Making me smile....

I came accross two more amazing artists once again using paper and books as their medium.

 Jayme McGowan's detailed papercuts are truly amazing.....

You can find more of her portfolio here:http://www.roadsideprojects.com/portfolio/

And while reading her blog I saw the work of Nick Georgiou

And finally an awesome recipe to make you smile, Creamy Avocado Pasta:

via http://www.blissfulbblog.com/

Ingredients:
1 medium ripe avocado, pitted
½ lime
2 garlic cloves
¼ jalapeno
¼ cup packed basil
1 cup spinach
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
1 cup spinach
 basil leaves to garnish

Method:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.  Add the pasta and cook until tender but still al dente 9 -11 minutes.  Drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.  Put the cup of spinach in the bottom of a serving bowl and  place the spaghetti on top and toss for a few minutes to wilt the spinach.

While the pasta is cooking make the avocado sauce.  Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from the avocado and place in a food processor.  Zest the lime and add along with the basil, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, basil, spinach, salt and pepper.  Blend until smooth.

Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss everything together adding a little cooking water to loosen the sauce as needed.  Top with the grated parmesan and basil and serve.

I made it last night.  I added a little more jalapeno and it was fantastic!

Midcentury Modern

I have that bug again.  I am daydreaming of modern dollhouses.  How could I not when I find pictures like these? Definitely a more affordable way to decorate.



the wood ceilings in this one are amazing.......



One day something like this will be mine!



Miss Clara

I found this amazing artist today via  www.kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com. 

Claire Guiral : 



Just the idea of using paper to create such beautiful work makes me swoon.  There is a video where you can see more of her world.  Or visit her blog: http://lescarnetsdemissclara.blogspot.com/

Valentines Day Projects

 So the almost four-year-old ballerina wasn't keen on the last pair of leg warmers because they were gray  and pink.  She only likes pink and purple.  So another pair was needed!

She also got a new skirt.....

 that's reversible...

And a heart headband because she loves headbands.



Some homemade chocolate cherry cups for everyone...

A new hat for me.....



I started a new painting because sometimes I need a break from knitting and sewing.....

And my flower is finally blooming!





Some Recent Projects

Princess and the Pea

Red Riding Hood's little wolf

Agate necklace and two knitted necklaces

Ballerina's leg warmers

Bamboo washcloths

Knitted wrist cuffs

Wrist warmers

A Month of Knitting

 Knitting for my granddaughters, a three and a half year old and two weeks old!  I love knitting for little ones!

Sister bunny hats, a diaper cover and a sleep sack for little sister ......

... sister peapod hats, diaper cover, peapod and peas....

And finally a sleep sack for little sister and matching big sister sweater...

I had so much fun! (All the patterns are linked on my Ravelry account.)  Now on to Christmas presents!!!

Butterfly Weekend

It started when I noticed these strange little caterpillars munching on my dill and fennel in the garden. 

So I bought this.

Olivia and I caught them and played with them and put them in the net.  I continued to feed them dill and fennel until they spun their cocoons.

And then last Saturday morning, just a mere two weeks later, we found these lovely butterflies in our net!  We were thrilled!

We spent the afternoon watching as our one butterfly was joined by three more.  We released four beautiful black swallowtails that afternoon!

Now when we see them under our apple tree we are just sure they are our little friends :)