One Crafty Girl Sharing What She Loves
I just love this idea from Martha Stewart Crafts! Not only is it economical but you can repurpose old gift wrap or use small paper scraps to add the decorative touches. I think this would be great for all occasions, not only Christmas! I will definitely be using this idea in the future! Go here for instructions. Have fun! ♥
I’ve been a follower of Two Peas & Their Pod for awhile now and always see amazing recipes posted. This one was a recent post that I couldn’t wait to try and I wasn’t disappointed! Maple Roasted Squash and Apple salad was absolutely delicious and I will definitely make it many times in the future. The one adjustment I made to her recipe was to caramelize the pepitas (pumpkin seeds) in a little butter and brown sugar and was happy to have the texture it added. This is a recipe you should definitely try! Enjoy! ♥
1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped
3 Granny Smith apples, core and chopped
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
freshly ground black pepper
About 10 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas
3/4 cup feta cheese
For the Maple Mustard Dressing:
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown grainy mustard
2/3 cups pure maple syrup (you can use “imitation” maple syrup to cut costs, but I recommend at least using 1/2 pure maple syrup)
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup canola oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the butternut squash and apple chunks on a large baking sheet. Add olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper and toss. Roast the squash and apples for 25-30 minutes, turning once, until tender. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature.
2. While the squash and apples are roasting, make the maple mustard dressing, if using. Combine garlic, mustards, syrup, vinegar, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. With the machine running, pour in oil in a slow steady stream to emulsify. You should have about 2 cups of dressing. You will not need it all for the salad. You can store the leftover dressing in the refrigerator for about two weeks.
3. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl and add the butternut squash, apples, dried cranberries, pepitas, and feta cheese. Drizzle dressing over the salad to moisten and toss well. Serve immediately.
Note-you can also serve this salad with a store bought balsamic or cranberry dressing.
I’m so excited to share this news with my readers today! As of last week I have joined the Unanimous Craft Team to become the newest Regional Craftologist!
If you’ve never visited Unanimous Craft I recommend you add it to your favorites. There are Regional Craftologists from various cities such as Dallas, San Diego, New Orleans and of course Toronto. As a Regional Craftologist I get to share information about local crafty events, brick n’ mortar shops, upcoming craft shows, art shows, classes, networking events and so much more. You can visit the Toronto Page on Unanimous Craft here where you will find my first two posts about The Paper Place and just a few of the amazing Neighbourhood Craft Shows this Holiday Season.
You can also create a free user account and share your own resources and events. Resources can range from marketing opportunities, supply resources, favorite craft blogs, creative groups and most anything else craft related. You can also share upcoming crafty events you’re involved in or would like to promote such as craft shows you will be a vendor at. If you would like to register for your own account visit the website and create a new account. After that use the menu at the top of the page to choose to add resources or events you would like to share.
If you have anything you would love for me to share please be sure to email me at seaflowerstudios@hotmail.com and let me know!
I came across a fun blog that uses their followers handwriting samples and turns then into fonts that are free for everyone to download! There are so many to choose from the possibilities are endless what you can use them for! So much fun! Below are just a few of the fonts available but there are so many more. Visit the blog here to check them out and enjoy! ♥
Just posted a new Vendor Call on my Handmakers Haven blog for the Last Minute Market Craft Fair.
Check if out and don’t forget that’s where I’m now posting all the new vendor calls so if you want to receive notifications by email when I post sign up to follow that blog!
Since I’m a brand new Auntie to a precious little girl I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at tutorials for fabulous things to make for her. I’ve always wanted to make a quilt but don’t know that I have the patience or sewing skills I would need. I came across this great DIY for a Rag Quilt. It definitely looks like a project I can make! I’ve added it to my To-Do list! Check it out here!
Today is the day when I gush over the amazing talent of one of my followers!
The featured follower for today is Lost Yarn Loft! Kaisa is a new follower since just last week but as soon as I saw her shop I new I had to give her a little feature. Kaisa just opened her Etsy Shop just a couple of weeks ago but I’m so impressed! Lost Yarn Loft offers a collection of handmade knitted items that are not only gorgeous and one of a kind but they are made from recycled sweaters. She unravels the sweaters and either uses the yarn as is or hand dyes the yarn for her pieces.
Be sure to stop by and show some support to this new shop! With the weather getting cold it’s the perfect time for something nice and cozy! ♥
I posted a recipe for Easy Microwave Tomato Risotto a few days ago and it was so popular I decided to post another easy risotto recipe. This is actually my very favorite risotto recipe so I’m not sure why I didn’t post it before now! It’s another simple version of risotto that doesn’t require standing over the stove stirring for ages. You start it on the stove to get the ingredients combined then throw it in the oven and set the timer! So simple and simply delicious! Also I’m a huge fan of Goat Cheese so I love how creamy this side dish is! Enjoy! ♥
Baked Tomato, Goat Cheese and Spinach Risotto
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Onion, Finely Chopped
1 Cup Arborio or Long-Grain Rice
16 ounce (540 ml) Can Stewed Tomatoes
2 Cups Vegetable Broth
1 Tbsp Dried Oregano Leave
1 Tsp Each of Garlic Powder, Salt and Granulated Sugar
140 g Log of Goat Cheese, Crumbled
5 ounce Pkg Baby Spinach (About 8 cups)
Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Melt butter in a large, ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and stir often until soft, 5 min. Stir in rice until coated, then tomatoes. Stir often until liquid is almost absorbed, 4 to 5 min. Then stir in broth, seasonings and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Tightly cover pan and bake in centre of oven until all liquid is absorbed, 30 to 40 min. Stir in cheese and half the spinach. Spoon into bowls and top with remaining spinach.
To check out some of my other favorite recipes click here!
Just wanted to let my followers know a new Vendor call has been posted on my new Handmakers Haven Blog for the 19th Annual Beach Spring Studio Tour. You can click here to read the posting and visit the Vendor Call Master list here.
If you want to receive updates about vendor calls and creative business related posts don’t forget to go follow me there! (I won’t be posting notices here after this month)
Just love these sweet little pouches! Follow the link here to the How About Orange Blog where you will find the post with links to each tutorial! You will find their blog is full of free tutorials along with lots of free printables. Enjoy! ♥
