Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Project – Sock Puppets/Fun for Kids

On By TimelessladyIn Projects3 Comments

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I love this book from Sesame Street. It is full of ideas to craft with young children. My grandsons and I have enjoyed making several of the projects, and last night, a sleepover night, we were able to complete another one.

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Using a pair of my old socks that had lost their elasticity we cut a piece of heavy cardboard into a long rectangular shape and inserted it into the sock. This kept the two layers of the sock from touching as we glued bits and pieces to both sides. Next we glued on a red foam tongue in the area right under the heel, facing toward the toe of the sock.

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The next step was the fun part…using more tacky glue we added googly eyes, a pompom nose and felt ears on the edges, facing outward. We made sure that the felt ears extended beyond the sides of the sock so that when the puppet was on a hand the ears would droop downward.  Everything was left to dry for several hours, then we removed the cardboard, tied a ribbon around the neck of the puppet and added a heart dog tag.

SO MUCH FUN!!!

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Posies – Rose Centerpiece

On By TimelessladyIn Posies2 Comments


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Local supermarkets are a terrific source of fresh flowers. Roses are often sold by the dozen in their display cases. To be assured of freshness, look for petals that are still buds, furled in a graceful urn shape. Gently squeeze the rose petals above the calyx; they should have a sense of firmness, and not feel too smooshy. Check to be sure the petal edges do not have a curled or brown tinge. If the roses are fully blown open, limp, or if the rose buds have the look of a pointy bullet, buy your flowers somewhere else. The fully open flowers will only last a day or two before dropping their petals, the limp buds will promptly droop and die, and the tight, pointy buds will never open correctly. Remember: look for a firm urn-shaped bud.

When you arrive home with your roses, recut the bottom of the stems at an angle. This technique keeps the stem from adhering to the bottom of the vase and forming a seal that might keep water from wicking up the stem. All purchased flowers benefit from being re-cut at an angle. To give your roses even longer life, fill a bowl with water before you cut the stem and cut about an inch off under water. This keeps an air bubble from forming in the stem, further insuring a rose with long life.

The roses in the arrangement above were bought at my local grocery store. They were cut and arranged in floral oasis on Sunday afternoon. I took the picture above this morning (Thursday)  the roses are still lovely after five days in a 70 degree home.

Creating a Christmas or winter arrangement is easy. Fill a vase or container with water or oasis, add a mass of fir greens and insert your roses or other flowers. Remember different levels of height add interest to the arrangement. You don’t want all the flowers at the same level as if they are numbers on a clock, place a few high, a few low, and some in between. A few catkins or other “wild” looking, frondy pieces of foliage or twigs give a look of the natural to the arrangement and are a resting place for the eye. Most of all have fun and enjoy your creation and the beautiful flowers.

Catkins and twigs in the photograph above are from a Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick bush.

Pinterest, Pots and Pans – Penguin Appetizers

On By TimelessladyIn Pinterest, Pots and Pans2 Comments

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These adorable penguin appetizers were a big hit at Christmas dinner yesterday. Peel and cut carrots into medallions, cut a notch out of each medallion for the feet which automatically creates a beak to place in the large end of a small pitted black olive. Using a large pitted black olive, cut a small slit in the front, open and place about a quarter teaspoon of cream cheese inside. (I used the already softened variety of cream cheese in a tub)  It helps if you shape the cream cheese a bit on a plate or wax paper before you place it inside the olive. Take a toothpick, insert through head, into the larger cream cheese body and into the feet with the notch pointing frontwards. So easy, not expensive, and so much fun!!!

I found this idea on Pinterest. Click here to visit Pinterest

I wish I had taken a photograph of my little flock,  but in the busyness of the day became distracted and forgot. They are even cuter when you have a dozen or more standing at attention on a serving plate.

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Project – Easy Semi-homemade Christmas Ornament/Butterflies

On By TimelessladyIn Projects1 Comment

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I have a miniature Christmas tree in my living room that I am trying to keep outdoorsy in appearance. I wanted to have several butterflies adorn the branches, but didn’t want to spend a fortune buying more decorations. A good solution was this border of butterflies. I separated them by cutting with small manicure scissors. I then used some wired silk leaves I had on hand, and cut most of the leaf away leaving a nub of silk on the wire. I encased this nub within two of the butterflies, glued together back to back.

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This was very easy to do and even easier to twist onto the tree by twirling the wire around the end of the branches a few times. I like the natural look of this Christmas tree.

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Posies – Friday Florals/Christmas Wreath

On By TimelessladyIn PosiesLeave a comment

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I enjoyed creating this Christmas wreath for my dining room wall. The colors are not traditionally Christmas, but they perfectly match the decor in the room. There are so many beautiful Christmas silks on the market now; I had a hard time making a choice.

A hot glue gun is the perfect tool for crafting wreaths. The silk flowers, after you cut away most of the stems with wire cutters, are very light and easy to attach with just a drop or two of glue in the recesses of the grapevine wreath. The Christmas ornaments are even easier, add a little glue to the top hanger and hide that portion within the leaves or wreath.

Special tip: If you don’t have wire cutters, raid your husband or boyfriend’s tool box. Many cutting or stripping tools have an additional area below the blades that are made for cutting wire. I can never seem to keep track of my wire cutters and these are a perfect stand-in tool. 

Pets and Plants – Impromptu Cat Toy

On By TimelessladyIn Pets, PlantsLeave a comment

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Rusty, our Maine Coon Cat, has been featured in other posts. Today I am adding a photograph of Rusty with a very impromptu cat toy I made for him. I had a few cardboard spools left over from wire-edged ribbon, so I rolled those on the floor hoping he would chase them. I only received a look of disdain for my efforts, but then…aha… I had a brilliant idea.

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I went outside and pulled a sprig of catnip from the almost dormant plant and placed it inside the cardboard spool. You can just see the tip of the plant in the photograph below.  Ecstasy! Rusty had a patch of sun and a beautiful fragrance to loll in all at the same time. This small bit of recycled cardboard and a hardy piece of catnip made for a blissful afternoon for the cat.

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Perspective – Wednesday Wisdom/Sharing Who You Are

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective1 Comment

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A friend gave me magnetic frames for my birthday. They are specially made to hold the drawings of children on the refrigerator. Yesterday I asked my oldest grandson to create a Christmas tree for me so that I could fill the frame.

“I don’t know how to make a Christmas tree,” he said.

A quick remembrance came to me of how I drew Christmas trees as a child. “It’s easy,” I told him, “Just draw triangles, top of the paper to bottom, and make each one just a little bit bigger.”

He grasped the concept instantly, and created this sweet Christmas tree. I love it.

Looking back on the moment I feel joy that I was able to share that small creative memory with him. I have been imagining him in his 50’s someday, saying to his small grandchild, “It’s easy…”

I was blessed to have four amazing grandparents, and doubly blessed to have parents who recognized the importance of them in their children’s lives. We spent holidays and summers with our grandparents, and the person I am now is very much influenced by their presence in my life. I thank God today for all the wonderful people, family and friends both, who have shared their lives and experiences with me. God bless us all in this wonderful season of giving.

Perspective – Mike Huckabee on Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting

On By TimelessladyIn PerspectiveLeave a comment
I don’t often, if ever, post twice in a day, but Mike Huckabee’s words are powerful and true. I do apologize to those who feel overwhelmed and saturated by all the talking points surrounding this tragedy. I am right there with you. I have turned off all television news concerning the tragedy. I am becoming more and more appalled at the way mainstream media spins and titles tragedy as a form of macabre entertainment. I am making an exception in posting this short clip. I feel Mr. Huckabee says what I feel in my heart about the matter.

Postcards – An Unexpected Gift

On By TimelessladyIn PostcardsLeave a comment

I recently received a Christmas Card from a dear cousin who lives in Nevada. Inside I found a surprise, three postcards from her collection to mine. They are beautiful. Postmarked 1909 – 1911, they are from the era I most enjoy. Happily, they had interesting messages on the backs. I like postcards that were mailed with messages, not for me are pristine postals (see note)  that were never sent. The photographs below show the postcards with their back sides beneath the fronts, and a translation of their messages. I transcribe them as I see them, with or without proper punctuation, spelling or phrasing.

Sometimes the messages contain just a quick greeting, at times they speak of bad news, and every now and then they might have a quick scolding or request.

Note: Click here for the history of postcards or “postals” as they were first called. History of Postcards

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Dear Willie how are you getting a long I am Fine and dandy. From you cousin Fred Dilkmeyer ans soon. February 1911

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Dear Barb Mother was buried yesterday eve we got to U.S. at 11 am We will be home Fri if nothing happens on 12.8 8 PM But if we happen not to be there Fri will sure be there Sat I will have to rest a few hours before I am able to come. How are you. will see you soon as I can. As ever W.R.W

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(I love the beautiful embossing on the front of this postcard)

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Dear Sister I am well how are you and Hollis what is Hazzel Eastern address.  tell Hollis that I did not receive his xmas Postal he sent me. so give him my address right and send me his address from Sister Lutie. give my regards to Minnie and all.

Thanks Myrna…I love them all. 🙂

Project – Making a Perfect Floral Bow

On By TimelessladyIn Projects2 Comments

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A perfect holiday floral bow is easy to make. Below you will find a video tutorial and step by step picture instructions on how to make a bow with 3 yards of ribbon.

1. I often find beautiful wire-edged ribbon at my local dollar store. You will need 3 – 4 yards of ribbon to make an oblong blow.
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2. I use chenille stems instead of thin wire. They come in pretty colors, are easier on the hands than floral wire, and are very simple to use. Always bend your chenille stem into a hairpin or paperclip shape before you begin and have it nearby at the ready for twisting.
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3. Make a loop a bit shorter than your index finger, this uses about five inches of ribbon. Use your right hand to do the looping and twisting, and the left hand to gather together and hold the loops firmly. If you are left handed reverse the process.
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4. The most important step is TWISTING the ribbon after each loop is made. Holding the loop in your right hand, grab the dangling ribbon, not the short tail, and firmly twist it so that the right side of the ribbon is facing you once again. Fashion another loop pointing downward exactly the same size as the first loop. You MUST twist the ribbon into an upward facing position after each loop is made.
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5. The next four loops are created pointing to the right, up and down, and then to the left, up and down. You can switch this order around if you desire, but remember, the most important rule, twist, twist, twist after each loop is made and hold the centers firmly together with your non-working hand. Make these next four loops about an inch beyond the edge of the first two loops. Check photograph to get an idea of how the bow loops should look as they graduate in size.
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6. At this time you will be holding six loops in your hand. Don’t let go! The next four loops are also made about an inch longer than the previous four loops. These loops will once again point more toward the center rather than to the right and left as the middle level loops do.
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7. Your bow is ready to secure with the previously bent chenille stem at this point. Point the free ends down around both sides of the middle of the bow. Flip the bow over and using your right hand twist the stem two to three times tightly. Don’t be tempted to twist the stem too many times. It will crack and your bow will unfurl all over the floor. This does happen. If you do lose the grip on your bow, start again, and make an attempt to twist in exactly the same spots as you did when you initially made the bow. This will keep the creases created by twisting from showing in your second attempt.
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And there you have a perfect bow. To make the bow completely round make all the loops the same size. Have fun and happy decorating!
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Phavorite Photographs – Quack Up

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, PhotographsLeave a comment

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Today I needed a picture to make me smile…so here it is…one of my favorite ducks at the park. Happy Friday to you.

Plants – Collecting and Keeping Moss Thriving

On By TimelessladyIn PlantsLeave a comment

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I recently collected some mosses on a warm day. To keep them thriving I have them in a low basin filled with about an inch and a half of moist soil. Topping the soil I have a layer of pine needles. I spray the moss with water daily, and so far, even the reindeer moss, which is really a lichen, is soft and green. I plan to create a naturescape with them and use them on my Christmas dinner tables as the centerpiece.

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I collect moss in areas where there is a chance it will destroyed by construction or gravel pits. I also like to save pieces in areas that are torn up by dirt bikers. If I take any from the nearby woods I do not collect near paths where people walk, instead I enter deeper into the woods to collect from areas only the squirrels can view.

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After a storm I often am able to collect scraps of lichen that fall with the dead branches brought down by heavy rains. These pieces of lichen laden bark look nice in terrariums or nature settings. I am hoping to make some fairy furniture in the winter and bring a little magic and light into the darker months of the year.

Peculiarities – Update/The Bat

On By TimelessladyIn Peculiarities1 Comment

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This past summer I related the story of the bat in the house. You can read all about it here: Bat in the House. Last week he showed up again. This time we found him in his bat den.

My son is a builder and was replacing some capping on our outside woodwork. As he tore off a piece of the corner eave little bits of grass and acorns fell to the ground. Suddenly he saw a flash of small teeth and heard an angry hiss. Our bat was found at last, in his roost, in the eave of our house. He could not stay. The aluminum flashing would have sealed him within the eave and been certain doom. My son gingerly pushed him out with a soft brush. The bat flew a bit wobbily after being awakened from a sound sleep and rudely swooshed out of his home. He landed on the grass about thirty feet away from the house. He seemed quite stunned for about a half hour, then disappeared. We are hoping that since it was a warm day, he found a new place to roost and had time to pad his new home with acorns and grass. I hope that is the last encounter we have with the bat.

Pleasures – Handmade Greeting Cards

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures1 Comment

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I love handmade greeting cards. I received this beautiful Christmas Card signed inside, “Love Mom and Dad.” It’s beautiful…a treasure to keep always.

Place – Ocean City & Strathmere N.J./Post Hurricane Sandy

On By TimelessladyIn PlaceLeave a comment

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December 1st dawned with the weather unseasonably warm, a perfect day to visit Ocean City, New Jersey. The day was sunny with fluffy white clouds in the sky, quite the departure from the grey skies of Hurricane Sandy. As you can see in the picture above, there are still a few storefronts boarded up. We didn’t see any damage in Ocean City. The beaches seem to be intact, and the boardwalk undamaged.

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We stopped at our favorite pizza place, we think it is the best pizza in the world. Manco and Manco, in the past better known as Mac and Manco, can’t be beat for delicious boardwalk style pizza.

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It was fun to see Santa Claus arrive and climb into his boat, ready to listen to Christmas wishes from the children.

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We both left feeling good about one of our favorite places in the world. Our next stop was Strathmere…our favorite beach to visit. The town lies next door to Ocean City, but is more rustic, no boardwalk and very small. The perfect place  for a quiet family outing in the summertime. We were thrilled to see although the beach had a bit of erosion on the point, for the most part the town fared well too.

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Peculiarities – Geese in December

On By TimelessladyIn Peculiarities1 Comment

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Are you old enough to remember the days when flocks of geese really did fly south? The geese in this area don’t seem to follow that rule anymore. Here are a few I photographed yesterday in a local lake.

A great article explaining why geese don’t fly south anymore can be found here: Why Geese Don’t Fly South

While I was photographing the resident birds, I caught sight of this strange duck. It resembles birds we see when we vacation on Block Island in Rhode Island. Anyone know it’s name? I doubt I will see it next time I visit the lake.

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Projects – Crayon Hearts

On By TimelessladyIn ProjectsLeave a comment

We recently made heart shaped crayons using a silicone baking sheet of hearts and old broken crayons.

Strip paper off of crayons
Break into small pieces
Place into silicone molds (I easily cut mine in half to fit into toaster)
Place on sturdy tray. Heat in oven at 250
Check constantly
When pieces are melted take out of oven immediately
Let cool completely
Pop out of mold by turning the sheet inside out

We used the toaster oven and heated the crayons out on the porch just in case the smell of the crayons melting became overpowering.

One quick tip: You may notice some of the crayons are a solid color and some have many different swirls of colors. We prefer the swirled colors. The solid colors heated too long and the colors melted together too completely. To get the swirled effect take the crayons out of the toaster as soon as they are melted.

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Plants – Herb Whisperer

On By TimelessladyIn Plants12 Comments

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed…” Genesis 1:29 (KJV)

Years ago, my mother surprised me with this gift, a rack of bottles for floral arrangements, or as in my case, a place to root plant cuttings. From the day I received this gift, until now, my bottles have not been without sprigs of plants. Placed in a bright window, without strong direct sunlight, the cuttings thrive. My home is filled with plants I have rooted in these bottles.

Lavender

A week or two ago, I cut a piece of lavender from the garden with hopes of enjoying it through the winter. Lavender is a plant I find hard to start from seed or cutting, but it is not impossible. Even if this sprig doesn’t root for me, I will still enjoy its soft scent through the cold months. I consider myself a herb whisperer of sort. I can imagine you shaking your head, “A what?” you ask. Yes, a herb whisperer. I coax a whiff of beautiful fragrance from my herbs by gently running my hand over the leaves. I don’t need to press. I don’t need to rub. A soft brushing of my fingertips against the foliage releases the oils, and the scent reaches my nose, instantly elevating my mood and energy level.

Peppermint

Whether it is the calming effect of my lavender, or the invigorating swoosh of peppermint, or the contentment found in the fragrance of rosemary, not many days go by without me calling up the herb whisperer within my character.

Rosemary

In winter two of these herbs are still easy to find, peppermint and rosemary are often sold in local supermarkets in the produce section. Lavender might be a bit more difficult to locate in the winter, but if you have a dormant plant in your garden or in a friends, cut a sprig and bring it inside, it will reward you with weeks and weeks of subtle fragrance.

Aromatherapy effects:

Lavender – calming, mood enhancing, cures insomnia and headaches. Read more here: Benefits of Lavender

Peppermint – anti-inflammatory, kills viral infections, clears lung congestion. Read more here: Benefits of Peppermint

Rosemary – aids in digestion, eases stomach cramps, relieves headaches. Read more here: Benefits of Rosemary

More on the care and culture of these three herb plants can be found in the links below:

Lavender
Peppermint
Rosemary