Barbara's Creative Crab Basket Art

When I saw a photo of my special friend Barbara's latest artistic creation, I had to ask if I could feature it.  I was delighted when she agreed.

I love the way Barb takes items that others may discard and makes them into unique piece of arts, which she paints or glues on the bottom of crab basket bottoms that she has collected from the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

The first two photos depict the scenery along the Bay.

Barbara also collects sea glass.  On this basket she has used the varying shades of color to create a heart.

The last basket features colorful buoys, which would make a perfect addition to a beach house or cottage.

Barbara and her husband Jack, both of whom are now retired, spend much of their leisure time on their artwork and crafts.  Perhaps new careers are in in their future....


Pin It

Tweet

Summer Strawberry Dessert

Saturday mornings means a trip to the local Farmers' Market, and early June means a promise of fresh, juicy strawberries!

I wanted to make a easy dessert ~ but not just strawberry shortcake.  A look through the pantry, and I had an idea.  Store bought biscuits, instant pudding, whipped cream, and strawberries served in a margarita glass would be a combination of simple and fancy.

The biscuits were baked following the directions on the can.
The pudding was prepared and refrigerated.
I then washed, hulled, and quartered the strawberries.

Once I added a little sugar, I mashed the berries lightly.

Right before serving I separated the biscuit in half, and put the first half into my glass.   I topped it with a couple of spoonfuls of pudding and then the strawberries.  I added the second biscuit half and repeated the layers.
A little whipped cream and a whole strawberry, and my dessert was complete ... and completely delicious!

Pin It

Tweet

Sewing with my Granddaughter

I was beyond thrilled when my granddaughter showed an interest in sewing and asked for a sewing machine! And, of course, I couldn't wait until she visited so that we could begin a project together.

We decided on an apron and chef's hat for her American girl doll.  She picked fabrics from my stash, and we were ready to begin.

It was such fun to work with her, and our project turned out perfectly!

Pinterest provides many beginning ideas for children learning to use a machine ~ here and here.


Pin It

Tweet

American Girl Doll Patterns

Now that each of my granddaughters has a special doll, it is important to keep them in fashion!  Between Etsy (pdf patterns) and Pinterest (free patterns), I have been able to create some cute outfits that are inexpensive and easy to make.

The first one is from Pixie Faire ~ I used cute whale fabric and lined it in coordinating pink.

From Cotton Candy came this sweet party dress pattern in mint with hot pink

And every well dressed doll needs the perfect dress for school ~ this one from Crab Apple....

...and a sleeveless dress for the warm weather ~ from My Angie

.....and one from Simplicity (1443)....

...and lastly, a free Molly design for a jumper and blouse

Pin It

Tweet

Moda Bake Shop

I am thrilled and honored that my Placemat for Santa has been featured on Moda Bake Shop!

Pin It

Tweet

Wish List Wednesday Summertime Chocolate Treats

Well, Memorial Weekend is here ~ unofficially the first day of summer.  And in the Northeast it is actually in the 80's with lots of sunshine!!

For my wish list post, I thought I would share some great looking treats...with my favorite ingredient ...Chocolate!

 Smores cupcakes

a chocolate and pretzel dessert

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse cake

Chocolate lasagna cupcakes

I

and Frozen Hot Chocolate

Think there is something here  to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth!!

Pin It

Tweet

Super Hero Pillowcase

I had made each of the girls an outfit for their dolls ~ now I needed to find something special for my grandson........

Cole likes super heroes, so I had purchased this cute Marvel Comic fabric awhile ago, but I didn't have a plan for it.

My solution ~ a pillowcase with an appliquéd super hero!

Although it is a little more expensive, I always use organic fabric for pillowcases, especially for kids.

I used the burrito style pattern with French seams and added my appliqué....

...and it was finished in no time!
I hope he likes it!

I used the same technique when I made a Lego pillowcase for a friend.

Pin It

Tweet