Altoid Tin Swap

I am participating in another swap, this time it involves an Altoid Tin.  Instructions were to alter a tin and then fill with goodies from your art space.  I stumbled a bit, over thinking how to "alter" my tin.  Finally, I just went for it.  My first tins were altered with polymer clay in the theme of a "shrine".  I have been fascinated with shrines for quite some time.  I think this is something I need to explore further.  Then I did a second set, after an inspiring issue of the latest Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.  Filling the tin was easy.....as my studio space is chalk full of "stuff".  A bit too much I might add.  I am busting at the seams and the space is no longer enticing.

The Art of being at the beach!

The ART of being at the beach. 

Need I say any more. 

Tomorrow, back to the studio!

Just for fun

Still playing with these fabrics and colors.  So last night I whipped up a little purse. 

And....yes I LOVE my flip flops!  Thanks Alisa...your tutorial makes me a happy gal!

So tonight our son is acting as chef.  We have Jamie Oliver's new book and we love it.

The kids get to pick a new recipes out of this cookbook (or cookbook of their choice) and then try it out.  Tonight he is making baked Camembert pasta.  Can I tell you that it smells delicious in here right now!

In Awe of Mother Nature

While gardening last night I spotted a black fly on some tall garden phlox. 

I thought it odd that the fly was lying there like that, not even "seeing" the spider. 

Then when I discovered the spider I was in awe of it's clever camouflage. 

It is moments like these that I realize how lucky I am to be in the right place at the

 right time with my eyes, mind and heart open!

I believe it is a white crab spider...or something similar from my quick Internet search.  If anyone knows more about these let me know, I am not afraid, just curious....always curious!

ATC Swap

Belinda Spiwak, Illinois

Elle Pukalo, Canada

Kirsten Varga

Karen Silver, Wisconsin

Sue, South Africa

and my contribution to the swap...a series of fabric ATC's

Love them all.  So different.  Which reminds me that the possibilities are limitless!

Next swap.  Altoid tin swap.  We alter and fill an Altoid Tin.  I am signed up to send two and receive two.  Should be fun.  Love the challenge of finding treasures that will fit in an Altoid Tin.

Scrumptious Squares on Sunday

Taking a break from "chores" and enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

The kids have retreated to the blow up pool, which to be honest, every year I think they will have outgrown it.  But not yet.  I sit here, under this umbrella.  Catching up on the laptop and listening to their squeals. 

Our thirteen year old certainly is using his size to his benefit and clearly the 7 year old enjoys

being tossed and splashed!

Finally, I am getting around to posting pictures from the swaps that I participated in this spring.  The first one that I am sharing is the Scrumptious Squares.  These are 1 1/2 inch squares of artwork.  We were inspired from the Mixed Mania by Debbi Crane and Cheryl Prater.

I think I just heard "water balloons" which means I might just want to take cover.  I will post ATC swap results.....later, from a safe spot!

peony deliciousness

A wonderful trip to the Farmer's Market yielded these beauties. 

Buttery

Full and Fragrant

Delicate, yet robust

Summery

I am thoroughly enjoying the purples that are surrounding me.  Including delicious purple cabbage.  I made this Creamy Avocado and White Bean with Slaw last night.  Delicious, delicious, delicious!

creamy avocado and white bean wrap is found at eattingwell.com.  It is a wrap recipe, but being gluten free (and not having a gluten free wrap on hand) I just served without the wrap and it was wonderful.  The chipotle chile in adobo sauce was a treat for the senses. 

2 TB. cider vinegar

1 TB canola oil

2 t. finely chopped canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce

1/4 t. salt

2 cups shredded red cabbage

1 medium carrot, shredded

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1- 15 ounce can white beans, rinsed

1 ripe avocado

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 TB minced red onion or green onion

4 8-10 inch whole wheat wraps or tortillas

  whisk vinegar, oil, chipotle chile and salt in medium bowl.  Add cabbage, carrot and cilantro; toss to combine.  mash beans and avocado in another medium bowl with a potato masher or fork.  Stir in cheese and onion. 

To serve, spread about 1/2 cup bean-avocado mixture onto a wrap and top with about 2/3 cup cabbage-carrot slaw, roll up and serve.

Enjoy!!!