VALENTINE SWAP

Ok so I have problems getting the photos where I want them....brother!!
The top photo is the one recv'd from Hope,I named her Whimsical Winnie. The second photo is the doll I sent to Hope. Her name is Hearts Galore!

On one of our art groups we had a Valentine Swap. My swap partner was Hope Jones Griffin from the UK. We had a ball emailing and getting to know each other. I am posting a picture of the doll I made for her, Hearts Galore is her name. Tomorrow I will get a picture of the doll Hope sent to me. I decided to name her Whimsical Winnie ! Not only did I receive the doll from Hope, but so many other goodies. Hope went well beyond the requirements for this Swap. I am thankful to her. She included a pair of UK anklets ( I have traveled often through the UK) , a delish chocolate candy bar ....a BIG one , a small scrapbook she made, a red felt birdie for my valentine tree and a small vintage embroidered heart that also nestles nicely in my Valentine Alpine Tree. It was all so much fun and to meet another fellow artist that loves dolls....was wonderful!

Us Hoosiers are Humble and Proud of our Team

GO COLTS !
Super Bowl here we come.
We are sincerely grateful that God has given us a Christian owner and coach. I personally am thankful for the gentlemanly ways, and humbleness of our Colts. They always present themselves in an honorable way.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Just had to share with you what I made for supper tonight.
While at the grocery store Wednesday the Butternut Squash looked so very good. So I bought one...a small one about 3-4 lbs.
Today, I pricked the skin of the squash and put it in the microwave for 5 mins. at a time. I use this method since I have Rheumatoid and can no longer wheddle a big knife to cut squash etc. You can cook the squash in the microwave on a dish until soft. Then all you have to do is slit the squash down the middle scoop out the seeds, then scoop out the delicious meat of the squash.
I add the readied squash after it is cooked into a large pot. You will get approx. 4-6 cups of the cooked squash.
To this add approx. 1 1/2 - 2 C. chicken stock , 1 C. Half & Half, 1/2 stick of real butter cut up, 1 teasp. white pepper, 1-2 teasp. sea salt, 1/4 teasp. nutmeg, 2 teasp. curry powder.
Bring this to a bowl all the time mashing with masher and stirring. After this is hot, add to a food processor or blender and blend on puree till smooth.
Rewarm a bit in pot, dish up and you can add a dollap of sour cream, whipped cream with minced chives.
If you don't want to add the last that is ok because the soup is so ooooo oh oh good and creamy ! And oh so good for your body. God's bounty straight to you.
ENJOY!
Susan


Again, here are the ingredients

3-4 lbs Butternut Squash , 2 C. chicken stock, 1 C. Half & Half , 1/2 stick real butter chunked, 2 teasp. sea salt, 1 teasp. white pepper, 1/4 teasp. nutmeg, 2 teasp. curry powder.

VALENTINES DAY IS COMING

Need to get post listed on a regular basis, but that is sort of hard when time just flies by and doesn't remind me !
I am posting a picture of a new wall quilt for my family room. I have a spot on one wall with a continuing rotation of wall quilts. Each wall quilt is approx. 51" X'51".

Then I just finished a Valentine Angel with real vintage quilt wings and an Osanberg apron with valentine appliques. She will be for sale on my Etsy shop.

Enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A Very Merry & Blessed Christmas to each of you. Also, may your New Year be prosperous !
Let's remember the reason why we do have this beautiful season. It is because of God & Jesus who came to save mankind from his sins. We all have the sin nature....but Jesus still loves us and wants to offer us eternal life.
May we reflect on that one night so long ago, that means so much to us today!
Much love and hugs
Susan

CHRISTMAS That Favorite Time of The Year

Yes, Christmas is a favorite for me. The big tree in our home is Jesus's Birthday Tree. If not for Him we would have no reason to celebrate this time of year, contrary to what some believe. The word Christmas has Christs name in it and can never be changed.
Here are two pictures of our 9 ft. tree that is displayed in our front living room. It takes me a good week to get it assembled and decorated. Some of the rooms in our home are Victorian, with lots of whites.
From our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year with promise.
Hugs
Susan

CHRISTMAS Antique Ornaments

We have been collecting ornaments for years. I just love the antique and vintage ones. Here are a few of my favorite ornaments on our 9 ft. tree.
Some are of the Mercury Glass, one has the piece of tinsel in it. The longer one is foil with Mercury beads. I do have Mercury Glass strands on 3 areas of the tree. My most treasured are the Kugels and Spun Cotton ornaments that are at the top of the tree. Thus, unable to get close ups of them. We even have 3 dozen of the plastic glow in dark icicle. Those are my hubby's favorite.
Enjoy

QUILT RETREAT 2009

Well another fantastic Quilt Retreat has come and gone. I am posting numerous photos from the 3 story lodge where it was held. Just a beautiful setting, but , was disappointed that the trees were not in full color as in the past years. Some said the extra rain this fall and fast cool down brought this about. The view was still wonderful. Being on the lake brought about many surprise visits from different fowls. One day we had a lonnggggg....and I mean very long straight line of white ducks just sitting in a row. Just like the old adage...get your ducks in a row. Couldn't begin to count them all. They stayed this way forever! Then eventually they broke up.
The one photo shows a stone with the word Waubee!. The lake is Waubee.


The first photo is of Deb, with the green sewing machine, that made the neatest (and I know it sounds strange) quilt from her sons boxer shorts. And I add as she stated "they are all clean." LOL

The next closeup in third pix is of Marilyn that does such lovely work and my can she crank out the quilts. Wish I could move as fast as her.

The other photos show some of the other ladies. We had 45 attend this Quilt Retreat. So much fun and fellow shiping.

Hope you enjoyed the photos.
Now is the time of year to begin cocooning. So start your sewing, painting or whatever projects.

Hugs
Susan

HAPPY HARVEST TIME

Can you believe it is October....and I am just now getting another post to my blog.
Gracious......where does the time fly to? Seems to be my mantra anymore.
As you can see by a couple photos of items listed in my Etsy shop, the Harvest items are accumulating.
Please check out our OFG Old Farmhouse Gathering Art Group on Etsy. Just type in OFG in the search bar.
We have many wonderful artists offering fantastic items for your Harvest Decorating.

Also in the air for me is my soon to be Quilt Retreat at a neat camp in Northern Indiana. Just can't wait. Will be lots of great food, fun and fellowship..and of course the all night and all day sewing! Will post some pixs when I return.

Hope all of you are enjoying the cooler temps. I know I am. Our trees here in Indiana are turning. Some are so pretty...better than last year.

Well, I am off to my studio to sew and get some things organized.
Hugs
Susan

Garage Sale , Yard Sale they are all so much fun!

Who can resist a good sale, sometimes a steal for unique items or just something that you can use and not spend much of your money on?
Every once in a while I get out and scour a few. The past couple weekends coughed up a few treasures as you can see by my photos.
I just LOVE the vintage forest green crepe paper nut cups with handles. They were in the original packing. At the very back are a Vintage Japan couple, boy and girl bookends.
In my studio I have a shelving with my collectible Santas, some I made and others bought, plus vintage Christmas. This is one of my design stimulator areas in my studio. So I just had to pick up the vintage bottle trees and green hard plastic sleigh.
The one santa is a Naapco. Not sure about the Tea Strainer Mug? Anyone have info on this?
Enjoy the photos.