tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57876559621111008022024-02-07T03:34:25.761-05:00DellaRae DeZinesDellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-8062072348211424052011-07-06T12:15:00.002-04:002011-07-06T12:37:59.445-04:00Wednesday's Wings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD9cftPfL3sa0hwqKkMVw97BGaA8WjjXHRH6DsMghTcg_TRAg5YM0iekhRO_HB0shTxy7uxn2tilmfBe1WPzfpZdxgBjASnHfy-eo8o57fpqbOXoKTy68e_cg-mvyBHIu1MgXvhNwi7v0/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626274353748145282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD9cftPfL3sa0hwqKkMVw97BGaA8WjjXHRH6DsMghTcg_TRAg5YM0iekhRO_HB0shTxy7uxn2tilmfBe1WPzfpZdxgBjASnHfy-eo8o57fpqbOXoKTy68e_cg-mvyBHIu1MgXvhNwi7v0/s400/IMG_6798.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Have you ever had a time when you aren't creative? It has happened to me over the last few months. I couldn't even find time or energy to blog. I am out of school for the summer and am trying to do something good for myself so I have been swimming every morning. In the process I have seen some beautiful birds on the lake. I decided one way to get back started with my blog was to do a "Wednesday's Wings" post each week to show you some of the wonderful birds that live on my lake. I'm not a real bird watcher so I don't know all of their names, but I do like to look at birds. So if I get the names wrong feel free to correct me. This is a great blue heron. He lives close by and is always waiting for the fishermen to offer him a snack of fresh caught fish. He is not afraid to walk right up to them on the bank and wait <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">patiently</span> for a handout. He and other herons are often found near the shallow waters at the edge of lakes and beaches. He has the distinction of being the largest wading bird in Florida standing over four feet in height with a seventy inch wing span. Hopefully, watching the birds will put me in the mood to paint them. </div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-77481978478943618202010-12-25T01:30:00.005-05:002010-12-25T01:43:01.965-05:00Merry ChristmasWishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with friends, family and love.<br /><br /><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554504260627598530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOhQoA5h7sNAZcdSYPCOvojyiDe9A3STQot0idArC94MH6QQZqBbcuPms45gPSscbkyhfO-GcfwKkRqsnPEwmcQ7XWxI-CwEInm_78lFUh5_RWsu5faDwMyY4CKjHJhJLc7DRzUboRLVJ/s400/IMG_4139.JPG" />The good little girls and boys are asleep in their beds dreaming of Christmas morning...the bad ones are tossing and turning....but all left cookies and milk for Santa with hope that he brings them everything on their Christmas list.<br /><br /><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554504074005074114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrSUHUxI1HayOOf2iiY7qIi8dzVtLxXhYZqheLj_fVKHbqQQS3eiPhsG6KQ9PSQ521Sa9ZO4kywcxiWbNBfflRkGnkCxRED1QSB3CFPrK0ykZjWv8GuEKMeIJAGrhWsMhcEWtIc7CqT0o/s400/IMG_9560.JPG" /><br />HO, HO, HO,.......Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554503810480614514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-wZaq4theO3tQFzMkUhQjQQMilk65nJN2TszRH-j6EmmAYQur2-G2gW6TU5DCA25HoPflH8DOV7kOUIfcigF8mVrWm-1hHIMvRjGAkLadgq4HcZnCviOlqaEbYZxEYdh3eHTpXFmM95y/s400/IMG_4124.JPG" /></div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-38807044488523696132010-12-17T12:05:00.006-05:002010-12-21T14:59:18.713-05:00Celebrate 365<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ffXz7cMngcC-ZIUOVBpNvwBwxNkjzZI4mLFrlDCK0ogQwOet_8npg563U4GCHKSGYG8gFMu76YFSlf0c_H_Wz4IAeVaD6zynz2s0wsLKBAAQcMEzLwnK-0_wXkQIG9OtNkvdVeCQ9_cY/s1600/10-4_pg22-23_med.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553227577672178466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ffXz7cMngcC-ZIUOVBpNvwBwxNkjzZI4mLFrlDCK0ogQwOet_8npg563U4GCHKSGYG8gFMu76YFSlf0c_H_Wz4IAeVaD6zynz2s0wsLKBAAQcMEzLwnK-0_wXkQIG9OtNkvdVeCQ9_cY/s400/10-4_pg22-23_med.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMFpuRPRu5RHRpnTHoJKUsZJgzKkfIzr4PpIthq2-8_aRqxiHat3D-tr1uMERIV8TUroS0zO_zx0sLjwaEdH09uaNb3JUvoLnHmCKIF3tV0Ax9m8btml-5bWCJ7gi_GO6VXYIieD7V2Re/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551698713887674258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMFpuRPRu5RHRpnTHoJKUsZJgzKkfIzr4PpIthq2-8_aRqxiHat3D-tr1uMERIV8TUroS0zO_zx0sLjwaEdH09uaNb3JUvoLnHmCKIF3tV0Ax9m8btml-5bWCJ7gi_GO6VXYIieD7V2Re/s400/IMG_3803.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>This is "Chunky St. Nick" he is so excited to be included in the Christmas 2010 edition of <a href="http://celebrate365.com/">Celebrate 365</a>. I submitted three ornaments and Nick was chosen to share page 22 with his other Santa friends. By the way, I'm excited, too! You can find Nick for sale at my etsy shop.</div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-69227662251229317932010-10-31T12:35:00.004-04:002010-10-31T12:58:17.506-04:00Happy Halloween<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534250306785702338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5asMqe8PJJp7qqRbFIL0dk4LYUthfg4eLC_2muPbnW4P3lmFpMGaImenoeMZ3Hnpvz8GNBD-xo1sqvRldcRkukSvMjdol75mVh4qcfpUQ42mX4Crj0js7WVxDknjToCNDnZm_rjwUpAT/s400/IMG_3713.JPG" /> <div>About a month ago I found this amazing site, <a href="http://stolloween.com/">http://stolloween.com/</a>. On it were paper mache jack o lanterns of every size and shape, and they were fascinating to me. I wanted to make one, and the best thing was that all the directions were there. It took me a month to make this scary fellow because of the drying time, and he is a first attempt, but I love him. There are some rough edges and things I would change in the future, but all in all I like the way he turned out. If you like Halloween and paper mache, visit this site for some great inspiration and a very creative soul.</div><div></div><div>Since I am a crazy art teacher, I wanted to wear something that the kids would love to school on Friday. This is the spider hat I finished at midnight Thursday night, but it was a hit with my students. They are so excited when you wear something a little out of the ordinary and they ask so many question about how you created it. I think that it sparks a little creativity in them. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534250110176112130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALS4wlN1hNXSqjlh5TofclXZqSPLBGKqyqvcXTyFJro8V4feKhTbEdBklTCYy1uecQREaCsXA00nvGQCUbQrGqwE984fsD6GVwLGHgcEPtgVtEofd_eSD5lGac-hXUm4zZRkHKB0IZ4RT/s400/IMG_3704.JPG" />I'm going trick or treating with my grandson tonight. We live in a small community and Halloween is a special time. We go on a hayride with all of our friends. The streets are filled with children in their costumes and the city has a haunted house and games. I trick or treated on these same streets as did my children and now their children. </div><div>Happy Halloween to you and yours and as the Raggedy Man would say, "the goblins will get you if you don't watch out"! <div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-5269770057180805132010-10-27T00:22:00.002-04:002010-10-27T00:32:05.572-04:00Miss Witch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfK2HAWyIW38-Ne8mVUR9Tw1Ea8aP3RW-nacWI2VIqUnCd4oFmEFzoKL86Qic84T8Aacyew_kYWDczdg4g0pitWxzgSSa5shhgO9g02n5yoarKaQ0c7dxvP4nvxROwufjryjmopnbX8Yh/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532576786981096466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfK2HAWyIW38-Ne8mVUR9Tw1Ea8aP3RW-nacWI2VIqUnCd4oFmEFzoKL86Qic84T8Aacyew_kYWDczdg4g0pitWxzgSSa5shhgO9g02n5yoarKaQ0c7dxvP4nvxROwufjryjmopnbX8Yh/s400/IMG_3536.JPG" /></a><br />All dressed up and no place to go. Miss Witch is ready for her special night. Now if she could only find her broom. She's here to wish you a Spooktacular Halloween. Get ready, only five more days to go. Happy Haunting!DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-19780627110034997542010-10-17T00:42:00.005-04:002010-10-17T01:10:03.436-04:00Ornies Find New HomesI'm home from the Florida Art Teachers Conference in Orlando tonight. What fun we had. I had some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">excellent</span> classes and got so many new ideas for projects. My students are going to love them. Next year we travel to St. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petersburg</span>. I'm looking forward to it already. Good fun, good friends, and wonderful memories.<br /><br />I was fortunate to sell four of my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ornies</span> and a couple of Little Jack pins at the Artist Bazaar on Friday night. Scary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Skellie</span> who you met in my last post is gone as well as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Batilla</span>, and the Queen of Hearts, who I finished at the last minute and forgot to make their pictures.<br /><br />This is "Frankie Baby". He's quite the handsome fellow and sure to steal the heart of any lovely lady in town, just as his was stolen....he's looking for his bride.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528871387686367010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxXczC0vWTJCQiQb5DnFlUn-X4RL1StfjtnfRO4cGyEkeiKrgPbuZDXSfM4lhYC1X9XXQ2fegLgXbOKlBRkY7iqFUEpX8vxuWj-ltHv44AjsQ7UOZUcSYOQaqmYR9s0Jh-MVk8scD8rvo/s400/IMG_3571.JPG" /><br />And I'd like you to meet "Millicent Monster" all dressed up for the Halloween Ball. I wonder if she found a date?<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528871207858405202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrOC5DUIReI-hm3s-Ck7hSgUu-wD7NUXZgetLX0X6U-sdyeJjH6WnvKsDh64AGpTskQfsGRsnxx5pSOk0HTx6szQhANK5aDu2RYooQi5XZ3Rnuqdn6zLK6C1nsBdL64oofm7jpCchztqn/s400/IMG_3558.JPG" />Cover your eyes and don't you peek</div><div>Larry wants to play Hide and Seek.</div><div>As you walk by he'll pull you in.</div><div>It's dark inside</div><div>Games over my friend!</div><div></div><div> </div><div>And "Larry" of "Hide and Seek" is gone also. It is so rewarding when you sell your art to fellow artists. Their was so much talent exhibited at the bazaar you wonder why your art was chosen. I guess there other crazy artists out there that love a little spooky combined with a little whimsy. Whatever the reason I am so glad they chose my little guys and know that they now have wonderful new homes.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528871074394222162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPBDxiilO0rNdke8kXRTBzQo_MwXMzmMGloJrLJbli52_HWEbIOADHgFGOkXthJFuJSXE787hVKNjVcIsaySiW-q6FIvviCKLcFGoeX1vOmoRCAL_idImEEFwHxISVdvrSzqYuR92hZnS/s400/IMG_3591.JPG" /><br /><div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-74596707761379481502010-10-10T18:25:00.005-04:002010-10-10T18:53:32.679-04:00Halloween OrniesI am in the Halloween mood. I have done nothing but make ornaments for the past two days. It is about time. I have been in a creative slump. Hopefully I have climbed out of the blah hole and will continue to create. Below you will see the Purple People Eater ornament. If you are an Oldie Goldie you will appreciate the significance of this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ornie</span>. It's my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interpretation</span> of that old song we all remember from out youth.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526547863960757778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIXgT1vEyGv_qcD952mqSpMSBuHsYO5vsnmQzjY5ZPUa2alhr9YRNK3QQGmEE-yLIuON9HHlCQyFXZ0fhslV6z6apke6nn5WaBSrqBwN-oGgJgZNp5jSAlgzELn3M04Hq71pH0PFoEB0T/s400/IMG_3545.JPG" />I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">usually</span> don't create scary, but "Scary Skelly" came from somewhere deep inside me. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">wouldn't </span>want to meet him in a dark alley or anywhere else for that matter.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526547692084412386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjofg7fOnjsNhVmqqrrOsEOI7bvmwCLPgrFoVA38ke_yrkdvCJmLeSXj0EXXwEsb4x9SsTQi618tvERfIj9XMk2viA0gYe8Hwg3HordFfO_KcfgIQnpfw79G6s07E3qMmlC4zKiMzjpsmu/s400/IMG_3581.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>Lonesome Harry sure looks scary </div><div>when he crawls upon your plate</div><div>Don't be alarmed when he crawls on your arm</div><div>He's only looking for a date. </div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Now who wouldn't fall in love with Harry, with all those creepy eyes and that fuzzy stuff around them. You can find Harry and all his friend on my E<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">tsy</span> site....just in time for Halloween. I'll show you some more friends tomorrow!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526547385719158642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQefHRy-3O5_6NVnuhztxlPlgtemABigkzRY9jZymfZm3_lyweEwoBClaQg95utQmDcntWzRsrZHQ1fHyBEqS5kzsANyfLTP8rl7TpiervnPOJikPNpB_2lGhPt0wzQCiOmccwA_heGV_O/s400/IMG_3567.JPG" /><br />Celebrating the season....I love Halloween!<br /><div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-30893044878748883332010-09-20T00:02:00.010-04:002010-09-20T00:19:10.124-04:00Halloween Queens GiveAway<a href="http://the%20artistichalloweenqueens.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518841642256136098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-49Ux83oYUtWgKm59fyIgGY7wbn46ShY9FZ3V_T1hN0LLlWOWz4S1FvbJgz4_95EaGtbwC-xd-cRxkgibwyRkajLz1oMZ5E0gGmNtRQwgtwMbokCDb5g-5hmwhGOlih3zeO8WkBRYCo1/s400/octgabanner.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> If you love Halloween you need to hurry on over to the Halloween Queens give a way. <a href="http://artisticthalloweenqueens.blogspot.com/2010/09/queen-for-day-giveaway.html">http://artisticthalloweenqueens.blogspot.com/2010/09/queen-for-day-giveaway.html</a></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"> They are giving 31 days of wonderful Halloween art. Everyday until that magical day you can win a spooktacular prize. You won't be disapointed when you see all the ghoulish offerings!<br /></span><div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-40740482852661762232010-08-25T00:37:00.009-04:002010-08-25T01:02:16.803-04:00Home to LondonLovely Selene is at home in England. Her trip took her to faraway places and she met many friends along the way. She began her journey in London where her creator Jasmoon Butterfly sent her across the ocean to Ayala Art in California. There she was painted and given her long flowing hair.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509202758608246290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1MbjMwIMoZY6odb-T0jIUB8huBj6PYQd0rUGWjzHSKhd_u5BOEbZY-0ww2ycfGeeu5qtrPdl7Gem8QEbnwDrjQlYXQevhb-aI-MwU-eJA1h44lwJv2eYGADLkCdM-RKh9dmgDy9WBmor/s400/IMG_2975.JPG" />She traveled on the sunny Florida where Raedell of DellaRae Designs dressed her and gave her a moon lantern to guide her on her travels to find her lost love Endymion.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509202619176644226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgWf7UY6IMHIYlMQip99cYKysiWa2-iX3YFauDz2wbiO6U0-Aqx1_eRX9VmIuYELQgVQaYYzZAPqOFEDxdTkMME0ZL6SyRNANQWEqbAOfJ1ISSrGYJQBeW53zBuEZeS0haREXb1H194rv/s400/IMG_2979.JPG" />Tiny slippers adorned her feet so that she could dance night after night in the fairy glen.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509202372781673378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SOsw_7DdqOebAXrHc3YrhPyykqCPoECwy_mtnTDtPwxjPeIQTMZnmAHfQojMUp-H4SauMShimPlZ4l2HrQ-tQ0pJTofBZsfrfhwwUcRC_4hw0GmMkW4Gkr23NnX6_UyTI2NSvFJOngcW/s400/IMG_3002.JPG" />Ribbon wings and a tulle and taffeta gown completed her outfit. Shimmering butterflies in honor of her creator danced across her gown. A beautiful journal accompanied Selene on her journey and recorded her adventures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509202148919828642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAtdWFlUy8_VNEkq4p5NUbcE9pyHWuZVehMuQGH-YK4dBSR-gCj13bEl5zT3DpjmRJ0yxQ2m5N0faO-D6A41L68mTTIkFF02B9iEfa9Y6MjTtHB7wAUXrTlLBf6P4Bzho8fNKZUL310B5/s400/IMG_2998.JPG" /></div></div></div></div><br />Selene longed to be in the place of her birth. I know that she is there now. She has descended the stairs to the fairy glen and has gazed upon her true love. He has been waiting there for her peaceful in sleep. I can see her now, gliding down the stairs through the mist, led by the flickering lights on the banks of the glen. Selene and her love are now togerher forever.DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-8177729472560705742010-06-30T08:57:00.007-04:002010-08-06T01:00:44.490-04:00Selene -Team MunecaThe Traveling Doll Project from ADO <a href="http://adotravelingdollproject.blogspot.com/">http://adotravelingdollproject.blogspot.com/</a> is rapidly coming to an end. Wonderfully creative dolls have traveled around the world in a collaborative group effort. The results are amazing from some exceptionally creative artists. Each doll travels with a journal created by their maker. The journals exhibit as many different styles as the dolls. Each member of the team adds to the journal as the story of the doll unfolds. If you have missed the journey of the dolls go back and follow them from the beginning.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488550347802083394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwln_fqUPBSn060YUDxio1Vz9YFOsD-7grY5S7-Sv6qC7iCUKuhzw5z9rb52T-NUsKWEMunR-2ZezL7p2GKIP-uqtUc6Rcg5hRaS0WDsydcKbm7CudiHIW9U8kcmREYFn4VfdXTrNn2qP/s400/IMG_2784.JPG" /></div><br /><p>Pictured above is just a hint of the lovely Selene whose creator is Tracey of <a href="http://jasmoonbutterfly.blogspot.com/">http://jasmoonbutterfly.blogspot.com/</a> of London. Selene traveled to to the California home of Martha of Ayala Art <a href="http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/">http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/</a> where she was given a beautiful serene face and long black hair and then to me to be dressed and accessorized. Selene has had a exciting trip delayed by volcanic ash and other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tragedies</span> along the way, but soon she and her amazing journal will return home to England. </p><p></p>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-61815070706093578822010-06-01T23:24:00.005-04:002010-06-01T23:43:49.240-04:00ADO Alice in Wonderland Blog Event<a href="http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478012412728409970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKxO4K0NahPvzw_jDkCZzfKVBiL2cLzFxrFaV3f3uaZyXrs8SIWctXLzmqlMw6hTfh1JwUyTs65GLapGV_5ccdm-X_3A564bh6DyQQB6n5-deT-nrL2xii-Ui_K7TbiQva19Ga1kNDHLG/s400/AliceSquare.jpg" /></a> Come join the fun and create a character from Alice in Wonderland at the ADO 2nd Annual Blog Event. My online art doll group is sponsoring the event and everyone is invited to participate...accomplished art doll artists or first time doll makers. The only requirement to participate is that you must have a blog. So, if this sound like fun to you, please join us. Let your creativity shine like Cheshire Cat's smile. Don't be late...the signup begins today!<br /><div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-50006773074797179182010-05-16T20:48:00.006-04:002010-05-16T21:14:52.095-04:00Lovely LunaIt has been ages since I have been on my blog...computer problems and others to numerous to mention have kept me away. Hopefully all that has changed and I will begin to post again. During the time that I have been away a beautiful fairy came to me. Her name is Luna. Luna is part of the Traveling Doll Project with ADO. She came to me from Ayala Art in California, and this is how she arrived. I was to add to Luna then send her on to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jasmoon</span> Butterfly in London. Luna stayed in Florida for awhile and then continued her journey. Her trip was delayed because of volcanic ash and we worried about her and anticipated her arrival in England. After over a month of travel time she arrived <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">safety</span>.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472035107805175586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtbuYlKvLeFylV7LoZsqQJkz_Grjc-AmE9MIYXok_jglY3CQAhu6HEgT8Qho4m9S-bZ344OFuurVGTjetA20F9niYYMlnU8kCaMpzxHw3p0tlAPNVsefcuQmSvjB3iyt18YobqgRiy7VZ/s400/IMG_1058.JPG" />I had the choice of what to do with Luna. I decided not to dress her, but to add some accessories to enhance her story. I made the moon for Luna to sit and wish on from paper clay and added pearls to the base. While in Florida Luna found and oyster who shared his pearl and the pearls of many of this friends with her. I also used the pearls in her hair. I decided to make Luna's hair green because she had a greenish tint to her skin. I used several different shades of hand dyed mohair for her wild mane. This is how Luna looked when she left for England on the back of a dolphin.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472034873132617490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf1wKMmmrPcTnXeL-dcxhklJ3sp6_g5a61bsOh56NiQQvuIk9bbbowAS6p0Ypxo3nI3mI-rSd7Ii2ST7-BZ_Jkc0WPBjDRKpotRB5hhCwnqHbjPzPvkNWpATcOjp5vEedQgqxWnKNFOta/s400/IMG_1057.JPG" /></div></div><br />Luna is in London now and soon she and her journal will be completed and she will go home to California. I can wait to see the complete transformation of this lovely creature. She will go back to the glen where the fairies dance, but she will always remember her time in Florida where the whisper of the waves as they touched the shore helped her find magic.DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-47361355649256238402010-02-15T14:02:00.003-05:002010-02-15T14:07:25.099-05:00And the Winner Is.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rkdOFjFo8lIUNuM3-dSQ0UkFpg69Qs3OsDXI0qSoFB6TajzqWwIJy5HmkLFb44neHsAxr3D5ToX6TsXRVchQXdN0QNKqH2wvHP5Vs_hccgXbmcmQ9E7dZMcaJx65FkOQ8-7J4HfUwdD9/s1600-h/IMG_0060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438547797066790242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rkdOFjFo8lIUNuM3-dSQ0UkFpg69Qs3OsDXI0qSoFB6TajzqWwIJy5HmkLFb44neHsAxr3D5ToX6TsXRVchQXdN0QNKqH2wvHP5Vs_hccgXbmcmQ9E7dZMcaJx65FkOQ8-7J4HfUwdD9/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" /></a> The winners of "Love at First Sight" in the One World One Heart giveaway are:<br />Kathy and Carrie of <a href="http://calkatthejewelryjunkie.blogspot.com/">http://calkatthejewelryjunkie.blogspot.com</a> Thank you to all who visited my blog during this fun event. Hope to see you all here again next year!<br /><div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-92041909030187014112010-02-08T14:51:00.011-05:002010-02-09T18:40:45.590-05:00Traveling Art Doll-Victoria- Team MunecaVictoria is on her way to London. She is part of the Art Dolls Only, Traveling Doll Project. Hand sculpted from polymer clay, Victoria has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">movable</span> arms, big hands, big feet and a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">permanent</span> look of surprise on her face. She was not what her mother, the darling and star of the circus, expected when she was born. Tiny <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Margaritte</span>, tight rope walker and Jon, elephant trainer, had high hopes for their child. We know that she will be part of the circus family, but where will she end up , we do not know. The rest of Victoria's story will be told my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jasmoon</span> Butterfly of London and Ayala Art in California. Victoria was sent to London a blank canvas. It is up to the other two artists to complete the doll and tell the rest of her story.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436288391785432690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuPHnIbZVdwOJPXZ4hK_aFjy-yfGgHLkktZHq2uiF5Z-2AtfgfwLk_rCf1iz4dB93Rqr9nDDMI9J8YqQh47SUniBkdcO9Jesj3EyVcZ0nO6ApA1xec2Uj6WxCdP7MteGYC4X61Ac9uC-S/s400/IMG_0095.JPG" /><br />Along with Victoria is a journal that travels with her. I placed a picture frame on the cover so that her picture can change as she changes and a picture of the final doll can grace the cover at the end of her journey. The journal is made from brown paper bags covered with different scrapbook papers. I can't wait to see the changes that will happen to Victoria and to read about her travels in her journal.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435963103231954306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd28BxCu5hgpADh1mZByerUHrlm5g8cQTHyEcAhWziVI3Rw_qHQatZwBXVq4obfhdM7X6TjVbEt9IQM0ZEX9BYqnGjU6dyWPSILgGSBwwHifFz-c28q7smbI3p0CguO2tgL7RtnRFPoqB/s400/IMG_0297.JPG" /> I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of Luna from Ayala Art. She is traveling to Florida from California. Together we will dance in the moonlight.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-60775794149008340032010-02-03T22:32:00.006-05:002010-02-03T22:48:43.359-05:00Frog Prince Visits KentuckyThe Frog Prince is getting ready to leave Florida and make a trip to Kentucky this weekend. He thinks he might need to pack some long johns to take with him.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434227101570703042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeuaXzJ8Di8ZDVCOfQe2LPPtOIojpCO9RAwR5E7UMDODFVn5xiU4RFeoV8aIjrYHnhhtkozX0-PsVS0OXgBry403vZ_bAyxcjw1DvR6gLfRCOiEsuTs57sPgocYRMv5Pxo_U73E_cbW3I/s400/IMG_0090.JPG" />This froggy boy will end up in Liberty to top the cake of a very special boy for his first birthday. He hopes they will let him have some ice cream because he tired of eating flies.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434226899187608050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZagmRXgRdSrxhfv39ybql8JU4ddpkosZex-Fj8-2l3YC0dxQ2u8jzypOEYsq20vX22ATbcZzoXJXxb9vbH0lzrhWWrIjzErflMcChEmGmYzoVQNnOQDWjf__3sRVypXU9uFmhDBkeO3sp/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" /><br /><div> This princely croaker is hand sculpted from polymer clay and painted with acrylic paint. He is approximately six inches tall and four inches wide. He wears a jeweled crown fit for a king.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434226633486065634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNF26dwcJkBv7iPHxWPxkim6DFfUIn1TjD1qhqJz5QQk16iowXYKyFfi2spTXluNx4UGfKokizOr2bnqL2_1vGU654cEMiZJ64GDc_9QIvvgm1iPqzsbmciyINEMgwDdjeP_cqzLYKhqk/s400/IMG_0094.JPG" /><br /><div>He is excited about meeting his new family and knows he will be happy as long as they don't put him out in the snow.</div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-3405733549277445342010-01-24T16:48:00.022-05:002010-01-25T08:51:44.121-05:00Spreading Peace and Love-One World One Heart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD6GhDw5N4i7AJqpRg1XOpZ5RTGDyPX5KUyQ7Vj1LXCVJ2sTaTi9oh8j5ZLRHrs1zkCahD1mIoeQEmZAt_XcTKKsKx-MaqCJOt9JscvWh2ZBXuodD2_oq0U9RiW9y-cI8F2ldfkazkAjE/s1600-h/OWOH2010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430427627147231058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD6GhDw5N4i7AJqpRg1XOpZ5RTGDyPX5KUyQ7Vj1LXCVJ2sTaTi9oh8j5ZLRHrs1zkCahD1mIoeQEmZAt_XcTKKsKx-MaqCJOt9JscvWh2ZBXuodD2_oq0U9RiW9y-cI8F2ldfkazkAjE/s400/OWOH2010.jpg" /></a> If you had told me a year ago that I would be participating in a blog event, I would have said you were crazy. A year ago I had never even read a blog much less created one. I started reading in February and in April I created <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DellaRae</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeZines</span>. It has been a fun nine months. I have made some wonderful friends through blogging and won some wonderful prizes from the many give a ways. And now I am a part of OWOH <a href="http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/one-world-one-heart.html">http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/one-world-one-heart.html</a> my second blog event. There are lots of great prizes to be had and many wonderful people to meet so go and visit and let the fun begin. This past year has been an adventure that I hope continues for a long, long time.<br /><br />So jump on the magic carpet and fly into my world.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430427424658039298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj_HCpxEz33koYl_52dZyIVF5bg6EMlr4APG6eR19KoM-fpei39vl0DTlWIj8XPCYng7l3G2I75EYSXOR95yFVXJHWjZ7GQJMtABgfqyvz1WWg3ulBFUwDEbG8A294pZhSNdgWZFVNNUj/s400/magic+carpet.png" /><br /><div> I am an art teacher by trade and an artist at heart. I have been creating as long as I can remember. I love to paint, sculpt, read, and cook. When you come back to my blog in the future you will see many different things....paintings, art dolls, recipes and nature photography. I am participating in a Traveling Doll Project starting February 1st so you can travel along as our dolls progress.<br />I live on a lake in central Florida so I find different creatures <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span> I step outside. Some are old friends that return daily for a handout and others are just passing through. I am always looking for something new to learn. Right now I looking for a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">soap making</span> class nearby. I started creating art dolls a year ago. And what a year that has been. I have met some incredibly talented doll makers on the internet and even sold a few dolls. My art dolls are all one of a kind and are usually described as whimsical. I would love for you to have one. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">SOOOOO</span>........</div><br /><div><div>Rub the genie's magic lamp and maybe you will be the winner of </div><div><span style="color:#663366;">"Love at First Sight".</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk1ADctuJuziE9ja79rF2J8qTNGdcnkyJKTQ2qld3uaoVaKNOyuFy-s3bLAUfyl_Kpj6YQkl3jfBAln0I5BqucMKgo7EgGpS3IruyB0u05Z873znEFxzVcVTdTtgx_UNRy0ykECFZ_-An/s1600-h/IMG_0060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430427142872392978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk1ADctuJuziE9ja79rF2J8qTNGdcnkyJKTQ2qld3uaoVaKNOyuFy-s3bLAUfyl_Kpj6YQkl3jfBAln0I5BqucMKgo7EgGpS3IruyB0u05Z873znEFxzVcVTdTtgx_UNRy0ykECFZ_-An/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" /></a>Can't you tell by that goofy look on his face that he has just met the girl of his dreams and his heart is pounding out of his chest. This little snowman is hand sculpted from polymer clay and painted with acrylic paints. He is approximately six inches tall. He has twisted wire arms ready to hug you. Fancy yarn adorns his hat and a yarn scarf completes his outfit. He is covered with a clear glass glitter. To win this little guy, just leave a comment below and a link or an email address where I can reach you should you be the winner. The winner will be chosen and announced on February 15<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><br />You can also have a chance to win another of my creations, "The Queen of Hopeful Hearts" if you visit the <a href="http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/">http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/</a> . Several members of our group have donated a piece of their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fabulous</span> work to be given away. So by visiting you can look at some amazing art and maybe the genie will let you take one of them home.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430426915792572434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ai79VVjFk9gI35BQisHzXdeIIqzDpvyPHk0mp-qbk6h8xCM2WaFHGk_fyoRfQ7IY1fCXSBXD7Ird47EV9jTZZxOmNw_TBH0HSGELRWJKnt0Da-pFMoNeWyb8eJnejnvEQZY7m4oo0JzT/s400/IMG_0052.JPG" /><br /><div><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#990000;">The Queen of Hopeful Hearts</span><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Her sad eyes tell the story</div><div align="center">Of a love that went away.</div><div align="center">A queen in all her glory,</div><div align="center">Whose heart was broke today.</div><div align="center">She'll tuck away sweet memories </div><div align="center">And hold them deep inside</div><div align="center">Forget about betrayal</div><div align="center">Just remember how she tried</div><div align="center">To keep him close beside her</div><div align="center">The one who wouldn't stay</div><div align="center">And hope that love will come again</div><div align="center">And find her some sweet day.<br /></div><div align="left">Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Please come back again and again. I hope that you have found something here to brighten your day. I will leave you with one more thought....What have you done today to make the world a better place to live? It all starts with just one word, one smile, one act of kindness. Do it now, get out there and create some happiness....make the world a better place.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com308tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-44592899289841328242010-01-14T09:03:00.007-05:002010-01-14T10:38:00.251-05:00Willie's WordsI wanted to share a picture I did of Willie Nelson several years ago. To look at this picture from a distance you would think it was a pencil drawing of Willie....but when you get up close you will find that is all the words to his songs that I could find at the time I drew it. I chose Willie as my subject because I liked his music and he had an interesting face with lots of character. I thought he was perfect for this style of art. If you stand back as far as ten feet you do not see the words at all and the pencil blends so it looks like a drawing.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426598203985376514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Ovj9W6Vk_Wg-KhNOrl6sC-bu-jc3H3-z0gvn3WH33LDqg8D4Vtw4nd0g6UvTQR9jtdptsFBSdExcMinM3ZHAZVr7QxfPjBEFPNoN5JLj3o0Y8o2IqkTldxXgoocBkniUzsWmJtlbjkP/s400/IMG_9932.JPG" />People who see the picture often ask me how long it took to finish the picture, and my answer is I really don't know. I did the picture for an assignment for a class I was taking. You had to turn a picture into a piece of word art. I started the picture by sketching Willie lightly in pencil. Then I used different hard and soft lead pencils and colored pencils to get the effect I wanted. After the intitial drawing, I put the picture on a table and would work on it when I had time. Sometimes it would be for a few minutes and sometimes a few hours. At the time I didn't know how much I would like the picture when it was finished so I didn't calculate the time.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426597952185638754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH28unvmXDLTcAjyxF5cYbXA7f274r8nEoD0wDWBH3VfIDvNfsFAy5lDdH255YPLPSsEPHebkCv4jk2qCdMrQ19S7iIcaxK4s7Kqji4QNT-leeMxZY98tZszJ6blp5NcESN_B-_HN9Q_XV/s400/IMG_9930.JPG" />The picture is composed with Willie's name and the words to his songs. His name is repeated many times and some of the songs are repeated and some are used only one time. I used them where I thought they fit on the picture.<br /><br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426597417632139346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwQoX-mrWWOOMbBMIwMbXbBV2Oa8UnMqAq_wTBsMy3awMqyBq8YVzvIdF4SB2272QydIyHuhKP2hDAuAShp7V3m6lmRw1UlrdihWMNwGSLwwp2l9-LZTtMM39UjT0feYsSle-sLIhuy5N/s400/IMG_9934.JPG" />For example, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" had to go in his eyes. This is only picture I have done in this style and many have asked, "Has Willie seen it?" and my answer is ,"No." Someday maybe he will.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426596922240820946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbknt0Pb366UBQT16V2ECky2oRvSdwNa2Fp_7tE2Impch-sgtMTnLJ4Ouq50fPcd7QSnNO-Nx5x0L79RpFaNSPP-HAoJCiP0evQ6fpco9hscZ51af9Jyh-KAGt59ex8Rzk7bhfMPEIGpL/s400/IMG_9929.JPG" /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-55926227844112584422010-01-09T09:24:00.004-05:002010-01-09T09:29:47.605-05:00Gourd Queen Giveaway!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjuo-01YHxYCDJYwXwPEOGVfgQNJqXn-aSjUQ2VS8740xtEaQiIpPrxGZDVCRAqP5P_ss-lY-ipKh1ewHiF2WYKYhyETuWI01-mZ5dsmEtlG2CQdDHkC3Mfr2NaKBI9Wn08COcs1Kn6GA/s1600-h/pfattmp0102+005111111444.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424746039791354482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjuo-01YHxYCDJYwXwPEOGVfgQNJqXn-aSjUQ2VS8740xtEaQiIpPrxGZDVCRAqP5P_ss-lY-ipKh1ewHiF2WYKYhyETuWI01-mZ5dsmEtlG2CQdDHkC3Mfr2NaKBI9Wn08COcs1Kn6GA/s400/pfattmp0102+005111111444.jpg" /></a> The Gourd Queen is having a wonderful giveaway...you have a chance of winning this little Gourdy Snowman ( don't you just love his devilish little grin) if you visit her blog. You will see some amazing art there. Just click on this link <a href="http://thegourdqueen.blogspot.com/">http://thegourdqueen.blogspot.com/</a> and enter a place of magic!<br /><div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-88395498696581141492010-01-05T19:50:00.014-05:002010-01-05T22:33:33.462-05:00Traveling Art Doll Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ1lbDa9V-GAyBTiS6smibhcSrMYD2kqN__Av3n36o_Fh8GAFM71etfD_CD82yg8_OxGsi_u_ZTueSB_7Bmy7vp-WzBzct86EUha8YYkKNvfA0pKArG-T0FqkV-ydGd3bDEV4DrH7aSNi/s1600-h/blog+travel+art+doll.jpg"><span style="font-size:0;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 84px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423463092210079298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ1lbDa9V-GAyBTiS6smibhcSrMYD2kqN__Av3n36o_Fh8GAFM71etfD_CD82yg8_OxGsi_u_ZTueSB_7Bmy7vp-WzBzct86EUha8YYkKNvfA0pKArG-T0FqkV-ydGd3bDEV4DrH7aSNi/s400/blog+travel+art+doll.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KN011YB0bxBUjwXc13kWb0PqgAyyi1zkmcWz36rYMRUnIQDf-u_8dmo5j8PQ_uFleZlvvNq55rAm-TZDXHr47zJte8F-P1WJrZlSDzQfMAmxN7ZZPrPPrlmfADN9hF6qVerALRUiAHwR/s1600-h/IMG_8993.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 2px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 2px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423427305561314194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KN011YB0bxBUjwXc13kWb0PqgAyyi1zkmcWz36rYMRUnIQDf-u_8dmo5j8PQ_uFleZlvvNq55rAm-TZDXHr47zJte8F-P1WJrZlSDzQfMAmxN7ZZPrPPrlmfADN9hF6qVerALRUiAHwR/s400/IMG_8993.JPG" /></a>Today is the day we all begin to work on our dolls for the Art Dolls Only Traveling Doll Project. Starting today, and continuing through the year, the project will end in September. What is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">TDP</span>? It is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">collaboration</span> of artists, seven teams to be exact, all working individually on a group doll. Each doll will travel from artist to artist, ending up where she started, but with a completely different look when she returns home. Each artist will add their own personal touch to each doll. A journal will travel with the doll and her experiences and that of the artist will be recorded to tell her story.<br /><br />The dolls in our group will travel from Florida, to California, and across the ocean to London. How exciting. I wish I could climb in the box with her and make the trip. Oh, the places she'll go.....<br /><br />My very talented partners in this adventure are<br /><br />Martha of <a href="http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/">http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/</a> and<br /><br />Tracey of <a href="http://jasmoonbutterfly.blogspot.com/">http://jasmoonbutterfly.blogspot.com/</a> </div><div> Please stop by and enjoy their beautiful work.<br /><br />I am so excited to be working with them on this project. I know we will make some amazing dolls.<br /><br />So......get ready for the first big send off on February 2. It should be a fun trip!</div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-20778600319190978422009-12-31T16:48:00.015-05:002009-12-31T17:29:00.452-05:00Happy New YearThe New Year is just hours away...I hope that 2009 was a wonderful year for you and that 2010 will be even better. I'm wishing you the best from sunny Florida. When I went to the grocery store this afternoon it was 77 degrees. Wishing you were here? It's a little warm for me, it was cold enough to wear a sweater yesterday and I love winter clothes.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421523210363300178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48y_IqjUc0RNzi8vC24_4vhzCm6-nUpY3LQMM-pzy6bPSxPSX3nFhD9FVXYiruCcBRjL4GANi5n16eix2qK4vRrS4zsRCBLZ9MPW55Hy_th_dXtGXJKijAh3tRWfiYNLvfDiKd15srD5p/s400/IMG_9840.JPG" />The grass is brown but the flowers in my yard are all in bloom. I picked a bouquet of roses and sunflowers today.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421523000341834434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMr8PJXtVnQ6IgYliwYcsl6h6u8cvqieXLp9rc6pM4kCbo2J5HYMBJzbA88_Xer-4mjoMVijyJiWmVcoHBy2rxxtEjR_Plr_fwhh1Xts6gDsOJtQnGz2elv0pxn6KHcaCxZKxUvD-0x1E/s400/IMG_9839.JPG" /><br />I rescued this orchid from Wal Mart for $2.00 on the "Oh my goodness I'm almost dead sale rack" last year and this is the beauty I got for my small investment. I had no idea what the bloom would look like when I purchased it...I am pleasantly surprised.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421522775487813330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGCaN_4BtwvoKHAX4XVy-9IvBEtwlTXAeL1kaUd9GYYwf-6EUD7IqHhcW55dylKTE5_ldsfzEajjZG4lp7bRS62e-sJUMOFSRrRqfqvn-tAwlOjjpW4YmlxHfXERHeC-hwROJmv_jrp0Z/s400/IMG_9845.JPG" />The ferns must think it is spring. They are sending up lucious lime green shoots.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421522534893982402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq54dFMmribfKE3EvqUMtDTw2vN5ufPn41lwNPzP19wIBvCcU1429HKudkCaPt5DY4KdOvVUgjVnLf84iZVgRTi0HHSxOpsEuQgLNdQt8yOhPlbISWQLldfbNZ0yv-lGvfC5qB6NPzdij/s400/IMG_9857.JPG" /><br /><div>The bouganvilla is so tall it is cascading over the tops of the orange trees. It won't be long before this fruit is ready to pick. I think I will try some in my ambrosia tomorrow.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421522290039051522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1Lvx7lpArzkTzKexSJT3lNP7SPXpcuPNykUkpUgIZJBPb2yb_n6l_WSuk9rBWmCBNRHVIkecf9rj8dXKeGrzK4oQDCydy6ITXJKY79-ef5CRRjCTB5goY9f8iEVOV6Ef_awhqn9q7BNt/s400/IMG_9853.JPG" /><br />The wildlife is out and searching for a winter meal. With watchful eye and quick reflexes this heron dove for many a minnow at the edge of the lake.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421521923200447410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kuxVDFIR28mW5HopX1XyO2aa2gbyhYwjAGXD1fWylPMDhAfhLt5FLMWiOlkG0BXXw_0bAU_FfoTwp1uOWE4x1WB5xWvT4MS_iKNttvu20od42S0O7hH525M9nJfEz1smawpguk2sc5XQ/s400/IMG_9836.JPG" /><br />Mr. Squirrel Nutkin posed for his picture as he hid in the Bleeding Heart. This beautiful pink and red flower has crept through the grass for about fifteen feet and is covered with bloom.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421521731310398146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw3-s5y55NhHFVC9eUMfVpjmTM3QF4-QRu4-sdYwQpavcOjseltPasaj0SSZ8rfzdyJKeKb-4McNDOI7WJHDG7tmuhAR2G3wEfP01d17JN4riXKB3hF0o0Kz6iYYWuQo7JA04v4vO54oD/s400/IMG_9850.JPG" /><br />Happy New Year to all my blogging friends. I wish you sunny days filled with love and happiness for the coming year.<br /><br /><div></div><div align="center">Another fresh new year is here</div><div align="center">Another year to live!</div><div align="center">To banish worry, doubt, and fear.</div><div align="center">To love and laugh and give.</div><div align="center">This bright new year is given me<br />To live each day with zest...</div><div align="center">To daily grow and try to be</div><div align="center">My highest and my best!</div><div align="center">I have the opportunity </div><div align="center">Once more to right some wrongs.</div><div align="center">To pray for peace and plant a tree,</div><div align="center">And sing more joyful songs.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">William Arthur Ward<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-12509879192470396102009-12-25T00:15:00.009-05:002009-12-25T00:46:01.403-05:00Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasChristmas in here...all the hustle and bustle should be over now and we should be ready to relax and celebrate with our loved ones. I am hoping that you are with the ones you love this holiday season...and if they are far away this year, hold the memories of them close in your heart.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419041817598815570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZAMrQTEsHhlT65ae8ljN0QjdOrm8zfpfFSVnfowBh_JnLJb3jJYT6JY1Dxp_VUl7TbLxe3RTGvi8NcLjuSpFEZCA0zADOOLnsoC-ODgoeSdYQxmw7gz2NdLtXY0wKF8AKUy8EB7MBgDe/s400/IMG_9751.JPG" />Wishing you Peace on Earth now and for the New Year.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 349px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419041001834077154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rTpalmR4r5Z-XXHt4mstfOErXHEvGjM65-JfVyAvAomdjERj38iQQpO_VnaChT_m_WYy7LkOqasM1-oCIpDbDvDzvKiZIWjINNTGBR3GNbxjJKpEN3f2Hm-s5fMTFcCYIjBXN40OKxZr/s400/cookies.jpg" />Even though my girls are not here this Christmas they are still carrying on our family tradition of baking lots of Christmas cookies. Their mother, who is a excellent cook has taught them well.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419040891775063666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlMcVPOIVX7cyXCr-N2ZlvfWPk6Buh4_k-c_EE4eGm-ZrgpLJlfG-i8iC8Z7cBb3LWJl_haClQAQfKpgq6VBTTMgmhWZEOPCwQ0B3qd_c6_coYPzDPNdSDr9cu4us8VN4Ij6TeAgbMCs-/s400/cookies2.jpg" />I think they inherited a little of my artistic ability. Grammy thinks their cookies are beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419038682018622338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxbgF61UBVL5jQBhPKifCkD35jpuKS2NOWP7-mgvhIhOYjsiA1akT1d1eWpwjc86OK6Kt3vg8DzZK2ESQGFhEYibRaoBxYZrKv1YYew_ToWuG4oBfhgCX0b4a1YlgOGHEwIvin5RGQdzR/s400/IMG_9784.JPG" />Five Red Velvet Cakes. three Aunt Penni Pound Cakes and hundred of cookies later all the "sweets" are ready to be delivered to family and friends.<br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419038462736750338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGLuqLB3xkOHruC69Xtfku6Rqrg3u6DF645iPOFdSNO5aTMOtDwXnz8j72TdYBpNiNBqhDZ3RL1fLGCtom4SJsVDtFJGXdkIun-cRYMWVZshsY7PJnpl0eVMApf5nz4hF6jIOdOgYlF77/s400/IMG_9791.JPG" />Bags of "White Christmas" line the buffet ready to go home with friends who stop by to visit. </div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Wishing You and Yours a wonderful Christmas filled with magic and love....May your Days be Merry and Bright...</span><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-64773357251527326922009-12-21T23:44:00.004-05:002009-12-22T00:18:06.075-05:00Christmas Cinnamon Candy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLC2bRoXPdxUi5Wy2q-MPM4HN73kmt7bsD5FlYY3hd_ibheUK3Q4mDQG_nuJnNf6J1dxDeBvzlxZf0-c78JxlGngfKKn9CFHOg_YFAbqE5wxCbQnYvK6BEE-8sZlDvcStJ8awQSTThzcZ/s1600-h/IMG_9727.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417917093096995618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLC2bRoXPdxUi5Wy2q-MPM4HN73kmt7bsD5FlYY3hd_ibheUK3Q4mDQG_nuJnNf6J1dxDeBvzlxZf0-c78JxlGngfKKn9CFHOg_YFAbqE5wxCbQnYvK6BEE-8sZlDvcStJ8awQSTThzcZ/s400/IMG_9727.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Don't think the little things you do when your children are small won't always be remembered. My grown son, the New Year's Baby for 1970 told me the other day that the thing he really wanted for Christmas was the Hard Cinnamon Candy I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">always</span> made when he was little. I started to laugh because a friend had just told me the day before that her son said he wished he could have some of the candy I always made at Christmas. I hadn't made any in years, but who could not honor those requests. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I couldn't find any cinnamon oil. I always bought it at the drug store years ago, but they don't have it anymore. I finally found it at the Village Kitchen Shop in Lake Wales. I had forgotten how wonderful the house smelled after making the candy, and how the hot taste exploded in your mouth. Start a new tradition with your children this year, whether it be cinnamon candy or some other special thing that they will always remember.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Hard Cinnamon Candy</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Mix and bring to a boil:</div><div align="left">3 1/4 cups sugar</div><div align="left">1 1/2 cups white corn syrup</div><div align="left">1 cup water</div><div align="left">2 teaspoons cinnamon oil</div><div align="left">red food coloring</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Add all ingredients to a heavy sauce pan and place on burner. Turn on high. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon. As soon as the mixture starts to boil, put in your candy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">thermometer. </span> Do not stir anymore. When the thermometer registers in the middle of " hard Crack" 300 degrees, immediately remove from heat, take out the thermometer and add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon oil and the red food coloring and stir well. This must be done quickly. Pour onto a 12 x 12 piece of foil with the sides turned up and sprinkled with powdered sugar or a large cookie sheet or rectangular cake pan lined with foil. When cooled and hard, crack up and shake in a bag of powdered sugar. Store in an air tight container. Be careful when adding the cinnamon oil as vapors can burn your eyes and nose. After completely cooled crack into chunks with the back of a spoon. Put into two large baggies with powdered sugar and crack into smaller pieces. This recipe can be used for peppermint or any other type hard candy. I usually made red cinnamon and green peppermint or spearmint at Christmas. Enjoy!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-63212730067475122572009-12-20T11:23:00.008-05:002009-12-20T11:52:10.631-05:00Fruitcake CupcakesEven though I only make it once a year, I love fruitcake....or I should say I love Mrs. Harvey's White Fruitcake. It's a little work and you get sticky fingers, but it is well worth the results when you get that wonderful aroma throughout your house while it is baking and when you take your first bite. Until two years ago, I always baked my fruitcake the normal way in a tube pan. Then my friend Jan K. said she baked hers in muffin tins. I tried it that year and that is how I do it now. There are pros and cons to baking it this way. You don't get that beautiful big cake to display on your holiday goodie buffet. Other than that, I think the cupcakes are the way to go. One fruit cake cupcake is just the right size for one serving of cake. They are easily frozen if any are left over and they are wonderful in February with a cup of coffee when there aren't as many sweets around. I also takes half the time to bake them. If you want a really good fruit cake give this one a try. I have been baking it for forty years, always with excellent results. It is just part of my family's Christmas traditions.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417355145126000930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjLKPlj5wY16UBf4Kh5gw7GCjd0BUcoCrqGIGz1HRxnAivcD9P4Dauqr08MJH6EATuj5WTVE5lE5m0qA1i6DgZ3WyFeRzAcFJO0tZ-VoPFBlp_Gn-FUn9WRMWg65Az8ZqK7Syyi4hq29Q/s400/IMG_9718.JPG" /> Mrs. Harvey's White Fruit Cake<br /><br />5 large eggs<br />1/2 pound butter<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 3/4 cups flour<br />1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />3/4 pound candied cherries<br />1 pound candied pineapple<br />4 cups pecans<br />1/2 ounce vanilla<br />1/2 ounce lemon extract<br />Chop nuts and fruits into medium sized pieces;dredge with 1/4 cup of the flour.<br />Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add well beaten eggs and blend well. Sift remaining flour and baking powder together; fold into egg and butter mixture. Add vanilla and lemon extracts. Mix well then add fruits and nuts. Blend well. Grease a 10 inch tube pan. Line the bottom with waxed paper then grease again. Pour/spoon batter into prepared pan. Place in a cold oven and bake at 250 degrees for 3 hours. Cool on cake rack. Makes a five pound cake.<br /><br />Or bake in muffin tins lined with cupcake liners. Spoon batter just to the top. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Makes approximately 28 fruit cake cupcakes.DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-58680560503562429932009-12-17T09:23:00.009-05:002009-12-17T21:12:17.020-05:00Even though I have been baking for as long as I can remember, I have never made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biscotti</span> until last night. It was really easy to make and the smell was heavenly. When you walked in the door the scent made you feel warm and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">snuggly</span> inside. I tried two different kinds and I liked them both. Old Santa is ready to serve and eat these .........<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416211967766224994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuLs_VWEh5i9Ue90PQGrjlZmqphzh12wyYuf3skxh5uxpcNZKkAKxz7oL-Tgg9tlTi04a1SNnALBThmVYkjLPfoIl-NvUWIbv-klfZ0m6F04jqJaME1uWg9ax0yHTDMHb-V-jIN2WSMVE/s400/IMG_9712.JPG" /> <strong>Chocolate Walnut Brownie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biscotti</span><br /></strong><br /><br /><br />1/3 cup butter, softened<br />2/3 cup white sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips<br />1/4 cup chopped walnuts<br /><br /><br /><br />Directions<br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease baking sheets, or line with parchment paper.<br />In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa and baking powder; stir into the creamed mixture until well blended. Dough will be stiff, so mix in the last bit by hand. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts.<br />Divide dough into two equal parts. Shape into 9x2x1 inch loaves. Place onto baking sheet 4 inches apart.<br />Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Cool on baking sheet for 30 minutes.<br />Using a serrated knife, slice the loaves diagonally into 1 inch slices. Return the slices to the baking sheet, placing them on their sides. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes on each side, or until dry. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416211368780739810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcVhndivxUtYDQInygNyX6er0vDO9_f7uhqS4daDgRkvVFGeAydZzkl0FzWeRqVyFeD0f0Qr3NFmc-GjZHBFDaAfEJ56MtQfe6FLlRTAJXuqkp7zM35YRNOmrynXPLNjw2M5RcyTAxeF0/s400/IMG_9705.JPG" /> These are really good, too. I got this recipe from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Giada</span> on the Food Network site. The friend I was making them for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">preferred</span> walnuts to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pistachio</span> nut so I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">substituted</span> with the walnuts.<br /><br /><strong>Holiday <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biscotti</span></strong><br /><br /><br />Recipe courtesy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Giada</span> De <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Laurentiis</span><br />Ingredients<br />2 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />3/4 cup sugar<br />1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature<br />1 teaspoon grated lemon zest<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />2 large eggs<br />3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped<br />2/3 cup dried cranberries<br />12 ounces good-quality white chocolate, chopped<br />Red and green sugar crystals, for garnish<br />Directions<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.<br /><br />Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.<br /><br />Form the dough into a 13-inch long, 3-inch wide log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.<br /><br />Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">biscotti</span>, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">biscotti</span> until they are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">biscotti</span> to a rack and cool completely.<br /><br />Stir the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Dip half of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">biscotti</span> into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off the excess chocolate. Place the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">biscotti</span> on the baking sheet for the chocolate to set. Sprinkle with the sugar crystals. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm, about 35 minutes.<br /><br />The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">biscotti</span> can be made ahead. Store them in an airtight container up to 4 days, or wrap them in foil and freeze in resealable plastic bags up to 3 weeks.DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787655962111100802.post-66987092577071646792009-12-14T13:49:00.010-05:002009-12-16T16:46:14.878-05:00Christmas with FriendsI grew up in a small town and still live there today. Oh, I have traveled and lived in different places, even as far away as Morocco many years ago, but my heart was always ready to come home. There is something to say about small town living....your family and friends are here. New people come and go, but there is a core group that you have known forever. They are the ones that you grew up with. They share your history, your laughter, your sorrows, and your secrets. (Thank goodness your know theirs, too!) Each year this group of friends gather together for a Christmas Breakfast. Most of us still live here all the time, and others travel home to attend. The group varies in size from year to year, and if you can't attend you send in pictures and words that you want others to share for you. Our breakfast was last Saturday. Twenty-six of us celebrated another year in our lives. We told of births, and death, and all the wonderful and not so wonderful things that the last year had brought to us. There was laughter and tears, and hope for the coming year.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415168702218961714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzSMlqjBU9KegcAqf6w6folwYbl0VhXsss_92A8MD95m0NmCChGHJudDGfnEftbqEE-NhcTtgq9K9DcxY3FC8YnVDIzdbfqTPcAz_qv6HTj0XdLzQWYAxYMiYajJHCfvf4S23V53LbsVK/s400/IMG_9685.JPG" />When we get together it is like a soap opera. Twenty-six southern ladies with twenty-six tales to tell....and, there are some crazy things told. The winner this year told us that she was engaged to her ex husband, I think they have been divorced for about twenty years, but they have always remained friends. The wedding is planned for June....Awww...a June Bride for the second time. She is not one of the three above, that's me and my best friends from childhood. The one one the far right said we needed to get a good close up of her so that when she died we would have the picture to look at so we could get her makeup just right. God forbid she not look like the queen, (that's her grandma name, "Queenie" )when she's gone. You should have been around when she was trying to teach her granddaughter to say Queenie. It was say. cu, cu, cu, queeenie. I tried to get her to call her NeeNaw and if I offered her a "prize" she would call her that for awhile.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415168297674046450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8II5pzGZ60198_euUOmaZ78zsRTyhUjEk6Jmw7ihzC0PsFy9ddzN2FxGViAg_1i0qkktJNqyir6ZRn_l7UQT8o2vOri1CJ07lYU0ICr8xFBFRqqSjIaBGlL-NeLTCTWEnXamF0Hmk93ah/s400/IMG_9695.JPG" />Breakfast was served buffet style and everything was wonderful. Breakfast casserole, sausage gravy and biscuits, grits casserole, fresh fruit, pastries, biscuits, homemade jam, coffee and mimosias. Now doesn't that sound like what they would have served at Tara? Sharon, the lady standing, was the hostess. Her lovely home was decorated from top to bottom and should have been on a tour of homes. China, silver, and crystal covered the tables...this was not a paper plate affair.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415167427173198866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz61JQYTSyerukrmwL2R2WgMGurcWYsFoN0ExDVL_CtMScIaIfUEZWpy0qLFzjosYKTyyDzgf2LVicU2yBujwJow0Kk4ZCLzSzWwZhlAFEbNas0-b7aLNZylQ2lMHzkIZ1DyZ5xpxuyh6I/s400/IMG_9700.JPG" />Though the dress was casual, the surroundings were elegant. The food was wonderful and love and laughter filled the room. In this fast paced world it is so good to come together and visit with old friends. For those of you who were not able to come this year, we all wish you a New Year filled with happiness and love. We will look forward to seeing you next December if not sooner.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>One bragging Grandma...no, no, no..., not Grandma, she's going to be called "Honey" didn't bring pictures. She went across the street and brought back her best Christmas present this year. Isn't she beautiful. Just another little lady who will someday carry on the tradition of Christmas Breakfast with her friends.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415166843911431810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYGOzoaKOa2sxUKKqo0Usguz5yxoagtUBaCnNyxw6oOfIWnjgPwEErR0VgNxao8pdvZmh9UaL6AHiSLdSHHoOBzKy3pb_hryEUl3LVEpAkr_6b1B9EH8nbqhcCQuU2wjjXNzrfHPLZiP3/s400/IMG_9702.JPG" /><br />Whoever you are and wherever you are...make contact with those you love this holiday season. Time slips away too fast. Share the memories, laughter and your love with your friends and family. Make new traditions and continue to honor the old. Don't have regrets for things you wished you would have done. Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas....go home for Christmas if you can, if not, travel there in your heart.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>DellaRaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801165920393765547noreply@blogger.com2