Hanging Christmas Basket

Earlier this weekend I went to Greenland Garden Center to make this hanging winter basket.

Unfortunately, the temperature outside has been cold so when my husband was home last week, he did not get the Christmas lights or the hanger up, so I had to put the basket on top of the planter when I brought it home, and then it started snowing....

Oh well, it does look sort of festive in front of the house.

Hope this inspires your own creativity...

Kathy

Quick "Top Drawer Gift"

At this time of year there are always unexpected visits from family and friends, and times when you need a quick gift.  I guess I could just not bother (probably what most people do).  However, I feel that if you had the thought to stop by I should reciprocate with some token.  Now of course that cannot just be any old thing...., so I make up throughout the year these table runners called 20 Minute Table Runners.  If you Google it you will find lots of patterns for these.  The runner is made basically from 2 different widths of fabric sewn together and then stitched down.  The really do only take about 20 minutes to make, and I definitely think this is ":top drawer" as it is not something you can get just anywhere.  Off to sew some more of these....Valentines, St. Patrick's, Easter......  Hope this inspires your own creativity...

Kathy

What's For Dinner?

Spaghetti, or whatever this long curly stringy pasta is (looks your hair my son told me).

Last evening I was going to an event at our local gardening center and since I live in Alberta where dad's are frequently away at work, my son had to accompany me to this event, and that meant dinner before I could leave.

While the noodles boiled, I stir fried in canola oil an onion, some celery and a red and yellow pepper, added a can of Vege-Burger, and a jar of pasta sauce.  Once heated through some Parmesan cheese and a glass of milk, spinach salad and dinner was served.  Eat the apple in the car on route!

Hope this inspires your own creativity...

Kathy

Penguin Christmas

It's snowing outside again.  There is something peaceful about snow until I have to shovel it all, and then as the aches and pains set in the silence is disturbed........but, I digress.

For today's craft I chose a Baja Breeze card stock and coordinating snow paper from the Snow Festival Designer Series Paper. 

The penguin is so cute I think.  He is cut from the Skating Penguin die from Cottage Cutz.  He was so much fun to put together.  I used blue Stickles over the "ice"
 and on the snowflakes to make it sparkle!

Hope this inspires your own creativity...

Kathy

Oh S"crap"! It's Monday...

I am still trying desperately to diminish that pile of scrap paper in my craft room, I am almost to the point where I may have to "give up" and donate it to the junior kindergarten class at school!

For today's card, I used a piece of random brown (from where - who knows), the Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper and stickers from the Summer Mini Catalogue of Stampin Up.

I even used one of the rows of stickers on the inside just to use up stickers and same with the Whisper White.

Hope this inspires your own creativity...

Kathy

Jam Cookies

I think it's time for the Christmas baking to begin.  Today my son and I went to the SCARS Christmas Bazaar, and then to kids scrapbooking at Scrapbook Memories & More where he made three Christmas cards and two Christmas ornaments.  Got us in the spirit of the season.

I used my home made raspberry jam for these cookies, and they are delicious.

Here is the recipe:

Jam Cookies

1 cup butter (not margarine)

3 ozs cream cheese

- cream together then add

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla

- mix well then add

1/4 cup Birds Custard

2 1/4 cups flour

Roll dough into 1" balls.  Make an indentation in the center of the cookie and fill with jam or chocolate.  I use an icing bag to put the jam into the centers.  Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 - 15 minutes.  Wait til cookies cool before you try one (the jam gets very hot).  Enjoy!

Hope this inspires your own creativity...

Kathy

Shopping Small Business

I am a big believer in shopping locally and at independent stores.  Yes, I shop at Safeway, Costco, and The Bay, but for a lot of things I try if at all possible to shop from local merchants.  I appreciate the customer service and that a lot of these retailers have loyalty programs for my shopping there.

Today Chartreuse Decor in Sherwood Park had their Annual Open House.  This is the second year I have attended this event.  My friend's aunt works there and my friend and I 

go and sample the delicious treats, and look at all the beautiful things that they have.  Lots of the decadent foody things find their way home with me.  The gift bag was so adorable I had to get it, I think I will make some of these for gift giving this holiday season.  

The white bird in front was my son's contribution to the adventure as was the almond soap (wrapped in the bird paper).

Just think of the tasty things I can make with all these ingredients - Crafting With Food!

While my son was at art class, I ventured over to another classic Edmonton establishment, the Bon Ton Bakery.  If you are in the Edmonton area, I encourage you to check this place out.  The mini cinnamon buns are AWESOME.

Hope this inspires your own creativity...

Kathy