Home in the Garden

Thank You Card: Faux Linen

I learned this technique from Bobbi Jo V. a Close to My Heart Consultant.  Bobbi Jo found the idea on Split Coast Stampers: Faux Linen Technique.  Using photo paper, a thank you stamp, and black CTMH ink, stamp the words "Thank You" over the entire photo paper.  A card size stamp with a verse or over-all design works great too!  Once the ink is dry,  gently sand horizontally and vertically until all the gloss is gone.  Next, using a sponge, apply a light colored ink to the sanded photo paper.  Gently sand again.  After selecting a flower stamp, finish the card by stamping on the design, adding a ribbon, and adhering the photo paper to the card.

Snap Happy!

Love this bag!  Stitchin' Sisters from Fall Creek, WI created the pattern called, Snap Happy.  http://stitchinsis.com/  What is fun about the bag is the closure...a metal measuring tape is inserted into the casing, so that the bag closes shut.  Can't wait to give this bag to a friend who ran (and finished) her first 5K.

Making Jams and Jellies

Summer is here...the strawberries are looking beautiful in Wisconsin!  Here's a picture of the strawberries Megan, my daughter-in-law, picked a couple of weeks ago.  Hmmm...I wonder if the wild blueberries are also abundant this year?

For those of you who are interested in making jams and jellies, here is an excellent resources from the University of Wisconsin ~ Cooperative Extension Agency.  I like this preserving guide, because it is an up-to-date resource concentrating on food safety.  One safety tip is to not use paraffin wax on top of jelly jars, this process can lead to food poisoning.  Instead use the boiling water canning method, which is easy to do.  The Ball Canning Book is another great resource.  Have fun canning!!!

http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Assets/pdfs/B2909.pdf