tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11135195982616482122024-03-19T00:10:01.157-04:00Joy BeadworksJoy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-9838401825566501222012-07-24T08:22:00.000-04:002012-07-26T07:57:31.879-04:00Can You Find It?I have several more ideas for my Tennis Ball Canisters. (please see the previous 2 posts for other ideas for these sleek, tall ,clear tubes).<br />
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Wouldn't it be fun to create your own Find It game? <br />
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Here is an example of a "store bought" game. <br />
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I was thinking about all of the "stuff" I could gather up from around my house:<br />
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tiny toys in the bottom of the toy bins<br />
marbles<br />
coins<br />
junk drawer items<br />
small notes to your child on a piece of heavy plastic<br />
shells from the beach<br />
an important rock<br />
a treasured lego guy<br />
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Make a list as you plop the items into the canister. Then fill with birdseed, or styrofoam balls. (rocks or sand will scratch the interior of the plastic container). Make sure to hot glue the lid into place. Hand your child "The List" and watch them scramble to find all of their treasures.<br />
<br />Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-4773066760049287382012-07-06T08:55:00.000-04:002012-07-06T08:55:51.589-04:00You CAN Make One Too!Canister project #2<br />
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As you know, I've happened upon an entire case of empty tennis ball cans. They somehow inspired me.<br />
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Here's how to make a BIRD FEEDER out of one:<br />
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The inspiration.</div>
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Find a few sticks the yard and cut them an inch or two wider than the width of the canister.</div>
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Drill 4 holes through the tennis ball can, directly across from one another in order to slide the sticks through. You may need to play around with the diameter of the drill bit, it should be slightly larger than the sticks you are using.</div>
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I ended up using a sharp knife to remove the plastic that remained after using the drill.</div>
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Also drill a few smaller holes: one each over the stick perches for the finch food dispenser, and 2 across from each other near the lid to slide a piece of twine through to hang it.</div>
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Dab around each stick with some hot glue to seal the stick into place.</div>
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Fill with finch food and snap the lid back on!</div>
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The birds have found it already!</div>
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</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-42620353084406613892012-06-21T15:45:00.000-04:002012-06-21T15:46:33.776-04:00The Canister Project<br />
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I was at the local tennis pro shop recently. They were getting ready for a new season by filling their tennis ball carts with fresh new balls. They had cases of these empty canisters. <br />
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Somehow I saw nothing but possibility in these plastic containers. I'm thinking up new things to do with them as we speak. I'll share what I've done so far:</div>
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Project #1</div>
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My daughter painted a <strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">vase</span></strong> for her tennis coach!</div>
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Wait till you see what I make next! You are going to be asking me for an extra "can" so that you can make one too!</div>
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<br /></div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-48767145480986890222012-06-17T10:37:00.000-04:002012-06-17T10:38:23.553-04:00A Shout Out to the Kings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just found out about a new reality show called "Farm Kings". It's airing this fall on <a href="http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2012/06/13/gacs-farm-kings10-siblings-1-goal-to-make-farming-cool-again/">Great American County's cable network</a>. It's about a local farm family with 10 children (9 boys, 1 girl) making a living at farming. I've seen "the boys" around the town where I grew up, mostly at Tractor Supply.<br />
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The reality show focuses on the hard work and dedication to a way of life that is hard to understand unless you've lived it. The brothers have built quite a business supplying local produce at their own farm stand, selling to local restaurants, and adding baked goods from their own bakery to their offerings. <br />
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Their message is to buy local and support local farmers. Their hope is to make farming "cool". I sincerely smile when I wish them the best of luck. Their unorthodox "beefcake" style will capture attention, and I think their message comes through loud and clear.<br />
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<br />Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-73339081896451521452012-05-15T09:43:00.000-04:002012-05-15T09:51:10.730-04:00Make Your Own Succulent Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always wanted to make one of these succulent wreaths. I've seen them in catalogs, and always thought I could make a nicer one myself. Last year, I went on a hunt to a floral supply warehouse to look for the circular frame- I had in mind a wire type wreath form. I had no luck. I have been turning the idea over in my mind trying to come up with the right container. <br />
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I was thinking about it last week when my friend, Jen's birthday came around. A group of us always celebrate each other's birthdays with a handmade gift. I thought about a bundt pan as a container. I called <a href="http://www.marzipanmom.blogspot.com/">Marzipan</a> to see if she wanted to go to the local thrift store to see if we could find something vintage. We both thought a bundt pan's sides would be too high, she suggested a jello mold. <br />
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With high hopes, we set off looking for something very specific -- and wouldn't you know it-- they had the PERFECT vintage jello mold for me to plant some sweet succulents in. <br />
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I lined the bottom of the pan with small stones, then added the plants..I thought I'd need extra sandy soil, but the dirt from the original pots was sufficient to plant all the succulents in the perfect pan. I was even able to droop some of the vining plants over the pan's edge for a more established look. <br />
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My friend, and birthday girl, <a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/">Jenifer Juniper</a> uses this pretty planter as a centerpiece to her patio table. The umbrella slides right through the center of the pan!<br />
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Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-4147122230144613722012-05-04T11:17:00.002-04:002012-05-15T09:44:05.410-04:00What are Ramps?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was at an event recently where they served Ramps. They included them is a salad, and it was kept a secret who brought them. Apparently, Ramps are rare, and if you know where to find them, or where a bed of Ramps is located in a woodland, you don't share this information. <br />
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I had no idea there was a "secret society" of Ramp lovers. In fact, I had never even heard of a Ramp until that night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBMNKmHCTeCsqlMfqwaEEMsQPnTyvMPD5o2PJozZ4-aS18aRH5oO-j74H7B28YYrZeX6kpdvBA2W2qAPdAgBcivBsBWLxmdLDn7gYK3ikStOwOWf8c24KGig_QSJRYDbtb7-F43gJLJQ/s1600/ramps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBMNKmHCTeCsqlMfqwaEEMsQPnTyvMPD5o2PJozZ4-aS18aRH5oO-j74H7B28YYrZeX6kpdvBA2W2qAPdAgBcivBsBWLxmdLDn7gYK3ikStOwOWf8c24KGig_QSJRYDbtb7-F43gJLJQ/s1600/ramps.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've done some research, and thanks to <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/cs/ramps/a/ramps.htm">Diana Rattray of Southern Food</a>, here is an explaination:<br />
<br />
<div id="articlebody">
The ramp, sometimes called wild leek, is a wild onion native to North America. Though the bulb resembles that of a scallion, the beautiful flat, broad leaves set it apart. According to John Mariani, author of "The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink," the word ramp comes from "rams," or "ramson," an Elizabethan dialect rendering of the wild garlic. Ramps grow from South Carolina to Canada, and in many areas they're considered a spring delicacy and even a reason for celebration. West Virginia is well-known for their many festivals and events in celebration of the ramp. The flavor and odor of ramps is usually compared to a combination of onions and garlic, and the garlic odor is particularly strong. Strong enough, in fact, that even ramp-lovers will advise caution. If you sit down to a big meal of ramps, don't be surprised if people continue to keep their distance after a few days have passed!<br />
Cautions aside, ramps add wonderful and uniquely pungent flavor to soups, egg dishes, casseroles, rice dishes and potato dishes. Use them raw or cooked in any recipe calling for scallions or leeks, or cook them in a more traditional way, scrambled with eggs or fried with potatoes. Since ramps aren't cultivated in the way leeks are, they're much easier to clean. Just cut off roots, rinse thoroughly, and scrub off any excess dirt on the bulbs. <br />
Ramps aren't available for long, but you can chop and freeze them for cooked dishes. The green tops are milder in flavor and are usually used along with the bulbs. I chop about half of the green leaves separately, air-dry them for a few hours then freeze them in an air-tight container for future use as a seasoning.<br />
<br />
I went for a walk the other day, and with a keen eye, I noticed some ramps scattered here and there...maybe just enough to try some <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/potatosoups/r/bl10519a.htm">Ramp and potato soup</a>!!</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-44705837127689878822012-04-23T09:31:00.002-04:002012-05-04T11:24:16.408-04:00My New Favorite Movie App<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynansQcOTS0bEoxUhqtqeN2asCHeLp8YAIz2nWEJk4H_TzMkakMCu1_K1peyOYL788c8mQRAALpr0ToXVOTA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
My kids and their endless imaginations never cease to amaze me. Here's my NEW favorite App for my iphone. It's called "Silent Film Director". <br />
I love the grainy old time film, and the music just makes anything they do seem funny!Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-10451358512458130662012-04-13T13:11:00.000-04:002012-04-13T13:11:48.937-04:00Gnome, Anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc5lpMzpmTDMZDte3roulIEjN-EK6jwtRJZjvrMwr5iFqYsWk6hbBEAPJG0UWijG-mKxn2IlCmmbH6ehdUL5DgzpV0M-8mDYKWjb16L667no2_ca8mGxbjunMS9pHwhSCBlzqZ-ZSMmE/s1600/P1070334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc5lpMzpmTDMZDte3roulIEjN-EK6jwtRJZjvrMwr5iFqYsWk6hbBEAPJG0UWijG-mKxn2IlCmmbH6ehdUL5DgzpV0M-8mDYKWjb16L667no2_ca8mGxbjunMS9pHwhSCBlzqZ-ZSMmE/s320/P1070334.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My amazing cousisn made these Gnomes for a party recently. What says spring better than a sweet, jovial, sometimes mischievous Gnome?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8Whmc3bXhv2m4tUecrbf5UEvOfGlnNTuB72gE5UeEyhpkk2eAv5lFThInUKJ63cMuVnQERL9zSsj1JPXbaGS1fpbzHO7bKjXIgVYOmZVTmrL1CMRrntPO8oR1lnKudBQ_Emf-pqXXaY/s1600/P1070333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8Whmc3bXhv2m4tUecrbf5UEvOfGlnNTuB72gE5UeEyhpkk2eAv5lFThInUKJ63cMuVnQERL9zSsj1JPXbaGS1fpbzHO7bKjXIgVYOmZVTmrL1CMRrntPO8oR1lnKudBQ_Emf-pqXXaY/s320/P1070333.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Her daughter made the background "villiage" using heavy paper and crayons. Very fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3bDB1MyK7_QjmqaFNkXoRd_0UnDAfr7Nm50IyX3s1U0JUbJi9DoHjPmnn4hWRzZ0WAc7345rfd963RD5uGmyLS3OUlqpw7cQWis1vS4TSBXKgnkCB6rbDbJEKTcCwGTP-ufad5ScNi0/s1600/P1070335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3bDB1MyK7_QjmqaFNkXoRd_0UnDAfr7Nm50IyX3s1U0JUbJi9DoHjPmnn4hWRzZ0WAc7345rfd963RD5uGmyLS3OUlqpw7cQWis1vS4TSBXKgnkCB6rbDbJEKTcCwGTP-ufad5ScNi0/s320/P1070335.JPG" width="240" /></a>So, here's how to make your own Gnomes at home:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You'll need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sugar cones, icing, twizzlers in various colors, jelly belly jelly beans, mini chocolate chips and 2 sizes of cupcakes (mini and regular), white chocolate discs for melting, colored sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the hats: cover the sugar cone in white chocolate and roll in colored sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The body: a mini cupcake set upside-down on top of the regular cupcake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The arms: twizzlers the the end clipped enough to jam a jelly belly "hand".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The face: 2 mini chocolate chips for eyes and a jelly belly for the nose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of icing piped all over for the beard and hair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I especially liked the tiny mushrooms sprinkled on the tray ( made from gum drops and tiny cake/cookie decorative balls). The green "grass" is colored shreaded coconut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They tasted good too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-31644528602457513452012-03-14T09:31:00.000-04:002012-03-14T09:31:10.051-04:00Make A St. Patrick's Day Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Mom really loves 4 leaf clovers. She used to "sell" them to a neighbor lady when she was little. She'd earn a penny for any genuine 4 leaf clover that was given to the neighbor, and the neighbor stuffed her bible with 4 leaf clovers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZqeyqU6lIgmWUQFQAP6Ezh4rjdA5Ba_Hj1jsuFV31517VBUex-DjNfP-qhe8Eq703XqIScbg_txVMsk1qfAC_U24C5mMKXcDmRM0KI7Q44RNtlfLseXbAUmualFtYsYqLGEkZraoPao/s1600/st.+p's+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZqeyqU6lIgmWUQFQAP6Ezh4rjdA5Ba_Hj1jsuFV31517VBUex-DjNfP-qhe8Eq703XqIScbg_txVMsk1qfAC_U24C5mMKXcDmRM0KI7Q44RNtlfLseXbAUmualFtYsYqLGEkZraoPao/s320/st.+p's+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My mom had 4 kids, and I have 4 kids. My mom told me once that each leaf of a lucky 4 leaf represented one of her kids. I thought it would be cute to have each of my kids hold a green heart shape and have them form a 4 leaf clover with them. <br />
<br />
If you want to make one:<br />
cut heart shapes out of green construction paper<br />
hold them together to form a clover shape<br />
take a photo<br />
upload to a site like <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a> and edit<br />
You don't have to have 4 kids: have one kid hold 2, or include yourself or the dog<br />
it's fun and easy!<br />
<br />
I plan to make these into cards or postcards to mail our family. <br />
<br />
Happy St. Patrick's Day!Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-60307797183278705512012-03-09T09:05:00.001-05:002012-03-09T09:09:43.543-05:00"Be True" Upcycled T-Shirt Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLsxI_K2BYuhXxDCnMOuKh7FgJOTUjZMfBvoYEGOgA8RBp3UHhXbKaTNkqY0LFvfezKEu3BZF5XsTX-VgfC_gHV4watd5FzzPQhODsweUqPVmDVHRUBR3UrR94v7CLIPLNWSsrNpZ_Oc/s1600/P1070248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLsxI_K2BYuhXxDCnMOuKh7FgJOTUjZMfBvoYEGOgA8RBp3UHhXbKaTNkqY0LFvfezKEu3BZF5XsTX-VgfC_gHV4watd5FzzPQhODsweUqPVmDVHRUBR3UrR94v7CLIPLNWSsrNpZ_Oc/s320/P1070248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> I made this easy scarf recently using an old t-shirt, some bleach, a sharpie and embrodery thread.<br />
<br />
I have a friend who was a little blue. She's been going through some difficult times lately, and we were just talking about how she is trying to live by the mantra: "To Thine Own Self Be True". <br />
We all know how easily we put ourselves last on the list for any attention, pampering, lunch.... (fill in the blank).<br />
<br />
So, I made her this little lightweight t-Shirt scarf from a soft old shirt I came across.<br />
<br />
Cut a long rectangle. (you can use a scarf you currently have as a guide) make it long or short depending on how you like it.<br />
<br />
Cut strips of the fabric (6) to sew along the ends. <br />
<br />
Take a q-tip dipped in bleach and gently apply the bleach to the edges of the strips. (The bleaching process takes awhile-don't get discouraged if the color seems a bit off at first). <br />
<br />
Then take embroidery thread and stitch each strip to the ends of the scarf. I like the stitches chunky and uneven...handmade.<br />
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Lastly, add a personal message with sharpie along one of the stripes. If you kind of "dab" on the sharpie, it gives a weathered charcoal type of look. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAboNWbgch0HIXLhl5FqqvGQTFFhZHBXXvvK_0ExddZwZBxIN4rssL8cnW4zLy5-o606gziNZiOpfk4Sjo6a9rN66vaXljk83jh_y4r7hGZ5vBo3ELLnXHXrj2NZuaDpREWcrGeJe47Nk/s1600/P1070249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAboNWbgch0HIXLhl5FqqvGQTFFhZHBXXvvK_0ExddZwZBxIN4rssL8cnW4zLy5-o606gziNZiOpfk4Sjo6a9rN66vaXljk83jh_y4r7hGZ5vBo3ELLnXHXrj2NZuaDpREWcrGeJe47Nk/s320/P1070249.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Wrap yourself in the reminder to follow your dreams, and be true to yourself!Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-79429491161593186402012-02-10T15:03:00.000-05:002012-02-10T15:03:00.909-05:00Easy Valentine BoxAll of us parents are scrabling to come up with a Valentine Box this weekend. <br />
My child just did a diorama (?) depicting bears in their natural habitat with my very last shoe box. <br />
<br />
Now what? I'm not buying a pair of shoes just for the box. That is just plain silly. <br />
<br />
So what am I to do? Naturally, I look in the trash and recycling bins. <br />
What I DO have are these great plastic grape boxes from Costco.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8of0BHB0Aytg5nrraRIhnIaJLrhMzXvGggutNhknFlXK18Hsp6GznwZsFHU3AHh0I8RLV2R_laM54wd1XjEv3vFeiaMcvVD_PCRDktMtS8oP9L-NZ9alHvmqPWJEG38o9fEJ_WfO6us/s1600/P1070236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8of0BHB0Aytg5nrraRIhnIaJLrhMzXvGggutNhknFlXK18Hsp6GznwZsFHU3AHh0I8RLV2R_laM54wd1XjEv3vFeiaMcvVD_PCRDktMtS8oP9L-NZ9alHvmqPWJEG38o9fEJ_WfO6us/s320/P1070236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Take some strips of tissue paper and apply elmers glue with a brush to the interior of the box. The tissue paper will go on easily, just brush it flat. Don't worry about using too much glue, the white will fade as the glue dries. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRfA8nyfB6jyuj8SgYhftU0MRUoVEmxXfNoYAOHQyxVVdCuw2HUw3uT9cXsd36uCj9DLpyqmBRYQQiG0AVnXqYFi0Wd-zYDRFxgkTkbWAWqpPYqYcIS1DSNyHPEE5HOkEfRO8OAGDEmM/s1600/P1070230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRfA8nyfB6jyuj8SgYhftU0MRUoVEmxXfNoYAOHQyxVVdCuw2HUw3uT9cXsd36uCj9DLpyqmBRYQQiG0AVnXqYFi0Wd-zYDRFxgkTkbWAWqpPYqYcIS1DSNyHPEE5HOkEfRO8OAGDEmM/s320/P1070230.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Then the fun part: use little squares of tissue wrapped over the end of a pencil, dip them in hot glue and then apply the frilly design to the outside of the box. The hot glue is super child resistant, and the glue sticks instantly. Please don't let the kids use hot glue-this is the parent part. (They can stick the poofs-you work the gun). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikUepCni5cHgzFfuzJQw-WVjh9qPmV6zpUpXruiD7DT353j0coc05ZVdZPe_-1csxH1cWOBSkcIRukpGRCzwGxhg-T11F4yLDZ5kPKU9ukDKfNP-QXrOS5JdMAdR19GYCzZHlHFVbVLI/s1600/P1070227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikUepCni5cHgzFfuzJQw-WVjh9qPmV6zpUpXruiD7DT353j0coc05ZVdZPe_-1csxH1cWOBSkcIRukpGRCzwGxhg-T11F4yLDZ5kPKU9ukDKfNP-QXrOS5JdMAdR19GYCzZHlHFVbVLI/s320/P1070227.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Ah, the traslucence of the tissue paper and the frill of the poof makes the perfect valentine box. <br />
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Have a sweet day!Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-40077188378538619992012-02-10T14:37:00.000-05:002012-02-10T14:37:08.480-05:00Fun Valentine TutorialI think Valentines Day is such a *sweet* day. <br />
I love coming up with crafty valentines and working on the kid's valentine boxes with them. <br />
<br />
My kids read their valentines over and over...they keep their cards year after year...even if they are just Star Wars store bought and the kids name was signed by their mom.<br />
<br />
Here's what my kids are giving out this year:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLKNjLcUl7y2BkNKtur_lgrVx32WyhhGGtDjYa3WXQuMfk1Z8Fuii7hMLZLbDWKZUXflQxLDnBOAc4-OEDdfqbHha8Ym7TS536R9FXfvLENrlP9zgZxhzP0lrZ67v5PxexB5O-Gn0TvE/s1600/P1070234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLKNjLcUl7y2BkNKtur_lgrVx32WyhhGGtDjYa3WXQuMfk1Z8Fuii7hMLZLbDWKZUXflQxLDnBOAc4-OEDdfqbHha8Ym7TS536R9FXfvLENrlP9zgZxhzP0lrZ67v5PxexB5O-Gn0TvE/s320/P1070234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_aJ4yD9kYL2kqKxJfASt4aPUEE9I7j_3ydqaLtmAJDNgfZfUo4P7-pBXAfyG_3lStnIioA1oxD8aW_fVrbs9bVVmHtsqqr40t_fPusmKPwWrqaTt0yw3Cw1MsI4SLK65-IpzmaBGqc4/s1600/P1070235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_aJ4yD9kYL2kqKxJfASt4aPUEE9I7j_3ydqaLtmAJDNgfZfUo4P7-pBXAfyG_3lStnIioA1oxD8aW_fVrbs9bVVmHtsqqr40t_fPusmKPwWrqaTt0yw3Cw1MsI4SLK65-IpzmaBGqc4/s320/P1070235.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>You still have this weekend to make some super fun valentines with your kids:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take your child's photo with their hand exended as if they are handing you something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edit your photo at a fun site like snapfish that allows you to add a border and text.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then punch holes in your picture right at the edges of your child's fist. (the key to this is a long reach hole punch) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Slip a lollipop through the holes, and have a fantastic, funny Valentines day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-34725198495792105072011-10-17T14:30:00.001-04:002011-10-17T14:47:05.165-04:00Fantastic Fall Pumpkins With a Chalky TwistThese pumpkins are so much fun for the whole family! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZhNb1UQvrfx5TeWKnwn8MXsPCEdXThLboaj7SQyrvzA3K8iokRWzJEJA-3QtyMdMKph36wf04w7ivs4JnIYeq49120cWAkgVpYQIlVZfFh9W_BVMNgqBatcNuBvAETxCoNhj2ZgxpV0/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZhNb1UQvrfx5TeWKnwn8MXsPCEdXThLboaj7SQyrvzA3K8iokRWzJEJA-3QtyMdMKph36wf04w7ivs4JnIYeq49120cWAkgVpYQIlVZfFh9W_BVMNgqBatcNuBvAETxCoNhj2ZgxpV0/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Start with a faux pumpkin from the craft store. Tape off the stem if you like the color, then apply chalkboard spray paint in fine layers. You may need to apply 3 or 4 fine layers of paint in order to avoid runs and drips.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMP3HrHJD5c3CBGjEDu1rx4xrSfGO0Zz1rG4nYYSB6PJi-kVCeki3Zclic_S1Gtw1dRkyC2PHTm0trHXNX_ZzxS1hv4UnG5pLjDGdCqPbV1BaVIdWBS3Fz3fw1eRyn2DIiwAxsnbs724/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMP3HrHJD5c3CBGjEDu1rx4xrSfGO0Zz1rG4nYYSB6PJi-kVCeki3Zclic_S1Gtw1dRkyC2PHTm0trHXNX_ZzxS1hv4UnG5pLjDGdCqPbV1BaVIdWBS3Fz3fw1eRyn2DIiwAxsnbs724/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you've painted your pumpkin, paint on leaves and curly vines with acrylic paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkJxRmKU3KydPWHwpQ29XoN7PYHXd_PodMUO8BFtEJju_P0an0HvWoL19wPZi687Jd-dbzBdOwFAp9J4CQOQHDeaWIfz4LwRA7XbI5NCjs4NGY4mF9Bu-_cuHOUuLnf3hYrd70ElAmqQ/s1600/6254298751_02230a948a_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkJxRmKU3KydPWHwpQ29XoN7PYHXd_PodMUO8BFtEJju_P0an0HvWoL19wPZi687Jd-dbzBdOwFAp9J4CQOQHDeaWIfz4LwRA7XbI5NCjs4NGY4mF9Bu-_cuHOUuLnf3hYrd70ElAmqQ/s1600/6254298751_02230a948a_m.jpg" /></a></div>Then write "Happy Fall", or "Happy Halloween", or "Welcome", or how about: "Happy Birthday"! <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pt0fFugjbPJaWb66v4Y-X34APYUc_xFhDLQ0zy6W7LX7amQYPkUr4ELTEx8WvitQ_n2n2I1RktVyqHEYS3ZrJ72q4fA_KAfU6orw2cFq0hI7HdDvADRwTMinX2pOkenvR6NZaAmk8Ck/s1600/6254844532_b06079a243_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pt0fFugjbPJaWb66v4Y-X34APYUc_xFhDLQ0zy6W7LX7amQYPkUr4ELTEx8WvitQ_n2n2I1RktVyqHEYS3ZrJ72q4fA_KAfU6orw2cFq0hI7HdDvADRwTMinX2pOkenvR6NZaAmk8Ck/s200/6254844532_b06079a243_s.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-88313991362436729412011-09-19T20:42:00.001-04:002011-09-20T06:41:54.238-04:00Dessert CupsI had a big family gathering a few weeks ago. My (youngest) brother brought his girlfriend to meet the family. It was sort of a big deal, but I didn't want it to be TOO much of a big deal. I knew she was nervous to meet us all ( I served dinner for 28).<br />
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I thought a fun dinner to lighten the mood would be better than a sit-down formal meal. I decided on a Make-Your-Own Taco night. It worked out really well. I had big bowls full of condiments and sides, I made fresh corn, and used tomatoes from my Mom's garden. We had planned several games to keep everyone engaged and talking. <br />
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For dessert, I thought we may as well expand on the Make-Your-Own theme, and have a sundae bar. We had hot fudge, caramel, sprinkles, candy, whipped cream, cherries, and all sorts of toppings. I made these fun dessert cups to scoop the ice cream into. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrxphRZyRxtbGy92RJNJ6sfaHyERIeMDZSwmpORawR8QllPS340FQMqtyadMuKAIFtz5V2C3gC219asxN5rUZb6XOc7QxzziJNBxvRz4cjn6pCqA6SsyMzLkBG4GFAYRD6BFFoffqHFE/s1600/P1060420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrxphRZyRxtbGy92RJNJ6sfaHyERIeMDZSwmpORawR8QllPS340FQMqtyadMuKAIFtz5V2C3gC219asxN5rUZb6XOc7QxzziJNBxvRz4cjn6pCqA6SsyMzLkBG4GFAYRD6BFFoffqHFE/s320/P1060420.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I took regular flour tortillias and used a cookie cutter to make smaller circles. I slightly buttered both sides of the circle and then sprinkled on sugar and cinnamon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRe18WU8MUjB38i7-DRaEvtJq4iq86cQm2Rc7HhkPcLZ8S-AzQyPj-KJPwMSnG0Vkut2pibBES63o04L3FMwtZomyyZmLKOMe618O1sSAmPbyDeP4XBLqOaGWXtbinoo5hn3C5bfMxPg/s1600/P1060421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRe18WU8MUjB38i7-DRaEvtJq4iq86cQm2Rc7HhkPcLZ8S-AzQyPj-KJPwMSnG0Vkut2pibBES63o04L3FMwtZomyyZmLKOMe618O1sSAmPbyDeP4XBLqOaGWXtbinoo5hn3C5bfMxPg/s320/P1060421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then I pushed the circles into a muffin pan and baked them at 350 for 8 minutes. They were perfectly crispy and just the perfect compliment to all of the dessert toppings. The kids thought they were amazing.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" /></a></center>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-78326989650339796112011-09-13T14:47:00.001-04:002011-09-13T14:50:06.010-04:00An Observation at Mammoth Cave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the summer, we visited Mammoth Cave, in Kentucky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mammoth Cave, as it's name suggests is giant. It is with world's largest cave system by far, and they are still discovering other branches and making new maps to record recent discoveries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An interesting thing about the place is that it has been open for tours since the 1840's. Hard to imagine. Wealthy North Easterners traveled by stage coach for months to visit the place. There was a small retreat type hotel, but the draw was the cave. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The property above ground at the time was owned privately, and the property owners would have their slaves give tours. Some of the slaves became known for their excellent tours and knowledge of the cave and it's many underground passageways.Some of these slaves earned enough money in tips to buy their freedom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rq-ogg1Ec-Z8qx7Z0meH-rOWq7dBwgoCJb7CrXqhaG5nuZl24QwrJPiTeEMGFtg4kB-r6miJO3lphcgSHqR9rDdBQc7DKisutxl74fWnI-IUtCYmYtzOqvODhaK35Dm8pwVpAruwHfI/s1600/P1050464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rq-ogg1Ec-Z8qx7Z0meH-rOWq7dBwgoCJb7CrXqhaG5nuZl24QwrJPiTeEMGFtg4kB-r6miJO3lphcgSHqR9rDdBQc7DKisutxl74fWnI-IUtCYmYtzOqvODhaK35Dm8pwVpAruwHfI/s320/P1050464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Throughout the older part of the cave, there is "graffiti" left by these early explorers. The slaves hoped to earn tips by allowing their guests to write on the walls and ceilings of the cave with candle smoke ( I think candles were made with fat at the time, so they were a bit smokier than ours today).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXPtm-aoM0VWjB-kZme0DOYX1GPWhd5XK-nEj7wCCKMOwsV0NlbszlSYvaBH-Snt5oXutkd0JQt1qAbO65TzZ_E_SOgrrkaebd4vRpUAy1PLisHW2rZv2GlPccdE1LohOzCzXJlOPIRI/s1600/P1050458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXPtm-aoM0VWjB-kZme0DOYX1GPWhd5XK-nEj7wCCKMOwsV0NlbszlSYvaBH-Snt5oXutkd0JQt1qAbO65TzZ_E_SOgrrkaebd4vRpUAy1PLisHW2rZv2GlPccdE1LohOzCzXJlOPIRI/s320/P1050458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6SJ2q9sIm0VtTZJDCfutSOzFvux0cZv4O__G7gATkEiaWLKcOexcQ_IeVWr0oJ1HkoW5OIOBqBKvqXEpPFAovXhu5zC9oJTG-qnrEW-G8qtqfQhvZRVptejxFFXb05zi_P1IVsyluh0/s1600/P1050463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6SJ2q9sIm0VtTZJDCfutSOzFvux0cZv4O__G7gATkEiaWLKcOexcQ_IeVWr0oJ1HkoW5OIOBqBKvqXEpPFAovXhu5zC9oJTG-qnrEW-G8qtqfQhvZRVptejxFFXb05zi_P1IVsyluh0/s320/P1050463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> What struck me most was the immaculate penmanship. Beautifully formed letters in different fonts even! The skill of handwriting is truly lost. I can tell you that my kids (all of them) can type better and faster than they can write. This saddens me somehow. It makes the writing from the 1800's look like art. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnO_A-Mm35pdLjNhQ1fZkFR7NG6eXnrvvizHjexuCUAizZwqCeS8pOZXd-JtepmZbMmd7e6e06gTIcoCgNVrmXW4CxZjdOcEzmmipTIdTOAiLgjivGScvZaF3EOlNWH8TVNneqOFh3Uw/s1600/P1050493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnO_A-Mm35pdLjNhQ1fZkFR7NG6eXnrvvizHjexuCUAizZwqCeS8pOZXd-JtepmZbMmd7e6e06gTIcoCgNVrmXW4CxZjdOcEzmmipTIdTOAiLgjivGScvZaF3EOlNWH8TVNneqOFh3Uw/s320/P1050493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here's the crew outside, peeling off their jackets. It was 90 degrees that day, and it's always 60 something in the cave.Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-6163057843676173522011-09-12T05:35:00.002-04:002011-09-13T14:16:27.101-04:00The Best Fresh SalsaI know your gardens are all busting with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Here's something fresh to do with your garden surplus. <br />
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Here's what you'll need: <br />
4 limes, 2 tomatoes, and onion, a pepper, a dash of salt, cilantro (not pictured) and the "special sauce" Lizano salsa. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIl_aiFnFcCUpqN22HVVNjz7jfEppvZVeeJTgo18OK2RhNPfG9pZrvbxbNafJlMfPt-_eUIKvQlWcw6M2f29I0pl3SwqRB3mqr8KnZk_jqrlhv-WrkIQI5gSSkHittOe4Kn4MxH9JaN4/s1600/P1060324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIl_aiFnFcCUpqN22HVVNjz7jfEppvZVeeJTgo18OK2RhNPfG9pZrvbxbNafJlMfPt-_eUIKvQlWcw6M2f29I0pl3SwqRB3mqr8KnZk_jqrlhv-WrkIQI5gSSkHittOe4Kn4MxH9JaN4/s320/P1060324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we were away this summer in Costa Rica, Renzo, a chef, showed us how to make this excellent salsa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWO7YLCzIzALtPFGXWyeGAddWNvSp1gQwgCZXDjZpXQafIPdKX7Qheq94McC_hrMR1HHHaOp0kBlWTg-R148kTbKYqwotZqC_xECtzZ0dpCcBxtdTnRzMYtRj5iB_RRlH62zx5iO2i2yA/s1600/P1060326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWO7YLCzIzALtPFGXWyeGAddWNvSp1gQwgCZXDjZpXQafIPdKX7Qheq94McC_hrMR1HHHaOp0kBlWTg-R148kTbKYqwotZqC_xECtzZ0dpCcBxtdTnRzMYtRj5iB_RRlH62zx5iO2i2yA/s320/P1060326.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My kids loved Renzo. That's a story for another day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what you'll need to do:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chop all of the ingedients finely, add about 2 tablespoons of Lizano Sauce (found in the Mexican food section of the grocery) and stir. Serve with thick tortilla chips. The result is an excellent salsa that you and your family will crave!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeoWqIXCN27PqtFSI7PIcN1ierKJt7vfRzt8A4RP1piYt1przfsCWJhTJ0fxQmrjY15HNscd2hX7lsE1hyphenhyphenuGPBe_g6XGviku4j71tyd1DMT5zsorHJFjre8diINrwi4KHsdWNpaDKLR4/s1600/P1060399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeoWqIXCN27PqtFSI7PIcN1ierKJt7vfRzt8A4RP1piYt1przfsCWJhTJ0fxQmrjY15HNscd2hX7lsE1hyphenhyphenuGPBe_g6XGviku4j71tyd1DMT5zsorHJFjre8diINrwi4KHsdWNpaDKLR4/s320/P1060399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-45853194262710090722011-09-07T09:51:00.001-04:002011-09-07T09:51:24.123-04:00Well, They are GoneMy kids are off to school today. <br />
I'm feeling a bit lost as I do every year. More sad for myself than for them...they are off with their friends on new adventures. I'm left with what I forgot to do, (pack snacks for my youngest two), what I wanted to do (have an unhurried morning) and lots of chores and organization that require more effort than I'm capable of right now. <br />
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It doesn't help that I think I'm coming down with a head cold. I had a cup of coffee, so I can't go back to bed. I feel like watching TLC all day, but that's not very productive, is it? <br />
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I've got lots of exciting projects and catching up to do here. Can't wait to share all that has been going on. I hope you'll understand why I took the summer off once I get into the move, the renovation of my 100 year old house, our amazing trip, and so much more! <span id="goog_732709772"></span><span id="goog_732709773"></span>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-42964347356919613242011-05-22T09:28:00.002-04:002011-05-24T06:23:29.603-04:00I'm seeing...DOTS....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Kids just love the mystery and suspense of these Lego minifigures. These little bags are sold for less than $3, and contain a mystery Lego minifigure. Each series contain a mix of great characters. The only problem is that your son can get the figure skater with the pretty outfit including a blue skirt 3 times in a row. That brings some frustration and tears, I happen to know first hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIrNpQRC5sq1F8heO0US7az6mI80vyIb1MaGRlEG8zvEe8Kg5yYZDmFfXdBpFxcLYloHOmutLdYRb7EPE6gegefbzNcYPVbu9U4FW9Ij5I9QMQT_vLsoWr0fSxCgll2MgQIj4hhXagT0/s1600/lego+minfigs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIrNpQRC5sq1F8heO0US7az6mI80vyIb1MaGRlEG8zvEe8Kg5yYZDmFfXdBpFxcLYloHOmutLdYRb7EPE6gegefbzNcYPVbu9U4FW9Ij5I9QMQT_vLsoWr0fSxCgll2MgQIj4hhXagT0/s320/lego+minfigs.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alas, but there is a way around repeatedly buying the same figure, and possibly choosing the one you'd really like. It is no less frustrating, and it may bring tears, but they will be your tears, not your 6 year old's! Lego apparently marks the packages with a dot system that must be an internal way for them to know whats what. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These very hard to see dots are at the back of the package, on the bottom seal. Arm yourself with the following dot codes, and you'll have a better chance at getting the hockey player, or whatever it is that your little one just can't live without!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/iTq_ZpbDmB0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iTq_ZpbDmB0&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iTq_ZpbDmB0&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-18601409508169626762011-05-16T22:23:00.000-04:002011-05-16T22:23:57.443-04:00I Get Some Strange Looks in ProduceIt occurred to me that not everyone smells their cantaloupe before they purchase it. I can't help it! My Mom taught me most of these tips for buying the best of fresh produce:<br />
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Cantaloupe: Smell it. It should smell like cantaloupe. It should also be slightly soft at the stem area. If it's green, you can leave it sit on the counter to ripen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m7zyd8s5I7nFgNdilhmnisAbc708yIgaYxpvBjMKyq12unnJJTulTdnBNNVA6Bih5AfUt3f-6FtlTBLqLnER-fBkzbuP_luh-bB08LI6Pa2yv8WUw7vRxdtQ9ao-ZvolCE72J0VvUGM/s1600/cantaloupe-by-scott-bauer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m7zyd8s5I7nFgNdilhmnisAbc708yIgaYxpvBjMKyq12unnJJTulTdnBNNVA6Bih5AfUt3f-6FtlTBLqLnER-fBkzbuP_luh-bB08LI6Pa2yv8WUw7vRxdtQ9ao-ZvolCE72J0VvUGM/s320/cantaloupe-by-scott-bauer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Watermelon: Knock on it. If it sounds hollow, then, it's a good one. The sweetest melons are cracked inside, and are ripe. When you are knocking, if it sounds solid, move on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzoiMg31aFSQc2EUGGlM4EWcQRE5s0Y5Nmsc71mn_K5SXbhasNdEbvkmBcv3SzFy8BCbYG6D6F1Y9h2MLsTi8vyC0zTgBbY3ljYU64TxXutrlXi5juEbVjsCMAcofjacI5HDBb5Un2N0/s1600/watermelon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzoiMg31aFSQc2EUGGlM4EWcQRE5s0Y5Nmsc71mn_K5SXbhasNdEbvkmBcv3SzFy8BCbYG6D6F1Y9h2MLsTi8vyC0zTgBbY3ljYU64TxXutrlXi5juEbVjsCMAcofjacI5HDBb5Un2N0/s1600/watermelon.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Green Grapes: Look for grapes that have a slightly yellow cast, particularly opposite the stem area. They are the sweetest. The really dark green ones are sour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUOZxgs0BiKcVdVjpimM_hwCN-oiKAme2El5SwST19XfaPK_tMg8j7-_cGza2m-4KF1OiZXY-QkbGV9_umpN8STI5Nux72EkYHbIE6hgJu3cLmrFHzMNfsiLH4uvYlWsUjWKj63vuRUw/s1600/green+grapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUOZxgs0BiKcVdVjpimM_hwCN-oiKAme2El5SwST19XfaPK_tMg8j7-_cGza2m-4KF1OiZXY-QkbGV9_umpN8STI5Nux72EkYHbIE6hgJu3cLmrFHzMNfsiLH4uvYlWsUjWKj63vuRUw/s1600/green+grapes.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pineapple: This fruit should be yellow near the bottom. I've also heard that you should be able to pull a leaf from a fruit that is ripe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfB6o-L4mK7V2sV4ZyYEr1hbTKF2I-S-MIzIJf9Jwi8OZqZI5o9sWHybFgIHIPZamZBKwcyb5mzyVz6jDUctozZBNHCvhk50T0Xiu3aw3XhbVTRl7j_bogN2fhtaRhzR7a-wIdf6bYj8/s1600/pineapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfB6o-L4mK7V2sV4ZyYEr1hbTKF2I-S-MIzIJf9Jwi8OZqZI5o9sWHybFgIHIPZamZBKwcyb5mzyVz6jDUctozZBNHCvhk50T0Xiu3aw3XhbVTRl7j_bogN2fhtaRhzR7a-wIdf6bYj8/s320/pineapple.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I'm sure there are many more tips that I don't know about! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What did your Mom tell you??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-19568961638448988772011-05-08T09:27:00.000-04:002011-05-08T09:27:08.143-04:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnjwvcPGK1PEuG6Q9qLevFgqfRcNFmNMDw9TIB0yb195GWMM-z40Ex-VyIIsxO1NutXqLhF724hi5KUvuRFu-jdLejW7U2LOkgTnoeYFNgKNAJLimuNBNNQhQIYxq7pHbUm55xW9dL5E/s1600/mother%2527s+Day+Breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnjwvcPGK1PEuG6Q9qLevFgqfRcNFmNMDw9TIB0yb195GWMM-z40Ex-VyIIsxO1NutXqLhF724hi5KUvuRFu-jdLejW7U2LOkgTnoeYFNgKNAJLimuNBNNQhQIYxq7pHbUm55xW9dL5E/s1600/mother%2527s+Day+Breakfast.jpg" /></a></div>I hope you all get to spend some time today enjoying all of the reasons why you are a Mother. I wish you unexpected hugs and sloppy peanut butter and jelly kisses!Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-37469365907395643512011-05-03T07:01:00.001-04:002011-05-03T14:47:42.770-04:00Another Use For CoffeeI needed a fresh centerpiece for my kitchen table. I've always loved ivy, and this verigated stuff I found at Lowes was so sweet. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but I bought 3 anyway. When I got home, an idea came together. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWy8QDxJS-GFsVfEzC9gSp8ZHz9B2yjOdar7SqLVzqoLFB-0PBAf7qOYa04YPV-6yRE0PHhyphenhyphen9ejG7dqgIQ2bWyu37qVS-GXB1CbfJ9jhwImh-yJ08mEqqzbC5njDtdfTZxn6W3W3vMDwg/s1600/P1050055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWy8QDxJS-GFsVfEzC9gSp8ZHz9B2yjOdar7SqLVzqoLFB-0PBAf7qOYa04YPV-6yRE0PHhyphenhyphen9ejG7dqgIQ2bWyu37qVS-GXB1CbfJ9jhwImh-yJ08mEqqzbC5njDtdfTZxn6W3W3vMDwg/s320/P1050055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I fetched 3 pots from under the kitchen sink, planted the ivy, hmm, still not right. I found a tray and lined the pots up on the tray. Problem: the tray is white, and the pots are cream. They clash a bit. ENTER: Coffee! I dumped whole coffee beans on the tray surrounding the pots. It's perfect. The extra layer of texture and deep chocolate color are just what this little arrangement needed. Plus, it smells good. Bonus.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOAkUQVgxLqCLml3_rhBBSV32s4eLPFPKOtK9Vr7kqJ4EXW3k2UvcUpbSfLB0ftf8vLTj_LZDraN5dv8Ir16Oa_MIHw-1DaRGnm6ZUX7LFcPnPIFirXWvEQfcC39nsKEaOWXYW1QeA2Q/s1600/P1050056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOAkUQVgxLqCLml3_rhBBSV32s4eLPFPKOtK9Vr7kqJ4EXW3k2UvcUpbSfLB0ftf8vLTj_LZDraN5dv8Ir16Oa_MIHw-1DaRGnm6ZUX7LFcPnPIFirXWvEQfcC39nsKEaOWXYW1QeA2Q/s320/P1050056.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsyMLhlnSn2KuHYCo7JMSv1MMTR5_6eQ9__O5znn41HukB8Xpqsky-bIR6wX1A0O6yX07FBEWw1QVVkEyCROiHSN4mmukFFtty3oDvZvIZAx3JJ_5O1iQpbIJjA__D9ZOG5EmAT9uzzg/s1600/P1050054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsyMLhlnSn2KuHYCo7JMSv1MMTR5_6eQ9__O5znn41HukB8Xpqsky-bIR6wX1A0O6yX07FBEWw1QVVkEyCROiHSN4mmukFFtty3oDvZvIZAx3JJ_5O1iQpbIJjA__D9ZOG5EmAT9uzzg/s320/P1050054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" /></a></center>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-71216512180292730752011-04-26T07:49:00.001-04:002011-04-26T07:50:12.306-04:00Remember My Belt?I wore my <a href="http://joybeadworks.blogspot.com/search?q=flower+belt">Boiled Wool Flower belt</a> the other day, and I was reminded of how much I like it. <br />
It's perfect with jeans and a t-shirt (my Mom uniform). <br />
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It deserves a re-visit with spring fast approaching. This belt looks great with a breezy skirt too!<br />
I'm linking up to my soul sister Jen's Linky party!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yLuwVl-y4Y6MRMoEaDz0uCTVB0NJUUwHxkZrl20gC3NAGez6h1oZ4xf49vr2v9685wNHDM7OZhuzPj0i9w7sW8fiInRtSyWkSzAcd0-wBUqoznY4Cmh3nO68snQoBJodziMSU3oDOlw/s1600/P1090760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yLuwVl-y4Y6MRMoEaDz0uCTVB0NJUUwHxkZrl20gC3NAGez6h1oZ4xf49vr2v9685wNHDM7OZhuzPj0i9w7sW8fiInRtSyWkSzAcd0-wBUqoznY4Cmh3nO68snQoBJodziMSU3oDOlw/s320/P1090760.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<center><a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" /></a></center>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-48787207462293364702011-04-11T19:53:00.000-04:002011-04-11T19:53:21.548-04:00Horses in PittsburghI was at a bakery in Lawrenceville recently. I'm a sucker for a bakery. I'll plan a day around a visit. <br />
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So, the kids and I stopped at <a href="http://dozenbakeshop.com/">Dozen</a> on a saturday morning, and on the way back to the car, I looked up and noticed the graceful horse that was above a beautiful arched doorway. Upon further inspection, there was a date of 1888 in a brick keystone. I'm sure this building used to be a stable. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKEWjEruBT6zMoW55UVsgq8BYWCkWyWlnWonnwTxpkCBhxrk0GEXWXDr1mnZ6fpTe-yhd5vqKd-IWcDJRZXvIhXumiRIE_VlSMJQpbxBMDc9O6WYrfhVJjDdMd6nANjbNJSDpSnOMdQY/s1600/P1040691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKEWjEruBT6zMoW55UVsgq8BYWCkWyWlnWonnwTxpkCBhxrk0GEXWXDr1mnZ6fpTe-yhd5vqKd-IWcDJRZXvIhXumiRIE_VlSMJQpbxBMDc9O6WYrfhVJjDdMd6nANjbNJSDpSnOMdQY/s320/P1040691.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjXC0GjK22AvxC6Gp26lim1vL0qzquXzXqC8M3ixFMIHoxRz6oX7_FwiGhYHGl_J0rsSG2YSM1aQ-YQs-pqz9K6DqHjL3rIyMwUwaxGZDhFrWjwhhZ-0dYDNg6YiJwscRNzliNhlKMzU/s1600/P1040689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjXC0GjK22AvxC6Gp26lim1vL0qzquXzXqC8M3ixFMIHoxRz6oX7_FwiGhYHGl_J0rsSG2YSM1aQ-YQs-pqz9K6DqHjL3rIyMwUwaxGZDhFrWjwhhZ-0dYDNg6YiJwscRNzliNhlKMzU/s320/P1040689.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WXFhYUzzhyxieMk80vy2_iaqYcQlc-utCK7R-LFjNhyphenhyphenBJi9boFrZrHgT66DSVjUzUJT236_1Vysni5GwR2JIQuYl2MAROgeKNJnK7wQx7hkF7xb2qrFpDR7fwz1avzHFck9aTxFtvcs/s1600/P1040687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WXFhYUzzhyxieMk80vy2_iaqYcQlc-utCK7R-LFjNhyphenhyphenBJi9boFrZrHgT66DSVjUzUJT236_1Vysni5GwR2JIQuYl2MAROgeKNJnK7wQx7hkF7xb2qrFpDR7fwz1avzHFck9aTxFtvcs/s320/P1040687.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I loved the swirly carving at his neck, the aged look in his eye, and the moss on his nose. He looks so magestic.<br />
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I remembered that I took his picture as I was thinking about what to get for my sister in law's birthday. She runs a horse farm, and I never know what to get for her. So. I made a canvas print for her of this photograph. <br />
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Here's how you can produce an equally amazing canvas wrapped gift, or something perfect for your walls:<br />
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1.) Upload your photo to<a href="http://www.picnik.com/"> Picnik</a>. Use all of their really cool photo effects to create and perfect the look of your photo.<br />
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2.) Go to <a href="http://www.canvasondemand.com/">Canvas On Demand</a>, upload your newly created photo, and select which size canvas you'd like and how you'd like it wrapped or framed.<br />
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3.) Before you check out on Canvas On Demand, go to <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com/">Retail Me Not</a> for a discount code. 20april will get you 20% off!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's what I ordered:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jqxLV9Ys9uTmyd2HvYUTgbKXMQPd7FaSLg0D_KuJd9_AuGDYlwKxb2ECNpTAFVRuxXgVgOyvn0G0Gl4knFtwUTXlm3UugkRjV1wpkHFFiVo1HMjYyMisKO540gz-1z8dXVymxuonj6o/s1600/kirstens+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jqxLV9Ys9uTmyd2HvYUTgbKXMQPd7FaSLg0D_KuJd9_AuGDYlwKxb2ECNpTAFVRuxXgVgOyvn0G0Gl4knFtwUTXlm3UugkRjV1wpkHFFiVo1HMjYyMisKO540gz-1z8dXVymxuonj6o/s320/kirstens+horse.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope she loves it!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-61598512757142367162011-03-15T09:01:00.001-04:002011-03-15T09:12:15.529-04:00Bank Some Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv959xmfIdgQYqvlZfVnQhvT1V2R8nQT8dPl0QbLScWR6ATuNCKBAUJY3M255X696T12iZhg6Mo71BV8TOl_L0tPVNBa5OdxjHtEstLImZRTA69Avg9TjveKRdG-c1-GlIiTQjqCVWKU/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv959xmfIdgQYqvlZfVnQhvT1V2R8nQT8dPl0QbLScWR6ATuNCKBAUJY3M255X696T12iZhg6Mo71BV8TOl_L0tPVNBa5OdxjHtEstLImZRTA69Avg9TjveKRdG-c1-GlIiTQjqCVWKU/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was scrolling through my camera and my phone pictures this morning. Any time I need a little happiness, I take a peek back through all of the funny and sweet and silly things that I've taken pictures of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I realized that I often take non-traditional photos. Ones that are of the everyday goofiness and chaos and crazy that makes me happy. Instead of only dragging your camera out on "special occasions" to take orderly family photos, keep it in your bag and take a picture of anything that makes you smile. You'll love scrolling back through all of the captured moments. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The above is a picture of my daughter's chalky foot. Taken while in the midst of filling my driveway with art work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsCiPBA7TvqrkYphUZEl-knjJE0sxSEd9QzRLB_FfYYpLCmFOmLCRDvrnMhTg6HKRusUsFvsZfZv7hI6QrNFSmThdvZTnm75iKhhUjvgvQmnKHvIQDKFboaFBjEQfGO-Y6kDJ4Y3I7aQ/s1600/GetAttachment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsCiPBA7TvqrkYphUZEl-knjJE0sxSEd9QzRLB_FfYYpLCmFOmLCRDvrnMhTg6HKRusUsFvsZfZv7hI6QrNFSmThdvZTnm75iKhhUjvgvQmnKHvIQDKFboaFBjEQfGO-Y6kDJ4Y3I7aQ/s1600/GetAttachment.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't you just love blue candy? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t2Cqgd8cez22MmQKESh7eTnXVLPfO_xUDqK-FwvNsPrYSN4IvjotTxeA_Zp28cyUuHLuoHgZ4wMQZjI0R4HcJXoB_84pEmOBICD3ILk-WZTld9iapuoYnFVcKGLGE9GlqPQYm-dS7wY/s1600/GetAttachment+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t2Cqgd8cez22MmQKESh7eTnXVLPfO_xUDqK-FwvNsPrYSN4IvjotTxeA_Zp28cyUuHLuoHgZ4wMQZjI0R4HcJXoB_84pEmOBICD3ILk-WZTld9iapuoYnFVcKGLGE9GlqPQYm-dS7wY/s1600/GetAttachment+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make your son feel like a Superhero even if he's just doing his math homework!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojNggLp_C4iMBr8c1DLfopbK93LxCSPa_KCeXRXAcaOuM_bG2o1qWR4obeNbNC9jkU8gt7GRmmzHFiofg6PdK1htHbesXuZAtZbXXACPX9-t0z1GnMtNHzSbr4WoS2LsJHDtAbkkQPyA/s1600/GetAttachment+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojNggLp_C4iMBr8c1DLfopbK93LxCSPa_KCeXRXAcaOuM_bG2o1qWR4obeNbNC9jkU8gt7GRmmzHFiofg6PdK1htHbesXuZAtZbXXACPX9-t0z1GnMtNHzSbr4WoS2LsJHDtAbkkQPyA/s1600/GetAttachment+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Um, well if you happen to run across a polar bear pelt, have your daughter stand in front of it's head and make a funny face!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWf0KN8saMBL8b3Wg44uQtavTadIpCpAt2gmRFL67U1j3K-FbTubqh_DXzKBVe0r4bcO-n92M3Vb9Er1sKEFtZ2IFetKurhB2owyVflOI5SrGGzKXYURMc8x0iuje30zYufUtSyEYTDk/s1600/GetAttachment+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWf0KN8saMBL8b3Wg44uQtavTadIpCpAt2gmRFL67U1j3K-FbTubqh_DXzKBVe0r4bcO-n92M3Vb9Er1sKEFtZ2IFetKurhB2owyVflOI5SrGGzKXYURMc8x0iuje30zYufUtSyEYTDk/s1600/GetAttachment+4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stick a piece of corn where your tooth used to be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCmvJE_r4am3k0vq2ZVaNUgg9AuM6iJI2Z8MjXCdJ6rtS5Kjf2L1_NMPN8NnBSt4rP9U-bRWVAloR4G9a17akhwkauNa9WmoH_aqZ0rFbKiX2bqoMt9rQm7dsBcYl32lkk7t_MuYQj1s/s1600/GetAttachment+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCmvJE_r4am3k0vq2ZVaNUgg9AuM6iJI2Z8MjXCdJ6rtS5Kjf2L1_NMPN8NnBSt4rP9U-bRWVAloR4G9a17akhwkauNa9WmoH_aqZ0rFbKiX2bqoMt9rQm7dsBcYl32lkk7t_MuYQj1s/s1600/GetAttachment+7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take foam squares and stick them randomly to your face. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pP3zLYLngXHdo0Xj4mla23vWs8nxjifuBrNFmWSeN3WtzaYULtSloMFbDI_xOZaF6tOgkr7KYbzlqOeRFpux0viS0LvCHlnDao03EBoKhiO6qJT2BAAkjw3kbioK_LoHEcRINRQpnHU/s1600/GetAttachment+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pP3zLYLngXHdo0Xj4mla23vWs8nxjifuBrNFmWSeN3WtzaYULtSloMFbDI_xOZaF6tOgkr7KYbzlqOeRFpux0viS0LvCHlnDao03EBoKhiO6qJT2BAAkjw3kbioK_LoHEcRINRQpnHU/s1600/GetAttachment+6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a picture of your elbow. It really does look like...well, you know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbSnBdmTb7GSb6zBacDZXxMOuQ12hSgp9FE8kZ_5FNYo8WV3Pvb5d67zqdjqvHbSpIv0JF7z1CYwma6Ih9lboe74uDwBSi_Axv7iNqDe6dR47Kj3cyqRk4z4m-d8rigmcK5qPUnLLRiw/s1600/GetAttachment+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbSnBdmTb7GSb6zBacDZXxMOuQ12hSgp9FE8kZ_5FNYo8WV3Pvb5d67zqdjqvHbSpIv0JF7z1CYwma6Ih9lboe74uDwBSi_Axv7iNqDe6dR47Kj3cyqRk4z4m-d8rigmcK5qPUnLLRiw/s1600/GetAttachment+8.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And how about this super happy toothless grin! It makes me smile!</div>Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1113519598261648212.post-17078157175728647782011-02-28T13:58:00.000-05:002011-02-28T13:58:16.582-05:00I'm not good at saying "No"I'm a Yes person. Sure I can help. Absolutely, you can count on me. Why not? I've found that lately my desire to help out or pitch in has been to the detriment of my family and more importantly, to my laundry. <br />
<br />
I have been inspired by my painter to start a list of readily available and scripted excuses for why I can't do things. Maybe if I just had a list nearby, it would be easier to get out of stuff. My painter has a list as long as his arm of excuses. Here are some that I've heard lately:<br />
<br />
My daughter was sick and I had to get her from school<br />
<br />
A tree trimmer got his truck stuck in my driveway. He got unstuck by 11am, but by then, I had started to clean the garage<br />
<br />
I have another job that is bigger than yours<br />
<br />
I'm feeling foggy today<br />
<br />
So, I need some more excuses for my arsenal. What are some of your go-to's?Joy Beadworkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346279499529145231noreply@blogger.com3