The Results of the ‘Artisan Jewelry Gift Certificate Giveaway’

to Bella Stefanos from California. She is the winner of the $25 Gift Certificate.

I would like to offer everyone that participated in this giveaway ‘Free Shipping’ on their first order.

I enjoyed reading everyone’s input very much and I would like to thank everyone who participated and especially those that provided additional information and links. The response I received for this giveaway was more than I anticipated.

I had a lot of fun along the way and as my appreciation I would like to offer everyone that participated in this giveaway ‘Free Shipping’ on their first order. Just mention ‘Giveaway, Free Shipping’ or something like that in the “Notes to Seller Box” at the time of purchase.

One of the drawbacks of an online shop is the loss of communication with the customers and receiving feedback. This giveaway to some extend fulfilled that need, in fact I had so much fun that I am thinking of doing another giveaway. So keep-an-eye for my next giveaway coming in September.

Okay, enough talk, here are the results:

My new Line - Wire Crochet

Coral & Hairpin lace Technique
I have been really busy lately working on my new line of wire-crochet jewelry.

It all started with me picking up a book about wire crochet jewelry and saying, "OOOH this is so nice". Well let's say I have not been able to put down the crochet hook ever since. I like the outcome and it is a nice change from the traditional methods.
Turquoise & Half Double Crochet
So what is crochet and where did it come from?

The origins and when it started is kind of mystery, but everyone agrees that it has been around for a long, long time.

The word comes from croc, or croche, the Middle French word for hook, and the Old Norse word for hook is krokr.

My Adventures With the Dragon Flower

In full bloom

I have always admired the colorful tropical plants and saddened that I could not grow them in Michigan. One day, I was looking through my garden catalog and saw a picture of a flower that looked tropical, and it was rated for Michigan. I was so excited that I didn’t do my research; I just went ahead and ordered them.
First signs of flowers
In the spring, the plant looked Ok until the first sign of its flower. I was very excited and didn’t know what to make of it.




When it finally bloomed, it was a big surprise. You could see the flower from miles away, OK maybe not miles but definitely from across the street.

What to do with Small Amounts of Your Havest?

I have a small suburban backyard with a small vegetable garden. This means, when I harvest my vegetables, I only get a handful of beans, peas, okra, maybe one or two eggplants, zucchini and yellow squash. Most receipts ask for a pound of this and a pound of that. In the past I would try to save my small amounts of harvest until I had enough for one recipe, but that didn't always work as well, the produce just didn't stay fresh long enough. Until now, my husband is the cook in our house, and he discovered this soup recipe that is just perfect for our harvest. I am not a fan of soup, but I liked this one (even in the summer). If you have a small garden, next time you have a little bit of this and a little bit of that, try this recipe, you will not be disappointed.

The recipe is called Pistou and is from the 'Soup superb ways with a classic dish'. We used up our harvest from the day; my husband added his own touch of parsley, thyme, oregano and okra to the recipe. It was even good the second day. I think the fresh vegetables is what made this soup soooooo good.

I am glad that I didn't give up on growing beans and peas and okra this year.