Stitchy Stamp

After seeing many, many return address labels on Christmas Letters done in stamps, I decided to get one for the shop.  It is very hard to restrict the stamping hand, it is very addictive and nostalgic act.  I love it!

A few Kit-Kreations coming out of the studio:

Spook-tacularly Handmade

Here are some fantastic finds to get you in the festive mood of one of my favorite holidays of the year……Halloween!  From Ouija rings to black sugar for those spooky drinks here are a few of my favorite seasonal shops in order: Photography by GBrousseau, Creations by Sara Jane, Bella Morta Jewelry, Dell Cove Spices, and Thumbelina Workshop.

I came across this artist that has mastered pen & ink sketching…and could not have put it better myself:

Created by:  Rebecca Artemisa

On the theme of bats, cats and witch’s brooms, I have a new addition to my studio:

He is my 3 month, black tabby, Persian named: Kevin.  No empty spool or scrap piece of fabric goes un-batted and un-loved by this little guy.  He is my hardest worker…..stay tuned for more pics from little Kev-Bev.

Live, Laugh, Love

As quoted by many of song writer and crafty sign maker…..however, the words ring all too true on an anniversary.  Yes, 8 (short) years ago, my husband and I joined in a small, pill-box church in Gonzales, TX to make our union before God.  It was a bitter sweet day for me, as my father could not walk me down the aisle.  So, I sent a friend into to deliver my father’s cuff links to my soon-to-be husband nervously getting ready in the church, so that a piece of him could join us at the alter.  After both of my brothers (aka heroes) delivered me down the aisle, I met my wet eyed fiancé at the alter.  Best day of my life, and one I will never forget. 

In honor of the event, I wanted to share a few handmade items that are truly one of a kind treasures:

I <heart> this, a “trail map” of the couple’s journey together.  They can leave hearts blank too….for the journey yet to venture:  Secret Room Homestyle

No words for this one…..EXCEPT THE WORDS FOLDED IN THE INITIALS OF YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE!  So cool, check out this shop: Luciana Frigerio

This one is for the music dude….cassette tapes of their favorite songs.  Dig it:  Back Beat Leather

KitchStitch Kouture

Summertime in the studio brings new inspiration.  I finally got the bug to make a few threads for my own. 

Here’s a sneak peak at the sweater dress:

Feeling Felt

I have not had the chance to dive into the wonderful craft medium of felt, however I immensely admire those that have perfected it.  Here are a few felters with great ideas for spring:

Hand Made Collectibles has created flower bouquets perfect for the bridesmaids.

Table settings by Fable Folk

Sweet little baby headbands by My Monday’s Child

Technorati Tags: Felt,Headband,Table Settings,Wedding Flowers,Etsy

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Typical of Colorado’s winter/spring transition, we have snow in the forecast to bury the just sprouting bulbs.  It’s a great weekend to be in the shop, but first, some cold weather Etsy finds from these creative types:

This vintage Robin’s Egg Blue teapot by Sugar Scout is perfect for that blueberry tea or cider.

I am in love with these beautifully crafted leg warmers (for winter or spring) by Grace & Lace

These lotion bars by Epic Organics are great to slip into your purse or desk at work  to battle the dry elements.

…..lastly, of course, what better way to keep your coffee/tea warm than a JaKoozie by KitchStitch. 

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KitchStitch Messenger Bags flew through the shop this past season for certain little, lucky princesses.  What were originally designed as Kindle Fire holders, quickly turned Furby carriers.  More adult sizes will hit the shop soon, these were fun models to start with:

Off to the shop….MY little ‘Furby’ is awaiting…

 

Technorati Tags: Messenger bag,cold weather,furby,Amy Butler,horse,leg warmer,lotion bar,tea pot

Home for the Holidays

Our family had a wonderful week-long trip in the great state of Texas.  From fireside chats at the farm, to Christmas light tours in East Texas, we spent many hours catching up with family, friends and four-legged loved ones.  A tradition started this year was a cheese fondue on Christmas Day.  I have included a friend’s recipe (see below) that originated in the Swiss Alps, enjoy!

A new fishing deck was installed this year at the Guadalupe River front:
An old tractor is all but forgotten at the Kimball farmstead:
The country dogs lead the way across the ranch:

Traditional Swiss Fondue:

• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 14 oz. dry white wine  +more to drink while you are stirring
• 14 oz. Emmental cheese, grated
• 15 oz. Gruyere cheese, grated
• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 3 Tablespoons Kirsch schnapps
• freshly ground pepper and nutmeg

Rub the inside of a heat-proof casserole with the crushed garlic clove.  Add the white wine and warm on the top of the stove.
Make sure the wine is warm before you add all the grated cheese. Then bring the wine/cheese mix to just under the boiling point over medium heat and mixture is smooth.
Add the kirsch to the corn starch, stirring until smooth.  Add to the fondue mixture.  Stir fondue until smooth and starts to thicken.  Season with freshly ground pepper and nutmeg.  Remove from stove and set over sterno at the table.
Serve with cubes of crusty rye bread (cube earlier in the day to harden slightly), cubed or sliced apples, steamed(but still crunchy) asparagus, broccoli or other veggies, and boiled new potatoes.  NOTES:  If using bagged cheese, make sure it's only cheese and no other ingredients.  
Use a wooden spoon to stir.  And remember to cover the sterno to extinguish - don't blow on it.
RULES:  If you lose your bread in the fondue, you owe the person on your right a kiss...so be careful where you sit!
Leave a thin layer of Fondue at the bottom of the pot.  By carefully adjusting the heat, this layer will form into a crust known as "la religieuse" (the religious one).
Lift it out and distribute among the diners.  It's considered a delicacy.  And lastly, have fun!