Meatless Monday - Rosemary Focaccia

  

   

   

Rosemary Focaccia

1 packet dry active yeast
1 1/4 cup warm water
3 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for brushing
2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt

Combine the yeast and warm water. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Turn out onto a floured board and knead to form a soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth. Pour some oil in the bowl you were using,  return the dough to the bowl, and rub some olive oil on it. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow it to rest for an hour. Punch down the dough and knead a few times. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out into a large circle about  1 1/2" thick. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with a Silpat mat. Brush on alittle olive oil. Allow to rest for 30 minutes. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Your house will smell so wonderful. Top a desired, I think it's great with some olive tapenade.
I would also like to say that I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day.

Pick a Card, Any Card

The cards arrived the other day. I think they look great. This was the first time I was able to see them with their gilded edge, and it added so much, they sparkle! Now the next phase begins. I'm seeking sales reps and stores (both brick and mortar and the virtual variety) to carry the line. If anyone out there has any leads, or interest, please let me know, I would appreciate any, and all, assistance. Check out my babies.

Flowers On A Friday - Bokeh Blossoms

Bokeh are the out of focus points of light that sometimes happen in photographs. They can add a magical quality to the picture. The other morning it was sprinkling and the sun was coming through the trees and I was able to capture these dreamy shots. I was actually a little giddy, as I was taking the pictures, because I'm a bit obsessed with bokeh effects, and I know I was going to get some good ones. Sometimes it's the simple stuff of life that brings the most joy, and I am so thankful for that.

  

The Catalogs Arrive

Meatless Monday - Retro Olive Sandwich

This sandwich takes me right back to the 1960's. This was a  classic at Grandma Boss' cocktail parties. I confess hers didn't involve vegan cream cheese, but you get the idea. Whatever happened to the cocktail party?

Color Week - Shades Of White

This is the final day of color week. I've had a great time, and I'd like to thank Curious Girl for sponsoring it. Today, we had the option of either featuring rainbow colors or shades of white. I believe I was the one that requested that white be one of the colors, or should I say non-colors, so that's what I'm doing. I love shades of white. If I didn't have pets, my house would be decorated in soft creamy shades of white. I love it. It seems like such a contradiction because my artwork is so colorful, I don't know, maybe that's why I like it, it's a place for my artist eye's to rest. Enjoy one of my favorites with me, white.

Color Week - Green

A Big Announcement & A Bit Of Purple For Color Week

First off, a bit of purple for Color Week.

And now, for the Big Announcement! I present to you my new company, Gilding Lilies! It's a combination of so many things that I love, and I am so excited about it! The first products to come hot off the press is a line of greeting cards that feature my artwork, in all it's forms. What a joy to be able to combine my love of painting, floral design, photography, digital art, and more. People were always saying to me "you should design greeting cards", so I guess it finally soaked in. 

On Tuesday, I went for a press check. Wow, what an amazing place! The minute I walked in the door I knew I was in good hands, obviously they've done this before. Here are a bunch of photos from my day.

This is the giant Heidelberg machine ready to roll out my cards.

This is some of the paper for my cards - PANIC! Seeing that, really made me realize what a huge undertaking this really is! FREAK OUT!

Rodney is watching the first of the cards coming through the machine.

Checking the color.

My first stack of cards.

One of my "Plates".

And now for some florescent ink - POW!

This is Ken, my print broker. Ken's business is called Visual Identity and I would recommend them whole heartily. Ken, and Chuck, really helped me throughout the whole process. Couldn't have done it without you guys, thanks so much.

So, that's it, The Big Announcement!

I'm scared, a bit overwhelmed, and so excited to get started with this new business. As always, I thank you  for your support, and please be on the look-out for Gilding Lilies, hopefully coming soon to a store near you!

P.S. I am so annoyed that Blogger isn't allowing me to align this post properly, sorry, ugh!

The First Post & Color Week

Welcome everyone! Tomorrow, I will have a big announcement, but in the meantime please enjoy some happy yellow and orange images as I play along with  Lisa over at the Curious Girl blog.

See you tomorrow! I can't wait to show you what I've been doing!