Monthly Archives: February 2011

-This morning, Lil and I visited a local greenhouse that grows leafy greens hydroponically. We picked up some baby bok choy and some swiss chard. When we got them home, they looked so pretty that I decided to replace the bouquet of Valentine’s roses that were in the middle of the table, with a bouquet of green yumminess. My ode to Spring. Can’t wait to get out there this year and grow stuff to eat!!!

-Trying to organize my “workspace” for an upcoming book feature, and am having a heck of a time getting it to look halfway decent. It’s just so small. I love to look at everyone’s spaces, though, no matter how cluttered or small they may be, so I’m hoping everyone feels the same out there.

-Trying to demystify the process of flocking. I adore these miniature animals & dioramas and would love to try my hand at making some. I think that in my future, I have plans to get really nerdy with dollhouses and miniatures. Just a warning.

My gallery page is finally up, so you can reminisce about critters from days gone by! I’m particularly fond of the chubby little cats, which I feel like I haven’t made in awhile. I might have to felt up a new batch of kitties…I miss those little ones! I wonder where they are today…??  

Now this is my kind of Valentine’s Day “whoopie!” woo!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I was so pleased when Amy Powers asked me to contribute a project to the Spring issue of Inspired Ideas! This magazine is always so packed with fantastic artists, so I was thrilled to be a part of it!

Here’s my little love buggie fellow!
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Definitely check out the magazine for tons of great ideas for Valentine’s Day, Easter & Spring!
* There is also a special project page, here,  in case you have any questions or comments about this project or any of the others in the magazine. *

Yesterday, on yet another snow day, we baked Valentine’s Day cookies. It may have something to do with all the pink that’s involved, but my daughter claims that this is her favorite holiday.




Some cookies didn’t make it to the frosting stage. I stepped out of the room for two seconds, and here was the little one’s wee pile of bitten cookies.
I was astonished at the power of beet juice to tint the frosting a gorgeous pink! I was bummed about using any creepy Red 40 or other vile food coloring, and happened to have one beet in the fridge. So I grated it up and squeezed out a few drops of the juice, and wow! Super pink! I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner. SO much better, and no bitter food coloring taste. I wonder if I could use it to tint sanding sugar and sprinkles? hmmmm…worth a shot. I suppose if I ever decide to make the awesome
rainbow cake, I’ll have to resort to artificial color, but one cake won’t hurt. 
 Now to resist eating one of those giant hearts to accompany my coffee. 

*Oh, and if you’re looking for some good ideas for Valentine’s Day,  The Crafty Crow has tons of great ideas. I will definitely be referring to it, as every day there is a request for a Valentine’s craft.

…this funny little snowy face is watching me through my kitchen window. I peered out there the other day and noticed it. I tend to do that alot; notice cutesy little faces watching me from mysterious places. The drips on the shower door, chippy paint on a piece of furniture. Ok, now you think I’m crazy! I merely call it finding inspiration in unexpected places! I should show you the bunny I saw in a puddle of salad dressing the other night! super cute!