Monday, November 30, 2020

Sleeping Squirrels and Fractal Earrings

Volume 17 Issue 12, December 2020

What's New in December?

It seems like yesterday when I wrote about Hurricane Zeta, but since then there have been more hurricanes that have made places like Nicaragua a disaster. 2020 has been brutal as far as the weather goes, never mind the impact that COVID-19 has had on everyone. Hurricane season falls off the calendar in a few days, but the weather and the virus don’t adhere to dates.

As the flowers are dying off for the season, I have done some hedge trimming, planted a hibiscus that has been living in a pot into a permanent home, and started to see some cooler temps with the highs in the low 80s. It is only remarkable when the humidity dips below 70%. Nights are in the 60s, and the windows are wide open.

We have been dodging a bobcat that is too comfortable in the yard. He/she has his/her eyes on the neighbors chickens. One of the chickens became dinner, and the rest are looking like repeat meals. Florida Wildlife Management has given us permission to kill the cat, but I am more of a hazing kinda gal. I haven’t seen it for a week or so, so maybe the chicken dinner was enough. In the meantime, I am looking at motion sensing sprinklers and noise machines.

This little one found a nook to crawl into for a short nap. I guess trying to remember where you stashed the acorns is hard work!

What’s New

Pushpins: Worked out a new product line of thumbtacks. This has been on my drawing board for awhile now, so once I started, I couldn’t stop! Lots of these pushpins are Christmas and holiday themed for easy decorating.

Earrings: My fractal art earring beads have been turned into earrings. I included a raven photo that I took at Yellowstone, too.

You will find all of my beads, canes and finished jewelry on my website. www.bluemorningexpressions.com

Until next month,

Julie


Things to Look Forward To:

New Products:

Posters: I am working on my one word posters and wall hangings. There are also wood blocks to be added.

Thimbles: Added a number of new thimble designs to the shop. More collectibles for you!

Beads: There are 15 new earring pair sets sitting on the work table ready for another coat of resin. They are filled with lots of colorful designs from my fractal art. Three sets are finished into earrings.


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Friday, November 27, 2020

Countdown to Christmas 2020 Week 11

 

 


Come one, Come All!
Let's stuff some stockings in 2020


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

You say Pee-CAN and I say PEE-con

It’s all a little nuts!

My pronunciation of the word is not as popular as the former with the emphasis on the CAN. At least there is no real dispute that both can be used. You might get a long side-eye from a gentle Southern gentlewoman if they overhear you, but both pronunciations live in harmony, even here in the South.

The pecan is a cousin of the hickory tree, which I did not know until just recently. My yard has a few hickory trees in it. I might get to picking this year. The word pecan is an Algonquin word that is used to describe the traditional pecan nuts, walnuts and hickory nuts.

But, the pecan is not a nut.

It’s a fruit with a tough skin surrounding a seed that is also encased in a tough shell.

Georgia, Texas, New Mexico and Mexico produce almost half of the world’s total pecans.

I am a big  fan of pecans, and when this Divinity recipe from Charlotte was sent in, I immediately wanted to cover it in crushed pecans and imitate a Stuckey’s pecan log!

By Scott Bauer - This image was released by the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the ID K7235-2 (next)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1640166

I am going to share a favorite at our house for the holidays and whenever we get a craving for it.

It is not my recipe, and like all recipes, I think they are guidelines rather than hard fast rules, I doctor this up to suit our tastes. Like I add more pecans than called for!

Sweet Potato Casserole

  • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup pecans
  1. Combine the first six ingredients. Blend them thoroughly and pour into a buttered 1 1/2 to 2 quart casserole dish.
  2. Mix the remaining ingredients and sprinkle them over the top.
  3. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until it has browned and is hot.
  4. Serves 6 to 8

I find that if I split the casserole up and use small dishes, I can freeze some of the dishes and have it for later. That’s nice for those nights when I roast a chicken and want something different than mashed potatoes or carrots.

Speaking of something different, get away from gifts that are mass-produced this year and stuff the stockings with handmade gift ideas.

Shop from this list of beautifully done handmade items for everyone on your gift list.

Stiletto High Heel Shoe Christmas Ornament Handmade From Birch Wood

Kev’s Krafts 

The Halloween purple bracelet, macramé wrap

Andrea Designs 

Swarovski Violet Crystal Rivoli Earrings, Long Dangle Earrings

Victorian Style Treasures 

Purple Bead Necklace, Agate Pendant, Seed Bead Jewelry, Gift for Her

 Morgan Jewelry Design 

Stabilized Buckeye Dangle Exotic Wood Earrings handmade

ExoticWoodJewelryAnd 

Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Premium Purple

Covergirl Beads 

Close Up of Blooming Ultraviolet Iris Macro Photograph Mounted Print

Colleen Cornelius 

Purple Swarovski Crystal Memory Bracelet

Magdalene Jewels 

Dragonfly Necklace

lindab142

Purple Lilac Pearl And Crystal Long Dangling Earrings

The Singing Beader 

Dotted Lampwork Earrings, White Aqua Purple Colorful Handmade Jewelry

Shadow Dog Designs 

Butterfly Charm Multi Wrap Purple Green Yellow Orange BOHO Bracelet

Kats All That 

Purple and Blue Handmade Beaded Cha Cha Bracelets for Women

Blue Morning Expressions

In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.

If you see  something you like, buy it now or forever lose it as handmade gifts sell out quickly!

Shop from these additional countdowns and pages:

Don’t see the perfect gift? Ask an artist to help you design something.

Shop now!

Julie

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Friday, November 20, 2020

Countdown to Christmas 2020 Week 10

 

 


Come one, Come All!
Let's stuff some stockings in 2020


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Snap, Crackle, Chocolate People

Sometimes it is the simplest of ingredients that bring us the most pleasure. Family, friends, and even strangers can add so much to a little gathering. As long as one of those people are the chocolate to the group.

You know, the one that stands out; the one that lights the room up and the one that everyone wants to talk to. 

Every group has one of those, be it the relative or friend that you only see on special occasions, or the one serving overseas that surprises the group by showing up. It can even be your bestie.

Chocolate people just make everything better by being available. 

Kathy of KatsAllThat must feel her Grands are like chocolate; they make everything better by being there, so she spoils them with a simple chocolate treat.


Homemade Crunch  Bar – Vegan Version


1 ½ cups vegan chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil*
3/4 cup vegan gluten free brown rice crisp cereal


Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, greased foil or wax paper. Or,
use a break-apart candy mold. Set aside at room temperature.

Melt the chocolate using the double boiler method, or do the following: add chocolate
chips and coconut oil to a medium, microwave-safe bowl (large enough to add cereal
later). Heat in 20-second increments until softened and melty. Stir in between heating
increments, until smooth.

Add cereal to melted chocolate. Using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until well incorporated. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the spatula, smooth into an even layer. Tap the pan a few times to help even out the mixture.

Allow to set at room temperature until firm. Or, for a quick fix,transfer this pan into the freezer. Freeze for 10-15 minutes. Remove from freezer and allow to thaw for 10-15 minutes. Slice into 18 rectangular bars.

If you want a Christmas version, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mix. I would imagine a slight sprinkling of crushed peppermint over the top would do the trick, too.

Treat the chocolate people in your life with one or all of these great handmade gift ideas:

Swarovski Red Pearl and Crystal Snowflake Christmas Dangle Earrings

Kat’s All That

Red Jingle Bell Wirewrapped Earrings Surgical Steel Ball Post Charming

The Singing Beader 

Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads

Covergirl Beads 

Sherpa Necklace, Red Glass Vintage Nepal Ethnic Handmade Jewelry Gift

Shadow Dog Designs 

Crocheted Baby Girl Hat Red w Snowflake Newborn 0 3 mo

Magdalene Knits 

The Rubi velvet bracelet kumihimo wristlet

Andrea Designs 

 

BLoodwood, Exotic Wood Oval Earrings, repurposed ecofriendly Handcrafted lightweight

ExoticWoodJewerlyAnd

Crochet Bracelet, No Clasp Jewelry, Red Green White, Silver Bead

Morgan Jewelry Design 

Cream Pearls and Siam Heart Swarovski Crystal Bracelet, Jewelry Gift

Victorian Style Treasures 

Siam Red Swarovski Crystal Earrings for Women, Dainty

 Blue Morning Expressions 

In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.

If you see  something you like, buy it now or forever lose it as handmade gifts sell out quickly!

Shop from these additional countdowns and pages:

Don’t see the perfect gift? Ask an artist to help you design something.

Shop now!

Julie

 

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Friday, November 13, 2020

Countdown to Christmas 2020 Week 9

 

 


Come one, Come All!
Let's stuff some stockings in 2020


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Sticky Fingers

When the Israelites felt like they were going to starve to death during their wanderings, they begged for food.

God provided for them by dropping food from heaven. Didn’t happen everyday, and they were warned to only collect what you could eat, but they were fed.

Manna is described as a bread-like substance, or a seed-like food. It doesn’t say how big it was, but they did say that everyone got exactly as much as they needed in order to survive.

It’s hard to imagine a food falling from the sky, but anything is possible in our cosmic little world.

The Gathering of the Manna, c. 1460-1470.

Manna is said to taste like honey. Who wouldn’t enjoy the divine taste of honey in a form that didn’t make your fingers sticky!?

Divine divinity could be described as something from heaven, too. Light, fluffy, melt-in-your mouth delights that also causes some serious sticky fingers.

Charlotte of Covergirl Beads brings us this week’s delicious treat for the holidays. Enjoy this recipe from her Gram for your holiday party.

DIVINITY


2 1/2 cups cane sugar
1/2 cup Karo syrup
1/2 cup water
2 egg whites
1 cup chopped nuts
10 maraschino cherries chopped
1 tsp. vanilla


Combine sugar, Karo syrup, and water in pan and cook to the hard ball stage on a candy thermometer.  Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.  Gradually pour syrup over egg whites while beating at high speed (mixer).  Add vanilla and beat 4 to 5 minutes until it holds its shape.  *Use hand mixer until too stiff, then beat by hand.  Add nuts and drained cherries.  Pour into greased baking dish, or drop by the spoon full onto wax paper.

Here are some more divine delights from some very talented artists for your Christmas shopping.

Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Cool White Shiny Glossy 954vg

Covergirl Beads 

Boho chic, adjustable beaded macrame bracelet, The black tulip, white nylon cord

Andrea Designs 

Crocheted Santa Winter Booties Fur-Trimmed Newborn 0 3 mo

Magdalene Knits 

White Pearl and Silver Multi Strand Angel Wing Necklace

Victorian Style Treasures 

Snow Quartz Bracelet, Wrist Jewelry, Gift for Her

Morgan Jewelry Design 

Three Strand Dangling White Bead Earrings

The Singing Beader 

Stunning Black & White Ebony, Exotic Wood Earrings Long dangle Rectangle handcrafted recycled

ExoticWoodJewelryAnd 

Christmas White Red Green Earrings, Holiday Lampwork Handmade Jewelry

Shadow Dog Designs 

Red and White Superduo Snakeskin Beadwoven Handmade Cuff Bracelet

KatsAllThat 

Holiday Christmas Coffee Mugs 11oz or 15 oz White Ceramic with Poinsettias

Blue Morning Expressions 


In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.

If you see  something you like, buy it now or forever lose it as handmade gifts sell out quickly!

Shop from these additional countdowns and pages:

Don’t see the perfect gift? Ask an artist to help you design something.

Shop now!

Julie

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Friday, November 6, 2020

Countdown to Christmas 2020 Week 8

 

 


Come one, Come All!
Let's stuff some stockings in 2020


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Go Topless You Little Tart, You


A little sweet. A little sharp. Tarts are not quite pies, but they have all of the wonderful and tasty features of a pie. They are just missing the tops.

These noble little pie-like creations can be traced back to Medieval times. From meats to fruits to custard, these little pies were quite popular with the rich and highfalutin.

Two crust pies were for the common folk, but take the top off and nobility swoons with their super powers.

Tarts are special, and you don’t have to be high and mighty to enjoy a good tart. After years of trying all the different ways to fill a tart, the most popular are the fruit tarts. Make them small enough, you can call them tartlets.

At the Waterhouse holiday dinners, the following tart is a favorite.

Harry hopes that Seamus gets his own tart  filled with something yummy. Thank you to Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs for this tart treat.


PECAN CRANBERRY TART

1 ¼ CUPS PECANS (5 OZ.), chopped

¾ CUP SUGAR (divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup)

¾ CUP LIGHT CORN SYRUP

2 TABLESPOONS UNSALTER BUTTER

3 LARGE EGGS

¼ TEASPOON SALT

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

1 CUP FRESH CRANBERRIES (3.5 OZ.), chopped

1 BAKED (10 INCH) TART SHELL (or baked pie crust)

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Lightly toast pecans in a shallow baking pan/ cookie sheet in middle of oven until fragrant but not darker, about 5 minutes. Cool pecans. Leave oven on. (see below video on toasting recommendations.)
  • Cook ½ cup sugar in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, undisturbed, until the sugar begins to melt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally with a fork (to help the sugar melt evenly) until the sugar has melted into a deep golden caramel color.
  • Tilt pan and carefully add the corn syrup. The caramel will harden and steam vigorously. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring until caramel is dissolved.
  • Remove pan from heat and add butter, stirring until melted. Cool caramel until it stops bubbling.
  • Whisk together eggs, salt, vanilla, and remaining ¼ cup sugar.
  • Add caramel in a stream to whisked ingredients, whisking constantly until well mixed.
  • Spread pecans and cranberries evenly in tart shell or pie crust. Pour caramel over them, tapping pecans and cranberries down to coat thoroughly.
  • Bake in the middle of the oven until filling is set, about 30 to 35 minutes.
  • Cool completely in the tart pan on a rack before removing rim of pan.

Serves 6-8

If you need help toasting your nuts, here is a quick video that tells you how to toast in the oven. She left out the time to bake, but I have found that at 350 degrees, they toast up nicely in about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t over-toast or the nuts will burn. Nuts will have a oily feel to them when they’re toasted.


This tart recipe sounds so delicious that I might decorate my holiday table with a topless tart.

Here are some more things that would look good on your holiday table:

Squirrels And Acorn Nuts Desk Or Shelf Clock Handmade From Cherry Wood

Kevs Krafts 

Scarf, boho style, scarf for women, knit scarf

Andrea Designs 


Sun Beach Theme Keychain, Purse Charm for Handbags, Accessory

Victorian Style Treasures 

Skull Cap, Teen Cap, Knit Hat, Hat for Kids

CraftingMemories1


Knitted Cowl NeckWarmer in Chocolate Brown with Topaz Sequins

Magdalene Knits 

Silver Cow Skull Earrings, Wood Beads, Handmade Fashion Jewelry

Covergirl Beads 

Zen Yoga Necklace, Ceramic Palm Wood Mother of Pearl Jewelry Gift

Shadow Dog Designs

Antique Copper and Forest Green Acorn Autumn Handmade Dangle Earrings

Kats All That 

Natural Wooden Bead Stretch Bracelet

The Singing Beader 

Gorgeous, Buckeye Beautiful Multi Color Exotic Wood Earrings

ExoticWoodJewelryAnd 

Long Pinecones on Calliste Green Spiral Notebook

Colleen Cornelius 

Autumn Harvest Wood Print Wall Art Home Decor for the Fall

Blue Morning Expressions 

In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.

If you see  something you like, buy it now or forever lose it as handmade gifts sell out quickly!

Shop from these additional countdowns and pages:

Don’t see the perfect gift? Ask an artist to help you design something.

Shop now!

Julie

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