*Compensated affiliate links used where possible at zero cost to you. No posts are ever sponsored or paid.*
Hey peeps! How is social distancing going?
The retreat I go to twice a year was supposed to be last weekend (CRYING NOISES), but we did do it over Zoom. So even though we couldn't be together, at least we got to see each other's faces.
I'm terribly unproductive in group settings, so one nice thing about the Zoom was I wrote out about 100 cards while we were chatting and mailed them all on Sunday. That's more cards than I've sent in MONTHS and that felt really good.
I've been doing techniques on FB Live every day for my group (feel free to join here) and I thought I'd revisit a Gel Press technique I had done with Distress Oxide Inks a while back, and try it with the new Hero Hues inks, and also by combining the two types of ink. It worked beautifully, and you can really see the difference between the unique properties of each ink. Very fun.
So I'll have a video for you down below, but here are the cards and what I used.
This first card is on a Key Lime card base. I used Tumbled Glass Distress Oxides for the sky, and Hero Hues Key Lime Fizz for the ground on a 3x5 Gel Press. The trees are Ground Espresso. The sentiment set I used on all three cards is this one. You'll see how I get the fuzzy look in the video.
For this card, I used Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Lemon Drop and Splash Inks with Acorn for the trees. The sentiment is from the same set.
For this last one, I used Abandoned Coral, Worn Lipstick, Crushed Olive, Wild Honey for the sky, and Ground Espresso for the trees. The sentiment is from the same set. The way the inks mix on the trees makes them look really dimensional.
So check out the video, and then come back below for a recipe and another fun food item!
|
Now this past weekend, because I was here doing the virtual retreat, as I say - I was quite productive in the card department. But I also cooked for the week while chatting with my crafty friends. Here are some of the things I made.
- Calamondin Marmalade - my sister brought a bag of calamondins from her tree, and it was enough for two big canning jars full that I gave her back.
- Homemade sourdough bread from natural yeast starter we've been keeping alive for a year.
- Homemade hamburger buns and hot dog buns - most at the store have milk so I can't have them.
- An old favorite I haven't made in a while - just fried potatoes with onions. We had those with #6
- Vegan biscuits - recipe below!
- Smoked ribs, eaten with #4
I also cleaned and chopped a bunch of vegetables for the week and generally avoided doing laundry.
So one thing I miss a lot is biscuits, and have never attempted to make them without buttermilk. But my husband found and tried this recipe and they are amazing!! So flaky and perfect! HIGHLY recommend. My modifications are HERE.
As you know, I love subscription boxes - particularly mystery themed boxes, but the company that makes my boxes has fun stuff for every sort of stir crazy person trapped inside right now. Their Father's Day themed ones are fun. I love all their escape room boxes, forensic boxes, etc.
- Basic Man - Ha! Underwear subscription box
- Grill Masters Club - Curated BBQ boxes
- SaloonBox - Who does not need a cocktail right now???
- Stick in a Box - Beef jerky subscription? This will keep them busy while you craft.
- Your Morning Grind - Coffee. Because punching people is frowned on.
- Adults & Crafts - Grownup crafts - cheaper than therapy!
- Pub Shirt Club - Irish Pub T-shirts - God bless the Internet
- Southern Cigar Company - Smoke 'em if you've got 'em
- The Rad Dad Box - (for new dads) - A dad starter kit
- Craftsman Crate - This actually contains tools and complete kits - no need to shop. Great for adults or kids.
I hope you are well and have everything you need. If you don't, please email me and I'll try to help.
Loveyameanitbye.
CURRENT COUPON CODES
15% off anything at Marker Universe or any of their other sites - Understandblue15.
10% off the whole store at A Colorful Life Designs - LydiaFan10 Arkon stand link below!
15% off anything at Marker Universe or any of their other sites - Understandblue15.
10% off the whole store at A Colorful Life Designs - LydiaFan10 Arkon stand link below!