angry chicken

pretty much all set. sorta.

Okay, well the crafting stars have aligned this week. We got some baking done. These small loaves of cardamom orange coffee cake (from this month's issue of cooking light) are being given out. But, I have to keep that red one. These flippin adorable little ceramic loaf pans are on sale at Kitchen Kaboodle for you Portland folks.

Cookie bags were packed this morning. 5 kinds of cookies this year with some fudge. Some have already been mailed. I still can't believe I got these done. It was pushing it this year. Not the year for baking. It's the babe in arms + hot oven thing. Not so good. Bar cookies would have been a much better idea. But, they are done and they are tasty, so it all worked out.

And here are some small holiday gifties for our wee friends. Each year, for the holidays, I try to make something super fast, very inexpensive, and not totally lame. I love this challenge. I have dyed silk scarfs in the past, and last year I made these crackers (not the eating kind.) The year before we gave out these music wands. This year we have personalized picture hangers. Enclosed are little wooden clothespins with stars glued to them. I used these way cool transfers to spell out each child's name on the star and then added some baking twine as the line.

The girls love hanging up photos around the house, especially of their friends, so I though this would be fun for other kids, too. I included a printed photo of them (sized to look like a small Polaroid) to start the photo collection for each kid. Okay, this was the most fun I have had making a project in a long time. It took about 1/2 hour and rubbing the transfer letters on was so thrilling. It makes me feel like I am 10. The clothespins and stars are at Michaels, along with the twine.

Okay, whew! The list of things I haven't gotten to is long, but I am so over it. I am really looking forward to being on cruise control from now until the holidays and hopefully a bit after that. Grammie and I might try homemade marshmallows next week, and I might (big might) have a little sewing/paper cutting left in me, but I have back up gifts so there will be no pressure. Plan B, that's what I am about. I have a ton to wrap and a few gifts left to make/buy, but other than that we are lookin' good.

Christmas music is on heavy rotation around here and The McKenzie Brother's 12 days of Christmas song still makes me laugh. I love the old timey Christmas songs, but nothing says Christmas to me as much as stuff I heard between 4th-6th grade. Like Band-Aid's, Feed the World. Remember how bad everyone looked in that video!? Wow, Bananarama looked horrible! That was awesome.

it's like a virus

I started with an e-mail containing this link. From eggplant, where many new obsessions start and are shared. Cupcakes in a jar. Huh? I saw the link and didn't really think about it again. . . but then it crept into my brain. Slowly at first. Before I realized it, I knew I had to try and make something baked in a jar. It became an obsession. The potential for gift giving seemed endless. They are perfect. Small, portable, weird, dessert-y and mildly trashy, yet have the ability to be quite cute and elegant. A cupcake in a jar google search didn't turn up much info, but a cake in a jar search was a goldmine. There is a ton of info out there about baking in jars. What a wonderful world it is.
 

These are 1/2 pint jars of pumpkin spice cake (the recipe is from from mailorder last year.) I called eggplant the next day—she had been researching it too and we both had this bug real bad. About 5 calls and several e-mails later I told Grammie and like some sort of crafting angel she busts out with a case of these jars, brand new, she happened to have on hand and gave me 8. Awesome. I filled them in the next 12 hours. If you want to frost them you have to fill them less then I did, which was about 3/4 full. I just pressed the lid on and squished the cake down before they cooled. The result was a tender cake, almost like a pudding, because it steamed a bit. Heavenly.

If you get a jar with straight sides and don't frost it, the cakes will slide out whole. No kidding. Just oil the jars first. I didn't flour mine and they still came out fine, but eating them out of the jar with a little spoon was more fun. The girls totally freaked out, and they don't even eat cake. Well, they do now.

These actually seal when you close them up hot. Some sites say you can keep them, sealed, up to 6 months on a shelf. Of course boil the lids and all that—and no frosting, of course. I am keeping them in the freezer, they can thaw in a day, ready to be given out with holiday fanfare. My mind is racing now. . .cakes on picnics, in the mail (but they are heavy, that shipping would be expensive) and in lunch sacks, or you could keep one in your jacket pocket! And then Mariko and I discussed different jar contents; brownies, pound cakes, gingerbread, oh good lord. I am thinking some sort of pie type thing now, a graham cracker crust layer with fruit on top, or a creme pie. I mean, if I freeze them, I can fill them with whatever, right?

We are both on a crazy cake in a jar train going in different directions. Mariko is going the light cake and frosting route, she dropped off a pint size which was an amazing chocolate cake with an espresso frosting. I am more about the dense cake, without frosting, and exploring packaging potential. We both agree the 1/2 pint size, which is so easy to accidentally overfill, is definitely the way to go for the cute factor.

We both used our normal recipes, watched the baking time, (bake these on a rimmed sheet for easy removal) and then just winged it from there. 1/2 of a cake recipe easily filed 8 1/2 pint jars (about 8 oz) with some left over.

I have calmed down, sort of. But really, there will be more of these. Baking in a jar. . . pure genius.

candy cones (or, burning the midnight oil.)

Last week I was able to get some craft out. It was late at night and I snuck this project in between about 6 different nursing wake-ups. No teeth on this baby yet, but she sure is uncomfortable. It was actually a good thing because it forced me to stop and think about each step before diving in—so these came together painlessly, which wouldn't have been the case otherwise, I can tell.

There are 3 candy/treat cones here, one for each girl. The cone shape is made stable with iron-on interfacing and the retro girl circles are stuck on with heat n' bond. A velvet ribbon and bias tape give it some holiday cheer and vintage buttons cover the bias hanger ends. I plan to give these filled with goodies on winter solstice, although they are very un-solstice-y to me. . . but oh well. My goal was to make something in one evening using what I had on hand and didn't even know what I was making until I was done. And they use 3 types of glue. Wow. I find this creepy and impressive. Actually, turned upside down with just the bias trim they made lovely trees. . . but candy cones they became. They are quite sturdy (with all the glue and fabric) but very light and flexible, so they will last. (She said while trying to figure out how to hide them away after the holidays.)

Specifications:

-The red fabric is from god knows where.
-Cute girl fabric is this one. . . wait. . . okay, this fabric is 3 years old. I know some of you remember this one. It's by Robert Kaufman and called "days gone by" but there are several fabrics in this series, I have a feeling it's not available anymore. My blog categories are shockingly incomplete and lame. Must work on this after the holidays.
-the striped bias trim is vintage
-the wood snowflake tags are from here
-the snowman is from here (I know it's there, but couldn't immediately find it, sorry, I'm a bad blogger. I bought the 4-pack last year.)
-killer red ornament from the Martha Kmart line but I can't find it right now (Okay, this list sucks!)
-glitter bottle brush tree is from somewhere. . . I'm not sure where
-I used light iron-on interfacing to make the cone shape (sewed a seam up the back) and heat n' bond to get the cute girl fabric on, and glue gun (gasp!) for the bias trim and it worked like a charm. I would have sewn it, but the mouth of the cone was too narrow for the machine and the glue worked great. I have made it clear how I feel about iron-on interfacing in my book, but for some projects it's just perfect.

It felt so good to make these. I was craving a non (almost non) sewing project and I love all this cute retro business. After seeing all Sarah's holiday cheer, I was feeling very very passionate about getting some crafty fun into my life that was more of the knick-knack variety.

love shacks

Hey, thanks to you all for the awesome comments on my mommy freak out "I have no time to craft" post. It made feel feel so much better and so not alone. Which is wonderful. So, thank you. A whole lot.

We made these up at Grandma's this week. She went out and got the candy with the girls while the houses were drying and what a perfect selection she brought back! Red hots are the best. We made them using the holiday cinnamon graham crackers and this fabulously disgusting product. (Mine was a bigger size than shown, BTW) There was no way I was going to make royal icing, shove it in a bag, and get it all over myself and someone else's kitchen. Not with one hand. So, this glue (I mean frosting) worked great. Because these are not going to get eaten, I can't recommend it enough. I got my supplies at Target.

Here's the village. Of course it was inspired by this great spread last year in Martha's holiday issue. Ours is a bit more . . . casual. It's more like a shanty town that's been hit by a storm, but I guarantee our parties are way more fun. Oh, and two words here. Serrated knife. I glazed over this detail when I started ours and after swearing and wasting about 4 crackers remembered this important tool for cutting the gable ends. It works like a charm. It takes about an hour for these to set before little hands can press the candies on.

While working on this project I was chasing M&Ms with stick pretzels and was struck by the crazy/delicious combination it made in my mouth. And yet it was familiar . . . and then realized it tasted like this heavenly treat I posted about last year over on Kiddley. Ugh. These are so good but take you on a one way train to Sickville. I'm not sure I can go there again this year. But they sure are fun to make.

 

boxes for smalls

Here's another box for a small friend. This birthday girl turned 6 a few weeks back and this is what I made her. A cigar box, from Michaels, lined with lovely paper and filled with small objects. The envelope in the lid seems to be a favorite, especially when it contains a small blank book. I stuffed in blank paper and other bits so it didn't look this empty when she opened it.

Her name on the cover. . . I realize I love these boxes so much because I want one. I am so happy I bought about 6 of these to have on hand so when the party/birthday/event is here, I can make something up in no time without leaving the house. I never leave the house. Sigh. This is almost true--I went to the grocery store today, so I lie. But, you know what I mean.

So, these last few weeks, starting before thanksgiving really, have gone by so fast. I can't believe that my babe is almost 6 months old. I also can't believe on a daily basis how hard it is to do anything, and yet how much I do eventually get done. I spend hours during the day not being able to do stuff and trying not to feel completely pissy/overwhelmed/sad about that. . . and then, usually that same day, I get a silver lining and can jump on a bunch of ideas and projects. It's hard and fun and busy and impossibly hectic inside of my brain. Or sometimes not. Sometimes I just am making mac and cheese and totally cool with that. I am glad I don't talk to other people for most of the day (older than 5 years old) because my mood changes so much.

So, the 3 kid thing is hard. . . no. . . that's not what is hard actually. . . the 6 month old baby thing. Yeah, the older kids are easy. Liddy pulled my coffee off the table this morning. We are at that stage now. The pull-off-the-tablecloth stage. She is trouble and adorable.

What I haven't gotten to but is still on my list:

-homemade marshmallows (hopefully dipped in chocolate)
-fairy dresses from Santa, (meaning me) for the 2 older girls

We were not beaten by the lights this year, although they gave us a good fight. Last Monday I lost it because the tree lights went out 12 hours after the tree was up and decorated. So, new lights were purchased and all the decorations were taken off and put back on with new lights. Pete's outdoor lights blew a fuse so he spent the good part of last night on a ladder in the east Portland wind. But we are all good now. We have tackled shopping downtown with the 2 smallest girls, Liddy and I went to a cookie party, and Sadie saw her first live musical with Grammie. We are doing the holidays right, I tell ya'.

But, I can tell I am tired. Lately, every time I hear "The Rainbow Connection" I almost start crying. The girls have it on heavy rotation right now.

Oh, the holidays.

if you are my brother stop reading.

I cut this for my brother for Christmas. I really am getting into this paper cutting business. In my enthusiasm I originally cut this one for him--

but neglected to measure the size and it is too big for the frame. Oops. The first one is a stag in shield with a crown at the top. Sort of an Anglo-type thing. This one is referencing our Russian heritage and I'm not sure which one I like better. If I were cool, I'd give him both and get a bigger frame. I said "if."

I found this book and the cover is really freaking me out it's so cool. I don't have it. . .it's on my Santa list.  The asymmetry of this type of paper cutting is next on my list. That and getting about 100 blades to have on hand. In college I remember one of my instructors had a whetstone that you could just sharpen your blade on while you cut. That's what I need to get.

 

Soup. There it is.

I made this the other night and am still eating it. Soup is my absolute favorite meal to make because I start it around 10 AM with the girls being all crazy-cut everything up into big chunks, add broth, and then just put it on low and simmer all day. Then I puree before dinner and that's it. I don't have to worry about having to stop half way through to clean up blood or vomit of whatever insane thing is happening around here.

This one is a curry with cauliflower and potatoes. I usually make these recipes up, using whatever we have. I just make sure to always have potatoes and veggie broth on hand. And a lemon. Oh, and a stick blender. There is no way I am pouring hot soup in and out of a blender, man.

Curry Cauliflower Soup

1-2 yellow diced onions
4-5 Yukon gold potatoes cubed (I don't peel these)
1 head cauliflower chopped
1 tsp curry powder or more
1 tsp cumin
1 pinch cayenne or more
salt and pepper
lemon juice for 1 lemon
1 box veggie broth
milk or evaporated milk

In a bit of olive oil, saute the onions about 5-7 minutes. Add the spices and the potatoes and saute another 5 minutes. Add the chopped cauliflower. Then add the broth and a bit of water--you need to cover everything. Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer and cover. If you are in a hurry this will take about 40 minutes to cook, otherwise I let it simmer all day. Puree with the stick blender and then add the lemon juice and enough milk to change the color and make it creamy. Taste and add more salt/pepper/cayenne as needed.

Pete and I say Soup, there it is about 10 times a day and it never stops being funny.

more bookbinding love

I received some lovely samples of cotton twill ribbon from book binder /artist Angela Liguori. There are two weaves available and these colors are making me crazy! She has a lovely blog and you can e-mail her if you are interested in her ribbons or anything else on her wonderful site.

I don't have this yet, but while dreaming of other book/box projects I remember this wonderful item I saw in the catalog at Paper Source. It's self adhesive bookbinding tape and I love the colors it comes in, although many are on back order. Still, must try using this sometime for something.

They also sell my favorite all time bookbinding books there, too. These are really. . .um, heady. More like the book form as art. They focus on non-adhesive book binding, which is what I was super into in college. They were hard to find for awhile, so I am glad to see them readily available.

And How To Make Books, by Ester K. Smith came to me (thanks to Potter Craft, my publisher takes good care of me!) and it's so very very cool. I read about it first over at soulemama and was so curious. It teaches wonderful book binding techniques even kids could do--and some more advanced ones too. The designs in this book (the actual book examples they feature) aren't exactly what I would make, they are for the most part artist and book binder collaborations, but the how-tos are really well described and the book design/art direction is outstanding. The davy board cover of this book with an embossing is really clever.

to decorate my head.

It's so hard not shopping for myself during the holidays, especially when it's supporting friends. So easy to rationalize. Like these, which are mine now. Come on. . . Pink! Glitter! (See where Sadie gets it?)

I love these, too.

 

Green + brown = happy good time

And these are just awesome. I can't afford bakelite, these are the next best thing.

All these creations are made by my lovely dear friend Kelly Johnston. She has a cool blog too. And these prices can't be any better. (Jezz Kelly, you should raise them!) And what cool gift boxes!

heart attack

So, I did end up almost feeling sick about these. Jen Corace does have toys, and not paper dolls, but dang close. Hillary tipped me to these fairy doll vinyl stickers she had blogged about a bit back (me and my ADD) designed by Jen Corace and then I found a few other toys by her. Oh gads. This stationary set. . .

horse vinyl sticker set

This is from the fairy vinyl sticker set. . .

Block puzzle. Yup. Done and done.

I searched and found this code for 15% off from this shop so that covered shipping. (The code is ZZZD and is good for first time orders only, BTW.) Sorry you guys. I know I'm not helping your wallet here.

crazy cooky factory

This is the 3rd year I have made assorted cookies to give as gifts. I have baked cookies as gifts in the past, but not on the scale I do now. I really try to make these cookie gifts special, and then be done with it. No extra buying/making/stressing about gifts for friends and neighbors. I am really into giving consumables for holiday gifts because we all like to eat, right? And who needs more stuff? Also, I feel really comfortable making cookies and it's not stressful. Usually. Update, a double batch of anything in the cuisinart is a bad idea.

So, I have 3 double batches down and about 4 to go. I freeze the dough and then bake them at some point, (usually after the 15th of December) and then freeze the cookies again after they are baked. Then we bag them (fun family time activity, so they sort of look all crazy, but who cares) and give them/mail them— sometimes still a bit frozen. No one seems to mind, they thaw in about 4 hours.

I have my cookie recipe books out here--everyday food is a great go to for cookies I think, but that Cooky Book lurking back there is my favorite. It's been a little dicey this year making the dough with the 3rd baby, but we will prevail.

In other exciting news, this week I am going to a cookie eating exchange at Mariko's. We are not supposed to make a ton for this, just a batch to share and actually eat at the party. Brilliant! I made sinful apricot crumbles with a stupid amount of butter. Just dumb. But they are pure heaven. I add extra ginger when I make these. I have made them more often than I care to admit, with different jams and when we were discussing what I should bring Mariko mentioned these cookies about 10 times, so I took the hint.

holiday dresses

3 girls. 3 dresses. These are for the holiday events were are going to in the next few weeks. They have already been out of the house and christened with chocolate stains and a button replacement. I made them from a pattern in this book. The cranberry red and yellow are in a mini corduroy and the slate blue is in a brushed sueded corduroy type fabric, all from fabric depot here in Portland.

Detail of back closure.

Miss Liddy gets hers in yellow and it stays on for about 5 minutes. Have I not heard of an iron?

So, while I was making these Sadie and I had a little talk-

Sadie: Are these our Christmas dresses?

Me: Yes, do you like them?

Sadie: Yes, but they need more ribbon. All over. (Motioning a lot) And they need to be more beautiful. With more ribbon. Like a fairy. Like a fairy Christmas dress. Actually, I want to be a Christmas fairy. (Actually is her favorite word)

Me: Um. . . okay. Well, maybe Santa can bring you a fairy dress and this can be a holiday dress, you know? It doesn't have to be both.

Sadie: Yes! And these holiday dresses need more beautiful beautiful ribbon. Like this ribbon (She pulls a woven ribbon out of my box and flips it to the wrong side with all the crazy threads showing) Like this ribbon, but I want this side out, the side that looks like a rainbow.

Me: Mmmmm.

Okay, so I didn't use that woven ribbon, I didn't have enough and I wasn't going to use the backside, regardless, but I had a lot of this lovely velvet ribbon on hand. I finished the dresses as they are now and then just had them lying around for a few days, trying to decide how to make them more beautiful and also hoping they were fine as they were. And they are. They girls love them and wear them all the time, like just about everyday. Delia has mentioned she wishes hers was bigger and more fancy (pantomiming a huge wide skirt) and just this morning she told me her baby doll needs a matching dress with easter eggs and flowers on it. For Christmas.

I do feel a little guilty pushing my minimal medieval/folksy design aesthetic on my girls who would prefer these to be much more flashy, but they seem happy with them and can always wear their fairy skirts over the dresses. To make them more beautiful.