2014-11-23



YOKE DU YOUR



A man and his wife are dining at a table in a plush restaurant having their Thanksgiving dinner. The husband keeps staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sits alone at a nearby table.

The wife asks, “Do you know her?”

“Yes,” sighs the husband, “She’s my ex-girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up seven years ago, and I hear she hasn’t been sober since.”

“My God!” says the wife, “Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long.”



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?  By artist, Jean Jack.

DESIGNspiration

Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft?   Traditional embroidery in chain stitch on a Kazakh rug.

IDEA I LOVE

I love the combination of knitting and cross stitch in the creation of this  Sweet Home Sweet pillow. Even if you are a crappy  knitter, you will have no problem whipping up this pattern – and of course the cross stitching is a no-brainer (but if you’ve never  cross stitched check out YouTube for one or two of a gazillion tutorials). This would be such a great, thoughtful gift for a housewarming or for someone to find under the Christmas tree this year (don’t wince! You still have time to knit this with time to spare for   shopping.).  Here’s what you need to know:

http://www.purlbee.com/2011/07/25/whits-knits-sweet-home-sweet-pillow/

IDEA I LOVE

Better late than never! I know that you have been driving yourself cuckoo making sure that everything will be perfect when company comes on Thursday, but what about your door? How can you forget a Thanksgiving wreath for your portal to the world? Putting this wreath together is as simple as 1-2-3.  Not only will it complete your  la Falle look, it will signal to everyone who walks into your home that you probably are well-off enough to buy a beautifully made door wreath!  Here’s how you make one:

http://www.320sycamoreblog.com/2011/09/autumn-wreath.html

YUMMY DISH!

HONEY ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

WITH CRANBERRIES AND FETA

INGREDIENTS:

1 large butternut squash, peeled + chopped

a hearty drizzle of olive oil [approx 1-2 TBSP]

salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste

2 cups fresh cranberries

2-3 TBSP honey

¼ cup finely crumbled feta

ground cinnamon, to taste [optional but delicious!]

fresh or dried parsley, to garnish [optional]

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:   http://peasandcrayons.com/2014/11/honey-roasted-butternut-squash-cranberries-feta.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/Xsbcc+(Peas+and+Crayons)

IDEA I LOVE

I haven’t owned one beautiful holiday shirt that wasn’t ruined by drops of fatty gravy, plops of staining cranberries, or dribbles of missed-mouth red wine, during a holiday meal.  Here’s the solution!  Look at these DIY buttonhole napkins that can be affixed to a shirt or blouse!  Thanksgiving is saved! We both know that you know someone who always misses their mouth during dinner.  Making a set of these beauties is the way to go.  Here’s how:

http://www.purlbee.com/2012/10/25/mollys-sketchbook-buttonhole-napkins/

SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG

OMG! THE PUMPKIN PIE COCKTAIL

Ingredients:

1 oz. coconut rum

1/2 oz. kahlua

3/4 can pumpkin pie filling

2 oz. milk

Directions:

Blend all of the ingredients together with ice. Can be served as is, or in a graham-cracker rimmed glass.

IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED TO THIS BLOG YET:

For well over 2 years, I have been posting up to 20 links per day or every other day, on the Mark Lipinski’s Fan Pageon Facebook. Of course, in Facebook’s never ending quest to make lots of money, Facebook seems to have abandoned their mission of a real social networking site and it has become more about Facebook revenue.

Several months ago, Facebook, without warning, had implemented a new business model. As a result, the vast majority of “LIKErs” who have been faithful readers of this Fan Page have been blocked from receiving my posts, time and time again, from getting all or a few of the postings onto their timeline feed.

The reason is, Facebook would like pages like, Mark Lipinski’s Fan Page, to pay money every day, and on every post, in order to advertise and lure readers like you, onto the Fan Page.

With out “BOOSTING” a post, only about 5% of people who clicked LIKE on the Fan Page are actually seeing anything I post — and it could be random – sometimes you get a post, and sometimes not. Basically, it sucks for all of us. I am finding that we are all better served if I posted my tips, ideas, links, and jokes, etc. to my blog. You can subscribe to my blog (only if you wan to) and get an email each time I post a grouping of ideas, links, etc.

I AM NOT shutting down Mark Lipinski’s Fan Page on Facebook and you are welcome to follow me there, too. What I am doing is putting everything that used to be on the Fan Page individually onto my blog, AND there will be a daily link to the idea blog on the Fan Page, just as there were multiple links to the various blogs that I’ve always linked to in the past. It’s not that different, really. It will save me a lot of time, and guarantee those who want to see the creative posts will actually get to see them. And Facebookers, will STILL have to click on “GET NOTIFICATIONS” in your Facebook Settings if they want to see what I post on Facebook (sometimes that works, but not all of the time).

Actually, my new model gives you at least TWO ways to get all of the ideas, etc. PLUS you can PIN them and they will be TAGGED so you can find them again in the search bar even years later. – through the FACEBOOK FAN PAGE and YOUR CHOICE (not mandatory) to subscribe to the blog and get email postings that way.

BREATHLESS INSPIRATION!

Diana Beltran Herrera is the talented artist behind these paper bird sculptures.

IDEA I LOVE

Let the holiday season begin!  Perfect for anytime of year, these uuber-festive DIY wool felt ball coasters are so jolly you’ll want to make a slew of them as holiday gifts this year.  Gurl, you will shake your head when you see how easy they are to construct.  Yes, a pre-schooler can master this craft!  Start here:

http://www.inspiredbycharm.com/2014/01/diy-wool-felt-ball-coasters.html

IDEA I LOVE

It glitter and sparkle hadn’t been invented the holiday world, as we know it, would stop spinning.  Here’s an upgrade for your simple and drab pillar candles using little effort or supplies and A LOT of glitter and gold leaf .  Why stop at gold?  Live a little, cupcake.  Teal candles this Christmas?  Purple?  RED?    Follow these instructions:

http://liagriffith.com/dress-up-your-plain-white-candles-with-gold-leaf-glitter/

WORDS TO LIVE BY

IDEA I LOVE

Start making your own beautiful and colorful paper today, so that by the time the Thank You note days arrive, you will be all set and ready to go.  Oh, yes, my dear, I’ve tried making paper.  ‘Disaster’ isn’t quite the word I’d use, but it’s close.  Of course, attempting nothing on a small scale, I tried to turn my backyard into Hammermill!  This is a much more manageable (and dare say – fun) project.   Start with my buddy, Mark Montano’s video:

MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

HOW TO MAKE A

BREAD CORNUCOPIA

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Water bottle

Foil

Ready to Bake Pizza Crust

Fresh Herbs (optional)

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.lilyshop.com/how-make-cornucopia

MEMBA?

Tupperware Plastic Cookie Cutters

And now a word from our sponsor . . .

COOKIES!

MINI PUMPKIN PIE SLICE COOKIES

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Pumpkin Spice Out Cookies

REAL unsalted BUTTER, softened

confectioner’s sugar

egg

LorAnn pumpkin emulsion

ground cinnamon

ground nutmeg, ginger, and/or cloves

all-purpose flour

baking powder

salt

Royal Icing

confectioner’s sugar

meringue powder

warm water

oil-free extract or flavoringRecipe: http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2011/04/royal-icing-101-or-all-roads-lead-to-rome/

FOR THE FULL RECIPES, CLICK THE LINKS:

LINK for the cookies: http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2012/11/pumpkin-spice-cut-out-cookies/

Link for the icing: http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2011/04/royal-icing-101-or-all-roads-lead-to-rome/

LINK for decorating:  http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2013/09/mini-pumpkin-pie-slice-cookies/

IDEA I LOVE!

One scarf clunky scarf crocheted in three different ways.  I love this scarf, this idea, and this designer’s blog.  So simple, this is a project that even  your drunk sister can manage making a few.   I love a big, chunky scarf for those cold polar vortex days ahead (oops, sorry Buffalo, I’m a little late with this).  Here’s the pattern:

http://thepinksamurai.com/diy-•-impossible-scarf-free-patterns/

BE DAZZLED!

Italian Multi-Gemstone “Cornucopia” Flower Brooch, $2950

http://bit.ly/1y2sZoe

PATCHWORK, BABY!

This super-D-duper quilt pattern is only Fallesque because of the autumn fabric choices and coloring.  Digging into your stash for season or holiday themed fabrics can turn this pattern into a celebration of anything you want it to be.  Have some fun with it.  Start here:

http://www.quiltmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Autumn-Splendor-WB.pdf

EDUCATION

I got your back, cupcake.  Here’s how to clean and oil your sewing machine (which I do all too infrequently — who wants to clean anything, right?  Can I get an AMEN?)  Start here:

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/09/how-to-cleanoil-your-sewing-machine.html

SHOEspiration

Jerome C. Rousseau “Juda” Limited Edition Booties, $6,495

Jerome C. Rousseau’s elaborate mesh bootie, embellished with 7,000 beads, including coral, vintage Czech glass and freshwater pearls, is shown. The $6,495 custom-order piece for spring 2014 is a collaborative design with Los Angeles artist Emily Snyder.

WHAT I LOVE

Pack your lunch in style with your own make-it-yourself lunch bag!   Make one for every season, every holiday, and  every mood. Do you really have something better to do?  Exactly.  Start here:

http://www.craftpassion.com/2014/09/lunch-box-bag.html/2

DESSERT!

BROWNED BUTTER PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE

WITH SALTED CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM ICING

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

butter

all-purpose flour

baking soda

pumpkin pie spice

Kosher salt

granulated sugar

brown sugar, packed

pumpkin puree

eggs

vanilla extract

milk

nonfat Greek yogurt

Salted Caramel Buttercream

chopped pecans

salted caramel sauce

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE:  http://www.ihearteating.com/2013/11/04/browned-butter-pumpkin-spice-cake-with-salted-caramel-buttercream-frosting/

ORNAMENT COUNTDOWN!

Get your origami on when you create those cool fabric start ornaments.  Of course, the fabric you have in your stash won’t do! Of course, you’ll need new fabric!  Here’s how you make them:

http://www.u-createcrafts.com/origami-star-ornament-tutorial/

MUST HAVE!

These Buddha Bowls are a very cool design, and I can’t think of a better way to remove your finger and hand prints should you find yourself on the FBI’s most wanted list.   $42 (but you can find them cheaper if you shop around)

http://bit.ly/1Fg0968

I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT

I have more writing and project deadlines than Jim Bob Dugger has baby makers (ewwww, he’s gross).  That’s why I’m going to take a short 1-week holiday break and ‘unplug’ beginning this afternoon, through the holiday, and will be back  to regular posts next Sunday.   Fear not!  I will continue to  list at least 1 eBay Stash Slasher a day (see below) as a commitment to The Slow Stitching Movement.   I’m taking a little siesta, unplugging my Internet and telephones  (and embarking on a bucket-list-worthy journey).    Have a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday Americans (and you non-Americans just stay wonderful, safe and healthy).  xoxom

I NEED TO UNPLUG JOURNAL:   http://knockknockstuff.com/product/i-need-to-unplug-guided-journal/

IDEA I LOVE

Hexie madness!  Oh, yes you do have time to make a few of these before Thursday.  Aren’t they cute? Start here:

http://wildolive.blogspot.com/2014/11/project-epp-turkey-towel.html

STASH SLASHING!

One creative’s hoard is another creative’s treasure . . . read on:

When I began The Slow Stitching Movement I asked stitchers and quilters to reduce their impact on the planet and their creative psyches by letting go of the stash of books, papers, patterns fabrics, and tools that they have been collecting over many years and haven’t used.  I have been preaching to myself.  So, in an effort to put my money where my mouth is, to open my creativity by being less boxed in by ‘stuff’, I have begun posting boxes of book and fabric bundles on eBay for various charities.

Here’s how I price the packages . . . I research the amount an individual could buy each of these books or fabricss, pre-owned, at their lowest online price.  I total the price, split it in half and add Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping (about $12.65).  Then I add a little surprise from my stash as a bonus (it could be extra fabrics, a book ,or notion).

I WILL BE ADDING AT LEAST ONE NEW PRIORITY MAIL BOX FULL OF GOODIES

TO THE eBAY LISTINGS EVERY DAY!

Please visit my eBay store to do me, you, and a few of my local charities a favor and check out my eBay store for what I’ve listed each day:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/toughnj/m.html?item=111525554371&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Here are today’s listings:

50 Traditional/Modern Fat Quarters. Priority Shipping Included!

14 Great Quilting Books & 24 Fat Quarters ! Lowest Price! Free Shipping!

Did You Miss Yesterday’s Book Review Saturday?

Check it out here:  http://marklipinskisblog.wordpress.com/2014/11/22/its-book-review-saturday/

If you’re liking this blog Please tell your friends about it!

I’d really appreciate it!  xoxom

Just cut and paste this into an email or post on your Facebook and Twitter pages:

I LOVE this blog and think you will, too! Check it out:  https://marklipinskisblog.wordpress.com

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