New Page for Featured Guest Artist Spotlight

Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own.

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~

I created a page to spotlight indie artists.  I love arts and crafts.  I always have.  And, just because I'm an artist doesn't mean I don't appreciate the work and effort of my fellows.  I love going to arts and crafts shows, browsing art galleries and appreciating just about all there is the visual arts has to offer.  I buy handmade and it's the first place I look for a special gift.  It is inspiring to look at and appreciate the work of other artisans.

My goal is to showcase an artist every couple of weeks and their work.  The artist has a chance to respond to interview questions.  I think many people are curious about artists and what sparks their creativity.  I hope the responses to these questions will engage the reader's interest to take a closer look at their work.

http://www.offthecuffart.com/
http://www.barbaragiordanoart.etsy.com/
http://www.sunfluersjewelrydesigns.com/
www.Zazzle.com/Sunfluer
http://www.sunfluerdesigns.imagekind.com/

Captured Moments

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.  ~ Buddha ~

I love animals life which is probably an understatement.  Saying it, doesn’t fully translate what I feel or think when I hug my dogs or admire cows and horses grazing in the field.  I want to show through my work what I consider to be pleasing both to heart and mind.

In a previous post, I mentioned that I photographed cows.  It is rural where we live.  There are many horse and cow farms.  Driving past the farms, seeing the animals grazing always puts a smile on my face.  On rare occasion, I’ve had to stop to let a cow parade cross the road as they made their way to the field on the other side.  One time, a herd of horses were in the road.  I think they got loose.  Their owner was no where to be seen.  It was a funny and strange sight seeing them outside of their enclosure.  They weren’t scared, in fact, they appeared relaxed as if it’s something they tend to do – get out unbeknown to their humans.

I want to share some of the beauty I see on my daily rounds.  And, I’m using these captured moments in my work, adding in photo art.  If you like art in practical, useful products, I design mugs, tee shirts, magnets and more at my Zazzle store.  There is a wide selection and they are thoughtful gift ideas.  Kids love stickers and magnets too!  It’s a cost effective way to give a little something for your child without going over board.  Keep a few on hand, tucked away for that special time you want to reward your child for a job well done.  Buy these items and put them away to keep gifts on hand.

What is your favorite Zazzle product?

Cowboy Coffee

Yesterday, my Cuisinart coffee maker burned out – literally.  I heard a crackling sound coming from my kitchen.  I couldn’t imagine what it was although it sounded like it was coming from the counter.  To my shock, the coffee was starting to boil and there was smoke coming from the bottom of the machine.  Thank goodness I was home because I fear there might have been a fire if I did not unplug the coffee maker.

With my coffee machine broken I knew I was going to be a big grouch without my morning “fix”.  My sweet husband said he would make the morning run to Dunkin Donuts or Mickey D and maybe he was thinking as much about himself as he was for me.  After all, who wants to deal with a grouchy wife first thing in the morning.  I’m thinking, I like my coffee right after getting up and if truth be told, I was feeling downright bratty about it.  And, I didn’t want my husband chasing for it either.  I thought, there must be an alternative way to make coffee without a machine.  How did they do it back in the day before machines and how did cowboys on the range get their cup of “joe”?

When in a pinch, I turn to the handy, often trusty and informative internet.  I found a recipe for making coffee in a pan on top of the stove.  I was giddy with the prospect of solving a problem and getting what I most needed – morning coffee in a hurry!

One never knows when they may find themselves in a similar situation so I thought I would share it here with you.  I mean, I can’t see anyone suffering needlessly.

Cowboy Coffee Recipe

In a saucepan, bring one quart of water to a boil.

Add 3/4 cup of ground coffee

Return to a boil but only briefly.  You want to be sure all the grounds are covered with water.  Do not boil for more then 30 seconds otherwise the taste may be adversely effected.

Immediately remove from the heat and cover.

Wait till the grounds sink to the bottom of the pan (approximately 5 minutes).

The grounds will be at the bottom of the pan.  You can slowly pour the coffee directly into a cup like the cowboys do.  Or, you can use the grounds cup from the machine, put a filter in it and pour the coffee into a carafe which is how I did it.

Enjoy!

One thing I want to add, this makes a strong coffee which I like.  You may need to adjust for your taste.  This recipe works.  I was pleasantly and thankfully surprised and so was my husband.  :)