Finished Sunflower Mosaic

Ok, I have been a VERY bad blogger for the last few months but I'm ready to hop back on the wagon. :)

I finished my sunflower mosaic WIP (see previous post) well before the holidays and everyone seemed to love it. It is the first piece I've actually made for our home (rather than making it to sell) and I really love it. The morning sun just twinkles on the glass and the lamp in the evening really makes it glow.

Thanks so much for visiting! Hope you like it! :)

Newest WIP - A Mosaic For My Home!

Hi friends! You can click on the pics for a closer look! :)

I started this sunflower mosaic at the end of last year to put in my living room. I wanted something bright and cheerful but the more I looked at it, the more I realized it didn't fit into my decor at all.

Well, our decor has changed so I pulled her out yesterday and started laying glass on her again.

Here's a closer look:I made this to hang in a diamond shape because of the wall I'm putting it on.

It's a good sized mosaic, the largest I've done. It measures 35 inches from tip to tip!

I only have the top section to finish before it's time to grout - and I'm hoping that this baby will be grouted, sealed, and hanging on my wall by the end of the week! :)

I'm thinking of using black grout instead of white. I've used it on a couple of other mosaics and I really like the look of it - it kind of gives it a stained glass look.

I'll post more pics when I'm done!

Thanks for taking a minute to look at my latest work! :)

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Setting the Mood - Zen Spa Votive Sconces

When I saw this black, white, and grey glass tile, I knew I had to make something beautiful with it.

The result?

A pair of ultra sleek, modern votive sconces or candle holders.

Hang this beautiful pair on your wall or set them on a table or shelf to enjoy the glistening beauty of glass tile that seems to glow from within.

See more pics here.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! :)

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The Wine Cellar Sign - WIP Now Completed

I posted this carving as a work in progress a few weeks ago and thought you might want to see the finished sign.

After carving, I lightly sanded this piece, painted it with 3 coats of cream milk paint, sanded lightly between each coat, laid an antiquing glaze over the entire piece, and hand rubbed most of the glaze off leaving enough in the crevices to really make the details stand out. I finished by sealing this sign with several coats of matte acrylic sealer.

The milk paint has given this sign a slightly aged and crackled look that is so great!

Hope you like it!

Click here to see more pics of my French Wine Cellar Sign in my Hick's Fix Shop!

Have a great weekend everyone! :)

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It's getting deep around here...

And it's going to get deeper! :)

A few weeks ago, I showed you my new WIP relief carving. I've had a chance to work on it a couple of time since I first posted and even though I still have a long way to go, it's coming along pretty nicely.

This is what it looked like at the end of last month:

And now after some more carving:

As you see, I change my mind a lot as I carve, lol - the barn is now open in front and looks a lot different. :)

I've been working to deepen the background and I like the way shadows begin to emerge.

I have a lot more carving to do and who knows what it will look like when I'm done...

And when is a piece actually done? Isn't there always something else you wish you had added?

I thought about carving the frame of this piece but I think it might make it too busy. I might do a mosaic frame with black 1 inch glass and black grout - lol, not sure yet - I guess I'll figure that out when I get to it. :)

I'll keep you posted with pics as I go! Thanks for dropping by and visiting us in Hick Town! :)


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Mmmmm..... Gravy.....

If you LOVE gravy and if you LOVE sour cream, you will LOVE this meal!

Now, I would love to have shown you a picture of this meal but once this hits the table - it's history!

This is one of our faves here in Hick Town and it is from an old Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

Enjoy!

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Pork Chops in Sour Cream

6 pork loin chops, cut at least 1/2" thick
3/4 teaspoon dried sage, crushed (I used a really great chicken rub instead)
2 tablespoons shortening, optional (I use olive oil)
2 medium onions, sliced
1 teaspoon instant beef bouillon granules (I also like to use the Better Than Bouillon - Chicken or Beef both make this fantastic!)
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup dairy sour cream (I always add lots more)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons snipped parsley

Trim excess fat from chops; set aside. Rub chops with sage; sprinkle with salt and pepper. (I spinkle with garlic, too) Heat shortening (or oil). Brown chops; drain. Add onions. Disolve bouillon granules in water, pour over chops. Cover; simmer 35 to 40 minutes or till meat is tender. Transfer meat to platter; keep warm. Skim excess fat from drippings; measure 1/2 cup drippings and set aside.

Combine sour cream and flour; slowly stir in reserved drippings. Return all to skillet. Cook and stir till bubbly. Pour over meat; garnish with parsley. Makes 6 servings. (Ha! Not around here!)

Note: You will really, really want to double the gravy ingredients so you have plenty for your mashed potatoes and biscuits! :)

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What a Relief!

I haven't done a relief carving in a bit so I started this one a couple days ago. It has a LONG way to go before it's finished but I'll post pics of it as it progresses.

I always start out shallow and then work everything deeper (probably making more work for myself, lol) - but I think it will be nice when it is done.

It will have its own carved frame and I haven't decided how I'm going to carve the frame yet.

Any thoughts?

I've tossed around a few ideas like rope or leaves but I still have plenty of time to think about it.

Suggestions are welcome. :)

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Cute and Clever Idea!

One of our customers, now a friend, shared a great idea with me today. She is using a bunch of our Soap Samplin's for something so cute and clever!

And, with her permission, I'm sharing it with you! :)

She is using them as party favors for her daughter's bridal shower and is attaching a tag to each little soap that will read:

"I hope your shower is as good as mine"

How cute and adorable is that??? I'm sure it will be a party favor that everyone will remember!

:)

How To - Mini Soap Saver!

If you have some yarn, a crochet hook and a few minutes of time, you can make an adorable little gift to tuck into that Mother's Day gift basket you're working on.

Actually, these little cuties make great little gifts for everyone. Make one for your friends, co-workers, teachers, or yourself. Even the guys love them! When I started making these to sell in my Etsy shop, Honcho Hick (my teddy bear hubby) asked me to make one for him. He loves it!

Not only are these mini soap savers adorable, they will save you money by using every last drop of every piece of soap you use. Just toss all those little slivers of soap that you usually throw out into the soap saver and presto!

To make your own mini soap saver, grab some yarn.

You can use any kind of yarn you like but I really adore the 100% cotton yarn. You can get some colors at Wal-Mart but if you have specific colors in mind, you might have to search around your area.

Ok, let's get started...

Chain 11. Hdc in second chain from your hook and continue to hdc in all remaining chains for a total of 10 hdc's. Do not turn.

Now hdc in the back free loop of each of the original chains for a total of another 10 hdc's. Slip st to first hdc. Do not turn. This is the base of your mini soap saver.

Ch 1. Hdc in the back loop of each hdc all the way around again. Slip st to ch 1. Do not turn.

Isn't this fun?

Ch 1. Hdc in both loops of all previous hdc's and continue around without slip stitching each row until you have completed 7 more rows for a total of 8 rows up from your base.

When you are 2 stitches from completing your eigth row, use a sc and then a slip st for your last 2 stitches to decrease and then finish off, leaving a tail to weave in. Weave in tails.

To make the hanging drawstring, ch 37 leaving a long tail on either end. Using a tapestry needle, thread chain through one of the top rows of hdc's. I like to thread it through the 3rd or 4th row from the top. Tie ends together or just tie it in a cute little bow. Trim tails and you are finished!

Quick, easy, and oh so cute!

If you have any questions, or need help, just let me know! :)

You can find my mini soap savers here and here.

Have a great weekend and thanks so much for stopping by!

So, What's In The Box? Stewart Pie!

The box below will be full of great recipes passed down through the women in my family and here is just a small sample.

This recipe is over 200 years old and came to America with one of my great-grandma's from France.

It is sinfully rich and delicious!

Stewart Pie

8 eggs, separated
2 cups sugar
3 cups milk
1/2 cup pure butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 teaspoons vanilla

Cream together butter, egg yolks and sugar. Add milk, stir. Add cornstarch that has been dissolved in just a bit of water, stir. Add vanilla and mix well.

Beat egg whites until peaks form. Fold beaten egg whites into custard mixture.

Pour custard into two unbaked pie shells.

Bake at 375 degrees about 45 minutes until knife come out clean.

Enjoy!