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Saturday, December 14, 2013

Laura Jean Dolls on Etsy

Today, I would love to introduce to my, Aunt Laura, from Laura Jean Dolls on Etsy.  She is one of the most creative people that I know.  She was a home ec teacher and high school counselor and is extremely talented.  Aunt Laura does everything from cooking, to decorating, and entertaining.  The list goes on and on.

She makes fabulous Art Dolls and has been written up in Art Doll Magazine several times.   She also makes Miniatures which are truly one of a kind, amazing works of art.

Here are just a few of the dolls and miniatures available at Laura Jean Dolls.

Chef Mario Batali

Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone Police Chief

Blondie and Dagwood


This Christmas Shop is one of her newest ones and it is so cute.

Grandma's Kitchen 1949 Miniature Diorama Room 
Box
This is actually one of my favorites, since it reminds me of my great grandma.  My aunt gives a little history of my grandma in the description of the room box.  There is one she made of my grandma's living room from a picture and it was and exact replica of that room.

I hope that you'll head over and take a look at all of her fabulous dolls and miniatures.  She also does special orders.  It's a little late this Christmas, but maybe for another occasion.

Have a great weekend.
Debi

This is not a sponsored ad.  I just wanted to share my talented Aunt's work with all of you.
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Friday, December 13, 2013

Craftsy Flash Sale for Yarn and Fabric

Craftsy
Craftsy Flash Sale for Yarn and Fabric
Still haven't found the perfect present for the crafter in your life? Stuff their stockings with fabric and yarn from Craftsy! From  Friday, December 13th until Monday December 16th, designer yarn is on sale up to 80% off and designer fabric is up to 65% off. Order by 12/16 to guarantee delivery by 12/24...sorry, this is only for US residents. Hurry over to Craftsy! This sale expires on December 16 at midnight MT.

Craftsy 80% Off Yarn Flash Sale through 12/16
Craftsy 65% Off Fabric Flash Sale through 12/16



Have a great weekend.
Debi

This ad is sponsored by Craftsy
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Sparkling Apple Pie for Friday's Happy Hour


Today we are serving Sparkling Apple Pies for Friday's Happy Hour.  These drinks were very simple to make and lots of fun to drink.  Just two ingredients and you have a cocktail.  I liked it also, because it felt so festive the bubbles.


Sparkling Apple Pies

Ingredients:

10 oz sparkling apple juice
4 oz Travis Hasse's Apple Pie Liqeuer

Directions:

Measure sparkling apple juice and the Apple Pie Liqeuer into a 2 cup measuring cup.

Stir.

Pour into 2 glasses over ice.

Serves 2 cocktails.

Now wasn't that easy.  Wait until you taste it.  It is very, very good.

Have a great weekend.
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Thursday, December 12, 2013


 Making memories: Share the experience of a unique children’s book from Blurb
There’s something about the holidays—that warm glow from the fire, the fact that you actually get to spend time with your kids (or your friends’ and family’s kids)—that makes it the perfect time to curl up with the little ones in your life and read them a storybook. Reading a totally new, beautiful, amazing book with a child is a treasured holiday experience. And if you choose the right book, every time the child reads it alone in the future will bring back the memory of that time you shared.
If you’re a little tired of the standard children’s book selections in your local brick and mortar store, Blurb has a really incredible assortment of self-published children’s books that you won’t find anywhere else this holiday season. Try a few of these future classics and create some new holiday memories this year.
Title: Ollie + Loo
Author: Joni Cooper
Joni Cooper brings incredibly original characters to life with brilliant illustrations in a book that will have parents and kids laughing along together.

Title: Edward Hopper and the Carrot Crunch
Author: Mike Smith
Very few children’s books have financial mismanagement as a central theme—we can only assume most children’s book authors have not had the pleasure of meeting a rabbit named Edward Hopper.

Title: My Bug Journal
Author: Hannah Rollings
Bug-lover or other, this journal is sure to spark interest from anyone who takes a peek inside the covers. Enchanted illustrations, bug facts, room for records and much, much more.

Title: Myrtle & the Scarecrow
Author: Kate Lowe
Myrtle finds solace with a not-so-scary scarecrow?and learns a lot about herself? in this short but sweet tale. The atmospheric illustrations have a little magic about them—we look forward to more from this young, talented illustrator.

Title: The Trouble with Bears
Author: K.D. O’Reilley
This story cleverly combines a lesson on self-worth with an exploration of different cultures, geography, and history. The talents of a former writing instructor and a visual artist are a winning combination here.

Title: Mylo & Peet
Author: Janyce Portalatin 
A graphically pleasing book with a message tailor-made for the new generation of eco-warriors the importance of recycling and protecting the planet.

Title: Theo
Author: Kenny Lim & Grant Gilliand
Join Theo on his journey as he navigates the obstacles and challenges of school—made all the more difficult due to his not-so-normal third eye. Fantastic illustrations bring this story’s great message to life.

Title: A Whimsical Tale of Invention
Author: Kara Pooley
Fascinating facts, inspired inventions, intriguing illustrations, a poem or two—this book has it all.

Title: Ahwen’s Journal
Author: Alice Alder
It would be impossible not to fall in love with the beautifully illustrated characters in this book. Ahwen, Harn, Charwood—we’ll be keeping an eye out for you the next time we’re in the woods.

Title: Marco and the Zombies
Author: Justin Kerr
Another collaborative project delivers a brilliant book. With Zombies at the heart of this story—and superb illustrations by Bret Bowers—it’s one older children are sure to enjoy.

Title: Baby Bear gets a Present
Author: Chris Wood
Even toys relegated to a box in a forgotten corner of the house have lives of their own. In this heartwarming tale we learn just how much fun they have.

Title: Penelope and her Puffy Brown Crown
Author: Jasmin Ortiz
Popping with color and originality, this rhythmical story makes reading aloud a real pleasure. Apparently, bad hair-days happen to young people too.

Title: My Best Friend
Author: Nathalie Josephine 
In this lovely little book, bright (and very cute) characters illustrate a story designed to help children deal with the loss of a friend.

Title: A Bit Lost
Author: Leanne New
Delightful creativity elevates the imagery in this standout book, a simple tale of lost-and-found for little ones.

Title: The Goose Girl
Author: Madeleine Valley
A lesser-known story by The Brothers Grimm gets a thoroughly modern makeover in this graphically rich retelling of Goose Girl from Madeleine Valley. This is one for the older bunch.

Title: The Great Bear Surprise
Author: Carolan Coughlin
Join Carolan on her hike up Red Plume Mountain where she discovers much more than the view of the surrounding landscape. This is a sweet story of unexpected friendship.

Title: Goodnight Forest
Author: Emilie Dale
See your little ones off to sleep and bid goodnight to the forest with this rhythmic wind-down bedtime book, from graphic designer and illustrator Emilie Dale.

 Title: The Adventures of Dude, Squat and Mose
Author: Michael Hall
http://www.blurb.com/b/4720681-the-adventures-of-dude-squat-and-mose
With fabulous illustrations from Gerald Kelley and a fun-packed story from author Michael Hall, the adventures of this brave trio of adopted dogs if sure to become a favorite.

All of these books are so cute.  There is one for every child in your life.
Have a great weekend.
Debi

This post by is sponsored by Blurb
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce


This is a great recipe for Homemade Cranberry Sauce.  I use apples and spices in this recipe, which I love.  I love cranberry jelly, but this is good also, and is always a request from my kids.  I also love that it is so easy to make.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

1 bag fresh or frozen cranberries
2 granny smith applesl, peeled and chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg


Directions:

Place all of the ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium high heat.

Reduce heat to medium and simmer stirring occasionally for another 20 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and apples are soft.

Remove from stove and cool. 

It will thicken as it cools.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

I hope that you enjoy this Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe.

Have a great holiday season.

Debi and Charly
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Wire Wrapped Bracelet for Christmas Presents


Today I am sharing the pictures of the Wire Wrapped Bracelets that I have made for Christmas Presents this year.  I love the way they came out.  The pale pink and pale blue ones are for some very cute little girls.  The aqua one I gave to a friend, and the Pearl Cross is for Charly.

I have been having a great time making jewelry for Christmas gifts this year, and I have really love the way they are coming out.  I have learned how to make these on Craftsy's

I will share more the the jewelry that I have been making next week.  I make some cute Wire Wrapped Turquoise Teardrop Earrings, and I'm working on a bracelet for my Mom and some other friends.  I think I'm even going to try a necklace.  I would do a tutorial on making this jewelry, but I'm not that good yet.  I need to practice a little more, but you can take the Craftsy class and learn to make them yourselves.

Have fun, and I hope you take a class to see how much fun it is.
Have a great week.
Debi

Online Jewelry Making Classes

I put that this is a sponsored ad earlier.  I do earn money if you sign up for a Craftsy class, but I have written this post because I these are actually Christmas presents that I have been making for my family.  Not at the instigation of any sponsor, but because I am having a blast making these pieces of jewelry.  I loved this Craftsy class and keep going back to it to learn more techniques.

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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 70

We want to thank everyone who shared with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 69.  We love seeing all of your posts.  We know that it had been a while since the last party, and we really appreciate the huge turnout.



Welcome to Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop 70.







 So on to this weeks party.


We hope you have fun at this week's party.  We always love hearing from you, so leave your comments.

Now let's party

Have a great week.

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Gingham Christmas Wreath


I love the way my new Gingham Christmas Wreath came out.  It was pretty easy to make, it can be made in an afternoon.

Gingham Christmas Wreath

Supplies:

5 rolls red and white gingham wire edged ribbon 1 1/2 inches by 25 feet
1 roll burlap wire edge ribbon 1 inch by 25 feet
1 roll decorative wire edged ribbon 2 1/2 inches by 25 feet (I used one with a lacy look and reindeer
1 box white tipped straight pins
1 white foam wreath

Directions:

1.  Start by pinning the end of the gingham ribbon to the wreath and then wrap it around the entire wreath.




2.  Next pin the ribbon to the top of the wreath, near where you started, and make loops at the top of the wreath, and pin a straight pin in between each loop.  Do this around the entire wreath.  


3.  Repeat this process 4 times.  So you will have four rows around the front of the wreath.




5.  Once you have finished with the rows, you will loosely wind the burlap ribbon around the wreath, again pinning it at the back of the top of the wreath.

6.  You will next wind your wide decorative ribbon for to make a bow.  I did it 4 times and about 9 inches in length.  I then cut 2 16 inch pieces of ribbon, and put them behind the loops.  Then cut a 6 inch piece of ribbon and tie it around the center of all of your pieces.  Next, just pull each of the loops and fluff them up.  Arrange you long pieces of the ribbon down the front and cut them to the length that you like.


I love the way this wreath came out.  It looks so cute on my front door.

Have a great week, and as always if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Debi
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