surface. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of filling onto the upper half of each wrapper. With a damp cloth, lightly moisten the edges of each wrapper and fold up and over the filling into a half-moon, gently pressing the edges to seal. To pleat the sealed edges, start at one tip of the half-moon and make small folds in the dough, pressing them flat as you work your way along the edge. There should be space for about 7 folds. Place finished dumplings on a nonstick surface and cover lightly with damp paper towels. Refrigerate if not cooking immediately.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C14kC3Uv2G6BhM7xGuY-gqpi6pgNX3pEM_6fXOHYRcc4kLxvSSxjHuiPMQUEsgHRr9ExEHtt9nClrSlQ616s33AnjgwEVoYNwfTsGFWLLCp9nJYlycK2YOaNHk_AGgax80NpPegyOLQ/s1600/IMG_0938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C14kC3Uv2G6BhM7xGuY-gqpi6pgNX3pEM_6fXOHYRcc4kLxvSSxjHuiPMQUEsgHRr9ExEHtt9nClrSlQ616s33AnjgwEVoYNwfTsGFWLLCp9nJYlycK2YOaNHk_AGgax80NpPegyOLQ/s400/IMG_0938.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxztmHYMkt1k1hQ3eBFsJTRQ3GwyDu2jvMPsICMo7O1M-JFSgrKI3HQ7BQNq47zmf5F0duNhDkxo9BN4GP2bcyDcQOwDFtZUssx3E4to_iEc4p6-SSUQw0Mepg4TfwAYvjedkk7hPU98/s1600/IMG_0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxztmHYMkt1k1hQ3eBFsJTRQ3GwyDu2jvMPsICMo7O1M-JFSgrKI3HQ7BQNq47zmf5F0duNhDkxo9BN4GP2bcyDcQOwDFtZUssx3E4to_iEc4p6-SSUQw0Mepg4TfwAYvjedkk7hPU98/s400/IMG_0939.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Linds pleats one side of the dumpling...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7yvVBtLyx-We5XQwDVOG5E2O1QFbjNZ-hYxAOHKDETFpal6RzUK07UPNaDHdjBRoV6PPyCJgNguILaqF5WNg2uOS2XgQ9blYi8gH3I19mHqrZ72A959eyQHuHLDTC5FRZrxIPq8LC1A/s1600/IMG_0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7yvVBtLyx-We5XQwDVOG5E2O1QFbjNZ-hYxAOHKDETFpal6RzUK07UPNaDHdjBRoV6PPyCJgNguILaqF5WNg2uOS2XgQ9blYi8gH3I19mHqrZ72A959eyQHuHLDTC5FRZrxIPq8LC1A/s400/IMG_0940.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and finishes by pleating the other one towards the center. This part took a little practice at first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. When ready to cook, boil water in the bottom of a large steamer. Spray the steamer tray lightly with nonstick spray and gently add the dumplings, making sure they do not touch. Steam in batches for 10 minutes, until the wrappers are slightly translucent, and serve immediately.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraDSelosxRPTN7U8EMBbzhbYCcq-zVizbwgRImqFCCliCkfnLUX4U07Vc7DM_NeLabXZ842IzdQJJe9PBzE0Bh8V0Xaz5paqzKhHMa0-Yse4kDVQhKX2jOc1sdndTFp9V7nJfhOyy2aM/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraDSelosxRPTN7U8EMBbzhbYCcq-zVizbwgRImqFCCliCkfnLUX4U07Vc7DM_NeLabXZ842IzdQJJe9PBzE0Bh8V0Xaz5paqzKhHMa0-Yse4kDVQhKX2jOc1sdndTFp9V7nJfhOyy2aM/s400/IMG_0941.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linds had a compatible steamer wich she fanned out and set in the pan with boiling water. Be careful not to burn yourself with the steam!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGYPdi0oKLyAbIuchU4kU6R09hfRTThBywup1p1Q9R-y2JhyjBQVwRzOqYde6MEPBvXQIAFSQo2M8feWZtX_3OsTqTZ_khyphenhyphenvvvI2OYGuf2si6XHtb6OqfY-g8e6P66dpGRvJkBs10JFo/s1600/IMG_0944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGYPdi0oKLyAbIuchU4kU6R09hfRTThBywup1p1Q9R-y2JhyjBQVwRzOqYde6MEPBvXQIAFSQo2M8feWZtX_3OsTqTZ_khyphenhyphenvvvI2OYGuf2si6XHtb6OqfY-g8e6P66dpGRvJkBs10JFo/s400/IMG_0944.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cover the dumplings and let the steam do it's thing.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaQ6cqHBBNzCjKCcNk4roi5l4JDlKpZ-0kgJ8K57gQskram37HUr23uKhsLYnT1dAO04SDN9fRLPI4fvrySjUiNdsK6024MJTKOlDMEnSPq7Gi2SVyLCnrv3-buD0vRynmwMfLaPbM_Y/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaQ6cqHBBNzCjKCcNk4roi5l4JDlKpZ-0kgJ8K57gQskram37HUr23uKhsLYnT1dAO04SDN9fRLPI4fvrySjUiNdsK6024MJTKOlDMEnSPq7Gi2SVyLCnrv3-buD0vRynmwMfLaPbM_Y/s400/IMG_0949.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what they'll look like when cooked: slightly translucent.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7F1HpcBhb5ZAzHFZHKI1oozAknn4fHUFEUMnpsHWGnoVNZgMzLYc5t0U_eYOGUpCF6HvNgOeNOvVlAjcEduwJWYBiB-0GlbLwf5h-FsXP6ySUb-7nqsazab6vQMTCpvTFp_EJYlD-Gyk/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7F1HpcBhb5ZAzHFZHKI1oozAknn4fHUFEUMnpsHWGnoVNZgMzLYc5t0U_eYOGUpCF6HvNgOeNOvVlAjcEduwJWYBiB-0GlbLwf5h-FsXP6ySUb-7nqsazab6vQMTCpvTFp_EJYlD-Gyk/s400/IMG_0950.jpg" width="298" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We used rubber tongs to remove them; careful, the skin can be quite fragile.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrV-h4p4p5BjRDO66Fa0wvSpypiHR38ZAN8L09fBeqsMl2ZN2ZACLjMbyAuLTs7olKPxVuGdq521thcx377S_2nOzNrdaQGQVWg6dCdzk15OxhKgPGUlaBB1mzBo2jPrSbLjn8qvC0nA/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrV-h4p4p5BjRDO66Fa0wvSpypiHR38ZAN8L09fBeqsMl2ZN2ZACLjMbyAuLTs7olKPxVuGdq521thcx377S_2nOzNrdaQGQVWg6dCdzk15OxhKgPGUlaBB1mzBo2jPrSbLjn8qvC0nA/s400/IMG_0953.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bon Appétit! I know the directions say to eat them immediately, but we put them in a tortilla warmer while we prepared the others in batches. So good and so filling! After 2 I was very full, which I didn't expect. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Overall this was a time consuming but delicious recipe. The flavors have a freshness to them that isn't as common in american cooking. We used Gyoza sauce for dipping instead of chili sauce, which helped to add a little more saltiness.</span> Here is the recipe's instructions on how to eat them:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>4. </strong>To eat, spoon a dab of sauce onto a small plate. Pick up a dumpling and bite off one end; do not let the juice spill out. Carefully suck out the juice, then eat the rest in bites, dipping it into the sauce.</span></span></div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-25575380883456527892012-03-06T08:38:00.000-05:002012-03-06T08:38:57.827-05:00How To: plant a bulb garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAxlj1dFA84N42HaztpSiOs2EsQV_KHL2O9t67Db6CzsQOyKd8UooRxuScF8XEJOug3KCo4DcfhxkN3GGLe9ydG6odlnY2Nrfqb2NInWJnfMfzhu5Z90NSaGStihROtHyXEyrJyebwss/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAxlj1dFA84N42HaztpSiOs2EsQV_KHL2O9t67Db6CzsQOyKd8UooRxuScF8XEJOug3KCo4DcfhxkN3GGLe9ydG6odlnY2Nrfqb2NInWJnfMfzhu5Z90NSaGStihROtHyXEyrJyebwss/s640/IMG_0910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Spring will soon, well, spring, and at work we've begun to get a lot of orders in for bulb gardens. Bulb gardens are little baskets or planters featuring spring bulb plants like Hyacinth, Tulips, and Daffodils. This may just be my extreme bias towards spring flowers talking, but they're adorable. And as an added bonus, they're fun to make! That's why I put together a brief demonstration from a basket I assembled at work. View the visual how-to after the jump!<br />
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Things you'll need:<br />
potting soil<br />
at least a couple small bulb plants in 4"-6" pots<br />
a container to plant in: this can be wicker with a liner, ceramic, or plastic<br />
sheet moss<br />
pebbles or nice-looking gravel<br />
live curly willow or pussy willow<br />
thin wire<br />
any decorations: ribbon, fake birds, butterflies, etc.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step one</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvCzzQxg1s1Ut-FaemL3KtZllp41doYhvwfLtuX0ARq6ym3lVhk-5DUsJiJI3TTQLFZziO1B-grZ7LUd199PZeK9lUkNxVE1SIu__T0bTG-goNchqp_hWB0KFhhmWFMGaON6XdSmFuho/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvCzzQxg1s1Ut-FaemL3KtZllp41doYhvwfLtuX0ARq6ym3lVhk-5DUsJiJI3TTQLFZziO1B-grZ7LUd199PZeK9lUkNxVE1SIu__T0bTG-goNchqp_hWB0KFhhmWFMGaON6XdSmFuho/s400/IMG_0895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're not working outside, spread newspaper on the surface you plan to work on. It will make clean-up much more savory. If you are using a basket, as I did, pull out the plastic liner. You will plant into this and them slip it into the basket so the wicker doesn't get dirty. Having a liner is very important with wicker, as the basket will get water damage and ruin without it, not to mention be very dirty looking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Step two</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjcKWy2LG-x1u2qWvuSokQDf9A3Uy-aoK6GlofS8EZKJr-dL7G_qovx4KG49X9nzpHQlHBgl4bVbRMvSlGi_qZkPwju5CejDwPcTT5tVBpWaUyzpKP4EiJyQ8bwtRdrmaxMP5g2XFNM0/s1600/IMG_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjcKWy2LG-x1u2qWvuSokQDf9A3Uy-aoK6GlofS8EZKJr-dL7G_qovx4KG49X9nzpHQlHBgl4bVbRMvSlGi_qZkPwju5CejDwPcTT5tVBpWaUyzpKP4EiJyQ8bwtRdrmaxMP5g2XFNM0/s400/IMG_0896.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take all your plants out of their pots by gently gripping the bases of the stalks and wiggling them loose. Set them in your container and fill in between them with the potting soil. Be sure to arrange them in a way that makes sense. There should be a front to your bulb garden where the smaller plants are; the taller and stockier ones should go in the back.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step three</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhcsfbiYrrCWqnwgxAdYzFoTUrC5TxfsFIvanssskRxeJ3EdRgWY3_nN7DvOFGkjSQTcKTBzxo6gkWndW7mL7xPOu5XqKdoVk1ctYAUUCJC4UIiNgIgcIfIuFgNH6FiLOOOOdbDF2i1Q/s1600/IMG_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhcsfbiYrrCWqnwgxAdYzFoTUrC5TxfsFIvanssskRxeJ3EdRgWY3_nN7DvOFGkjSQTcKTBzxo6gkWndW7mL7xPOu5XqKdoVk1ctYAUUCJC4UIiNgIgcIfIuFgNH6FiLOOOOdbDF2i1Q/s400/IMG_0898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that you've got all the plants secure in the dirt, cover the top with the sheet moss. You will have to rip little pieces off in some areas to cover odd-shaped soil patches, but in the end it will look like a uniform moss covering, as seen in the picture below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGRwGCKKIST6jEMIkzvrKbz2UMPzFxM5JxqEhg6PHKTMxSboSpylI8iCW3azLcx8PUe9NguWq-Xlo-xHYbesdzN-7V77jT6dSbnREXK_fP8TzPdgKt65Kq-XNaZCfscTAo8KT6RA0L3g/s1600/IMG_0899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGRwGCKKIST6jEMIkzvrKbz2UMPzFxM5JxqEhg6PHKTMxSboSpylI8iCW3azLcx8PUe9NguWq-Xlo-xHYbesdzN-7V77jT6dSbnREXK_fP8TzPdgKt65Kq-XNaZCfscTAo8KT6RA0L3g/s400/IMG_0899.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Step four</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YJQLr6ZtyZiWLf0F8q7VC_XcuroT6-71YGFJtlTSgzZQSzOxqZHuYKIBmRbz_0z6CJon9nrIOe6vsxfYmP134545byVqq0fchVlrODSSZD5UMEz4tpLfsuSICKpU1hbTq582NmOFQU8/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YJQLr6ZtyZiWLf0F8q7VC_XcuroT6-71YGFJtlTSgzZQSzOxqZHuYKIBmRbz_0z6CJon9nrIOe6vsxfYmP134545byVqq0fchVlrODSSZD5UMEz4tpLfsuSICKpU1hbTq582NmOFQU8/s400/IMG_0900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are using a basket, now is the time to slip the planted liner in. If not, move ahead to step five.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step Five</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicC9LXAtqgaPlPXs8tPjGSh010S2-5W5czdITUdmTdYvz0Ca153sDg8Xg0g-a-bGAYawerJMzetRwBgQyARCsVYW1ab-3c6u333WUIZpV5AY8J0OdixQ8_c01qVmnPi6wSDSics5JKLY/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicC9LXAtqgaPlPXs8tPjGSh010S2-5W5czdITUdmTdYvz0Ca153sDg8Xg0g-a-bGAYawerJMzetRwBgQyARCsVYW1ab-3c6u333WUIZpV5AY8J0OdixQ8_c01qVmnPi6wSDSics5JKLY/s400/IMG_0901.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make sure your pebbles are washed and them arrange them on top of the moss. You can rinse them under a faucet by putting them in one of the small plastic pots from a 4" plant and running the water over the top. This also makes it easy to pour the rocks out over the moss. You will still have moss peeking out from under the pebbles, as seen in the picture below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYxyGr0e96QvnHNHXSCusN56eqPLs8YvEQ7fLuCpsQTXU8E7RpnIhBrkMfc3xVuUwgHdEkXH5YyuwclBTjO7a2qOfMj9c1DRijHOzZ58pdWkBu0dHdmO_AOkn7cDoVScYLp479WAxkms/s1600/IMG_0902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYxyGr0e96QvnHNHXSCusN56eqPLs8YvEQ7fLuCpsQTXU8E7RpnIhBrkMfc3xVuUwgHdEkXH5YyuwclBTjO7a2qOfMj9c1DRijHOzZ58pdWkBu0dHdmO_AOkn7cDoVScYLp479WAxkms/s400/IMG_0902.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step six</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasv_JX7wdbFK3wqeguQCPTJrbc0MytrCMOgRp1d03Gd_dTxr4w5iNN8krUt_2pfWMLK1sUH4b7urxKWFeGp68IqvMMMepJsqd_4TiA1QDUmdRGL2qLx7AGISsOvke6BmNaWdTXA4VemM/s1600/IMG_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasv_JX7wdbFK3wqeguQCPTJrbc0MytrCMOgRp1d03Gd_dTxr4w5iNN8krUt_2pfWMLK1sUH4b7urxKWFeGp68IqvMMMepJsqd_4TiA1QDUmdRGL2qLx7AGISsOvke6BmNaWdTXA4VemM/s400/IMG_0904.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time to decorate! For this particular handled basket I added a bird in a nest and ribbon-wrapped the handle. I made a little nest out of some spanish moss. Then I used a small wooden stake, sharpened on both ends, and stuck one end into the bottom of a foam bird. The other end I stuck through the nest and then straight on through into the soil to secure it, as you can see below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjOYpWAU3lJEvs5M8nzLnwXVrtjSAMlkxV8nkEnjBplB54fwRsJxRDyE4h8mCSg7ct2bqgZMiytDbY1np-L3IdPwQcI-KoMdCr8iryHDjU7ySYfKYOqj04F3wQX2iS-CsaTvZGQEdYKo/s1600/IMG_0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjOYpWAU3lJEvs5M8nzLnwXVrtjSAMlkxV8nkEnjBplB54fwRsJxRDyE4h8mCSg7ct2bqgZMiytDbY1np-L3IdPwQcI-KoMdCr8iryHDjU7ySYfKYOqj04F3wQX2iS-CsaTvZGQEdYKo/s400/IMG_0905.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I wrapped the handle of the basket with a sheer ribbon. I started on either side of the basket and met on the top right side, where I tied on a bigger bow using the two ends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiKfB8XWqscJhUamrtyEC4KIZB3juOISW0WuD5IlagE5t2ux-ZVppNWQ8b2yyg7DeTZW20XgwR89whm16qH8AGvVDaBFSsdCrMCWh0NkKXQmXbMkvdzVQa78IwYTCVfFFj4HSgvJvc3M/s1600/IMG_0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiKfB8XWqscJhUamrtyEC4KIZB3juOISW0WuD5IlagE5t2ux-ZVppNWQ8b2yyg7DeTZW20XgwR89whm16qH8AGvVDaBFSsdCrMCWh0NkKXQmXbMkvdzVQa78IwYTCVfFFj4HSgvJvc3M/s400/IMG_0907.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Step seven</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8M23t1K5fi1763T4byP6t7K9emGa6PMmBmzvWLnyFtpfNq9bsPz8kWMSH8FP7d_YEltxIpeKS8feeeAk1VmLLwx0T4jPlEqNa5WVKcocwa1lsx-Uu0KeanQu5b8G1Og3CcfBwFfqxsc/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8M23t1K5fi1763T4byP6t7K9emGa6PMmBmzvWLnyFtpfNq9bsPz8kWMSH8FP7d_YEltxIpeKS8feeeAk1VmLLwx0T4jPlEqNa5WVKcocwa1lsx-Uu0KeanQu5b8G1Og3CcfBwFfqxsc/s400/IMG_0908.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Place your willow pieces in the back of the planter in a whimsical way, like they are growing up out of the ground. These will act as stakes to stabilize the plants after they grow taller and are much prettier than the green plastic ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJWiz3NcXEQAseaT9hwN_e06maXzxvyiDlDs7g2GYMCXmIYcJIGAyFdwwXKHQQRXZ-bbQWYxixl9O5UIaodqoXbfHjCpwtOsordVeg-_Ctju0RIkOYdYJ3CPzYYAJ71ag0ltkxPKSljY/s1600/IMG_0909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJWiz3NcXEQAseaT9hwN_e06maXzxvyiDlDs7g2GYMCXmIYcJIGAyFdwwXKHQQRXZ-bbQWYxixl9O5UIaodqoXbfHjCpwtOsordVeg-_Ctju0RIkOYdYJ3CPzYYAJ71ag0ltkxPKSljY/s400/IMG_0909.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fin!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OnHu-7rx9fZpGF9Sq-mEwBjV537bdzVxIjC4MqtsRjd7sD3XKVlh3FiJHs-qUU0CY34W0Fa_0rJ08uP1sEwxFNVxAWqcxifvUkJpiLwkviREnTw4GOldBnMHbdH-apw99FKAvP-TRPQ/s1600/IMG_0958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OnHu-7rx9fZpGF9Sq-mEwBjV537bdzVxIjC4MqtsRjd7sD3XKVlh3FiJHs-qUU0CY34W0Fa_0rJ08uP1sEwxFNVxAWqcxifvUkJpiLwkviREnTw4GOldBnMHbdH-apw99FKAvP-TRPQ/s400/IMG_0958.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just to give you an idea of how versatile they can be, here's a slightly higher-end one where we used a ceramic bird and put in pussy willow. You could also wire on a small bird in a nest where that pink bow is (one of my personal favorites!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBC0h410cPod83HzYl8VTEFN2DztpdfejRRX-w4jx7aVoE9bsRwPTMHJiG_DWI3F-9kTqoK4kottDI6RJ-dxa4xSW7K1xQUxDqMziMfGu9BqdntSlpCjFYgE1pHwKREJMYiNi37B0J10/s1600/IMG_0959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBC0h410cPod83HzYl8VTEFN2DztpdfejRRX-w4jx7aVoE9bsRwPTMHJiG_DWI3F-9kTqoK4kottDI6RJ-dxa4xSW7K1xQUxDqMziMfGu9BqdntSlpCjFYgE1pHwKREJMYiNi37B0J10/s400/IMG_0959.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed this brief how-to! It's sure to make your home look like spring is here. -hil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696200494833235621.post-49245983570473093692012-02-22T08:51:00.001-05:002012-03-13T14:07:18.307-04:00still here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFo_Rr_AFsiZ7n00kx1SDN2AjDHcgNcpOwc_AIForH4TBwDy4PCjujx4o9cu20AKAGh5gMuZ2a0GSO4xcd8k9sbjpRC831kf-AiQqJMeU25UsW-EvHOByCKK7vIY7pxaFm54soifs3Uc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFo_Rr_AFsiZ7n00kx1SDN2AjDHcgNcpOwc_AIForH4TBwDy4PCjujx4o9cu20AKAGh5gMuZ2a0GSO4xcd8k9sbjpRC831kf-AiQqJMeU25UsW-EvHOByCKK7vIY7pxaFm54soifs3Uc/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm here to apologize for these weird posting intervals. I know I am keeping strange hours, it's just all I can muster right now. Between making sure the little munchkins at the Art's Center get on the right bus, don't eat the glue sticks, <i>and</i> have fun making art, not to mention work at the flower shop, my days seem completely booked. But have no fear! It won't always be this way. Sean and I actually got away from it all by heading down to Cincinnati this past Sunday. The church where we got married, St. Elizabeth's in Norwood, has an old convent on it's campus. It housed nuns all the way up through the 1990's, and now it's been renovated and turned into <a href="http://sustainablefaith.com/">a sort of retreat center</a>. Our friend Kim gave us a gift certificate to go there as an engagement present. We went and stayed for one night and it was the most restful thing I've done in years. They don't keep any clocks in the rooms so you have no schedule, no to-do list running for miles. We simply sat and read poetry and ate home-baked bread and drank tea. I felt so refreshed afterwards, and it was hard to jump back into the business of life. It did remind us of the importance of living sustainabley, and not in a manner that will just burn you out. So that's what I'm trying to do; I'm not abandoning you, I promise. -hilHilaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09458838179841418011noreply@blogger.com0