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? This piece is by acclaimed Chinese-American artist, Hong Nian Zhang.
YOKE DU YOUR
An older man walks into a bar wearing a stovepipe hat, a waistcoat and a phony beard. He sits down at a bar and orders a drink. As the bartender sets it down, he asks, “Going to a party?” “Yeah, a costume party,” the man answers, “I’m supposed to come dressed as my love life.” “But you look like Abe Lincoln,” protests the bartender. “That’s right. My last four scores were seven years ago.”
DESIGNspiration
Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? This will be our next entry stairs paint job. Listening, Mr. Electric?
From Marie Claire Maison
IDEA I LOVE
Don’t you think this is a great little mesh screen beach bag? Who cares if it gets wet or sandy, all it has to do is hold your junk (well, not your “junk”… the stuff you bring to the beach). Here’s how to make one:
http://www.designsponge.com/2012/07/diy-project-mesh-screen-beach-bag.html
IDEA I LOVE
Here is how to win back your kids’ college education money. Play a game of lawn dice with them. I love the way they look. Here’s how you make a set:
http://www.remodelaholic.com/diy-yard-dice-tutorial/
BREATHLESS INSPIRATION!
Artist Fraser Smith just floors me with his woodwork. Here are some examples of his wooden fiber art. I actually was privileged to see his work in Paducah. I didn’t realize until after I touched it that you weren’t allowed. It was baby soft, like it might of been carved from balsa wood, but I know that’s not the case. Make sure you check out his website, the link is below, for some real eye candy and amazement!
Here is the link to Fraser Smith’s website: http://www.gofraser.com/
YUMMY DISH!
VIETNAMESE-STYLE SUMMER ROLLS
I made these this past week for Mr. Electric and me. They were pretty spectacular (…and it’s really all about the sauce). You can get the hang of the wrap pretty quickly. Of course, I just did what I wanted!
For the peanut sauce:
creamy peanut butter
water
hoisin sauce
limes
soy sauce
sugar
chile-garlic paste
garlic
sesame oil
For the summer rolls:
medium shrimp
dried rice stick noodles or rice vermicelli
round rice paper wrappers
mung bean sprouts
fresh mint leaves
fresh basil or Thai basil leaves
cilantro sprigs
serrano chiles (optional)
cucumber
scallions
Bibb lettuce leaves
For the full recipe and wonderful tutorial, click here: http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/vietnamese-style-summer-rolls-with-peanut-sauce-10641
IDEA I LOVE
Just because it isn’t winter doesn’t mean you won’t need lotion. After being in the sun your skin can really dry out. Here’s a recipe for lotion bars plus a pattern for sewing drawstring bags. What a nice gift for friends at your Beachhouse, or while you’re hosting in the Hamptons or your Italian villa. Check it out:
http://mellysews.com/2015/12/make-lotion-bars-sew-drawstring-bags.html
SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG
THE HAPPY DAD COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS:
Vikingfjord Vodka
Blood Orange Juice
Champagne / Dry Prosecco
Aperol
Find the full recipe for this cocktail and others here: http://www.lifelovebeauty.com/fathers-day-cocktails-and-drink-ideas/
IDEA I LOVE
I was really drawn to these drink protectors that double as coasters. There really is no tutorial for these so just go to the link to get what you need, then watch the YouTube video I posted that will teach you how to melt these inexpensive, plastic perler beads. Make them fast, Summer is ticking away. Here’s the link:
http://makezine.com/2015/04/09/keep-the-bugs-out-of-your-beverage/
WORDS TO LIVE BY
MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!
BACON, CHEDDAR & ZUCCHINI BREAD
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
eggs sugar oil zucchini bacon Cheddar cheese milk All Purpose flour baking soda baking powder salt Black Pepper
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.lovefoodies.com/bacon-and-cheddar-zucchini-bread.html#.U9C8XfmSzhQ
MEMBA?
Ironing your hair
Take Our Poll
I know. I know. This video hair video is so mean that I wondered whether I should include it in my post. On the other hand, it makes me belly laugh every time I see it. Of course, I have very little hair on top so I am hardly a sympathetic audience… (besides it was on AFV and the poor kid was a guest on numerous TV shows after the clip went viral)
And now a word from . . .
Join one of our Block of the Month Clubs to get exclusive quilt blocks each month and build yourself a quilt masterpiece at your own pace. Imagine receiving a box each month with new quilt blocks – you can with our Block of the Month quilt projects!
Block of the Month Quilt Kits at Keepsake Quilting
Strip-piece your way to a striking padded handbag with four outside and eight inside pockets. Kit has directions by Nancy Green of Pink Sand Beach Designs, batik fabrics for the outside and lining, including precut 2-1/2″ strips, and a magnetic snap.
Amethyst Hampton Handbag Kit at Keepsake Quilting
At the beach, or in your own backyard, celebrate and enjoy the All-American style of these great red, white and blue projects and fabrics!
Let Freedom Ring with Patriotic Fabrics and Projects at Keepsake Quilting
(Please contact me to see your logo and link here and viewed by thousands – PickleRoadStudios@me.com)
COOKIES!
CREAM CHEESE STRAWBERRY COOKIES
WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE CHUNKS
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter
cream cheese
sugar
egg
vanilla extract
fresh strawberries
lemon juice
white chocolate
sanding sugar
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://omgchocolatedesserts.com/strawberry-cookies/
FASHIONspiration
Ralph & Russo Couture, Spring/Summer 2016. White silk gazar ball gown with pale blue lining and hand painted floral design, embellished with crystal and glass bead 3D petals.
Client Service: +44 (0) 20 8878 5399
IDEA I LOVE!
This little English Robin is the cutest, and Robins are one of my favorite birds. Honestly, I need it’s the gray and swap it out for black, So it looks like an American Robin, like the Robin who make a cameo in Mary Poppins. Here’s how to make your own Robin:
https://liagriffith.com/diy-needle-felted-robin/
BE DAZZLED!
Natural Fancy Color Pink Blue and Green 3 Stone Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
A unique colored three stone ring, featuring GIA Certified Radiant cut natural fancy color diamonds. A total carat weight of the three center diamonds are 5.91 carats, made up of 1.73ct Radiant cut natural very light blue IF (internally flawless) diamond, a 1.73ct Radiant cut natural light pink VS2 diamond, and a 1.71ct Radiant cut natural fancy yellow-green IF (internally flawless) diamond. Mounted in Platinum and 18K White and Rose gold, this diamond ring is both rare and highly desirable for the color and clarity of the naturally colored diamonds.
$172,500.00
Wouldn’t this be terrific to wear while you’re handing out lotion bars in your home-sewn sack?
PATCHWORK, BABY!
I’m really just am drawn to the colors and the greens and blues on the white background. It is a really pretty quilt and I like that the block is so versatile, how great it looks in other colors, and how this blogger/designer highlighted that on her blog. Why not whip one up today? Here’s how:
http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/2015/01/stepping-stones-quilt-block-tutorial.html
SHOEspiration
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
SUEDE LACE-UP SANDALS $ 1128.00
IDEA I LOVE
Yes, I know most of you even get cold even during the summer, and in fairness, after it’s been so hot during the day, or you’ve been on the beach, you need a little sweater, a cotton sweater, to keep your chilled bones warm. I love the way this locks. It’s a simple design and would go with everything. If you are into knitting, you’re going to want to make this pattern. Here it is:
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/PATThoneychurch.php
IDEA I LOVE
Yes, you can have this completed easily by July 4. All you really have to do is start. Then, make all of your drawstring bags from a 28ct. Evenweave and give each of your barbecue guests a little cross stitched Fourth of July bag (filled with the lotion bar)? Get the full sized pattern by clicking here:
http://plumstreetsamplers.typepad.com/plum_street_samplers/2010/07/happy-independence-day.html
LOL
MUST HAVE
Worn Jean Stool
Trompe l’oeil meets functional design in this stool made from reclaimed blue jeans. Constructed of two pairs of jeans thrifted from stores in and around Brooklyn, the draped denim stool is coated in resin and left to harden for three days. The resin allows this unique design to maintain its shape without a substructure, making it lightweight but strong, with the capacity to hold up to 450 pounds! Because each stool is individually formed from denim with it’s own unique wear, every piece is one-of-a-kind. Handmade by Vedat Ulgen in Brooklyn, New York. $640
Due to the recycled and handmade nature of this item, each is unique and will vary.
IDEA I LOVE
CUTE! CUTE! CUTE! I love the table-cloth gingham along with the very subtle “watermelon” trim. Do not be afraid of the curved scallop border. Need a lesson? Check out my class at Craft University. Here’s the pattern for the table runner:
http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/content_downloads/QNMP-130900-SUMMER_FP.pdf
MY CRAFT UNIVERSITY CLASS
Instead of adding plain borders, elevate even the simplest quilt top to a work of art. Mark uses humor and creativity to teach borders step-by-step, making this a great online course for beginning and advanced quilters. After you learn these borders, you will want to make them again and again.
You Will Love This Course If You:
Want to add new borders to your skill set
Enjoy making your own artistic choice
Want to make your borders shine
Like to learn more about working with panels
Enjoy getting inside info and history about quilting
Enjoy creating holiday-themed quilts
Enjoy quilting for yourself and others
Want to add a holiday theme to your quilt borders
Want to add interest to your borders
Want to design your own holiday border blocks
For more information on how to take my class or to take the class, Just click here: http://bit.ly/20yUzWK
GARDENspiration
This will have you begging for a flat tire. Cute right? All of the charm of an old time tree swing without any of the litigious neighborhood kids. Here are a few more ideas for tire planters:
http://diyshowoff.com/2013/07/02/diy-tire-planter-tutorial/
DESSERT!
SKILLET BLUEBERRY SLUMP RECIPE
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
fresh or frozen blueberries
sugar
water
lemon peel
lemon juice
flour
baking powder
salt
butter
2% milk
Vanilla ice cream
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/skillet-blueberry-slump
IDEA I LOVE
The colors say AUTUMN but I say bring on the sweet summer colors to crochet this, Solomon’s Knot shawl for a stroll along the Champs–Élysées, enjoying the outdoor cafe’s of La Jolla , or a on super brisk run through Lumberton, North Carolina (no, don’t stop to use any restroom here, no matter the might of NC’s specially-trained, Junk-Inspecting Police). Here’s the pattern:
http://blog.redheart.com/ultimate-guide-crochet-solomons-knot/#more-13332
DIDJAMISS?
These are a couple of vids of a live streaming session I’ve been streaming LIVE on Facebook on Sunday mornings. It was fun for me. Thousands have been watching — THANK YOU! You can watch some of the past recordings here. I’ll be LIVE this Sunday morning at 11 AM for another crack at a live visit but it you miss it on Facebook, you can catch them here. I really want to do this on YouTube but can’t figure it out. If these live things are like everything else on FaceBook, they’ll start holding the videos for ransom and not allowing viewers unless (I) pay up. Anybody know how to do live chats on YouTube? Help!
LIVE STREAM 4 (Tossing my stash)
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153536826510811%2F&show_text=0&width=560
LIVE STREAM 3 (Meet Kidney Mary, my kidney donor)
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153509025320811%2F&show_text=0&width=560
LIVE STREAM 2 (Showing my Quilt Shop Collection)
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153522835970811%2F&show_text=0&width=560
Personal Stuff
If you missed my Facebook posts this week, you’re him know that whatever little I have of my hair (I’m guessing due to the heavy medications I take twice a day), has gone from poker straight to very curly. Of course, I do not mind being confused with the Justin Timberlake as we are built similarly, but…
I may resent other comparisons –
Or . . .
Anchor’s away . . .
Just a few days until I show you my final designed and constructed ring bearer pillow. I’ll share it next Sunday along with the cross stitch pattern available on my website. I like how it turned out.
Still plowing through my stash . . .
So, here’s the thing. I am downsizing. While I talked about donating all funds raised on eBay sales to charity. I was gently reminded by my friends, that 3-months in the hospital left us broke and, in fact, I am the charity. Therefore, I am selling off my stash to continue to pay off my hospital bills, lab, and prescription fees.
I’m guessing the first fabrics will hit the auction sites next week. I just have to figure out how to organize them to sell. Any ideas? I’ve decided to add the super cute Japanese children panel and the vintage silk hand-painted Tibetan wall hanging that I showed you last week. See? I’m serious!
I wish I had an army to help me move through this! There is so much!
AND in boring Health News….
I still can’t see from my right eye for the cloudiness. I have an appointment with the Transplant Team tomorrow where I will then secure a referral for a retinovitrous specialist. I’m drinking gallons of agua.
Clear pee is healthy pee! And they make comments! Ugh
I’m beginning to feel stronger. I’m taking less naps. And may actually try a short ‘walk’ this week. I need some oxygen in these veins. I’m still a little freaked that I still need more healing time and how long this is taking, but I do see tiny steps and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel — if I could see out of my darn eye! I can finally muster small projects but nothing large. As a matter of fact, my Sunday talks put me out of commission for the rest of the day – but it hopeful that I can at least bring a little energy and laughter into my life for 60-minutes (and I’m not that entertaining).
IDEA I LOVE
I like sun dyeing and even taught classes on it once upon a time. This blogger doesn’t use light sensitive paints! Check it out:
http://maryandpatch.blogspot.fr/2011/06/when-summer-is-back-quand-les-beaux.html?m=1
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