Summer finds

For being the end of June, I am shocked to say, this weekend was my first flea market of the season.

The lack of a few months jump start did not stop me, however, from snagging some fabulous finds at Southern Wisconsin's finest....Elkhorn.

A new member of the mini metal dog pack

Super groovy his and hers anatomical models....you'll be seeing these in an assemblage project in the future for sure.

an old neon letter....N is for Nathan.

you can never have too many old metal caddies,

or desk organizers. These are hanging too.

a soon to be new colorful home for a herb plant.

a globe and a shade that look quite sharp together. Hmmmm?

and a citrus set of Pyrex....always a sucker for some classic kitchenware.

Besides the treasure hunting, I made some delicious summer fruit recipes, researched a few summer vacation ideas and thought of a couple clever new projects....all to be shared somewhere down the road.

What did you first full weekend of summer have in store?

herbs of summer

As 'green' as I am, I have to admit, I do not have the greenest thumb when it comes to veggie gardens. I have tried, but just end up supporting my local farmers market. Fine by me...leave it to the pros. But, what I do have loads of success with is herbs. They are not only beautiful, fragrant and inexpensive..but they are easy to grow and add so much flavor. Salads, pizza, vegetables...even a bunch arranged in a vase. Fragrant, earthy and long lasting.

I recently gave a few 'non-traditional' herb recipes a try. Very artisanal yet quite easy. They would make great gifts, or treats for your next summer soriee.

First up, simple syrups. Now simple syrup is just equal parts water and sugar. It is ideal for cold beverages, as it adds sweetness with out the graininess of the sugar. Some use a pot to boil the concoction, but I just pour water from my teapot into a pyrex bowl...less things to clean. Give it a stir and the sugar crystals just melt away.

Then, I split the liquid in 2 mason jars. Added a big bunch of basil to one and some thyme to the other. Give them a few hours to steep and you are ready to add to your next beverage.

There is a big movement towards craft cocktails these days, so for me it was equal parts vodka, syrup, ice and an entire fresh squeezed lemon. A wonderful twist on your standard vodka lemonade.

I used this recipe as a model and made a few tweaks.

For the basil syrup.... same idea, just use limes. Very Thai inspired and quite refreshing. Rosemary would also make an excellent mixer with gin. Of course these would be lovely sans alcohol. Pink lemonade, sparkling juice, anything you wanted to give a little zing to.

I made some snacks to go along with the drinks, so I choose another herb and tried my hand at shortbread. Lavender infused shortbread.

image found here

I used this recipe and just swapped the tea for lavender. I did make a batch using the Earl Grey, and although quite tasty, just not a good as the lavender. Buttery, crumbly and a hint of floral

So , if you haven't started, you still have lots of summer left. Swing by your local nursery or market this weekend and start your own little herb garden. You won't regret it and tell me your favorite way to use herbs. I am always up for a new recipe.

from LA with love

My dear friend from LA recently commissioned me to make a special 'thank you' gift. Her and her family, spent their spring break visiting friends, who just moved to the other end of the country. NYC. It was not only a chance for the couples to catch up, but for their 2 young sons to do some memorable sight seeing.

I learned a few things about the couples style, taste, a little about the trip and just started with my canvas, a salvaged kitchen door.

and here is what I delivered.

Without being too literal, I wanted to capture not only the joining of two coasts but highlight one of the boys big weekend events...a tour of the Empire State building.

I am not a great realistic drawer, so I went to my downtown library and found a picture book on New York architecture, took it to my local copy shop. I had them enlarge it to 4 times it size. I decoupaged (glued) it on and then gave it a little life.

Adding some pastels to highlight and accentuate all those beautiful lines.

and to bring in the California vibe, some waves. Images from an old painting were molded around the channels in the door to give it some movement. And the glitter...well, it is LA afterall.

Topped off with a big sunny reminder of where they all met.

The door has a thin profile and after adding some framing wire, can be easily hung in a hallway, den or perhaps, little boy's room.

I kept all the patina'd hardware on (as it gave it some history) and love the way the layers of paint and stain peek thru the edges.

It was a challenge (in a really great way). I hope they like it, and it is reminder of good times with good friends.