Tim Holtz Tags of 2014

Tim Holtz (my most favorite creative artist in the world) is offering a contest each month to create his Tag of 2014.  Tim's work is most noted for his art of 'distress'.  I have heard him called the King of Distress.  He has distress inks, paint, stains, and more....  With my love of vintage, you know why his style makes him my favorite creative artist! 

Here is the sample tag of the month:

Here is my version using his products that I have on hand:

Bird Seed Wreath

We must remember our fine feathered friends in the winter because with the snow and cold frozen ground, it is much harder for them to find food.  This bird seed wreath is made in a bundt or angel food cake pan.  I doubled the recipe below in order to fill the pan to the top. 

 

 

 



1 pkg Knox Plain Gelatin (the small box has 4 pkgs., but only use 1)

1/2 Cup Warm Water

3 Tablespoon Light Corn Syrup

3/4 Cup Flour

4 Cup Bird Seed

Spray oil or butter

Bundt Pan

 

Dissolve the gelatin in the warm water.  Set aside

Mix the corn syrup and flour

Combine the gelatin and flour mixtures

Mix in the bird seed (it becomes sticky)

Spray the bundt pan with the oil spray and pack the bird seed mix in the pan.  Let set for 48 hours.

 

 

 

It is recommended to use a wide ribbon or piece of cloth to hang through the center of the wreath, as a rope has been known to cut through the wreath. 

 

In my picture, you will see that I made a wire tray.  I cut a 13" x 13" piece of wire.  I Snipped the corners on opposite ends so I could bend each side up about 2".  I used a thin wire all around the wreath to secure it to the wire tray.  I think this is best because as the birds eat the wreath, it is eventually going to be eaten through.  This will help secure it in place, plus gives the birds a place to stand while eating. 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoy this project.  It is also kid friendly, unless you have grand kids like mine.  When I told them we were going to do this project and they could take the wreath home to feed their birds, they told me, "We don't have birds at our house.  We have cats and the cats eat the birds."  LOL

 

Credit for this idea is given to Flea Marketing Gardening's Facebook page. 

Antique Store Treasures

I went to an antique store and found a few treasures.  Nothing major on this visit, but since I like owls, I fell in love with this owl plaque.  I walked past him saying, "Where would I hang him?  He doesn't match anything."  I walked away but soon found myself admiring him again.  Since I didn't forget about him, that told me that he was meant for me to buy him, so I did.  I'm happy with my purchase and will hang him in my studio.  Anything matches in there! 

Along with my owl friend, I bought 3 little ink blocks.  I'm not sure why, but I'm drawn to these every time I see them.  Sometimes it's a challenge to tell what they are, but these are a hair brush, a bed and an iron.  I will be on the hunt for a printer tray in my future travels. 

Greek Flat Bread

Tonight's dinner was quick, easy and delicious!  I wasn't super hungry and my daughter and husband had leftovers.  (I do not like many leftovers)  I decided a flat bread sounded tasty since I didn't want anything too heavy. You will need:

1 Pillsbury Thin Crust Refrigerated Pizza Dough
1 Pkg of Heavenly Dips Greek Isle Olive Oil Dip (see more info below about Heavenly Dips)
1 T. Hot Water
1 C Pure Olive Oil (not EVOO)
1 Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
4 oz. Crumbled Feta Cheese
Fresh Basil (optional)

Preheat oven 400 degrees

Do step one of the Heavenly Dips Greek Isle Olive Oil, which is mix the dip mix with 1 tablespoon of hot water.  Set aside.

Unroll the pizza dough onto a rectangle stone and pre-bake for 5 minutes. 

While that is pre-baking, add the Olive Oil to the dip mix and stir.  Brush this over the pre-baked dough.  Top with tomatoes and bake 10 - 12 more minutes, until golden brown.

Remove from oven and top with Feta Cheese.  Sprinkle with basil, if you are a basil fanatic like me!  The basil is totally not necessary with all the awesome flavors from the olive oil dip.  Cut into squares and enjoy!!

Now a little shout out to my cousin's dip business called Heavenly Dips.  Visit them on the web at www.heavenlydips.com.  Not only do they have AMAZING oil dips, but their vegetable and dessert dips are to die for!  They ship quick so get your order placed so you can enjoy this yummy flat bread, too!!  Cheers!

My View....in Winter

My View around my yard today....in Winter

Flowering Crabapple Tree....in Winter

Sunflowers....in Winter

My Chair Garden....in Winter

Our View....in Winter

Taken February 5, 2014

My First Post

This is my new BlogSpot for posting the things that make me happy.  I enjoy spending time being creative and letting my mind relax.  Whether it's painting, knitting, scrapbooking, gardening or putting together a puzzle, I love my quiet time.  Tranquility makes me happy...hence the name of my site Tranquil Happiness.