Christmas tree 2012.

So here is my tree, complete with some presents.  This was all finished the end of November but man, there is so much to do it took me this long to post it.  Merry Christmas!

Pillivuyt Bakers.

I found these matching bakers at a local thrift store over a month ago.  I've had my eye on them ever since, but couldn't pull the trigger since they were marked $24.99 and $34.99.  Even with 50% off, I just couldn't do it.  I could tell they were high quality, but did some more research and now I know all about Pillivuyt.  Founded in 1818, Pullivuyt produces culinary porcelain in the heart of France.  Check out more details here.

Last Saturday I went to visit them again and say hello.  I asked the nice cashier when things that have been around a while go on sale at a deeper discount.  I showed him what I was looking at and he offered them to me for 75% off.  Sold.  They are finally mine, and the lesson of the day is: it never hurts to ask.

Sunday popovers.

I saw some popover action on The Food Network, and I've had them on the brain since last week.  I got myself my very own popover pan and am going to do this thing.  I researched a variety of recipes, including sweet and savory, and decided on this version as a starting point.  One of the keys to super-high popovers is heated ingredients- eggs and milk, so the batter is warm, and then that goes into a pre-heated popover pan.  I took some pics and love how big they get in the oven.  Bam.  They are best straight from the oven and since they only make 6 at a time, so they go fast!

Terrarium, what?

My friend Kate started talking about terrariums a few months ago and they've been on my brain ever sense.  I found this glass container at TJ Maxx, and bought a terrarium kit at a local garden center, along with a few mini plants.  Combine those and one of my vintage akro agate cullets, and this is what you get.  I love the pop of color inside from the vintage glass (it's a leftover chuck from the marble-making process!).

Detroit bowl.

 

This is a super cool handmade bowl I found a few months ago at the DIY Fest in Ferndale.  It's awesome and I especially love the"Detroit Made" stamp.  This is the artist's website- http://lauramacintyre.com.  She is really nice, and I love all of her paintings of Hamtramck.

Too many pictures.

So I have too much artwork and not enough wall space.  I saw this idea in a magazine and put it to use and now my stacks of pictures are displayed in my guestroom.  Added bonus- no hammer required!

Yarn Wreath.

This project has been going on for a few weeks, and I finally picked up the glue I needed yesterday to finish it.  I wrapped a straw wreath in mustard-colored yarn, made some felt flowers out of grey and dark brown felt, embellished it with a fun feathery thing, and used a navy blue ribbon to create a hanger.  I think the colors are great against my blue door!