I love taking bits and pieces from the past and creating something new to enjoy. A tiny piece of lace or an old picture is my inspiration. I think if these elements could talk, they would have such an interesting story to tell.
Using a variety of techniques, you will transform an ordinary folder into a lovely keepsake “passport” that will feature a special person, significant event, memorable trip or something from your imagination!
Registration fee of $120. includes all supplies you need except a few personal photos or mementos * (see below examples) Your play date also includes lunch, beverages, morning and mid-afternoon snacks and other fun goodies!
Payment must be received priorto the workshop and may be made using PayPal, check/money order, or cash. Registration is non-refundable, but can be transferred to a friend if for some reason you are unable to attend.
Questions? Contact me (Martha Kohley) at 503-551-0421.
Space is limited to 8, so make your reservations today!
Charming cover of vintage flowers or use a picture.
Use as many pictures as you like. Bring an assortment to choose
from. I have all the assorted papers!
You are limited only by your imagination!
*Personal photos or mementos:
Please bring color photocopies of images to be featured in your “passport”. The copied images need to be small enough to place on 4” x 8 ½ “ sections of the passport. You can use as many images as you like. There are 6 sections (including the cover and back). See example above.
You may also want to bring items of significance, i.e., a scrap of lace, fabric, buttons, a matchbook, napkin, ticket stuff, feather, etc. You get the idea! If you don’t have any of these items of meaning, I have plenty of “stock” for everyone!
A great thing about entertaining early in the holiday season is that you are finished with decorating and can enjoy your efforts. Our get-together this past weekend was delightful. Just the right amount and mix of guests. Not because we planned it that way, but it just happened. It was fun to observe who was in an in depth discussion with who. Also, to hear a burst of laughter from the other room and wonder what spurred all the hilarity! It was wonderful time with some of our favorite people.
I wanted to share something I saw on an recent episode on the Food Network. Nigella Lawson prepared gingerbread for a holiday party and decorated the stacked squares with a little forest scene covered with powdered sugar. I thought it looked like a fun thing to do. Instead of gingerbread, I made cake-like brownies. Our local cake-cookie decorating store had the exact little trees and deer to make the scene. I piled the brownie squares on a cake pedestal, added the trees and deer -- and this is the fun part -- sifted a dusting of powdered sugar over the top! Voila - instant holiday fun! Here is the result...
Sorry it is a little blurry, I was hurrying to get a shot before guests arrived. It and the poinsettia blossoms above are a couple of my favorite holiday things this year. The blossom stems were damaged and wilting. I snipped them off and placed them in old bottles filled with water -- something I had seen in one of the holiday magazine issues. The blossoms were saved and can be enjoyed for a long time. Easy and instant holiday eye candy!
So, I guess the moral of this post is ... you don't have to go to a lot of work to create a little fun and whimsy during the holidays. Keep it simple and enjoy the time with friends and family. M.
It only seems fitting that on the first day of December I will be making my first batch of Christmas cookies. We will be hosting a holiday get-together this weekend, so we spent last weekend "decking the halls". And, deck it we did - even a sprig or two in the "loo"!
I spent some time cleaning-up my workroom. What a mess it was. Now it's a much more contained mess. I am looking forward to working on a few projects (gifts) this weekend. I know that my hubby will be watching the Civil War game between U of O and Oregon State, so I will have some quality time at my work table.
I always look forward to being able to work leisurely on a project for someone special. Actually, that is how I got started in this creative business. People would see something that I had made for a friend or family member and ask if they could commission me to make something for them. And, so it went. Ten years later, here I am making lots of somethings for many of you. It still makes my heart happy to see some one's eyes light up when they hold one of my creations. That makes all the work worthwhile.
For some time now I have been discussing conducting a day-long workshop or two after the first of the year. I am devising a project that will be universally interesting to a mixed group. I will pair this day of creativity with delicious food and lots of fun. SO, stay tuned for more information. It's coming soon! M. PS If you are interested in hearing more about the workshops, leave a comment and I will keep you in the loop!
We woke up to a nice covering of snow this morning! Much earlier than usual for the Willamette Valley, but it's here just the same. I know it has played havoc with the morning commute, but it has helped get me into the holiday mood. I know that sounds odd since I just completed a few holiday shows. However, once the shows are over (usually before Thanksgiving) I have to decorate our home. Sometimes it is hard to be up for it after decorating and taking down, then a couple times more at various venues. Soooo, a little dusting is just the thing to get me in the spirit of things.
Several of you asked for the glazed meatball recipe that we served at the Holiday Treasures Show. It is super easy and only three ingredients.
So here it is: Cran-Chili Meatballs!
2 - 12 oz jars of chili sauce
2-3 cans of whole cranberry sauce - depends on how saucey you want them
1 bag frozen meatballs, We used the ones from COSTCO that have about 140 per bag.
Put chili sauce and cranberry sauce in a pot and heat until all is melted. Stir often. Add frozen meatballs; heat until meatballs are thawed and then simmer for 3 hours. We moved them to a crockpot to keep them warm. You could use a chafing dish.
