Happy Easter!

We know we wore our headbands last year, too, but don't you think we're ear-resistible?! Have a blessed Easter!

Glass Pendant

My mother and I recently attended a class at our local stained glass shop. My husband and I had given her a certificate for this experience as one of her Christmas gifts, so she and I were excited for the scheduled event to make our fused glass pendants. Using imagination and bits of colored glass, participants were able to design a piece of personal jewelry. This is mine ready to be fired.

Using a 1500 degree kiln, the shop fused the layers of glass and added a bale and chain.

Notice the shimmering square in the center? That's a layer of dichroic glass. Its reflective properties give it a multicolored appearance, depending upon the lighting. 

Have you ever made any jewelry pieces? How about stained glass pieces? We enjoyed it and recommend you try it if you ever have the opportunity.

Have a good evening!

Tuesday's Tablescape

Even though it continues to be rainy and dreary, the bunnies have hopped out for an Easter table. 

I love my rabbit plates, which I have used in the past.

I rested them on top of my plain white dishes and then used silver chargers.

My centerpiece inspiration came from this vintage table linen. My mother received the runner at a wedding shower in 1957. When she cleaned her linen closet a few years ago, I snagged several pieces from her donation pile and this was one of them. It reminds me of the delicate little crab blossoms which will soon be bursting open on our backyard tree. Since blush pink  is the hot new decorating color this spring, this piece seems appropriate with its light pink colors.

 A faux bunny and Easter candle (both souvenirs from my youth) are anchored by an antique pink vase.

 I hope you're having a 'hoppy' day!

Friday "Show and Tell"

One of my retirement goals was to learn how to quilt. Thanks to a talented (and patient!) friend who has been guiding me, I have been chipping away at this objective for the past few years. My most recent endeavor has been a winter table runner. 

I spread the finished project on the dining room table beside the existing runner and spring centerpiece. 

I actually selected the fabrics (solid red, golden stars and a snowman print) in the early autumn to use for this project. I had the runner directions on file from when I picked-up the complimentary instructions at a fabric store. 

It's not perfect and represents a lot of work since I lack experience, but I had fun doing it! Next winter I will be ready to decorate with my little frosty friends, but I will tuck it away for now because it's time for spring...'snow' fooling! 😊

Happy weekend!!

Happy Spring!

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth.

One is closer to God in the garden

Than anywhere else on earth! 

This poem was written by Dorothy Frances Gurney. An English author and hymn writer, she penned this verse, as a portion of a longer poem, in the early 1900s. Although it is highly popular for garden signs, she is seldom given credit for her work. I actually first saw this rhyme on a marker in a quaint church floral garden as a child and memorized it on the spot. Obviously, I have always loved it! It seems a good accompaniment to these recent springtime photos I took.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Gooey Butter Cake

St. Louisans love their gooey butter cakes! Legend has it that a local German baker erroneously created this cake back in the 1930s when he reversed the proportions of flour and butter. There are many versions of this recipe, but this one of my mother's is my favorite. It's very simple since it begins with a cake mix. I made one this weekend to take to church, so I decided to share the recipe with you in case you want to try it. Be imaginative with the cake mix you use. Spice, red velvet and chocolate all yield delicious results, too!

No-Fail Gooey Butter Cake

1 stick of butter, melted

1 yellow cake mix (or any flavor)

1 egg

Mix these ingredients (by hand) thoroughly until no lumps are visible.

Press into a greased 9x13 pan.

Set aside.

Now mix 8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature and cut into 6-8 cubes to make it mix more quickly),

1/2 teas. vanilla,

1# confectioners sugar (I saved out maybe an ounce to use to sift onto the finished cake),

2 eggs. 

Beat to combine and then beat for 3 minutes (yes, 3).

Pour over the cake mix in the pan.

Bake at 350 degrees 30-45 minutes until light golden brown.

Top dress with sifted confectioners sugar when cooled.

To obtain a printable copy of this cake recipe, click here.

Enjoy!

Irish Blessings!

If dogs are with you

Wherever you go,

Your blessings will outnumber

The shamrocks that grow!