XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Saturday
Monday
Saturday
The Countdown Begins ....
Just wanted to say hi as I am doing my last minute Christmas preparations. Stay warm everyone!
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Tuesday
Ho Ho Hum...
Christmas is only a week away and I haven't even gotten in the spirit yet. Too much personal stuff going on thats putting a damper on it. Anyway, I thought I would take a moment to post a few pictures of my decorations. I didn't put out too much this year, but I actually like a less cluttered look these days.
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XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Thursday
Swap Gifts from Cindi ...
I participated in Amys Christmas swap and wanted to share with you all of the lovely gifts I received. My partner was Cindi from Cindi's Country Corner. And she spoiled me with great stuff! lol Thanks to Amy for always hosting fun swaps and to Cindi, thank you for being such a great friend.
XoXo
Michelle/Simple Pleasures
Monday
Bunny Candle Mat
I made a new candle mat for a friend and I wanted to share it with you. I think the embroidery really makes it look so much cuter. I purchased the pattern at my local quilt shop.
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Tuesday
Italian Christmas Cookies
Yesterday I baked some cookies. One type I make for most holidays is the Pizzelle. Here is a little information on this delicious cookie! Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies made from flour, eggs, sugar, butter or vegetable oil, and flavoring (often vanilla, anise, or lemon zest). Pizzelle can be hard and crisp or soft and chewy depending on the ingredients and method of preparation. Pizzelle were originally made in the Abruzzo region of south-central Italy. (the town I come from). The name comes from the Italian word for "round" and "flat" (pizze); this is also the meaning of the word pizza. It is known to be one of the oldest cookies, and is believed to have developed from the ancient Roman The cookie dough or batter is put into a pizzelle iron, which resembles a waffle iron. The pizzelle iron is held by hand over a hot burner on the stovetop, although some models are electric and require no stove. Typically, the iron stamps a snowflake pattern onto both sides of the thin golden-brown cookie, which has a crisp texture once it is cooled. Pizzelle are popular during Christmas and Easter. They are often found at Italian weddings, alongside other traditional pastries such as cannoli and traditional Italian cookies. It is also common for two pizzelle to be sandwiched with cannoli cream (ricotta blended with sugar) or hazelnut spread. Pizzelle, while still warm, can also be rolled using a wooden dowel to create cannoli shells.
Traditionally my family uses Anise for the flavoring, but I don't like it, so I use vanilla. They are light and crispy and very good!
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Dried Oranges ....
I dried some oranges for holiday decorating. Slice oranges thin place on ungreased cookie sheet and dry at 150* degrees for about 6 hours. I added cloves to mine and placed them in this old wooden box I got at a sale. You can also hang them on your tree.
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XoXo
Michelle/ Simple Pleasures
Friday
Before and After ...
I found this pine hamper at an estate sale this summer and just got around to finishing it in a deep prim black color. Not bad for $5, I'm using it in the living room to store blankets.
I found that if you take the black paint and wipe it on like stain it looks much better than solid paint and so much easier to distress. (Just a little tip)
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| AFTER |
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| BEFORE |
I found that if you take the black paint and wipe it on like stain it looks much better than solid paint and so much easier to distress. (Just a little tip)
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Wednesday
Sunday
Sweet Felt Ornaments ...
I stopped at the quilt shop in my town on Friday and after drooling at the beautiful quilts they have on display, I bought a couple of things. I found a cute pattern for a Spring bunny candle mat and a felt ornament kit. I worked on the ornaments here and there this weekend and finished them up tonight. I thought I would display them for you on a cute little tree I bought at Amazing Grace antiques this weekend.
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XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Saturday
Tuesday
Before and After ...
I found this vintage sleigh at a garage sale a few weeks ago for $5 and wanted to revamp it for the holidays. I am going to keep it on my porch!
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XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Sunday
Thanks for Giving Swap
I was so excited to receive my swap goodies from Allison of Sew many girls. We participated in Wendy's Thanks for giving swap. Allison sent me such lovely things. She made me this table topper and the adorable pumpkin with the crow and ....
Thank you so much Allison for the great gifts. Also to Wendy for always hosting such wonderful swaps.
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| Pumpkin and crow and rag topper! |
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| This awesome prim turkey! |
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| Cute stitching! |
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| Love this stocking! |
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Wednesday
What I'm Working on ...
I have been really enjoying stitching these days. I am not quite sure how I will finish these yet but I will figure that out later. The Christmas tree is a free pattern from Create & Decorate Magazine and the other 3 are free from Primitive Betty. I always seem to change the patterns a bit. The Christmas tree has my last name stitched on the bottom, that's why I have it blocked out. lol
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Country Folk Art Festival, Meet Anne ...
While at the Country Folk Art Festival, I got to meet Anne Marie Bond of Visions of Ewe and take a look at her beautiful hooked rugs. I fell in love with the simplicity of the salt box house with the willow trees (picture 3). I wanted to share some photos of Anne's creations with you.
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
Tuesday
Sunday
Craft Time ... Stitching
I have been on a stitching kick the last couple of weeks and wanted to share two finished projects with you. These patterns were kindly shared by Primitive Betty. You can go HERE to see all of her free patterns. I haven't cross stitched in a long time and decided to use up all of the aida cloth that I have before I purchase anymore. I notice that most of you don't use Aida and would appreciate any suggestions on fabric I should try. I also wondered how hard it will be for me to adapt to small weave. I forced myself to finish 5 different projects that I have had sitting around before I started anything new (I will share those later in the week).
For those of you living in the path of hurricane Sandy, I am praying for your safety.
For those of you living in the path of hurricane Sandy, I am praying for your safety.
XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures
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