It's New!

Good afternoon,
I've just posted the newly updated gpurse.com. I'm sure there will be some tweeks to make but we've made lots of strides. We hope it is easier to navigate and find what you are looking for. We'll be adding more products in the next few weeks, so come back often and take a peak. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have a great rest of the week.

Made of China

Good morning all,
For todays post I'd like to talk about making a frame from a piece of china. Now this is my kind of project! The only guidelines were to include two photos and newspaper article and to house them using the plate provided. I put down my needle and thread and hauled out the chop saw and hammer. I cut a template for how I wanted the pieces to sit within the matt and figured out the size frame I would need. I constructed the frame and took my hammer to the plate. (China is much stronger than you think!) I arranged and glued the pieces to the frames front. After drying overnight I grouted, dried and grouted again. I cleaned up any unwanted grout and painted the wood white to match. I proceeded to cut and cover the matt then place the photos and article within the openings and secure. I presented it to my client yesterday and she loved it so much it made her cry (she insisted I mention that). I've made an additional two of which only one remains. I like this process and think I'll make a few more. Wishing everyone a happy, happy week!

Herb Drying

Good morning all,
It is certainly the season for harvesting the last from our gardens. We have had some patchy frost in the area but so far Kohler has been spared but it is only a matter of "thyme". Today will be a good day to harvest the remaining herbs from outside and bring them in to dry. I simply cut, tie and hang them anywhere you have an extra nail or hook. They are not only useful, but look cool hanging around. My moss kitchen is still thriving so I'll continue to have fresh herbs as well. Stay tuned! Next week I'll be talking about a china frame and soon an update on gourds. Happy, happy week!

Good morning all,

I may have posted about stewed tomatoes last year at this time, but they are so easy and so good, I had to write about it again. This is my second batch of tomatoes this year and more than likely my last. I'd like to share my technique. I start by preparing a medium onion and green pepper and saute in a little olive oil (they take longer than the tomatoes) Take a large pot and fill it with water about 3/4 full leaving room for tomatoes (about 12 medium). Once the water boils add your tomatoes for 60 seconds then remove. (don't discard the water, let it cool and use it for your plants!) This allows you to peel them easily.  Core, ruff chop and add them to your saute pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender about 10 minutes. If you have lots, I fill zip bags (half full) and lay flat in my freezer. Super delicious in chili, stew or plain with a pat of butter! Happy, happy week!

Harvest

Good morning all,
The last hurrah of summer this weekend. Attended a fun party yesterday of a good friend, today the Sheboygan County Fair and Monday a chance to get in the yard and harvest the last of the plants that survived. Pictured is a wreath I made from last years vinca vines. I cut them and place them in a solution of one part glycerin and two parts water for two or three weeks. The plant does turn brownish in color but the process leaves it supple enough so they don't crumble. I made several flowers from an orange bag I had and added a bow. This year I'm going to try this method with a few other plants as well. Like always, I'll keep you posted. Happy, happy week!