Sunday, March 29, 2009

Old Friends get to meet up once again


This is one of my oldest friends Shawna. We met in junior high and have
kept in contact since those early days. Many many years went by without
getting to see each other. I move away and she stayed in the same town in
southern California. We always stayed in contact via snail mail and about ten
years ago we connected again through email. I went to California in 2001
and got to see her and meet her children....all five of them! She has a beautiful
family and a wonderful husband Joe. You wanna talk busy! I don't know how
she does everything she does. She is a special education teacher and heading
back to school to become a school principle. Way to go girl!

She was in the area over spring break visiting her granny and we
got to all go out for a nice dinner. Even though it was a short visit
it is one that I will cherish for ever. Life long friends truly are a gift.

I sure hope three years don't go by again before we get a chance
to see each other again, but if it that long we will just pick up where we left off.
Hugs to Shawna & Joe. XOXOXO

Sunday, March 15, 2009

An Afternoon with Florence















Pretty display




Florence mixing.....























Easter Soaps











Jan and Odie






My buddy Florenc
e (Essence of the Past) came
over yesterday and we couldn't resist the urge
to make some soaps and bath fizzies. We had
seen where Kay (The Rustic Cottage) had made
some 3D type soaps and since my expertise is in
mold making I showed Florence the little bird
molds I was selling through my website. Well,
Florence had to have those molds so we made a
set. They came out quite nice if I say so myself.

As for our bath fizzies....well those were not
as successful. Apparently you aren't suppose to
make those in high humidity. And it was raining
here in the pacific northwest. We had a great
rhythm going and making mess so you can imagine
the fun, giggles and oohs and awes . We turned
over the molds and they gently fell out. Beautiful!
We were so proud of ourselves that we decided to
whip up another batch. Batch number two is now
in the molds and we look over at batch number one
and are horrified!!! They had grown warts! It was
so sad and disappointing. But they still smelled
wonderful and will be fine for our personal use.

I will share a couple pictures of yesterday LESS the
fizzies of course. We were on an Easter Theme so
we made pretty eggs and the wittle bird & duck.

Florence got a cute photo of me with my old dog Odie
that I have to share as he is such a gentle soul and has
been through so many health issues last year.

Until next time.......



Saturday, March 14, 2009

More Beautiful Soaps

Shae Butter soap ~ Essential Oil: Bergamont


Shae Butter soap ~ Essential Oil: Bergamont & Lavender



Shae Butter soap ~ Essential Oil: Bergamont & Lavender

I have been having way too much fun....it should be illegal!






Thursday, March 12, 2009

Spring Break Project Great for the Kids

Here's a fun idea to keep the kids busy for at least
one afternoon. Make a Tic-Tac-Toe game from
plaster or cement. You will want to make these
a couple days in advance of Spring Break so they
are dry enough to begin painting.





This mold set is available for sale. To purchase
click Americana Theme Game Mold Set.

Fun and easy to make at home. Your kids
and neighbor kids will be thrilled. Plan an
afternoon paint party.

Just set up a table covered with butcher paper or an old table cloth. Get out the acrylic paints and brushes and the fun is about to begin!








This mold set is available for sale. To purchase
click Paw Print Dog Cat Tic Tac Toe Game Mold Set

This photo shows the board cast in cement using a liquid black pigment and the paws were left natural.

Lots of color combinations. Make extra sets and sell at your local animal shelter fund raisers.



Visit my website for more designs Queenocrete

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Let's Make a Cement Mushroom

A fun way to add homemade garden art
to your yard. It's very easy and you will
be able to enjoy them for many years.
Cement will last a lifetime in the elements.

This is really easy and fun! I tucked a paper cup in the bottom
to leave a recessed area for the stem. I use a fast setting product
and insert the cup after about 20 minutes. Be sure to put some
release on the outside of the cup so it will come out. You will not
need to let it cure fully.....just enough so it holds the shape then
remove the cup and let it finish setting up.


This gives you a nice hole for the stem
to fit into.


2 Piece stem will be bonded together after curing.
Notice I have them propped up in bowls so they
cast evenly.




The stems were bonded together with wet cement.
A little color and sealer and you are ready to tuck your
mushroom in some ground cover or a potted plant.
They are like potato chips....You can't make just one.