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e-Newsletter

If you are subscribed to the newsletter, you will receive an email notice when each new issue appears here. You will also receive special links in your email notice that will take you to pages of unannounced specials and sales.

Issue:

 September 2009

Welcome . . .

to this issue of my e-newsletter! Autumn is creeping up quickly. Like you, I am wondering where the summer went . . .

I am enjoying the cooler days we've been having, but I know we must have a little Indian Summer yet to come. Fall is really my favorite season . . . colorful leaves, crisp days, and the final hurrah of the flowers of fall. And while we look forward to Labor Day each year, we also have the sadness of remembering 9/11. Be sure to say a prayer and fly your flag this coming week.

Are you planning new projects for the cooler weather? I think we all feel like hooking a little more as the heat and activities of summer wane. Do you have some favorite Halloween decorations that you display each year? Take some photos and send them to me - I would love to share a web page filled with Halloween ideas and decorations made by you! Let's have some fun this Halloween.

And now it's time to share another e-newsletter with all of you . . .

quick links

Quick Links are links to other websites that I think you will find useful and interesting. Places that are fun to explore, articles that are interesting to read, and people I just love!

Business owners: Want to advertise here? Just  email and ask how.

Subscribers: Do you have a favorite website or shop you'd like to share with everyone? Send me the link in an email and I will share related information in a future Quick Links column.

Spice Up Your Fall Decorating!

Want to add spice to your fall home decorating? How about a few elements you can decorate with, and eat, too? In the autumn, seasonal gourds, pumpkins, and squash can do double duty!

For decorating, natural touches go a long way. Look out your windows for instant inspiration. Notice how the autumn palette takes on warm, earthy colors -- trees and grasses in our yards and gardens change to hot reds, vivid oranges, lovely browns and shades of copper. The seasonal crops come in rich tones too, like deep orange pumpkins and patterned squash and gourds in shades of green, gold, and neutrals.

Combining pumpkins with the striking gourds of the season creates a sensational display of colors and textures. Head for your local farm market and buy gobs of pumpkins, squash and gourds. At home, line your front steps or walkway with a bunch of pumpkins and gourds. Set a stately row of small pumpkins atop your fence posts or porch railings. Inside the house, small pumpkins marching across the fireplace mantle add a seasonal touch. Add warm by placing fall-toned leaves between them. Pile pumpkins and gourds of all sizes and colors into baskets to create a fall display on your dining room table or kitchen island, a focal point in your foyer, or anywhere for an instant touch of fall. Leave these pumpkins and gourds uncarved and they’ll last for most of the season.

Re-purpose small gourds and pumpkins -- cut off the tops, scoop out a little pulp, and insert scented votive candles. Or, scoop out enough pulp to hold a steamy bowl of pumpkin soup (be sure to select a uniformly-shaped mini pumpkin or gourd with a flat bottom to prevent tipping.)

Give your home the feel of fall by looking to the natural, autumnal world outside. Simple, natural decorating will fill your home, instantly adding warmth that will last all season.

still have back issues - create & decorate magazine

Most of you know that I have been designing projects for Create and Decorate for several years now. In that time, I have collected many of the magazine's issues. If you subscribe, but are missing some issues or if you have not subscribed but are looking for a particular issue that is no longer available, I might be able to help you. In an effort to make room for other 'stuff', I am willing to sell off some of my past issues. Email me with your issue requests and I will see if I can help you. All are like new.

Each issue $3.00 (regular newsstand price $6.99 each.)

Hookers in Need of Wool

If you are planning your fall projects and looking for some awesome rug hooking woolens, be sure to visit Lacey Jane Primitives. Jo Ellen is always busy in the dye pots concocting beautiful new colors. I have many, many of her woolens in my stash and I have never been disappointed. Her colors are to dye for (excuse the pun!)

Rug Hooking Classes

I am ready to begin Fall rug hooking classes - the only thing missing is YOU! If you live in the north-central Ohio area and want to take a class in my home studio, give me a call for all the details. The more, the merrier but class size is limited to 8 students. So grab a friend, give me a call, and let's get started. My classes are fun, informative, and we get a lot done. You will learn everything you need to know before the last class ends. 6-week course meets once a week. Get more info here or call (440) 233-6246.

Looking for Punch Needle Inspiration?

Click over to Missy Stevens.com and peruse her fabulous artwork. If you are not awed by her talents, I will be very surprised. Missy does fabulous things with a punch needle. Check out the pieces she's already sold, too. You will love them all!

Solstice

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Soup – 8 servings 

Nothing fills a home with the rich, warm aroma of autumn like home-cooked, seasonal recipes. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Soup is quick and easy! To make it with fresh pumpkin, select sugar pumpkins -- a small, sweet variety found at farm markets.

8 small sugar pumpkins

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups sugar pumpkin, cubed and cooked
2 cups pureed sweet potatoes, cooked
1 cup smooth peanut butter
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Snipped chives and sour cream

 

Cut tops off all pumpkins. Cut 4 pumpkins in half. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake pumpkins, skin up, on a lightly oiled baking sheet 1 hour or until skin wrinkles and flesh is soft. Remove pumpkins from oven. Cool, then peel and discard skin. Cut cooked pumpkin into pieces. Reserve any caramelized juices from pan.

Hollow 4 extra pumpkin shells for serving bowls – rinse and set aside. Be sure bottoms are flat and stable.

Melt butter in large stock pot over medium heat. Stir in cooked pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter. Add chicken broth, pan juices, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Simmer 20 minutes. Ladle into pumpkin bowls and garnish with chives and sour cream.

Oh my!

9-11   We will never forget  . . .

Sally