The Coco Framboise Handbag

This is a brand new design for me! I wanted to create a simple handbag that was not too small and not too big. Most of my designs have been large totes so I have now expanded into sassy handbags. I eventually would like to start creating the patterns of my designs, but that will take some time. I love this Tree Top Fancy fabric and have been hanging onto it for a while trying to figure out what to make with it. I think this handbag was the perfect choice. The colors remind me of a chocolate raspberry truffle so I'm giving it a little french twist and call it the Coco Framboise Handbag, oh la la!!

The County Fair

Well, the County Fair has come and gone but not without leaving a little inspiration from which to create a few new charming totes! All, of course, are in The Shop. Enjoy!

Berry Bouquet Tote

Ginger Dot Tote

Tulip Medallion Tote

Fun in Gold Country!

My 17 year old daughter, Eliza, and I took a mini vacation to Gold Country this week. We stayed at a lodge in Angels Camp and spent one day in Sonora shopping and thrifting. We had dinner in Murphys, the most adorable little town you ever did see. The next day we headed into Colombia to lunch at Kate's Teahouse. What a wonderful place this is! We nibbled on delicious assorted tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, fresh pea soup, yummy lemon bars and cheesecake. We drank peach iced tea, enjoyed the bureau full of buttons and relaxed on the screened back porch before our long ride home. It was a wonderful way to end the summer before Eliza starts her senior year in high school. I'm just not ready for summer to end.

Painted Posies Shoulder Tote!

The Painted Posies Shoulder Tote! Pleated tote created with Painted Posies, Amy Butler Love and Jennifer Paganelli Flower Power fabrics. Large and curvaceous measuring 17" x 18" with 21" straps. Easily worn messenger style acros the chest. Two large interior pockets, magnetic snap closure. Interfaced to add strength and durability. Fully lined, no raw edges. A very stylish daiper bag, book bag, overnight bag or for everyday usa as a generous carry-all. In the Shop, y'all!

The Pailsey Slouch

The Paisley Slouch. Generous in size measuring 16" x 17" with two large interior pockets and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced strap measures 32" and is attached with pewter D-rings. Lovingly created with Jennifer Paganelli Sis Boom and Amy Butler Love. Fully lined with periwinkle Bell Bottom fabric. Accented with a pretty black and white ploka dotted ruffle. A very girly bag, indeed! Several layers of heavy interfacing make this bag very sturdy and extra durable! Perfect as a diaper bag, book bag, overnight bag or a large carry-all. In the shop!

Fancy Pillows!

I made some fancy pillows, yes I did! My living room needed some instant color and a quick facelift. A few fancy pillows did the trick. I used Anna Maria Horner fabric plus a bit of gorgeous grey linen (LOVE linen). I have to admit, I have a bit of a "girl crush" on Anna. She is just so amazing! Besides her family life and her incredible career, her fabrics really speak to me. Plus, she's adorable, don't ya think? I love all of her fabric lines, first I fell hard for Chocolate Lolipop, then I was a Garden Party lush, now Good Folks...just can't get enough of it. These pillows mix together those three fabric lines for a fancy and festive, good time! Opa!

Nectarine Cobbler - Batter on the Bottom

It's no secret that I love to bake. Fruit dessert are my favorite, but breads are a close runner up. I'll share my love of baking breads as the weather starts to cool. Right now I'm enjoying the summer fruits while they're here. This is a favorite recipe that I vary depending on the fruit I'm using. Sometimes I make it with Sour Morello Cherries from a jar with a raspberry port sauce. Strawberries or cherries are luscious, too. But since fresh nectarines are coming out of our ears, that is what I'm using at the moment.

Nectarine Cobbler

3-4 medium nectarines, sliced

1 stick unsalted butter

1 cup white flour

3/4 cup white sugar

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

8"- 9" square glass pyrex dish, non-stick cake pan or large pie dish

Preheat oven to 350. Place half the butter in baking pan and pop it in the oven whilst it preheats. Watch that it doesn't burn, that would be bad. You just want the butter to melt. Remove pan once melted. In a skillet melt remaining butter an add the sliced nectarines, cinnamon and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Cook on med high for about 5 minutes till just warmed through and the butter and sugar has melted. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl combine flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the milk and vanilla and mix well. Pour batter into baking pan with the melted butter. Using a slotted spoon transfer the fruit from the skillet to the top of the batter, draining any excess juice...we'll be using that later. Sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbsp. brown sugar. Place on middle rack in the oven and bake between 50-60 minutes. The edges will be quite browned but you want to make sure the middle is cooked through. All ovens and pans cook differently so use your best judgement. Let cobbler come to room temperature and proceed to serve. If desired, heat remaining juice from skillet with 1 Tbsp jam, any kind will do. I used blueberry here. Pour over cobbler and serve with vanilla ice cream. You could also pour the sauce over the ice cream, that might be really pretty!