Patty Van Dorin

steampunk gypsy necklace

 
Beads were pulled out and I made a few steampunk gypsy charm necklaces.
 
I like to wear these necklaces layered with other pieces. They are long enough to slip over the head and long enough to layer for a boho gypsy look.
 
Each of these necklaces hold a vintage salt with a top that removes and can hold a herbal charm, scent, oil or fragrance on a small piece of cotton.

For more photos and details - click here for my etsy shop

sketchbook

 

End of the Day Enamelware

 
I love vintage enamelware and if it's pink it's even better. But when its pink end of the day enamelware, well it's about as good as it gets.

End of the day graniteware or enamelware is just what the name implies. At the end of the work day, all the remaining colors were used and applied to the last items decorated at the end of work shifts. You can find all sorts of unusual color combinations some of them not so pleasing. It is rare to find pink end of the day enamelware and one in this attractive colorway in pink, white, cobalt blue and aqua blue.

 
available in the Tuscan Rose etsy shop - click here for more details

today's sketchbook

 
drawing eyes in the daily journal sketchbook

a little drawing, a bit of stamping, and a journal entry

lace roses

 
Vintage lace is something that I find irresistible, some of it is used on journals and crafts and some for display.
To keep it tidy, I like to roll up the yardages of old lace.
 
Little bundles that look like flowers.
 
 
How do you display your collections?

old blue jar

my favorite vases are old jars
 
 

today's sketchbook

 
 

Watermelon and Shrimp Gazpacho

Mmmmmm, oh so very good and 
perfect after a hot afternoon in the garden.
I didn't use a recipe and just tossed stuff together, there is no wrong or right way to make gazpacho.
 
Watermelon and Shrimp Gazpacho

In a blender, puree
watermelon chunks - (about a half a watermelon)
2 to 3 pounds tomatoes, cut in chunks
2 jalapeno peppers, I leave the seeds but seed the peppers for a milder taste
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar

add blended ingredients to a large bowl and add:
watermelon, chopped
tomatoes, chopped
green onions, chopped
peaches, chopped
a couple of slices of sweet onion, chopped
one cucumber, peeled and chopped
one clove garlic, minced
fresh basil, rough cut
fresh mint, rough cut
juice of one lime
salt and pepper to taste

chill at least 4 hours or overnight

garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and cooked, chilled salad shrimp and a sprig of mint

I think I will make gazpacho the summer food of 2011 in my house. A chunky slice of homemade bread and bowl of gazpacho makes a perfect meal.

Spring Destash - paper collections on etsy

It's time for the Spring Destash and I have just added more paper collections on etsy.
 
I have a few scrap collections that contain partial sheets and large usable paper.
 
 
These are good to add a variety to your paper collection.

 
I have also added another collection of full size (12x12) papers and will be adding more as I find mailing boxes.

for more details and photos - click here

Danger, Will Robinson, danger!

 
As I go through boxes of stuff, I am selling some items from my collection. My move to the significantly smaller house is the force behind my parting with some long loved items.
 
Like this incredible old danger flag.
for more pictures and details - click here

**did I date myself with the "Lost in Space" reference, I loved that show when I was young...very very very young.