The Patchwork Ark

Sonnet Sunday - Change

2012-01-29T10:34:00.001-07:00

This poem talks about change, a topic I have been thinking a lot about lately.

Seasons come and go
Sceneries change over time
Nothing stays the same
Should we be revised?

Of course, it's necessary
All are due for change
Without change there's no
Future to look forward to

Change lives on a throne
Change can make us cry
Change can also make us laugh

Sometimes change is death
Sometimes change is life

Nothing ever changes change
Change is always change!
Brenda Poole

Speaking of change, The Patchwork Ark is undergoing some changes. I hope you will stop by and visit for a while. Click to view the website.

Until Tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Artist Bears, Artist Dolls, Sonnet Sunday

Sharing Saturday–Valentine’s Day Gifts

2012-01-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share these Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas with you today.

Cookie soaps from aj sweet soap found here.

Photography from Selena Vallejo found here.

Valentine Pendant from First Light Photo found here.

Hand sculpted flowers by Stranded Treasures found here.

Photography by Tea and Brie found here.

Baby mobile by Jenna E Bee 13 found here.

Roses and Pearls Bath Bombs by Braggin Rights Bath found here.

Candles by koko candles found here.

I hope you will have some time to visit these wonderful Etsy shops!

Also, please visit my friend Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to view other Pink Saturday participants.

Until tomorrow….

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2010, Pink Saturday, The Artisan Group, candles, photography

Friendship Friday–Ginger Brame & Pati Lara

2012-01-27T08:10:00.001-07:00

Today on Friendship Friday I would like to introduce you to a couple of lovely ladies.

The first is a Teddy Bear artist that I have followed and admired for many years. Her name is Ginger Brame from Bearbits.

I love her little bears and so enjoy reading her blog.

Sebastian and Ginger tell such a wonderful tale. Ginger recently released these wonder Sebastian buttons! They are just great. I hope you will stop by and visit her blog here, and she also has a wonderful website here.

The second wonderful lady is Pati Lara at In Her Shoes

Pati loves to feature women with special talents, jobs, careers on her blog. Every week she tells us about another wonderful woman! It is great to learn about people who are influential in all walks of life. I hope you can stop by and read about the people she shares with us. You can visit her site here.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: friendship, pati lara, ginger brame, bears, artist bears

Traditions Thursday - Cinderella

2012-01-26T08:48:00.001-07:00

Do you remember the Rodgers and Hammerstein version of Cinderella?

With Lesley Ann Warren

and Stuart Damon!

and who could forget Ginger Rogers as the Queen and Celeste Holm as the Fairy Godmother!

What a great movie and the music was enchanting!

You might know that Stuart is known today for his rolls in General Hospital and other shows.

I remember watching this movie every year when it was shown, kind of like The Wizard of Oz. It would be show once a year for many years.

There have been many Cinderella’s since this version, but I will always think of Lesley and Stuart when I hear the name Cinderella.

Do you have a favorite Cinderella movie?

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Traditions Thursday

White Wednesday–Awesome photographs

2012-01-25T09:34:00.001-07:00

I thought I would do a white Wednesday this week! I love these photographs of all things white!

I don’t think I have seen too many white lions!

It is all in the eyes!

Just Chillin!

Easter is coming before long!

Simply Pure!

So Sweet! Two are better than one!

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Warm Wednesday

Teddy Bear Tuesday-Friendship

2012-01-24T11:58:00.001-07:00

Bluebearrie and I would like to share these photographs with you.

It is always more fun with a friend! Bluebearrie is looking for a friend today! Please say hello to her! It would make her day very cheery!

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Aritst Bears, Teddy Bear Tuesday

Miniatures–Linda Gale Miniatures

2012-01-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

Today for Memory Monday I wanted to share with you memories of childhood dollhouses, by introducing you to the lovely bedding miniatures of Linda Gale. You can find her shop here.

It is amazing to me that she can create something so lovely in such a small scale!

All of these beautiful things are created for a the discerning adult that loves dollhouses.

I hope you can stop by Linda’s Etsy shop to view some of her other items. They are just great!!

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Miniature

Pink Saturday–Sneak Peek

2012-01-21T10:09:00.001-07:00

Today is Pink Saturday! All of us “Pinkies” are sharing our “pink” with you in connection with Beverly at How Sweet the sound, which can be found here.

Today I would like to share a Pink Sneak Peek with you for my upcoming Blog and Website Valentine Show. There will be new bears and dolls available for adoption at this show just in time for Valentine’s Day!

The show will take place on January 31 beginning at 12:00 noon est. I hope you will be able to pop in on that day to see all the new items available here and at The Patchwork Ark website.

Until tomorrow, enjoy Pink Saturday. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Artist Bears. Artist Dolls, Pink Saturday, Valentine's Day

Friendship Friday–Denni’s Doodles and Wendy Art

2012-01-20T08:18:00.001-07:00

Today I would like to introduce you to two lovely ladies.

Denni of Denni’s Doodles creates lovely dresses for dolls

and Raggedy Ann doll patterns.

Denni creates lovely things for all the dolls in your life! You can visit her here!

AND

Let me also introduce you to Wanda at Wanda Art. Wanda creates beautiful machine embroidery.

Wanda creates embroidery-applique, stitchart, free motion embroidery, textile art, decorative thread stitch, and does hand- embellishment. She also has several videos on her blog about various projects. You can visit Wanda here.

I hope you will be able to spend some time this week visiting these two ladies.

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Friendship Friday

Traditions Thursday–Best Friend

2012-01-19T08:18:00.001-07:00

The rag doll has been a gifting tradition for many years. I found this poem that is so cute. The author is unknown as far as I can tell. Thought I would share it with you today, along with Rose Annie, my version of a rag doll!

Raggedy Ann is my best friend
She's just so relaxed
Just watch her bend

First from the waist
Then from the knee
Her arms are swinging
Oh, so free

Her head rolls around
Like a rubber ball
She hasn't any bones at all

But Raggedy Ann
Can stand up tall.
-Author Unknown

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Traditions, Artist doll

Homemaking–Organizing Fabric

2012-01-18T09:08:00.001-07:00

In January we all look toward organizing our homes. I guess it seems fitting to start the new year off with a clean and organized home. I have been wrestling with with the challenge of how to organize fabric. Being a quilter, I have a lot of fabric in my toolbox!

With a quick search of the internet, I came across a lovely lady named Karen at Sew Many Ways.

She shared a great way to organize your fabric and keep it out of the sunlight.

This is a file cabinet drawer with the fabric “hung” over the hanging file folders. I saw this yesterday and realized I had all of the “ingredients” to create this in my own file cabinet.

It was amazing how much fabric you can get in one drawer of your cabinet!

I will be able to get all of my fabric, fat quarters and larger into 3 drawers! YEA! Finally a usable system!

If you would like to read more about how to fold the fabric and other information, please visit Karen at Sew Many Ways by clicking here.

Have fun organizing your fabric. Do you have any organizing tips? Please share them with me!

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Home Decor

Teddy Bear Tuesday–Comfort

2012-01-17T08:39:00.001-07:00

I came across another article today about how teddy bears help children and adults in traumatic situations. This article is from a hospital in North Carolina. The hospital’s name is Iredell and the article can be found here.

I have heard these stories before that tell us of children in hospitals. When a child comes to the ER in pain or not feeling well, that child is distressed and frightened. When given a teddy bear to hold on to the child is less fearful of both the experience and of the staff member who gives the bear.

We have all heard of Police Departments that keep bears to give to children when they are investigating a domestic disturbance. Another situation where bears bring comfort!

Bears are also given to elderly patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, and those in care facilities as companions.

I love stories like these that allow us to see the comfort bears bring to those in need. Bears also bring comfort to our everyday lives by providing joy in good times and in bad!

If you are interested in adopting one of these bears please visit The Patchwork Ark.

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Teddy Bear Tuesday, Artist Bears

Miniatures–Nunu’s House

2012-01-16T08:19:00.001-07:00

Today I wanted to share with you my miniature inspiration. I love the designs and art work of Nunu’s House Miniatures.

You can visit her by clicking here for her website, or by clicking here for her blog.

This lady is very talented and gifted. She can create almost anything in miniature. I love to look at her things and am so excited with every piece she creates.

I hope you will enjoy her work as much as I do!

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Miniature

Pink Saturday–Cake!

2012-01-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

Earlier in life I was a cake decorator. Therefore, I love to look at cake art. I hope you will enjoy these photographs of the delicious dessert or snack! If you click on the photograph you will be taken to the site from which it came! Enjoy!

I love all of these, but I think my favorite today is the Dress with the roses! Which one do you like the best? Please visit our hostess for Pink Saturday, Beverly at How Sweet the Sound, to view some of the other Pinkies!

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Pink Saturday

Miss Val’s Creations and Irina Garanina

2012-01-13T09:10:00.001-07:00

Today for Friendship Friday, I would like to introduce you to Miss Val’s Creations.

This lovely lady has a wonderful Blog where she shares her thoughts with us, as well as her beautiful jewelry.

I hope you can spend some time in her little corner of the world.

Let me also introduce you to Irina Garanina. This busy lady has two blogs for you to visit.

The first one is her blog about Teddy bears and her other hobbies

The second one is her blog about her dolls. This blog is written in her native language. It is fun to view her pictures.

I hope you will be able to visit her for a time also.

Until tomorrow. . .

Blogger Tags: 2012, Friendship Friday

Baby Dolls–Thumbelina

2012-01-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

When I was a child my favorite dolls was Tiny Thumbelina.

I remember my doll had a blue dress with a ribbon on the front that said “Tiny Thumbelina”. I still have that doll!

Today, baby dolls are not my favorite kind of doll, but then as a child you see things differently!

Did you have a favorite doll when you were a child? Do you still have you little friend?

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Artist dolls

Chocolate Yogurt Pudding and Susan Branch

2012-01-11T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have recently been trying to figure out how to increase the protein in my meals. I ran across a tiny recipe to increase the protein for breakfast.

1/2 c yogurt (Fage is my favorite)
1 scoop of protein powder (I use chocolate whey protein from Jillian Michaels)
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp honey or raw sugar (you could use stevia no artificial sugar for me please)

Mix up and enjoy the delicious “yogurt pudding “.

Very filling and delicious!

Please enjoy an image from another one of my favorite artists – Susan Branch

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Home Decor, Warm Wednesday

Teddy Bear Tuesday–Nita Showers

2012-01-10T08:18:00.001-07:00

I love to look at these wonderful drawings by Nita Showers.

So much detail!

I would love to live in some of the rooms!

I hope you have enjoyed visiting Nita’s little world as much as I have.

Karamel just wanted to join in the fun too!.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Artist Bears. Teddy Bear Tuesday

. . .Miniature Tea Room. . .

2012-01-09T08:59:00.001-07:00

I love miniatures! I don’t know exactly when I began my love of miniatures but it seems like I always have. Last year I began creating miniature rooms. It is so much fun. Here is my Tea Room displays. Here is the front of the box. The box is hand painted and measures 8 1/2” tall by 8 1/4” wide by 1 3/4” in depth.

I had so much fun creating this little room.

When opened the left side of the room is created with faux drawers and real shelves. I made all of the teacakes and cookies, as well as the cupcakes and plates.

On the right side of the box there are more shelves and a miniature table. It was a joy to create the teapots from polymer clay. Then they were painted with tiny roses. The clock and wall are are printed and then added to the painted walls as wall art. The cookie jars are made of wooden candle cups by painting each one with miniature designs.

I hope you have enjoyed visiting the Lady Gray’s Tea Room. I have many new ideas for this year, so stay tuned for more little rooms!

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Miniature

. . . Fiona. . .

2012-01-08T11:49:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you to Fiona.

The name Fiona comes from Irish; Meaning fair

For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before me, says the Lord... Isaiah 66:22.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Artist Dolls, Sonnet Sunday

. . .Maud Humphrey Bogart. . .

2012-01-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

I love the watercolor artwork of Maud Humphrey Bogart.

Now, I have added a few minor touches to these photographs so they are a little different from the original.

I wondered who Maud was, and I found a biography for her on Wikipedia.

Maud Humphrey was born in Rochester, New York on March 30, 1868. Her parents were John Perkins Humphrey and Frances V. Dewey Churchill. She was an American commercial artist, illustrator and watercolorist. She was also a suffragette, and the mother of actor Humphrey Bogart. She married Belmont Deforest Bogart, and died in 1940. She was buried in the Columbarium at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

I never realized that she was Humphrey Bogart’s Mother!

Today is Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound. I hope you will visit our hostess Beverly and see some of the other “pink ladies” lovely blogs.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Pink Saturday

Tattered Treasures and Kay’s Kids

2012-01-06T09:20:00.001-07:00

I wanted to begin a new “tradition” here at The Patchwork Ark Blog. Each Friday I would like to feature a couple of my followers. If you are not a follower of this blog, please join in – you will have a feature in the future.

Today I would like to introduce you to Nancy and her blog called Tattered Treasures – Friendship, Fun and Vintage Inspirations. When you visit Nancy’s blog, you will find a wonderfully welcoming place to visit. Nancy shares her journey with all of us. From Ephemera to great recipes, you will find something special to read about.

She is holding a giveaway for a set of beautiful tags. I love all of them and you can view them here.

The winner will be drawn on January 15th. Please stop by her blog and spend some viewing all of her wonder articles and photographs.

I would also like to introduce you to Kay from Kay’s Kids – Handmade Artist Bears. She makes wonderful bears, dolls and a variety of other lovely things.

Should you be down-under in Australia, you might like to attend one of her classes! Please visit her little area and enjoy her special things.

Please stop back every Friday for information other followers.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Friendship Friday

. . .What is Your Favorite Doll. . .

2012-01-05T15:29:00.001-07:00

So there are lots of different kinds of dolls.

Everything from Barbie, Rag Dolls, Porcelain or to the latest BJD (ball jointed doll) dolls.

I have created lots of dolls in the past years; and had a Barbie when I was young.

I love the look of the wonderful eyes of a BJD; but I do not (and will not) have the money or desire required, to purchase a BJD doll.

I think the dolls I love to create the most are the rag or cloth dolls.

They can be created in a short amount of time, and you can be as creative as your mind will allow. You can be creative with the porcelain dolls too!

If you have never made a doll before, I encourage you to try it at least once. If you are not so hot on creating your own doll, there are lots of artists that create lovely dolls.

Until Tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Artist Dolls

. . .Pantone Color of the Year. . .

2012-01-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

Ok so I got some bad information at the end of last year. I was told that the color of the year for 2012 would be a sea foam blue. Boy was that wrong. I just found out the Pantone has chosen Tangerine Tango as the color of the year!

Now I do nit pay much attention to the “color of the year” but I guess we will be seeing a lot of this color for 2012 so here are come photographs to get us started.

I do not think I will be wearing or decorating with this color this year. Maybe the closest I will come to using the color of the year is to eat an occasional Tangerine!

Or I might look at my little Hobbs!

What do you think?

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Home Decor

Teddy Bear Tuesday–Wishes for You

2012-01-03T08:53:00.001-07:00

My wish for you

Great beginning for January

Love for February

Peace for March

No Worries for April

Fun for May

Joy for June

Good Times for July

Achievements for August

Harmony for September

Happiness for October

Hope for November

Blessings for December

Until Tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, Teddy Bear Tuesday

A New Year Ahead

2012-01-02T12:28:00.001-07:00

I would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year. I have many new things planned for this year and am excited to “begin again”!I would like to announce the first change of the New Year!

The Patchwork Ark will now offer FREE shipping within the United States. For International customers, please email me to place your order. You will receive a shipping quote before your purchase, and then a PayPal invoice.

HOT OFF THE PRESSES!

The Patchwork Ark will be taking part in the Golden Globes and the Oscars in 2012.

Please enjoy the following messages.:

We're excited to announce The Patchwork Ark, in association with The Artisan Group, will participate in a luxury Gift Lounge on January 13-14, 2012 hosted by GBK Productions at the L'Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of the The 2012 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters.

We're excited to announce The Patchwork Ark, in association with The Artisan Group, will participate in a luxury Gift Lounge hosted by GBK Productions on February 24-25, 2012 at The W Hotel in Hollywood, California, in honor of the The 84th Academy Awards (Oscars) Nominees and Presenters.

All attending celebrities will receive our business cards in their swag bags. This event will also be attended by over 75 media outlets.

STAYING CONNECTED

Signing up for our Newsletter allows you to be notified of new products and NEWS before anyone else. Beside signing up for my newsletter, there are other ways to stay connected.

I have begun blogging every day and am enjoying sharing my thoughts and little tidbits of information.

If you would like to keep up with me between new product releases, please stop by the blog at http://patchworkark.blogspot.com.

I love new followers and would enjoy a comment from you. You might also consider “liking” my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ThePatchworkArk

For all you tweeters, follow my tweets @thepatchworkark.

THANK YOU

Thank you for sharing time with me. I look forward to the New Year ahead!

Until next time. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2012, New Year, Information

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T09:56:00.001-07:00

Let me thank you all for your support during 2011. I look forward to 2012 and wish you a Blessed New Year.

I am celebrating Pink New Year Today. I hope you will be able to visit my friend Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to celebrate Pink Saturday .

I will begin my New Year of blogging on Monday January 2nd so until then. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Pink Saturday

Weight Loss–Don’t you love it when. . .

2011-12-28T08:32:00.001-07:00

Ok, so it is that time of year again!

Don’t you just love it when you find a weight loss program that works for you! You are going along fine losing the weight.

After a while it stops working, you get frustrated and just pig out on all the wrong things! Of course the holidays are a good excuse to eat all of those delicious “wrong things”.

You go through the feeling bad and oh poor me time and then you are ready to get back on the wagon.

Find a new program and get back to it! I guess that is why we use the New Year to get back on the “diet”!

I found these cartoons by Cathy Thorne. You can find her Everyday People Cartoons by Cathy Thorne on Facebook here.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: Weight loss

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:57:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas to all!

And may God bless us. . . everyone!

Please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound! for Pink Saturday.

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: Christmas

White House Christmas Cards

2011-12-23T11:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I know I am suppose to be on vacation but I could not resist!

I have been reading Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush. She mentions Christmas decorations and such. It got me thinking about what some of the White House Christmas Cards looked like. Here are a few -

The above photo was never included in the 1963 card.

To be honest it was hard to find cards from the latest president.

I hope you enjoyed these.

Merry Christmas

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: Christmas

Teddy Bear Tuesday- Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T14:51:00.001-07:00

I would like to thank you all for visiting me here on my blog and for all of your support throughout 2011. I will be taking vacation for the next week or so and will return after the New year.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Until then…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Teddy Bear Tuesday

Winter Specials–The Patchwork Ark

2011-12-20T14:44:00.001-07:00

The Patchwork Ark Winter specials have begun.

These items are on sale from December 20 through January 1. You will receive a 25% discount on these items when you make your purchase.

Please visit the website if you are interested in adopting any of these items.

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011. Artist Bears, Artist Dolls

Memory Monday-Lawrence Welk

2011-12-19T08:27:00.001-07:00

As a child, I always remember looking forward to the annual Lawrence Welk Christmas Show.

My family would watch this program every week and at Christmas time it was a magical program.

It was such fun to see all the wonderful sets and outfits that everyone wore.

From the great dancers to the Lennon Sisters I loved this program.

And then came Santa and all the families.

You too can relive this wonderful memory by visiting the Lawrence Welk Show Official Blog!

What Christmas shows did you look forward to as a child?

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Memory Monday

Sonnet Sunday–In the bleak midwinter

2011-12-18T11:23:00.001-07:00

Many years ago Julie Andrews had a Christmas special on television. She sang this song during the show and I have loved it every since. I hope you will enjoy the Sarah McLachlan version.

In the bleak midwinter

By Christina Rossetti

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.

In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,

Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;

Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,

The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;

But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,

Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Sonnet Sunday

Sweet Saturday–Sugar plums

2011-12-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

So we all know how the poem goes – but what on earth is a sugar plum? I have always wondered about this and I finally took the time to look into it.

I found an article on the NPR website of all places that explained sugar plums. They mentioned two different kinds.

“One is a summertime treat, an actual candied plum made from an Italian prune plum or a damson plum.”

“The other is a confection made from dried fruits and nuts, combined with holiday spices.”

I think the second one is probably the one mentioned in the poem.

The NPR site also had these wonderful recipes!

Traditional Sugarplums

Ingredients

1/2 cup raisins or currants
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup dates
1 1/2 cup toasted whole almonds
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground anise
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/3 cup honey
Confectioner's sugar for rolling, as needed

Combine the raisins, apricots, dates and almonds in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Alternatively, and more traditionally, chop by hand.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruit and nut mixture with the confectioner's sugar, and the spices. Mix by hand until the sugar coats all of the pieces.

Add the honey, and mix until the mixture comes together into a stiff mass.

Pinch off pieces of the mixture about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into balls, and flatten slightly into plum shapes.

Roll each piece in confectioner's sugar.

Store sugarplums at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Yields 30 sugarplums

Pistachio Sugarplums

Ingredients

3/4 cup packed dried pears
3/4 cup packed dried apricots
2 cups whole pistachios
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/2 cup honey
Confectioner's sugar for rolling, as needed

Combine the pears, apricots and pistachios in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Alternatively, and more traditionally, chop by hand.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruit and nut mixture with the lemon zest, the confectioner's sugar and the spices. Mix by hand until the sugar coats all of the pieces.

Add the honey, and mix until the mixture comes together into a stiff mass.

Pinch off pieces of the mixture about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into balls, and flatten slightly into plum shapes.

Roll in confectioner's sugar.

Store at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Yields 40 sugarplums

Fig Anise Sugarplums

Ingredients

1 cup packed whole dried figs
1 cup whole toasted almonds
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1 Tbsp ground anise seed
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp anise liqueur (optional)
Confectioner's sugar for rolling, as needed

Combine the figs and toasted almonds in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Alternatively, and more traditionally, chop by hand.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruit and nut mixture with the lemon zest, the confectioner's sugar and the spices. Mix by hand until the sugar coats all of the pieces.

Add the honey, and mix until the mixture comes together into a stiff mass.

Pinch off pieces of the mixture about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into balls, and flatten slightly into plum shapes.

Roll each piece in confectioner's sugar.

Store sugarplums at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Yields 30 sugarplums

Citrus Coriander Sugarplums

Ingredients

1/2 cup candied lemon peel
1/2 cup candied orange peel
1 cup packed dates
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
2 cups whole toasted almonds
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 Tbsp ground coriander
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1/3 cup honey
Confectioner's sugar for rolling, as needed

Combine the lemons, oranges and almonds in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Alternatively, and more traditionally, chop by hand.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruit and nut mixture with the lemon and orange zest, the confectioner's sugar and the spices. Mix by hand until the sugar coats all of the pieces.

Add the honey, and mix until the mixture comes together into a stiff mass.

Pinch off pieces of the mixture about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into balls, and flatten slightly into plum shapes.

Roll each piece in confectioner's sugar.

Store sugarplums at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Yields 40 sugarplums

Cherry Hazelnut Sugarplums

Ingredients

1 cup dried cherries
2 cups toasted hazelnuts
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 cup honey
Confectioner's sugar for rolling, as needed

December 24, 2008

Combine the dried cherries and the toasted hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Alternatively, and more traditionally, chop by hand.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruit and nut mixture with the lemon zest, the confectioner's sugar and the spices. Mix by hand until the sugar coats all of the pieces.

Add the honey, and mix until the mixture comes together into a stiff mass.

Pinch off pieces of the mixture about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into balls, and flatten slightly into plum shapes.

Roll each piece in confectioner's sugar.

Store sugarplums at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Yields 25 sugarplums

Apple Raisin Sugarplums

Ingredients

1 cup packed dried apples
1 cup raisins
2 cups toasted chopped walnuts
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger
1/3 cup honey
Confectioner's sugar for rolling, as needed

Combine the dried apples and the raisins in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Alternatively, and more traditionally, chop by hand.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruit and add the toasted chopped walnuts, the lemon zest, the confectioner's sugar and the spices. Mix by hand until the sugar coats all of the pieces.

Add the honey, and mix until the mixture comes together into a stiff mass.

Pinch off pieces of the mixture about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into balls, and flatten slightly into plum shapes.

Roll each piece in confectioner's sugar.

Store sugarplums at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Yields 35 sugarplums

I am excited to try some of these especially the pistachio and fig (being Italian and all). Have you made sugar plum? What are your favorite?

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Sweet Saturday

Featured Business of the Day!

2011-12-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that The Patchwork Ark has been featured today on the Fox Small Business Website here.

Small Business In-Depth

Small Business of the Day: The Patchwork Ark

I hope you can stop by and read more about us!

Friendship Friday-Companions

2011-12-16T09:14:00.001-07:00

Have you every thought of a doll (or bear for that matter) as a friend and companion?

Sophie is not the doll in the following story!

I recently had an adult daughter of one of my customers call me to ask for a dress for her Mothers’ doll. Her Mother purchased a doll from in several years ago and lives in an assisted living apartment. The doll has become her very close companion! Last year I created a shawl for the doll, and this year she is getting a new dress, slip and of course pantaloons!

Do you have a loved one in an assisted living or nursing home situation? Older people love dolls just like us young ones do. These dolls become their secret keepers, beloved friends and companions.

Would the loved one in your life enjoy a new friend to share their dreams with? If you would like to adopt Sophie, or choose another doll or bear please visit The Patchwork Ark website!

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011. Artist Dolls, Friendship Friday

Traditions Thursday-Christmas Windows

2011-12-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

Don’t you love those wonderfully decorated Christmas department store windows you see in the old movies? When I was young Colorado Springs was a very small town, yet we did have a couple of department stores in downtown that would decorate their windows.

In some areas, families make viewing these windows a tradition. I recently found these photographs for department store windows around the world.

Did you have Christmas windows in your town as a child? Do you remember any of them?

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011. Christmas, Traditions Thursday

Fox Small Business Feature

2011-12-14T11:06:00.001-07:00

I am excited to share with you that The Patchwork Ark will be featured on the Fox Small Business Website on Friday December 16, 2011.

I hope you can stop by and read the article.

Carolyn

Warm Wednesday-Quilts of the Season

2011-12-14T07:29:00.001-07:00

I am continuing to piece several quilts together and hope to have more pictures next week.

In the mean time here are more quilts of the season! Click on the picture to view more information.

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Quilts, Warm Wednesday

Teddy Bear Tuesday-Sharing Memories

2011-12-13T07:54:00.001-07:00

I placed my memories in teddy bear’s paws,

My fondest dreams, my wishes and all,

I’ll never let go of those tender years,

And you, my friend, through giggles and tears.

Teddy bears are great friends for life! Do you need a bear to share your secrets with?

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Bears, Teddy Bear Tuesday

Memory Monday–Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T07:20:00.001-07:00

In was thinking the other day about the aluminum Christmas trees of the past.

Our neighbor had one of these trees and put it up every year with the rotating color wheel. Every year we would go to her home and there would be the wonderful glittering tree that changed colors as the wheel turned.

I do not remember too many of our own Christmas trees as I was growing up, but for some reason this aluminum tree is ingrained in my memory. It must be the glitter effect. I love sparkly things!

What was your favorite tree memory of your past?

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas. Memory Monday

Sonnet Sunday–Mary did you Know?

2011-12-11T08:45:00.001-07:00

I have loved this song since I heard Kenny Rogers and Wynonna sing it on his Christmas special many years ago. I hope you enjoy it too.

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
You've kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the Great I Am

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas. Sonnet Sunday

Sweet Saturday-Fudge

2011-12-10T09:08:00.001-07:00

There were many sweets we had as a child at Christmastime. From store bought goodies to homemade – Christmas was a sweet holiday.

I remember my mother always making fudge and she was so frustrated because from year to year she never knew if it was going to come out or not. I guess part of it was that she could never remember which recipe she used that worked.

I love the Quilters Christmas Cookbook

There are many recipes for fudge in this cookbook. Here is one that sounds yummy and reminds me of the peanut butter fudge my mother would make that actually worked!

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE - from a quilter in Hastings, NE

2 c sugar; 2/3 c milk; 1 c chunky peanut butter & 1 pint marshmallow cream

Cook the sugar and milk until soft ball stage*, stirring constantly.

Pour over peanut butter and marshmallow crème and beat until smooth.

Pour into greased 8” square pan. Cool and cut into pieces.

* to test for soft ball stage, remove pan with boiling candy from heat to prevent overcooking. Pour 1/2 tsp. candy into 1/2 c cold water. Pick candy up with fingers. If it is at a soft ball stage,the candy will form a soft ball which quickly loses its shape when removed from water (can be picked up but flattens immediately. Tip comes from a quilter in Dallas, Texas

What was your favorite Christmas candy as a child or even now as an adult?

Until tomorrow. . .

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Sweet Saturday

Friendship Friday–Christmas Friends

2011-12-09T08:12:00.001-07:00

'There's more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer;

It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year.

It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again,

For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!'

If you are interested in adopting one of these friends, please visit The Patchwork Ark or click on their photographs to visit their individual page.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Dolls, Friendship Friday

Traditions Thursday-Christmas Tea

2011-12-08T07:53:00.001-07:00

I love the Cup of Christmas Tea poem. It is so heartwarming and is a special read at this time of the year. I also love all of the wonderful traditions of Christmas teas across the country. I found this wonderful blog today called Rose Chintz Cottage Blog. These picture come from Sandi’s blog and I hope you will be able to visit her place and see all of her wonderful things.

Until tomorrow!

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Tea Treats & Traditions Thursday

Warm Wednesday-Christmas Quilts

2011-12-07T11:58:00.001-07:00

Look at these lovely Christmas quilts. Please click on the pictures to visit the sites they were found.

Bit by bit, putting it together…
Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art,

Every moment makes a contribution,
Every little detail plays a part,
Having just a vision’s no solution,

Everything depends on execution,
Putting it together, that’s what counts.
(Stephen Sondheim 1930)

Here is my latest project.

Until tomorrow

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Warm Wednesday, Quilts

Teddy Bear Tuesday–Christmas Cards

2011-12-06T09:47:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking of Christmas Cards and found these wonderful cards from Dolores Jablonski of DJ”s Art. You can find her shop at Etsy here.

I think her cards are so well done, and go wonderfully with my bears!

Jack Frost has been featured on the Chic to the Nines Blog. Please stop by and visit him there.

If you are interested in adopting one of these bears please visit The Patchwork Ark website.

Until tomorrow. . .

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Bears, Christmas, Teddy Bear Tuesday

Memory Monday-Toothpick Trees

2011-12-05T09:01:00.001-07:00

Last week I talked about the Readers Digest Decorations we made when I was a child. Today I remember the Toothpick Tree!

I think we must have made 100 of these over the years. The hours of gluing toothpicks into the little Styrofoam balls. Then to spray them with some festive color and of course add the spray flocking! We then would hang the tiny ornaments from the toothpicks and a star on top.

What fun. I have not seen one of these for years, and am surprised to see they are still being made.

Did you have a favorite Christmas craft as a child?

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Memory Monday

SONNET SUNDAY - NATTIE

2011-12-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

Nattie stops by this week to wish you a Merry Christmas !

The name Nattie (Natalie) comes from Latin; meaning Christmas Child.

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name. . . Psalm 9:2

If you are interested in adopting Nattie please see more information for her at The Patchwork Ark.

Until tomorrow…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Bears, Sonnet Sunday

Sweet Saturday–Holiday Gift Giving

2011-12-03T08:51:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share some gift giving ideas with you today. These Pinterest boards are from my friends at The Artisan Group. I hope you can visit them and find something special for those on your list.

1. Official 2011 Holiday Gift Guide (http://pinterest.com/theartisangroup/2011-artisan-group-holiday-gift-guide/)
2. Gifts Under $20 (http://pinterest.com/theartisangroup/gifts-under-20/)
3. Stocking Stuffers (http://pinterest.com/theartisangroup/stocking-stuffers/)
Gifts For Him (http://pinterest.com/theartisangroup/gifts-for-him/

Until Tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Sharing Saturday

Friendship Friday–A Friend Is. . .

2011-12-02T08:44:00.001-07:00

A friend is someone

who understands your past,

believes in your future,

and accepts you just the way you are.

Thanks for being my friends.

Until Tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Dolls, Friendship Friday

TRADITIONS THURSDAY – BING CROSBY

2011-12-01T10:03:00.001-07:00

Christmas always bring the tradition of watching the Bing Crosby holiday movies.

I love to watch the Holiday Inn

and White Christmas films.

Christmas would not be complete without watching these wonderful movies. They do not make movies like this any more! What are your favorite Christmas movies?

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Traditions Thursday

DECEMBER SPECIALS

2011-12-01T09:33:00.001-07:00

Introducing the December Specials at The Patchwork Ark
Jack Frost and his Snowman & Martha with her berry wreath.

If you are interested in adopting either of these two, or looking at other items please visit http://www.patchworkark.com

Carolyn

WARM WEDNESDAY – QUILT PIECING

2011-11-30T09:23:00.001-07:00

I have been piecing together quilts this past couple of weeks. All of my quilts are done by hand. I do not use machines to create these works of art. I love the therapy that making quilts bring to me. I finished the top from the blocks I showed you last week and another one as well. I will bring that one to you next week.

I have always loved quilting and the comfort both the process and the end result brings. This poem reflects my sentiment exactly! The poem comes from The Romance of the Patchwork Quilt in America and was written by Elizabeth Ryan DeCoursey.

Life is like a patchwork quilt
And each little patch is a day,
Some patches are rosy, happy and bright,
And Some are dark and gray.
But each little patch as it's fitted in
And sewn to keep it together
Makes a finished block in this life of ours Filled with sun, and with rainy weather.

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Quilts, Warm Wednesday

TEDDY BEAR TUESDAY–TEDDY HUG

2011-11-29T08:04:00.001-07:00

If you like I can give you
A big bear hug.

It will make you feel snug
As a bug in a rug.

As soon as A bear hug
Comes your way,

Find yourself A good friend,
And give It Away!

~ Author Unknown ~

Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful day!

Until tomorrow . . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Bears, Teddy Bear Tuesday

MEMORY MONDAY–FOLDED DECORATIONS

2011-11-28T08:33:00.001-07:00

My love of handmade began a s a child. I remember at this time of the year, it was always fun to create Christmas decorations. We always had the construction paper chains to use as garland.

And do you remember these?

This photograph came from gingerbread.typepad.com. Click on the photograph to visit their blog.

I cannot tell you how many of these angels, and trees, we made throughout my childhood.

This photograph came from the Stolen Moments Designs blog. Click on the photograph to visit their site.

It is hard to believe we folded so many readers digest magazines into these handmade works of art! How many did you make as you were growing up?

Until tomorrow . . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Christmas, Memory Monday

SONNET SUNDAY–ANTOINETTE

2011-11-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you

to Antoinette

Her name comes from Latin meaning Priceless

She is the Jewel of Light

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

To read more about Antoinette, please visit her at The Patchwork Ark.

Until tomorrow . . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Bears, Sonnet Sunday

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND–FREE SHIPPING

2011-11-24T12:55:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving Weekend Special
Free Shipping from Midnight November 25 to
Midnight November 29, 2011, All EST

(For Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Cyber Monday you will be charged for the shipping costs, and I will refund the cost to you.)

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Bears, Artist Dolls, Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-11-24T09:42:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for all of you who take the time to read my blog. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Thanksgiving

WARM WEDNESDAY–NEW QUILT

2011-11-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

I have been working on a new quilt.

Here are the sneak peek photographs.

See you Tomorrow!

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Quilts, Warm Wednesday

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SPECIALS

2011-11-23T10:14:00.001-07:00

Just a Short Note

Thanksgiving Weekend Special

Just a short note to all of you
that for Thanksgiving weekend
you will receive free shipping
from The Patchwork Ark.

When placing your order via the website at
www.patchworkark.com

you will be charged the cost of
the shipping and packaging.
I will then refund that cost to you

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Bears, Thanksgiving

TEDDY BEAR TUESDAY–THANKSGIVING GREETING

2011-11-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

I wish I had a Teddy Bear, To sit upon my knee.

I'd take him with me everywhere, To cuddle up with me.

The first part of a poem from Pelissier's Follies- 1909

I hope you and your teddy bears will have a

Happy Thanksgiving!

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Teddy Tuesday

MEMORY MONDAY–THANKSGIVING WEEK

2011-11-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

I always remember Thanksgiving as being a time of food, and parades. As a child, looking forward to the school break was the center of my world. We spent lots of time in the kitchen preparing all the wonderful foods for the Thanksgiving dinner.

On Thanksgiving day, we would always watch the parades. It was so fun to see all the wonderful balloons

and of course Santa’s arrival at the end of the Macy’s parade.

When my daughter was young we drew a large picture of the first Thanksgiving and made the traditional hand print turkeys. It was always fun to watch the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving show, and a Christmas movie to start the Christmas season. I think a couple of years we also made birdseed ornaments to hang outside.

As time has gone by, our Thanksgiving Day has changed, and is a lot different from the past.

Today we do not eat as much and are more thankful for the small things and people we have in our lives.

Just having the day together as a family, means more than all the cooking and cleaning it takes to make a big Thanksgiving meal. I know my body thanks me for not over filling it with all the food.

I was thinking the other day of just the foods I really look forward to at Thanksgiving and realized that the stuffing, cranberries and pecan or pumpkin pie is enough for me. A couple of bites of each, is more than enough.

What memories do you have of Thanksgiving week?

Until Tomorrow . . .

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Memory Monday

SONNET SUNDAY–SATURDAY EVENING POST

2011-11-20T13:50:00.001-07:00

I love these photographs that appeared on the front cover of The Saturday Evening Post in past years, and this poem by Maude M. Grant.

A Thanksgiving Dinner
Take a turkey, stuff it fat,
Some of this and some of that.
Get some turnips, peel them well.
Cook a big squash in its shell.

Trimming the Pie – November 23, 1935

Now potatoes, big and white,
Mash till they are soft and light.
Cranberries, so tart and sweet,
With the turkey we must eat.

Preparing the Apples – November 28, 1925

Pickles-yes-and then, oh my!
For a dessert a pumpkin pie,
Golden brown and spicy sweet.
What a fine Thanksgiving treat!
~ By Maude M. Grant

Preparing Thanksgiving Dinner – December 2, 1916

Until tomorrow,

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Sonnet and Psalm Sunday

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY - VINTAGE

2011-11-18T08:58:00.001-07:00

Hello Friend, thanks for stopping by . . .

Give Thanks

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am so glad you are my friend.

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Artist Dolls, Friendship Friday

TRADITIONS–THANKSGIVING

2011-11-17T09:32:00.001-07:00

Today I thought I would share some treats and traditions with you for Thanksgiving.

TEA

I found this Victorian Tea Set at the Tip Top Tea Shoppe website. I thought it would make a wonderful addition to any tea party.

TREATS

These treats look great for all family members. You even have time to create them before Thanksgiving

Pilgrim Hat Cookies Recipe

Photo from Taste of Home

Recipe created by Megan and Mitchell Vogel, Jefferson, Wisconsin

32 Servings
Prep: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 cup vanilla frosting
7 drops yellow food coloring
32 miniature peanut butter cups
1 package (11-1/2 ounces) fudge-striped cookies
32 pieces orange mini Chiclets gum

Directions

In a small shallow bowl, combine frosting and food coloring. Remove paper liners from peanut butter cups.
Holding the bottom of a peanut butter cup, dip top of cup in yellow frosting. Position over center hole on the bottom of cookie, forming the hatband and crown. Add a buckle of Chiclets gum. Repeat with remaining cups and cookies. Yield: 32 cookies.

Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie equals 130 calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat), trace cholesterol, 81 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein.

Oreo Cookie Turkeys

This recipe was found on the internet at The Idea Room. These turkeys are really cute and are really easy to make. You will need the following:

Double Stuff Oreos (2 per turkey)
Small Reese's’ Peanut Butter Cups (1)
Whoppers (1)
Candy Corn
White Frosting
Black Frosting

Place your peanut butter cups in the fridge. They will cut cleaner cold. Carefully separate one cookie from the frosting. Add some of the white frosting and press the pointed tips of 6 candy corns half way around the cookie, re-attach the other cookie half.

Cut a small slice off the top of one of the peanut butter cup candies. With the white frosting, attach it to the Oreo toward the bottom of one of the flat sides.

Cut the yellow sections off of two of the candy corns. Using the frosting to “glue” the candy onto the cookie, create the wings and feet as shown in the picture.

Add the Whopper to the top of the peanut butter cup to create the head. Create the eyes with frosting, and the beak with another candy corn.

Lay the second Oreo on the table. Place some of the white frosting on the bottom of the turkey cookie so that you can stand it on top of the flat Oreo on the table.

Once “glued” with the frosting, lean against a glass for support and let sit for about 30 minutes before handling.

The turkey’s make great gifts for children, or used as place card holders on the Thanksgiving Table.

TRADITIONS

This idea came from the Simply Vintage Girl website. This would be a wonderful tradition to start or continue if you are already doing so.

The tree is called “The Thankful Tree” and on it hangs reminders of grateful hearts, declaring their glad praise to the One who blessed them. Please visit Simply Vintage Girl for more information.

Won’t you share your Thanksgiving Treats and Traditions?

Carolyn

WARM WEDNESDAY–DEAR JANE

2011-11-16T09:11:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to make a Dear Jane Quilt for a long time. Maybe now is as good a time to begin as any.

This is the original quilt that hangs in the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vermont.

This information comes from the Bennington Museum website found here.

This sampler of heroic proportions has an unusual pieced and scalloped border, and is made up of 169 five-inch blocks, each differing in pattern, containing a total of 5,602 pieces. Although little is known of the maker, Jane A Stickle, her burial is noted in records of the Center Shaftsbury Cemetery. From the 1863 date of the quilt, we know it was made during the Civil War, and Jane Stickle was 46 years old when it was completed.

Quilting first originated in Europe but quickly became popular during the Colonial period and represents a craft technique that has remained virtually unchanged over time. Although there is great variety in the actual surface decoration, the construction of most quilts is the same and essentially involves stitching together two layers of material, cut to size, usually with a filler in between the layers to provide extra warmth.

Patchwork quilts are among the most decorative and picturesque quilts that were made during the 19th century in America. They represent not only the artistic expression of the women who made them but also their delight in color, their skill at needlework and the pride they took in mastering the intricacies as well as the difficulty of the craft. The extraordinary variety found in this quilt makes it of particular importance as does its documentation to a specific event and time in history.

The Stickle quilt is displayed every September and October in the Rotating Textile Study Area.

These are photographs of Dear Jane quilts from other artists.

Beside the beauty of the quilts, I think the history is fascinating. To learn more about the Dear Jane quilts, and Jane Stickle’s history; please visit the Dear Jane Website.

I better get started on my quilt, looks like I have a lot of blocks to make!

Carolyn

Blogger Labels: Quilts, Warm Wednesday, 2011

TEDDY BEAR TUESDAY–STEIFF

2011-11-15T07:04:00.001-07:00

In Germany, around the beginning of the 1900’s, a woman named Margarete Steiff was making her living as a seamstress.

She was determined to be financially independent despite her lasting disability from childhood polio. She had a great love for children and would make them small animals out of cloth left over from dressmaking.

Margarete’s nephew, Richard Steiff had been studying bears at Stuttgart Zoo. At his insistence, Margarete designed a toy bear which they took to the Leipzig Toy Fair.

He was called “Friend Petz”, and his success at the fair was immediate with an order from America for 3,000 copies.

Do you have a favorite Teddy Bear? If not you might find a new friend here.

Carolyn

MEMORY MONDAY–THANKSGIVING CRAFTS

2011-11-14T08:47:00.001-07:00

Lets walk down the craft lane from the past!

Remember these?

What fun it was to create those fun Thanksgiving decorations in school and use them at home for decorating the house and Thanksgiving table?

What was your favorite Thanksgiving craft as a child?

Carolyn

SONNET SUNDAY–SHINING LIGHT

2011-11-13T08:21:00.001-07:00

a beautiful picture for the season!

Carolyn

SHARING SATURDAY

2011-11-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

While gift planning this year, I would like to invite you to consider shopping with The Artisan Group.

Please view our boards at Pinterest

We also have boards for

Stocking Stuffers

Gifts under $20.00

and Gifts for Him!

I hope you will stop in and check us out.

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: 2011, Sharing Saturday

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY

2011-11-11T07:11:00.001-07:00

Friends help us open our hearts

in ways we never thought were possible.

I would love to hear from you, Friend,

whenever you have time to write!

Carolyn

TRADITIONS–THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS

2011-11-10T09:59:00.001-07:00

I was doing some research on the way other countries celebrate Thanksgiving. I found some interesting things.

We generally think of Thanksgiving as a uniquely American holiday, but there's actually a long tradition of harvest-time and thanksgiving celebrations. Every autumn, the ancient Greeks enjoyed a three-day festival to honor Demeter, the goddess of corn and grains.

Being of Italian descent, I was interested in learning that the Romans had a similar celebration in which they honored Ceres, the goddess of corn (the word "cereal" is derived from her name). The Roman celebration included music, parades, games, sports and a feast, much like modern Thanksgiving.

One of the most prominent Thanksgiving symbols, the cornucopia, dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The term (generally describing a horn-shaped basket filled with fruit, flowers and other goodies) comes from the Latin cornu copiae, literally "horn of plenty."

Thanksgiving day is also related to the English Puritan's practice of setting apart individual days of thanksgiving. These highly religious occasions usually followed times of great difficulty: The Puritans would praise God in thanks for enduring a hardship. In practice, American Thanksgiving isn't a religious occasion, but it is centered around gratitude.

Tune in tomorrow for Friendship Friday!

Carolyn

WARM WEDNESDAY - ARTIST INSPIRATION

2011-11-09T09:45:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few Warm Wednesday additions from some of my favorite quilt artists. Please click on the pictures to visit their websites!

Bunny Hill’s Cat Quilt

Paula Nadelstern’s Kaleidoscope

Jinny Beyer’s quilts have always inspired me!

I have begun a new quilt so hopefully you will see pictures soon!

Thanks for stopping in. See you tomorrow for Traditions Thursday!

Until Then…

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: Warm Wednesday, quilts

TEDDY BEAR TUESDAY - TEDDY ANNIVERSARY

2011-11-08T07:29:00.001-07:00

Next Monday the 14th of November marks a sort of anniversary for the Teddy Bear.

The story goes that on November 14, 1902 the President of the USA, Mr. Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, was attending a hunt for grizzly bears in the state of Mississippi.

After several days of unsuccessful hunting his embarrassed hosts produced a young captive bear for the president to shoot at. Roosevelt, who was well known as a sporting gentleman, contemptuously refused to kill such easy prey.

Clifford Berryman, a cartoonist on the Washington Star, portrayed the incident in a cartoon in which the grizzly bear cub on a rope bore more resemblance to a toy than a real bear.

The cartoon in the Washington Star was seen by a toy maker from Russia, living in America, Mr. Morris Michtom. He and his wife were charmed by his story of their humane president and devised a cuddly toy which looked something like the animal Berryman drew.

They called it “Teddy’s Bear”, and its success was immediate. Soon the Michtom’s were selling as many teddies as they could make.

Until Tomorrow. . .Have a great day!

Carolyn

MEMORY MONDAY - THANKSGIVING CRAFTS

2011-11-07T08:58:00.001-07:00

Even as a child I was involved in some kind of craft project. I remember at Thanksgiving time we would always make these handprint turkeys. I think every child has made these in their lifetime. Do you remember what yours looked like?

I found a poem today that goes along with these turkey’s, for those who create a card with them.

This isn't just a turkey as you can plainly see.
I made it with my hand which is a part of me.
It comes with lots of love especially to say,
I hope you have a very, Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Create a Handprint turkey with the child in your life!

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: memories, turkey, handprint, thanksgiving

SONNET SUNDAY - THANKSGIVING PRAYER

2011-11-06T08:40:00.001-07:00

As we prepare for Thanksgiving later this month, I thought a Thanksgiving prayer each Sunday might put us in the right spirit.

Thanksgiving Prayer

Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day
We bow our hearts to You and pray.
We give You thanks for all You've done
Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son.
For beauty in nature, Your glory we see
For joy and health, friends and family,
For daily provision, Your mercy and care
These are the blessings You graciously share.
So today we offer this response of praise
With a promise to follow You all of our days.

--Mary Fairchild

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY - FRIENDS ARE . . .

2011-11-04T07:06:00.001-06:00

It is Friendship Friday.

I am glad you stopped in to visit.

He who finds a friend

finds a real treasure.

Some people come into our lives

and leave as fast as they came,

but a true friend will come,

and leave marks forever.

I appreciate your friendship

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: friendship friday, dolls

TRADITIONS - CORN

2011-11-03T07:17:00.001-06:00

Some of the traditions we have in November are quite special. We mostly think about Thanksgiving in November, so there are a lot of Thanksgiving Traditions.

One tradition I read about today was the story of the

5 Kernels of Corn

Many years ago during one of the early winters, the Pilgrims had very little food. Because their corn supply was gone, each Pilgrim was given only five grains of corn to plant.

The following years they had more corn, but the Pilgrims wanted their children to always remember the sacrifices and the hardships that made the survival of their small settlement possible.

So each year when they celebrated Thanksgiving, they placed five grains of corn by each plate. Some families still honor this tradition, so they won't forget the early days either.

You can add this custom into your Thanksgiving meal. Put 5 kernels of corn at each place setting this Thanksgiving. Each person around the table takes turns holding up a kernel and giving thanks for something.

There is also a poem written by Lori Harris: Twas the year of the famine in Plymouth of old,
The ice and the snow from the thatched roofs had rolled;
Through the warm purple skies steered the geese o'er the seas,
And the woodpecker tapped in the clocks of the trees;
And the boughs on the slopes to the south winds lay bare,
and dreaming of summer, the buds swelled in the air.
The pale Pilgrims welcomed each reddening morn;
There were left but for rations Five Kernels of Corn.
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
But to Bradford a feast were Five Kernels of Corn!

"Five Kernels of Corn! Five Kernels of Corn!
Ye people, be glad for Five Kernels of Corn!"
So Bradford cried out on bleak Burial Hill,
And the thin women stood in their doors, white and still.
"Lo, the harbor of Plymouth rolls bright in the spring,
The maples grow red, and the wood robins sing.
The west wind is blowing, and fading the snow,
And the pleasant pines sing, and the arbutuses blow.
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
To each one be given Five Kernels of Corn."

O Bradford of Austerfield hast on the way,
The went winds are blowint o'er Provincetown Bay,
The white avens bloom, but the pine domes are chill,
And new graves have furrowed Precisioners Hill!
"Give thanks all ye people, the warm skies have come,
The hilltops are sunny, and green grows the holm, And the trumpets of winds, and the white March is gone,
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
Ye have for Thanksgiving Five Kernels of Corn!

"The raven's gift eat and be humble and pray,
A new light is breaking and Truth leads your way;
One taper a thousand shall kindle, rejoice
That to you has been given the wilderness voice!"
O Bradford of Austerfield, daring the wave,
And safe through the sounding blasts leading the brave,
Of deeds such as thine was the free nation born,
And the festal would sings the "Five Kernels of Corn!"
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
The nation gives thanks for Five Kernels of Corn!
To the Thanksgiving Feast bring Five Kernels of Corn!

Start a new tradition today, you will be glad you did!

Until tomorrow. . .

Carolyn

WARM WEDNESDAY - HEART QUILT

2011-11-02T08:57:00.001-06:00

I love traditional quilts and quilting. Especially on wintery days as we have here today. This is our second snowfall of the season and I love this weather!

Snuggling under a warm quilt on a day like today is heavenly. Even the bears like it!

Stay Warm until tomorrow!

Carolyn

Blogger Tags: Bear, quilt, snow, warm wednesday

TEDDY BEAR TUESDAY - TEDDY'S HISTORY

2011-11-01T09:03:00.001-06:00

A quote from: Colonel Robert Henderson, the great Scottish collector of teddy bears.

During the first half of the Twentieth Century it was found that the subtle appeal of the Teddy Bear was so endearing and enduring that the Teddy has become the lasting symbol of childhood, and consequently outlived all other mascot animals.

It is now realized that anybody who thinks the Teddy Bear is just a cuddly toy and nothing more is very much mistaken.

There is far more to Teddy than meets the eye. For there is now ample evidence to show that the Teddy Bear gives solace and enjoyment to people of all ages and both sexes.

So much so, in fact, that this take it right out of the classification of a soft toy.

Please click on the photographs for more information about the bear!

Carolyn

MEMORY MONDAY - CANDY

2011-10-31T08:34:00.001-06:00

Beginning around this time of year I must say that I think of candy more than other times. Must be the Trick or Treats of childhood. We all seem to eat more candy between Halloween and Easter than the rest of the year.

I was thinking the other day of the candy of childhood. I miss stopping to get the penny candy at the corner store on the way home from school.

I found some interesting information about the beginnings of penny candy.

The earliest candy recorded was halvah, made with sesame seeds and honey, and appeared in 3000 B.C.

The word “candy” comes from the Arabic word “gandi” which means “made from sugar”.

Penny candy is a general term used for bulk confections made from sugar. Bulk candy was originally sold in apothecary shops as digestive aids and to mask the taste of medicines.

The Tootsie Roll was the first individually wrapped penny candy sold in the United States. It was introduced in 1896.

Most “penny candy” today refers to any candy invented and distributed more than 50 years ago. It does not refer to its price.

Most candies in this category cost between 5 cents and 99 cents per piece. Penny candies of the past are no longer manufactured, although there are nostalgic candy companies that offer some of the most popular ones. These candy companies can be found online.

Remember these:

What was your favorite candy as a child?

Tomorrow is Teddy Tuesday, so until then. . .

Carolyn

SONNET SUNDAY - AUTUMN PRAYER

2011-10-30T08:18:00.001-06:00

I thought I might do something a little different here at the blog. I wanted to share something special each day, that will hopefully uplift you, or at least get you thinking!

Today is Sonnet Sunday. Since this is the end of October and harvest season is in full gear, I wanted to celebrate the harvest!

I found this Autumn Pray on another blog that I thought you might enjoy. The blog is called The Childs Paper and can be found here. Please spend some time visiting them.

Here is the Autumn Prayer:

Lord we come before you in thanks for the gifts you have given. The color of the season reminds us of the beauty you alone can create. We are thankful for the food you provide in the harvest. You filled the earth with your gifts. You have blessed us. We are grateful, Lord and will never stop singing your praises.

We will sing your praise, Lord,

* Our new season of Autumn is moving in

* Trees of green say goodbye and beautiful colored leaves appear.

* Gardens and fields give their gifts of harvested fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Thank you Lord of transformation, for all the beauty and harvest the autumned earth gives us.

As we watch and listen to the changes of the season from Summer to Autumn may we grow more and more aware of the wonders of your creation. We will be attentive to all the changes your word calls us to in this season .

Give thanks to the Lord who is good, whose love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Please share your favorite autumn wishes with a comment.

I wish you a happy Sunday. Tomorrow will be Memory Monday! Until then . . .

Carolyn