Happy May Day! A Little Tutorial

 

May Day is one of my favorite days of the year.

When I was a little girl, I loved to "ding and dash" at my neighbors house, leaving a basket of flowers hanging on their doorknob.

My girls love this tradition too!

This year, I made a simple pocket for the flowers to hang on the doorknob.

 If you're interested in making your own, this is how I made mine.

a. gather saved paper towel or toilet paper cardboard tubes

b. squish tube at the bottom to flatten slightly

c.  hot glue bottom edge closed

d.  gather fabric, paper etc... of your own choosing, cut, fit, and glue around tube

e.  fold and glue bottom edge fabric and tuck top fabric inside and glue around top 

f.  punch holes on two sides

g.  thread string through holes and tie knots to secure handle

h.  embellish however you like

add a tag, some fresh flowers from your yard 

 and now you're ready to "ding and dash!"

Happy May Day!

Coconut Bar Cookies

Treats are something I make a lot of.  

The reason; I have a hubby that enjoys having a homemade treat in his lunch everyday. 

There is one problem.  I get tired of making the same favorites over and over!

No one here would complain if I only ever made chocolate chip cookies.  Well... except for me.
How boring can you get?

I like coming up with something new, that's yummy and that can be added into the "treats rotation" so I don't get bored with baking!

Last night I made these tasty coconut bars.
Kinda my take on the traditional Magic Cookie Bar.
If you ask me, they're even better than a candy bar!
Nuts were omitted since some that live in my house, aren't fans of any type of nuts being in a cookie.
I aim to please - ha!
  

Here's how I made 'em.

Coconut Bars

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cube (1/2 cup) butter, melted

2 Tablespoons sugar

14 oz package sweetened, flaked, coconut

14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 package semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup white chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoon shortening

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar in a small bowl.

Press into a buttered 9x13 baking dish.

Mix the coconut and sweetened condensed together, and evenly drop/spread onto graham cracker crust.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until coconut is lightly browned.

Let cool completely.

Melt chocolate chips with 1/2 tsp shortening in the microwave and stir until nice and smooth. 

Drizzle over coconut.

Melt white chocolate chips and 1/4 tsp shortening in the microwave.  Stir until smooth. 

Drizzle over the dark chocolate.

Let chocolates firm up then cut into bars

Enjoy!

 

Pink Roses

A dozen roses for $7.99 - what a steal!

How could I not bring these pink pretties home with me?

Today I'm enjoying their beauty reflected in this perfectly aged antique plateau mirror.

 Just lovely.

 

Show & Tell - Vintage Valentines

Collecting vintage valentines is something I've be doing for many years.

If I come across one at an estate sale, it'll always come home with me!
Most I have collected are from the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's.
Some were made in Germany, but the majority were made in the USA.

My favorites are those that are "mechanical" in some way.

I love how the sweethearts eyes and drink change by tugging on the pull tag - precious.

A favorite, just 'cause the little cutie reminds me of my own baby.

Old valentines with honeycomb details are so beautiful to me.
This one from Germany is especially nice, since it hasn't faded over the years.
The red is still so vibrant!

Flocking (on the heart) is another detail that can make vintage valentines extra special.

Googly eyes get me every time! With a swing of her arm, this cuties eyes move with such expression!

Cards of the past are so adorable and full of charm.
Oh, how I love those rosy cheeks!

My mommy and daddy have always given me something extra special for Valentine's Day. 

For the past several years they have been adding to my collection of valentines.

This year, they found two, they knew I would love!

Isn't he the cutest bellhop ever?

I was shocked when I opened this sweet card.

It is by far, my most favorite now!
"Hawaiian themed" valentines are not easy to find.
I love how her hips sway and her little admirer comes peeking out behind the bush. 

The saying, "they don't make 'em like they used to" is so fitting, in regards to today's valentines.

It kinda makes me sad...
But... I'll happily keep collecting and preserving the old beauties I find from the past.
How could I not!?

Valentine Vignettes

When Christmas is packed up and put away for another year, I start counting the days 'til I get out my decorations for Valentine's Day.

Some of my favorite romantic themed collectibles are: vintage valentines,

old chocolate candy tins,

heart shaped candy boxes,

and vintage wedding cake toppers.

Do you enjoying collecting something special for Valentine's Day?

2012 Year In Review

WOW!  It's hard to believe another year has passed.

At the end of each year, I enjoy looking back through my blog posts and pictures reminiscing about the fun projects and events that took place throughout the year.

2012 was a fun and eventful year.

Lots of hours were spent in my studio, creating.

Two successful local shows and more online sales than ever, 

make me one very thankful and blessed girl.

14 fun-filled sunny days in Maui with my family, was a huge highlight too!

Here's to 2013!

Looking forward to what's in store and wishing you all the best.

Happy New Year!!! 

 

"Hot Chocolate Is On"

Growing up, my Great Aunt Gerta, who had a cabin next door to ours, 

would occasionally fly a flag decorated with a coffee kettle.

When that flag was flying, people knew

the coffee was on and all were welcome to stop in for a visit.

   

Well, if I had a "hot chocolate is on" flag, I'd be flying in now,

'cause the milk is hot and y'all are welcome to stop by!

 

Our hot chocolate station is a new family favorite.

One that will forever remain a tradition during the holidays.

So, what's it gonna be?

Milk, mint, or dark chocolate?

I chose dark chocolate and it's mighty good!