05 August 2014

Pleasant Valley Lavender

I think lavender is one of the best scents in the world! Its joyful fragrance, vibrant color, and relaxing benefits have a special place in my heart. 

I have this crazy fantasy of running through a field of lavender. But because Provence isn't just around the corner, I found a place closer to where I live.

A tree lined road leads to Pleasant Valley Lavender

It's a lavender farm in New Jersey where the kind owner and her daughter gave us a tour of the property.

I was weak at the knees when I saw the lavender blooms!

Here they are up close.

Part of the fun was getting to pick, snip, and create my own bundle.

The field is just steps away from the family's home.  

A homey touch for all visiting guests: lavender lemonade. Refreshing and relaxing.

And slices of lavender pound cake!

Lavender-themed gifts for sale.

I especially liked the soap, room sprays, and pendants (buds pressed between glass).

Here is the bunch that I collected. 

A lovely arrangement that I wish I could have all year round.

I just had to make this watercolor, another souvenir from my first trip to a lavender field. TADA!

Tomorrow, another craft inspired by this trip.

04 August 2014

Blooming Season

How are you dear friends? The weather has been gorgeous here and I've indulged in a lot of quiet walks around my neighborhood. And what a thrill that these beauties were out to greet me:

Giant sunflowers right by the library. I think that up close, the sun looks just like this.

Hibiscus the size of dinner plates! They instantly whisk me away to a tropical paradise. 

And one of my absolute favorite flowers -- lavender! If you'll tune in tomorrow, I'll take you on a little excursion and a craft inspired by this trip. See you then.

28 July 2014

Scenes from My Summer

It's the end of July and how quickly the time flies! I remember, during the dead of winter, I retreated to a place in my head filled with long summer days and sunshine on my face. And now I'm living it. Summer is here and I'm basking in its glory!

Henry James once said, "Summer afternoon -- summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." 

How could I not agree? So today, let me share what an ideal summer weekend afternoon looks like:

Seeing the ocean, being embraced by salty air, the sound the rolling tide makes, bare feet on the sand, and the faint scent of sunblock.
 
This is a day trip to Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York.

 
It's so close to the JFK Airport that planes getting ready for landing is typical. I wonder if the passengers will see me if I wave at them? 

The board walk is clean and modern.


One of the reasons people are drawn to this beach are the food stalls on the boardwalk. 

Out of curiosity, just like these folks, we tried Rockaway Taco. It's main shack is located just off the boardwalk.

These are the fish tacos (battered tilapia with a tangy slaw topping), chorizo tacos and a side of a pineapple and mint cooler. Mmmmm.

A walk by the beach after lunch was on the agenda.

And maybe finding a souvenir.

I took home this smooth rock...

And added it to my growing collection of "Found Objects". TADA!

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer (or whatever season it is in your part of the world)!

21 July 2014

A Sweet Peach

I hope you're having a good start to the week!

If you'll recall, I tried my hand at needle felting a few blog entries ago. I made this teacup ornament from a little kit. I didn't want to stop there so I did a little research.

I picked up this book from the library with the intention of making something three dimensional.

I thought a small piece of fruit like a peach would be a simple challenge.

I assembled everything I needed: a felting needle and a pack of wool roving.

A foam block is also necessary to protect the needle, your work surface, and your precious fingers.

The first step is to make a core by rolling a bit of wool stuffing into a ball, then needle felting it until it feels moderately firm. I didn't have any wool stuffing on hand. Instead, I used the same wool roving.

The next step is to wrap a strip of wool roving to cover the core. 

Needle felt it in place (make sure to keep the needle straight to avoid it from breaking and always work on the foam surface). The finish should be smooth and tight. 

Next is to add an indentation to make it look like a real peach. Simply concentrate the needle felting in one spot on the bottom of the fruit. Then repeat this same technique on the top of the fruit.

To make a tiny stem, wrap a small piece of wool roving in another color around a wooden skewer or, in my case, the end of a paintbrush. Form it into the shape of a small sausage. 

Pull this off the skewer/paintbrush and needle felt it until it is firm.  

Here they are -- the stem and the peach.

Needle felt the stem into the indentation made on top of the fruit. But if kids will be playing with it, it's best to stitch the stem in place.

As an added detail, I glued on a leaf made from fabric scraps.

And I'm proud to say, "I made this sweet peach!" TADA!

14 July 2014

The Gracious Guest

One of the people I follow on Instagram is the lovely Barrett Prendergast of @valleybrinkroad. She's a chef, party planner, and blogger. She also makes and sells these beautiful gift boxes:

via Valleybrink Road

via Valleybrink Road
What a delightful gift to give or to receive, don't you agree? 

It was these gift boxes that I had in mind when I came across this blah clementine crate. 

 I thought it had the potential to be TADA!

So I painted the outside with a few coats of white acrylic paint (I used an old shower curtain as a work surface).

 Once dry, I painted a few layers of gray paint on the front side.

Here's what it looks like now that it's all dry.

I added the French line for "Thank You Very Much" in brush calligraphy. I made an outline using pencil and inked it with some white paint and a No. 6 watercolor brush. Then I put it aside to dry.

Then I added some clear grass. Shredded kraft paper or crumpled tissue paper are other options. 

The mission of this gift box is to thank a couple for hosting myself and my husband in their home for a few days.

I'm filling the box with treats that I'm sure they will like: a scented candle, some tea and honey, plus chocolates!

I also added some kitchen towels and a handmade flower (fresh flowers, if easily available, is always a better option).

Then I finished it off with a sumptuous bow and a handwritten note. TADA!

I really believe in expressing gratitude especially to those who have generously opened their homes to you, whether they're a family member or friend. I think it's TADA! when the guests are as equally gracious.