Author: Whimsical Moon Jewelry

active participant in the arts and craft community - I enjoy making jewelry, sewing, cooking and especially spending time with my grandchildren

Recovering my Outdoor Furniture Set

I have a set of wicker furniture that I use on my screened in porch.  The set needs new cushions including foam and batting as well as the fabric.  I’ve been putting off doing them because it’s quite a bit of work to get the covers onto the foam and either sew up the eam or put a zipper in.

Instead of covering cushions with fabric slip covers, I plan to buy a piece of wood to use as a base for the foam and batting.  Then I will put on the fabric and staple to the underside of the wood.  As far as I can think, this would be ok except that the cushions would not be reversible. It seems that this be easier and faster to do it this way, and I would use less fabric because there is no bottom.  I am debating about putting cording around the base of the cushion or just rounding the edge.

I don’t think the cushions would sit higher off the floor because I would not use a think piece of wood, just enough to hold the staples.

If anyone’s done this or has any comments I would appreciate it.

Thanks

 

 

Potato Soup

Warm and a little spicy potato soup

Potato-Soup
The potato soup I made came out really well.  But I made some changes.  First I added a cup of carrots, because I really like carrots.  Then I sauteed the onions, carrots and celery in olive oil before adding the cut up potato and the chicken broth.  I let that cook about 30 minutes, until the potatoes were done.   Next I added the corn starch mixed with about 1/4 cup water to thicken the  soup. Then, because I don’t like all the calories and fat, I used 2 cups of skim milk. And last I added about 1/2 t cajun seasoning because I like it a little hot.  Not quite as creamy, but still very good.

 

Potato Soup

Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe

It’s been cold and rainy here in Virginia especially for this time of year.  So, tomorrow, I plan to make potato soup.  I have not made it in a wile and went to the Internet, of course, to look up the ingredients.  There were many listed but I chose the one titled ‘Old Fashioned”.  There were a few quick and easy, but I always think that soup cooking on the stove for a few hours makes it taste better.    I would never buy canned soup because it’s too espensive and not as tasty.  Whenever I go to visit my granchildren, I bring a soup.  They love them.  I always bring 2 quarts, one for them to eat now and one for the freezer.  My daughter loves to cook, and likes her family to have home-cooked meals, but she works and sometimes it’s hard.  My granddaughters who are now 7 and 5 also love to cook.  My grandson is 8.  He likes to make cookies, and help in the kitchen.

Here’s a link to the recipe:  I used half-and-half rather than cream and milk.

Potato Soup Recipe

 

Dogs and Granchildren

Dogs and Granchildren are always pals

My annual Winter vacation is almost over.  I love it here in Florida, but by this time I am anxious to go home and see my beautiful grandchildren.  They all change so much in just a few months.  I miss them and can’t wait to see them.  I’ve decided that next year when I come here, I will start a project with them.  This year I tried to take pictures of Bradley’s (my dog) friends. I can print out the pictures and send them so they can put them in a scrapbook I will give them for Christmas.  I hope they will enjoy the project.  I know I will.

 

New Necklace – Abalone (paua) shell

PauaNecklace4x6

Finally, I am back to writing my blog.  I like to keep track of my thoughts and this is the best way for me to do it.  It’s a beautiful, sunny day here at Lake Anna.  I am looking forward to my children and grandchild coming for the weekend.  I have to get the boat cleaned up today and get it started.  Hopefully, I won’t have too much trouble.  I also have to get some gas for it.  Weekends at the Lake are wonderful.

Today I posted a necklace I made for the Summer.  It’s abalone shell also known as paua shell.  It has great colors of iridescent blue, green and some white.  I think it will go great for a lot of Summer events like picnics, pool parties (without going in the pool), and with a  cool sundress.  More information about the necklace is available at my website:  http://yessy.com/wmj

I will take some pictures of the lake and boat and post them later.