New Switchplates for Music Lovers

                                                           I've added some new switchplates to my Artfire Studio. 

Peace Sign Switch Plates on Artfire

                                                 PEACE SIGN SWITCH PLATES  FROM ARTFIRE

Eyeglass Chains - New Catagory in My Artfire Studio

I have added a new catagory to my Artfire Studio -  Eyeglass Chains.  They are about 28" long with black elastic holders on each end for a tight grip.  I used Czech Glass seed beads with many different glass bead  and silver tone bead accents.  I have also made a Halloween item with black and orange seed beads with orange Lampwork bead accents.  I plan to make a few more holiday inspired eyeglass chains to add a little fun to your wardrobe. 

Artfire - Featured Items of the Week

                                         

                                                 Wine Glass Charms
http://clairemdesigns.artfire.com/

Craft Tip of the Week - Cardmaking

Like most crafters, I have lots of different ideas rolling around in my head at one time.  That definitely goes for cardmaking.  I could be thinking about birthday, Christmas and Halloween all at the same time.  When I have lots of different ideas, I use a clear plastic sheet protector for each card.  I put the card and any embellishments in the individual sleeve and have all my ideas for that card in one place.  I can leave and come back to each one knowing all of my items are in one place.  The sheet protectors, which are 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" are also a good way to store and ship the card when it's done.

It's Hot Today!!

                               These are the temperatures recorded on my patio in Central NJ today from 12:10 to 12:20 pm.

St. Anne's Church, Annapolis, Md.



Beautiful stained glass windows.



On a recent trip to Annapolis, Md. we took a walking tour of this beautiful, historic city.  During our tour, we visited St. Anne's Episcopal Church.  Here's just a small sample of the amazing artwork in this church. 



These kneelers were all needlepointed by parishoners.   Each one is a beautiful, original work of art.



Gardening Tip of the Day - Keeping Your Tools Clean

Here's a tip I heard many years ago from Martha Stewart:

Keep a pail or container in the garage or tool shed. Fill with sand and some motor oil.  After your gardening chores are done, run your hand tools, shovels ect. through the sand.  Use a clipping motion with your clippers, keeping them clean and sharp.   Keep a rag close by for clean-up afterward.

Threading Yarn onto a Needle




Here's a quick way to thread yarn onto a needle.

 



All you need is a roll of masking tape.

  


Take a small piece of tape and wrap it around the end of the yarn.

 



Cut the piece of tape on the diagonal.

  


Thread the pointed end though the needle.

   


And you're done!

   

Thank You Cards in Hot Pink, Yellow and Green

Set of three Thank You cards from my Artfire Studio.
http://clairemdesigns.artfire.com/

Christmas in July Sale in My Artfire Studio - ClaireMDesigns

All necklaces in my Artfire Studio are on sale for 30% off, the entire month of July!!!

http://clairemdesigns.artfire.com/

New Cards from my Artfire Studio

Thank You

Birthday



Congratulations



Howlite Necklace

This red howlite necklace from my Artfire Studio has been featured in one of Artfire's Collections today.

Making Ricotta Cheese



 

I decided to try my hand at making ricotta cheese after seeing a couple of segments about it on TV.   It didn't look difficult, or require any unusal tools.  There are a few ways to make it.  One involves using buttermilk, another white vinegar and another lemon juice.  The whole idea is to introduce something acidic into milk to separate the curds from the whey.  That's about as technical as I can get about it. 

I decided to try the buttermilk version first.  I will try the other two some time this summer as comparisions.


      Equipment:   Large Pot, Colander, Cheesecloth, Spatula, Thermometer, Wood Spoon,
                          Twine or Two Rubber Bands
           

                  Ingredients:

                 1/2 gal of milk  (I used 2 %)

                  2 1/2 cups of buttermilk  (I used lowfat)

                  Sea Salt  (a couple of pinches at the end for flavor)

Prep:  drape several pieces of cheese cloth over a large colander.  Place colander over a large bowl to catch whey, when it separates from the curd.

Pour milk and buttermilk into large pot.  Bring to boil, stirring constantly.  Bring mixture to 170 degrees.   When mixture reaches 170 degrees, stop stirring and continue to cook to 190 degrees.  This will allow the curd to form.  When mixture reaches 190 degrees, turn off and remove from heat.  Add sea salt to taste.

Scoop mixture into colander to allow the whey to drain into bowl below. 

Tie cheese cloth up with twine or two rubber bands and allow mixture to drain by hanging it above bowl. (I hung it from my faucet in the sink.)   When you feel all of the whey has drained from the curd, remove it from the cheese cloth.  Store in the refrigerator in a closed container.  
Enjoy! 



Homemade Ricotta Cheese