It's Official

It is official. I am now the steward of Little Free Library #19705. The library is located beside our driveway and has been a work in progress for a long time.

I first read about the Little Free Libraries in 2010. This is an organization started by Todd Bol of Hudson, WI, in 2009 to honor his mother. She had been a school teacher who loved to read. His concept was simple. He built a covered box, filled it with books and left it at the end of his driveway. People were encouraged to take a book and leave a book. 

Eventually he was joined by others who helped with getting the word out and building the libraries. One of the missions of the organization was to get 2510 libraries registered...the same number that Andrew Carneige founded. That goal was reached ahead of schedule.

The first official Little Free Library - using the new name of the organization was situated in Madison, WI. along a bike path in 2010.

All the information and maybe the incentive for you to have one can be found on their web site   littlefreelibrary.org   or the facebook page www.facebook.com/littlefreelibrary


For years I have been mentioning how neat an idea I thought it was and wouldn't it be fun to have one. Since we had never seen one, I think my husband was not so thrilled with the idea. Vandals would destroy it, people would steal books, there were a lot of excuses.

In June our daughter spotted one in Damariscotta Mills, Maine, while we were on vacation. "Look! There's a little library". Sure enough, at the end of the drive was a little red building filled with books. So the conversation took off from there. Again the reasons why it was not practical. Being a somewhat persistent person, I said, "You ask me all the time what I want for my birthday, our anniversary or Christmas and when I say nothing, you get upset. So I am telling you I want a Little Free Library."  Death defying silence took over the car. Finally I was asked what kind of a library I wanted.

Now here comes the tricky part.  I am a seamstress. I work with a sewing machine and thread on a daily basis. So I wanted my LFL to look like a spool of thread. Hey, I had waited this long for it, why not really stir up the pot.

And so the process began. And it required a 
number of trips to the hardware store. My 
husband finally decided that the round 
tubes you use to pour footings was the 
best thing to use for the shape. Then 
there was the problem of waterproofing 
the thing. By now we have a 16" diameter 
x 22" high base for the library. 

What would we use for the thread? Originally, I had thought of that big cotton rope that was used for boat anchors. Unfortunately, after a trip to the marine supply, cotton rope is a thing of the past. Now it is nylon or plastic. Neither of which would take the bright purple paint I wanted used. It had to match our shutters, doors and Adirondak chairs. Finally a light bulb went off and we used those foam pool noodles. When they were sliced in half, they did the trick.

After a couple of coats of paint, I had the deep royal purple I wanted. Now it was time for the spool ends. Hubby got busy at the table saw and router to get those whipped into shape.

Finally, my library was ready for its door and another challenge. The door had to swing up or swing down because of the shape. We finally decided on it opening down - hoping visitors remember to close it. The door has a window and a knob - also challenges in their own small way.

The last hurdle was where to put the library. We live on a narrow country lane, so beside the road was not an option. In front of the house meant people had to drive down the driveway and then worry about backing out. (Everyone complains about our driveway) So the LFL is situated on the side of the drive, off the road so one only has to pull into the top of the drive and get out of the car.


My sign has arrived. I am registered. The books will be loaded in as soon as it stops raining and I can get out there to do it. Am I excited? Yes I am. In fact I am thinking of having a grand opening. LFL encourages you to do that so your neighbors can become aware of it. 

So I do have to say thank you to my wonderful husband of 48 years for a present I am really excited about. 

And here is the finished LFL. The sign is in place. The stand has been painted. Don't you just love the thread hanging out of the top of the spool! It was worth the wait.

Making Mushrooms

  by: www.FabricGreetings.etsy.com


Winter is hopefully coming to an end. Everyone is beginning to go stir crazy from being snowed in or bothered by the intense cold that has blanketed much of our country this year.  

Those who garden are scouring the seed catalogs that arrive. Thoughts are turning to what to do with the yard and gardens when the weather permits. Here is a little crafty idea to get you started. These little - or big - mushrooms make wonderful garden art. Or they can be displayed on a patio table. They are fun to make and the kids can help as well. And is a great way of recycling.

If your children are young or clumsy, then I suggest using some of the plastic ware that can be found in the dollar stores.
  

Here's what you need to do.

I scour the thrift shops, Goodwill, and flea markets for my supplies. With  yard sales starting, you can find ideas there too.

You will need glasses, vases, hurricane globes, candle sticks or bottles for the stem of your mushrooms.

The "caps" of your mushrooms will be bowls, lids, plates, cheese domes.

Again - this is left to your imagination. 









Now comes the fun part. Experiment with putting different "caps" on the stems. Turn glasses upside down, try longer vases on smaller tops or larger tops. Your imagination is  supposed to run wild here.

When you  have decided on the way 
you want your mushroom to look, you will glue 
them together. I use E6000 glue. 
It has a very strong odor and should be 
used near an open window, or in the open air. 
It works on glass and is waterproof. 
I do not recommend kids using it without
parental guidance.





Once you have your mushroom completed, you can add embellishments if desired.

The little mushroom above is made from a candle stick topped with a desert plate. On top of the desert plate is a small condiment bowl. Finally a green glass bead is glued to the top. This mushroom is approximately 6 inches tall. The large, tall mushroom in the header picture is 10 inches tall. The size depends only on what you choose for a stem and cap.




                   
                             If you are making mushrooms with plastic
                             ware, a good glue to use is
                             Aleene's Jewel-It.
                            The glue is non toxic and water proof.







If you make some mushrooms, post a link in the comment section so we can see the creativity of our readers.

Creative Valentine Gifts

by FabricGreetings

We would have to live in a bubble not to know that Valentine's Day will be here in less than a month. The B&M stores are already filled with hearts and chocolates and lacy things. And there is nothing wrong with that - if you are a hearts and lace and chocolate kind of person. However, there are some other great options available from shops on etsy.

I am a member of the FriendsofHeartsandHandsUnited Team on etsy. Our members are scattered across the world and their shops are just as diverse. What I am going to do here is introduce you to some great finds from these shops. They are not the traditional type of Valentine, but are gifts that would be well used, enjoyed and appreciated.                 

                                                 

Our team leader runs Robin'sFlight - a shop 
that is well stocked with lovely crocheted 
purses, wallets and gadget bags. Everyone, 
young and old alike can use a gadget bag. So 
take a look.www.RobinsFlight.etsy.com


If your special person is at all crafty or sews, then something from this shop is sure to please. The shop is called Sewsouk and is run by a Brit living in Morocco. The shop is www.Sewsouk.etsy.com and is chuck a buck full of colorful items.


Jeanie is a knitter and her shop features some wonderful cold weather items. Who wouldn't be thrilled with a knitted cowl or fingerless gloves to get through the rest of the cold weather. It sure isn't over yet. Be sure to visit www.JeanieBeanHandknits.etsy.com


Is your special someone into vintage? We have a vintage seller who specializes in vintage buttons as well as other items. Personally, I have never met a button I didn't like. She is well versed on buttons and can answer your questions. Her shop is www.NouveauxRetro.etsy.com

Jewelry is always considered the "go to" gift for this holiday. And we are lucky to have several jewelry shops on the team. Each has its own niche. You need to check them all out and find what works for you.

Getting married soon? Then head on over to KC's lovely shop. She specializes in unique wedding accessories not only for the bride, but for the groom, the attendants (male and female) and the parents of the bride. Her memory charms are a huge success. www.KCowie.etsy.com

We have a Southern lass who does very pretty dainty items. She has a flair for the flirty but with a lot of class. Trish runs www.JewelsbyTrish.etsy.com

Resin jewelry is the specialty of our Aussie member. Topaz offers a wide variety of colors and shapes with her resin accessories. The color combinations she gets are wonderful. Her shop is www.TopazTurtle.etsy.com  She is a busy one and also has a décor shop called www.TwoCrackedJars.etsy.com

Inspirational necklaces, definition necklaces and map necklaces can be found in a shop run by Lisa. Her pendants are not something you will find everywhere,
The shop is www.JewelrybyJakemi.etsy.com

How about a lovely piece of stained glass? There are so many ways you can use it - a sun catcher, a wall panel, a nightlight, a decorative box, a stand alone ornament. This shop is sure to have something special. Nancy runs two shops.  www.DesignsStainedGlass.etsy.com says it all. 

Her other shop has a softer side and features fabric purses, pillows, cat toys and other fabric items.

That shop is www.NancyEllenStudios.etsy.com

We have another Aussie on our team. Belle also runs two shops - both very distinct and miles apart. If you have a cat, you will love what she offers in her shop www.Kiteepee.etsy.com  for your feline friend. She has just started offering kitty tee pees. They are wonderful as kitty hidey holes or litter box covers. And while you are at it, check out www.BeljaysFeltnArt for lovely scarves and belly dancing accessories.

April is on a roll with her magnet boards and organizing items. So if you are buying for someone who wants to stay neat and tidy, be sure to pop into www.MooreMagnets.etsy.com Her countdown calendars are also a huge success.


Last but not least are the shops I run. If you are looking to send a unique and special Valentine card, you will find some ideas in my shop. I also offer pillowcase greetings which work well for kids big and small. All of these can be found in www.FabricGreetings.etsy.com  If the special person happens to be an 18" doll then check out www.ADollsNecessities.etsy.com

So there you have it...a wide variety of items. Actually, there is something for everyone if you brose through those shops. And nothing says love like Handmade.

Great Recipes for the Holidays

Below are some great recipes that members of the Friends of HHU Team use for holiday entertaining, gift giving and/or enjoying themselves. Hope that you find them yummy and add them to your recipe file.

                                                

The first comes from Kathy of  www.kcowie.etsy.com

She found this on www.eatcakefordinner.net and says it is wonderful and easy.

Crockpot Hot Fudge Cake

1 c. all-purpose flour

1 3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed and divided

1/4 c. plus 3 Tbl. baking cocoa, divided

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. milk

2 Tbl. butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 3/4 c. hot water

vanilla ice cream

Combine flour, one cup brown sugar, 3 Tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.  Whisk in milk, butter and vanilla.  Spread evenly in a 3 1/2-quart crockpot.  Mix together remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa; sprinkle evenly over top of batter.  Pour in hot water; DO NOT STIR.  Cover and cook on high setting for 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted one-inch deep comes out clean.  Spoon warm cake into bowls; top with vanilla ice cream.  Serves 4-6. 

Evidently the secret to this cake is NOT TO STIR

The next one comes from Robin of www.RobinsFlight.etsy.com

Mock Thin Mints

Ingredients:
Ritz Crackers
Semi sweet chocolate
Peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes (opt)

Melt chocolate in microwave or double boiler. Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract to desired minty-ness. Dip crackers into chocolate so both sides are covered, lay on waxed paper. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, if desired. Allow to cool/dry completely. Store in a tightly sealed container, if they last more than a day.

This wonderful appetizer comes from Nancy
www.NancyEllenStudio.etsy.com

ARTICHOKE SPINACH SPREAD
1 package frozen chopped spinach
1 pk. 8 oz. Cream cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 c mayo
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 tsp. Garlic powder
14 oz. Artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
7 oz. Roasted red peppers

In large bowl mix all ingredients, spoon into microwave dish and heat in microwave for 3 minutes.
Serve with crackers or pretzels.

Another appetizer from Alyce of www.FabricGreetings.etsy.com

Soft Tortilla Pinwheels

1 package of soft tortillas- can be small or large
8oz block of cream cheese - softened
ONE of the following:
chopped black or green olives
chopped hot peppers
jar of red pepper relish
or
tub of cream cheese spread - salmon or garden veggie
tub of pimento cheese

Mix plain cream cheese with accompaniment of your choice. Spread a layer on each tortilla leaving 1/2" uncovered on one edge. Starting with the uncovered edge, roll into a log. Wrap tightly in clear wrap and refrigerate overnight. Slice into 3/4" slices and serve. Make as many or as few as you need. Can substitute other fillings such as hummus or pesto.

This next recipe comes to us from Wales by way of Morocco. It is offered by Sewsouk.
She runs www.Sewsouk.etsy.com


Bara Brith

This is a Welsh teabread. It literally means speckled bread in Welsh.
When I think of British winter cakes I always think of fruit cakes or tea breads and this is a good mix of both. It can be served warm, sliced and spread with butter but also as a cake. It is wonderfully moist and easy to make .
Sometimes it is made with yeast but this version is simpler.

You will need one 2lb loaf tin
Preheat oven at 170 degrees C, 350F or Mark 4

Ingredients

12 oz (or 300g) mixed dried fruit eg sultanas (dried white grapes), raisons , currents- whatever you have to hand

10floz (300ml) strong hot black tea (no milk)

8 oz (or 225g) soft brown sugar

grated rind of 1 lemon

10 oz (or 275g) self raising plain or wholemeal flour- if you don’t have flour with the baking agent mixed in add a teaspoon of baking powder to plain flour.

1 teaspoon mixed spice
or 1/3 tsp ginger
1 /3 tsp cinnamon
1/.3 tsp of allspice

1 large egg beaten


Soak the dried fruit and sugar over night or for a few hours in the black tea. This is the secret to a wonderfully moist tea bread.

The fruit should soak up a lot of the liquid and be plump .
Add the flour, spice and lemon zest.and egg to the mixture - it should be a consistency that slowly drops from the spoon.

Line the bottom of a 2lb loaf tin with grease proof paper and grease. Place the mixture in the tin and level.

Bake for about 1 1/2 hours in a preheated oven- check with a skewer that t tea bread it is done- the skewer should come out clean . The tea bread should have risen and be a lovely golden brown . Cool in the tin for about 10 minutes and turn out and cool on a wire rack. It is easy to slice when cold. Serve sliced and spread with butter or sliced as a cake

And if you are in need of an easy meal, this comes from Kathy ofwww.KCowie.etsy.com

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

2-4 chicken breast
3 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup honey

Place into crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours. I had rice and vegetables with ours.

Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

One of the things I always wanted when I was a child was a piano. I so wanted to learn to play the piano. One year I asked everyone to please contribute to my piano fund – I was maybe 10 years old. Unfortunately, not many in my family had the extra dollars to do that. So that goal was never realized.

When I was in college studying for my teaching degree, one of the courses I had to take was elementary piano. Every elementsry school teacher back then had to be able to pluck out a tune. So I learned the very basics and practiced on a piano in the music lab at school.

In the early 90's a dear friend was facing a nursing home and breaking up her home. She asked that I take anything she had and I would like to have. There in her living room sat the piano I had admired for the last 15 years of our friendship. Could it be that finally 50 years later I might really have a piano? I said I would love to have the piano and it became mine. Finally........a life long goal had been reached!

But just as there is a bright side to things, there is also a dull side. Soon after this wonderful piano took up residence in our home, my hands became so crippled with arthritis that playing was out of the question. For 20 years I have looked at that piano every night on my way to bed and thought about my friend. When I came downstairs in the morning and hundreds of times in between that piano was a reminder of my generous friend.

It seemed happy in its corner, but no one was really enjoying it. So on Tuesday, my long desired piano went to a new home. Our church was in need of a piano. They have someone who can “tickle the ivories” and make it sing again. (The keys are genuine ivory.) I am so happy it will have a new home, happy that people will be able to enjoy its wonderful sound. I am happy that this piano my friend loved and so generously gifted me  is going someplace that will make her happy as well.  We met in church and now, in a way, we will continue to meet there. And I am happy that one more large item is gone from our home. (Downsizing is not easy.)

When I told my sister what I had done, she made a comment that I think is kind of funny. “Leave it to you to find a home for it where you can keep your eye on it!”

http://www.FabricGreetings.etsy.com

Meet the Alpacas

by FabricGreetings

www.FabricGreetings.etsy.com

Have you ever noticed that when you are on vacation, you often go to things that you would not think of doing at home? I find that happens with us a lot. And that is how we found the alpacas.

I noticed an ad in the local newspaper that the the Maine State Alpaca Farmers were sponsoring an Open House one weekend we were away. It was a beautiful day and we had some time to idle away before meeting friends and decided it might be fun to go. Well, it was more than fun!

The Open House we attended was at The Evergreen Ridge Alpaca Farm in Warren, Maine. When we arrived there were a few cars and people wandering about. 

We were greeted by these two happy people and were told we could sit and take a picture. I am not a picture person, so I passed on that opportunity. 

But my husband was happy to become an alpaca and have his picture taken.

This particular farm has 32 alpacas. The boys are kept separate from the girls so there is no hanky panky going on. The owner of the farm told us that he likes to know the lineage of each alpaca. What we were able to pet and get up close to in the farm yard were the girls. The boys were off pronking (running and bouncing) in a nearby field. Each of the animals had a collar and a name tag. And they knew their names when called.

One of the interesting things I learned about alpacas is that they are related to a camel. And if you really look at their faces, you can see a slight family resemblance. I am not sure about camels, but alpacas have 3 stomachs.

These are Huacaya (wa-ki-ya) alpacas. Evergreen Ridge have show quality Huacaya Alpacas which produce an exceptionally desired-finely crimped fleece. There are 25 natural colors of alpaca fleece. And alpaca hair is the #1 fire retardant. These animals were sheared in March.

Alpacas do spit, but they do not bite. They only have bottom teeth. While we were there, many of them were enjoying a snack of green grass hay that the owner brings in from the Lancaster, PA area.
They also only have two toes on each foot.

A female alpaca is a dam and the male is a sire. An alpaca pregnancy lasts 11.5 months. The baby alpaca is called a cria. They can live to be 25 years old. Alpacas can not be imported or exported. Makes you wonder how they got here.

In the end, I am glad that we took 
the opportunity to learn a little more about the alpacas. 

For more information, check out:

www.EvergreenRidgeAlpacas.com

A Place to Feel Like a Kid Again

by FabricGreetings

We are lucky enough to live close to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, and have always enjoyed our walks through their wonderful gardens. But a few years ago we discovered another garden on our vacation that just makes me feel like a kid. Once again this year, we spent a day there and enjoyed all it had to offer – well almost all.

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is located in Boothbay, Maine on the Back River. It started from very humble beginnings. In 1992 some gardeners from the mid coast of Maine founded the gardens. It wasn't until 1996 that they acquired 128 acres of land along the Back River.

The gardens were planned to include many paths and trails as well as garden destinations. Careful adherence to the original planning has resulted in this wonderful garden.

In 2005 they were gifted with an additional 120 acres of land. Their waterfront is now nearly a mile in length. The grand opening took place in 2007 after 15 years of planning, planting and building.

In 2009 the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses – a wonder to walk through and smell and touch. At one point in the garden walk, there are many small river rocks to make the path more tactile.

In my mind, the crown jewel in this garden is the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children's Garden. It opened in 2010 and is a delight for young and old. The entrance way to the garden features three rocks that look like sea creatures. They even spray a fine mist of water every few minutes. What child wouldn't enjoy getting sprayed by a whale!

The children's garden features a small pond with a dedicated bog area. There are poly wogs, frogs and fish in the pond. And then there is the leaning garden shed and the house and the barn. All of these are places that offer activities for children. Rocking chairs and books are readily available. A vegetable garden is growing and shelters are made from the beans growing over branch structure forms. My favorite part of the entire garden is the picket fence. How cool is that!

There are places to sit in the entire garden that offer views of all kinds. On the great lawn outside the visitor's center is a sculpture that moves with the wind. Even a gentle breeze makes it move. 

Each Summer new art appears in the gardens. This bench is a wonderful piece of outdoor furniture. My husband was captivated by the wooden loons scattered about.

The garden also has the “greenest” building in Maine. It is the Bosarge Family Education Center and opened in 2011. Wonder what will be next?

www.MaineGardens.org