Baby it's cold outside

Where's the fireplace?

(Tanner's first thoughts after coming in from outside)

Snow Queen by http://www.fleurbonheur.etsy/

I just love her digital photograph/paintings!

Well, I can't get the first line, or middle line or whatever

"Baby it's cold out side"

sung by Zoey in Will Ferrel's "Elf".

She does such a good job, and if that's Will Ferrel's voice in the duet,

he does a great job too.

Never seen 'Elf'? Add it to your must-see movies, we like it alot.

c.1918

Today's theme was a no brainer - COLD! WINTER! SNOW!

c.1904

I woke up this morning to gray skies and snow on the ground.

Our high is supposed to be 34'F,

 but I'm doubting that as it is 1:30pm and it is only 28'F.

On with the snow!

(This one's for you, Glenda!)

Wee Wisdom magazine cover, January 1967

Stuck indoors? Here are a few things you can do:

from Maggie's Crochet 40 FREE PATTERNS

http://www.maggiescrochet.com/

1. Bulky Baby Hat

Size: 3-6 months

Materials: 2 ½ oz, 115 yds Bulky Weight Yarn

Crochet Hook:  Size I-9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 10 sc = 4”

Special Stitches: Single Crochet Decrease (Sc dec): (Insert hook in next st, yo, pull lp through) twice, yo, pull through 3 lps on hook.

Joining with SC: When instructed to join with sc, begin with sl knot on hook, insert hook in st or sp indicated, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through both loops on hook.

Crown

Rnd 1 (right side): Ch 2, 6 sc in 2^nd ch from hook.  DO NOT JOIN, MARK ENDS OF RND

Rnd 2: 2 Sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: (Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (18 sc)

Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (24 sc)

Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (30 sc)

Rnd 6: (Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (36 sc)

Rnd 7: (Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (42 sc)

Rnds 8-17: Sc in each sc around. (42 sc)

First Ear Flap

Row 1: Working in BL only, sc in next 7 sc.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (7 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, sc in next 3 sc, sc dec. (5 sc)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (5 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, sc in next sc, sc dec. (3 sc)

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (3 sc)

Row 7: Ch 1, turn, (insert hook in next st, yo, pull lp through) 3 times, yo, pull through 4 lps on hook. (1 sc) Ch 35 for tie.  Finish off.

Second Ear Flap

Row 1: With Right Side facing, skip 12 sc in Row 17 of Crown, working in BL only, join yarn with sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc.

(7 sc) Repeat Rows 2-7 of First Ear Flap.

Brim

Rnd 1: With Right Side facing, working in FL only, join yarn with sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, (sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc)

20 times. (63 sc)

Rnd 2: (Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 9 times. (72 sc)

Rnd 3: (Sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times. (78 sc)  Finish off.
 

2. Bulky Baby Scarf

Size: Approx 30” long.

Materials: 1 ¾ oz, 80 yds Bulky Weight Yarn

Crochet Hook: Size I-9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 10 sc = 4”

Directions:

Row 1: Ch 10, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, and in each ch across. (9 sc)

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. (9 hdc)

Rows 3 – 46: Rep Row 2.

Row 47: Ch 1, turn, sc cl over first 3 hdc, ch 3, skip next 3 hdc, sc cl over last 3 hdc.

Row 48: Ch 1, turn, 3 sc in first st, sc in next 3 ch, 3 sc in last st. (9 sc)

Rows 49 – 67: Rep Row 2.  At end of Row 67, finish off and weave in all ends.

3. Bulky Baby Mittens

Size: 3-6 months

Materials: 1 oz, 46 yds Bulky Weight Yarn

Crochet Hook: Size I-9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 10 sc = 4”

Directions (Make 2)

Rnd 1: Ch 4, 3 sc in 2^nd ch from hook, 3 sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch, working around other side in unused loops of starting ch, 3 sc in next ch.  DO NOT JOIN, MARK ENDS OF RND (12 sc)

Rnd 2: (2 Sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) twice. (14 sc)

Rnds 3 – 8: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 9: (Sc dec, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, sc in last 2 sc. (11 sc)

Rnd 10: Sc in each sc around, ch 35 for tie.  Finish off and weave in all ends.

 

SEW ON SOME BUTTONS

a fabric snowflake button bag, www.hobocampcrafts.com

What a cute idea!

Wouldn't this work well on a sweatshirt?

Or a back pocket of a pair of jeans? (Just don't sit too long!!)

How about recycling a pair of jeans into a retro-look apron,

and embellish the hems and pockets with buttons!



Poor things,

are you stuck at the office, and boredom is threatening to take over?

Not enough work to keep you happy?

No interesting gossip to exchange over break?

Let's get creative!!!

beaded snowflake from www.sistinebluestarflake.etsy.com

Easily completed during one boring break.

Office Guys paperclip magnets.

I'm pretty sure I found these on etsy, but after searching, I can't find whose shop they are in. If you do, let me know!

Otherwise, here's the

BUDGET OFFICE ACTIVITY:

Large paperclips

computer and printer

google eyes

magnetic business cards you don't want anymore

or

button magnets

glue -I prefer Aleene's Tacky Glue in the gold bottle for most projects,

however-

super glue would work well with this project

sense of humor

subdued giggling

(don't want the boss to think there's not enough work to go around, now do we?)

1. Print out phrases that make you laugh. Leave enough room around each phrase so you can draw a 'thought bubble' around it. Clever computer people - I'm sure there's some program out there that will do this for you! Completely idiot non-computer people - hand write them! I fall somewhere between the two.

2. If you have a laminating machine close and handy, laminate each phrase. If not, either way, cut around phrase. Thrifty people can also use wide clear packing tape to seal each phrase, before cutting!

3. Using super glue, glue on google eyes. If you feel like it, make one eye bigger than the other! I had many days at the office when that is what I felt like I looked like. View picture for placement ideas.

4. Cut those annoying little magnetic business cards that people give to you, even when you say 'no thanks'. Cut small strips to fit behind google eyes. If you are not planning on holding anything with these magnets, it won't take much 'magnet' to hold the paper clip to a metal surface. Super glue to paperclip behind the google eyes.

5. If you are planning on trying to hold something with these wild and crazy guys, you might want to skip the magnetic strips and go for a small magnet button. I get mine at Michael's Craft Stores. Again, superglue behind eyes.

6. Stealthily stalk around and place paperclip guys where they are needed them most.

Not in the mood to do anything?

Check out these paperclips from etsy stores:



www.bowedover.etsy.com

This next idea and product comes from a very creative and eco-aware mind:

What a great idea, it's stylish and modern.

She has many many more shapes and colors - look up her etsy shop:

www.Tiffagirl.etsy.com

Now, this next etsy shop has an incredibly FANTASTIC paper clip:

www.themerrymagpie.etsy.com

(think this person works in an office?!!)

c.1902

Next up - a couple of coloring pages.

You can probably sneak these into work between important folders.

How you get the crayons in is up to you.

Colored pencils and markers can work too!

For your screensaver:

unknown photographer

Okay, time to put a Barbie in the Blog!

Inuit Legend Barbie, 2005

A sad but true story: I don't have this one.

sob.

Yes. It's that time again.

I must do laundry.

I must eat lunch.

I must let the dog out.

I must let the dog in.

I must clear the kitchen table.

I must post more of my new Collage Art Dolls to my etsy shop.

I must ready the photos for more bottlecap magnets to post.

Yep, there's a lot more musts to do also....

See you soon!

inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

 

Fresh Apple Muffins

hi!

Kate Greenaway illustration

Today's blog is kinda' late in the day,

so I thought I would just share a recipe,

a picture or two, and be brief.

If that's possible,

for me!

Fresh Apple Muffins

from "Nothin' but Muffins" cookbook

written by Cyndi Duncan and Georgie Patrick

winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award

from Publishers Marketing Association

nope, I don't know what that is!! but it's on the front cover!

3/4 Cup buttermilk

3/4 Cup brown sugar, packed

1 egg, beaten

1/4 Cup shortening, melted and cooled

2 Cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

1 Cup apples, finely chopped

1/4 Cup raisins, optional

1/4 Cup nuts, optional

1. Preheat oven to 400'. Grease muffin cups

2. Beat egg in small bowl. Add milk and shortening.

3. Measure and mix dry ingredients in large bowl.

4. Add egg mixture and stir just until moistened.

5. Fold in apples, raisins and nuts, as desired.

6. Fill each cup 2/3 full.

7. Bake at 400' for 20 - 25 minutes.

8. Makes 12 muffins.



http://www.fleurbonheur.etsy.com/

Here are two vintage folk boy and folk girl transfers.

Their flowers aren't really specific,

so make them any color you want!

a vintage 1920 French postcard

a flower mandala, courtesy of Dover Books

That's it for now.

Tomorrow we will be finishing up

the Flower of the month for June -

the Rose.

Here we come, Oklahoma!

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

http://www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

A rose is a rose is a rose...

Bonjour!

watercolor by jbwolen.etsy.com

We have had just some gorgeous days!

Summer, for now, is showing her bright sunny face.

Tanner has enjoyed sunning himself every day.

He goes out, finds a nice spot, and sleeps in the sun.

He gets hot, and wants in.

He lays in the office to cool off, and then...

He wants out

to find a nice spot in the sun, and sleep.

And get hot.

So then he wants in.....

See how I spend my days!!

looking for a good hot spot...

Yesssss.....

oh yeah, hot concrete....

I'm hot now, let me in....

Gotta love him!

But really, today's blog is about roses.

a yellow rose in the gardens of DisneyLand, California

One Perfect Rose

By Dorothy Parker

A single flow’r he sent me, since we met.

          All tenderly his messenger he chose;

Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet-

          One perfect rose.

I knew the language of the floweret;

          “My fragile leaves,” it said, “his heart enclose.”

Love long has taken for his amulet

          One perfect rose.

Why is it no one ever sent me yet

          One perfect limousine, do you suppose?

Ah no, it’s always just my luck to get

          One perfect rose.

Rose in the gardens of Walt Disney World: Epcot, Florida

I'm sorry, I don't know the creator of these lovely cards.

Rose shrubs are often used by homeowners and landscape architects

for home security purposes.

The sharp thorns of many rose species deter "unauthorized persons"

(politically correct, you know!)

from entering private properties.

They may prevent break-ins if planted under windows and near drain pipes.

The aesthetic characteristics of rose shrubs,

in conjunction with their home security qualities,

makes them a desirable alternative

to artificial fences and walls.

(Oh, who DOES write this way???)

I have looked at so many different web sites on roses, I am not sure

which this one is from, but they need to loosen up, 'ya think?

vintage 'toothpaste' ad

c. 1899

Despite the presence of thorns (pricklies!), deer will happily munch on them.

Gardening here in the Rocky Mountains has its' difficulties,

among which are the munching deer,

and the hungry elks.

In the cities/suburbs squirrels are the big destructive mob.

They eat electrical cords, canopies, houses (yes, they will chew right

through the house wall to make nests inside!)

patio furniture, most bird feeders and all of your plants!

Where I live the bunnies can be a problem.

They make holes and dens in my flower gardens.

They chew on the spring bulbs.

They love gardens - free buffet - all you can eat!

healing rose mandala, for sale at holly and ivy

Let's have a fun paper doll with lots of lovely roses:

Rose Valley is a region in Bulgaria located just south of

the Balkan mountains. It is famous for its rose growing industry,

from which 70% of the world's rose oil is produced.

vintage song sheet graphics

White Rose

 was a World War II non-violent resistance group in Germany.

Here is a coloring page for you.

Let a child pick their own colors, and it can be amazing what alternative colors they come up with!

One of my favorite Christmas ornaments is a paper Santa Claus

that Peter colored in the 1st Grade -

a very blue Santa Claus!

Rose hips are sometimes eaten, mainly for their Vitamin C content.

They are usually pressed and filtered to make rose hip syrup.

This process removes the fine hairs surrounding the seeds,

which are icky to eat, and resembles itching powder.

Pierre Auguste Renoir,

"Les Roses Dans un Vase"

c.1910 - 1917

Rose hips are used to produce an oil used in skin products.

They can also be used to make herbal tea,

jam, jelly and marmalade.

A rose that has aged or gone rotten

may not be particularly fragrant,

but the roses' basic chemistry prevents it

from stinking or having a bad odor of any kind.

c.1914

When aged roses are mashed together,

 the fragrance of the rose is enhanced.

The fragrance of particularly large balls of mashed roses

is enhanced even further.

Here is an embroidery transfer from

turkeyfeathers.typepad.com

While the state flower of Texas is NOT a rose,

the Yellow Rose of Texas is very familiar.

more lovely paper punched flower cards

a vintage illustration

Here is another of Liana's lovely paper doll dress creations:

You can find two paper dolls that fit this in previous blogs,

or visit Liana's Blog site. The addy is on the right side of my blog!

polymer clay roses by pearldelta.etsy.com

A red rose (often held in a hand)

 is the symbol of socialism or social democracy.

It is also used as a symbol by the British and Irish Labour Parties,

as well as by

the French, Swedish, Finnish, Brazilian, Portuguese, Norwegian,

Spanish (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party),

the Dutch (Partij van de Arbeid)

and European socialist parties.

for sale at albanykid.com

Using a single red rose as a symbol of socialism or social democracy

originates from the red rose used as a badge by the marchers

in the May 1968 street protests in Paris.

'Rose for a Duchess'

a photo processed print for sale from

http://www.fleurbonheur.etsy.com/

She does quite lovely and unusual work.

I really like her 'style'.

Here is another of her works, with embroidery:

Well, that's it for today!

I hope you have enjoyed this venture into

The Rose.

inkspired

http://www.inkspired.etsy.com/

dominoes@myinkspired.com

http://www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com/