Tussie - Mussie

A little nosegay of flowers and herbs

Their perfume was believed to cleanse the air. Ladies of the 18th century pinned them to the sleeves or the hem of their dresses. They last a long time and make wonderful gifts. They can be made from dried or fresh flowers. The classic Tussie-Mussie always has a rose in the center.

At this time of year you might want to encircle the rose with leaves of sage. Let the entire bouquet dry and the sage will be ready for your Thanksgiving Turkey dressing.

Gina

Mud also known as Dry Wall Compound

There are many wonderful finishes that you can achieve with dry wall compound.

One of my favorite finishes is a 3-dimensional Stone Wall

To a box of mud (dry wall compound) add 12 large cups of builders sand (35 grit)

Mix well

Apply to wall with trowel in broad strokes. While still wet, dip a 3 foot long two by four into water. Score stone outlines into wet mud with two by four on edge. For verticals use smaller two by four.

Let dry
Dilute taupe or sandstone colored water based paint (6 to 1), brush onto entire surface.

Paint ordinary kitchen sponge with several colors of water based paint (do not dip sponge into paint)

Lightly press sponge onto each stone block in colors which you might find in nature.

Gina

P. S. For inside walls only

Primula Auricula

Full-on drop dead gorgeous

Auriculas growing in my greenhouse

Auriculas came to England with Hugenot Weavers when they were forced to flee France in the 16th century. The Primula was part of the flower collecting craze in the 17th century. Not to the same level as Tulipmania, where a Tulip bulb could cost as much as a house. Tulip bulbs were hung from the ceiling, in wire cages and also planted in wire cages so that rodents could not destroy them.

Auriculas are a species of Primrose, native to central Europe. I have not been successful in growing them from seed. However, there are several growers in the United States who will ship young plants.

Auriculas make their appearance in many fabrics, especially French and English chintzes, Meissen Porcelain and many Botanical Drawings.

Gina

It's time to make Sauerkraut

The Germans did not invent Sauerkraut. Chinese Laborers 2,000 years ago, building the Great Wall of China, ate Sauerkraut to prevent scurvy.

Gene making Sauerkraut

Cabbage was initially fermented in rice vinegar. I use my mother's recipe of sprinkling coarse salt, mustard and caraway seeds between layers of shredded cabbage and letting it ferment naturally.

My secret is using a mild cabbage called Zuckerhut or Spitzenkraut (pictured above).

Quarter cabbage, remove small core, shred.

Place about 3 inches of shredded cabbage into large stone crock.

Sprinkle with handful of coarse salt and about 1 TB of caraway seeds and 1 TB of mustard seeds.

Repeat layers until stone crock is filled to within 3 inches of top.

Invert large plate on top of kraut and place heavy weight on top of plate.

Cover with cloth.

Check in a day or two to make sure liquids have come to the top or add a little water to cover kraut.

Let ferment for six weeks in a cool (about 60 degrees), dark place.

Freeze in serving size bags.

Gina

Asters from Lake Maggiore

Strolling along a side walk, Lake Maggiore, Italy, beautiful Asters were growing through a fence. I am an expert seed collector. Knowing when to harvest them is part of the success in growing them. These Asters were ready.

They were growing through the fence, right along my path. I picked one seed head of each color. Looking up toward the house I noticed a young woman watching me. I smiled and waved, she smiled and waved. She knew what I was doing and she didn't mind.

Little did she know that her Asters were going to America. That was 36 years ago. Lake Maggiore Asters are growing in the gardens of my friends and in mine.

Gina

Painting Lessons

Every now and then I teach a workshop in Maiolica Painting. And, every now and then I teach an individual. I am always amazed at the final outcome of the product.




This table top, in the antique style, was painted by my student of last week. She has not had much experience in ceramic painting and look at the fine job she did.

We use Italian pigments and Italian Glazes. No wonder they look as if they were purchased in Italy - - - for a fraction of the price you can paint your own. And, you don't have to have them shipped nor do you have to schlepp them all over Europe.

Painting ceramics is not difficult. I have had all sorts of students, an electrician, an 8-year-old little girl, a family doctor, a school administrator, an architect, several Interior Designers, etc. , etc.; and groups of friends who like to get together and just paint for a few days. Without exception, they are always surprised at the beautiful outcome of their newly acquired skills.

It happens in the kiln. When the colors and glazes fuse together, at 1800 degrees, the magic happens.

Gina