MidnightCoiler

Wee Bindery: A Passion for Books

2011-10-06T10:17:00.008-04:00

When I saw these adorable Leather Mini Notebooks in Wee Bindery's Etsy shop I couldn't resist! My first thought was what wonderful useful little gifts to tuck into stockings for Christmas or give to any number of people I would like to remember during the holidays. Of course, I've already tucked one into my purse for handy notes. I'm the proud owner of several of Wee's books in various sizes, and what strikes me about her work is her beautiful stitching, attention to detail and quality materials.

Mini Notebooks I bought from Marie, aka Wee of Wee Bindery

Just the right size for pocket or purse!

I asked Wee about what motivated her to create such beautifully crafted books:

"Ever since I was very young I was creating something. I made several books when I was young and always found the library fascinating with it's interesting books with their pretty covers.

Anyway, I have dabbled in so many different mediums over the years, taking workshops in jewelry making, etching, painting, pottery, etc. I have always sewed which was imbedded in me as a result of my mother and grandmother having been seamstresses (I have their Singer sewing machines dating from the 1920's and 1940's)."

One of Wee's Hardcover Notebooks/Sketchbooks, Florentine Flowers

"What I am getting at here is that bookbinding has allowed me to incorporate many of the learned mediums, especially sewing, into the process. I find it relaxing (not when I do a custom order tho) when creating a book and exciting once the book is completed.

I am obsessed with book arts and binding. I look at everything and wonder how it is made and how I can turn it into a book. My husband is afraid I am going to take apart the lovely, but old, brown leather couch we have so I can make books out of it (I could make about 100 books out of it)."

One of Wee Bindery's Leather Journals

Exquisite stitching on this Name Notebook/Journal

For more Wee Bindery creations, visit her Etsy Shop
Proud member of the Etsy Treasury Team

If you'd like a chance to be selected for a feature in this blog, please follow my blog and leave a comment here.

Snakeskin/Reptile Skin Challenge on the Etsy Treasury Team

2011-08-05T20:26:00.008-04:00

We do fun challenges from time to time on the Etsy Treasury Team. Our August Snakeskin/Reptile Skin Challenge will go on through August 25th. All the entries will be posted on our team blog when the challenge is over. Here are my creations so far! I have another in the works.

Snake Skin Gourd Vase Bowl in Red Black with Arrangement

Snake Egg Gourds Decoupaged Nature Inspired Bowl Filler Use for Crafts

Visit my Midnightcoiler shop for more gourds, baskets, pottery and other nature inspired artisan goods.

Fig Newtons- Only Better

2011-07-30T08:13:00.004-04:00

A friend gave me a bag full of ripe figs, one of my favorite fruits! These are a real delicacy as they don't keep well as a fresh fruit. After eating way more than I should have, I made homemade fig bars, starting with making fig preserves. See the fig preserve and bar recipe below.


A few for snacking on while I make the preserves


1 1/2 cups sugar to 2 lbs of figs, 1T lemon juice, cook stirring on medium low 45 minutes

Preserves are done when they're nice and thick. If you have too much for the fig bars it freezes well.

These bars are so tender and delicious warm from the oven.

Cake Dough
1/2 c soft butter

1 egg

1 T. milk

1/2 t. vanilla

1/2 t. salt

1 t. baking powder

1 3/4 c flour

Mix all in processor or mixer just until a soft dough forms. Divide in half and press 1/2 into a very lightly oiled 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Top with the preserves and spread evenly. Flour and roll out the remaining dough into a 9 x 13 square on a piece of floured waxed paper or plastic wrap. Dough is very tender, so hand forming will help. Transfer dough on the paper to cover the preserve. Some dough repair may be necessary to cover he figs. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm.


If you can keep them long enough, they can be made warm again in the microwave.

ENJOY!

Midnightcoiler

Gourds for Creating and Decorating

2011-07-21T11:49:00.003-04:00

Here's a selection of small gourds from my organic garden just right for holiday ornaments and crafts. They are also fun in primitive, country, shabby and cabin decor as bowl or basket filler. They make great conversation pieces! Right now I have eggs, bananas, mini bottles and tear drops. What will your imagination dream up?

egg gourds Egg Gourds, Baker's Dozen

banana gourds

mini bottle gourds

tear drop gourds

For more raw gourds and also gourd art, pottery, baskets, willow cases, and kits, visit me at Midnightcoiler

Our New Doggie!

2011-05-05T16:32:00.001-04:00

Celebrating the new addition to our pack- Missy! The vet estimated she's a year old. At 35 lbs she's a bundle of energy and naughtiness. She was spayed the same day we adopted her from the shelter. She and Scamp are getting along amazingly well! She has figured him out and he's been pretty tolerant with her. We're all happy to have this little sweetie. We know she's part Lab, but we guess she is also mixed with Doxie.

Missy loves to play

In between play she gets sleepy

Long flappy ears

Scamp and Missy playing tug

Out for a walk

A Ton of Steel Tower Twisted like a Pretzel

2011-04-28T08:49:00.001-04:00

This is what a recent severe storm did to my husband's (N4AF) 150 foot steel radio tower. A tower like this is built piece by piece, erector set style. Thousands of hours of work go into erecting and maintaining a ham radio tower and antennas. It's unusual to see a downed tower so twisted.

It took us a little over a week to dismantle the fallen tower. Most of it will be hauled to the scrap metal yard. Howie still has 3 other radio towers still standing. This tower fell into guy wires of one of the other towers, causing it to lean. He had to climb up the leaning tower to attach a new wire. It was pretty scary watching that. Get another hobby? Naw, rebuilding has started!

twisted at base

Howie examining damage the next day

top of tower Any bent steel cannot be reused.

top of tower, diagonal pieces bowed

tower fell on guy wires of another tower

Five Ways to Improve Your Etsy Shop and Sales

2011-01-02T17:17:00.011-05:00

by Lynn Hoyt of Midnightcoiler, Team Leader of the Etsy Treasury Team

It's 2011 and many are reevaluating what to do to maximize sales. Here are 5 points to consider that may help in that quest!

1. Offer variety in your items and prices and keep a well-stocked shop. For example, if you sell prints, offer a variety of sizes, framed and unframed. Consider making cards, shirts and other items with your images. This way you can vary your offerings and price points to appeal to a wider range of buyers. It's also fine to sell a variety of goods under an umbrella theme. For instance, in my shop I sell things made from nature: gourd items, pottery, wood toothpick/needle cases, and natural fiber basketry. Variety gives people choices, and they may discover things they love along with the things they came for. Keep your shop full of goods. A page or two of items is really not enough for maximum exposure. The more items you have, the more search hits, which means more visitors in your shop and probably more sales too.

2. Sell in sets. This can be especially effective for small inexpensive and moderately priced items. When fees and other expenses are figured, there is little or no profit in selling items for just a few dollars if you are not always receiving multiple sales. Instead, sell in sets or collections, and price for a more substantial profit. Group them attractively so buyers will see how they look together. You will save on listing fees, postage and handling. The buyer will receive an instant collection that can be kept intact to make more of a statement, or given individually as gifts.

3. Use all 5 photo spots in your shop. Stage some of your items. In other words put them in a setting that shows how they look and how they can be used. This gives the shopper a sense of scale and gives them ideas that may convince them that the item is just what they can use. If you sell jewelry, show some of the first shots on a model or mannequin. Home decor items look great in their natural environment. Make each of your item photos show a different view, angle, setting, use.

4. Create imagery in your descriptions. Do your descriptions lack a spark of magic? Do you associate something special with your item and are you excited about it? Write about your inspiration! It doesn't have to be a lot, just a sentence or two. Help shoppers relate to you and your item. Share that experience of imagination with a little story and/or a hint of your passion for what you do. As Whoopie Goldberg said in Sister Act, "This is not just quacking..."

5. Tag and title for maximum exposure! Use every one of your 14 tags for 14 chances to be found in a search on Etsy. Your title has an even wider reach, and should include what the item is and some descriptive key words. Not only will title key words be picked up in an Etsy search, but a Google search will show them as well. Currently, Google is picking up around 43 spaces (give or take a few) of our Etsy item titles, followed by your shop name. Think carefully. Make the most of those 43 spaces by using descriptive keywords that you think someone would search on to find your item. If you title your artwork and the title is not something someone would search on to find your product, use it in your description instead. Google Ad Words is a tool you can use to find the most searched on words and phrases that describe your items.

Happy 2011, and may it be a positive and profitable year for all!

Interested in applying to the Etsy Treasury Team? Visit these links and learn more about us.

Visit the Etsy Treasury Team Profile

Visit the Etsy Treasury Team Blog

Snow, 12/27/10

2010-12-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

The Great Blizzard of 2010! Blounts Creek, NC

Turtles, from Residents to Art!

2010-11-04T05:32:00.003-04:00

We always see turtles at our place during the warm months. We have two ponds, and one of our favorite residents are mud turtles. It's fun to feed them a little turtle food. Sitting by the lily pond, it doesn't take long before a few turtles swim over for a handout. Here is a mud turtle that went for a walk, and may have been looking for a place to lay some eggs.

This is the first snapping turtle I've seen at our pond. It's a fairly good-sized one, about 15" long. It was just outside the edge of the pond and I ran to get my camera. Just a few shots and it quickly slipped back into the water. I wasn't going to argue with it!

I love turtles of all kinds and take inspiration from them. Here's my most recent Turtle Box. The turtle is hand drawn and woodburned (pyroengraved) on one of my own organically grown gourds.

For more of my work visit Midnightcoiler.

Natural Selections for Gifts

2010-10-14T09:37:00.002-04:00

These beautiful and yummy items were selected because they all contain or represent natural elements: bark, acorns, shell, stone, flax, leather, and organic ingredients. Enjoy these and consider if there's someone in your life who would be the perfect match for one of them! Click on the captions to go to the item page.

Native American Style Bark Pouch, by PurpleToedGypsy

Acorns Colors of Fall Original Water Color, by TheJoyofColor

The Hiker- Wee Chunky Book- Handmade Blank Book, by WeeBindery

Abalone and Crystal Earrings- Peacock, by FuchsiaBloomStudio

Coffee Butter Sugar Scrub, by SweetSallysSoaps


Baked Apple Granola- All Natural- Preservative Free, by Nikid

Featured: PurpleToedGypsy, TheJoyofColor, WeeBindery, FuchsiaBloomStudio, SweetSallysSoaps, Nikid

"O" is for October

2010-10-12T19:00:00.007-04:00

October is my favorite month! It means breezy cool days and beautiful fall leaf displays. All creatures are preparing for the winter months ahead, and that includes us. These fall-abulous gifts reflect the season, and I've chosen to use them to spell out the great month of O-C-T-O-B-E-R !

"O" is for Owl and tree silhouette pillow, by Yellowbugboutique


"C" is for Cellphone Charm. Orange Hamsa, Polymer clay Handmade Accessories, by Efiwarsh


"T" is for Tiger Iron and Jewel-tone Crystal Necklace by Abacusbeadcreations

"O" is for Orange, Black, Yellow, White, Green Fringe O Rama Scarf, by Cricketscreations
"B" is for Black long sleeves mini dress/tunic with beautiful golden metal belt, by Onor

"E" is for Earrings - Copper Garden Stamped Circle Hoops Mixed Metal Accessory, by Lindenleafstudio

"R" is for Rust Stoneware Mug / Handmade Pottery Wheelthrown Clay, by Patspottery

Visit these great shops for more gift giving ideas!
YellowBugBoutique
EfiWarsh
AbacusBeadCreations
CricketsCreations
Onor
LindenLeafStudio
PatsPottery

Egg Gourds as Home Decor

2010-10-12T08:41:00.002-04:00

I've always been intrigued with the idea that gourds grow into so many interesting shapes. One of my favorites are egg gourds, which I grow in my organic garden. They can range from quite small, like Bantam eggs, to hen-sized or even goose-sized! For me, it's not only the amazing shape that makes them appealing, but that they are a classic symbol of birth, life and renewal.

These painted egg gourds make a versatile centerpiece that will fit with a variety of decorating styles.

Display in a shallow glass or pottery dish or tray on a coffee or dining table, in a brandy snifter or in a basket mixed in with potpourri. They are fun additions to wreaths and floral arrangements, or make into ornaments. For entertaining, nestle in a cloth napkin and add to place settings as elegant party favors. How would you use them?

Visit my Midnightcoiler shop for more gourd art, raw mini gourds and more. Looking for custom colors? Just contact me!

Introducing my Love Bird series of Bird houses and Feeders

2010-10-09T12:50:00.001-04:00

My new "Love Bird" bird houses and feeders make thoughtful wedding gifts for your favorite newlywed love birds or a loving couple celebrating an anniversary. (Special love bird poem enclosure card for newlyweds or anniversary (specify) sent with order on request!)

These organically grown, bird friendly items will give the birds a place to nest in the summer, roost in the winter, or feed during any season. They help our feathered friends and give the gift of viewing enjoyment to the kind providers.

They are also great as housewarming or holiday gifts, and just about for any other occasion. Want a custom color combination? Contact me and lets talk about it.

Visit my Midnightcoiler shop for birdhouses, feeders, baskets, and other handmade items "of the earth!"

End of Summer Bounty

2010-09-06T09:39:00.002-04:00

Well, I admit, the summer garden is petering out about now, but we still had a few veggies to put together this sauteed melange of bell and banana peppers, red onions and grape tomatoes. They were added to the sauce that topped off a pasta dish. I love the addition of fresh veggies with pasta-- Delish!

Natural Selections

2010-07-27T18:13:00.008-04:00

Nature is a main source of enjoyment and inspiration for me. When I'm exploring Etsy, I'm always on the lookout for sellers who use earthy materials or represent the natural world in their work. Here are some items that catch my eye, created by these talented Etsyans: Waterrose, AngelEllie, Bazke tmakr, Leapinggazelle, Jennyhoople, Mymothersgarden, Arty ecological Check out their shops for more beautiful things!

Hand Embroidered Cuff by Waterrose

Personalized Coasters by Angelellie

Rustic Cornucopia by Bazketmakr

Nautilus Shell Photography Print by Leapinggazelle

Dunes Necklace by Jennyhoople

Frog House Toad Abode by Mymothersgarden

Blue Hydrangea No 2 Fine Art Print by Artyecological

For the Birds, and More

2010-06-28T10:09:00.004-04:00

Some of my best sellers are my birdhouses and feeders. I grow my own gourds using organic methods, so they are safe for the birds and you. My techniques and applications are skill and labor intensive- hand carving, painting, dying, and pyroengraving. A lot of attention is paid to detail, adding up to unique houses that are functional for the birds and beautiful in your garden or yard. They make artful and practical gifts for those who enjoy the birds! Here are some selections from what I currently have available, including my new butterfly house.

Golden Glow Birdhouse

Turquoise Treat Bird Feeder

Purple Palace Birdhouse

Plum Pretty Bird feeder

Butterfly House
View more houses and feeders here.

Visit my Etsy Shop .

The Garden in Late May

2010-06-01T15:52:00.002-04:00

Here's our garden in late May, when the weeds haven't overcome the veggies. We have 2 garden areas for vegetables, and these photos include both. Howard inherited his love of gardening from his father.

Above: Asparagus, onions, several rows of green beans, beets, squash, potatoes

Taking a break from hoeing

Lynn's ornamental gourds

The small ornamental gourd vines have not yet started climbing.

Hoeing is lots of work!
Looking at the onions
Our garden across the driveway has corn, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spinach

Good looking corn this year
lettuce and spinach
Tomatoes and squash

Cabbage

Cabbage starting to head up

Broccoli forming head

Flowers near our front steps

What's for Dinner? Fresh picked Green Beans and Vegetarian Moussaka!

2010-05-24T09:32:00.004-04:00

These green beans are the first of the year from our vegetable garden. If you've ever tasted green beans picked and immediately snapped and cooked, you'll know what I mean when I say they are like no others. They actually remind me of fresh asparagus (which we enjoyed earlier in the season.) Here are a few photos of them just crisply snapped.

I used oriental eggplant from last summer's harvest that I had frozen to make this vegetarian moussaka. Instead of meat I used Morningstar Farms crumbles, mixed with eggplant, onions, wine, spices, etc. We love the creamy white layer that tops off this dish. A little salt and whipped butter and these green beans were to die for. The moussaka was perfectly spiced and so tasty. Growing and cooking with our own vegetables is a little more work, but oh so worth it!

Natural Materials for Basketry

2010-05-12T17:52:00.005-04:00

I love variety in my work, and using unusual natural materials is one way to shake things up a bit!

My shop now features a few naturals that I grow using organic methods. Below are a few examples of baskets made with bleached Hibiscus fiber. It's a wonderful, versatile fiber that can be used natural, bleached or dyed.

I've also listed Miscanthus grass, which is great for coiling, rim treatment and embellishment. Visit my shop and check them out: http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler

This wild and wooly twined basket features bleached hibiscus bark accents and peeled and natural akebia. The beads are actually seeds.

This one was started with a hibiscus center and features a hibiscus rim. It also has pine needles miscanthus and kudzu!

Spring Flowers from my Garden

2010-04-27T07:54:00.006-04:00

My garden is a jungle of beautiful flowers. They are taking over the house! Some are good for weaving baskets.

Lorepetalum

Lorapetalum with Akebia taking over house

Akebia quinata, a beautiful vine for weaving

Akebia quinata, also known as Chocolate Vine, smells like grapes to me.

Wisteria growing wild.

Wisteria, another great vine for weaving

Carolina Jasmine

Carolina Jasmine is a thin flexible vine for weaving

Some of my Teacher's Marketplace Items for the North Carolina Basketmakers Convention

2010-03-02T15:28:00.005-05:00

Basketmakers, Are you ready for the 2 hour basketry feeding frenzy we call Teacher's Marketplace at the NCBA Convention? I'm preparing and here are some of the items I'll have for sale. Take a look at my Midnightcoiler Shop on Etsy to see more.

miniature clay bead bowls rustic pottery tie-ons

stoneware pottery charms

willow needle cases

Cork Cubbies™ cork vials

drilled/dyed/ready to coil mini gourds & jewelry pieces

kits

Fibers:

hibiscus, kudzu, miscanthus, pecan stems, yucca, palm inflorescence

twined waxed linen necklaces neckcord maker

gourd seed

See you at Convention, March 11th, and at Teacher's Marketplace, Friday evening, March 12th! Can't wait!

Naturally Yours,
lynn hoyt

A Rare Snowfall!

2010-02-14T17:00:00.006-05:00

It can go years without snowing in Eastern NC. Here's what it looked like yesterday at my place.

Hurry up and Wait for the Birds

2010-01-21T10:07:00.008-05:00

My mission was photoing birds at one of my carved gourd birdfeeders... seemingly simple, right? The birds had been coming and going all morning, like my feeders were Grand Central Station. My bait was black oil sunflower seed, topped with chopped peanuts. Our tufted titmice love peanuts!

After about an hour of sitting quitely and still with camera poised, not one bird was to be seen. I then rigged this very crude blind with branches, vest and bedsheets. The vest arm opening was my window as I sat on a little stool within. After a while the birds started coming back.

My arms were mighty tired from holding the camera up in one position for so long, but I finally managed to get a few shots of a tufted titmouse at one of my gourd birdfeeders!

Visit my shop for hand-carved bird houses, feeders and more.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/midnightcoiler

Baskets I'm Teaching at NCBA, 2010

2009-11-24T12:56:00.007-05:00

Please take a look at these photos of the baskets I'm teaching at NCBA Convention in March. Unfortunately the brochure photos didn't show the color or detail at all. These are a better representation of what they look like. I hope you'll tell your friends to look here and will consider them when selecting your classes. Thanks. Lynn Hoyt

SA453 Saturday 8:30am-12:30pm Gleam-n-Glow Beaded Mini Gourd
Lynn Hoyt 4 Hours All Levels 2 1/4"H X 3 1/4" D $35 page 31

Learn to bead coil on these gently undulating mini gourds. These vibrantly colored little vessels will gleam and glow with every stitch as you coil flat across the top with fragrant sweetgrass. Color coordinated options offered. A treat for the senses and a darling basket for rings and small treasures.

SU454 Sunday 8:00am-12:00pm Oval Fantasy Sweetgrass Necklace
Lynn Hoyt 4 hours All Levels 2 1/4"W X 2 3/4" H $35 page 40

Lots of techniques will complete this colorful sweet-smelling pendant. You'll start by learning to inlay a handmade gilded stoneware medallion into an oval gourd piece and apply a woodburned accent. Then coil the pendant with fragrant sweetgrass, add a brass finding and twist a waxed linen neck cord. This is small work, so manual dexterity, a small light and possibly magnifying glasses are recommended.

First Stop on the NiftyKnits Meerkat World Tour: Rural Blounts Creek, NC!

2009-11-19T19:14:00.026-05:00

Etta the Meerkat arrived here in rural Eastern NC all the way from England, and her creator Heather of Niftyknits! What a sweet little kat she is! After unpacking, we set off on a geeky fun adventure together: a trip to explore some of the sharks teeth that our area is internationally known for, at the Aurora Fossil Museum!
As you can see, Etta was in awe of this Great White replica and all the fossil sharks teeth!

Later, back at my house, Etta had a tour of our 75 acre property. My husband Howard is a ham radio operator and she was intrigued by the four huge radio towers in our fields. All of a sudden, Etta was gone! I guess her taste for adventure got the best of her, as I spotted her climbing the 130 footer! Bad Etta! By the time I got there, she was hanging on for dear life!

Luckily she managed to pull herself up and climb down

with no harm done... what a girl! Happily, we went on to safer pursuits.

I think Etta enjoyed seeing the gourd art from my Midnightcoiler shop, and some of my gourd harvest. She told me the eg g gourds were her favorites! Tomorrow my little Meerkat friend leaves for her next stop. I'll always remember Etta and what a good time we had together! To see more of Nifty's fabulous Meerkats, check out her shop, NiftyKnits. Read her Blog and join the Meerkat World Tour Fan Page on Facebook to follow all of Etta's adventures, as well as her sibling, Treasure, who is also traveling the world!

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies

2009-11-15T09:14:00.004-05:00

Midnightcoiler's Sugar Plums

Tiny bowls for rings, candy, pills, beads, gift presentation & favors

Veteran's Day Remembrance

2009-11-11T11:18:00.005-05:00

Anthony Diblasi, US Veteran served in WWII and Korea.
Purple heart

Today I remember him and all US soldiers past and present who honor our country with their service. Thank you!

My dad was a handsome fellow, played football in high school and was known by the girls as "he of the wavy hair."

His bravery surfaced early.. while out on a date, he was held up at gunpoint, but managed to wrestle the robber down and hold him until police arrived.

He was married to my mom for 49 years, and had two children. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, going out to eat, Christmas, flowers and birds, and could be found just about any day out puttering in his yard.

Today we honor all veterans, living and dead, for their service and sacrifice.

Pears Anyone?

2009-10-20T10:32:00.006-04:00

The pear harvest continues. We had enough to share with friends, with enough left for several batches for the freezer and for canning. Still working on the canning.

Do you recognize this variety? I would love to know. The two trees we bought were labeled 'Moonglow', but they don't look like photos I've seen. The fruit can be huge, has a russet skin over green or yellow tones. Crisp but sweet flesh, medium graininess. They cook up great, better than canned pears from the store. They were starting to fall from the trees in late September and I've been harvesting several times through mid-October.

Pecans, Our Latest Harvest

2009-09-26T13:10:00.005-04:00

The pecans have been falling from the trees, and every few days I go out and collect some. The squirrels have also been busy, and our two dogs love to crunch on a few as well. With five mature trees, there's really plenty enough for us all!

For the last few years we didn't have a harvest due to drought and wind storms, but this has been a good year. The nuts are good-sized due to plenty of rain.

I wish you all could taste these nuts in all their rich, full, smoky sweetness. As anyone with access to old trees knows, there is much more flavor in the nuts they produce compared to ones you may buy at the grocery or even fancy nut houses. The reason is that commercial pecans have been bred for size, and in that pursuit some of the flavor has been lost.

When the weather turns cold, I'll sit and shell them, then freeze most for later use. But right now aren't the bright green husks beautiful?

Lynn's Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole

2009-09-15T20:09:00.007-04:00

Two food posts in a row-- must be harvest time! Our peppers have been wonderful this year!

My Treasury Teammate and friend Kristen of Gockfrocks tweeted this question today: anyone else with good dinner ideas? what are you making tonight? My tweet back was Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole, one of my husband's very favorite dishes- homey, comforting and delicious! (the casserole, not my husband) This is a very flexible dish, so you can substitute ingredients and amounts to your taste. So, here it is Kristen:

Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole

6 to 8 peppers, quartered, enough to cover bottom of a 9x13 baking dish
2 cups brown or white rice, cooked
2 medium to large onions, chopped
2 tablespoons oil
1 large can (26 oz) tomato soup
1 to 1 1/2 cup soy crumbles
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce or to taste
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, divided (or more to taste)
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Seed and quarter peppers and layer in the bottom of baking dish. Add 1 tablespoon water, cover and steam in the microwave for 5 minutes.

In pan saute onion in oil until it starts to turn golden brown. Mix in cooked rice, soy crumbles, 1/2 can of tomato soup, 1 teaspoon Tabasco, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and turn off heat.

Spread mixture evenly over steamed peppers, set aside.

Add a little water to the remaining tomato soup in the can to thin just a bit. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon Tabasco, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika. Adjust spices according to your taste. Stir and pour evenly over casserole.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese has melted. Serve & enjoy!

A Day in the Kitchen

2009-09-14T09:44:00.004-04:00

I spent a lot of yesterday in the kitchen, peeling a giant bowl of apples from our own organically grown Arkansas Black harvest. This variety is tart and sweet! The most requested apple treat at my house is homemade applesauce. We like it chunky and thick, and mostly put it on our cereal in the morning.

So after hours of peeling, coring, slicing and cooking, here's the result. A big stock pot full!

Tag, You're It Blog Award

2009-08-28T12:55:00.008-04:00

My friend Sandie of ZaftigDelights was gifted with a blog award, and tagged me as one of the next 10 to receive it. Each person tagged is invited to give 10 facts about themselves and tag 10 other bloggers. I loved what Sandie wrote about herself in her blog and thought it would be fun to participate. So here goes:

1. I'm a second generation Italian American. My mom was born in the US, but dad was born in Italy. I grew up with Italian spoken all around me, but unfortunately only a few choice words stuck.

2. My husband and I met in a bar. Upon seeing me struggling with broken beads on my hat, his first words to me were, "May I be of some assistance?" He asked if he could follow me home, and it must have been fate that I didn't lose him after the red lights I ran to get rid of him. As they say, the rest is history.

3. I'm a founder and president of a 501c3 organization called the Natural Fibers Group. It's a specialized guild dedicated to preserving the tradition of collecting, processing and using natural plant fibers in basketry and art. We have members from all over the US and Canada who join to receive our newsletter and share information.

4. I was not raised with an appreciation for nature and the universe. I credit my husband for opening my eyes. Now we live on a secluded 75 acre property, surrounded by Weyerhaeuser forest land. Lots of wildlife around, including deer, bear, bobcat, coyote and fox.

5. In another life, long long ago, I worked at one time or another for the FBI as a fingerprint technician, the IRS in Internal Security, and ATF as a firearms tracer. Blaahhh.

6. As a kid, I drew very detailed pictures of pirate cats and dinosaur skeletons. I dreamed of going to Africa, finding buried treasure, and becoming a paleontologist.

7. My favorite film genre involves SUSPENSE! Dramas, mysteries, horror, adventures all qualify. Not to say that I don't appreciate other good movies.

8. At one time I owned my own landscape design business, specializing in blueprint design and consultation. It was a lot of fun working with clients, designing for them, and seeing the transformation when the work was completed by contractors. Working for myself was the best job I ever had-- loved my boss!

9. I used to be a 3-4 pack a day chain smoker. Happily, that habit stopped long ago.

10. When we lived in a suburban area, I used to play tennis every day. Back then I had a pretty powerful serve and a zinger of a forehand. What wonderful, fun exercise it was!

Well, there you go, 10 factual tidbits, for what they are worth. And now I'll pass this task, er, I mean award on to 10 other blog owners, to act upon or not, as they see fit!

Bahar Collection
Crazy Daisies Designs
Beautiful Bridget Designs
Kims Crafty Apple
Beadstylin's Random Musings
Sweet Surrender Blog
Mermaid Treasures
Amanda Yu Design
Inbaliya
Lama Works

Win These Earrings!

2009-08-27T15:57:00.007-04:00

The Etsy Treasury Team is sponsoring a giveaway featuring these lovely sterling earrings from StrandsofLight! Go to the Treasury Team Blog and enter 5 times for 5 chances to win- it's easy!

Thanks to webmistress, Sandie, of ZaftigDelight s and KnitzyBlonde, for doing such a great job with these monthly give-aways!

I Won George!

2009-08-23T12:10:00.008-04:00

Lucky me! I love give-aways, and this one was sponsored by the great Etsy team, HandmadeMN, through their blog. They have fabulous shops in their team, and great weekly give-aways!

I won this adorable little guy named George, artfully needle felted by Denise of the Eyes of Time blog! Do check out her blog for more great creations. She is one talented lady!

Hopefully soon she'll be adding her amazing fiber work to her Etsy shop, Stars Apon Thars, which features very cool repurposed goods.

Thank you so much Denise, and thanks to HandmadeMN too! Below are some wonderful items from Denise's shop.

from Stars Apon Thars

Shop Critique Tips- Watermarks and 2D Wall Art

2009-08-21T09:06:00.006-04:00

My intention was to leave in the middle of HeyMichelle's shop critique and grab a treasury, but it wasn't to be. Instead, I was once again transfixed on the savvy marketing advice that can be so crucial to Etsy selling success. Three points stood out enough that I wrote them down.

Between actual shop critiques, Michelle actually told one seller quite strongly: Take those watermarks out of your pictures! They lower your chance to be featured and it's a turn off to customers. Remove them all together or move them to the bottom where they can barely be seen.

The next point is related to the above. One of the critiqued shops had beautiful jewelry with her shop name displayed in almost every photo. Michelle said to take the shop name out, you don't need text in the photos.

In one of the last critiques a 2D artist was featured. Some of the work was shown framed. Michelle said she liked this because it gives a buyer an idea of what it will look like hanging on their wall. She added that personally, she likes framed work for the gift guides because it shows better and sells better. She qualified that by adding that it may not be as important in the searches.

I take these tips pretty seriously, as Etsy admin obviously has information/stats and insight that the average Etsy seller doesn't have. Sometimes it takes some ego adjustment and a willingness to try something different to change the way we do things. I know it did for me. Whether you agree or disagree with Etsy's ideal of how to present your work, the point is that those who take the advice and run with it have a better chance for more success.

Please visit the Etsy Virtual Labs for great discussion. They usually have shop critiques once a week. They are well worth the time!

Luxeliving, Aprons on Etsy

2009-06-26T06:49:00.007-04:00

If you like to wear an apron when entertaining, crafting or just doing things around the house, check out Luxeliving on Etsy. I've just received this beautiful custom apron (right) from Luxeliving after winning the give-away in her shop. Thanks so much-- I love it!

She also carries some darling mother-daughter apron sets, a great idea promoting that special bond!

Visit her shop for more cute aprons like the pink one shown below. You may also want to visit her blog.

Honeydew: Do You Love Me? Earrings I Won!

2009-06-19T04:24:00.019-04:00

A little Tweet told me about a wonderful give away sponsored by Cleveland Handmade, a great collective of local artists and craftspeople selling a lovely variety of creations online.

I entered and was lucky enough to win these beautiful green turquoise and silver earrings (above), sweetly named "Honeydew: Do You Love Me?" They were designed and generously donated by Marcia of Daisy Made Designs. Do take a look at her shop for more beautiful jewelry. Marcia also does custom work using your own special trinkets, charms and mementos, fashioning them into meaningful heirloom jewelry pieces! (right: Marcia's personal treasure necklace)

I'm excited to have won and would like to thank Marcia and Cleveland Handmade for making it possible!

What do Horses and Baskets have in Common?

2009-06-07T11:26:00.006-04:00

Did you know miniature horsehair baskets are only made by a very few basketmakers and are highly collectable? Here's your chance to own one of these incredible miniature wonders for free!

Visit Pamela Zimmerman's blog: Catching the Moon: Weaving My Life and have 5 chances to win this basket!

You'll also want to visit Pamela's Etsy shop, Bazketmakr, for everything from finished baskets and woven wearables to supplies.

Report on 5/28 Etsy Lab on Tagging, Titles and Descriptions

2009-05-31T08:57:00.009-04:00

Here are the notes I took during this interesting discussion, which also included info on the new "relevancy search." I hope there are some helpful tidbits here for those who couldn't attend.
______________________

I was one of several etteam members who attended the 5/28/09 lab. Leading the lab was Danielle, with Sean, Eric and Amy.

Titles:

Should be accurate and specific.
Title your most important words first in both title and description. What is it, then descriptive words
Don't use "free shipping" or "sale" as first words in title (Danielle recommends using towards end of description)
Danielle said to put subcategory in Title.
Google will pick up 160 characters of title and description.
Don't make title too short or too long. Danielle said 3-4 words.


Description:

Vintage & supply searchable by description in Advanced Search
Break description into short paragraphs or bullet points instead of one big block of text
Give dimensions of item, don't forget to include metric
Tell your story- makes them add the item to their cart-- show your personality, love, ideas, heart, why, how, inspiration-- connect to the buyer and show you're a real person behind the handmade item.


Tags/Relevancy:

Main category, then most important 1st tag is a subcategory. This will become even more important in time as the relevancy search is tweaked.

Suggestions for types of words to use as tags:

what is it
materials
where used
style
motif
shop name in just a few listings, not all
team tags do not bump down relevancy. (They are working on finding a new way to tag for teams.)

Using plural vs singular tags, and word variants: item comes up in search either way.

Use all 14 tags- good for relevancy. They will be continually adjusting the relevancy search.

The relevancy search is not the default search and they have no plans to make it so.

Fresh search results are one goal of relevancy, so date listed is also factor.... keep items freshly listed..add new items, renew, relist.


Materials:

List all your materials

Misc:

Order of Importance in Searches:
1. tags
2. titles
3. description
4. materials

A good way to be found is to add your link to Google base.

Etsy will have an option for moving around our shop items and it will be "launched soon."  Danielle has already tested this feature and thinks it's cool!

For further information, visit these Etsy Storque articles:

Hitting the Sweet Spot with Etsys Most Relevant

Sort Search Results by Most Relevant

Charming Winner of Give-Away

2009-05-18T19:52:00.004-04:00

The lucky winner of my handmade pottery charms that I donated through the Treasury Team Blog is..... Krystal of Solsisters.etsy.com!
Congratulations!

Click on the link above and take a look at the fabulous bags she makes! I'm excited that Krystal won, and maybe we'll see some of the charms as embellishments on her bags!

Thanks to everyone who entered our first Treasury Team Give-Away! We hope you'll all subscribe to our blog for useful and fun information, and future give-away contests! Etsy Treasury Team Blog

Give-Away on the Treasury Team Blog

2009-05-08T21:04:00.006-04:00

The Etsy Treasury Team is sponsoring the first give-away on their blog! The prize is a stoneware pottery charm mix that I created, a $30 value. Please go to the Treasury Team Blog for all the details.

Garden Flowers in Early May

2009-05-06T14:57:00.006-04:00

Our house is surrounded by plants and flowers. Here are some of the things blooming in our yard right now. These are Iris pseudacorus, the yellow flag iris. They've naturalized themselves around the pond.

The red trumpets are Hippeastrum x johnsonii, St. Joseph's Lily. These were here when we bought the property, and they had been blooming here for years unattended.

This Iris is called "Lady Friend", with Weigela in the background.

This old rose is a mystery. I received it in a swap several years ago. Does anyone know what it might be? It has bluish-purple undertones. MaryAnn wrote and gave a link to a rose that looks similar. Maybe this could be 'Alfred Colomb.' Check out the Antique Rose Emporium's photo

Fossil Hunting for Sharks Teeth- Hunt for yours on Etsy!

2009-04-26T14:58:00.008-04:00

Since I was little I've always imagined finding treasure or artifacts. Back then it was digging a few inches under my mom's hydrangeas, thinking I would find golden doubloons buried by pirates. I started sketching "cat pirates" and then prehistoric animals, and decided I wanted to be a paleontologist. While that dream never worked out, there is still a fascination with buried treasure and artifacts of all kinds.

Now I live near an area that is famous around the world for fossils of extinct sea life, the Lee Creek deposit also known as Aurora in NC. I enjoy spending time hunting and collecting sharks teeth and other fossils at least a few times a week. It's always a thrill when I find one! Most of the teeth I find range from early Miocene (12-26 million years ago) to Pliocene (2.5-12 million.)

The photo above left shows a whale vertebrae at the rear. The large sharks tooth is from an extinct megalodon, the most fearsome shark ever. (closeup at right) This tooth is from a small one, only 1 3/4", as teeth larger than a mans hand have been found! The white lines on the back of sharks teeth are from their teeth scraping bone as they fed. Notice the serrations on the edges! The close up above right shows fossil shell in matrix (upper left corner,) to the right a possible coprolite (fossil poop,) shark vertebrae, ray mouth plates, shark teeth, pieces of bone and coral.

I've had so much fun discovering these buried treasures that I've started offering some of my fossils on Etsy, for use in mixed media and as jewelry componants. Check them out! Interested in fossil ID? Here's one of the sites in my area that can help:
http://www.elasmo.com/

Early Spring Pond

2009-03-28T12:12:00.004-04:00

This time of year spring and winter bounce back and forth, even though plant and animal life is starting to stir. Here are a few photos of my pond taken this morning. Lots of mosquito fish don't show because of the glare. However, one of our frogs is up and about and so is Mr. or Ms. Mud Turtle, who comes for the fish food when I whistle and tap my feet on the ground. Their tune of choice and mine? "Memories."

Our pond has an earth bottom and was dug by my husband. Nature inspires my life and work in many ways, and when I'm not just observing the flora and fauna, you might find me carving a gourd or making a basket sitting by the pond .

Last Day for Free Shipping on Designer Eggs--- Happy Valentines!

2009-02-14T16:54:00.019-05:00

Grab my colorful designer egg gourds before midnight tonight

to take advantage of free shipping! If you missed this, check my shop for future offers.

Make Mine with a Twist!
I stayed up well past midnight last night to put this treasury up. Guess I'm not called Midnight for nothing, though late hours don't always mean coiling. Can't seem to get a whole shot of this one, sorry. Click on image to enlarge. Featured are Norakaren, Truluxe, Patspottery, Abrushandaneisel, Slavko, Accentsbylori, Glassnwood, Dbabcock, Gocksfrocks, Niftyknits, Adornmejewelry, and Susansheehan.

Black and Cream Dream

2009-02-13T09:01:00.012-05:00

This treasury was based on tips that House of Mouse wrote about in the Etteam Blog. I'm ever hopeful to someday achieve that elusive front page spot! In the meantime, I enjoy featuring items from lovely Etsy shops like these:

dbabcock, notrocketsurgery, liciabeads, tiedandfeathered, springcolors, busybeads, galit,
stelmadesigns, beautifulbridget,
jeremisavoie, funwallart, bazketmakr

Featured as Favorite Shop of the Day

2009-02-09T22:46:00.008-05:00

How exciting! Today I received a convo from Karen Fields Gallery saying I was featured in her great blog as Favorite Etsy Shop of the Day! What a lovely honor and surprise. Please check it out and see what photo she included from my shop!

Karen does the most fabulous uplifting artwork full of flowers, birds and hope. Visit her BLOG and SHOP and enjoy her paintings!

Thank you Karen!

Heart Sketch... joy and sadness

2009-02-08T20:07:00.005-05:00

Just in time for Valentines Day, my latest treasury sets a sweet tone with a touch of sadness.

Featured are members of the etteam and other etsians: folkartvision, papermoth, jeremisavoie, strandsoflight, branchingstreams, zaftigdelights, tyarkoni, bythewayside, heatherrlange, alibalijewellery, aysetugrul, nivenglassoriginals. Please visit their fine shops and discover other wonderful items!

Click image to enlarge.

Designer Egg Gourds Offer: Free Shipping!

2009-02-05T03:28:00.009-05:00

FREE SHIPPING

On my beautiful designer egg gourds through Valentine's Day!

Read all about these beauties by clicking on the photo or title.

If you're interested in another color combination, I do custom orders. Just contact me!

These elegant bowl and basket fillers make a fascinating and gorgeous statement in your home decor.

Fast and Pretty

2009-02-03T22:54:00.009-05:00

Here's my most recent Treasury (click on the image to enlarge) created 2/2/09, featuring work from the Etsy Treasury Team!

Featured left to right each row: Beadstylin, Santiamdesigns, Sagefox, Thehouseofmouse, Miamiamia, Lindenavenuedesigns, Tyarkoni, Bazketmakr, Sweetsurrendercandle, Mozo, EarringsbyKaren, Adornmejewelry.

To see more work from these artists and other team members, just search ETTEAM on Etsy.

ETTEAM

2008-10-26T09:51:00.004-04:00

The Etsy Treasury Team is less than a week old and we already have 30 members and have created a bunch of fabulous treasuries! Treasuries=exposure and sales, and that is happening for us too!

So, if you have time to visit, 12-click and comment on team treasuries and create one team treasury a month yourself, I invite you to join us!

Visit our website
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/etsytreasuryteam/

Etsy Treasury Team

2008-10-21T13:48:00.006-04:00

Sadly, there was so little interest in an Etsy Naturals Team that I have given up trying to form it. That won't stop me from starting a more inclusive team though!

Since joining Etsy I've enjoyed creating many treasuries for the general community and the three other teams I belong to. How about you? Are you an Etsy seller who enjoys making treasuries and being in them too? Maybe this team is for you. Read about the Etsy Treasury Team (ETT) on the new website and join:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/etsytreasuryteam/

"Summer Selections" Fiber Fantasy Show in NC

2008-08-13T22:57:00.017-04:00

I recently made a trip to Gallery C in Raleigh NC to see a show which included the other-worldly fiber creations of Pamela Zimmerman. If you go, prepare to be blown away!

Using sculptural basketry techniques, clay and mixed media, her work transcends the idea of "traditional basket," and draws the viewer into a haunting world of yearning emotion.

Contorted fiber forms, twisting curves, secret places and surreal faces abound and astound. Her signature "face baskets" evoke a sense of mystery, and her "multi-fiber" pieces subtly continue that mystery by leading the observer through an undulating maze of discovery. Viewing her work, one is likely to end up with more questions than answers. Pamela prefers for observers to interpret her work from their own perspectives, but she does give a bit of insight into her themes on the Gallery C website.

Go to http://www.galleryc.net/ to learn more about this artist and to see some of her works on exhibition.

If you're lucky enough to live near the Raleigh area, I encourage you to visit Gallery C and view her ethereal work in person!
(pictured: 'Trade Cargo: Passages')

Miniature Horsehair Baskets Now on Etsy!

2008-08-12T14:29:00.003-04:00

If you'd like to see some --AMAZING-- miniature baskets, check out my featured artist's shop on Etsy: Bazketmakr

http://bazketmakr.etsy.com

There are very few basketmakers who create miniature horsehair baskets. A Native American tradition, these baskets are considered the epitome of the maker's skill. These miniatures have long been a collectable with crossover appeal to miniature collectors, horse lovers, and basket collectors.

The owner even offers to make custom baskets from your own horse's hair. Check out her shop and marvel at some of the smallest baskets ever seen!

New Flicker Photo Group!

2008-07-23T09:04:00.011-04:00

There's a new basket making group for traditional coiled and twined basketry techniques on Flicker! Please post your photos there to create awareness about the two most ancient basketry techniques still being practiced by a small number of us today.

Basketry is one of the very first crafts to be invented by humans. Twining and coiling are the two most ancient basketry techniques. These techniques predate pottery.

One of the reasons I started this on flicker is because there is a serious lack of authentic coiled work out there. I've been seeing more and more vessels that makers are calling "coiled baskets," that don't use basketry techniques at all. With the popularity of crocheting, knitting, felting and quilting has come a variety of vessels, that while often attractive art forms in themselves, do not represent the ancient art of coiling. I've recently become aware of just how obscure our art form is, and of a lack of awareness and even confusion about it. People, especially younger generations, should not confuse glued, piece stitched, or shaped fiber bowls with a coiled basket. They should not confuse crocheting with twining. Lets create some awareness of what coiling and twining is, out there where the general public can discover it! That's why I created this public photo stream group, where we can add our informative comments and photos for the world to see.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/coiled_and_twined_basketry/

What is Art?

2008-07-06T11:57:00.006-04:00

Have you ever run across antiquated views concerning what constitutes art? There's an undercurrent that runs through the arts community, sometimes subtle and sometimes overt, that promotes the perception that only 2-d art is truly art. From juried "fine arts" shows to other exhibition and selling venues, one will sometimes find that 3-d (in it's myriad forms) is considered the poor step-child.

I'm not sure how this came to be, or if it has always been this way. The very term "fine art" seems to be inclusive of paintings and drawing in many cases. I do think things are changing and the art world is opening up to be more accepting of different art forms, but the connotations and attitudes still linger. We've all, I'm sure, been in discussions revolving around "what is art?" I've come to believe that art is subjective: something is art if YOU think it is.

There are so many labels associated with the visual arts: craft, fine craft, fine art, artisan, craftsman, crafter, etc. Each has it's own connotations. I feel we all need to respect each other as artists, whether or not we appreciate the art form. What do you think?

Okra for the Holidays-- The Vegetable that Keeps on Giving!

2008-07-04T20:43:00.014-04:00

It's a little earlier than I normally start working on holiday items, but I thought I'd give Christmas in July a bit of try in my Etsy shop. I've put a few items up already and will probably add more throughout the month. My ornament specialties include intricately carved gourds, and my painted "holly ornaments," and combinations of the two techniques. They are unique and will add natural beauty to your holiday displays! Check out my shop and see why my Crimson Classic Okra Santas are special! Also have a look at my Special Edition "Starry Night" Okra Santas! I like to say that they are the vegetables that keep on giving! Merry Christmas In July!
Visit my shop at: http://midnightcoiler.etsy.com/


"B" is for Black long sleeves mini dress/tunic with beautiful golden metal belt, by Onor