Holy Hobby Lobby

You'll never guess what I made last night.

I've never been to a Hobby Lobby. In the past, it's always been either Michael's or Jo-Ann's. Since moving, I'm now in the situation where the closest of those craft stores is about 60 miles away...yeah.

However, there is a hobby lobby nearby. I thought I'd check it out, so I went there yesterday. I left having spent a little more than I originally planned, and I also decided to make a new wreath.

My first wreath-making attempt.

I had never made a wreath before, but everything was half-off, and I needed a new autumn wreath, and somehow I found myself in the floral section holding little branches of things to stick in my wreath (I'm not familiar with wreath-lingo as of yet).

Neat little wreath things - close-up.

Needless to say, I'm excited to make wreaths for every occasion. Maybe even real ones - like fresh ones...we'll see how this goes.

(ps. If you have any wreath-advice, please do share it with me!)

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

It's that time of year again.

Pumpkins!

Last week, we went to the pumpkin patch. This is the first time ever for us to pick our own pumpkins. Usually, we just did last minute trips to the supermarket. There are advantages to living in the middle of nowhere.

Our stash.

Last night we carved, and today, I set off the fire alarm only once while roasting up these babies.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

The recipe I used was really simple, and so as not to start a fire, I'll modify it here.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt

1. Carve your pumpkin and remove the "brains" (seeds and pulp).
2. Separate the seeds and pulp. This is a little bit of work, but most easily done by putting the seeds in a bowl of cool water, and picking out the pulp. Let the seeds dry off a bit.
3. Coat a baking sheet with Olive Oil.
4. Spread seeds on the cookie sheet in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle salt over the seeds.
6. Cook at 300 degrees F for 10-20 minutes.

Enjoy!

My Creative Space

Well, my creative space still doesn't really exist yet. For the most part it has been on the couch - where I like to knit.

Today, it was also on the couch, but I decided to work on a little "Things I Like" Book.

So, I got out some paints...

And finally started painting in little drawings I did a while ago.


Since most of my art supplies are in storage, I'm just working on knitting and also this little book. It's a things I like book. I made one a long time ago, but then all these crazy life changes happened (divorce), and I honestly couldn't stand looking at it anymore, but I still wanted one...soooo....I'm making a new one!

The good thing about the rest of the art supplies being locked up - I'm finally getting around to this book.

For other creative spaces, check out Kootoyoo.

My Back Porch

I have to admit that I forgot how inspiring fall is. I haven't really experienced it in about 3 years. (Arizona has one main season: Summer. When summer is over Arizona has a half-season: Summer lite).

Of course, there are so many things we all like about fall: the crunchy leaves, the colors, the brisk air, pumpkins on the porch, and the smell of apples.

But here are som other things I love about autumn, after living in the desert:
- the dreary grey sky
- mist
- how I can't wear flip-flops every day
- sleeping in socks
- acorns
- the smell of fires burning
- the way that the morning sun is an orangish/gold, which makes the trees even more brilliant
- the way that, even though every thing is dying, the forest is so full of life

So...to celebrate the cold, wet, grey fall, I took a picture of a couple of leaves on my back porch. (with my cell phone - sorry about the quality...I'm still looking for my USB cord!)

OH - there is sooo much texture in fall... :)

My Creative Space

This week it is all about ideas.

As you know, I'm in a new place. We're not actually moved into our permanent place yet. Right now, our housing sitaution is temporary. So...all of my art supplies are in storage, and I'm just thinking of some ideas.






One of my friends has these really cute pillows. I've been thinking about them, and I've decided that I'd like to make my own. Obviously, I don't want to totally copy these pillows, but it would be nice to make my own because then I can add places that are of special interest to my family (like birthplaces, etc).

So, today, I'm just planning and planning - getting an idea of how I'd like to get this project done.

For more creative spaces, head over to Kirsty's Blog.

My Creative Space - Arrival

I'm finally back! This picture isn't really much - but I'm glad to be working on something at least (a scarf that has been in the making for a loooooonnnnnng time.)

We have moved. Since we've arrived, it has been raining - we've been here in Ark. for two weeks tomorrow. The weather is such a huge change. It isn't a bad change, but I can tell that I'm trying to adjust. When we left Scottsdale, it was 108 (unseasonably warm). When we arrived in Arkansas, it was in the low 50s (unseasonably cool). It has also been unseasonably wet here, and this after an unseasonably dry monsoon season in AZ. So, I feel like I'm kind of whirling in all of these changes.

But it's a good kind of whirling. For example, my kids have been playing outside. We've been collecting acorns and leaves. We've been able to have our windows open and wear sweaters. And (to tie it all back to the scarf I'm making), I can wear my knit stuff!!! :)

Anyways. I hope you're having a happy fall. Check out more creative spaces here.

Shopping List Saturday - Lemons

One of the things I will most miss about Arizona are the citrus trees. Here is my ode to lemons:

Lemon Chiffon Sky by Baby Enrouge.


Abstract Yellow Poppies by Kristen Dougherty


Lemons and Lilacs by J. Beaudet


Kirsten's Cupcake by Cozy Little Cave

Even though I'll miss the citrus trees (especially when they are blossoming), I'm looking forward to the big move. I'm especially looking forward to eventually purchasing something from all of these gorgeous shopping lists so I can decorate my home...In time. But for now, I'll just imagine and post these fun shopping list blogs. For more fun, check over at fancypicnic.