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Friday, December 30, 2016

CANVAS TOTE BAG

This Christmas I gifted two canvas tote bags.  They're a nice large size and can be used for just about anything.  Each one I make is one-of-a-kind, so I have a great time playing with fabrics and trims to make them extra special.
This one I made for my daughter to replace the very first one I made for her back in 2014.  I noticed how worn it was and decided it was time for a new one.  I'll have to tell you she's suffering from separation anxiety switching over to this new one, but in time I think she'll be able to let go. 
The totes I make for her I use heat transfer vinyl to add her business logo to it.   I cut it out using my silhouette machine and use an iron to adhere it to the canvas.   I also added a second interior pocket this year; the perfect size for her cell phone.  She loves using them for her client meetings, and when she's not heading to a meeting, she uses it to transport her laptop everywhere she goes!

The second tote I made for a special friend of ours.  I love finding fabrics that work well together, and add some personality to the piece as well!
 Here's a view of the interior pockets......I already received a thank you telling me how much she loves it!
Once I get them cut out, I usually can't stop sewing them since I'm so anxious to see them come together!  I'm thinking it's about time I made one for myself!!

Monday, December 26, 2016

FIRE ROASTED TOMATO BISQUE

When I was a kid, you couldn't pay me to eat anything tomato related (except ketchup), like tomato soup, tomatoes in salad, etc.   In fact, that trend continued up until about a year ago, when I ventured into topping my salads with fresh tomatoes (they have to be little pieces though), and just last weekend I made this delicious tomato bisque.

It was really yummy!!  It includes some canned/pre-made items, but has an overall homemade flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. flour
4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
Two 14 ½ oz. cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsps. sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
salt and freshly ground white pepper


DIRECTIONS:

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp. of the butter. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery and garlic, cover and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir over low heat for 1 minute, or until the flour is fully incorporated.  Add the chicken stock, tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar and bring to a boil.  Cover partially and cook the soup over moderate heat, stirring occassionally, until the vegetables are tender, 15 minutes.

Transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.  Return the puree to the saucepan, add the heavy cream and cook until the soup is just heated through.  Season the soup with salt and white pepper and swirl in the remaining 2 Tbsp. of butter.  Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with croutons and serve.  

Enjoy!

recipe c/o:  www.foodandwine.com

Sunday, December 25, 2016

BATH SALTS

This was a fun project for gifting.  Bath salts are fairly easy to make, fun to package all pretty and best of all they put a smile on the face of the woman (women) you gift them to.......
I made two different versions for this holiday season.  The type in the picture above, were for a couple of very dear friends.   These are lavender bath salts with lavender essential oils and actual dried lavender flowers in the mix.

I found cute little jars at the Container Store and made the tags on my silhouette machine. 
 

The other version I made for my daughter.  I ordered the test tubes on Amazon and made five different versions.
On the inside of the lid cover, I made a label about how to use them as well as the different varieties included in the box.  To finish off the packaging, I added crinkle gift wrap and dried rose buds.  Both the lavender flowers and rose buds I got at Natural Grocer.  
To make bath salts it's just epsom salts and kosher salt.  A 2:1 ratio of epsom salts to the kosher salt. Then add essential oils and food coloring to your liking.   

Monday, December 19, 2016

KB DIGITAL DESIGNS CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

In honor of my daughter's photography business, I decided to make her an "established" Christmas ornament.....and of course, I had to gift it to her already so she could enjoy it during the season!
 I'm so proud of how she has grown her business and mastered her craft becoming a creative and successful entrepreneur at such a young age.  I know her business will continue to prosper over time and for that I am so thrilled.

I used the aspen circles that my husband cut from the trees we had to have removed from our old house.   I traced her logo onto the circle and then went to town using the wood burning tools.

After I had finished the burning process.  I used Mod Podge to finish the front and back.

I purchased a holiday "pick" at Hobby Lobby (on sale of course) and cut off some of the pieces to make a one-of-a-kind "topper".



I thought being rustic, it called for a leather strap to finish it off.  So, after I had my husband add a couple of finishing hooks, I tied the strap on and voila', a handcrafted ornament that she can enjoy for years to come!

Oh...by-the-way, after opening it last night, she teared up.  That my friends, made my day!  Gift giving is the BEST!!