Another year and another Artist Studio Tour, the charolais bull is in the pasture
My kiln is working overtime and so am I
Pottawotomie plums are the first plums of the year. They make great pancake syrup
There are flowers to dry for Potpourri, hollyhocks are delicate and roses are the easiest to dry
Peppers are growing fast and so are the cucumbers, must have some for the winter months
Canning for the sweet tooth, peaches are next
There should always be time for a glass of wine.
Soon I must take time and see what I need to pack in my little roller suitcase. 22 pounds of luggage has served me well in the past.
I don't know if that will be enough for Paris and Marrakech.
Gina
Lucky you- Paris & Marrakech! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteGina, what are you using to dry the petals? I haven't done that in so long!
-Ann
Hi Ann, I use builders sand from Home Depot. It comes in a huge sack, so share it with your friends. I dry the whole flower, not just the petals.
ReplyDeleteThe sand from the Great Salt Lake is supposed to be the best for drying flowers because it is oolitic sand (round). I can't tell the difference.
If you want brilliant colors for your dried flowers you have to make sure that both the sand and the flowers are very dry.
I also use the sand for all kinds of faux finishes, especially wall textures (frescoes).
Your trip must be coming up very soon now! There are so many things I love in this post: the beautiful rooms, the bounty from your garden, your pretty labels and amazing canning job, that sieve with its wooden tool, the idea of making plum syrup, and making potpourri ...
ReplyDeleteDear Gina,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry! I missed out on a lot of things while I was traveling, and even though I am back for almost a week now, I have been extremely busy organizing a photo shoot on Sunday in the studio (models, props).
Thank you so much, I am so surprised and happy to have one something! This is a first for me, I didn't even think I could/would!
I will be back on your August post tomorrow, after I come home from taking pictures for one of my projects (all school related, fall semester starts in 4 weeks, but I still have to do a lot of catchup work that needs to be signed in at the beginning of the semester).
Thank you and a wonderful labor day weekend to you,
Merisi
My goodness, your home is a flurry of wonderful and delicious creativity!! You've inspired me again to try drying flowers. I've not had a lot of success. Thank you for your visit and lovely words. We did a book on our trip to Peru. I'll post a link on my blog soon. xo – g
ReplyDeleteDear Georgianna, I thought that Machu Pichu is one of the most spiritual places we have visited. I look forward to seeing your book on Peru.
ReplyDeleteThe reason you probably did not have much success with drying flowers is because of the area in which you live. You have to take extra measures removing every bit of moisture from the sand and the flowers.
Try taking the sand out into the sun (or oven) first. Begin with roses, they are easy. Pick them after the dew is gone (middle of the day) place them in water, only enough water to keep them firm. The next day, cut off 1" below head of flower. Place flower upright in sand. Cover with sand adding another 1 inch of sand on top of flower. Cover container with cloth. Keep for 5 to 6 days in a dry and warm place. Under the bed is a good spot unless you have cats.
Dear Francesca, I know that you also like practical hand tools. The sieve and wooden masher belonged to Gene's mother. I love using them, they do the job well.
ReplyDeleteJust found you via ctd. Come over and visit us! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Liz
oh la la! what a beautiful life you have!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, Thank you for your visit. Yes I will be spending a little time with your blog. I like what I see.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynne, It's good to see you here. I enjoy following you around. Your work is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI love your canning labels. and that seating area in the last photo very lovely.
I had a friend who just returned from Marrakech. She traveled over the weekend and came back raving about a meal she had, the Chicken Tajine with carmalized pumpkin.
Again lovely post!
Dear Croatian Latina, Welcome to my blog. It is nice to see you here. Thank you for reminding me of the wonderful Tajine dishes of Morocco. Many years ago we had a pigeon and aubergine tajine in Egypt, overlooking the Nile, an unforgettable experience.
ReplyDelete