This Summer - Wing It

Let a flock of colorful paper butterflies loose, and you'll instantly give party decorations a lift.

Trace the template onto a folded piece of paper, cut out the shape, and unfold the wings. 

(For different sizes, photocopy the template, reducing or enlarging the image.) 

Attach some to paper lanterns with tape or glue dots (sold by the roll at crafts stores), then fold the wings upward for true-to-life flutter form. 

For topflight cocktails, make 2 slits in the center of a butterfly cutout, and then slide a straw through.

 From Martha Stewart Living, June 2007

Tuesday Tip - Creative Storage

Jelly Jar Shelf

via Country Living

Wash and save jelly jars to attach to a shelf for creative craft storage.

Sweet Summer Treat

Easy Ice Cream Cake

via Real Simple

yum!

Tuesday Tip - Flowers Symbolic Meanings

Did you know ... There is a language of flowers.

photo by Lucas Allen
Inspiration from Real Simple Magazine
Here are some of the hidden meanings.

Amaranthus: Constancy and fidelity
Amaryllis: Pride, pastoral beauty
Anemone: Abandonment, forsakenness, sincerity, fragility
Chrysanthemum: Happiness and long life
Chrysanthemum (White): Truth
Chrysanthemum (Yellow): Secret admirer
Chrysanthemum (Red): Love
Daffodil (a.k.a. Narcissus): Respect, good fortune, chivalry, unrequited love
Daisy: Innocence, loyal love, purity
Forget-Me-Not: Faithful love and memory, true love
Iris: Faith and wisdom, inspiration
Ivy: Fidelity, wedded love, affection
Lilac: First love
Lily: Purity and sweetness
Lily of the Valley: Renewed happiness and humility
Orchid: Love and beauty
Peony: Happiness and prosperity
Rose (Red): Love and desire
Rose (White): Purity and innocence
Sweet Pea: Departure
Tulip: True love
Violet: Modesty
Zinnia: Thoughts of friends, thoughts of absent friends

Ginger Peach Ice Cream Pie

Woman's Day August 2005

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 whole cinnamon graham crackers (2 squares each)
• 5 Tbsp butter, softened
• 1⁄3 cup chopped crystallized ginger (see Note)
• 11⁄2 cups peach spreadable fruit (All-Fruit)
• 8 cups (4 pt) peach ice cream
• 1 firm-ripe peach

PREPARATION:

1. Coat a 9-in. pie plate with nonstick spray.

2. Pulse graham crackers in food processor until fine crumbs form (13⁄4 cups). Add butter and 2 Tbsp crystallized ginger; pulse until crumbs are moistened. Press firmly on bottom and up sides of pie plate. Freeze 30 minutes until firm. Meanwhile, stir spreadable fruit and remaining crystallized ginger in a bowl.

3. Scoop 1⁄2 the ice cream into crust to cover, placing scoops close together. Spread 1 cup ginger-peach mixture over top; cover and refrigerate rest. Freeze pie 1 hour, or until firm. Top with scoops of remaining ice cream. Freeze 3 hours until hard, or wrap airtight and freeze up to 2 weeks.

4. Up to 1 day ahead: Peel, pit and thinly slice peach. Stir into reserved ginger-peach mixture. Cover and refrigerate until serving pie.

5. About 20 minutes before serving: Transfer pie to refrigerator to thaw slightly. Spoon on ginger-peach sauce.

Planning Tip: Can be made through Step 3 up to 2 weeks ahead. Step 4 can be done 1 day ahead.

Note: Look for tubs of crystallized ginger in the produce or dried fruit section of your market. It’s less expensive than ginger in jars in the spice section.

....and more birds

Cute Little birdie burp Cloths

(personalized applique burp cloths with added embellishments)

This is one of my favorite applique designs.  I love this little crowned bird.  I just completed these orders for some special request by local customers.  I've decided to add them to the e-boutique and etsy store!

(applique bird burp, ruffle butt onsie and giraffe set)

(applique bird burp cloth, monogrammed bib, ruffle butt onsie)

 ( little bird applique dish towel with embellishments)

For The Birds

Here's a Coupon Code for you:

[ sosummer ]

offer valid 7/6 - 7/31
20% off entire order

one coupon per customer

Birdcage Tea Light 

The Nest

Birdcage Candle Holder	Partridge Nest Tealight Holder	Iron Pagoda Garden Lantern
Verdigris Gazebo Birdfeeder	Hanging Gazebo Birdfeeder	Verdigris Leaf Bird Bath
Bird Chandelier Chimes	Applique Bird Pillow	Cottage Chic Bird Bath
Bird Nest with Robins Eggs	Cast Iron Bird Drawer Pull	Hope Bird Feeder
Patriotic Birdhouse Strawberry Pot	Cottage Lantern Whimsical Bird Family	Americana Bird Village Cottage Charm Birdhouse
It's a Girl Burp Cloth	Whimsical Flower Birdhouse	Mia Burp Cloth
White Chalet Birdhouse	Hummingbird Welcome Wind Chimes See what ELSE is NEW.	Green Chalet Double Birdhouse