Pink!

And they smell as pretty as they look. I love the Spring-y atmosphere we've enjoyed for the last week or so. It inspires one to take on new projects and I've started a few. One involves a wood burning tool and colored pencils. More on that later.

I've signed on for an embroidery "Stitch Along" with Amy of Inspire Co. We'll be stitching a sampler in one inch squares; one for each of 39 (or whatever) days, beginning March 1. Amy has created a blog for the project. There's still time to sign-up, so check it out. I look forward to seeing the samplers progress.

Misc.

I think you can tell what kind of day it is around here. Enjoying the sun, inside (yes, there is a dog under that fur).

Just a few things around my workspace (playing with a new camera here).

The bookrack from Goodwill, painted in a favorite color.

Treasured buttons.

Pillows I made for the front room.

Prints and original work I'm loving from this artist.

Hoping you're having a good week!

To Love

Happy Valentine's Day
XXOO

Join us for Soup

We're all dressed up but nowhere to go at the moment. Since it's a wet and gloomy day, let's go into the kitchen and make some soup. This one seems to be quite popular around here with family and guests.

Baked Potato Soup

4 medium baking potatoes
5 Tablespoons butter
1/2 C. flour
5 C. milk
2 Cups chicken broth
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
7 slices regular bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
5-6 green onions, chopped (white and green parts)
1-1/4 C. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 C. light sour cream

Bake potatoes in a 400 degree F. oven for 1 hour. Set aside to cool a bit. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out insides into bowl. Set aside. In a stockpot or dutch oven, melt butter over med.-low heat then whisk in flour, salt and pepper(s). Raise heat to medium; cook and stir a minute or two. Whisk in milk and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Keep and eye on pot and stir bottom frequently. When it has started boiling and thickened a bit, turn heat to low and add potatoes and remaining ingredients. Use a potato masher in pot to break up chunks. Taste and adjust seasonings. Enjoy.

Directions

It's a very slow start on this blogging year for me. So many things to put away and catch up on after the holidays. January is my least favorite month, but these damp days and early evenings are perfect for snuggly crochet projects. This "Stripy Throw" was inspired by a pattern in Erica Knight's book, "Simple Crochet". I used a recycled blend yarn from Red Heart called "Eco-Ways". It has a soft, heavy hand when worked up.
Rather than put the yarn scraps in my already-overloaded stash, I decided to use them in a new amigurumi doll. I'm creating some of my own patterns this year; should be fun to see how these characters work out.
It's been a while since I've tried something new. After taking a workshop in journal making and keeping this month with my very talented friend Cynthia, I ventured into the world of watercolors. Cynthia has a laid-back teaching style that helps you relax and just jump in to art journaling. I've decided to create a loose leaf style journal using small sheets of watercolor paper.
Hmmm, I see a distinct colorway in this post. Must be this blues-y-gray time of year.

Showtime

The third Portland Art Collective "Open Door" holiday show and sale last weekend was quite a success! We worked our fingers to the bone to create marvelous art to fill the displays. Everything came together wonderfully and we had good traffic. I've put up a couple of photos of my booth. The pillows and amigurumi animals were most popular and sold out quickly.
Check out the show photos taken by our fearless leader, Robin, at the PAC blog here . I did quite a bit of shopping, myself. Who could resist?

On the home front, I'm readying myself for more holiday activities, including a couple of parties this week and my mom's birthday on Saturday. There is life after December, right?? Carry on.

Weekend

Spent last weekend here (Long Beach, Washington).

Got some of these (razor clams).
Thank goodness a certain someone is willing to clean them (now in the freezer for chowder).

And a few little things I'm working on today...so charming!