tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597275459514455262024-03-14T00:35:43.879-07:00From the Summer's GardenWelcome to From the Summer's Garden! You'll find a garden full of unique and useful products and ideas for you and your garden. You can shop here anytime, just make an appointment by calling Steve at 913-579-5395 or emailing summersgarden@everestkc.net. We feature experiential sales events you won't want to miss with guest artists bringing you their handmade original creations.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.comBlogger865125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-72122780345249472912023-07-26T14:37:00.001-07:002023-07-26T14:39:27.743-07:00FAMILY MILESTONE ACTIVITY<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rxScTDh85GRJhqXdsqv03tS4XjonpXdwuYMDa6Jm6O_QKQnKN4lEeQg8EYtda9A5akm-nW_ZF5WUzSJu0V2Pa3JvR_gH4cxHyKgNmk5tmNvAAxoL1U1Z3whEPOwIipkkiMUnDPOU9OtGmf7-dvcH21CapETXj4CUzSb7REWNfAym-xLe1Bdm0gF_7BGu/s2758/PHOTO%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2758" data-original-width="2391" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rxScTDh85GRJhqXdsqv03tS4XjonpXdwuYMDa6Jm6O_QKQnKN4lEeQg8EYtda9A5akm-nW_ZF5WUzSJu0V2Pa3JvR_gH4cxHyKgNmk5tmNvAAxoL1U1Z3whEPOwIipkkiMUnDPOU9OtGmf7-dvcH21CapETXj4CUzSb7REWNfAym-xLe1Bdm0gF_7BGu/w346-h400/PHOTO%201.jpeg" width="346" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif">I was “chosen” by my family from various towns in north central Wisconsin, to be the host for a summer gathering.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">It was an exciting prospect and somewhat of a milestone since this group seldom is gathered in one place and was probably the last time my mom would be able to travel the distance. While we did the usual visits to popular KC attractions, I felt we needed to do something creative that would mark our time together and at the same time provide a setting for chatter, laughter, and interaction.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">One day during the visit, I gathered them and announced we were going to do a creative project together. We were going to create a series of sculptural vertical stakes that would be installed in my garden, that’s right, they were to stay together as one piece and would someday be passed on to other family members.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p> </o:p>Forging through the whining and complaints, we soon were so engrossed we weren’t even talking at first. Turns out it worked like a charm and my family can’t stop talking about the meaningful fun they had. This group project idea could work with almost any activity, the key is to be organized and prepared in advance, so it runs smoothly and is a roaring success! Here is what we did.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am a gardener who loves working with cement, I used this for inspiration and technique. You can use what you have and do to make the activity your own. Before the guests arrived, I designed a series of garden stakes that were conceptual stems and leaves- very simple shapes cast from insulation foam molds and sand concrete mix. The stems featured a recessed center rectangle perfect for glass mosaic.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcHFFSR8T5eXdy_NGPrToI_4JCioZ0rDRQz5E0OIZIaFESwZ5OZskpk66SZw1blkFxmRaeDkR1QG9dqB12BV7XldavqFPPUk7jT0wPk-MbPw6Fi2tNwEykiMGSzdCqMBEE0tD3utV_6CswJmWQJG6UDx3HvPk0RNLgDGt0zrOBcKbaGgn2MuILvtE8ZM7/s1364/PHOTO%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="951" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcHFFSR8T5eXdy_NGPrToI_4JCioZ0rDRQz5E0OIZIaFESwZ5OZskpk66SZw1blkFxmRaeDkR1QG9dqB12BV7XldavqFPPUk7jT0wPk-MbPw6Fi2tNwEykiMGSzdCqMBEE0tD3utV_6CswJmWQJG6UDx3HvPk0RNLgDGt0zrOBcKbaGgn2MuILvtE8ZM7/s320/PHOTO%202.png" width="223" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Family members were given different stem sizes and were asked to paint in color where they wished from a limited color palette. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV97ycnq_tFeVBpbANJ-ZHur-yY3BBase6q40-2G-QK0ehIt9CyAGOtIGJQOmEzjr2fTOZmzWa_OKwYb7ajRBg6Qm-5ocEc_5tY-NBvARey2Z5lhWT83J95bAw6JrADUD_8VUrowHv0rwQGb9T6yJX3Rkd5_kj1eLgpPdoXLKfOGuyRpcCljCoqGw3yXU/s3267/PHOTO%202.5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="3267" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV97ycnq_tFeVBpbANJ-ZHur-yY3BBase6q40-2G-QK0ehIt9CyAGOtIGJQOmEzjr2fTOZmzWa_OKwYb7ajRBg6Qm-5ocEc_5tY-NBvARey2Z5lhWT83J95bAw6JrADUD_8VUrowHv0rwQGb9T6yJX3Rkd5_kj1eLgpPdoXLKfOGuyRpcCljCoqGw3yXU/w400-h308/PHOTO%202.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While the paint was drying, they collected glass pieces from a glass buffet full of a rainbow of colored glass and mirror fragments.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknlh2C4Yz-XH-3RWdwAR2hH4rkMDyw8-_RonUeo1wba7pk_f_BW_9gnESEq3K9OcuNRkZBT5PfPWOFRCza5DFmw8HOhtnQvDMgEuxS74H2sgUCuxKBkBH6qf7XJnJIi7R2v4x2qgw0AxPs4j-DOyLytwbADbKzRF0oBEEyfHnavSwJ9TjFZVdQ7MPBoxf/s3009/PHOTO%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3009" data-original-width="2380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknlh2C4Yz-XH-3RWdwAR2hH4rkMDyw8-_RonUeo1wba7pk_f_BW_9gnESEq3K9OcuNRkZBT5PfPWOFRCza5DFmw8HOhtnQvDMgEuxS74H2sgUCuxKBkBH6qf7XJnJIi7R2v4x2qgw0AxPs4j-DOyLytwbADbKzRF0oBEEyfHnavSwJ9TjFZVdQ7MPBoxf/s320/PHOTO%203.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each person cemented the glass onto their stem and grouted it. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQU2GVFyVI16XHvgywGltU94yD-vy0pey5JFQGOmo-HP7Rvopj5wuT0_1EtknoCrkb8_vy4VZdBB3pjWNAgc8JMudOkTE8NouF823XE9t1BpYP2VHAXNo3iWhkRtuLRcSGLkW6Gw0S11vPFVhHxmGSSuDuA3C98BbefEibJscWcqT36o-YwxSMksu0IxS/s1717/PHOTO%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1717" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQU2GVFyVI16XHvgywGltU94yD-vy0pey5JFQGOmo-HP7Rvopj5wuT0_1EtknoCrkb8_vy4VZdBB3pjWNAgc8JMudOkTE8NouF823XE9t1BpYP2VHAXNo3iWhkRtuLRcSGLkW6Gw0S11vPFVhHxmGSSuDuA3C98BbefEibJscWcqT36o-YwxSMksu0IxS/s320/PHOTO%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingWG6EB13E-MbjtjX4YG8BHCC_keloxrU_F_UIhmYRUIXCwCAT21_kk1zDUBRrI2ZvORx8uHPK6UDJI36TY6Ib2FqO7tIEuN48hzGATo_MLC2zWKjKL2oBvQFR5S9dhzK6O3F1MxaPALrl7FpOQtCMMlq73s6xLSpbQtCwL_extaIFouPR5Fb_bj8Ir6t/s2372/PHOTO%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="1875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingWG6EB13E-MbjtjX4YG8BHCC_keloxrU_F_UIhmYRUIXCwCAT21_kk1zDUBRrI2ZvORx8uHPK6UDJI36TY6Ib2FqO7tIEuN48hzGATo_MLC2zWKjKL2oBvQFR5S9dhzK6O3F1MxaPALrl7FpOQtCMMlq73s6xLSpbQtCwL_extaIFouPR5Fb_bj8Ir6t/s320/PHOTO%205.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The final step was to add paint to the leaf shapes and fit them onto the stems. I installed the stakes in the garden early in the morning on the day everyone was to return home. The last day's surprise was to see their finished work on display as a milestone of our fun time together.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-31963085809198629982023-05-13T21:08:00.000-07:002023-05-13T21:08:09.949-07:00CLOUDS and SUNSHINE PIE<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="f0cuc" data-offset-key="66mrf-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="f2dfe802f75b86" data-offset-key="66mrf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="66mrf-0-0">The herbs in the garden are springing forth anew and a fat juicy Meyer Lemon ripened on my little tree and that nailed it. It was time to make CLOUDS and SUNSHINE pie. This is not your grandmother's Lemon meringue pie. It is made with an infusion of lavender, bergamot, and lemon balm and features not only lemons but a lime and a grapefruit as well.</span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="f0cuc" data-offset-key="5c79h-0-0"></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMJdlSC-xc2aZH9emCwRo031QLLFSoEtm3F3XCaaoGG_ng6OSDAm3zd2HBce94FBrpyLwQCtsyd4kk_CMjzMZ1C3IC4yuz9ois8D23mEBsewzMUV2KhABb9H2R3-TZ8AmxAHlOl3BniS543w7XiRgzwNhj1OLZcqGyDAIhSayxZhlYbOXf02Vq-IecA/s1404/Screenshot%202023-05-13%20at%2010.52.29%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1404" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMJdlSC-xc2aZH9emCwRo031QLLFSoEtm3F3XCaaoGG_ng6OSDAm3zd2HBce94FBrpyLwQCtsyd4kk_CMjzMZ1C3IC4yuz9ois8D23mEBsewzMUV2KhABb9H2R3-TZ8AmxAHlOl3BniS543w7XiRgzwNhj1OLZcqGyDAIhSayxZhlYbOXf02Vq-IecA/w510-h333/Screenshot%202023-05-13%20at%2010.52.29%20PM.png" width="510" /></a></div><br /> <b style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #9bbb59; font-size: 24pt; text-transform: uppercase;">CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE PIE</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Pie Filling<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">2 cups herbed water<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">(see instructions)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">1 cup white sugar<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">4 TBS all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">4 TBS cornstarch<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">¼ tsp. salt<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">6 egg yolks beaten <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">Zest from 1 lemon, 1 grapefruit and 1 lime<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">Juice from same lemon, grapefruit and lime<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">3 TBS butter<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Meringue<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">6 egg whites<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">½ tsp cream of tartar<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">½ tsp vanilla<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">¾ cup sugar<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">1. Make herbed water. Gather 3 six-inch sprigs of lemon balm, 3 of lavender and<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">3 of bergamot (bee balm). Rinse and pat dry. Bring 2 ¼ cups water to boil. Turn off heat and add the herbs. Cover and allow to steep for at least 4 hours or overnight. Strain liquid and reserve liquid. Discard herbs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">2. Prepare and roll out single crust pastry for 9” pie. Bake in 450 degree F oven for 10-12 minutes or till golden. Cool on rack.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">3. For filling. Separate egg yolks from whites; reserve whites for meringue. In medium bowl wisk together egg yolks. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">4. In medium saucepan combine sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Gradullay stir in the herbed water and mix well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">5. Cook stirring constantly over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat. Cook and stir 2 minutes more and remove from heat. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">6. Add about ½ cup of the hot filling to the egg yolks and whisk to mix. Immediately return to saucepan and mix into the rest of the filling and cook 2 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">7. Add the butter, zest and juice to the hot mixture in the saucepan, stirring thoroughly to combine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">8. Turn the hot filling into the baked pastry shell. Place in a 350degree F oven for 10 minutes to evenly warm the pie.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">9. Meanwhile, whisk sugar and cream of tartar into the egg whites in a metal bowl. Place over simmering water and gently warm the mixture unitl sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch. Add vanilla and beat hard for 4 minutes until mixture is thick and satiny smooth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">10. Remove pie from oven and immediately spread the meringue from the edges to the center of the pie. Bake in the 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes or until meringue is golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg607ZHIG5uCzvoG74ytfS8m6hJh3wZ7G4gM24DbkX7miRuA7EYsHCBja2weCgqVG5zcW6ZA8iFefrERcvKlizfSrNMi2CjCTq3ADqGoEco5uX1OXcFvVhLQpa10HB6rnP7u_UGHdGsE87aaEOGHOoRqf1KamCrktXC1obSN9gPUjYvTgSPZ2lebLrpgQ/s1404/Screenshot%202023-05-13%20at%2010.52.29%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1404" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg607ZHIG5uCzvoG74ytfS8m6hJh3wZ7G4gM24DbkX7miRuA7EYsHCBja2weCgqVG5zcW6ZA8iFefrERcvKlizfSrNMi2CjCTq3ADqGoEco5uX1OXcFvVhLQpa10HB6rnP7u_UGHdGsE87aaEOGHOoRqf1KamCrktXC1obSN9gPUjYvTgSPZ2lebLrpgQ/s320/Screenshot%202023-05-13%20at%2010.52.29%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-24987262848202448272023-03-25T10:53:00.003-07:002023-03-25T10:54:24.558-07:00REVERSE MOSAIC TABLETOP<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Reverse Mosaic Tabletop</span></b><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnbDIieEvuXWDRLD4loxx8XuqZChqcT_6dt2nBggNT0rChH1H0qs-7nZSF9Mh4CIZDMJL7rST8pIezYDSCnqlmsqPBpbzf0r9NBrBUa3INJhRW6YYmCxTnOgZwMY1Kj4D8ivCdS5h-Tt2M8LDWRA9LXs9LLubQiID6VWXK7T1U_3kUvHRvYligNdBiA/s1593/PHOTO%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnbDIieEvuXWDRLD4loxx8XuqZChqcT_6dt2nBggNT0rChH1H0qs-7nZSF9Mh4CIZDMJL7rST8pIezYDSCnqlmsqPBpbzf0r9NBrBUa3INJhRW6YYmCxTnOgZwMY1Kj4D8ivCdS5h-Tt2M8LDWRA9LXs9LLubQiID6VWXK7T1U_3kUvHRvYligNdBiA/s320/PHOTO%201.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">This is a fun easy project that gives pleasing results and helps to give new life to discarded items. My neighbor gave me a triangular rebar stand he was going to throw out.</span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">As he was handing it to me over the fence, I thought that it would make a great stand for a small garden table, but what to use for the decorative tabletop?</span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Answer:</span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">A cast reverse mosaic slab of concrete!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span><b><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">What You Need:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">2-inch insulation foam <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Hand saw<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">3-inch box nails<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">marker<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Assorted colored glass, shells, marbles…anything you want to use for your tabletop mosaic as long as it is reasonably flat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Vegetable oil and a brush<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Bag of sand topping concrete mix<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Cement trowel and plastic mixing bowl<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Urethane glue, if necessary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Natural colored sanded grout, if necessary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">What You Do:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">To make a slab of any shape, make a mold using a sheet of pink or blue insulation foam from the home improvement store. It cuts easily with a hand saw and goes together with simple long nails.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Decide what shape you would like for your tabletop; circle, square, free form, etc. Draw the shape on the sheet of insulation foam using the marker. Draw the same shape 2 inches larger all around. Cut out the outside shape first using the hand saw and then cut out the inside shape, so you have a 2-inch-thick frame. Use nails to attach to a base piece of foam. This is the mold for your tabletop. Brush it with vegetable oil as if you were oiling a cake pan. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.25in;"><b><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yGsS63m-DVGu8RMTJiKLz6h5IEFgTQVh2S_BHnYDdxLNroF24yUp7Oe0DH9OuVV9uSyxHhWJrxiflE-9tsj1_T9vOsUfkWcqvdYF7JvOdfwTmR6LXp0MNalqWmHKttNeRZZzEQUTN4A-fs5W22N3daIA_b0VtPjEI-hYK8gVfraTS_nw2QGuh_Kvmw/s1648/PHOTO%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1648" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yGsS63m-DVGu8RMTJiKLz6h5IEFgTQVh2S_BHnYDdxLNroF24yUp7Oe0DH9OuVV9uSyxHhWJrxiflE-9tsj1_T9vOsUfkWcqvdYF7JvOdfwTmR6LXp0MNalqWmHKttNeRZZzEQUTN4A-fs5W22N3daIA_b0VtPjEI-hYK8gVfraTS_nw2QGuh_Kvmw/s320/PHOTO%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.25in;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">This technique is called “reverse mosaic” because the mosaic elements are placed into the mold first and facedown, so you see the bottom sides. Cover the bottom surface of the mold with mosaic elements, staying at least ¼” from every edge.<b> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.25in;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpF3pBCnGe-eR0K-uUJ4nWqcK4YX2Mba5a65hsDLfGcXc8mOK-mPqLgOTfruZddl4695Dl5wmI2DYBG_KXXGKghHpWIze8lxeeBXWZ8HV2k4c2jLZ12rCufrF-pPrwAPK8YtlQx0pifbU42oUcpFhTywB-jhZ8y6M_Gu1eqMoqQ-BP3-R_DF6qJizPw/s2400/PHOTO%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1822" data-original-width="2400" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpF3pBCnGe-eR0K-uUJ4nWqcK4YX2Mba5a65hsDLfGcXc8mOK-mPqLgOTfruZddl4695Dl5wmI2DYBG_KXXGKghHpWIze8lxeeBXWZ8HV2k4c2jLZ12rCufrF-pPrwAPK8YtlQx0pifbU42oUcpFhTywB-jhZ8y6M_Gu1eqMoqQ-BP3-R_DF6qJizPw/s320/PHOTO%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Mix a manageable volume of sand mix with water to a consistency of thick frosting using the trowel and plastic mixing bowl.</span></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Be careful to add water sparingly, it is easy to add too much.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Gently scoop mixed concrete over the surface of your mosaic pieces making certain to completely cover them. Use the trowel to press the concrete over everything until the surface is smooth. You can tap or bounce the mold to settle the concrete. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFsiJTvFe0J3bbEpv775r5-qES5XH6pHjAcIDfZ789la0_8SnuToONJm8X4JqVwbKmmORiP41K8mHFia_FdRRPN8Ou_3EjZouQ_ibf1SOwbPDeoDoFP32cVgHLI6dtRNxzp2yVCONWCaKagFFBRLNpabda1I6Gvg4uUPkn06jLMqRrsZxP7zz9A9Mlw/s2400/PHOTO%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFsiJTvFe0J3bbEpv775r5-qES5XH6pHjAcIDfZ789la0_8SnuToONJm8X4JqVwbKmmORiP41K8mHFia_FdRRPN8Ou_3EjZouQ_ibf1SOwbPDeoDoFP32cVgHLI6dtRNxzp2yVCONWCaKagFFBRLNpabda1I6Gvg4uUPkn06jLMqRrsZxP7zz9A9Mlw/s320/PHOTO%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> Mix up more concrete until the mold is completely full. Smooth off the top with the trowel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Usually, you can wait for the mold to set overnight and take out the casting, BUT…don’t do that. Because we want to be certain the mosaic pieces are firmly embedded in the surface of the tabletop, let the mold sit untouched for three days. The cast concrete will be significantly stronger, and then you can easily remove the tabletop from the mol with less chance of losing pieces. Use gloved hands to smooth the edges.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">If some mosaic pieces come free, replace them using urethane glue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> (Goop or E6000). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">If there are gaps around some of the mosaic pieces because the concrete did not make it around them, you can mix a small amount of sanded grout and fill the gaps.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Avenir Next",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">11.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif">Position whatever you are using for your base and then add your new tabletop!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Avenir Next", sans-serif"> </span></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-72500338457824114422023-02-01T08:59:00.003-08:002023-02-01T08:59:41.707-08:00 MEMORY KEEPING COLLAGE STEPPING STONE<p> <b style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">MEMORY KEEPING COLLAGE STEPPING STONE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">Here’s a fun activity for mixed ages that will help to preserve memories of any significant event. In this case, a recent trip to the beach.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">A pretty much-given activity when you are visiting a beach is to walk along the shore collecting shells, bits of coral, sea glass- anything of interest.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">On my recent visit, I made a point to search and discover something I could add to my stash each day.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">By the time I headed home, I had a pretty good collection of stuff including leftover coins and beer caps from the local beers I had the pleasure of sampling. Anything permanent and “outdoorable” should work. <b> </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPRgjZrEnPTZVBWAYoLnBiSqeVuTlcjrne18t8-v3dgi6DKZwCCm_VuIKvQ755MQ0UY1GAzHpZ1fmI4PgKwYGAaCrQ-Gsv4oGDJQghlB0ui5w-PBf1soAvgNSf9ZD9XwUzmz2lQJVu8zLXXKVsogXV9usKRlb3Ry3CMmcb99SdOi5w27gwag-yUjLSA/s2400/PHOTO%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2400" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPRgjZrEnPTZVBWAYoLnBiSqeVuTlcjrne18t8-v3dgi6DKZwCCm_VuIKvQ755MQ0UY1GAzHpZ1fmI4PgKwYGAaCrQ-Gsv4oGDJQghlB0ui5w-PBf1soAvgNSf9ZD9XwUzmz2lQJVu8zLXXKVsogXV9usKRlb3Ry3CMmcb99SdOi5w27gwag-yUjLSA/w459-h344/PHOTO%201.jpg" width="459" /></a></b></div><b><br />PHOTO 1</b><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">What You Need<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-Cool stuff you’ve gathered to feature in our stepping stone <b> </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvRdMq4-uKxsMTYl45VJ8eb9IlA_yw5jgGUiv3bahDDNyX3Ow2_9PkOAKd9v2Ps8eAHjKJZBFnkKyDsomI5-DHzMNY97oNVO2MwB1QKzudWUxU-562tbFloduMNuMS6SiqCtWZRare44gnw8OpX9Vciz-oPtS2hfltfDAfFo4PK6TXE9WSpzg0QMSVg/s2400/PHOTO%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1635" data-original-width="2400" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvRdMq4-uKxsMTYl45VJ8eb9IlA_yw5jgGUiv3bahDDNyX3Ow2_9PkOAKd9v2Ps8eAHjKJZBFnkKyDsomI5-DHzMNY97oNVO2MwB1QKzudWUxU-562tbFloduMNuMS6SiqCtWZRare44gnw8OpX9Vciz-oPtS2hfltfDAfFo4PK6TXE9WSpzg0QMSVg/w450-h306/PHOTO%202.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-Two 2-inch thick slabs of foam sheeting.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">You can buy this in the form of foam insulation at the home improvement store but it is much less expensive to recycle blocks of shipping foam you may have received when opening a package.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-Sheets of newspaper, a Sharpie, and a pair of scissors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-Keyhole saw<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-3-inch nails<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-brush and vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-plastic bowl for mixing concrete<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-bag of sand topping concrete mix<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-mixing trowel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">-mud gloves and a plastic-covered work surface<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">What You Do<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">1. Design a simple shape for your stone using the Sharpie and sheets of newspaper. Remember that your designs need s to be smaller than your sheets of foam.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">2. Keep your shape simple with no thin portions that stick out. These will break off in no time. Cut out the shape with scissors. It will serve as your pattern and the base to plan your design. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ktdg3QUbiiUqoQVqwN4au66UlQ715JsCJ2vFh3lKVkA9zQlcEDqU25f1raHkGZP_TsAMLPScPJnbzAKw1dK1RDz9MOqQU7xqzHsvZxdZanPs76cZWWV30AUgsR6xd6LYenzC0D5gtZxUoXcPMDMSaffJOQZWeqJxJkOctXzJMcjtkXXSl7m7JNEzzw/s2400/PHOTO%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2400" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ktdg3QUbiiUqoQVqwN4au66UlQ715JsCJ2vFh3lKVkA9zQlcEDqU25f1raHkGZP_TsAMLPScPJnbzAKw1dK1RDz9MOqQU7xqzHsvZxdZanPs76cZWWV30AUgsR6xd6LYenzC0D5gtZxUoXcPMDMSaffJOQZWeqJxJkOctXzJMcjtkXXSl7m7JNEzzw/w398-h299/PHOTO%203.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">3. Trace the pattern in the center of one of the sheets of foam with the Sharpie and cut out carefully. Try to cut the shape out of the foam in one piece, Remember, it is the negative or outside portion that will become your mold, not the shape itself. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">4. Cut the outside shape into two pieces. This makes it much easier to remove the casting after the concrete has hardened.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">5. Use the nails to stick the mold sections onto the second piece of foam, which will become the base of the mold. Use them as if they were giant pins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">Then use the brush to coat the bottom and sides of the mold with vegetable oil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">6. Lay out your found objects on top of the pattern piece. This will guide you when it comes time to insert them into the wet concrete. You do not have a great deal of working time before the concrete begins to set. Having a layout plan ahead of time will ensure you get it all safely inserted before this happens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWK3PcWMimti1T7M4T6uufW4QPyT2Jewl_O4sBCIfq9Rjy0m5wUjR1fhcUMBPqxUcq1dESaXpOUHiWiFUxOcsmykgOpqGUauDkN-BiUMROYCGSMx1L1M7hyCd7fs_FR3Rf7TfgXNYh-SpMGthzZqZrtMET0_i7RpQhnWW1UGqrTjvpQwll-MS5xFYo5w/s2400/PHOTO%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="2400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWK3PcWMimti1T7M4T6uufW4QPyT2Jewl_O4sBCIfq9Rjy0m5wUjR1fhcUMBPqxUcq1dESaXpOUHiWiFUxOcsmykgOpqGUauDkN-BiUMROYCGSMx1L1M7hyCd7fs_FR3Rf7TfgXNYh-SpMGthzZqZrtMET0_i7RpQhnWW1UGqrTjvpQwll-MS5xFYo5w/w478-h366/PHOTO%204.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">7.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">Scoop about 1/3 of a bag of Sand Topping Mix into a plastic mixing bowl.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">Add water and mix to a thick, smooth paste using the trowel.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">Stir at least 25 times to ensure it is smooth and homogenous. Pour immediately into the mold up to ¼” from the top edge.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">Lift an edge of the mold and gently tap several times to remove air bubbles.</span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">The top surface should be completely smooth.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">8. Gently insert your objects according to your layout plan, pushing them into the concrete. Remember, you will be walking on this stone, so make sure nothing is sticking up too far to cause you to trip! If something decides to sink, no worries; fish it out, wash it off, and try again. <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">9. Allow your completed design to set and harden overnight.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkq29g5eaIYaFHzrE49UIaqGfKuC7irZuWYOF2Q_-cfayiPrVu5EsVl_QmMfgbfPQZ8ARpcj-0AGP2AKlQe9eqWHSE9E3eNMNUAk2_7P2EWNKTaPDeJGRcujKKHTmtanxUhDshYpRzHuahacCHD98I70HYNKxlV2Mtzho3Uiv3pN7vQWm3cYkmkRhxg/s2400/PHOTO%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="2400" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkq29g5eaIYaFHzrE49UIaqGfKuC7irZuWYOF2Q_-cfayiPrVu5EsVl_QmMfgbfPQZ8ARpcj-0AGP2AKlQe9eqWHSE9E3eNMNUAk2_7P2EWNKTaPDeJGRcujKKHTmtanxUhDshYpRzHuahacCHD98I70HYNKxlV2Mtzho3Uiv3pN7vQWm3cYkmkRhxg/w514-h342/PHOTO%205.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">10. The next day, carefully remove the nails to preserve the mold. You can use it several times if you wish. Gently wiggle and remove the two side sections of the mold. Invert on your work surface and left off the base piece of foam. </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">Smooth edges with gloved hands and clean off your objects with a toothbrush.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;">11. Let the stone cure for a couple days and it will be ready to place in your garden.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular", sans-serif;"> </span></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-71893066920025118812022-10-19T20:27:00.018-07:002022-10-23T08:47:07.152-07:00<p>10 GARDEN INSPIRED COCKTAILS THAT WILL SURPRISE AND DELIGHT YOUR GUESTS<o:p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </o:p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Artisan cocktails are one of the hottest trends in home entertaining. What will be your special new drink at your next gathering? You can turn to your own garden for the answer! You may already have plants growing in your garden that can be used to create a unique, refreshing cocktail. Here are 10 exciting new cocktails I have made from fruits and herbs from my garden.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVoEdXeOYUCHNPeZ9ZFjk7OGJpkVE609zbMWxk97k7Z86w4fKI2EWsJvW0oTye0x-okXo3MkvSUO39482vrIH8g7djr63QWa8cTNyWS5rHNdOBWZ2q684ZbBlcBoORrc4wMtRJQCCvl3DtZ_evdPqH90v1rPtjDqR8TDNlvk1wGUchWA_-j9ZO_Dy1A/s2400/GARDEN%20ARTISAN%20COCKTAILS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2400" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVoEdXeOYUCHNPeZ9ZFjk7OGJpkVE609zbMWxk97k7Z86w4fKI2EWsJvW0oTye0x-okXo3MkvSUO39482vrIH8g7djr63QWa8cTNyWS5rHNdOBWZ2q684ZbBlcBoORrc4wMtRJQCCvl3DtZ_evdPqH90v1rPtjDqR8TDNlvk1wGUchWA_-j9ZO_Dy1A/w568-h389/GARDEN%20ARTISAN%20COCKTAILS.jpg" width="568" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><div><p>Here is the link to the GARDEN ARTISAN COCKTAILS presentation with recipes and photos:</p><p><a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:bc72659a-26ac-331a-b79f-1695711ed05f">https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:bc72659a-26ac-331a-b79f-1695711ed05f</a></p></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-52278156863715398252022-09-28T10:05:00.001-07:002022-09-28T10:05:12.733-07:00<p>If you love pasta using fresh produce from your garden, this one features bell peppers instead of tomatoes. Also onion, and fresh herbs: rosemary, oregano and basil I left out the habanero, too hot for me!<span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2zhKUjb7w6wR93T6SXddCIvNqbXdSz43hVnf0r6kNv6EcZIGmF58mblqMX7IJ15kj8upOil_VGGBruDyFbwbxMMGjLyb_5uKJJ2U2oBN5fcRwc6s6PSs_C3EAHAJWr2cBFRfEBA97xNMLthIa24yADUepgNRryft3xCk6RShLqh1mYSLQN1dF5drtQ/s4032/IMG_1112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2zhKUjb7w6wR93T6SXddCIvNqbXdSz43hVnf0r6kNv6EcZIGmF58mblqMX7IJ15kj8upOil_VGGBruDyFbwbxMMGjLyb_5uKJJ2U2oBN5fcRwc6s6PSs_C3EAHAJWr2cBFRfEBA97xNMLthIa24yADUepgNRryft3xCk6RShLqh1mYSLQN1dF5drtQ/w491-h368/IMG_1112.jpeg" width="491" /></a></b></div><b><br />Peruvian-Style Pasta with Creamy Pepper Sauce</b><p></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">1 pound linguine</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">salt and ground pepper<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">¼ cup olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">1 medium onion, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">2 medium red, yellow, or orange bell peppers,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;"> Stemmed, seeded, and chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">1 habanero chili, stemmed, seeded, and chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">1 cup shredded Italian cheese<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">½ cup half-and-half<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">½ cup milk<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">1 Tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">2 TBS fresh Oregano chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">1 TBS lime juice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">Fresh basil, chopped and shredded parmesan for garnish<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in a large pot. Stir in pasta and 1 TBS salt. Cook to just shy of al dente. Drain and reserve cooking water.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">In a sauté pan, heat the oil and add onions, peppers, and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium-low, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">Transfer the onion-pepper mixture to a food processor along with the cheese, milk, half-and-half, lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Puree until smooth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">Pour the puree into the sauté pan. Add the fresh rosemary and oregano, the drained pasta, and ½ cup of the cooking water and cook on medium until the thickening sauced begins to coat the pasta, about 5-7 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Avenir Next"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Avenir Next";">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next", sans-serif;">Serve sprinkled with chopped olives, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-28002376387643933502022-07-25T10:40:00.001-07:002022-08-11T07:52:28.076-07:00Cast Hypertufa Birdhouse<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Amazon Prime Cast Birdhouse </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Tl4XCDBaF0o_kNN5ojLJLrPypjJBDfYIMXM-dcWoRRCQVpLHjKiBjEd2YU1WV4RCnlHmVOxj-VMmZEojFdO-5ZRR_vB8PK7I_jukGyVj9jwWUh1VAwLuvHZubHlSLIu--LKpRSSyV1kH-VZvf6-7QBRtD_yHvdboR2mOLKVXmVJAOucpzKaXJQKdQ/s4032/IMG_0852.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Tl4XCDBaF0o_kNN5ojLJLrPypjJBDfYIMXM-dcWoRRCQVpLHjKiBjEd2YU1WV4RCnlHmVOxj-VMmZEojFdO-5ZRR_vB8PK7I_jukGyVj9jwWUh1VAwLuvHZubHlSLIu--LKpRSSyV1kH-VZvf6-7QBRtD_yHvdboR2mOLKVXmVJAOucpzKaXJQKdQ/s320/IMG_0852.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizq_4avIqQK58zQd2dNLV4Eivx3ebYpj4iUswdZxKLMp0tZyNN6CZnu1xpxrzTWwHGCkgOIp0Zp8XL9txNJa7QKyGH0f_r85kL7bndkH7l4lNv-kwOrPPCS_zi_c_7Py9J8axjRGBjOVjIMfbYhbsxL18Wn367KWPEytlNcdcA-5AJ1uWkfnQL4uwwbA/s4032/IMG_0859.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizq_4avIqQK58zQd2dNLV4Eivx3ebYpj4iUswdZxKLMp0tZyNN6CZnu1xpxrzTWwHGCkgOIp0Zp8XL9txNJa7QKyGH0f_r85kL7bndkH7l4lNv-kwOrPPCS_zi_c_7Py9J8axjRGBjOVjIMfbYhbsxL18Wn367KWPEytlNcdcA-5AJ1uWkfnQL4uwwbA/s320/IMG_0859.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Here is a project that uses some of the many boxes one begins to accumulate when shopping on Amazon. You can already recycle the boxes conventionally, but they just happen to make great re-purposed molds for this bird house project. It is not the type you hang in a tree, but mount on a fence or a post instead, since it is cast using a mold made from a reconstructed Amazon shipping box and of course has a bit more weight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">What You Need:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Plastic covered worksurface<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Mud gloves<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">i-3 assorted Amazon shipping boxes<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Box knife<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Scissors<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Hot melt glue gun and plenty of extra glue sticks<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Sharpie<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Masking or duct tape<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">One or two 1” lengths of 5/8” PVC pipe<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Pile of straight twigs<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Any color latex paint<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Mixing bucket<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Trowel<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Brick<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Hypertufa recipe ( Here’s mine: http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What You Do:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Select a shipping box that is a good size for the birdhouse you’d like to make and carefully take it apart where it is glued or stapled together.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jOMIFSny6Z8HLC4Gg6A9CcPF8Gh5sOZJ7yhgvg3k_ayzdQhTeZXxRAxy9cKT5z9UWimd8tj4x1FkCU7dwDYHDwUAs7z4_vrWMh-6WqqAaVgpOxtauRcia6N0HZw6ZpOdT4HzpevqJMM2ekFD1cjG81KuIX31nRRDW7zKw0s-v7k-T5PFqi43UKYYNg/s1440/PHOTO%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1440" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jOMIFSny6Z8HLC4Gg6A9CcPF8Gh5sOZJ7yhgvg3k_ayzdQhTeZXxRAxy9cKT5z9UWimd8tj4x1FkCU7dwDYHDwUAs7z4_vrWMh-6WqqAaVgpOxtauRcia6N0HZw6ZpOdT4HzpevqJMM2ekFD1cjG81KuIX31nRRDW7zKw0s-v7k-T5PFqi43UKYYNg/w400-h189/PHOTO%201.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>If there are staples, remove and discard them. Use the box as is if you want a flat roof. If you’d like your roof slanted, cut two opposite sides on a slant. Reassemble the box inside out using a hot glue gun <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Glue the flaps down on the outside of the box to serve as reinforcements. The inside should be completely smooth with no flaps. Use masking tape to cover all seams on the inside. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQV1QcAH-BPcod-iF2uNwk6-n2VDKzHypDIGOKoWsqI5TGLpI6qmZVerUZ3srjugkRPgLK2-4P8lmD7ji661Rb1h5cYgtcz2juZ-xH_mwSn-yrAag4QyfzHNSPbtAlNRgkDr4tm3feusMcMzZdfJsmsMse1m4h7MUKQQCO0wI8PPXIGae_Xg6IkSjiQ/s1440/PHOTO%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1117" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQV1QcAH-BPcod-iF2uNwk6-n2VDKzHypDIGOKoWsqI5TGLpI6qmZVerUZ3srjugkRPgLK2-4P8lmD7ji661Rb1h5cYgtcz2juZ-xH_mwSn-yrAag4QyfzHNSPbtAlNRgkDr4tm3feusMcMzZdfJsmsMse1m4h7MUKQQCO0wI8PPXIGae_Xg6IkSjiQ/s320/PHOTO%202.jpeg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Glue the PVC pipe section(s) onto the inside of the box where you’d like the hole to be.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye7YEeztbv-ey30LNiP9QZKpcFSSCFINeHv19PmMttanOWMdyGY40f8cQjFIQm5bEUPs9EdmHuNvWycxUCESck5GFiqd9K6iz5i7mb_brt4kUFVvjwLHwv7vBjIdZYNj0XDxPatdpxiP_m9KyBEvlINciaya_QYL3-VdTmqnS14Ie_G7U4i3wBR9Gmg/s1440/PHOTO%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye7YEeztbv-ey30LNiP9QZKpcFSSCFINeHv19PmMttanOWMdyGY40f8cQjFIQm5bEUPs9EdmHuNvWycxUCESck5GFiqd9K6iz5i7mb_brt4kUFVvjwLHwv7vBjIdZYNj0XDxPatdpxiP_m9KyBEvlINciaya_QYL3-VdTmqnS14Ie_G7U4i3wBR9Gmg/s320/PHOTO%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span><span style="text-align: left;">I used two to make two holes, one on either side. Use pieces cut from another box to make relief designs on each of the four sides.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> I used arches inspired by gothic architecture for mine. </span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><b>TIP</b>: Whatever you decide to do design-wise, keep it simple and repeat your shapes. Glue the pieces onto the inside surfaces of your mold using the hot glue gun. Finally, run a border of masking or duct tape around the perimeter of the box mold at the bottom and again at the top. This will prevent the box from sagging out of shape as you construct the birdhouse. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5a4f5d_KvylGVd-1YA6rQG_dPPvAiADT0VqeWjOUeFgZ7gKmqkvazGj5JRu5TBh0bqS4vlnmx25spkSV_ck5x2dxzmupq8ejiYDg13SKOVSPRuSsF_nBq1lT9osQGrGQmxn7mizkmmEPe8GS3Q4QL72sVVVk2QETHFZ-S02F1_gFi_ORQu1QMjtKfA/s1440/PHOTO%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1221" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5a4f5d_KvylGVd-1YA6rQG_dPPvAiADT0VqeWjOUeFgZ7gKmqkvazGj5JRu5TBh0bqS4vlnmx25spkSV_ck5x2dxzmupq8ejiYDg13SKOVSPRuSsF_nBq1lT9osQGrGQmxn7mizkmmEPe8GS3Q4QL72sVVVk2QETHFZ-S02F1_gFi_ORQu1QMjtKfA/s320/PHOTO%204.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Cut and glue together a cardboard tray with a bottom and one-inch sides. This will serve as the mold for the roof. It should be 1-inch larger both ways than the dimension of your box mold. This will ensure that the roof overhangs the birdhouse.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">When both the birdhouse and roof molds have been constructed, paint them inside and out with a coat of latex paint and allow to dry. <o:p></o:p>Coat the inside of both molds liberally using a paintbrush and vegetable oil. Mix up a batch of your favorite hypertufa to a clay-like consistency. Pack the mold by handfuls, firmly pressing the material against the side of the mold and forming a smooth inner surface. Be sure to apply ample material across the top edge, smoothing to create a firm, durable edge.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVfCd4qpm26UQIxQ4d3I0b5P3yEbyb8iYk2RYLGqv_oqXJhGQ8tVmhYQ2ZNlfNXBWSyGbvDTjcFsTjr2ofgqMw3fZu0tuzc3pmTVWhH6kfAvuYCV8vRrIXI56mr9s8MXwQxCCKHZDgxTiv7HupvX9qxEBOI4p4IyhyCpvsg7mMxfHMrxo6iiM0aD4ZQ/s1457/PHOTO%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVfCd4qpm26UQIxQ4d3I0b5P3yEbyb8iYk2RYLGqv_oqXJhGQ8tVmhYQ2ZNlfNXBWSyGbvDTjcFsTjr2ofgqMw3fZu0tuzc3pmTVWhH6kfAvuYCV8vRrIXI56mr9s8MXwQxCCKHZDgxTiv7HupvX9qxEBOI4p4IyhyCpvsg7mMxfHMrxo6iiM0aD4ZQ/s320/PHOTO%205.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div>When the birdhouse mold is cast, move to the cardboard tray and fill it with hypertufa using a brick to evenly tamp the surface smooth. Lay twigs into the soft hypertufa and tamp into the mold using the brick. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>TIP:</b> Cut twigs the same size as your roof mold and have them ready to add when casting the roof. They lend a nice natural look as a surface texture for the roof. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlwB3dI17Hn0OKsCrvbuC-dr71t5v_mZn3Mh_r3Nv32Pe9yLGr0WNd8ATB-3eqqDpIYUx7Po3xI3f8Jv-i7L6TSrINRysblghi4qriCbJY0YpzAHv9DE-yCa00019NwKrK8vGIjYG31E1IOcXASP02y7JQUVhqwjDp_TV3haIxmJCBSewB2f8zef1qA/s1440/PHOTO%206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1440" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlwB3dI17Hn0OKsCrvbuC-dr71t5v_mZn3Mh_r3Nv32Pe9yLGr0WNd8ATB-3eqqDpIYUx7Po3xI3f8Jv-i7L6TSrINRysblghi4qriCbJY0YpzAHv9DE-yCa00019NwKrK8vGIjYG31E1IOcXASP02y7JQUVhqwjDp_TV3haIxmJCBSewB2f8zef1qA/s320/PHOTO%206.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUQ-b61EclnA3t8fhfAXshJUrXNTa_lRwsTBvcJDN6F05g5UkiQser9UJkzsUujhYGwMseC0rM5E2vpQEY3E_JdGezovNy1NSJXavUerhb2e4xB-WHTXXB_EqZPkDVO53AQRvWE2X_0E7cTRCSFoPzW0ak6gzZPklENmT5P6WwHMTj7eorsGuyq7o0Q/s1440/PHOTO%207.jpeg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUQ-b61EclnA3t8fhfAXshJUrXNTa_lRwsTBvcJDN6F05g5UkiQser9UJkzsUujhYGwMseC0rM5E2vpQEY3E_JdGezovNy1NSJXavUerhb2e4xB-WHTXXB_EqZPkDVO53AQRvWE2X_0E7cTRCSFoPzW0ak6gzZPklENmT5P6WwHMTj7eorsGuyq7o0Q/s320/PHOTO%207.jpeg" width="291" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Allow both molds to cure and harden. This may take two to three days. Remove the mold and</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">allow the birdhouse and roof to cure further for one week out of the sun. Because the roof is heavy, it may simply rest on top of the birdhouse, making it simple to lift off for cleanout at the end of the season. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>TIP:</b> To ensure the roof stays in place, apply hot glue to the top edge of the birdhouse at each corner, immediately place the roof on top and hold until the glue hardens. This will keep the roof in place for the summer. To remove the roof for cleaning, simply pry the corners gently with a screwdriver. The hot glue will give easily.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Leave your birdhouse natural or add accents with exterior latex paint and mount on a wooden platform on a post or fence. Use the hot glue technique here also to hold the house in place for the season.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-8444713489751268982022-04-05T09:02:00.001-07:002022-04-05T09:02:20.517-07:00TREE STUMP WATER BASIN<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SBZXfObJfxAkJIUMhHxIVE0-HlkpH8qyRpyY0hvUMyt6K1zVFVWixJ4KXzBXe3_QMIR2PkvGvTNxP2ftR06TMhr7dze43O0MkSUu8ksr75vlbKMX7iXpjI8BUEH0TninUPLFmVvSeD0xQzkYGMO4MMUhTSCyEPlnHd1ed7unO_bc37QKc_h08fRnTQ/s4032/IMG_0324.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SBZXfObJfxAkJIUMhHxIVE0-HlkpH8qyRpyY0hvUMyt6K1zVFVWixJ4KXzBXe3_QMIR2PkvGvTNxP2ftR06TMhr7dze43O0MkSUu8ksr75vlbKMX7iXpjI8BUEH0TninUPLFmVvSeD0xQzkYGMO4MMUhTSCyEPlnHd1ed7unO_bc37QKc_h08fRnTQ/w364-h273/IMG_0324.jpeg" width="364" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">These days it’s wise to be creative in using what we have and “turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse” as my mom used to say.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">I just had a large, messy silver maple taken down in my front yard.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Having spent plenty just to get it down and hauled away, I wasn’t about to spend another fortune to have the stump removed.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Instead, the tree guys cut the stump a bit higher than usual and with as flat a cut as they could manage to result in a perfect pedestal for a large shallow water basin for the birds. At the same time, a load of topsoil was delivered to fill in all of the pits and ruts in the lawn from the tree removal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">The mound of topsoil made a perfect hump mold for a hypertufa water basin. Here’s a very simple method for making a water basin in your garden.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">What You Need<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> An open space in your garden where you can build a mound of earth to the desired size of your water basin.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Your favorite hypertufa recipe. Here’s mine:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><a href="http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html#http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html" style="color: purple;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">large mixing tub<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">shovel and garden rake<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">plastic tarp or heavy dropcloth<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">nail, string, and a sharpie<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">paintbrush and can of paint<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">mud gloves<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">a brick, a trow<o:p></o:p></span>el, and a length of rebar</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">bag of sand topping mix and a large paintbrush<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">What You Do<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">1. Using your garden shovel, build a mound in an open area of your garden larger than the desired size of your water basin. Use the rake to shape the mound and to get a nice smooth surface.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">2. Spread out the tarp over a flat area. Tie the end of the string to the nail and push it into the center of the tarp. Measure out the desired radius of your basin and tie the other end of the string to the sharpie. Keeping the string taut, draw a circle around the nail. Using the brush and paint, go over the sharpie line to make it easily noticeable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">3. When the paint has dried, center the tarp over the mound of soil. Weight the corners to keep the tarp in place. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYDQD46rTvSIpZ51o3W5Qgahbopy4M-7lxZDkRgTzHUwq_0gAk65b_BHazpyHeg384gt6ybRrpUG7QGuwPX1L7NidQz4AlNMbGq1dAYdQ3weOdKujp74kUgevHfIDnTLPQPS4y_W4VcOu586D489EwvGl8FxTMkGZ8_6Zoch2pgtCcjTUdUsg4pLbhg/s1600/PHOTO%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYDQD46rTvSIpZ51o3W5Qgahbopy4M-7lxZDkRgTzHUwq_0gAk65b_BHazpyHeg384gt6ybRrpUG7QGuwPX1L7NidQz4AlNMbGq1dAYdQ3weOdKujp74kUgevHfIDnTLPQPS4y_W4VcOu586D489EwvGl8FxTMkGZ8_6Zoch2pgtCcjTUdUsg4pLbhg/s320/PHOTO%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>4. Put on a pair of mud gloves and mix up the hypertufa, increasing the Portland cement by 1/3. This will fortify the mix and make it stronger. Mix a normal batch and if you run out, make more.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">5. Scoop the hypertufa into the center of the circle, the top of the hump. Lightly spread out the material so that it is thicker at the top of the mound, about 2 inches, and gradually thins to 1 inch at the edges. <b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuSsAUExPsTsj6pv5KTaqzGKRsbP0QVKwB9SU5pe1Nj_TYgW_dbdkRfOihZpYrSWH3ZcElq2txm0G8oVY0CFKkFmBayMBIoRsqsw-y7ameFU-eRGpl3_L6orEtGRQRGigRiYdf-5NH9rEFvikn0M4iKc1F2elFLgHGB278nfGB4tTYS-r6wME0EO7Vw/s1600/PHOTO%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuSsAUExPsTsj6pv5KTaqzGKRsbP0QVKwB9SU5pe1Nj_TYgW_dbdkRfOihZpYrSWH3ZcElq2txm0G8oVY0CFKkFmBayMBIoRsqsw-y7ameFU-eRGpl3_L6orEtGRQRGigRiYdf-5NH9rEFvikn0M4iKc1F2elFLgHGB278nfGB4tTYS-r6wME0EO7Vw/s320/PHOTO%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span>6. Use the brick to firmly tamp the entire surface of hypertufa, melding the mass into a single large disk. Then use your hand to polish and smooth the surface. Use the trowel to press in the outer edges of the basin so they are firm and not crumbly. Remember the edge is where you will be lifting the basin and you do not want it to be weak and break.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDER0dJmvKciVWZb7fAlztoheuGzQ8Tb-RFav_gPmdPRV8sm1hGRAfto-htIgLzjAPHS6KfEE3XYkoRoUVvDpEn8JzfyszWGjSEd27jrARTrvV4ylQR7HoqVE81uqfzMBrdirzTA1r4-N_-rLQuaeQtdBfUtr1VjXpWd7zdvyxGxDAVrRl5d7z-HxcA/s1600/PHOTO%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDER0dJmvKciVWZb7fAlztoheuGzQ8Tb-RFav_gPmdPRV8sm1hGRAfto-htIgLzjAPHS6KfEE3XYkoRoUVvDpEn8JzfyszWGjSEd27jrARTrvV4ylQR7HoqVE81uqfzMBrdirzTA1r4-N_-rLQuaeQtdBfUtr1VjXpWd7zdvyxGxDAVrRl5d7z-HxcA/s320/PHOTO%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;">7. Finally, press the length of rebar into the hypertufa creating flutes all the way around the disk. These add strength as well as a nice decorative touch. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GyCbqw5Id0uHPSIDT5EIK8DHKpi51WHelLfC_a5K1ZGGie3Wq9PEOYftvFeeYhBdM4I_5T10P3bPl-0GXdti_IZ7DwUVF3m5Ch7Cz3wC5SJ8Kh0emB4Z6V8cR-XmI8cWVgWQaSv5uCy-wQ4o9JKLxhO-wLZkbLdDoXJeaxpWznAN-gjKfFwd2jxzOA/s1600/PHOTO%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1541" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GyCbqw5Id0uHPSIDT5EIK8DHKpi51WHelLfC_a5K1ZGGie3Wq9PEOYftvFeeYhBdM4I_5T10P3bPl-0GXdti_IZ7DwUVF3m5Ch7Cz3wC5SJ8Kh0emB4Z6V8cR-XmI8cWVgWQaSv5uCy-wQ4o9JKLxhO-wLZkbLdDoXJeaxpWznAN-gjKfFwd2jxzOA/s320/PHOTO%205.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></div>8. Cover the basin with plastic and allow it to cure slowly for a week. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">9. When completely dry, invert the basin and transfer it to its desired spot in your garden.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">10. Mix sand mix concrete mix and use the large paintbrush to skim coat the inside surface of the basin. This will ensure it will hold water. Let the concrete dry completely and then you can leave it as and fill it with water or mosaic a decorative pattern with glass and tile on the inside. For this example, we used pieces of mirror, glass and marbles creating a dramatic focal point.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-91931325086725034322021-09-29T13:10:00.003-07:002021-09-29T13:10:58.292-07:00Blushing Apple Pie<p><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bUBnYshwAo/YVTHBZlLFwI/AAAAAAAAHx4/cgQO-luju7smZYmscgN3QmRfmVrgM1GDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/BONNIE%2BAPPLES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1436" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bUBnYshwAo/YVTHBZlLFwI/AAAAAAAAHx4/cgQO-luju7smZYmscgN3QmRfmVrgM1GDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BONNIE%2BAPPLES.jpg" width="319" /></a></b></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This summer was a good one for apples. Here our dwarf Bonnie apple is loaded with these large clunky fruits! I have been searching for recipes that are a bit more interesting than plain ordinary apple pie. The beets have also grown well this summer, so here is a Blushing Apple Pie that features both of these ingredients together. I've tasted several interesting savory recipes combining beets and apples, but this one hits the sweet tooth.</span><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTo5_fg6RBM/YVTHBSOfz8I/AAAAAAAAHx0/FkxWXn5xfl8hVl5vcPWkvD98SIjP042GACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/BONNIES%2BAND%2BBEETS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1440" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTo5_fg6RBM/YVTHBSOfz8I/AAAAAAAAHx0/FkxWXn5xfl8hVl5vcPWkvD98SIjP042GACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BONNIES%2BAND%2BBEETS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Blushing Apple Pie</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">½ orange<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">6-7 baking apples ( about 2 ½ pounds fresh<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">¼ cup plus 2 TBS white sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">½ cup packed dark brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">½ medium beet, oven roasted until tender and chipped into ½ inch dice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">¼ teaspoon ground ginger<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">¼ teaspoon cardamom<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">3 TBS all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">¼ teaspoon orange zest<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">1 TBS cider vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">2 dashes Angostura bitters<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">Egg wash (1 large egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water and pinch of salt)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">Coarse sugar for finishing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">Have ready and refrigerated a 9-inch pastry lined pie pan and pastry to finish a top layer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">Zest the orange and set aside. Juice the orange into large bowl. Peel and slice apples into thin slices and dredge in the orange juice. Sprinkle lightly with 2 TBS of the granulated sugar. Set aside to soften and release juices, 20-30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">In the bowl of a food processor, fitted with the blade attachment,. Combine the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, chopped beet, ginger, cardamom., salt flour vanilla and bitters. Process until the beet is fully incorporated into the sugar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">Drain excess liquated from the apples, add the beet-sugar mixture and toss the apples to coat them thoroughly. Tightly layer the apples in the prepared pie shell so there are minimal gaps., mounding the apples higher in the center. Add the pastry topcoat with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">Chill the pie in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set the pastry. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake 20 -25 minutes until pastry begins to brown. Reduce heat to375 degrees F and continue to bake for 40-50 minutes longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-11221827063226600122021-07-27T09:10:00.001-07:002021-07-27T09:10:43.771-07:00Dried Garden Wreath<p> <b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DRIED GARDEN WREATH </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdBnRrdcM0I/YQAtQY5Qp7I/AAAAAAAAHvg/h2FZKutSNYQXW1kDvla5mAd3C7Jr3cyYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1436" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdBnRrdcM0I/YQAtQY5Qp7I/AAAAAAAAHvg/h2FZKutSNYQXW1kDvla5mAd3C7Jr3cyYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w355-h356/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I move through the sections of my garden weeding and trimming, I am always amazed how much plant material I gather ends up on the compost piles. Compost is good, yes, but some of these plant materials can also be used in a more creative way in the form of a garden wreath, that will allow you to bring the outside in and give you fond memories of the passing summer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I plaited a wreath form from grapevine, wisteria and euonymus vine and let it dry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instead of going to the compost pile, mature oregano, lemon balm and mint were bunched together, forming small bouquets that were hung upside down in the garage to dry. Two types of decorative grass were cut mature, but still green and braided, garlic-style, into short ropes that were dried curved. Zinnia, sunflower and dahlia blossoms were cut in varying sizes and dried in powdered desiccant to preserve their shape and color. After two weeks everything was dry and combined into a wonderful dried garden wreath. You can make one too, using what you have in the garden. This is a wonderful, fragrant decoration for the inside. It simply will not hold up outside. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What You Need<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Vine trimmings, i.e. grape, wisteria, porcelain berry, - anything from which you can plait a ring base for your wreath.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Cut and trimmed garden herbs and flowers. Good candidates for drying include oregano, lemon balm, and mint. They are all very fragrant and hold their dried leaves well. If you are in doubt, try it!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Any long-stemmed decorative grasses for the braided rings will work nicely. It is easier to cut and use green rather than when it has turned brown.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-A selection of cut flower blossoms less fleshy and thicker is better than succulent and delicate. Zinnias are perfect for this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-garden scissors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-rubber bands<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-green floral wire<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-hot glue gun with plenty of extra sticks of glue<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-desiccant for drying blossoms. - purchased or homemade. Visit this link to make your <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> own. </span><a href="https://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/uses/arts-crafts/preserve-flowers-"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">https://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/uses/arts-crafts/preserve-flowers-</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> naturally/<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-plastic tub or box to use for drying flower blossoms<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What You Do</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Use vines from one variety or several. It really doesn’t matter, since most of it will be covered. Start with a single long piece of vine and shape into a 12 to 15 -inch circle. Once you’ve formed a ring, wrap the loose end of the vine around the ring and tuck in the end. Repeat this process until your vines are used up and you have a nice substantial wreath base. Allow to dry flat. It will become stiff and serve as a nice framework on which to wrap your wreath. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlHflLlyqK4/YQAtdM4Gr_I/AAAAAAAAHvk/VooEpcfN97spB1K6j5kRoIzIG7PyQjNFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlHflLlyqK4/YQAtdM4Gr_I/AAAAAAAAHvk/VooEpcfN97spB1K6j5kRoIzIG7PyQjNFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you weed and work your garden, gather herbs and plants that will dry well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix your harvest and lay out in small, full bunches, trimming each at about 12-14 inches in length. Do not scrimp on these bunches, they need to be full and fat. You can make the bunches shorter in length but your wreath will be stockier and not as luxurious. Hang bunches to dry, out of direct sunlight, for about 2 weeks. Continue this process until you have around 20 bunches.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TJNEz7RRy4/YQAtpSpfGBI/AAAAAAAAHvs/LSmzcKBNoZQsAdlwwO1Dlg1etzzjAaxggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TJNEz7RRy4/YQAtpSpfGBI/AAAAAAAAHvs/LSmzcKBNoZQsAdlwwO1Dlg1etzzjAaxggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Gather long-stemmed decorative grasses into a bunch you can wrap your thumb and forefinger around. Separate the bunch. Into three equal portions.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Secure below the seed heads with a twist tie. Braid garlic -style to the end of the stems and secure with another twist tie. Slowly massage the braid stems into a ring and secure with a piece of string. Hang these with your other bunches and let dry for two weeks as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNDxxalfrEk/YQAuDwFhKvI/AAAAAAAAHwg/u0-10h_mT-oj8U1AnmKhbkHe2sv9NF_egCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNDxxalfrEk/YQAuDwFhKvI/AAAAAAAAHwg/u0-10h_mT-oj8U1AnmKhbkHe2sv9NF_egCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1jJx5F66Go/YQAuEG47M3I/AAAAAAAAHwk/y23pvO3u-wgJQmncYcm8gr_RsYQM3KQ4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1476/PHOTO%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1jJx5F66Go/YQAuEG47M3I/AAAAAAAAHwk/y23pvO3u-wgJQmncYcm8gr_RsYQM3KQ4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B5.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Take a trip through your garden and select blossoms of non-succulent flowers. It is nice to gather mixed stages of blossoms from bud to full bloom. Leave 1/2- inch of stem at the back of each flower. Do not use old flowers that have faded or are beginning to fall apart. Pour a 1-inch layer of desiccant into a plastic-lined box. Arrange the blossoms in rows face up, sticking the stubby stem into the desiccant. Cover the flowers completely with additional desiccant and cover the entire box with a plastic bag. Let this sit for two weeks to fully dehydrate. <b></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rewxkj0XP_U/YQAuQogtPZI/AAAAAAAAHwo/Fr_QUcKddCESn4kydOH0GOi4KLv8TNVrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rewxkj0XP_U/YQAuQogtPZI/AAAAAAAAHwo/Fr_QUcKddCESn4kydOH0GOi4KLv8TNVrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">When everything has dried, set up a work table on which to make your wreath. You will have much less to clean up if you do the wreath assembly outside in the grass, out of the sun. This allows all the dried plant materials that fall and crumble, to disappear into the wind and grass. Do not be alarmed at how much of the dried material may crumble-that is why the bunches were made nice and full. Removes and ties and rubber bands.</span><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lay the wreath frame flat on the work surface and attach the end of a spool of florist’s wire to the ring leaving a 6-inch tail. Gently fan out a bunch of the dried plants and drape over the wreath frame. Wrap at least three rounds snuggly around the frame with wire. </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQA20imQw4s/YQAutv9JkTI/AAAAAAAAHw4/WsD5zdU3n-Ii0xz8OO8Ew_zltN2xg5FJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQA20imQw4s/YQAutv9JkTI/AAAAAAAAHw4/WsD5zdU3n-Ii0xz8OO8Ew_zltN2xg5FJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Then do the same with the next bunch covering the stems of the previous bunch.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Wrap well with wire to secure and repeat the process making your way all the way around the wreath frame.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXL6yPysznQ/YQAu3GtGaWI/AAAAAAAAHw8/mC6Ptm-JSfkUROxCz9iH8eqvKdgX9MjtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXL6yPysznQ/YQAu3GtGaWI/AAAAAAAAHw8/mC6Ptm-JSfkUROxCz9iH8eqvKdgX9MjtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">When you reach the first bunch twist the wire together with the tail left at the beginning and snip off the wire spool.</span><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turn the wreath upside down and position the grass rings around the wreath, one each at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The seed head should be pointing outward. Secure to the wreath frame with hot glue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAg5UJyyHjc/YQAvAtYvDTI/AAAAAAAAHxE/vZ_xi_4M0DUjdSS9kCXIfuDCLmmetRw-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAg5UJyyHjc/YQAvAtYvDTI/AAAAAAAAHxE/vZ_xi_4M0DUjdSS9kCXIfuDCLmmetRw-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Turn the wreath right-side up and place your dried flowers where you’d like them on your wreath. Once you have them all positioned, attach each to the wreath with hot glue applied in a ring around the stubby stem. </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_AUAYhxdes/YQAvJ9zesjI/AAAAAAAAHxM/zdc7gIqMOZYTGBgHJyVwyjlXJfqoPszuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_AUAYhxdes/YQAvJ9zesjI/AAAAAAAAHxM/zdc7gIqMOZYTGBgHJyVwyjlXJfqoPszuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP:</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A ring of glue around the stubby stem will ensure the the flowers are firmly attached in more than one place. Tuck or nestle the flower into the greenery so the flower is not lying flat on top. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUSz0z2UydM/YQAvWwsBapI/AAAAAAAAHxU/6M-T9sVI4OYcW2a_OXeXVhZpPcjrmnf3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUSz0z2UydM/YQAvWwsBapI/AAAAAAAAHxU/6M-T9sVI4OYcW2a_OXeXVhZpPcjrmnf3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">11.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Hang your wreath on a single long nail or screw out of direct sunlight. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 0.25in;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TIP:</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Hang the wreath and evaluate if you like it. 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</style>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-12329717658077648802021-01-16T18:07:00.001-08:002021-01-16T18:07:09.077-08:00Layered Concrete Planter<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Layered Concrete Planter </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUwjoQnDBfE/YAOZ9j_CniI/AAAAAAAAHoM/A2IEp0AZtC4eUSWcEQKBd9sKYdnYaLXbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1563/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUwjoQnDBfE/YAOZ9j_CniI/AAAAAAAAHoM/A2IEp0AZtC4eUSWcEQKBd9sKYdnYaLXbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s a cool planting container you can put to use right away this spring. It is intriguing because of the layering technique as well as the use of recycled concrete pieces. If you do not have pieces of old concrete to recycle, no worries, you just won’t use them. There is little you can do to screw up on this project and it offers a surprising “reveal” when you unmold it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this planter, I used recycled concrete pieces, pea gravel, and blue marbles. You can change out any of these components with a range of different sized gravels, colored aquarium gravel, marbles or glass pieces, even sand. The important ingredient that cannot be substituted, is the rapid set concrete mix that holds everything together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fCV3FKDlb0/YAOadcxkWJI/AAAAAAAAHos/zKtEE8QoaXgpwAWyDDA7mmo5YQhOnQdrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="2048" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fCV3FKDlb0/YAOadcxkWJI/AAAAAAAAHos/zKtEE8QoaXgpwAWyDDA7mmo5YQhOnQdrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w549-h440/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" width="549" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></b></p>What You Need </span></b><b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-1 bag Rapid Set Concrete Mix from the hardware store or home improvement center</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Bucket of recycled concrete pieces. Put down an old board on a cement surface and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> wack cement chunks into gravel-like bits with a <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> hammer- great job for kids!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Bag of pea gravel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Colored glass pieces or marbles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Large round or square box to serve as your mold. Large planting containers with <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> smooth sides work well for this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Smaller plastic nursery pot to create the space for dirt on the inside. Try to find one <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> that will give you the most space for soil and still <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> allow for the layering technique within your mold.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Oil and brush to use as mold release<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Sheet of plastic to protect work surface<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Mud gloves to protect your hands<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Plastic mixing pail and trowel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What You Do</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Oil the inside of the outer mold well so the finished product will release easily.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Double check the inside plastic container to make sure it fits and is also large enough to provide enough space for soil for planting later. Punch a hold in the bottom for drainage. Remember, this pot remains in the finished planter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. Open the bag of Rapid Mix concrete mix and measure a workable volume into the plastic mixing pail. I suggest about 8 cups to start. It is best to mix several small portions rather than one large batch. This is because it sets so much faster than regular concrete. Slowly add water to the dry mix in the pail and keep mixing, adding small amounts of water as you go, until the mix is similar to runny yogurt. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. Pour the mixed concrete into your mold to at least a 1” thickness and shake to level out. Center the inside plastic pot inside the mold on top of the concrete. You want this inner pot to be level with the top edges of the mold. If you find it is too deep in the mold, remove it and toss in rubble or large gravel until you get the inner pot level with the top edge of the outer mold. Then, use the trowel to scoop in the remaining first batch of mix into the mold around the inner pot and shake to settle the concrete in the mold. <span style="color: blue;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4QE2Rt0JRI/YAOa1wH1RjI/AAAAAAAAHo0/fpVWnHbKjFwrrwOKea_pLeuQUoUMBPtYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4QE2Rt0JRI/YAOa1wH1RjI/AAAAAAAAHo0/fpVWnHbKjFwrrwOKea_pLeuQUoUMBPtYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Before going further, use a screw driver, a large nail or a stick to bore a drainage hole through the hold you put into the inner container and through the concrete to the bottom of the mold. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. Now, drop pieces of rubble or large gravel in varying amounts around the mold, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">sprinkle in some pea gravel and a few marbles on top of this. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVRAXMGK0i8/YAObB9fuV7I/AAAAAAAAHo4/loJHoPCv7jo1ZE97DgH-7mfHreIbXJSBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVRAXMGK0i8/YAObB9fuV7I/AAAAAAAAHo4/loJHoPCv7jo1ZE97DgH-7mfHreIbXJSBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. Mix up another 8 cups of Rapid Mix and scoop in dollops unevenly into the outer mold, sometime covering the gravel and leaving other parts uncovered. In this project you do not want to be uniform-enjoy the freedom to be erratic, heavier here, lighter there!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. Repeat the process of dropping in uneven amounts of rubble, gravel and marbles, covering portion once again with a layer of securing Rapid Mix.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. When you reach the top, you will fill in the entire space with the Rapid mix smoothing it flat between the outer edge of the mold and the inner pot using the trowel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9. Insert pieces of gravel into the smooth surface. It is especially nice to showcase the colorful marbles in this top rim as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10. Allow setting and curing overnight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11. Remove the outer mold. Do not be concerned when you see areas of your pot loose and fall away. Now is the time to let everything that is not affixed by the Rapid Mix to the container fall off. Shake carefully to get rid of all the loose material. Sweep this up and save for your nest layered pot. Use the trowel to smooth rough edges and remove anything you don’t like. Do this gently or so as not to remove more than you’d prefer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A4oFPczKPs/YAObSsZEIHI/AAAAAAAAHpE/vs5_84aPHhcVtvUoVTy6bFD9xb9KLwqhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A4oFPczKPs/YAObSsZEIHI/AAAAAAAAHpE/vs5_84aPHhcVtvUoVTy6bFD9xb9KLwqhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PHOTO%2B5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12. You can enhance areas of your layered pot with painted lines that simulate veining in rock. Be sure the paint you use is made for the exterior. Let dry and you are ready to plant! <span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mz1KOsVBWRs/YAObgWJXBTI/AAAAAAAAHpI/DWCYnfpM6KsZeUd8GMCGMmAaGJi0AejJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PHOTO%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1392" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mz1KOsVBWRs/YAObgWJXBTI/AAAAAAAAHpI/DWCYnfpM6KsZeUd8GMCGMmAaGJi0AejJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w452-h468/PHOTO%2B6.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-33276399680260356552020-07-08T11:24:00.000-07:002020-07-08T11:25:36.612-07:00POINSETTIAS TO THE RESCUE IN SUMMER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYnn73KVVno/XwYOjK-tITI/AAAAAAAAHlE/VZnMY5yPf9MFfWhEPCpvHHClOByjts1aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="905" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYnn73KVVno/XwYOjK-tITI/AAAAAAAAHlE/VZnMY5yPf9MFfWhEPCpvHHClOByjts1aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Poinsettias are one of my favorite types of flowers. They come in endless patterns and colors in the most vivid of reds you can imagine. They bring joy and happiness all through the holiday season, seldom stopping there. Quite often they lend color for Valentine’s Day, blooming well into spring. Poinsettias are resilient and remain beautiful even with the summer weather challenges of the Midwest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the summer begins to wane, they can step in to pinch hit when other container flowers have withered away. A friend just gave me three beautiful potted pointsettia plants. Having a container whose inhabitants could not take the heat, I decided to build a grouping using these three plants along with some caladiums and a bunch of lemongrass for the central thriller. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rOy4CaqjFg/XwYO1rF6haI/AAAAAAAAHlY/O1kseKFrk8A8SEErrq_YQ1SLiolSjLChACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Photo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1260" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rOy4CaqjFg/XwYO1rF6haI/AAAAAAAAHlY/O1kseKFrk8A8SEErrq_YQ1SLiolSjLChACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Photo%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";"> </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yeah, I know, they are no longer red, but the green is deep and rich and really sets off the colors of the caladiums. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As a final touch, several smaller Wild Poinsettias, (Euphorbia cyathophora) were popped into the corners. I discovered them while running along a road in North Carolina and dug some up to bring home. They have naturalized in my garden and reseed ever year. They too are hardy and the very top of the plant turns brilliant scarlet just like their big cousins without having to be pampered or placed in the dark. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rb-fQ-X8wkE/XwYO7SfABnI/AAAAAAAAHlc/gZxogMwyJlc8za1WB_yElRDqtw329OzIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Photo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1202" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rb-fQ-X8wkE/XwYO7SfABnI/AAAAAAAAHlc/gZxogMwyJlc8za1WB_yElRDqtw329OzIACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Photo%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Poinsettias will even blend nicely with fall mums and grasses in fall containers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You may have pitched your poinsettias by now, but if you still have them around, put them to work again!</span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-42485327449420785332020-07-04T17:41:00.002-07:002020-07-04T17:41:57.642-07:00PAPRIKA PEACH PIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhBW50omwcw/XwEbmZv7DQI/AAAAAAAAHkw/UNy2-Vkg0SMDc3iNBLDhj-z3iwxHHK6cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhBW50omwcw/XwEbmZv7DQI/AAAAAAAAHkw/UNy2-Vkg0SMDc3iNBLDhj-z3iwxHHK6cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Laurie came home from the store with bag of fragrant ripe peaches. We made peach pie with a twist containing paprika, white pepper and Angostura bitters. The amount of sugar is also reduced further emphasizing the flavor of the fresh fruit. The recipe came from the Four and Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book, my favorite pie shop in Brooklyn. They do a great job with pie and these unusual ingredients always small in amount, are way big on flavor. Here's the recipe.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paprika Peach Pie</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make your favorite crust for a double 9-inch pie.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5-6 cups sliced peaches</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 TBS fresh <span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 28, 117);">lemon juice</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2/3 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 packed brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 TBS corn</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">starch</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 TBS sweet paprika</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/8 teaspoon white pepper</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 <span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 28, 117);">teaspoon</span> allspice</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon ginger</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1-2 dashes Angostura Bitters</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Egg wash (1 egg whisked with a teaspoon of water and a pinch of salt)</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sugar for finishing</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Roll out bottom crust, fit into 9-inch pie pan and place in the refrigerator.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Slice peaches into 1/2 inch slices, add to large bowl and sprinkle with the lemon juice. (Note: I don't peel my peaches but if you prefer, do this before slicing.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add the sugars, cornstarch, spices and bitters. Toss well to combine. Spoon the filling into the cooled pie shell. Arrange the lattice or pastry round on top</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and crimp. Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with finishing sugar. Chill the pie in the fridge for 15 minutes to set the pastry. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. shift baking racks to the bottom and center. Place a rimed baking sheet on the bottom rack.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the the oven reaches temperature, place the pie on the rimmed baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and bake 20 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F, move the pie to the center oven rack and continue to bake until the pastry is a deep golden brown and the juices are bubbling <span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 28, 117);">through, 30-35 minutes longer.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow to cool 2 hours and serve slightly warm with ice <span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 28, 117);">cream. Ahhhh...heaven!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-46259474529323640692020-06-07T18:08:00.001-07:002020-06-07T18:08:58.715-07:00GARDEN TIME STRAWBERRY-LEMON PIE <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">GARDEN TIME STRAWBERRY-LEMON PIE</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 18pt;">Ingredients</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;"><span> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">LEMON BASE</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">1 single pie crust rolled and fitted into a 9" pie pan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">1/2 cup unsalted butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">about 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">1/4 teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">1 1/2 cups sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">1 tablespoon flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">1 tablespoon cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">4 large eggs, lightly beaten<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">STRAWBERRY GLAZE</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">1-pound bag frozen strawberries, thawed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">2 cups fresh berries, washed and stemmed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">3/4 to 1 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">3 tablespoons cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">2 teaspoons lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">pinch of salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 18pt;">Instructions</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Preheat the oven to 375°F.<span> </span>Melt the butter, and stir in the lemon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">juice, salt, sugar, flour and cornstarch. Add the eggs and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">whisk until the mixture is well combined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Bake the pie on the bottom shelf for 30 minutes until the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">center is set. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Make the strawberry glaze in a medium saucepan, mix the thawed frozen berries and their juice with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and salt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">When it is clear and thickened, remove it from the heat and cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Fold in the fresh berries, and mound the glaze atop the pie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1c22; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 16pt;">Garnish with whipped cream, sliced strawberries and lemon balm leaves. Store the pie, covered, in the fridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-43206366130204550902020-06-04T21:22:00.002-07:002020-06-04T21:24:24.766-07:00GROWING YOUR OWN SWEET POTATO STARTS<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Growing Your Own Sweet Potato Starts</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyggJhPnlf4/XtnHBpW5vLI/AAAAAAAAHjE/QU5d7UMkQqoQbElaNh0LxwQ5B1Mo9S6_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Photo%2B1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1260" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyggJhPnlf4/XtnHBpW5vLI/AAAAAAAAHjE/QU5d7UMkQqoQbElaNh0LxwQ5B1Mo9S6_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Photo%2B1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We love sweet potatoes and they grow very well here in the Heartland with our long warm growing season. I usually order my sweet potato starts via mail order but this spring I experienced “sticker shock” when I discovered it would cost me $31 with shipping for 12 measly sweet potato starts! “Too much”, I said, “there has to be a better way”. I was having lunch soon after with a librarian friend who has been a life long farmer and described to me how she creates her own sweet potato starts every spring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">She picks up a couple tubers from the produce department of her local grocery store. After washing them gently, she inserts 4 toothpicks around the middle and sets the tube upright in a glass of water. Finally she places it in a sunny window and waits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This really works! Even though spring is over, you can try this because our growing season is plenty long to grow sweet potatoes. I had one potato upside down, but as soon as I righted it stem-side up, it sent out shoots. In a few weeks, the eyes of the potato begin to sprout and grow. When they get to 3 or 4 inches tall, you can snap them off at the tuber and place them in a jar of water whereupon they will immediately send out roots. Once rooted, pot each start in a small pot with potting soil and place outside in a protected place to acclimate and to continue to grow before setting into their permanent growing area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you are really feeling adventurous, you can make your own</span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"> </span><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sweet Potato Composting Tree.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwus-o5i5Vk/XtnHD5AunHI/AAAAAAAAHjk/4OepaLQfyAUNGtARxgkZ7-W2y5wvCuMxQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxTFw3SJCwfWISNfO_e5Ts4pmXbjboq0-WE3KtUpYa_kQixWOl-VyVj9fF8kfgPo56BFIaY4eyxOpeHDpZzt7SZ8n54SZllwhKayVQJObjHwGpC-UpzD-8bEyWbiBaleyt7f0TrVGOqOQfDC5UrEMQDHnyABfuPEHjheXjcCNdNcocohRHSRQUGlixa92AhbYXNJcWrREcMbEbq6trDzkPnlFRQXQAv3hF8xEszZyv0TS5EeZ3M6p4bHHIIXUE6WUnQxZNE5JYzPoewgPoJSaAkSapx5TanzePVfoCKuOuVJXNOMnVeiJxi_oumFU4uB8aGNJsf5X6sJS27-HivrWdGv25Ba5MAMuZI6L5fVy1tECIevf7FBMk3O2UG0Jeo8qRWeUZJEbZdmaBPcMzGJ2Xgj9AxM6WZgWJBn_SRpI4zTM7USqW1tCI6Mac-RVvL5Sh-GnNESeJlXbXaNif01tt4hyqBnbY-ghFnAYLsnFsFTlZ7TfAEeWdL0RD-HroAMfHECVaTXQHEJeijAWkfEfLDk-xk0DPxtch5aiicWZBtTD4mue2fQ5s79X8PAFuiWoXba6hWq-L8MBuF6jeFz0Qb8XRNSSjh_GkwzJPn9gU/s1600/Photo%2B1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwus-o5i5Vk/XtnHD5AunHI/AAAAAAAAHjk/4OepaLQfyAUNGtARxgkZ7-W2y5wvCuMxQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxTFw3SJCwfWISNfO_e5Ts4pmXbjboq0-WE3KtUpYa_kQixWOl-VyVj9fF8kfgPo56BFIaY4eyxOpeHDpZzt7SZ8n54SZllwhKayVQJObjHwGpC-UpzD-8bEyWbiBaleyt7f0TrVGOqOQfDC5UrEMQDHnyABfuPEHjheXjcCNdNcocohRHSRQUGlixa92AhbYXNJcWrREcMbEbq6trDzkPnlFRQXQAv3hF8xEszZyv0TS5EeZ3M6p4bHHIIXUE6WUnQxZNE5JYzPoewgPoJSaAkSapx5TanzePVfoCKuOuVJXNOMnVeiJxi_oumFU4uB8aGNJsf5X6sJS27-HivrWdGv25Ba5MAMuZI6L5fVy1tECIevf7FBMk3O2UG0Jeo8qRWeUZJEbZdmaBPcMzGJ2Xgj9AxM6WZgWJBn_SRpI4zTM7USqW1tCI6Mac-RVvL5Sh-GnNESeJlXbXaNif01tt4hyqBnbY-ghFnAYLsnFsFTlZ7TfAEeWdL0RD-HroAMfHECVaTXQHEJeijAWkfEfLDk-xk0DPxtch5aiicWZBtTD4mue2fQ5s79X8PAFuiWoXba6hWq-L8MBuF6jeFz0Qb8XRNSSjh_GkwzJPn9gU/s400/Photo%2B1-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">This compost tree allows you to grow sweet potatoes on the lower level while feeding them with kitchen scraps and yard waste at the top.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">What You Need<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Plastic-covered work surface<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Large batch of Hypertufa <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> Instructions here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html" style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Black marker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Large piece of cardboard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2” wide masking tape<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Large plastic bag<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Stack of scrap paper or newspaper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Concrete trowel <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A brick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Four foot length of rebar or pipe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Pair of mud gloves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">20-ounce tin can with bottom and top removed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">What You Do<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1. Draw a large half-circle on the piece of cardboard with the black marker. A hula-hoop is a good size if you must trace something, but I suggest just free-handing it and a bit larger, because larger is easier. It will be wonky and uneven and that’s OK for this part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2. Roll the half circle into a cone and secure with masking tape. Pack the cone with crumpled scrap paper to make it solid and crisscross the bottom of the cone with tape to hold the paper inside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGOkFhHdGCg/XtnHBz1QdtI/AAAAAAAAHj0/eL41epCm7_YY5CnKmTP22GAmZSMQJQ8tQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxTFw3SJCwfWISNfO_e5Ts4pmXbjboq0-WE3KtUpYa_kQixWOl-VyVj9fF8kfgPo56BFIaY4eyxOpeHDpZzt7SZ8n54SZllwhKayVQJObjHwGpC-UpzD-8bEyWbiBaleyt7f0TrVGOqOQfDC5UrEMQDHnyABfuPEHjheXjcCNdNcocohRHSRQUGlixa92AhbYXNJcWrREcMbEbq6trDzkPnlFRQXQAv3hF8xEszZyv0TS5EeZ3M6p4bHHIIXUE6WUnQxZNE5JYzPoewgPoJSaAkSapx5TanzePVfoCKuOuVJXNOMnVeiJxi_oumFU4uB8aGNJsf5X6sJS27-HivrWdGv25Ba5MAMuZI6L5fVy1tECIevf7FBMk3O2UG0Jeo8qRWeUZJEbZdmaBPcMzGJ2Xgj9AxM6WZgWJBn_SRpI4zTM7USqW1tCI6Mac-RVvL5Sh-GnNESeJlXbXaNif01tt4hyqBnbY-ghFnAYLsnFsFTlZ7TfAEeWdL0RD-HroAMfHECVaTXQHEJeijAWkfEfLDk-xk0DPxtch5aiicWZBtTD4mue2fQ5s79X8PAFuiWoXba6hWq-L8MBuF6jeFz0Qb8XRNSSjh_GkwzJPn9gU/s1600/Photo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1260" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGOkFhHdGCg/XtnHBz1QdtI/AAAAAAAAHj0/eL41epCm7_YY5CnKmTP22GAmZSMQJQ8tQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxTFw3SJCwfWISNfO_e5Ts4pmXbjboq0-WE3KtUpYa_kQixWOl-VyVj9fF8kfgPo56BFIaY4eyxOpeHDpZzt7SZ8n54SZllwhKayVQJObjHwGpC-UpzD-8bEyWbiBaleyt7f0TrVGOqOQfDC5UrEMQDHnyABfuPEHjheXjcCNdNcocohRHSRQUGlixa92AhbYXNJcWrREcMbEbq6trDzkPnlFRQXQAv3hF8xEszZyv0TS5EeZ3M6p4bHHIIXUE6WUnQxZNE5JYzPoewgPoJSaAkSapx5TanzePVfoCKuOuVJXNOMnVeiJxi_oumFU4uB8aGNJsf5X6sJS27-HivrWdGv25Ba5MAMuZI6L5fVy1tECIevf7FBMk3O2UG0Jeo8qRWeUZJEbZdmaBPcMzGJ2Xgj9AxM6WZgWJBn_SRpI4zTM7USqW1tCI6Mac-RVvL5Sh-GnNESeJlXbXaNif01tt4hyqBnbY-ghFnAYLsnFsFTlZ7TfAEeWdL0RD-HroAMfHECVaTXQHEJeijAWkfEfLDk-xk0DPxtch5aiicWZBtTD4mue2fQ5s79X8PAFuiWoXba6hWq-L8MBuF6jeFz0Qb8XRNSSjh_GkwzJPn9gU/s320/Photo%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cover the cone with a large plastic bag, pull it tight around the form and secure with masking tape.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You’ll use quite a bit of tape for this process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4. Place the prepared cone mold on a plastic covered work surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">5. Mix up a large batch of Hypertufa. If you run out, just mix more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">6. Start packing the hypertufa around the base of the cone, making a complete ring around the base of the cone. Punch and press into as close to a circular shape as possible- it does not need to be perfect. The thickness should be at least 1 ½”. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">7.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Continue to pack the tufa onto the cone forming it ring by ring until your reach the top.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To finish at the top, make a softball -size ball of tufa, place it on the top peak and mold onto the form to shape.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This will ensure you have adequate material at the tip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tip: Stick a small piece of rebar into the top to hold an ornament for a nice finishing touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">8. Allow to sit for several hours to stiffen and then use the concrete trowel to divide the cone into three sections. Slice all the way through the tufa touching the cone form with the trowel. You want to thoroughly divide the cone into three sections.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">9. Once divided into sections, use the can to punch four holes in each of the bottom two sections. Twist the can into the tufa surface until you reach the cone form. Stager the holes in the second section form those on the bottom. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">10. Allow to set overnight or even a day or two until the tufa has set and hardened but is still “green” ( dark gray and still damp).</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Carefully remove the sections from the mold and clean the edges using gloved hands.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If the hole centers have not come out, carefully punch them out and smooth the edges.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">11. Allow to cure and dry out for several days.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Meanwhile, find a large pot to serve as the base for your compost tree. Cut a circle from a ¾ inch piece of scrap plywood that is a bit larger than the rim of your pot but under the measurement of the bottom of your compost tree base. Cut out the center as well.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I ended up with a ring about 4 inches thick.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Center this on top of the large pot stand.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">12. Place the bottom section of the compost tree on top of the plywood ring.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fill the bottom of the pot and the lowest level of the compost tree with good garden soil.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Plant a sweet potato start in each of the four holed of the base section.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">13. Position the middle section of the compost tree on top of the base section and fill the edges with dirt, leaving a bowl-like depression in the center to receive compostable material. Plant four more sweet potato starts on each of the holes of the middle section. Water from the top and put the cone lid in position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">14. When the sweet potato vines begin to grow train them around the hypertufa cone and soon you will have a green compost tree as a functional yet interesting feature in your garden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-61055381288414449102020-05-30T18:14:00.001-07:002020-05-30T18:44:08.855-07:00FOUR AND 20 BLACKBIRDS RHUBARB PIE<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d8iki" data-offset-key="6ouqs-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="6ouqs-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pie is one of those foods that consistently remains at the top of my food chain and the pie that tops my list is made from the common "pie plant", Rhubarb...not strawberry-rhubarb, not apple-rhubarb...RHUBARB. I am a purist and do not want anything messing with my rhubarb. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="85plk-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last year on a trip to Brooklyn, we discovered an absolutely delightful pie shop called Four and Twenty Blackbirds. Their pies and cookbook have fast become favorites because they are also pie purists and their rhubarb pie is unique and delicious. It is so because the recipe includes cardamom and Angostura bitters. This is one heck of a good pie.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rhubarb grows as a weed in Wisconsin and with little effort. In Kansas, growing rhubarb has been an annual challenge which usually ends up with me losing. I have grown flats from seed to end up with one plant that languishes in our hot humid summers. This year, the planets have aligned and I have been able to make a real purist pie from my own rhubarb. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How did this come to pass? First of all, we've enjoyed an absolutely perfect spring. Rhubarb loves this weather. </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Secondly, several of my plants from last year made it through the winter and produced plenty for my pie. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8sfh-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This spring I have planted two new varieties of rhubarb, bred to outlast the heat and humidity of middle America. I will not mention how much i had to pay for these new varieties...let's just say it was less than a chief's ticket!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3rl7h-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first new variety's called Hardy Tarty </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f6dl2-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and the second, Kangarhu. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fvm9g-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am waiting patiently,</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d9qm6-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> to see how they will do!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzcOwpGExQM/XtMG3wb9IZI/AAAAAAAAHi4/BGJlS0Z_WQIE8AzGNvwSgX4lfV5ZjpznQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqyHbqDo_NcPxGIL9wDwkwz198y8IZHkbIxSti-OZLyKBiCia1T7AD_aybvBhnSUd5m9ZLVozDiKOVTauReBgrjou0j8gS9WflQVQUvEePCAnKrrkH7U6AjrZ-veRDIBCb_geiRxbvXmMvD-DeGDz6iVmIK7--gtWSQo4Ce2pdb9FOA2qsiwJCTjsv2FXo_JYV7XCNv4TNUyPnBZf_3As9gyq2Ou4PqvrsQ-eooBp2o2dI-k0VxTwUIzkLHbsD_OQrS8UuT_Dr2Yo13sU6gifKfEyJaSP-TFkr2IQbEfq4o4YcoZkcichMW_1uRNX4hU0GPaivUVdWpn64ksNTX2lWLcLKHKBr1uUciWhIb8zYUMi-HAeJThxvOOioso1lGxs5VZu5YzwM0JpLGM3wHgpCLXF2qazk_a1dbhIT4H7U9kx6Xr64resdBo5wmKEl9djf7KTTDBN0lY-xK7nwDq0PI-AvUznxoyPq1UEIRMnTFiew20jCc5H3gwk8d6-vhpqlATe2fQ5M4gouVPlshIEJJXqEBZlmBHtg-0TEleOcEWEJBF4jGPtLcBSPStbVd7FkeHtSXbfAZ3hFemP9ptiozUX-8RGsw1NC0wlpPM9gU/s1600/YOUNG%2BRHUBARB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1260" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzcOwpGExQM/XtMG3wb9IZI/AAAAAAAAHi4/BGJlS0Z_WQIE8AzGNvwSgX4lfV5ZjpznQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqyHbqDo_NcPxGIL9wDwkwz198y8IZHkbIxSti-OZLyKBiCia1T7AD_aybvBhnSUd5m9ZLVozDiKOVTauReBgrjou0j8gS9WflQVQUvEePCAnKrrkH7U6AjrZ-veRDIBCb_geiRxbvXmMvD-DeGDz6iVmIK7--gtWSQo4Ce2pdb9FOA2qsiwJCTjsv2FXo_JYV7XCNv4TNUyPnBZf_3As9gyq2Ou4PqvrsQ-eooBp2o2dI-k0VxTwUIzkLHbsD_OQrS8UuT_Dr2Yo13sU6gifKfEyJaSP-TFkr2IQbEfq4o4YcoZkcichMW_1uRNX4hU0GPaivUVdWpn64ksNTX2lWLcLKHKBr1uUciWhIb8zYUMi-HAeJThxvOOioso1lGxs5VZu5YzwM0JpLGM3wHgpCLXF2qazk_a1dbhIT4H7U9kx6Xr64resdBo5wmKEl9djf7KTTDBN0lY-xK7nwDq0PI-AvUznxoyPq1UEIRMnTFiew20jCc5H3gwk8d6-vhpqlATe2fQ5M4gouVPlshIEJJXqEBZlmBHtg-0TEleOcEWEJBF4jGPtLcBSPStbVd7FkeHtSXbfAZ3hFemP9ptiozUX-8RGsw1NC0wlpPM9gU/s320/YOUNG%2BRHUBARB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span data-offset-key="54lo4-0-0"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's the Rhubarb Pie recipe.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Four and Twenty Blackbirds Rhubarb Pie<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Pastry for double crust pie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">6 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb, diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">¾ cup packed light brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup granulated sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">¼ teaspoon ground allspice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">¼ teaspoon ground cardamom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">¼ teaspoon ground ginger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 to 4 Tablespoons cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Egg wash: 1 large egg whisked with 1 TBS water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Several dashes Angostura bitters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sugar for finishing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Prepare pastry. Split in half and roll out the bottom and line a 9” pie pan with the crust and crimp edge. Whisk egg with water and brush bottom and sides of crust with egg wash. Reserve 1 TBS of the wash for the upper crust. Place in refrigerator to chill while you mix the filling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pour the remaining egg wash over the diced rhubarb in a large mixing bowl. Add sugars, spices and flavorings and stir together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Roll out top crust and cut into lattice strips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remove bottom crust from refrigerator and fill with the rhubarb mixture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Weave a lattice crust and crimp the edges. Brush with reserved egg wash and sprinkle with decorative sugar. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the crust. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and position racks in the oven to the bottom and center. Place a rimmed baking sheet on the bottom rack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Place the pie on the rimmed baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and Bake 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is set and just beginning to brown. Lower the temperature to 375 degrees F and move the pie to the center rack of the oven. Continue to bake until pastry is deep golden and the juices are bubbling, about 30-35 minutes longer. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-23417642443258973542020-05-08T20:42:00.002-07:002020-05-08T20:42:17.779-07:00SPRING STUDIO SALE OPENS THURSDAY, MAY 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EkrSETVQRc/XrYmC7awXOI/AAAAAAAAHiI/e2U9iqO4X1QglJsgK9UD6zgHOeGgGIWhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GRAY%2BTO%2BBLUE%2BOPENING.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EkrSETVQRc/XrYmC7awXOI/AAAAAAAAHiI/e2U9iqO4X1QglJsgK9UD6zgHOeGgGIWhACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/GRAY%2BTO%2BBLUE%2BOPENING.tif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Skies are bluing up in this gray time and it looks good for us to open our Spring Studio Sale on THURSDAY, MAY 21. We will be open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May up to Sunday, June 21. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21;">This includes Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21;"> </span></div>
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Most of the sales environment is already outside and the inside studio portion will be wide open as well. Lots of safe social spaces here- Plan on getting outta the house and joining us!</div>
</span></span>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-70830365629072922612020-04-01T08:32:00.001-07:002020-04-01T08:40:02.770-07:00SPLURGE STORY<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Steve Aiken is editor of my favorite gardening magazine, Fine Gardening. In this this month's issue</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">his opening editorial really hit a cord with me as a avid gardener..and my name is Steve too!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUxF7Js-Bd0/XoSz9SSYdgI/AAAAAAAAHhc/pXth1_wX4DAqjlDPODumBw3wuHiOU_cMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BURGUNDY%2BLEAVES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1260" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUxF7Js-Bd0/XoSz9SSYdgI/AAAAAAAAHhc/pXth1_wX4DAqjlDPODumBw3wuHiOU_cMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BURGUNDY%2BLEAVES.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Splurge Story<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">by Steve Aiken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">From what I understand, avid gardeners can go a bit overboard when buying plants. I don’t ever do this, but I know it happens because people have told me. It reminds me of something that happened to a friend of mine, not to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">He was shopping at a local nursery widely known for its outstanding selection of cool and unusual plants. Sure, I shop there too, and am male, but this story is not about me. It is about my friend, who is not me-and who happens to be quite handsome for an older fella.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Amid all of the treasures at this nursery, he spied a shrub with glossy burgundy leaves shining in the sunlight, as though the gardening gods had focused a spotlight on this very plant so that he might gaze upon it. He was drawn to it, and reveled in its beauty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As he bent down to add the plant to his cart, he happened to notice the price tag. Immediately, clouds obscured the sun and a cold wind blew. It was way too expensive. He placed it back where he had found it-with, it seemed, a little piece of his soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">He continued shopping but his attention always went back to those glossy burgundy leaves. He looked at the carts of the other customers hoping that none of them had bought the coveted plant either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">That’s when he came up with a plan. He would buy the plant (car payment be damned) when he knew his wife wouldn’t be home. He would plant it immediately and once the plant was in the ground, he would cover up the evidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">With the course of action clear before him, he returned to the plant where he had placed it, slightly obscured from the view of less-discerning customers. He placed the shrub in his cart and felt the warmth of the sun on his back. A bluebird perched on a near-by tree and chirped its approval. His soul was restored. And he marched triumphantly to the cash register, thinking to him self, “Nice choice, Steve!” Oh, my friend’s name is also Steve. This didn’t happen to me. Did I mention he was handsome?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-33300262142725828422020-03-30T20:49:00.002-07:002020-04-12T09:12:27.978-07:00CONCRETE FLOWER MESSAGE BAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egh2ngS95es/XoK9ALL4IdI/AAAAAAAAHgk/xtQOsRP4O240fR9-N5lcdpM1j3XAcJ7jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CONCRETE%2BFLOWERS%2BIN%2BWORD%2BBART.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1260" height="499" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egh2ngS95es/XoK9ALL4IdI/AAAAAAAAHgk/xtQOsRP4O240fR9-N5lcdpM1j3XAcJ7jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/CONCRETE%2BFLOWERS%2BIN%2BWORD%2BBART.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Concrete Flower Message Bar </b></div>
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This is a fun project to do by oneself or with a group of helpers. Plastic flowers are given a transformation by dipping them into a wet concrete mixture, which makes them “outdoorable”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Use as ornaments for planters, pots or wherever you want to add a surprise element in your garden. These instructions will show you how to create these flowers and a Word Bar to display them as a hanging plaque or as container ornament and you can use the single flowers any way you see fit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What You Need:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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-Simple plastic flowers (daisies are perfect, roses not so much) with leaves and a strong stem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- can of old spray paint<o:p></o:p></div>
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-1 1/4” x 4 ½” x 8 ½” piece of insulation foam <o:p></o:p></div>
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-sand topping concrete mix (yellow/red/black Quikcrete bag)<o:p></o:p></div>
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- yogurt cup<o:p></o:p></div>
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-white glue<o:p></o:p></div>
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-pair of scissors, a ruler and a pencil<o:p></o:p></div>
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-X-acto knife with a sharp blade<o:p></o:p></div>
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-10 3” common nails<o:p></o:p></div>
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-small hand or keyhole saw<o:p></o:p></div>
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-vegetable oil or bakers spray<o:p></o:p></div>
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- large plastic mixing bowl or pail<o:p></o:p></div>
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-wooden spoon or cement trowel<o:p></o:p></div>
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- 1-inch paint brush<o:p></o:p></div>
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- extra foam pieces to hold drying flowers<o:p></o:p></div>
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-latex or vinyl gloves<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What you do:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1. Make the Word Bar mold first. Measure an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangle on the piece of 1 1/4" thick foam and cut out with the saw. Now measure and cut two long foam strips 6" x 1" and two short strips, 4 1/2" x 1". You should now have a rectangular base, two long strips and two short. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Drag this image to your desktop and print out this lettering pattern on your printer.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDYxFWwbbss/XpM9dPF6AwI/AAAAAAAAHho/F9pY9ufr8tExUx67UwXPsb7sHW15HaiPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/WORD%2BBAR%2BPATTERN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDYxFWwbbss/XpM9dPF6AwI/AAAAAAAAHho/F9pY9ufr8tExUx67UwXPsb7sHW15HaiPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/WORD%2BBAR%2BPATTERN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut out the rectangle with the word BLOOM backward. Lightly (just a smear) coat the back of the lettering pattern with white glue and center in the middle of the large rectangle base and allow to dry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Using the X-acto knife held at a 45-degree angle cut out the dark letters using small up and down strokes. Don’t worry that the letters are backward. They will read correctly on the finished product. Remove the remaining pattern paper from the foam. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdlmj6c3DMw/XoK9ALB766I/AAAAAAAAHgo/kYmy45AyChUswXPK02YwsprcmCM9b9JegCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoCoXCdQuCRXNIGKuZNOK7PsqxgxT5zf9GtEa7ZYRcVpBFyLjXNiUEbSTNbLi_XU00tqYfv2GqzEroDSbenL-960nfZeUcC3-u7osLDhPfA9R8o4Rv1ap5cOqpXZsnpYYn7ae9WNXKPC6bSTY7D6L9GukhYPzijtV2g_Qzg_F0mr_4DBjv0GAFoyJmcomFXZFZdzFmGehChuvdTl1x_nEtDJIhMqfUjCA1SDm2uLqjPvVJ5-WoPGhgEvKB84_otElHQoONA0eMsFUzlQF7qEWmAYLF43iNrerEpCXPnzWcq8G0GoIf4dlE-sDdxi1XZNgndy3WJnid7mwB6xckGq7Poa15pixXkJ2zK6HyJB3s3nlTdU4j0dB5wkgDXjctuxqysHypC_aURq7EUBDR_vDcqQ3Bgqss55TIEZFVkFLTpKm5yhLUrcW2YOXa_QQUOVQ6stG_aYcn6WLCypt6fOC9lDU0DUX_TuJskkxqGdlzvIHgRaLdg4jb686amC0yO6_RgeVSL-X89PjlPlfh_zYWqOxBP_LPHCN6W_CVON1hdzKgbHiV-ut2ULcawULIhL40BNdZOMnWMw0z5HG94g_pLNGn83AuuSn60wl_-K9AU/s1600/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1260" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdlmj6c3DMw/XoK9ALB766I/AAAAAAAAHgo/kYmy45AyChUswXPK02YwsprcmCM9b9JegCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoCoXCdQuCRXNIGKuZNOK7PsqxgxT5zf9GtEa7ZYRcVpBFyLjXNiUEbSTNbLi_XU00tqYfv2GqzEroDSbenL-960nfZeUcC3-u7osLDhPfA9R8o4Rv1ap5cOqpXZsnpYYn7ae9WNXKPC6bSTY7D6L9GukhYPzijtV2g_Qzg_F0mr_4DBjv0GAFoyJmcomFXZFZdzFmGehChuvdTl1x_nEtDJIhMqfUjCA1SDm2uLqjPvVJ5-WoPGhgEvKB84_otElHQoONA0eMsFUzlQF7qEWmAYLF43iNrerEpCXPnzWcq8G0GoIf4dlE-sDdxi1XZNgndy3WJnid7mwB6xckGq7Poa15pixXkJ2zK6HyJB3s3nlTdU4j0dB5wkgDXjctuxqysHypC_aURq7EUBDR_vDcqQ3Bgqss55TIEZFVkFLTpKm5yhLUrcW2YOXa_QQUOVQ6stG_aYcn6WLCypt6fOC9lDU0DUX_TuJskkxqGdlzvIHgRaLdg4jb686amC0yO6_RgeVSL-X89PjlPlfh_zYWqOxBP_LPHCN6W_CVON1hdzKgbHiV-ut2ULcawULIhL40BNdZOMnWMw0z5HG94g_pLNGn83AuuSn60wl_-K9AU/s400/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Assemble the mold using the nails. Measure down the middle of the long top and bottom mold pieces making a mark with the pencil every 1-½ inches. You will end up with three evenly spaced marks on the top and bottom of the Word Bar. At each mark, use the pencil to pierce a hole, starting at the bottom and passing through the topside of the mold. Run a plastic straw through these holes from bottom to top. These will become the holes that hold the flowers in the Word Bar. Spray or oil the inside of the mold and set aside. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p>5. Prepare the plastic flowers by trimming stems that are too long and “fluffing” the leaves and petals so they look their best. If they seem especially slick and shiny, spritz them with any color of spray paint you have on hand. This will help the concrete to adhere.</div>
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6. Remove the flower heads and stick the stems with leaves into a sheet of foam or an overturned cardboard box punched with holes. This will serve as your drying rack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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7. Put on the latex or vinyl gloves. Measure three yogurt cups of sand mix cement into a plastic mixing bowl. Slowly add warm water and mix thoroughly to the consistency of melted ice cream: smooth, rich and not too runny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. This is the messy part…expect a mess! Dip and slosh each flower head into the mixture, using your fingers and a paintbrush to coat everything- petals and centers, fronts and backs. Carefully lay the dipped flower heads down onto the foam with the front side facing up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now dip the leaves on the stems completely into the mixture and stick them into your drying rack. Allow setting and hardening before repeating this step a second time. Two dippings should do the trick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>9. Pour any remaining concrete into the Word Bar mold and tap to remove air bubbles. If, after both dippings, you do not have enough concrete to fill the mold, mix enough to fill it and allow setting and hardening overnight. When hard, carefully remove the nails to free your cast Word Bar. Smooth the edges and trim off the excess straws with the X-acto knife and make sure the straw holes are clean. Reassemble the mold because you can use it repeatedly to make additional word bars.</div>
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Once everything is dried and cleaned, you’ll have the fun of finding creative ways to use your flowers and Word Bar around your garden. The concrete covered flowers will shed a few crumbs every time you move them, so once in place, leave them be. It’s time to bloom!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-69135359446255139892020-01-19T13:42:00.001-08:002020-01-19T13:47:15.433-08:00SPICED CHAI CAKE WITH PUMPKIN FILLING<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">When I visit a coffee shop, I usually forego the coffee and order a Chai Latte. I love this combination of spices with a bite. Here is a cake that mimics this flavor with a luscious </span><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">Spiced</b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 17.33333396911621px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">Pumpkin Dip </b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">filling made by </span><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">KC Gourmet</b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 17.33333396911621px;">. Holy yum!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #292928; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 18pt; letter-spacing: -0.25pt; text-transform: uppercase;">SPICED CHAI CAKE WITH PUMPKIN FILLING</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #292928; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: -0.25pt;">1. Coat a <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">13” X 9” </span>pan with baking spray and line bottom with baking parchment and preheat oven to 350F.<b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2. Mix together:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 yellow cake mix<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 cup applesauce<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">¼ teaspoon almond extract<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 TBS Chai Spice*<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">*You can buy this premade on Amazon. I like to make my own that is less sweet with more of a snappier bite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;"> <b>3 tablespoons<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/n/c873z4cd5e7" style="color: purple;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">ground cinnamon</span></b></a></span></strong></span><b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;">1 tablespoon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/n/c87353cd5e7" style="color: purple;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">ground cardamom</span></strong></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;">1 tablespoon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/n/c87377cd5e7" style="color: purple;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">ground ginger</span></b></a></span></strong><b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;">½ tablespoon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/n/c8739xcd5e7" style="color: purple;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">ground allspice</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span></b></span></a></span></strong><b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;">½ tablespoon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/n/c874akcd5e7" style="color: purple;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">ground cloves</span></b></a></span></strong><b><span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;">½ tablespoon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/n/c874bdcd5e7" style="color: purple;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">ground nutmeg</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;">½ tablespoon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><strong><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.4pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/n/c874bdcd5e7" style="color: purple;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">ground black pepper</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">3. Pour mixed batter into baking pan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">4. Bake for 30-35minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">5. Run a knife around the edges of the pan and invert cake onto a sheet of parchment paper. Cut in half horizontally. Then cut top half into four smaller equal sections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">6. Return the top half to the cake pan one section at a time. A nice wide spatula makes this easy work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">7. Spread the contents of one jar of <b>KC Gourmet’s Spiced Pumpkin Dip. </b>Replace the second half of cake on top of the filling. You can try it in one piece using the parchment paper or cut the second layer into sections as you did the first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">8. Allow to cool and then place covered in the freezer while you prepare the frosting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #292928; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16pt; letter-spacing: -0.25pt; text-transform: uppercase;">SPICE CHAI CREAM CHEESE FROSTING<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1/2 cup of butter, room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">8 oz cream cheese, room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">About 3 cups of powdered sugar <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 teaspoon of vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">¼ teaspoon almond extract<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1 teaspoon Chai spice</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">1. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth, about 3 minutes on medium speed. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure that the mixture is mixed evenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">2. Beat in vanilla and almond extract, Chai Spice. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">With the mixer running on low speed to start, slowly add in 2 cups of the powdered sugar. Keep adding powdered sugar until you get the desired spreading consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">3. Spread the frosting over the surface of the cake. Dust the top lightly with more Chai Spice. Refrigerate and serve.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">When I visit a coffee shop, I usually forego the coffee and order a Chai Latte. I love this combination of spices with a bite. Here is a cake that mimics this flavor with a lucious <b>Spiced</b> <b>Pumpkin Dip </b>filling made by <b>KC Gourmet</b>. Holy yum!</span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-13180976017175045262019-12-29T11:19:00.005-08:002019-12-29T11:19:54.365-08:00FACETED HYPERTUFA CACHEPOT<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Faceted Hypertufa Container<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here’s a nice, simple project for the winter months. It will make a make a great little cachepot for fresh flowers and a perfect pot for small herbs in spring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPV2k5CfRl4/Xgj7Y-Z8YKI/AAAAAAAAHfU/HkZ8K_UNbow7V76ZwMCt3-z-HOJbLcTBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1482" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPV2k5CfRl4/Xgj7Y-Z8YKI/AAAAAAAAHfU/HkZ8K_UNbow7V76ZwMCt3-z-HOJbLcTBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/PHOTO%2B1.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What You Need</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 ¼”pink (Home Depot) or blue (Lowes) insulation foam <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> White Styrofoam blocks from shipping cartons can work but will take a bit more </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">preparation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">X-acto knife<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Small keyhole saw<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3” common nails<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">baking spray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plastic mixing bowl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mud gloves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mason’s trowel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">plastic covered work surface<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Freshly mixed hypertufa. Here’s a simple recipe;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html">http://fromthesummersgarden.blogspot.com/p/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What You Do<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Measure four 5” x 6” rectangles from the sheet of insulation foam for the sides of your mold and one 7 1/2’ square for the base of the mold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Measure in 1 ¼” from the left side and draw a line of each of the four side pieces of the mold. Draw a rectangle on the right side of each piece. Draw an “X” </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">from corner to corner of the rectangle and then a cross from center to center. Cut each section of this rectangle using the X-acto knife. The blade tip should always be pointing inward and held at a 45 degree angle. Cutting in this way on each side of each shape, a faceted piece of foam will pop out for each one. When you are finished, you will have a beautifully faceted surface. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CmWKIIxPQI/Xgj75H9g6VI/AAAAAAAAHf0/yMPyBuPUpK8UxA_xwXzPj0ni3zQCuXxtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CmWKIIxPQI/Xgj75H9g6VI/AAAAAAAAHf0/yMPyBuPUpK8UxA_xwXzPj0ni3zQCuXxtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/PHOTO%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Assemble the four sides of the mold using 2 or 3 common nails in an overlapping fashion so the resulting mold has four equal sides. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwFIuAkQyUo/Xgj7ZC_vdFI/AAAAAAAAHfo/4fQrQyDBhfcl0FyjWISa0zCb4BYhWgTeACEwYBhgL/s1600/PHOTO%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1600" height="341" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwFIuAkQyUo/Xgj7ZC_vdFI/AAAAAAAAHfo/4fQrQyDBhfcl0FyjWISa0zCb4BYhWgTeACEwYBhgL/s400/PHOTO%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Attached the base of the mold to the sides using common nails. Spray the inside of the mold with baking spray.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Mix your hypertufa to a clay-like consistency and pack the mold starting at a corner in the base and building brick-layer style around the mold until you reach the top. Sides should be between ½’ to ¾” thick. Poke a hold in the bottom with your finger for drainage if desired. Use your hand to smooth and round the edge of the cachepot along the top. Allow to set and cure for three to four days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-132-HnD_M_E/Xgj7aCdI6-I/AAAAAAAAHfs/dnBZMy7Nxbsauf3ZmKFZgJ43o4fb326gwCEwYBhgL/s1600/PHOTO%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-132-HnD_M_E/Xgj7aCdI6-I/AAAAAAAAHfs/dnBZMy7Nxbsauf3ZmKFZgJ43o4fb326gwCEwYBhgL/s400/PHOTO%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. When the hypertufa is hard to the touch, remove the bottom of the mold first and then each of the sides. If you are careful, you will be able to use this mold repeatedly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Cleanup rough edges with the edge of the trowel and then rinse the cashepot with water to remove dust. Allow to dry and then put it to use by slipping a glass filled with </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">water into it for fresh flowers or potting it up with a living plant.</span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-70600049088970786172019-11-02T18:41:00.002-07:002019-11-02T18:41:26.127-07:00THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS...HAUL OUT THE HAPPY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuE32dp2kM/Xb4vrq_wJTI/AAAAAAAAHes/hKJVaXhqh_Q_nwMjcr_aNwDU4I11ARvLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2B12%2BDAYS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1600" height="537" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuE32dp2kM/Xb4vrq_wJTI/AAAAAAAAHes/hKJVaXhqh_Q_nwMjcr_aNwDU4I11ARvLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2B12%2BDAYS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">The 12 Days of Christmas…HAUL OUT THE HAPPY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">10:00 am -8:00 pm Daily<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Opening Day is Wednesday, November 13,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">running 12 consecutive days through<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Sunday, November 24. Come join us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">At From the Summer’s Garden</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">you’ll find joy inside and out.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Discover handmade artwork,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">as you stroll about!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We’re open for twelve days straight days from ten a.m. to eight,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Our shelves are stocked, our spirits high, we simply cannot wait!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"> We’ll help you HAUL OUT THE HAPPY!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">From the Summer's Garden</span></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt;">8601 Barkley Street</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Overland Park, KS 66212</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">913-579-5395</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">Info: </span><span style="color: #365899; font-family: "System Font Regular"; font-size: 14pt;">fromthesummersgarden.com</span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-23814180130108701082019-10-23T06:54:00.002-07:002019-10-23T06:54:27.793-07:00Browned Butter Pumpkin Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iylhRhtSaBE/XbBbb7BeSII/AAAAAAAAHeg/cRMtNijRt-sFU69CIfkyr4RIIirwrBnPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BROWNED%2BBUTTER%2BPUMPIN%2BPIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1260" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iylhRhtSaBE/XbBbb7BeSII/AAAAAAAAHeg/cRMtNijRt-sFU69CIfkyr4RIIirwrBnPACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/BROWNED%2BBUTTER%2BPUMPIN%2BPIE.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I have recently discovered baking with browned butter and it is really yummy. In their pie shop, Four and Twenty Blackbirds in Brooklyn, the bakers make this awesome pumpkin pie with browned butter which gives the pumpkin a subtle butterscotch note that makes for the perfect autumnal pie. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Browned Butter Pumpkin Pie</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Your favorite crust for a 9-inch single-crust, partially prebaked </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6 tablespoons unsalted butter </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup light brown sugar </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tablespoons water ½ cup heavy cream </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ teaspoon vanilla extract </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 large eggs </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 large egg yolks </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ teaspoon kosher salt </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12/3 cups pumpkin puree </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ teaspoon ground allspice </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ teaspoon ground cinnamon </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon ground ginger </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pinch ground cloves </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon molasses </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup evaporated milk </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Continue to cook; the butter will foam and then begin to turn golden, then nut brown; whisk occasionally. When the butter is nut brown, immediately add the brown sugar, whisk, and then carefully add the water to loosen. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cook until the mixture smells caramelized and starts to darken. Note: This does not take very long! Remove from the heat and slowly add the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble rapidly) and whisk until smooth. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350° F. Place the prebaked pie shell on a rimmed baking sheet. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and yolks together with the salt. Set aside. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, blend the pumpkin puree with the allspice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, molasses, and lemon juice until smooth. With the machine running on low, stream the brown-butter butterscotch through the food processor's feed tube and process until combined. Stream in the egg mixture, followed by the evaporated milk; blend until smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides with a rubber scraper. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl, pressing through with a rubber scraper. Pour into the prebaked shell. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, rotating 180 degrees when the edges start to set, 30 to 35 minutes through baking. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pie is finished when the edges are set and puffed slightly and the center is no longer liquid but still quite wobbly. Be careful not to overbake or the custard can separate; the filling will continue to cook and set after the pie is removed from the oven. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, 2 to 3 hours. Serve slightly warm, at room temperature, or cool. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pie will keep refrigerated for 2 days or at room temperature for 1 day. </span><br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-72772597420685548712019-10-12T19:17:00.000-07:002019-10-12T19:17:46.055-07:002019 AUTUMN TO WINTER WREATHS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKGsly4BG3n17Z9chivROzvu0XOYvv42GhGZSJSUx5sVxJ2vbCxdB3vbuSR148fGQSENPwHfjvTo1DIKtYyg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you view this slideshow of the 2019 Autumn into Winter Wreath Workshop, note the variety and richness in each of these unique wreaths. Wreath-making is a first love at From the Summer's Garden. You can join in the fun too! We will be making wreaths for the coming Holiday season soon. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get full information on our website <a href="http://fromthesummersgarden.com/">fromthesummersgarden.com</a></span></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459727545951445526.post-83360104070000821662019-09-14T19:59:00.002-07:002019-09-14T19:59:30.401-07:00JOIN US IN THE NEW LEAF SPHERE STUDIO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8zCNM7ZgxA" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdI0PDQrpGw/XX2n62dENbI/AAAAAAAAHeM/_kaSxgC0sec1sb_DRXzZPOwa6fpqs_ZHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/LEAF%2BSPHERE.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CLICK PHOTO FOR VIDEO</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">20" Leaf Sphere Studio $55 per person</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SATURDAY, September 21 9:00-12:00 noon and Sunday, September 22 1:00-3:00 pm</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Leaf Sphere Studio is a two-day studio starting on a Saturday morning from 9:00 -12:00 noon and finishing the next day on a Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:00 pm. We'll sculpt and build the leaf sphere on Saturday and add finishing touches on Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sphere is quite strong when fully cured and can remain outside year-round. The possibilities for integrating them into your landscape are many, including use as a sculpture, pot trellis, lighting ...even a fountain.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">More info and enroll:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fromthesummersgarden.com/">fromthesummersgarden.com</a></span></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16198871852237477068noreply@blogger.com0