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

An Afternoon with Florence

Pretty display




Florence mixing.....

Easter Soaps

Jan and Odie






My buddy Florence (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.......

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!

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

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.

Fairy Land Expansion

I was feeling creative this morning before I left for an appointment with my dear friend Florence (Essence of the Past)

I have a fondness for designing in clay and my fairy doors needed something extra special to make them stand out. I worked up a few little fairy stepping stones and even a door mat. The door is my own design too! If you want to make your own fairy doors visit my website and check out my selection of molds that are super easy to use and affordable!

Fairy doors are hugely popular in Great Brittan. They are magical little doors that can only be opened by your imagination.

The lore says if you place one (or more) in the garden the fairies will come. You will need to tip-toe lightly as they tend to hide under leaves and in shady places. Then you just sit back and enjoy the magic you created. How cool is that?

I became addicted to fairy doors back in 2005 when I saw my very first one. From that day on I started designing my own. They are everywhere in my garden and yard (among lots of other handmade things).

Last summer I gave one to a friend as a gift and her little granddaughter who was about 4 at the time saw it and knew it was a fairy door.

Remember: Fairies Rock!

Valentine Wishes of Love

Sometimes love is just a simple touch or a soft spoken word.
We find so many ways to express our love and on Valentines
Day. I hope you all reach out and open your heart.







Today I made heart soaps using Goats Milk. A very hydrating natural soap. Scented with essential oils of Frankincense & Myrrh.
As my Mom says, "If it's good enough for the baby Jesus it's good enough for me".

Have a wonderful day filled with love!
Jan