Thursday, July 28, 2011

Craft Idea

I scanned these little sketches from a cookbook. Not sure what I am going to do with them. Something creative! Cards? Notes? Embroidery? Now that is a grand idea! Framed? They are too cute to go to waste! I would love to hear your ideas. Or feel free to borrow them for a project.




I am really liking the idea of embroidering. Didn't think of it until I was typing.  Maybe on an apron? :)

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Jelly Tart Cookies

When my sister Mandy and I saw that the heat was going to let up last weekend, we immediately both had the same idea! Bake something!! So when our sister Becky started talking about Jelly Tart Cookies, we decided it was the perfect time to use up some old jam. We made our own raspberry peach jam by mixing a few frozen raspberries into peach. The peach jam wasn't the greatest, because the peaches weren't the greatest (this was a year or two ago, the peaches this year are wonderful!). 
As you can see, they don't last long!

Jelly Tart Cookies
1 cup soft butter      1/3 cup sugar    1 3/4 cups flour
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour. Roll into small 1" balls. Place on cookie sheet and press thumb into dough to make well. Fill with a teaspoon of jam. Bake at 350 until dry looking and slightly brown on edges. Let cool on pan for a few minutes before removing as cookies are very soft when hot.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Chrismas in July!

This week we acquired a few more glass Christmas ornaments for our collection. We love these old jewels!  Most of them are made by the Shiney Bright Company. Typically you will find ones made in the 50s and 60s. But glass ornaments for Christmas trees have been made a long time.
 When we were kids Mom had a couple of glass ornaments from her mother, we would be allowed to take out and look at each year, but not hang on the tree. Then as we got older she let us put them just on the top of the tree. Since we have started collecting them in the last couple of years, we have covered the tree in them. At this point we have way more then we need for one tree, more like three Christmas trees! But we have decided to share! So sister Becky gets some, cousins get some, now that my brother is getting married we will get him started with a collection too!
 These are my favorites. This is what made me start collecting. To me they look older then the 50s, but I am not certain.  They have hand painted decorations, sometimes floral, and a bit of glitter. The tops are small and have Poland stamped in them.
 These are some of Mom's favorites, as this is what she remembers on the tree growing up. You can find all sorts of scenes, santas, stars, bells, gingerbread houses.

Friday, July 22, 2011

French Knot

To finish off your pretty flowers you need a center a French Knot. This also is very handy for tying knots at the end of your thread.
Step 1: Come up and wrap thread around needle twice. You want to keep your needle fairly tight to the fabric and your thread tight on the needle.
Sep 2: Holding thread snug, go down and pull thread through.
Finished!
 It may take a little practice to get them looking right. Remember to hold your thread snuggly.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Lazy Daisy Stitch

Today, a how-to on the Lazy Daisy Stitch.

This stitch makes the most beautiful flowers and leaves!
 Step 1: Come up at Point A. (Point A being the narrow end of your petal.)
Step 2: Go down at Point A and come up at Point B. (Point B being the rounded end)
 Still Step 2: wrap the thread about the needle.
Step 3: Pull the needle through and go down at Point B to hold the petal in place.
 Done!

Now here is an embroidery design for you to practice on! Tomorrow I will post a how-to on French Knots so you can fill in the middle of the flowers.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Summer Flowers

Echinacea or Purple Cone Flower
Chamomile

I just realized that I have titled the last few posts with summer. We have to enjoy it while it is here. The cicadas have started to sing this week. My great aunt always said that meant six more weeks of summer. And it feels like it just got here!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Summer Canning

Summer is starting to warm up here in SE Wisconsin and so is our garden! We are just starting to get cucumbers. But we couldn't wait to make our first batch of pickles! We went and bought a few pounds at our local farmer's market. Also since the fruit has been so good (and good priced) we have been making jam! And of course an apron is absolutely essential for canning!!
 Isn't she sweet? From a Ball Canning Book c1939. Love her apron!

This is from a Hotpoint Electric Stove Manual. Isn't her kitchen cute?

A closer look at her lovely pink kitchen.