belle and burger

2012~ forever and a day

2012-01-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

~I took an inter-webby hiatus last month....There was just too much going on face to face here in central Texas!
*sooo hello and happy 2012 !!! *as I am dipping my toes back in to the blog-o-sphere I wanted to share 2 projects from my world in 2012.

~ One is this little ancient bonnet I am gifting to a new sweet babe... I used designs and tips from this book. It was a fun TV watching kinda thang. I think the kitty inspiration came from the mama kitty in this favorite children's book, whose name is Junebug (like the swaddled new babe)

~the other is my new obsession(first shared here) with re-T-ing these graphic-ly inspiring but figure dis-flattering shirts. The Austin Ice Bats is the only one of these still available in my shop...but there will be more and I think a tutorial is in the works inside my brain(promise to check on that..with said brain)

later tater....

Story Telling Spools; an ornamental tutorial

2011-12-07T06:45:00.001-08:00

..........."the house that jack built"

...."into the woods"

"isn't she,... pretty in pink?"

~These ornaments are my story spools. Using small images from storybooks as the focal then bits of mostly "trash treasure" for the trims and embellishments. They use only hot glue so no sewing ! They are so easy and as usual for my tutorials the more you make the more you wanna make and the better they get!!!! I have been stashing sweetly illustrated children's book that have been well loved but are maybe ready to move on to a new life. I spot them at thrift stores or yard sales; always for a quarter or two. The fabric is all scraps from my pile. I especially enjoyed working these in a set of three, but you could do them as singles or in larger sets.

supplies
empty spools any size
hot glue gun
bits of un-used treasures
fabric
felt or burlap
trims
buttons
story pictures on paper
scissors(for paper)

Instructions
1. cut or draw your paper story images. I like 2 have at least three images in each series to work with.
3.Set up your design parameters. I like to make a little inspiration pile around my pictures ,picking out trims and treasures that i will use to cover the spools. Also assign a spool to each image at this point.

4. Cut and attach fabric to spool. Put a line of glue on spool, attach fabric edge firmly wrap the spool overlapping , gluing and trimming to finish

5. Attach your base fabric, and to the top
I used burlap on the base (instead of felt)I like the heavy weight on the bottom.It was one of my favorite parts. The tops I covered used a coordinating woven.
6. Create a second layer of trims. Go ahead and cover the over hangs of the spools if you are gonna.

7. Attach your story . You may need to do some extra trimming on the image to get it just right!

8. Embellish!!!! Go on girl put it on and don't think to much! use up stuff that is otherwise useless..broken buttons, chipping beads, broken jewelry bits ...the endless snaps!
9. Attach loop on top. and cover with more embellishing!!

~I find it easier to find my creative inspiration when I work fearlessly and use what you have on hand! My favorite way to give time to the studio is to sit with some of my multitudes of "raw " materials and some tools of choice and just stay there for at least 2 hours and then see cultivates; Many times after the first 45 min I am like ugh this is all so horrendous...I should be working with a plan. Fifteen more minutes of non language activity and I think "i really like that little thing!"....and I am propelled on. These ornaments are totally made based on this theory of production and from recycled bits!!!!! Have fun and share your creative spirit with those you touch.

where you are is what you need....

2011-12-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

~I looked for many moon cycles for vintage eyeglass frames on-line and found really some super fantastic places and options! But, fourtunately my fire belly burned and spurred me to venture into the plethora of vintage stores just within a 2-3 mile radius of my homestead(YOUR BELLY SHOULD BURN 4 LOCAL TOO). AT the start of my mission I stopped into this favorite relatively secret vintage getaway, where I succumbed to this heart-mazing gunfighter needlepoinT(gift)!!!@!!!!!!!!!!! IN one of these impecably hosted stores (the sales lady was just the bees knees) these perfect frames found me!! They remind me of the frames my Nanny sported that I inherited in my late teens and promptly had relensed!Unfortunately that was 1992 and they are long disintegrated.
~But back to the ongoing mantra .....amongst all the vintage running I forgot to pick up some craft supplies to get busy on an ornament tutorial. I also forgot to stop in and pick up the next DVD in my latest series obsession . SO whats a busy handed grrl to do after the moon pie is snuggled in his bed!?!?
~ you know it...make it work~Pull out the Buffy ...and just one or two of those vintage vanity cases that are brimming with dead stock trims, notions and other treasures in need of rebirthin' !!! and Walhalla...
Thanks Sarah lets do it again ...today(AND SHARE 2MORROW). THere is THE sneak peep at the ornaments made from what was right where I am !!!!!
and the video that put sarah on ON MY brain yesterday!

leftover cranberry sauce....and grackles

2011-12-03T20:32:00.000-08:00

new favorite yogurt situation....

Greek yogurt (dipped out not stirred)
cranberry sauce(pref not canned)
flax seeds
walnuts or pecans
dark brown sugar

custom grackle skirt is living in my lil heart ...he is just as disheveled as his real counter parts that sit on our power lines...although really this looks like a fence....sorry the pix are gosh dern awful!!

really enjoying ;pinterest( always up for pining and crushing with my peepers!!!)
looking for markers for burger for thinking on these.
looking for new glasses ...maybe these

refashioned trophy Ts...a marathon

2011-11-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

~ ALL these T shirts are custom re purposed...
I used mostly fabric scraps and opted for a raw edge neck line(except on this last one).What a super fun time I had..and how fun to see all those scraps and old T shirts become adorable, and wearable. I am trying to workout a tutorial ...mean while here is great blog post about sewing with knits on a conventional sewing machine( not a serger)

dutch twins, a fawn and deco florals

2011-11-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

~I have been working on some new aprons...I made this little half apron re purposing a pillow case with the little dutch twins(at least I think they are dutch). It has a large double pocket that makes it a perfect service apron. The wide belted tie is particularly flattering , I do believe.
~I made the little fawn apron next, It too is made using mostly recycled fabrics and scraps. I like that it looks so delicate but i is super sturdy. The skirt panel is layered and machine quilted across what I consider the work zone. I had a lot if fun with the colors and the stitching. Fawn; I want to make woodland creatures ornaments this year so I have the little beasts in my brain right now!

~I am so loving this fabric I picked up last week. I find so many vintage sheets made in Georgia in the 60's, with the most interesting printed designs. This one has very art deco white flowers on brown(the skirt of the dress)...that thru time have faded making for a lovely one of a kind fabric experience. It might be nice as part of the woodland ornaments..Maybe?

market daze!!!!!! this saturday

2011-11-11T17:37:00.001-08:00

~belle and burger will be at the Barton Creek Farmer's Market tomorrow November 12Th....i have loads of new pretties!! I totally have not taken photos of most of it...so I will share it with you later .These are a few items that I still have in stock!!!!!come on out and seee mee...I miss y'all

In the wake of the front

2011-10-27T06:13:00.001-07:00

~the norther is finally blowing in today! Believe me after the summer we have had we deserve it!! I have been a ball of scribbles all month it seems but here are some things to share!!!
I made a set of woodland cards using some old worn children's book illustrations and fabric scraps... I love this paper it totally reminds of good times spent in the printmaking studio. Here is my tutorial outlining exactly how I make these sets of cards. Although I have taken to using heat and bond to initially attach the fabric to the paper...then I stitch
along with card making (which I had not done in way too long) I delved into a little jewelry construction this month when I made this charm necklace for a sweet girl of mine. The feather I found at her wedding which was held amongst the peacocks.....loverly

...these super fantastic earrings were gifted to me in a bag of trinkets...they just needed hooks. I luuuurve them for their nice substantial weight and the way the little poky things brush my shoulders! I think the are maybe carved horn?!

And a few of my fall fashion designs
~love this new shoulder shirt!! same shirt with fave new micro mini skirts ...puuurrrrfect over thick tights and leggings

~LOve this longish wool skirt ......It is made from vintage fabric that is AMAzing. It has an elastic waist and would look be perfect over a vintage silk slip and a sheer blouse. THe Tshirt is my boat neck altered just a bit at the neck for a more casual less shoulder bearing look!

~Making lots of new knits right now ....i love these tunics layered over just about everything; so comfy and sassy!

THis is my fall wrap. The first one of these I made was in the winter last year. ....like a week before the endless summer started. So I am happy to be pulling this pattern out( although it is not a pattern really; tutorial to come). I gave one away on here last week in support of national spirit day

happy howlsweekend to you all!!!!!

wear purple! stop the bullying and win a fabulous neck wrap!!!!!

2011-10-20T02:53:00.000-07:00

What is Spirit Day?

(via gladd)Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 20 as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. Learn more & go purple at www.glaad.org/spiritday.

~In support of spirit day, I made a purple neck and head wrap to giveaway! These knit wraps are super versitale and perfect for some freaky fall weather!! This scraf /wrap was made from 100% recycled scraps; vintage , new and re-purposed. All one needs to do to in order to enter to win is go PURPLE TODAY!!!!! That means wear purple and enter, Post about spirit day somewheres in the social media mecca!!!! leave a comment and let me know about it! If you do It multiple times on multiple places you can enter multiple times! I will post the winner tomorrow!

~As some of you might know, This is our first year in any sort of real school situation and I must admit the issues around bullying are baffling and terrifying to say the least. It seems such like an incredible waste of time that creates tremendous loss, yet it is real and grows. The bullying seems to exist in an ( or what should be)altered state of reality where logic is incommunicable and the pack mentality rules. I believe LBGT are the hardest hit by these malicious packs, but all are impacted by the negativity; It darkens our cultural soul. Somehow we as a society need to eradicate the ignorance and cruelty that pervades our culture and engulfs our children.

I would like to mention the it gets better project ....It is helping the helpless and making change happen. IF you have never heard of it go there and take the pledge, give your support, and spread the word!!

*******And now my new favorite star will make us smile...MILES JAI HERE~!!!...

the white ninja

2011-10-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Burger decied he wanted to be a white Ninja this year;
~his inspiration.....

My inspiration.....This was the first fitting and slay test(notice the slain dragon in the lower left corner)
The finished costume is a surprise for his up coming birthday...if I can wait!! I designed the pattern myself ...basically I just used old PJ's of burger's as a pattern. I designed the tunic to be loose and created the applique template of the dragon from a slew of clip art inspiration. I kinda love him...the ninja(of course) and the dragon

We searched all the local Halloween joints for a white ninja, but to no avail. I did find several white Ninja costumes online however I was worried since I was ordering late the costume would not arrive in time for his birthday; which is when he usually starts his 2 week long Halloween celebration. Now mind you, this is really only the second time(first time flashback) I have been allowed to make Halloween costumes for him....and I am bursting over the results and his response!! Usually the boys enjoy getting store bought which is just fine with me ( sniff sniff)
~during the little fitting he turned to me in the most earnest way and said "i loooove it!" yeah that felt real good! I think with the addition dragon I will get a nice giant beaming smile!!!! and maybe the priviledge of making the next costume!

home-made trading cards

2011-10-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

~ A few weeks back while helping a friend pack up her kids' room I stumbled across his homemade trading cards that were AWESOME! I loved everything about them from concept to completion.
Ironically, that same week burger was begging to go buy some new trading cards. I asked,"what kind?" he responded "baseball, no ...Bakugan, no ....monsters!" I said" monsters! those would be awesome,but I am not sure they make them".
I then explained about the friends cards and to as a lovely surprise he was super stoked. That day 2 weeks ago we bought some new skinny markers and a package of cards. We have since bought 2 more packages of cards! he cannot get enough. Everyday, several times a day, he sits and makes cards. he almost always works in series. Sometimes we join in(grackles) or he asks us to label them. However the last few days he has been labeling them himself. I am loving it. Here are a few of the first ones.

All you need
3x5 Note cards
markers

~Dinosaur Cards
~Monster cards

~Shark Cards

Get Your Own Pet ; Cards

*PS the pictures up top are some new faves; The leviathan( we just bought mythic miniature toy creatures in a tube) ...the cheetah chasing the gazelle is the 4Th or 5Th rendering of this concept...this morning he pronounced this was his best cheetah yet!

The Grackle; on paper and fabric

2011-10-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

yummy carrot muffins recipe

2011-09-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

~I have been trying to do partial or whole flour substitutions(wheat for white) in some of our recipes to try and sneak some healthy grains in my man's diet (burger likes whole grain just fine). I really like this whole wheat white flour for being a sneaky snake. We made a great whole wheat pizza dough recipe and we thought the dough was very workable and was super tasty.
~Moving on...Burger had been asking for carrot cake cupcakes and I figured I might could trick him with a muffin(totally worked or at least he liked them very well). He took them to school everyday that week...and actually ate them. We have had quite a time wrangling that boy into eating at school!
~What I really liked about this recipe from Martha was the inclusion of yogurt and the lowish sugar it called for...I made it Greek for more protein and loosened it with buttermilk so the batter was not to thick.I also halved the white sugar and added brown as the other half. As a matter of fact, IN my recipe adaptation I substituted and added quite a lot so you can check and compare to see all that went on in there. Martha gives us a little tip for making pumpkin spice..."To make your own pumpkin-pie spice, combine one and a half teaspoons ground cinnamon with one-quarter teaspoon each ground ginger and nutmeg."

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin-pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1 large egg
2 cups peeled, shredded carrots (about 5 medium)
1 cup raisins
1 tsp Cinnamon combined with
2 tbs sugar for topping

Directions

Prepare 12 a muffin tin and a 12 mini muffin tin with spray and flour or liners. You can make just 12 jumbo muffins but we love the 12 mini muffins for burger to have in his lunchbox...doing this this just made my big muffins a little smaller. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, pumpkin-pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, butter milk, butter, vanilla and egg. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add yogurt mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in carrots and raisins.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups,sprinkle the tops of muffins with your sugar cinnamon mixture and baked in a 375-degree oven for about 20 minutes.Check with tooth pick for doneness.
Transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature

little lovely thang in dusty fields

2011-09-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

~I wanted to share a very special dress that I recently added to my shop. The entire dress is made from re-purposed cotton fabrics. The bodice is contemporary lawn cotton. The skirt is lined with a layer of Egyptian cotton and the top layer of the skirt is a vintage lawn dating back to at least 1950's. The lawn fabric is a sheer field of dusty florals. It is really a sight to see. It is a size 0-4 with elastic shirring at the waist and on the back panel, the straps are fold over elastic and the bodice is trimmed in stretch lace.

~I would like to thank my hawt model...Dr Laaaaura

the 'dre dress in black and gray and my ropers

2011-09-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

~I wanted to share the 'dre dress finished in black and gray. I made one obi to go with both dresses. The client is a server at an upscale food shop in downtown Austin. The dress was made to be worn with no apron and the over sized pockets were made to hold a moleskin book and a wine key. I also made myself one and it is a my favorite thing to pair with my new to me lace up ropers!

And I also bring to your attention especially if you are from the other part of the world known around here as "Not Texas".

~Things have been pretty crazy over the last week in Central Texas. You may have heard of the devastating wild fires that we have had that have destroy over 1,500 homes in our area. If you would like to help some of these families you can find organizations to donate food, clothing, time or money to on the Austin statesman website. You can also find more updated info and post info on the Central Texas Wildfire Recovery Facebook page......my thoughts are with all the families who have lost so much in the last week... And I am in awe of all the brave men and women who have been fighting these fires.

picklin' party

2011-08-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

~Kg and I spent date-nite makin' pickles. We used great grandam Bertie's basic recipe but we made some new combinations. I am so lovin' the fresh thyme we added, thanks to inspiration from a favorite local interior Mexican joint; El Meson. We used red onions..so very pretty! we made carrots and onions for tacos because I am am totally addicted to the pickled red onions on these local shrimp tacos. We also made pickled green beans...yum! who'd a thunk a green bean pickled could ad so much to my salad????not this crazy lass. Any ~who it was fun and we cracked open a jar last week( a wee bit early admittedly)They were well received. I am ready to make more!!! Pickles are so fun because you really feel like you have done something special but simple. I love the fun of waiting and then the reward of tangy goodness you can add to like everything.

...the 'dre dress and stuff

2011-08-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

I made his dress as the mock up for a pattern alteration for my sweet friend, ~dre. I used some fabric my bro-enlaw saved from the garbage....and i just lalalalalove it so it is mine!
The specs for the dress~
*dress is for waiting tables in at a high end casual dining establishment here in austin.
*dress has to have a sleave and be either grey or black.
*dress must have deep pocket for moleskin book, wine key and pen.

~We decided to use this, my boat neck dress as the basic pattern and just alter it for our needs. I brought the neck line in to cover bra straps...we are not gonna wait tables in a strapless bra.
I added 2 super deep pockets (i think this is waht is so awesome)
I also lengthened the hem a tiny bit and the sleeve just a touch.
we are gonna make a reversible obi to wear with both the grey and black dress. I will share the finished dresses.

Here is the obi on the boat neck

~Other things I wanted to share...
made this my new favorite skirt I wear it like all the time. It is cut on the bias with a high waisted thick elastic
waist band. The fabric is a sheer lawn cotton and a total vintage piece that I cannot even remember from whence it came.....ho hum. I like to wear it with a mini strapless dress that functions as a little slip under the sheer skirt. Would love to wear it with some of that hot shape wear I have been spying out there!
Also made (and sold ...sorry) this little cocktail dress. This is also made from small vintage fabric pieces I had, The top is trippy shrooms and the bottom is a Toulouse-Lautrec print repeated.... amazing. I a gonna be repeating this pattern because it is new. I like the drappy, slightly side boob revealing, tank combined with the high waisted mini pencil-ish skirt on the bottom.
lastly wanted to show you that Stacy colored in my roses ...we are moving along beautifully and I am pleased as a peach! almost done...maybe

Laothoe populi.....a sweet little moth

2011-07-25T13:28:00.001-07:00

The Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) ......the latest focus in the pollinators series I have been working on. I was inspired by all the layers of grey and brown stripes. I must be feeling like fall ha! hahaha fall is what we make it here in central Texas.
~I decided to put my moth friend on some very simple flowers on an even simpler pale grey hi-waist skirt.It will also layer nicely with tights and boots

and here is the pretty lady who bought my first of many moths to come...

belle and burger home sale***next 2 saturdays

2011-07-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all ...I am having a home sale in liew of the farmers market for the next couple weeks.( All prices will be reduced since I won't have to leave the house!!)

~Multitudes of lovely frocks.

~I will have loads of $10 tanks!!!!
I will be also be showing a sampling of some fall looks( Austin fall) and serving Arnold Palmers.....would love to have you stop in for a spell. This is just a peek at some of my offerings and of course I will be makin' new stuff to add all week.

That will be July 23rd and July 30th from 11-4pm. I will also be available for appointments to come look if you cannot make the Saturday drive-bys. email me at belle south girl at yahoo dot com check with me for my location or look at the FB event page
*****please, if you can, laugh loudly at my super goofy photos; when it is 100ºlike e v e r y day you get a little fried

feeling figgy and a bit buttery

2011-07-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

~We have had the incredible fortune of swimming in figs for about 2 or 3weeks this summer.... and how lovely they are!! Kg's mum has 2 beautiful trees just steps from her kitchen door. Part of our heat coping stradegy this summer has been late day swims at Ma Mi's and drying off a bit while picking the figs . Burger has keen eyesight(much more so than me) and took great pride in spotting the ready to pick delectables. I love them freshly plucked and can eat 'em by the pound but there are sooo many lovely things to make with them as well. Ma Mi makes fig preserves ( amazing biscuit /ice cream topper...i might could beg the recipe from her to share with you ins). I used all of our harvest making scones.....this recipe is BY FAR my favorite scone recipe right now and I will definitely be making variations with other fruit. The biscuit had the perfect tenderness. it is a drop scone which really helps with the under working of the dough.I substituted agave nectar for the maple syrup out of need...it was perfect all 3-4 times I made them.
I also discovered the art of making butter when I made these. I did not have butter milk so (!!!???!!!)I cruised the inter web for a solution. I had no idea that with heavy cream you could literally whip up your own butter and butter milk. This seems silly to me now considering how often I whip up cream 'round here..but i never over whip! It is super easy and quite satisfying and the butter is quite amazing, especially on fresh baked figgy scones.

It is so easy I am gonna tell you how to do it right now...

making butter(and buttermilk)

ingredients and tools 1 cup of heavy cream kosher salt(totally optional) pint jar with tight lid 20-35 min a strong arm patience

1. fill your clean jar half way with heavy cream. and start to shake and then shake it a whole lot more. It will turn into whip cream first.

2.Then slowly it will begin to separate. keep shaking till there is a clump.

3. pour off the liquid from the fat . that is your fresh buttermilk.

4.clean your butter ball. In the original instructions(which I cannot locate at the moment) I read it said to need the butter in a little cold h2o to clean. IN this lovely book (I have since brought home from the library ) it says to put some h2o in the jar and shake then pour off the h2o; repeating 3 or 4 times until the h2o is clear. I have not tried that method yet but sounds way better than the kneading method.

5.mold your butter. I made a log once twisted in wax paper and then also just put it in a ramekin .Honestly we ate it so quickly it did not matter. Just make sure you cover it so it does not absorb any odors from the fridge.

east bound and down....

2011-07-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

~Loaded up and truckin' my goods off to the Atlanta boutique, Young Blood. It is just off Ponce de Leon in the Highlands. I love this shop and gallery and I super excited to be selling belle and burger there! These photos are just a sampling of the 18 pieces available
and now a little bit of jerry for the road.....

Gene's banana pudding recipe

2011-06-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

~For almost 5 sweet years I worked at a delectable New Orleans soul food and po-boy shop here in Austin called Gene's which sadly has closed its doors. Gene was like a daddy to me and I gained about 25lbs working for him which he was mighty proud of. I miss him terribly and hope is doing well and making folks fat and happy back in the big easy. ~I suppose he won't mind me sharing his banana pudding recipe now that the place is closed. Now let me just say I grew up on a mean banana pudding. My mama made a meringue topped home made delish pudding....but just try Gene's it is hard to make any other. Since it is kg's absolute fave desert( i would say kg married me so because of Gene teaching me how to cook), I decided to make one for father's day this year.

*Now before you scoff at me let me say a bit about the boxed pudding....Gene always used a big ole' can of vanilla pudding; but the first time I made it at home I made homemade vanilla pudding. However I can say that I really cannot tell the difference once you add the whipped cream. So do what ever you prefer bit I like to use a large box of cook and serve jello pudding.... it is purrrfect.

ingredients
vanilla pudding ( i used box jello cook and serve..makes 6 1/2 cup servings)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp powdered sugar
1-2 ripe sliced bananas
1 box vanilla wafer cookies

process
make and chill pudding in a big bowl
crush 1/2 the box of cookies
whip cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks
fold cream into chilled pudding until well combined
in a casserole dish or clear bowl layer your pudding as follows:
cookies, pudding, bananas
beginning and starting with cookies, use a 3rd of the pudding for each pudding layer
round the top with wafers to make it look perty
refrigerate for at least a few hours but actually the next day is THE best ...keeps for up to 3days but never lasts that long 'round here

fry daddy... 105º and holding

2011-06-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

~ I have been laying low mostly .....It has been like 105º everyday for the month of June in central Texas so needless to say I have been skipping the the market. I am planning on sucking it up and going soon. I will have to let you know when....What I will be doing is finishing up my Atlanta shipment.

I will share more as I take photos, speaking of photos , Someone who loves me so bought me a camera which i am just now getting my little paws on.
This post will be heavy in the random photo rambling info department as I get used to it and being able to take photos!
~we had a terrific fathers day even though the waitress spilt the syrup container completely over burgers head.(thankfully it was not warmed) It was quite traumatizing but we will remember fathers day well. We went to Papi's for a swim to wash all the sticky off. Then came home and spent the rest of the day in the kitchen; Kg's favorite room. First we reorganized the kitchen a la Julia Child. We had already done one peg board but we added a second and outlined the pots to help with keeping it this way.Then I made kg a banana pudding (recipe later this week) for fathers day.
We also had a fry fest since daddy got an electric deep fryer for fathers day. We fried green tomatoes, potatoes and drumsticks. All in time to sit in front of the TV ( horrible ...i know) for our Sunday show.

I have huge girly crush on Kristen Schaal....she is superb. I really need to get my hands on a copy of her book Sexy Book of Sexy Sex, co written with Rich Blomquist.(daily show)

~ and to end my rambling ketchup post.... Here are a few of those random photos I promised plus a a sampling of black joe lewis....another fathers day present to all of us

....summer fun at the Amy'ssuper weird but pretty fly/bee in the front garden
2 lizards engaged In an afternoon delight on our fence
bye y'all

this saturday

2011-06-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

~We will be at the market tomorrow June 4Th with large hat and a spray bottle of iced rose water! Here are few previews.......My fave this week is the dress up top made from an old sham and sheet...I love this combo.I see this being the direction of the stuff I am shipping to Atlanta.
~I made this dress in pink with peach straps and in nude with rust straps...this pattern is super summerific!
this lil' table cloth skirt has dragon flies scattered about it!
there are plenty more dresses in stock but unfortunately I haven't the digi-power to show them all; so you MUST come and see them for yourself!!!!

....and now I leave you with my bass champ. Papi and burger catching fish.

hawt ...new frocks that beat the heat

2011-05-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

~Even though it was like 98 and windy as hell we had a wonderful day at the market Saturday.
We have our sights set on marketing next week as well! The market is filled to capacity with fresh veggies right now...I know its hot but you cannot beat the selection and with Barton Creek you can trust when they say local they really mean it! All central Texas All the time! Plus if you get there early you can beat the heat!

I am making these wrap belts that are reversible and made from re-purposed fabrics...I was selling them only with dresses but just started making them to sell individually. They are fun and cute with so many things!I also made the new pattern for a scoop neck knit dress(pictured up top).
I made me one in black too and I wore it everyday this weekend! so comfy and flattering! This black is still available. There will also be a pink and taupe one for nest week.I hope to borrow a camera this week to at least post more informative photos

This is my beautiful sis modeling her custom orchid dress and another belle and burger frock she just had to have!(thanks sis)

wet in texas

2011-05-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

no market today sorry ...just too wet for my summer frocks. BUT; YAY !!!!!it rained in central Texas!!!
So I spent my Free saturday morning, in my kitchen, makin' bacon....listening to the Carter Family and peering at my rain spattered window .

~Pine with me won't you?

Inspiration; the pollinators

2011-05-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

~The practice and importance of pollination fascinates me and feels me with awe. It was just a coincidence really that I have made so many humming birds( my sis loves them ...so I made some).
What I really want is to get into the nitty gritty pollinators( the humming birds are the Marilyn of the pollinators);a whole series celebrating all the not so glamorous pollinators. Did you know mosquitoes pollinate? So these are some inspirations I have been pouring over. I am especially intrigued with the flies as pollinators. Yesterday I took burger to his favorite local museum ; The Texas Memorial Museum and we were both very into the "Hawaiian Flies: Song and Dance Success" exhibit; I found myself particularly taken with their intsy wings. I am going to go sew now and see what happens.....

P.S. belle and burger will be at the Farmers Market this Saturday May 21 unless it is a total washout(not likely)

P.S.S. Young Blood Gallery and Boutique in Atlanta will be carrying belle and burger soon( probably by June!!!)

southern comfort

2011-05-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

~I am heading to my native Atlanta for a long weekend! I fancy myself quite the peach and I am long overdo a Georgia trip. This will be the first time I have traveled away from burger, so I am feeling both excited and anxious. It is still spring there and It may even rain! (central texas drought talkin')I am certain to be inspired by all the lovely GIANT magnolias blooming ...cannot wait to make some appliques

~I am bringing with a bunch of dresses and other bits so if you are are in or around Hotlanta and want to have a peek let me know.(bellesouthgirl At yahoo dot com)...I Will oblige
here are a few samples I will have with me....sorry for the mobile pix
~I leave you with a song from one of my favorite bands from my Georgia high school days...

forever

2011-05-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

~It seems I have not posted in moons....in the interim I have been sick as a kitten, sewing like a banshee(making lots of custom frills), obsessed with this TV show (oh Mr. Draper) and discovering that MY camera is BROKE!! So I will share a few photos(pre-broken camera) of my lately customs and others...and just dip my foot in the pool.

This lovely lady
pictured above wearing this pegagcorn dress....
here she is seen in the palms sporting another belle and burger frock
I made this custom Orchid dress for a Georgia peach in Tennessee...

This humming bird in the bluebonnets was requested and repeated for another client.I made several new frocks that sold very quickly at the market before I could take took adequate photos.One was a sketch for some nautical theme custom work I am dreaming up.
The other was this dream in pine needles dress....love it!
~I also have been appliqueing quite a few skirts. This custom one I made for a dear friend's birthday. There was much discussion on what was being portrayed in the image.... I think burger and I decided it was the beach with the sun reflecting in the ocean...

~I also appliqued some apples on a this summer sheet skirt(still available size small)~ belle and burger will be at the Farmers Market this weekend ...hope to see y'all there

lavender my love; A recipe post

2011-04-21T04:55:00.001-07:00

~So my man makes crazy good ( and simple) salad dressings. Since Burger and I grew a tiny patch of baby greens, we have been on a salads everyday, till the greens burn up, routine. This routine makes crazy good salad dressings a must!In addition to our baby greens, we also planted a lovely and prolific lavender plant. Lavender is one of my favorite herbs...but my imagination is limited with it in our kitchen( working on that). I love it in tea and it is in my favorite macaron but those items are not made from my plant in my kitchen. However my new favorite salad dressing is made from my very own plant. Kg concocted this recipe that he is making it in my kitchen. I asked him if he wouldn't mind, sharing the recipe with all y'all. His basic proportions are derived from the joy of cooking's french dressing or vinaigrette sauce.

lavender vinaigrette with sherry vinegar

1 tbs shallot or onion
1 tsp prepared french mustard (Dijon is good, but a I use coarse ground one, most often)
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tbs honey
1 tbs fresh lavender
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 . add all ingredients EXCEPT OIL in med. mason jar w/ a lid (160z or so....this amount won't fill it all the way but it's what we have the most of and gives you plenty of room to shake)

2. put the lid on and shake vigorously

3. add the oil a 1/4 cup at a time re-lid and shake each time until it looks smooth and emulsified

4. you can add to your favorite salad mix and enjoy now, however it gets better if you let it sit in the fridge for awhile or a week....( it's best at the end of the jar )

garden harvesting apron...

2011-04-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

~I love this apron I just finished. It is my pattern drafted from my favorite vintage apron. all the fabric is vintage and scraps(treasured vintage). I had this sweet vintage toaster cozy( and no toaster) that I turned into a double gathering pocket for sorting your veggies from the garden ! The collar was made from part of a sham that had one small rip in the eyelet so I made the Apple as a sort of non-removable broochIt was one of those inspired late-nite moments where the scrap pile starts to make its own designs. ...

belle and burger will be at the market tomorrow April 16Th and will have this treasure with me...for sale
see y'all there hopefully!
....update~ sold apron but added much better photos...Really loved this one especially sac-like double pocket

The sweet n' sassy Sunny Dress Sale

2011-04-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

~From Now till Friday April15Th all the belle and burger dresses
in the online shop are 20 to 30% off. ~

Since we missed the market this week I spent sometime adding some of my in stock dresses to the belle and burger shop.
Most of these dresses are made from vintage and recycled fabrics( the exceptions are stated on sale site)
If you like one click on it to see more about it....

If you have specific sizing questions that are not answered by the description shoot me an email
belle south girl at yahoo dot com...thanks for looking

knickers, new dresses, but no market

2011-04-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

~Unfortunately, no market this week April 9Th for us. Burger and I caught a little stomach bug this week which put a damper on things 'round here. However, I thought I would share a few photos from last week's market and the past weeks makings.
I made some knickers(above) that I am loving. These bloomers were actually short shorts that I decided to elasticize the leg openings. They are very comfy and look adorable under a dress or skirt or by themselves! I am making more because they really lift my luggage.

~In the area of booth design (an area I struggle with)Kg and I ( mostly kg) came up with a changing room for my booth . This is not such a revealing photo. I promise a more in depth photo display, accompanied by a written explanation later.
~Spring is in high gear and rushing past here in central Texas which means a great demand for lovely, comfy dresses. I made this custom blue and lavender XL frock for a Hotrod Queen last week. It was made from a cotton sheet for her to wear to the Lone Star Roundup, last weekend.

~I also made this flowy, flirty little number. This dress is incredibly comfortable and very sassy. It sold last week and I was a little sad because I had told myself I could have it if it stayed through the market...but luckily it was made from new fabric so I can go get more to make myself one!This next dress is actually still available. I will post better photos in the shop this weekend. It is a medium to larger fitting size 6-12 nicely. It is made from new 100% cotton linen look fabric. I also loved this safri looking dress and almost kept it till I made this.....A little patchworked breeze designed especially for me. Finally after making at least 5 dresses thinking" this one is for me" I made a keeper( although I kept 2 others too)...sometimes I can be so dang fickle. I am planning on adding spaghetti ties to this. IT makes me flutter with is pretty patchworkiness....

we love scientific experiences

2011-04-04T13:24:00.001-07:00

~Burger has been very into what he calls doing scientific "experiences"(love it)
I will share a few of our latest experiences

~Daddy and burger made rock candy and fizzy drinks following a tasty science kit. The rock candy was quite a test of burger's patience since it took a good 2 weeks to grow the crystal candies. I must say despite some complaining in the beginning he did quite well. In the end I think he learned how to save things for later....something very new to us. He actually still has 2 strings left .
~Late last week burger and I made salt volcanoes(very fun and simple) that we got from this book the science explorer ;out and about
here is what we did

ingredients
a glass jar
vegetable
oil
salt
water
food coloring

process
1. pour 3 " of h2o in jar
2.pour about 1/3 c of oil in jar. when everything settles, is oil on top of the water or underneath
3. add one drop of food coloring. what happens?Is the drop in the oil or in water? does the color spread?
4.shake salt on top of the oil while you slowly count to five, What happens to the food coloring? what happens to the salt?
5.add more salt to keep the action going as long as you want
~Golden Exploring Earth Book - Nature Hikes 1973 is another book we have been into.I Picked it up a while back but we pulled it out in January and started talking a lot about hiking and looking for things when you are on a hike. Both Kg and I have taken Burger(separately)on a hike to one of favorite pre-burger swimming hole/hiking spots. Burger likes to make a mental list of what he is looking for before we go. After our last hike he came home and made up this scientific experience which I think is just swell! He asked me for a plastic bag' then went out in the yard for a bit. When he came to me with is bag full of goodies he said " all I need now is an ant and I will have made our yard in here"A few days later he asked for another bag, then came to me and said I need a little tiny snake for my desert

yes that is a tiny tumble weed....I love that scientific experience

We have also been working on our spring garden. Burger has been helping me plant seeds and tend our gardens over the last 3 years . He actually is very good with gardening; he is gentle and thoughtful. We have just a few things going right now but hope to have more if the hot Texas summer will let us!
Here are our sweet greens that we planted at the end of February ...hulk sits in the garden the way he has every year since burger has started gardening with me. I like to think of him as our thinker statue
We also germinated morning glory seeds which burger thought was very cool.....

I am loving all this interest in how things work and in creating new things! Four is definitely a wondrous year...

meet me at the market for new frocks

2011-03-25T08:28:00.001-07:00

~belle and burger will be back out at the Barton Creek Farmers Market this saturday ; march 26th with lots of new dresses ....here are some peeks.

These dresses are all made from vintage and recycled material except the green one.hope to see y'all out there.....
**if you are not from 'round these parts and are interested in a dress, email me ( bellesouthgirl at yahoo dot com) and let me know I can stock the dress you like in my shop....or make you a custom one.

sew busy ; pretty and yummy stuff

2011-03-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

happily. ....i am covered up right now! I am gonna say hi and blurb about a few bits....very quickly. Let me say I am so looking forward to a nice spring tutorial...any suggestions? a skirt, shirred dress, apron, or something else?
but back to the blurbs
~I have been completely wrapped up in making 5 dresses for a brides maid party.

pre-orchids

post-orchids
I am just this side of done but here are some more peeks. They all have orchid inspired appliques. The blue coat is the brides something old I added cuffs and the appliques.

~I have been busy also maintain my every weekend Market promise to myself ( at least till it hits 100) I will be at the market tomorrow march 11Th
In addition I am having a booth during SXSW
belle and burger will be behind Guero's on march 18Th from 12-9pm
hope to see y'all there~one last thing ....some new food I am obsessing over@ local eateries and one book
the Odd duck trailer is A MUST EAT if you are in Austin ...such a taste sensation real culinary creativity; you must check out the daily menu
Also the La patisserie is a sweet treat...burger and I are enamored with the macarons ... he and I both love the lavender!?
....and on that note I leave you with this lovely read I checked out of our library
It actually has a very simple macaron recipe we plan on trying sooner rather than later

we have spirit animals on our clothes...

2011-03-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

~So I have made quite a few custom works with people's spirit animals as part of the design. It is usually a bird or a horse or something equally majestic. Not all the clients call it that but that is what I think in my lil brain when I am making it. I think of their love and connection with the animal. I even checked out a book , at the behest of a client while I was working on her humming bird skirt.
Personally I had never consider myself as someone with a spirit animal; and really had always thought it to be quite hokey( even though I did subscribe to the idea -closetedly). What really renewed my interest in this concept is that burger has seemed to identify strongly with elephants since before he was even 2! Anyway I was frustrated that after all the research and self examining I still could not identify my spirit animal ... I felt myself adrift with no animal to spirit me a long for months. Then it came to me the CATFISH;kinda gross and not so majestic but.....I love those buggers. This affinity is anchored in my swamp fishing days of my youth. My daddy and I spent quite a few summer days in a flat bottom boat on the a Okefenokee. Also I am quite fascinated noodling.
So here you have my bottom feeder Appliqued T shirt . I have worn it a little almost everyday since I made it( last Friday)...have not even washed it; also ew gross. I use heat and bond lite on paper thin vintage fabric, an altered jersey knit white t shirt, fabric pastels and machine embroidery. alalalove

~Speaking of spirit animals,I made a pegacorn dress for one of my favorite friends to wear to a wedding. The dress is altered from the kimono dress pattern from this book.
* If you are looking for a new summer clothing sewing book this book is stellar. I do wind up alteringmost of the pattern but I do that with most patterns I use that are not mine.

~Any who.. She might have mentioned that her spirit animal is a pegacorn...or I inferred it. I must say I am pleased as a peach cobbler....I love it! I have not finished stitching the applique yet which always adds dimension to the designs. For the applique I used the technique it this tutorial

~On a side note. If your gonna be doing SXSW here in Austin, I will have a booth at the Guero's market on Friday March 18Th from 12-9pm . I will of course remind you again.

fabric scrap cards

2011-02-24T21:18:00.000-08:00

~I had some fun with fabric and paper a few weeks back and I wanted to share them with you. I simply used heat and bond lite and hand torn paper. Sometimes you have fabric that needs showing off. This was such an easy fun way to showcase some scraps. This cotton(?) woven snow bunny fabric is sew amazingly sweet. It was given to me by an amazingly thoughtful client of Kg's. From the history I am guessing it is pre- 1980...have not tried to locate its origin online, has anyone ever seen it before?

The others fabric is from a sixties full on poly shirt that I am refashioning into a scarf for a friend. I just loved the little bush, those sweet deer and the majestic lion
*I have a much more involved tutorial on making fabric scrap cards ....but if you are short on time or patience these are super simple and way fun!!

the rush of spring or a girl and her frock

2011-02-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

~so with temps near 80 all week and a lulling warm southerly wind blowing through these parts, a girl must rush to enjoy the her spring. In central Texas springtime can be quite fleeting and this lass's bones are telling her this year's spring will be extra hasty. So I will be at the Market as much as possible before the heat drives me to cool, spring-fed, watering holes and dark, air conditioned caves serving very cold beer. Another lifesaver of my summer is a cool versatile frock. I always start them out in the spring with a light cardigan then slowly I end up in 110°temps and a strappy lawn dress ...maybe flip flops. This weekend at the market I will be previewing several of my spring frocks.
~there is the secretary boat neck dress. I can also shir the waist or it can be belted.
This is a mock wrap that I designed for a bride maid's dress
~ my favorite dress from last summer seen above in front of the pick-up is this strappy number...
this particular one is a little small in chest for me(DANG)......as you might notice. I would say it is better suited for a B-C cup...good thing or I would be keeping it! All of its fabrics are re purposed( bottom sheet) and vintage( bodice vintage beauty).The back of the bodice is shirred along with the waistline.

~this here is a new knit tunic dress that I will have several of this weekend! I try to make these out of the softest knit I can find...love them!
hope to see y'all a the market Saturday

Potato Printed Valentines tutorial

2011-02-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

~ this week I was asked to come up with a fun, easy, non-comercial kids valnetine project as a guest blogger over at Live mom, a cool local blog for Austin mommas. Live mom's post will cover her frustration with the commercialization of valentine's. I will link to the post when it goes up. But for now here is the craft kiddie project

materials
heavy paper like poster paper or cardstock
hole punch
ribbon
washable paint
brayer ,brush, or sponge
potatoes
small cookie cutters

process
***mama prep #1-3; depending on how young your rascals are you may let them help you
1.Make a heart template, then trace your heart onto your heavy paper and cut out your hearts.hole pouch around the outer edge of the hearts .
2.cut your potato stamps. you can look at my belle and burger blog post about potato printing to get In depth instructions. I found a sweet little valentine cookie cutter set for under 3bucks at the Grocery.

3.set up the work area. Put your paints in a tray, let the kids chose but keep it simple maybe just 2 mixable colors. Cover your work space with paper. Have and area that will be ready to hold the potatoes between printing.
4.Let the printing begin. For the younger artists this need only be a process oriented project. Its fun to use food in art and fun to make a mess. Once all your hearts are dry.You can either move on or add another layer of color. Clean all potatoes gently.

5.Message of love. After the printed images have all dried you can add a message if you like. We used some stamps we had but your could use printed words from magazines or your computer. You could also use stencils or just hand write them on. what ever tickles your fancy.
6.Lace your cards. Tie a bow or leave a hanging loop at the top of your valentine.

7. send out your valentine wishes

total denial..spring is coming soon

2011-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

~So today we had frozen raindrops on the car. It was 49 at midnight; 44 at 4am; and now it is just noon and it is 21 out side. I know it is much colder in many places but was it 6o yesterday there? and also I do not have a winter coat....So I am gonna maintain my total denial and coast on into the spring that I know is just around the corner here in Central Texas! I will be at the market on Saturday because it will be 65 on Saturday...my mantra
Until then we will keep sewing, drawing, making snowmen
and snow ice cream...
BODY ART ~burger has spent the last week covered in body art just like this( those are "meat feet" )
I am busy sewing up a Lil storm ...working on this custom adorned vintage coat. something old and blue for my lovely bride to be.
I am also fully in spring mode making these tiny skirts ..a custom variation on a longer design
i also made these~ "arm warmers that units might have sold", had they sold arm warmers
so I will see y'all at the market ...i will be loaded down with pretty things to wear and sweet things to give on valentines

heart strings valentine tutorial

2011-01-31T16:33:00.000-08:00

~ Valentine's day is one of my favorite crafting opportunities. For one thing most of us have had time to recover from our christmas crafting and are ready to get our hands dirty and pricked again. Also, spring is just around the corner and I find making mutliple valentines a great way to flush out my color pallette and give me some insight into what i am feeling for my spring pallette.
Valentines is also a great holiday to surprise family and friends with a valentine, it does always have to be for your boy/girl toy....although those are very fun too. So this years valentine I wanted to play with the idea of heart strings or a little string of hearts. It is sort of a take on an accordion style book design. (sort of in my brain)

I love how the hearts all pile on top of each other and then the bottom image or message can be revealed as the hearts are pulled up.

~Heart strings valentine tutorial

materials
scrap fabric
heat and bond lite
scissors
embroidery floss
needle
iron
stamp letters(optional)
stencil letters(optional)
small toggle button

Process
1. cut out your biggest heart.Attach heat and bond to the bottom of a scrap heavy to medium weight fabric large enough to accommodate your heart size. Fold in half and cut a heart anywhere from 3-6"according to how large you want your valentine. Attach a coordinating fabric to the front of your heart following the manufactures instructions for your heat and bond or (equivalent). trim excess fabric around the heart.

2.Repeat this process 3-6 times making a series of shrinking hearts. I really liked using light weight and transparent fabrics for the smaller hearts. A fun tip is once you have attached fabric to the bottom of your heart you can even leave a little 1/8 " edge when you trim that you can fray by hand.

3. gussy up your hearts. Of course this is where you have the most fun. I made multiples so I could really play around with different looks and ideas. I used decorative scraps of fabric backed with heat and bond to do all my adornments.You can add a valentine message here I liked it on the bottom heart. You can embroider, stamp, or stencil. I like the idea of them being quick with the stamping and stenciling or they can be more elaborate with lots needle work and embroidery.* leave a clean spot in the center of your base heart that you can cover with something later.

4. string up your hearts; first the base. Cut and thread approx 12-14 " of embroidery floss. knot one end.
stitch trough the center front of your base heart. This knot is what you will cover now with a little decorative scrap of fabric backed with heat and bond. Stitch back through the base. Make a knot close to the heart then another about 1" from there.

5. String the rest. make a knot close to the hearts then another a little less than and 1". As you attach each smaller heart make the >1" gap shorter by approx 1/8" each time.

6. attach your toggle button. This will act like a little handle to open the valentine with. here lies a great opportunity to use any little lonely precious toggle buttons

7. Dole out your heart strings

a beautiful day

2011-01-31T08:13:00.000-08:00

~I wanted to share some very lovely thoughts and photos from this weekend's market. belle and burger spent a little over a year at the 08-09 Sunset valley Farmers Market and although we loved it we took quite a bit of time off for the next year. During that year our Market relocated to Barton springs mall parking lot. This move kinda horrified me (THE MALL!!)
I could not even really think of going back...to the mall. However, after kindling an inspiring friendship with my booth buddy, Cabbage moon, I started thinking of returning. We decided to give it a try around Christmas, I am thrilled to now admit I was terribly wrong. I love the cozier feel of the market in its new location. It has a lovely view of the Austin skyline and it is so far removed from the mall traffic that all the mall seems to do is block the crazy winds that tended to whip up every Saturday at Sunset Valley.

For the spring belle and burger plans on being out there every weekend.(barring inclement weather... btw it is now spring in austin...) I will post here our plans by the week. Once the summer heat sets in we will probably do the first and last Saturday of the month. I hope to see y'all out there !

....meet me at the market

2011-01-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

~hey you Austin area local yokels come on out to the Barton Creek Farmers Market and pay me a visit.
Here is a peek at some of my newer stock . I have a few of these brand spankin' newly designed boat-neck T-shirts...i am loving these so comfortable and sassy. I am hoping to have at least 2 of the fancy full aprons. This here is one of 'em. My little prairie girl in blue apron I also have this lovely cotton obi mock wrap dress with appliqued orchids. This dress was made completely from re purposed fabrics and vintage scraps.This humming bird skirt will be there to....also made completely from re purposed and vintage fabrics Hope to see some of y'all out there!

tender hearts

2011-01-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

~I have been feeling~oh so tender hearted this week.....almost to the point of adolescence. But just before I thought i would fall into a sink hole of my so called life...My sweet~heart saved me.
phew, Moving on .... I have been wraslin' with my thoughts on a valentine for this year . I think I have two but that's for next week.
~ Right now I wanted say hi and share this:
"faux-bois with embroidered heart" my latest piece that I have been working on. It is a gift so I am meandering over it endlessly, the words are my tribute to this very special Texas Sweet
It is so fun to learn new crafty arts; and I am a true rookie at embroidery.
I could not decide if I should make it a bed pillow or a framed piece(I'm leaning towards framing)
All the little flowers are made from piece milled hearts...broken into bits and reassembled as flowers and then there are some little swayback gap tooth hearts on the side.
I also thought I would share the links to may last 2 Valentine tutorials just in case you missed or have forgotten them

Here is the scrappy hearts tutorial, very easy and fun!!

This one is a little more involved but there is plenty of time to make it. I think it is one of my favorite projects I have shared; fabric valentine book

happy weekend to y'all
ps... one last look at one of many images I am using as research for a new custom dress...she loves her some unicorns....

new aprons; my wintry mix

2011-01-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

~I have quite a few new aprons to share. I made a few custom ordered for gifts. Also I have been out at the Barton creek farmers market, and I always like to several aprons available there. I also had the chance to donate an apron for the KOOP radio sweet 16 birthday party auction at Antone's tomorrow night January 13Th So if you are local you should check it out! the event looks like a fun time and I love Kelly Willis~especially in this video form the "90s on Texas connection....wow

~The apron I made for the KOOP auction is a chicken apron with a coop ( of course I forgot to photograph it!) It is a little similar to this custom chicken family apron. This apron was made using only re purposed and vintage fabrics as well. I really love the little coop on the pocket. I made this apron while I was working on my my little house ornaments last month.

~The owl apron was also a custom apron and was also made entirely from vintage and re purposed fabrics.

~and was also made entirely from vintage and re purposed fabrics

The last one is my prairie girl apron. I am working on a few of these in different colors right now. I love this little bonnet girl fabric, Kg's grandma gave me some quilt pieces from his great grandma that are very similar to this square, that I treasure. So when I found the fabric at the local treat, Stitch lab I snatched some up. If you are in Austin and have not gone to stitch lab you are missing out of some treasured fabrics. While working on these aprons, I can feel the ushering in of my spring color palette . I still have this apron and will show you the other ones as I finish them.... toodles

Salt-painting Snow Flakes tutorial

2011-01-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

~Since lots of folks across the country are dealing with Wintry Wonderous-ness, I thought I would share how we made our very own snow flakes here, in central Texas. We call it salt painting. It was a few months back that I was at the pediatric dentist with burger reading through some parents magazine(?no clue), that I came across this painting technique. Using glue you draw a design then sprinkle it with salt then drip watercolor"paint" into the glue salt and watch! Well after that we spent many afternoons salt painting ...it can be more like a science experiment than a painting project.Burger and I came up with the snow flakes closer to Christmas.
Around the holly~daze we decide to do a thematic project; make snow flakes and salt paint them.

We had a big Christmas cookie play-date last month, which happened to fall on the winter solstice. In the spirit of winter even though it was in the 80's that day I pulled out the salt-painting snowflake supplies and we had a great time! so here you go.

Salt-painting Snow Flakes tutorial

materials
*white poster board (or some other sturdy white paper product)
*snow flake template(here )or draw one of your own
*scissors
*salt in shaker
*white glue
*eyedropper
*food coloring
*newsprint for drop cloth
*baking sheet...too catch excess salt
*whole punch
*yarn or string

instructions

1.trace and cut your snow flakes. *An adult may need to do this part ahead of time if they are wee-mites.
and for our littlest we just cut circles about the size as the flakes.

2.Set up your table.
cover your table(if it is your kitchen table like mine) with newsprint, set up the paints( adding 5-10 drops of color to 1-2 tbs of water in little cups, I like to use Pyrex ramekins),
eyedroppers , glue and salt shaker accessible to your snowflake on the baking sheet .

3.Have the artist draw all over the snowflake cut outs with the glue

4. shake salt all over the snow flake. be sure to cover all the glue. the tip it on its side and let the excess all on the baking sheet.

5.paint your snow flake.using the eyedroppers drip the paint on the salt covered glue and watch it run !

6.let them dry . Then hang them up! punch a whole in a top then tie a string of yarn as a hanger

hey love

2011-01-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

~I am feeling the love this year.. ALREADY~my sweet man and me spent our new years day- date night messin' round the house
(nowwwwww... making it all homey like...getch y'alls mind outta the gutter) and he put one of my all time favorite albums on our computer for me...cuz he's my hey love

~So I thought I would share some of the love I have been gettin' and givin' this short year

first I have this, my sister love handmade birthday gift parcel ... My sweeet sis is a big city WOMAN .....
and city women need clutches right? so it included this feather clutch,and a framed humming bird collage...she is my sweeet humming bird inspiration
And a sister love card...The outside image echoed the quote insideA sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison

~Some more love came my way with a custom order for a Maine coastal skirt " like the one she saw at Flatbread company on a waitress"

This here is a mobile picture, of that skirt, from said waitress, one of my favorite ladies on this earth
(the client loves Maine and misses it because she had to move)That skirt, so very suggestive of the Maine landscape, was made with LOVE for my friend. The fabric was from a sheet, that is rumored to have been the sheets in Annie hall. The bird was appliqued after my friend pranced outside in her new skirt and instantly burnt a tiny hole in it from a cigarette ember.....ahhh love the process of art. Also I made it like 2 years ago and believe it or not there is not a trace scrap of it anywhere near my stash. So I set out to re-create that beautiful landscape scene on that lovely Annie Hall sheet...
I was pretty thrilled with the whole project and the finished piece...I even added a little bird

Hope she loves it like me....

Speaking of hey love , I wanted to give a peep of the start of my new tattoo,the roses will be
Harrison's Yellow Rose..... Rosa 'Harrison's Yellow', puts on a spectacular show each June as the bright yellow flowers cascade from long, arching canes amid the aroma of licorice. The soft grayish-green foliage has a delicate appearance that belies this rose's durability and tenacity. These roses were first started from a plant over a century old at the bottom of Bailey Hill. Budded. A true American old rose, this sunny flower was so popular that pioneer women routinely took cuttings to carry with them across the wilderness to their new homes in the west. This rose is very prone to suckering and will spread well outside of it's boundaries. A very tough and prickly rose, it is a once bloomer and is sometimes referred to as the Yellow Rose of Texas.
I love that quote ...nerd. Um and the needle and belle and heart thread and stitching....well I just love it-

-I am completely in love with it and the artist Stacy martin,(she is a beautiful, sensitive genius) of the fabulous Dove Tail Tattoo; Located here in Austin. Stacy will be tattooing and selling her lovely prints at the 9Th annual Star of Texas Tattoo Convention, this weekend in Austin.
However Stacy also has a online shop where you can buy her prints anytime. They really are inspired you should take a peek!I think this is the one for me.
I cannot wait for my next session!!
~hey loves ..... happy new year!

daily inspiration.... 2011 sewing calendar winner!!

2011-01-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hello folks!! Happy new year to all and happy sewing!! The winner of the 2011 sewing calendar was Bessey at Katydidinc...
Thanks everyone for leaving sweet comments!

nanny's skillet cornbread recipe

2010-12-31T11:04:00.000-08:00

~Well here about three years ago I shared my first blog entry, which was my recipe for greens. SO I decided why not open a Lone Star and celebrate by sharing my sweet cornbread recipe!( look!!you can almost see the start of my new tattoo...more later)
~I wish this was my nanny's recipe but I don't have one from her. I have however, had her cast iron skillet since I first left home at the ripe age of eighteen. It is the only kitchen equipment that I have had for my entire adult kitchen experience. It is also the backbone of my corn bread recipe. The reason being that you have to have your oiled skillet hot before you put your batter in it ; This gives you that delish crispy fried crust.
I have been making corn bread in this pan all these years. It was not till KG started courting me that I really honed my recipe into this very moist, and sweet one I am giving you. Kg does not like many sweets but he loves my corn bread. If you want to lessen the sugar feel free....

nanny's skillet cornbread recipe

1c flour
1c cornmeal
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
5 TB vegetable oil
3/4 c butter milk
1/4 c yogurt
2TB honey
1/2- 1 c whole kernel corn

process

Preheat oven to 450 add 2 TB oil to skillet and place in oven. IN large bowl combine all dry ingredients. In smaller bowl whisk egg, 3TB oil, milk, yogurt, and honey. Pour wet into dry and mix just till combined. fold in corn. Pour batter into hot skillet, you want it to sizzle. Bake until golden and tooth pick comes out clean.
~Now serve with a big ol' helping of greens and black eyed peas. Obviously, from the looks of this photo I still have some work to do...we are also having fried green tomatoes this year
Happy NewYear!!!
PS.... my daddy's favorite way to eat left over cornbread was crumbled in a glass and topped with ice cold milk; eaten with a spoon while watching Sanford and Son....

Repost: Fabric covered Calendar Board tutorial

2010-12-29T07:19:00.000-08:00

~It took me so long to post this tutorial last year (halfway through January) I thought I might post it at a more appropriate time for the coming new year!

Fabric covered Calendar Board tutorial

I was searching for a perfect calendar for my new blue kitchen when I decided why not just make one. Yes I realize we are a half a month into the year and many folks probably have their calendars but can't you always use another? ( or better yet one of the variations I discuss at the bottom). I have so many swatches of treasure fabric that would make a perfect focal point for a wall calendar. What was even more appealing about this project than using treasured scraps as the focal point, was that I made the whole enchilada from things I already had in my sewing studio or around my house. At first I thought I would sew a collage for each page. But a collage for each month is just too thick....so I could scan them in right which is nice if I am making 20 but I just want one (or 3 different ones)? And plus you loose the fabric as art effect.OK, as per usual I was making something more difficult than it need be( this is how my creative process unfolds before me) So here is the simple version. I would have one fixed image with changing calender pages. I decided to mount the calender on a fabric covered board with an attached hanger.

Now I have lots to suggest for this project. This can be a no sew project very easily. All you do is use one piece of fabric for the background. If you want to have an image on top of your background fabric you can simply use the heat and bond lite ( my new favorite fusible webbing)to iron on another piece of fabric with your image cut out of it, I want to do a cat silhouette for our Mae Me. If you are opting not to sew you would also need to glue the handle on the top in back.
A word about the heat and bond. I only bought it because my local big craft meglo store was out of Wonder under.With that said ... I love heat and bond lite. It was cleaner, easier and more sure fire in the application than wonder under . However, I have not tried it on wearable art yet. I will keep you posted on those trials. I am afraid it might be a little thick for clothing but we shall see. And of course the heat and bond name is not as super fantastic as WONDER UNDER!
Moving right along I chose to do a patchwork of fabric for my background which of course I used my sewing machine for. I am planning a tutorial that will be a simple patchwork pocket to give ya'll an easy guide as to how I make all these patchworky things. One more suggestion is that you might make a fabric scrap collage as your focal point and just applique it to a larger piece of fabric for your background.
materials
*glue gun
*staple gun
*sewing machine(optional)
*scissors for paper and fabric
*rotary cutter(optional)
*fusible webbing (i used heat and bond lite)
*fusible interface
*felt
*fabric
*Iron
*loop turner(optional)
*card board
*2" stencils for year label (or other label you might use...like I was gonna write"Yee Haw" on the rodeo calendar but got LAZY)
*one printed calendar you can find one on-line or you could use one of the freebies you pick up at the bank or what have you. I designed this calender board based on an 8.5X11 printable here. I chose two, landscape in red and green

Instructions

1. measure and cut the following

1.Card board(I used a home depot moving box)15"x26"
2.Felt for backing 15"x26"
3.fabric for background 17"x27.5"
4.fabric for hanger 11"x2"
5.fabric behind hanger 18"x3"
6.fabric or felt for year applique' 7"x3"
7.fusible interface 15"x26"
8. trace your year or other label (backwards) onto the back of the fabric that you have back with heat and bond and cut
(to make it all smoother make sure all your cut fabric is pressed)
I am an eyeballer.... so I cut my cardboard, then use that to cut my felt and so on...I am not saying you should be like me but you can see from my results that eyeballing it can get the job done.

2. Sew the hanger. Press the fabric for hanger 11"x2" in half length wise. sew with 1/4" seam allowance the entire length of hanger. turn right side out using your loop turner (if you do not have this simple extremely helpful tool use this as an excuse to get one they are cheap and invaluable for turning tiny tubes)Press.

3. Attach hanger. Make a sandwich starting with the background fabric right side up the hanger looped inwardly and centered on the top edge of background fabric topped by fabric behind hanger 18"x3"right side down. Pin it all in place
sew along entire width of the sandwich edge with about a 1/4 "to 1/2 " seam allowance catching the hanger and press the seam.

4.Make your Year label and attach ~I used felt on one and fabric on the other. You could sew them on or just heat bond them, like I did. I probably would have used pinking shears on this but I will tell you my dirty little secret, I do not own any pinking sheers! (and yet I still am able to make stuff). attach the year label to your background fabric, I sewed mine on but you could also heat bond this. Which ever attachment method you choose, make sure to position your label relative to all of your design elements including the parts that you will fold over . I put mine at the top.

5.apply interface to center back of background fabric.

6.measure and mark the center of your fabric and the cardboard at both ends .

7. Glue background fabric to the cardboard. lay the fabric wrong side up with cardboard on top, Line up your center marks on top and bottom. You want this to be tight and even so I start at the top flap and glue right under the seam that you made with the hanger attachment. Then I glue down the flap. Then I flip it around and glue the bottom edge next pulling evenly and tauntI glue the sides the same way. I trim the corners a little to keep it from being too bulky under the felt backing.

8. Position and glue felt backing. I start again at the top here and glue across the top then slowly down the sides just doing a little at a time and pulling evenly and tautly on the felt watching to make sure I am hiding all my messy underlings. Then trimming off any excess
9. Attach the calendar. I stapled the calender all together first in the center then I use the staple gun and stapled the calender onto the board. I did not press to hard here so the staples would not come out the back.10. hang it up and start planning

There are a bunch of variations for the use of a fabric covered board I have been thinking of while typing this. I will share a few... It could be a kids award board for chores or potty training or homework charts and such. It could be a to-do board with a planner attached . Or a kitchen shopping center with pockets for coupons and a weekly sales fliers and a pad for grocery lists . You could make a mail organizer with in and out going slots and a calendar for marking bill due dates. There all kinds of free printable planner forms on this site. And of course you could use a more general label or none at all, and use this as a calendar board every year just by replacing the calendar sheets every year.
have fun and if you make it I would love to see it!!

And a gift for you.... sewing calendar giveaway!

2010-12-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

~Merry holiday to all y'all and here is a give-away from me to you!
This fun new 2011 sewing calendar features over 100 sewing tutorials including my Fabric Scrap collage .

I just so happen to wish to give away a copy to one of my super fabulous cyber- peeps! I will randomly generate a #from the comments on this post that leave me an email/ contact info. If you leave no contact info you will not be part of the random # drawing. I will accept entries from all over this here world; but will have say shipping over boarders must be paid by the winner. Entries within the us I will spring for the shipping fo-sho. The drawing ends Jan 4Th one week from today I will post a winner on Jan 5Th......... good luck!

Home for the holly~daze ornament tutorial

2010-12-15T17:06:00.001-08:00

~For weeks now I have had visions of Christmas tree ornaments dancing through my head. (Hopefully I will get a few more on here before it is too late). For this particular ornament my inspiration was coming from the fact that I have been particularly drawn to images of houses and other random protective structures. Probably like most of Y'all I have been busily rearranging my home to accommodate all the things that crowd in during the month of December; the tree, and Christmas knick knacks, cookies , xtra blankets and pillows( fort making and couch cuddling)the plants that need to come in from outside and of course the toys. But other than the real life stuff I have been soaking up images of chicken coops and barns and such . I have been watchin all those '60s Christmas cartoons and loving the their depictions of little villages I have also been re- lovin' the Fauvists particularly

Henri Mattise, Marc Chagall and Paul Gauguin with his lovely birds, boobies and hutsTheir palettes always set me on fire and get me excited abut playing with color!
So that is a little peak into my brain as I started these little houses. This project is a total scrap pile buster which is always nice to do right around the new year. These little houses are great gifts either alone or you can attach them to the top of a wrapped gift or to a jar of preserves or pickles or a plate of cookies! HAVE FUN!!!!

materials
felt for backing
heat and bond lite
fabric scraps
iron
scissors
ruler
pencil
chalk
buttons
trim ribbon or rick /rack for loop
needle
thread
sewing machine(optional)

process
1. print or design your own template. You can drag the pattern to your desktop and print at 100 % to get the size I have made or change it according to your desires.
Print 2 if you want to cut the roof off for that template (i just used my original and winged the bottom edge)

2. Cut your felt backings. I like to make stuff like this in bunches so I cut all of them at once. chalk is my favorite marking tool on felt. Working in bunches makes this type of project a great way of hashing out my color palettes and it is a great way to loosen up your creative juices.
3. cut your heat and bond for your houses. I use one piece of fabric for the entire hose then just build the roof and other trimmings on top of that base. To make this quick and fun I lay my house template on a sheet of heat and bond ( pare side) . I marked using a ruler rectangle just large enough to hold the template.I then cut all those rectangles out.
4. attach your heat and bond to your base fabric. This is a freeing exercise. I just went through my humongasarous pile of scraps and picked some of my favorites to use as the base. I have my rectangles all measure out so I can tell easily if I have enough scrap. I also use this as a opportunity to pull out roof and trim scraps that might look lovely with my houses. Using your iron attach the heat and bond to the fabric according to the manufactures instructions. remember HOT IRON but no steam.

5. Trace and cut your template from your fabric rectangles. A lovely kick back of the heat and bond is the paper backing which makes tracing templates a breeze. I always use a pencil here.Cut em out
6. Make your house a home. At this point I start focusing on the details of each house.
I continue to work each one individually. Make the roof. simply trace the top part of the hose on a heat and bond backed scrap and attach it to the house.
then add windows, people, chickens, buttons, ...whatever you like.
7.Stitch your trims. remove your paper backing first then attach buttons now and your loop at the top . I used about 6 inches for my loops.
8.Attach and stitch( if you are feeling it) the felt backing to your house. As your probably know I usually put everything through the sewing machine...my machine likes to be a part of everything.This is not really required I just like things all stitchy.
9.Now go little lass and Spread your creative holiday cheer....

aprons and bags... so special

2010-12-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

~I wanted to share a little of what is available from my Stock. We will be missing the market this week but if you are local and wanna come by my homestead just call, email, or message me on FB. If you are not local and see something you like or know something you would like me to make email or message me on FB. bellesouthgirl at yahoo dot com

I have several simple pocket aprons and napkin sets. All made from re-purposed cotton canvas weight fabric.

I have this apron with a chic that is a pattern I drew up off my favorite vintage apron that I wear all the time. It is a lovely little thing.

I also have this cowboy Christmas apron made from new vintage and re-purposed fabrics.
All the aprons are specially priced $40

Along with the aprons I have a few simple tote bags. ALL have interior pockets and fun coordinating liners. they are made from vintage, new and re-purposed fabrics. They are all specially priced$25 each

This is the lil' bird

The holly hobby knock off

And the country fair tote!

~I will be posting all of these in my store tonight and tomorrow but I had a few folks asking for peeks ! SO if you see something you want me to hold for you, go ahead and let me know and I will leave it out of the shop.

hair

2010-12-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

trying to decide on a bob......

(this image is from some girls wander )

New Fabric Collages

2010-12-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

~I have been making fabric collages for my market booth this week. These are so much fun and such great versatile gifts. I pick up frames all year for this fun and easy project. I have a tutorial here if you want to make a few or come out to the Market this weekend and pickup one of mine!

~This batch includes a sweet babe from the woods . ~A hovering hummer and the above Little Shabby Chic. They all are pieced from vintage treasures and carefully poured over scrap piles. I was inspired by the green weathered frames finished . So I took a wire brush to mine and roughed 'em up a little.

~This same tutorial is part of the Sewing: 2011 Day-to-Day Calendar [Calendar] by
Megan Smith (Author).
There are some great projects in here , I am still waiting on my copy so hopefully I can give you a better review soon!

Bottle Cap Advent Calendar Tree ~tutorial

2010-11-29T06:39:00.000-08:00

~SO I really wanted to make burger an advent calendar, I actually have never even had one myself.
We have been really into discussing numbered Days and the order of our fall events so I thought we needed this holiday activity. I pulled this one together this weekend all from stuff around the house.

~I decide I would use bottle caps as the doors or boxes. I already collect them compulsively for pin cushions and I am always looking for other uses for my mounds of them however I usually only stash 2 types. So I stashed every bottle cap for the week and that gave me a nice assortment of caps.
All the little surprises came from around the house too. Burger is quite a littles collector and he has more than he knows. I went around after he was sleep and picked a bunch of little things to stash in the caps.

materials
card board box flattened out
ruler
tape
scrap fabric or wrapping paper
felt for backing
hot glue gun
ribbon or trim
24 bottle caps
24 little surprises
old sales fliers of some way of numbering your caps
construction paper
glue and or modge-podge
scissors
Process
1. Gather your caps and toys. I used all sorts of things. from stickers and tiny toys to little treasures from my own stash. I just tried to make it something he would love or find amusing.( like wolvie's lost claw) Lay the caps out on a tray with the toys in them and make sure the lid can lay flat against the tray. Also try not to use items that are too heavy. I think candy is a great idea if you do candy( we r trying not to right now) also stickers work great too.

~2.Cut Your tree. There is no specific size I just wanted it big enough to hold my bottle caps nicely. I used a mason jar box. Open it flat. On one of your short sides mark the halfway point. This is your treetop. draw a straight line from the pint to each corner on at the bottom of the box. Cut along these lines. add on a proportionate tree base ( mine had one for me)and reinforce your tree anywhere you need on the back with extra card board and tape.

~3.Cut your tree cover and backing. Choose some fabric or decorative paper for your tree and the trunk. I had this really cute vintage green and red woven fabric, That is not Christmas really, but I always think it is.
Lay out your cover and trim it to about 3/4 " around your tree. Do the same to the trunk allowing for the truck be covered under the button edge of the tree. Stitch or pink a finished edge along the bottom of your tree because it will not be folded under to the back side. (or leave it raw if you like). Cut a piece of felt that will cover the entire back side of your tree including the trunk

4.Glue your cover to your tree. Using your hot glue first glue the trunk cover in place then the tree cover.

5. Attach your hanging ribbon. Using @ 8-10" of ribbon make a loop and attach it to the back of the tree at the tip top.

6. Glue the backing onto your tree. Trim any excess once you have it glued.
7. Add any garland or other embellishments to your tree.

8. Arrange and glue your caps.
Decide where you want each cap then line the edge of the cap with hot glue and adhere it to the tree. You don't have to go too crazy here because you want them to pull off kinda easily.

9.Number each cap.
I used cut outs from all the gazillion black Friday and pr thanksgiving fliers we got in the mail.
I went through and found 1-24 in varying fonts keeping in mind the size of the bottle cap.
Kg cut out coordinating stars in multiple sizes from construction paper. I used glue and modge-podge here. I made the numbered star first with glue and adhered it to the cap. I then glazed the whole thing with modge-podge. Let it sit over night to dry
10. count down the days till Christmas!

Fall sale sneak a peek

2010-11-18T09:34:00.001-08:00

~here is a quick sneak peek at a few of the new items for this Saturday's sale...I am so in love with my new fall dress pattern. It is super comfortable and layers well . I love the ease of the silhouette,
something that will make it flattering on most figures...

I also have loads of skirts,(this one is fuchsia and truly truly truly outrageous) ****musical interlude***

slip dresses...yes that is snake skin knit, and Pancho t shirts.

In addition to the clothing I will have the usual hodge-podge of accessories and gifts. Don't forget I am still taking custom orders for Holiday gifts. So If you have been wanting to get someone that special belle and burger apron or bag or what have you , let me know and we will get it done! Happy Little Friday y'all and c u SATURDAY

~belle and burger and Cabbage Moon Company Sale~

2010-11-12T05:29:00.000-08:00

~Sale next weekend with belle and burger and Cabbage Moon Company.~
This is our first in a series of team sales. The rest will be at Farmers Market for the Holly-daze season. This one will highlight clothing from me,I will be posting ramshackled photos of sneaky peeks all week. You should hop on over to Cabbage Moon for some peeks at her beautiful creations.
The last few days I have been making loads of my new knit slip dress and the cropped Pancho T-shirt.

This one is translucent........

I also made this custom playboy robe and nightie set, I am planning more of these one of a kind slumber items....stay tuned for more previews.

Dolce's pecan spice tea cookies

2010-11-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

~My good friend Dolce gave me this recipe after burger was gobbling them up at her house. They are very lightly sweet and quite tender. Also there is a lot of room for variation; She made them with banana last week and I was thinking pumpkin or sweet potato might make it into a batch of mine eventually. I sprinkled mine with cinnamon sugar but she doesn't; I also upped the spices( adding the spice to the cookie). They are perfect with tea and a great excuse to eat a cookie! I could see adding this to my Christmas cookie repertoire this year for sure. I am thinking a candied pecan would be real nice baked on top!

Dolce's pecan spice tea cookies

Ingredients
1/2 plug of butter room temp
1c ground pecans
1 egg
1/4 c brown sugar
1tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp all spice
cinnamon /sugar for sprinkles

process
preheat oven 375. cream butter and sugar add vanilla and beaten egg mix/ beat for few minutes. fold in nuts. In separate bowl whisk rest of dry ingredients. Mix dry into wet till blended.Dough will be sticky but not too sticky. roll your cookies about a heaping (teaspoon ) into balls . Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake about 10-12 minutes ... till just nutty sandy brown. So lovely!

new t~shirt design

2010-11-05T12:20:00.001-07:00

so here is a new T-shirt design for fall/winter. I am planning to try the 4 panel pattern with re purposed T-shirts....
I am also still sorting the hem out and I want to test the sleeve widths as well (when I have more knit to play around with)but I think I am loving it.~ thanks Zuul for the inspiration oh yeah and memories of units clothing stores

Its time to eat the pumpkin and recollect

2010-11-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

~so I made the first pumpkin pie of the season last night. I used fresh pumpkin(of course) and Martha's recipe, except I used a store bought( gasp) crust... Hey I may be crazy but I ain't insane; I know my limits. I am not risking our first pumpkin pie with an experimental crust from these rookie paws. Mine came from her book but I love this clip with Betty white.
While munching pumpkin pie for breakfast I figured I would do a little photo~tage of the last few crazy sick birthday weeks from here in central Texas...because I need to remember.
~First Burger had a birthday and a party and lots of cake. Here he contemplates the one I made for him . ....homemade Strawberry birthday cake. I was completely disappointed with this recipe. It was more like corn bread than cake. It was actually not so bad warm outta the oven but after being in the refrigerator and then frosted the next day; It was just way too dense. I love this part shot of me and spidey. Burger recently switched from wolverine to Spiderman,
my little man is growing up!
Kg's celebration was the next week and I made this little kitty dress for our date~nite. It is the tank dress I made late this summer without the shirring at the waist and belted, instead.
I made pickles for Kg's bday in lieu of cake. I altered Bertie's recipe by adding mixed vegetables and jalapenos. My version of Escabeche .

Under direction from Burger, Kg bought a Ghostbusters costume for his Halloween getup ( someone needed a blaster and power pack). Kyle was Peter Venkman ...so handsome So decided to go as the gatekeeper or Zuul .
I made my dress by altering on this pattern.
Among all this I also wanted to share a "coming home " custom baby outfit I made for a very special little boy expected to arrive in December. He is a miracle baby; he was conceived by egg donor in Uruguay and we are very excited for his safe arrival! Welcome little Seeley!

Yay it is November!!!!!!!!!!!!

~No sew~ skinny scarf from knit sheet tutorial

2010-10-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

Central Texas has extremely mild winters. I had high hopes for this winter because we actually have been having what y'all overseas* folks call fall. Well, the news is out and "they" are predicting a mild winter here this coming season. Now I am not certain if "they" mean a normal Central Texas winter or an even milder one.
SO not to stop my ramble, but I will get to the point. I made this little scarf last week with our predicted mild winter in mind; Also I was having the onslaught of a cold and my sweet "Dr" told me to keep my self covered across the neck and chest. This would keep all that wind out.
I have been wanting to make a skinnier version of these long knit scarfs I saw last season ..I think at Old Navy. I like that you can tie a pretty bow or just do a loose job.
Ingredients
one flat knit sheet any size or 2 yrds of knit fabric
sharp fabric scissors
chalk
tape measure

***The sheet is the easiest method because you simply lay the sheet out and the top to bottom length is your scarf length.
**** the st etch of your fabric should be in the width of your scarf

1. lay out sheet or fabric out nice and flat cut off the hem if there is one. The stretch of the fabric should be with the width of your scarf.
2. measure in reg intervals 6 " from your edge the entire length of your fabric.

3.Using your Fabric scissors cut along your dotted chalk lines.
4. tie your scarf on.... like, i said I like the bow tie look.tight or loose
*ps...here is my new fave song that includes this" overseas" ref

crafty ghoulash...

2010-10-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

~October is sort of like December 'round here. Halloween is definitely the favorite family holiday and we have two birthdays this month to boot! Along with the change from summer to fall( and we are having a fall this year!)this all makes September and October monstrous for me. I actually had an interesting conversation about this with my yoga mentor a few weeks back. She says ( a little more eloquently)that everyone experiences a bit of anxiety going through this seasonal change. She says we are moving from a time of fire into a time dominated by air and that calming your heat can help you through the change ( and to help not get all flared up). So that has been my focus. Trying to control and flush out some of my heat ( excitement and overflowing of ideas) and smoothly transition in to air( getting some of those ideas done and letting go of the rest)
SO to help me with my transition I thought I would take a moment to check in and see where I am and share...

~I made this simple apron set for a favorite couple who were recently wed. ...I mentioned I made this dress for their celebration but did not show their gift set yet. I also made a set of hand dyed pale yellow linen napkins using a repurposed linen table cloth. Included with the kitchen set was copy of this favorite new bake book of mine. Here it is all wrapped up. I really like giving napkins with aprons.( early Christmas ideas)

~I also made this inspiring custom apron for a very special friend. Her request was for an owl and we loosely decided on a palette. Her napkin set will include a mix of the fabrics used in her apron design. Other than that she let me run free. It looks so lovely on her and was so fun to make.
~Also I had my first A-line skirt class in which my friend wore her lovely apron and made her first skirt! Blue mama also joined in the fun and made the cutest little fall skirt that I am eager to see and show off finished! Both ladies learned how to wind a bobbin in the beginning of class and ended with a skirt they had made themselves! (oops...This class accidentally fell on the Holy musical weekend of ACL ...so needless to say it will be a repeater...)

~And more stuff
Here is a new pattern I have been working on for a skirt made from a sheet. I have worn this one the last 3 date nights and made it look different each time( although I have not remembered to take photos). I still have not even hemmed it; totally into the grunge look of the unfinished hem!?...you could say I am loving it.
It is cut on the bias to give a lovely full flow and the waist obi is made from the top band of the sheet . I have a few kinks to work out but I am hoping to offer it up as a tutorial by Christmas.It is crazy simple and so comfy to wear plus it is such a flattering versatile cut.
I made this custom humming bird skirt from the pattern minus the obi belt, and plus the extra band on the length I love the colors we chose for this one.
...and this little hummer is steadying herself just like me.