Fabrics for a Revoluzzza Monster

I purchased some new fabrics recently from Crafty Planet. I have not made anything with them yet, but have been quietly pondering their potential and what they might become. Of course, I do have some ideas (I am not known for any shortage of ideas--my husband likes to say I am "cursed with vision"--meaning, he is cursed with having a wife with vision that he is doubtlessly enlisted in the realization of...)...Like this fabric (above) from Alexander Henry called "SEW NOW! SEW WOW!". I was actually at the register purchasing all my yardage, when I suddenly noticed this at the front of the store--and I just walked away in mid-purchase, in a love-daze (red hearts popping out from my eyes, no doubt), reaching out tenderly for this fabric. I love the sewing theme, the colors, the psychedelic style. So, of course, I bought some. It is actually a nice hefty cotton canvas. I still get weak in the knees just looking at it all folded up in basket of fabric across the room. My plan is to sew up some sort of bag from it in which I can stash my in-progress sewing projects for when I want to take them with me to the coffee shop, a friend's house, airport, whathaveyou.And as further proof to my undying love and adoration of this particular fabric pattern--I actually bought another couple of yards in the black and white version (above)--with the plan to recover my current idea board with it (part of a larger re-organization and decor update to my workshop--more on that in a future post).But today my immediate purpose for some of this new fabric became clear to me--it is to make a couple of these freakin adorable monster dolls designed by Revoluzzza. She so kindly is sharing this FREE pattern and tutorial on her blog--you can download the pattern here. The very nicely laid out tutorial with step by step photos is on her blog here. And her work is so amazing--utterly modern and lovely. Everything is so beautifully constructed--and all those the colors make my heart sing an operetta.

Couldn't you just die from all the loveliness? You can also buy her plushies--get your very own Revoluzzza monster or doll--right here.

But, yes I plan to make a couple of her Monster Ninnis for my March Toy Society drop--and technically, they will not be dropped, but will be sent to the Toy Society as part of their handmade plush donations for the victims of the Australian bush fires. If you are interested in making something to donate--you can learn more about that here. And why wouldn't you, really--I mean, if you can operate a needle and thread? Something so seemingly small can make a big difference for a child who has lost so much.

Pesto Chicken

Pesto chicken is one of my favorite autumn and winter recipes. First of all, because it involves pesto slathered all over the main course and pesto is next to godliness is my world. Also, it is a lovely little one pot meal that requires little work to produce something completely warming and satisfying. The genesis of the recipe really goes to our former landlady--Althea--who actually, over time, became the bane of our existence as renters, but this is the one good thing that came out of knowing the woman.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of pesto (recipe follows)
• 1 whole chicken—cut up into all its lovely little pieces
• 6 mid-sized red potatoes (or baby potatoes work nicely for this dish too), cut into 1.5 inch dice (not too large of dice or they will not cook through)
• 1 onion, cut into half-ring slices
• 1 package of frozen peas (or you can use fresh if you are really industrious and want to shell them) or fresh green beans, if you like
• About 1 cup of large diced tomatoes (any type will do, although I am partial to halved grape tomatoes)

Pesto Ingredients: (you should know though that making pesto need not be this precise--you really just toss all the ingredients in your food professor, approximating the amount below...the main thing is that this needs to have an ample amount of olive oil as opposed to making a "drier" sort of pesto):

• 4 cups of loosley packed basil leaves
• 1/2 cup of pine nuts (walnuts make a good substitute to pine nuts—they are also lower in fat and cost less)
• 4 cloves of Garlic (I like extra garlicky pesto so I use more but you can use less if you find it a bit overpowering)
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesean cheese (Romano cheese works here too)

Throw the above ingredients in a food processor until it forms a rough paste. Then, with the food processor still running, slowly pour in:

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup of olive oil

Instructions: Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse your chicken off and pat dry. Put the chicken in a covered baking pan. Toss in the diced potatoes and onions, both around and under the chicken. Set aside a cup of the pesto in a separate dish for later (do not use this for putting on the raw chicken). Smear the chicken and potatoes all over with about ½ cup of the pesto, then drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken and potatoes. Bake the chicken for about 30 minutes, covered, then take the chicken out and re-smear with another ½ cup of the pesto. Return to the oven, recover and bake for another 30 minutes, covered. Now, uncover the pan and bake for another 20 minutes uncovered. After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven again, and toss the frozen peas into the pan (you may or may not want to use your whole package, depending upon the amount--no need to thaw the peas.). Bake covered for another 10 minutes, then check the chicken and potatos for doneness. Bake covered longer if necessary. Once done, take the chicken out and serve. Pass the remaining ½ cup of pesto and a dish of the chopped tomatoes to guests to spoon atop their chicken and veggies.

Super tasy with a nice red wine. Of course, everything is tastier with a nice red wine, in my world. Bon appetit!

Valentine's Day Toy Drop in Antigua

For my monthly toy drop, I decided to join the Valentine's Day drop hosted by the Toy Society--and knowing I could do it while in Antigua made it all the more groovy. You see, I have actually been to Guatemala a couple of times before for work and having hung out in Antigua, I immediately thought of all the little indigenous Mayan girls who hang out in the Parque Central. And just knew I HAD TO make a little doll--with clothes that could be removed just to up the play-value ante.And as you know, one of commitments to myself--besides making a toy drop monthly on behalf of the Toy Society--was that I would use this opoprtunity to make plushies using the patterns of other plushie artists. Which I have been totally digging so far--but I just did not have any doll patterns with clothing readily on hand--so I decided to design my own pattern this month. And here she is--my little red-haired dolly with the heart-shaped mouth, stripey stockings, black boots and beret, wool scarf, flowery tunic and lovely little pale yellow wool felt coat with a peter-pan collar. Of course, she won't need any of these wintery clothes in the ever-temperate climate of Antigua--and little Guatemalan girls may even be bewildered by her wardrobe...but she did come direct from a Minnesota winter...So, Mr Beeper and I did make our drop on Valentine's Day near one entrance to the Parque Central--and we went to find a park bench to sit down and see if we could spy who would pick up the doll--and when we turned back, only one minute later, all that remained was a pink ribbon on the ground from here she had been tied to the fence post. Gone, just like that--into some eager receiver's hands.

And need I say it again? The Toy Society is so cool. You really should try it out.

Guatemalan Romance

Psst...I have a secret to share--I have been in Antigua, Guatemala for the past few days with Mr Beeper--a little anniversary trip we were able to snag with the help of friends (to watch the littlest Beeper), and also because I was already down in these here parts this past week doing some work in Honduras. So, we thought, why not Antigua?
And you should know--I adore this part of the world--Central America, that is. And reckon Antigua is one of the most beautiful places in this area, and maybe even in the world. And it is also perfect for a little anniversary rendez-vous.Antigua is strolling the cobblestones streets, drinking excellent coffe mid-afternoon, hanging out in the Parque Central and watching the locals, drinking lots of margaritas and beer over fresh guacamole, and just being there. Full stop.Mr Beeper and I have been perusing the local market, appreciating all the lovely local produce...
...eating fried chicken (pollo frito) and freshly made tortillas at little family run restaurants (with sweating brown bottles of Gallo on the side)......listening to the excellent brass band, performing just off the parque central......and eating the best tres leches cake ever at Cafe Condesa.And in between all that? Just hanging out at our lovely little hotel (Cissus Hotel--highly recommend it), with our little courtyard. Resting mid-afternoon, reading books, blogging...And Mr Beeper has made a new friend here--Martin, the shoeshine boy. We met him in the park when he very persuasively (but unsuccssfully) tried to convince Mr Beeper he needed to have his shoes shined--well, Mr Beeper offered instead to shine Martin's shoes, then paid him 10 quetzales for the priviledge. I was never happier to be married to him than at this moment--watching him shine this local kid's shoes, bringing a big smile to his face. Yet again--one more reason I so love Mr Beeper.

And if you are interested, you can see more of Antigua's beauty here.

Sticking with Him

I received a little something in the mail from Stephanie Congdon Barnes recently. A little something I ordered from her for my sweetheart--Mr Beeper. It is my valentine to him...
Because I think he is so cool. Really. I love his goofy sense of humor, and his political rabblerousing, and his guitar playing in the basement on the weekends, and how he can engage anyone in conversation and immediately learn so much about them, drawing out their views, their history, all that is of interest in them. I also love that he works for an organization we both believe in (Big Brothers, Big Sisters) and does so much good there with all his inventive and brave ideas to gain better support for them. And I love what a good, good daddy he is to our little Beeper. But mostly, I adore his kindness--after all these years, he is still one of the kindest human beings I have ever known and I am still so deeply attracted to that in him. So, I think I'll stick with him for a little longer--like forever. Happy Valentine's Day, Mr Beeper.

Pre-School Valentines

Pre-school valentines? Check. And here is what we did if you want to copy: first, I drew some hearts on a sheet of paper and Beeper colored them in his typical rainbow approach to coloring (I am so glad he has finally moved beyond his "orange phase" when only one color crayon in the box existed and all pictures had to be all orange, all the time).
Then I came across these little coloring cards on Etsy. They are by Little Brown Pen who makes all manner of cards, stationary, calendars and paper-based whatnot designs that are downloadable in a pdf format so you can make as many copies as you want, whenever you want, for whomever you want (and this is my official plug for Little Brown Pen--it is one of my new faves on Etsy--I love these rainy day recipe cards and the Little Brown Pen blog that covers her life as a copywriter living in Paris, eating macaroons, exploring castles with her children, and just generally making you dream about having her life--or maybe that is just my own issue...). You see, I just did not want to give a lollipop or a plastic trinket that would end up in the landfill in 5 minutes but would remain there bio-degrading for the next 12 bazillion years. Faced with the half-life of plastics or corn syrup based treats, well, coloring cards seemed like a damn good option. So, yeah, the coloring cards with 9 simple but charming designs on one sheet that you can cut apart and disperse for immediate coloring distraction--one set for every kid in the class was printed and cut up into these adorable little cards (that may also end up in the landfill, but will at least begin bio-degrading tomorrow and be compost in a few weeks time).
Then began the work of assembling the valentines--we scanned in Beeper's heart coloring and I put a smarmy little valentine's message on it , then printed it in a reduced size on full page size mailing labels--4 to a page (available at Office Depot--the mailing labels have the most sticking power of any sticky-label paper thing I have found so far, just so you know) and stuck those to these lovely pink pocket enclosures I found on clearance at Paper Source this week (they are on sale on the website too, found here). And by the way, Paper Source? So love it. Always have, always will. I have this thing about paper--so much potential waiting to be unleashed in a ream of paper--and walking into a whole store of paper , well it is almost more than my heart can take.So, the coloring cards got stuffed into the pocket enclosures, then slapped another Valentine's message inside the card so the kids would know what to do with the cards (color, dammit, color!). And finished it all up with a homemade heart sticker to seal the card (again, drawing scanned in, re-sized, printed in multiples on mailing labels and cut out and stuck to the cards). Done. And I will be back later this week with more reporting from the front lines of Valentine's Day cuz I have so many plans I have Necco conversation hearts coming out of my...well, you know.

Chicken and Biscuits for Lovers

This meal is sure to make all those dear to you in your family happy--it is a good old-fashioned chicken and biscuits recipe. Beeper is crazy about it--as is Mr Beeper (who fares from the heartland where food like this was first created for farmers and hard laborers). This a recipe I modified from the cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Family Style. You see, I love Ina Garten's recipes--they are guaranteed delish--BUT there is often too much fat in some of her dishes so I have taken to modifying some of them so I can still live with myself after I eat dinner. And this is one of those recipes--of course, it is still far from low-fat by any means with those biscuits in it...but at least it is improved. And still tasty. So, here's my version...
For the stew:

• 6 split chicken breasts, bone in, skin on
• 5 cups of chicken stock--homemade if you have it
• 8 tbsp of butter (1 stick)
• 1 large yellow onion or 2 medium
• 3/4 cup of flour
• 1/4 cup of half and half
• 2 cups of medium-diced carrots, blanched in boiling water for 2 minutes
• 1 10oz package of frozen peas (2 cups)
• 1/2 cup of minced fresh parsley
• 1 tsp of thyme
• optional: 1 diced red bell pepper, 2 cups of chopped green beans (blanched, as well), or any other veggie you want to throw in....

For the biscuits:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of wholewheat flour
• 1TBSP baking powder
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of sugar
• 1 stick of cold butter, diced
• 3/4 cup of half and half or milk
• optional: 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme

Pre-heat the oven in 375 degrees and bake the chicken breasts for 35-40 minutes (I like to do this step the night before I plan to make this dish). Once cool, pick the chicken from the bones (discard the skin), and pull apart into bite size hunks. (and if you are industrious and thrifty, save those chicken bones in a bag in the freezer to make homemade stock with at a later date)
Then, in a small saucepan, heat the chicken stock to boiling, while meanwhile you dissolve 1 stick of butter in a large pot and saute the onions over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until transluscent. Add 3/4 cup of flour and stir that around in the onions over LOW HEAT for about 2 minutes--and do not stop stirring it the whole time under penalty of burnt flour/onion mixture. Add the hot chicken stock (it should be boiling by now) and simmer for about 1 more minute, or until thick. Add 2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper, the half and half and the thyme. Mix that all up so it looks all good and gravy-ish--then toss in the chicken, carrots, peas, parsley and any other veggies you chose to add. Mix it up, baby. Now pour it into a a big rectangular baking dish (I like to bake this in two batches--one smaller rectangular dish and a smaller round baking dish--then I freeze the smaller for later consumption when I am lazy and cannot bear the thought of cooking anything) and bake for 15 minutes or so.

Now, onto making those biscuits. Combine the two kinds of flour, baking powder, salt and sugar with a whisk in a somewhat large bowl. Add the stick of diced butter and cut the butter (using a pastry cutter or two forks) into the flour mixture until it is crumbly and has some butter chunks about the size of peas. Add the half and half (or milk) and herbs and mix that in until just mixed--you really want to mix as little as possible so your biscuits will be tender. Then, dump the dough on a well floured service, roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut out your biscuits. Now, if you are making this for Valentine's dinner, go ahead and use a heart cookie cutter, like I did (and everyone will think you are super Martha-Stewart-y and feel extra loved)--or you can use a plain old biscuit cutter, or even the top of a glass. The main thing is, just use all the dough up in whatever shape you cut these into--then arrange on top of your stew that is baking in the oven. Once all situated on the stew, bake the whole shebang for about another 20-30 minutes or until your biscuits are browned and the stew is all bubbly. And serve.

I actually made this today but am not even serving it to my family because Mr Beeper and I will be in Guatemala next weekend over Valentine's Day (and our anniversary) and Beeper will be staying with dear friends--so I baked this and am freezing it to give to them before we leave so they can enjoy it on Valentine's Day with Beeper and their own families. Let the chicken and biscuit love begin...

Kindie-Garden Plush Trio Hit the Shop

I just got these back from the 2008 Plush You show and have put them up in my shop for sale. Each one is based a drawing I made back in kindergarten, and is one of a kind.

They are all made from reclaimed and felted wool sweaters, and stuffed with eco-craft.You can find them in my Etsy shop.

The Toy Society Commitment

So, I really do love love the Toy Society--it's that whole random acts of kindness thing. Having experienced some random acts of kindness myself, firsthand, at some critical moments in my life--well, I just really believe in the importance of doing nice things for perfect strangers, with no expectations of gaining anything in return. It's good for the world to do those things--and you never know how important the seemingly small thing you are doing might be to someone else. And that, for me, is the allure of the Toy Society. Random giving of handmade toys to someone you do not know in exchange for nothing--not even the knowledge of who will end up with your creation.

Of course, there is always the anticipation too of waiting to see who picked up your toy and where it is now and the new story that begins to spin itself around that toy as it settles into the arms of its new owner. And some of the stories are downright heart-warming or even fateful feeling--like this one where someone found a toy and upon returning home learned her friend's daughter had just fallen from an upper story window and was now in the intensive care--guess whose comforting companion that little toy became?

So, yeah, I believe in the Toy Society and that it can and does have a positive impact on the world in its own little way--which is why I have committed to making and doing one drop every month this year for the Toy Society. It is actually a group effort--I make the toy, and Mr Beeper does the drop itself for me, selecting the location and taking the photos...so, let me share with you the doll I made and dropped for the month of January.
It is another Polly doll by Carly Schwerdt of Nest Studio, found in the Softies book. And that is another thing: I decided that I wanted to not make any of my own designs for these monthly toy drops--I want to only make the designs of other plush artists. Just because I like other people's designs and want to share them with all of you and because I like to make new plushies I have never made before and because I want to. So there.

This drop was made in my neighborhood--just outside Hosmer library on 36th street in Minneapolis. This is a library we visit about every week. It is a classic old-school-style brick building, with a big wonderful fireplace inside and dark wood paneling and is always filled with the diversity of our neighborhood--it is a place loved by our whole family and our community. You can read more about the drop itself here on the Toy Society's website--as well as read about all the other toy drops that happen every day...so, what about you? When are you going to make a toy and drop it for the Toy Society?

Coraline's Vintage Buttons

Vintage buttons rank right up there with vintage little people and red licorice in my world. While I had my own little stash of vintage buttons, I recently expanded it after deciding I need to make more of the button barrettes I made for gifts over Christmas (read about that here)--only this time, in keeping with my re-use philosophy, employing vintage buttons. (To be sold in little sets of three in my Etsy shop--at some point in the near future.)What with all those new vintage buttons, I had to find someplace to store and organize them. And that's when this gift from my father-in-law found its life purpose--it is a wooden jewelry box he gave to me over Christmas--beautifully crafted by him, of course. I just knew I would not use it for jewelry--but to use it for buttons? Well, vintage buttons are more like jewels to me than actual jewelry.
It has a sectioned tray on top, and a hidden level of storage tucked beneath the tray--that lower level now houses my carded vintage buttons (because I cannot bear to uncard them until they are assigned to a new home and put to use)......and my little container of vintage buttons made of bone--yes, bone. Creepy, I know--but also, so cool (and I have never used them, by the way, but I do have big plans for them when the day comes ).And speaking of creepy things that are also rocking my world--have you been to the Coraline website? The official one for the movie? It completely sucked me AND Beeper into immobility in front of the computer for about an hour and a half last night...full of haunting music and interactive graphics that allow you to take a tour through Coraline's world. And then there are activities like the one above--where you can use your webcam to take a photo (or upload a photo from your computer, if you prefer) and then frame it in a gothic frame of choice and choose from a variety of vintage buttons for your eyes. I went with the standard black like the family in the movie--but you can pick much more ornate vintage varieties--and then download your image to your computer.And also, you can visit Coraline's garden, and create your own button flower. Beeper engineered the Super Flower above (name by him, of course), and then downloaded a pack of the seeds to our computer afterward. That's my own Beeper Bebe variety below.
Go see Coraline's world for yourself. There is a buttload more to do and explore--little movies to see, background about the making of the film, boxes to open, rooms to explore, evil button-eyed mothers to avoid...and yes, we will be at the movie this weekend.