Thursday, October 31, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Fall Leaf Hanging
This pretty leaf hanging is just the thing to hang in an archway. It's easy to make and almost free, since I gathered the leafy branches from my back yard.
First, I dried the leaves between two towels for a few days, just to insure that they dried flat. I understand that there are more involved methods of drying leaves, especially if you're looking to preserve them for a long time. But since I sprayed them afterward with a clear, acrylic sealant, I figured they would be durable enough for my purposes.
Once they were sprayed with the acrylic spray and completely dry, I could begin to plan out the placement of the branches.
From there, it was pretty quick. I used hot glue and twine to hold together my bundles.
I looped a piece of twine to act as a hanger and attached that to the center of the two bundles.
I used hemp to create a simple bow for its center.
And hung the finished product in my dining room.
Pretty!
First, I dried the leaves between two towels for a few days, just to insure that they dried flat. I understand that there are more involved methods of drying leaves, especially if you're looking to preserve them for a long time. But since I sprayed them afterward with a clear, acrylic sealant, I figured they would be durable enough for my purposes.
Once they were sprayed with the acrylic spray and completely dry, I could begin to plan out the placement of the branches.
From there, it was pretty quick. I used hot glue and twine to hold together my bundles.
I looped a piece of twine to act as a hanger and attached that to the center of the two bundles.
I used hemp to create a simple bow for its center.
And hung the finished product in my dining room.
Pretty!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Butternut Squash Basil Pasta (Vegan Optional)
It's the season for squash. And I particularly love butternut squash. I've seen many recipes that vary up this idea, so feel free to search for more. This is just the way I chose to do it. It's really simple, really delicious, and really good for you.
Butternut Squash Basil Pasta (Vegan Optional):
1/2 a butternut squash, cooked
1/4 cup basil
1 box pasta shells, cooked and strained (toss with olive oil if preparing ahead of time to keep from sticking)
2 tablespoons vegenaise (or other vegan mayo-like spread)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup olive oil
about 3/4 cup almond milk
salt and pepper to taste
I always cook squash the lazy way. I clean it off, intact, poke holes in it, and throw it in the oven at 350 for about 45 minutes (time depends on the size of the squash). I place foil underneath it or set it in a pan since the drippings from the slits in the skin will fall in the oven.
Once the squash is cooked, peel off the skin (so much easier to do when it isn't raw!), cube it up, and put it in your pot with the olive oil. Turn the heat to about medium-high. Use your favorite mashing tool to get it really smooshed up. I prefer this way rather than puree because I like some small chunks of squash. Snip or chop your basil and dump that in. Again, nothing wrong with some chunks of basil. They're delicious.
Place your dollop of about two tablespoons of vegenaise into the squash mixture, along with almond milk and salt and pepper (to taste) and stir it all together.
Toss your prepared pasta shells right into the pot.
Serve it up. Right away. Because it's delicious and you'll want to taste it quickly. I put a sprinkle of parmesan on top of mine, but if you'd rather go vegan go ahead and skip it.
Fantastic stuff, I tell you.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Leafy Runner for Fall
I love this fall table runner, made from an old sheet and stamped with leaves from my yard. The colors are beautiful and it's just the thing to spruce up the dining table or the buffet this fall.
To get the effect, I collected leaves from the yard and lightly brushed them with paint. Though I chose colors traditional to fall, it would be lovely in any colors you like.
Once the leaf was painted, I placed it (paint side down) onto the sheet material I had sized for the purpose. I placed a napkin over the top of the leaf and then used my rolling pin to imprint the leaf on the fabric. Rolling over the leaf only a couple of times is enough to leave a detailed imprint.
Experiment with the amount of paint you brush on the leaves as well as the pressure with which your press your rolling pin.
As you might be able to see, my fabric was folded length wise into a long rectangle. When the paint was dry and I was ready to sew, I simply folded it length wise with right sides together and sewed up the raw edges (no pictures for these steps, sorry). I then turned it right side out and ironed it flat into its long rectangle shape. I decided to top stitch each side so that it would lay nice and flat.
In order to close the ends (which were still raw at this point), I decided to use a small piece of fabric which I folded and ironed to be the width of the runner. You can see below how I prepared the small piece and then attached it to either end of the runner.
With all the edges sealed up and hemmed, it was time to choose its home.
It's such a nice and easy way to bring your outdoor leaves inside.
To get the effect, I collected leaves from the yard and lightly brushed them with paint. Though I chose colors traditional to fall, it would be lovely in any colors you like.
Once the leaf was painted, I placed it (paint side down) onto the sheet material I had sized for the purpose. I placed a napkin over the top of the leaf and then used my rolling pin to imprint the leaf on the fabric. Rolling over the leaf only a couple of times is enough to leave a detailed imprint.
Experiment with the amount of paint you brush on the leaves as well as the pressure with which your press your rolling pin.
As you might be able to see, my fabric was folded length wise into a long rectangle. When the paint was dry and I was ready to sew, I simply folded it length wise with right sides together and sewed up the raw edges (no pictures for these steps, sorry). I then turned it right side out and ironed it flat into its long rectangle shape. I decided to top stitch each side so that it would lay nice and flat.
In order to close the ends (which were still raw at this point), I decided to use a small piece of fabric which I folded and ironed to be the width of the runner. You can see below how I prepared the small piece and then attached it to either end of the runner.
With all the edges sealed up and hemmed, it was time to choose its home.
It's such a nice and easy way to bring your outdoor leaves inside.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)