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I’d really appreciate it! xoxom
YOKE DU YOUR
A man was walking through a rather seedy section of town, when a down-and-out guy walked up to him and asked the man for two dollars. The man asked, “Will you buy booze?”
The guy replied, “No.” Then the man asked, “Will you gamble it away?”
The guy said, “No.
” Then the man asked the guy, “Will you come home with me so my wife can see what happens to a man who doesn’t drink or gamble?”
ARTspiration
Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my muse! Like it or dislike it, what about this art inspires your own art or creativity? ‘Bright Eyes’, watercolour with detail added using Derwent Watercolour Pencils by Jean Heines. Check out Jean’s tips here: http://www.painters-online.co.uk/News/Be-Inspired-by-Jean-Haines-and-win-a-Watercolour-Pencil-set-worth-over-100-from-Derwent/_nw536_pg1
DESIGNspiration
Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft?
IDEA I LOVE
What a great idea for using up your scraps of yarn! Crochet these fab-o little drawer knob covers! Totally cute and 1000% unique! What are you waiting for? Start here:
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/files/doorknobmagic-1.pdf
IDEA I LOVE
Can this be any cuter? Put your extra coins into your DIY ice cream change holder until you have saved enough to get your high-calorie treat. While you’re saving, you might as well just get the half-gallon and to hell with the world. Hello, Lane Bryant! Here’s the pattern: http://blog.hobbycraft.co.uk/deliciously-cute-ice-cream-purses/
GARDENspiration
From my Atlanta buddy, Barbara Brant Pyter
IDEA I LOVE
Use this schweet illustration as your learning guide, then unleash your own creativity and design your own, mixed-media, collaged and sewn fabric blocks! Here’s how:
http://www.minkikim.com/?p=1036
ALL ABOARD!
Guess who is leading a creative stitching/quilting tour though POLAND September 2015?
Come along with me and other fun & creative people!
More details soon! xoxom
YUM
MEXICAN STUFFED SHELLS
Ingredients:
16-18 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
4 oz. {1/2 block} cream cheese
1 & 1/2 cup salsa
1 & 1/4 cup taco sauce
2 cups cheddar-monterey jack blend cheese, shredded
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Fill a medium size pot with water and bring to a boil.
Add the shells and cook until al dente. {I like to be a lot more on the harder side because I’ve found that they rip if they are too soft and they still keep cooking later on.}
Once they are done, drain and run under cool water.
While the shells are cooking, brown the meat in a large skillet.
Add the taco seasoning, according to package directions.
Add cream cheese, cover, and let simmer until cream cheese is completely melted and then stir well.
Pour salsa into a 9×13 inch dish.
Scoop a spoonful of meat mixture into each shell and place in pan.
Repeat until all shells are used. {Or until you run out of mixture.}
Spread taco sauce evenly over shells. {Make sure to cover each shell completely to prevent them from drying out while cooking.}
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 27-30 minutes.
After baking, spread shredded cheese evenly over shells and bake for 9-11 more minutes, uncovered.
Top with desired toppings – green onions, black olives, sour cream, etc.
FROM (click the pic):
BREATHLESS INSPIRATION
The Blue Forest by Kilian Schönberger. See more of the inspiring photographer’s work here: http://www.kilianschoenberger.de
SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG
HARVEY WALLBANGER
WHAT’S INSIDE:
1.25 oz. SMIRNOFF NO.21
0.25 oz. hazelnut liqueur
3 oz. orange juice
1 slice(s) orange(s)
HOW TO MIX IT:
In a glass with ice, add Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and orange juice. Stir and float liqueur on top. Garnish with orange slice.
Read more: http://www.smirnoff.com/en-us/newmain/vodka-drinks/drink-recipes/harvey-wallbanger.aspx#ixzz3Ahd5svsC
WORDS TO LIVE BY
PATCHWORK, BABY!
It won’t be long now! You have just 128 days to organize your fabric, cut, piece, quilt and bind this Fat Quarter Shop Christmas -themed beaut. I really like this festive quilt (and we ALL know people in our lives who would love a Christmas quilt as a gift). This is a perfect quilt for using up your already-bought stash. Why not make quilt gifts this year, and save yourself some dough by shopping your stash. If you start now, you’ll have plenty of time to finished at least 4 of these suckers. Here’s the pattern:
http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/p/deck-ade-halls.html
MEMBA DIS?
Magnetic “Tricky Dogs”
IDEA I LOVE (yeah, it’s a “how to”)!
All Purpose Cleaning Spray
1 tablespoon borax
1 tablespoon washing soda
1 teaspoon dishwashing soap
1 cup vinegar
4 cups hot water
25-30 drops essential oil (optional)
Whisk all ingredients together well in large bowl, then pour into spray bottle. Spray on, then wipe surface clean with a damp cloth. Can be used to clean and disinfect almost any surface!
Read more at http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/03/13/green-thrifty-cleaning-products/#zRb1B1zbIoLRcdvZ.99
MUST HAVE!
NORDIC WARE MINI SCONE PAN $34.95
http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/20129-nordicware-scone-pan.aspx
DESSERT!
BUCKEYE BROWNIE COOKIE
Real jewel in the world of cookies – Buckeye Brownie Cookies (brownie base, peanut butter and chocolate ganache)
CHECK OUT THE SITE: OMGChocolateDesserts.com
Ingredients
8 oz bittersweet chocolate- chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter ( room temperature)
2 eggs
½ cup + 2 Tbsp cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
4 oz semisweet chocolate
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Melt the butter and 8 oz bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Stir together the eggs, vanilla and granulated sugar in a medium bowl, set aside.
Whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Add melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
Slowly add dry ingredients and stir until it is well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar with peanut butter until it is combined, then roll it into 1 inch balls. Make 24 balls and set aside.
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets (if the batter is to thin leave it in the fridge until it’s firm enough to handle)
Bake for 10 minutes or until they are firm on the outside, but do not overbake!
When the cookies are baked, press peanut butter balls lightly into the center of each cookie , let the cookies to cool for 5 minutes in the pan then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Melt semisweet chocolate and spoon over the peanut butter.
IDEA I LOVE
To heck with the teacher gift, I want one of these organizers for myself. What a great idea for your pens, markers and other creative supplies! Here’s how you make one:
http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2014/08/school-supply-organizer-teacher-gift.html#
SHOEspiration
ALEXANDER WANG‘s Lys Closed Toe Ankle Strap Pump. $795
IDEA I LOVE
Hand dyeing strips of silk is so easy you won’t believe it and the results can be phenom! This blogger is just using RIT DYE and literally ripping silk into strips for her ribbons. I love this. Check it out:
http://greenweddingshoes.com/diy-hand-dyed-ribbon/
ATLANTA!
I’LL BE THERE IN SEPTEMBER
THE SLOW STITCHING MOVEMENT
More Information Soon
THE LEMON CATHEDRAL TOUR CONTINUES!
Next stop: SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
Drive into Springfield from St. Louis! Chicago! Indianapolis!
Crowne Plaza, Springfield, Illinois
September 24-27, 2014
Attend my Banquet Lecture on September 26
And an all day Lemon Cathedral workshop on September 27
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
This is just one variation of the Lemon Cathedral quilt . . .
And here’s what the students who took the workshop are saying:
“I had an absolutely amazing time this weekend at the quilting retreat!! Mark Lipinski was fabulous and so much fun! His lecture had us laughing so hard we were practically crying, and his quilts were outstanding. He’s a talented, entertaining and generous teacher. Even though I’ve been quilting for a long time, I learned some new exciting techniques and tips to help me advance my art! Can’t wait to hang out with him again.”
Karen L., Quilter
“We had such a great time in the Lemon Cathedral workshop. Thanks for a fabulous class and you are sooooo much fun.”
Carolyn S., Quilter
“My Lemon Cathedral class with Mark Lipinski at MQX was everything that I imagined. He had a way about teaching that put you at ease at learning a new technique. He was funny and engaging. I felt like everyone got his individual attention. I would definitely take another class with him.”
Michelle W., Quilter
“The lecture and lemon cathedral quilt class with Mark Lipinski was amazing and well worth the money! His lecture was filled with excitement, energy, laughter and spectacular quilts! The class was electric! Everyone loved the easy trick for making a quite complicated block! There were so many techniques used in this class, even the most advanced sewer will walk away with a “wow”!”
Michelle Strassburg, Owner, Fabric Affair Quilt Shop
“The MQX Lemon Cathedral workshop was like five classes in one. Learned so many tips . Mark made us feel we could do anything. Best class ever.”
Donna M., Quilter
“I highly recommend taking Mark Lipinski’s Lemon Cathedral quilt workshop. I took his workshop this past weekend and it was great. Mark is an excellent teacher. He is right there to answer any questions and give any help or advice you might need. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to be with and learn from Mark. It is more fun than you could ever imagine.”
Diane H., Quilter
“I have always been intimidated to try raw edged appliqué but this class was so fun and free spirited that all fear has vanished….now I’m looking for new applique projects. The cathedral windows block works like magic, thanks Mark.”
Lynn K., Quilter
“I totally enjoyed Mark’s Lemon Cathedral Quilt Retreat! This was my very first quilt retreat so I didn’t fully know what to expect. Well, it was two fun-filled days with Mark’s big magnetic personality. This man has incredible life stories! Also, I absolutely loved his quilts, so creative from a master quilter! Finally, during the Saturday class, Mark led us step by step in the creation of our quilt. I learned many new quilting techniques and now I’m looking forward to my next retreat!”
Rita J., Quilter
“This class with Mark has something for everyone from quilters who wish to be precise to those who enjoy artistic freedom to create. An added bonus are the laughs you get listening and mingling with Mark. “
Betty C., Quilter
“When I found out at the last minute that Mark would be in town I dropped everything to see him again. An evening of creative inspiration, warm camaraderie, fun stories and belly laughs was just what I needed to fill my cup. Spread the word: Mark Lipinski is back, and he’s better than ever!”
Lea P., Quilter
“Thank you Mark! We had sooo much fun and loved working with you on the Lemon Cathedral! Come back soon!”
Diane L ., Quilter
“Mark’s lecture is worth whatever cost or trouble one goes through in order to hear it and see it. My husband and I saw Mark in Manchester, NH at the MQX show. The room was packed. We were at a table in the far back corner. In this position I could see the whole room. The problem with his lecture is that you are so sore from laughing and you can’t catch your breath. And he tells his stories as if you are the first audience to hear it. He has more to say than he does, skipping through quilts he brought to discuss at times. There were people at my table who also knew him, as I did. And others who hadn’t seen him before. He is very real…bearing it all. Therefore, we understand him and laugh because we have been there too. But, he is much more than that. He is at times frantic and crazy as he tells how he lives his life. If you haven’t seen his performance, make it a must on your bucket list before Mark gives it up. My husband and I think back on the things he said and did and laugh again. We have gotten great mileage out of his show. And if I ever have a chance to see him perform, I will do it. Because I had seen him previously, but knew I had to do so again. His show is always different and very worthwhile. And by the way, the people sitting at my table who had never seen him before were in shock…not knowing if his stories were real or not. But we who knew him assured them it was so, and they laughed harder than us. He’s great.”
Janet K., Quilter
DON’T MISS A THING, MISS THANG!
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