Sorry

So sorry one and all it has been a month since my last posting. I have been fighting with the realms of video blogging (I did warn you I was a bit of a technophobe), busy creating soaps for the many events I had booked and keeping up with twitter and face book.

So the update... well the video blog is no nearer working! The soap collection has grown and found it's sister in natural soy burns. Hell we have even been making our own packing boxes. Been busy helping my daughter with new magazine launch...more on that soon.

But to keep you going here is my favourite Muffin recipe of all time...Coconut

You will need:- 1 cup Plain Flour, 1/2 cup coconut, 1/2 cup sugar. 1&1/2tsp baking powder, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Remember the key is the whisk all the wet ingredient together before adding to the sifted dry ones. Use mixture to fill muffin cases 1/3 full and bake at 200 C for 20 mins.

Blog TV

I have been seeing a lot of blog video's lately and began to think that it's a great way not only to offer help advice and lesson for others on learning a new craft; but in storing them at somewhere like you tube you can gain even further exposure. So I am off out today in search of a web cam, now I am not the most technical person in the world so I can't see this all coming together over night -but with my usual determination it will happen eventually.

To give you an idea of what I have in mind I have posted a link to a great little video teaching you to begin knitting - it is after all the new fashion!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_L41fx4Ddk&feature=related

Kiln Fired Glass Dishes

A sneak preview ofthe latest glass bakes...

With last Saturday's craft fayre a great success and every weekend in November booked for one fair or another the kiln is baking flat out in order to build a decent stock of dishes for the soaps. The last lot came out at 7.00 this morning with the next going in and cooking as we speak at 7.20! The recent enquiry from a shop owner means that potentialy I could be setting an alarm to get me up and 3am in order to get 2 firings in a day soon oh my life what have I started?????

But then hubby always said I wasn't happy unless I was surronded bu chaos...I do seem to thrive on it ;)

Sausage Meat Potatoe Bake

With a trip to the supermarket pending the fridge contents were low and mainly uninviting with a slab of sausage meat that needed to be used up I scoured the kitchen cupboards for additives to make an alternative meal. The result was...1/2 tin baked beans, 1/2 tin chopped tomatoes, 2 shallots, 1 garlic clove, 3 spoons of gravy granules and the sausage meat.

I sliced the sausage meat and spread it across the base of the baking dish, sprinkled over the gravy granules before adding a layer of sliced shallots which I topped with the bean and tomato mixture before spreading over the boiled and mashed potatoes to which I had added the crushed clove of garlic and a large knob of butter. The whole thing was baked at 200C for around 40mins. It was golden brown and very scrummy.

Wisdom Hospice Craft Fayre

What a great day was had by all. There were a few familiar local sellers but a number of unknowns too. Not only did scores of people turn out to support this worthwhile event, they were all in very good spirit and the atmosphere was fab. It is this frst time I have attended this event but I will be returning. I had added a few new lines which sold well and many of the comments gave me ideas for further new lines at the next few shows.

Quiet House

With hubby back to work today the house seems very quiet and my lady of lesiure days have come to an end. It's been a mad housework expedition first thing, then an even crazier crafting hour in an attempt to make good before sitting down to try and catch up with all my online stuff.

Needless to say there has been little in the way of production so far this week so today is exposure for others once again. Looking at the work of Karen over at http://www.angelicfolk.co.uk/ beautiful handmade dresses for those angelic ones we all love.

and the very appealing moasic's by Diane at http://www.misi.co.uk/store_info.php?domain=moonbeammosaics

followed last but far from least by a fabulous xmas table setting from Jeff & Becky at http://www.dotsandspots.biz/ .

The Weekend/Monday

Knowing that hobby was home for the first 3 days of this week I invisaged a quiet weekend - how wrong was I? As I was up and around long before anyone else on Sunday I set off to the local bootfair knowing it was proably going to be the last of the season, had a great tiem and came bag with a carrier stacked fullof goodies having spend the grand sum of £10. When I got back they were all still in lazy Sunday breakfast mode so off to the shed I went and began soaping.

Monday with kid off to college and hubby sleeping in I set about an early morning glass cutting and kiln layout session. The combined result of Sunday and Monday's energies this sexy little gift set conatining a slice of Wild Poppy soap with exfoliating seeds, A Midnight Gardina Soap Cake with delicate grey rose decoration both nestled on one of my glass soap dish and tied with black lace.

Bath Cookies

Not a recipe I have tried but just one of the many delicious sounding ones over at Fresholi.co.uk
http://www.fresholi.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid=38

Papercraft Freebies

I am not a papercrafter myself but for those of you who are I have found these two sites offering some freebies.
http://www.artymiss.co.uk/card-making-supplies-and-craft-supplies/index.php#
http://www.freecraftdownloads.co.uk/

Happy crafting.

Xmas Tree Decorations

A bit of fun for the festive decorations, not tried these yet but reckon they will be quick and easy to make while watching the TV!

I found them @ http://www.allfreecrafts.com/knitting/trees.shtml where you can get the pattern.

Nice Fused Dish Pattern From Spectrum

Just found this nice and easy fusing piece at the craft scetion of Spectrum, thought I would share with you fellow glassers.
http://www.system96.com/FuseLibrary/FusedProjectGuides/CrissCrossBorder.pdf

The Saga of The Jam Disaster

So yesterday I set about making good of the huge fruit bowl sitting on the side, now I haven't made jam since I was a school so I got the trusty recipe book out, wrote a list of items missing from the store cupboard and went off to Tesco. Stew the fruit - easy anyone can do that. Add the sugar and boil - ok just make sure the pans big enough. Check the setting - mmm seems to be runny - keep boiling. Check the setting - oops seems to be like a sweet. Ok so no problem - decant into jars (one lump at a time!) leave to cool.

Try to repair damage - when cooled at about 9pm last night I put it all back in the pan and added some more water and re-boiled. It's now spreadable (just) and tastes good so what the hell. Note to self - Give up on Jam making!!

Soy Candles

Narual Soy Candles now added to my collection of goodies...WOW I am really going for it now, what with the soaps, candles and kiln fired glass - all I need now is book on crafting - mmm now theres a thought. I digress, back to post in hand, well this week I have been busy making candles to add to my soap stall at the fair on 10/10 in aid of the local Hospice.

Am really pleased with the results (and the way the kitchen smells so yummy) I have placed a few in my misi shop http://www.misi.co.uk/store_info.php?user_id=3243 for those of you not attending the fair.

Dog Soap

Looks like the week's gone to pot! Sorry this week's weekend soap arrives 2 days late on Tuesday - Oh well better late than never I guess.

My Recipe for Lemon & Lavender Dog Soap is sufficent to make a bar/block of around 100g.

You will need:100g Soap/Microwaveable pot/2 drops Yellow Food Colouring/2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil/4 drops Citronella Essential Oil/3 drops Lavender Essential Oil/Mould – you can use any plastic tub or pot (remember it will determine the final shape of your soap.

You will not be able to use any utensils or pots For food or drink after using for soap making.

1. Grate Soap into microwaveable pot and melt gently for around 10 seconds on half power.
2. When fully melted add Essential Oils and Food Colouring.
3. Stir and pour into mould.
4. Leave to cool and set for 1 hour.
5. Place in freezer for 10 Min’s to aid release from mould.
6. Release from mould and enjoy bathing your dog.

A quiet Weekend

It was a slow, quiet and relaxed weekend, little crafting went on in fact very little of anything! In today's hectic lifestyle we are too often al to ready to busy up our time and this past weekend of mainly nothing was a very welcome change. And somehow the feeling of lazyness seems to have spilled over, with hubby and kiddo off to their respective places the house is quiet (even sootz the pup sleeps) and I am unusually still.

I could ofcourse be:- setting the kiln with more glass, getting on with unfinished coursework or that certicate will never hang on the wall, making more yummy candles or indeed mixing soaps - but the urge simply is not there.

Wow that list has killed the relaxed feel - better go do something...

Coconut Cake

When I lived at home my dad used to make us the most wonderful coconut cake, in the 20 years since I left I have never made it so this week I decided to give it a go - it has all vanished so I figure a job well done!

I used 175g self-raising flour, 1tsp baking powder, 175 g butter, 175g golden cater sugar, 3 eggs, 100g desiccated coconut, 40g sliced almonds, Finely grated zest and juice of 2 limes.

I preheated the oven to 180oC Put the flour, baking powder, butter, sugar, eggs, coconut and 2/3 almonds and lime zest and juice into a large bowl and mixed together until light and fluffy.
Decorate top with remaining almonds. Baked for 45-55 minutes.

Other's Handmade Items

Today I thought I'd look at the creations of others...

I love candles, not only are they great to look at but hey fill the room with heavenly fragrances. This find is by candlesinacan.com

For me there is always something very tactile and smile enducing abouta nice purse. this beauty is from http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/21590/Blue_Japanese_sakura_travel_passport_wallet/_holder_with_coin_compartm.htmlhttp://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/21590/Blue_Japanese_sakura_travel_passport_wallet/_holder_with_coin_compartm.html

The delciate wobble of an earring makes any head stand proud, these glass ones available at http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/21678/Hand_blown_Swirly_Glass_Heart_Earrings.html

Misi.co.uk features all these products, a great place for makers and buyers alike.

Baby Blanket

With my cousins daughter due to give birth just before Christmas I set about making her a blanket/shawl. Using the softest of baby wools in a pale cream.

The pattern used is a Sidar no 1710 it took 10 balls of 100g DK. Be warned if making on even the longet of straight needles it is tight going as the overal piece takes 313 stitches on 4mm needles.

Honey & Ginger Winter Warmer Soap

In preperation for Satursday's Craft Fair I got busy with a new soap on Friday, it was a grey and windy day so I figured it time to be introducing the warming variety.

Honey is always a soft subtle scent which always leave uncoloured to make this block a little colourful for dull winter days I made a biscuit coloured block of Ginger. When the Ginger was hardened I chopped half into small squares and lay in the bottom of my mold before pouring 2/3 of the Honey on top when semi hardened I pushed in some more Ginger which I had shredded on a mandalin and then poured the rest of the Honey.

Result - a great smelling and interesting looking slab of soap.

English Breakfast Crumble

With a household of people who would live on egg and bacon I am constanly looking for ways to make them more interesting the the good ol English fry up. This week I decided tomake them into an alin one meal.

I used: 8 rashers of bacon, 1 onion, 1 tin of plum tomatoes, 4 medium potatoes, 5 mushrooms and 3/4 pt gravy for the filling with a topping of 1 cup flour mixed with 1 cup of butter.

I lined the bottom of the dish with 4 bacon rashers, peeled and part boiled the potataoes, chopped the onion & mushrooms and fried gently in a pan with the poatatoes, stirred in the tomatoes and gravy poured the contents onto the bacon and topped with the remaining 4 rashers before covering withthe crumble mix. Baked for 50 mins at 200 degree C.

BARGAIN

On Sunday I braved the early morning chill, set up me two paste tables and cleared a lot of unwanted items from home. While I was gazing through the crowd across the next isle my eye caught sight of what I recognised to be a small hobby kiln. Having not had my large kiln reconnected since I left my business premises 3 years ago my heart raced. I did a quick jaunt over to the stall (leaving mine unattended -how desperate was that?) A worthwhile risk as I picked it up for just £20!



So I have been down the shed cutting and cooking as it were here is my first bake, a square dish 9"x 9" with a 5"x 5" recess of 3/4" depth.

Salt Bar

Sea salt is packed with natural minerals (Bromide, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium) all of which are absorbed by the skin aiding circulation and metabolism, combating stress, slowing the aging process and energizing the body generally. When rubbed against the skin in crystal form it works to exfoliate. Unlike normal Sea Salts Dead Sea Salt is inedible but are even richer in minerals making them the choice for spas and beauty treatment.

Lemon Salt Bar Recipe:100g Melt & Pour Soap Base, 100g Sea Salt (preferably Dead Sea), 2g Lemon Essential Oil and 1 drop of Yellow colourant. Melt the soap base, stir in the salts, add oil and colour, pour into mould to set. This is a truly invigorating and refreshing soap bar, great for hands, body and feet though some may find it a little harsh for face.

A Face of Squares

Every now and then we get the urge to do something a little bit different. When that happened one sunny day in August 2004 this was the result.....

....324 x 2" squares assembled with lead came into a silver frame and hey presto a face is born.

Lacey Red Scarf

Using approx 150g of Double Knit poppy red wool with a basic multiple of 9+4 pattern and a few beads created this light weight scarf ideal for those cooler evenings or fresher mornings before winter really sets in.

Pattern: Using 5mm needles cast on 67 st and work in pattern for 4 rows repeating until desired length is reached. Finish with woollen tassles or decorative beads.

Rows 1 & 3 Purl

Row 2 K3, *yo,k2,ssk,k2tog,k2,yo,k1, repeat from * to last stitch k1.

Row 4 K2*yo,k2,ssk,k2tog,k2,yo,k1, repeat from* to lat 2 stitches k2.

Bread Pudding

Having been out a lot over the weekend I found myself with half a loaf going stale this morning and in these times I hate to throw any food stuffs away so it was into the store cupboard to see what was lerking to be used and the outcome was good old fashioned bread pudding with a nutty twist.

None of these ingredients were measured as such just mixed to eye. Iused around 300g of diced bread, 1/2 pint milk, 1 large egg, 1 tblsp cinnamon, 2tblsp chopped mixed nuts, 3 tblsp dried mixed fruit.

Soak the bread in milk for around 2 hours then mix well with all other ingredients and press into a heavily buttered dish. Then bake on a low heat (160 C) for 60 mins turn oven offbut leave pudding in oven todrawremaining heat for 3 hours.

Orange & Almond Cake Soap

With the EU rules and regulations soapers have to be very careful with the making of anything that resembles food. We can so I interpret the infomation make for example something that smells of Orange as long as it does not look like an Orange or any other edible item. The darling little cupcakes and larger cake slices that have been popular for a while are a big NO NO (unless you want to take the potenially very costly risk) but every now and then I just can't resist and make a little cake for myself.

I made soap M&P with Orange colour and Sweet Orange Oil scent poured into a muffin case and let it set. I then grated some slithers from a previously make Almond block, dropped them onto the top and stuck into place with a little amount of the Alomd shavings melted. When fullyhardened I peeled away the paper muffin case. It semlls delicious and looks almost edible...part of the problem! But for personal use who cares, I figure just enjoy.

Little Black Bag

This weeks knit came from some left over mohair (around 100g) and half a ball of eyelash (around 50g) I stole the pattern from http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/bags_totes_purses.php


it knitted nice and quickly as it is in an easy garter pattern (knit each row) and measures a total of 14"x 8" including the handle with a capacity area of 7"x 2" x 7".

Homely Toad in the Hole

With the Bank holiday and a poorly child this weeks Tuesday Bake turned into a Thursday bake! As the summer seems to have well and truely left and been replaced with howling wind I decided to go for a good homely meal of winter.

I used: - 6 Pork Sausages, 110g Plain White Flour, 300ml Milk, 2 Small Eggs, ½ tsp Salt.

With all the dry ingredients in a bowl and a small well in the centre add the eggs. Then mix in the milk whisk until fully combined and the surface is covered with tiny bubbles and put into fridge. Heat the oven to 230 degree C put the sausages in dish and bake for around 15 mins. Pour cold batter over the sausages and return dish to the overn for around 30 mins until golden brown and well risen. Serve at once as the batter will deflate.

Soap Salts

There is nothing better than a relaxing bath especially at the weekend. To get the very best from it I like to use Soap Salts they are real easy to make and fill the bath with great minerals lovely smell and luxury botancials.

To make my Rose & Neroil Soap Salt you will need:

100g Course Sea Salt, 50g M&P Soap Base, 10g Red Rose Petals, 2ml Rose & Neroli Fragrance Oil, Air tight storage Jar.

Melt the soap base and drip onto a sheet of kitchen foil. When soap has set (about 10 mins) pour sea salt into large mixing bowl (one you will not be using for food) peel soap from foil and put into bowl with salt. Add fragrance oil and rose petals. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated with each other pour into storage jar.

This mix should give you sufficent for 4 baths. You can use the same principle with any fragrance or botanicals and if desired add liquid colour.

Run bath water pour in your creation lay back and soak up the relaxation.

Glass from the Past

These days I don't do much glass crafting, since I sold the business I seem to have moved onto other things. But every now and then I dabble to keep my hand in as it were.

This is the latest item produced from scraps I found on the bottom shelf, it took 1/2 sq foot solid black, 1/2 sq foot of Gold Muffle, 4 yards 1/4 Copper foil, 3 lengths of 50/50 solder, a clock movement and medium pair of Anitue style hands.

As a point of reference for anyone making as a hobby in the shop I would have sold this £45.00.

Knee Blanket

With the cooler evenings drawing in I was glad to finish my granny square crochet knee blanket. The airflow makes it comfy without being too hot and it came just 400g of left over wool!

Learn to crochet with tjw1963 at you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Wh7IOT9BI

Fruity Muffins

Well yesterdays bake seems to have been a resounding result as the 48 muffins I made at 2pm are already diminshed 20!

The trick seems to be to whisk asmuch air as possible into all the wet ingredients at thesame time before adding to the dry and then only tomix very gently before putting into cases.

Recipe:

2 Large Eggs

125ml Vegetable Oil

250ml Fresh Milk

1tsp Vanilla Essence

1/2 tsp Almond Essence

400g Plain Flour

3tsp Baking Powder

1/2tsp Salt

200g Canned Mixed Summer Fruit

Mix all wet ingredients with sugar until dissolved. Mix all dry ingredients in a seperate bowl. Make a well pour in wet ingredients, mix roughly. Add drained fruit to complete mixture and stir gently. Put mixture into large muffin cases (2/3 full) bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees C for 25 mins. Make Coffee, sit back and enjoy.

Hello

When I think back over the years the girls were right when they said there wasn't much I hadn't tried. So now they are grown and I have some time for me I figured it maybe time to compile my crafting life, share my works, ideas and suppliers for anyone interested, so I have started by lifting all the online resources I use explore and enjoy.