Sugar and Spice

While flipping through one of my favorite cookbooks, a nice big picture of "Buttermilk Doughnuts" caught my eye. Homemade doughnuts... perfect for Saturday morning! But first, I had to consult my twitter friends to see if anyone had a favorite recipe to share. Tiffany from Lattes and Life shared a most delicious sounding recipe for Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Sugar. Just the thing! Last night after the kitchen was cleaned up from making homemade pizza, I prepared the dough, letting it refrigerate overnight. I couldn't wait for the floury, sugary fun in the morning!

Anyone else love playing with dough? :-)


One minute each side...


Coated with spiced sugar and ready to be enjoyed!


Donut holes are so. much. fun.


They turned out so nice! ;-) Thanks for sharing the recipe, Tiffany!
It's a keeper!

The Finishing Touch

My Civil War dress needed one last touch: a brooch for the neckline. While shopping at Joanns Fabrics I found a package of two beautiful buttons that along with a pin would make a lovely, inexpensive handmade brooch! The process is fairly easy -

1. Using a sharp craft knife (be careful!) cut the button loop off a decorative button.

{Before} ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ {After}


2. Sand any remaining plastic stubs smooth. I used a Dremel tool.

3. Using tacky craft glue, attach pin (available at craft stores such as Joanns). Let dry completely.




A handmade brooch!


Have a lovely weekend!

Southern Belle

Ever since I was very young {smiles} I've loved old-fashioned clothes, especially Civil War style dresses. While living in Georgia, my family went to several reenactments and I always loved seeing the full-skirted costumes! So what could be better than making my very own? And a new sewing machine was a perfect reason in and of itself, don't you think? :-) So last November I embarked on this new adventure! Many hours later plus an important lesson learned (more on that later).....

Viola! Please pardon the photo-edit job. The original background wasn't too pretty so I kindly removed it. :-) Unfortunately I had to return the dress form due to a part breaking so I can't retake the photo.

And now for specifications....

The dress was made using the Simplicity Pattern 7212. I ordered the lovely fabric from Gehmans Country Fabrics.

The sash was made from online instructions {scroll to the end of the page} from Sense and Sensibility Patterns.

The hoop skirt I left to the skill of others and purchased it from Angel's Bridal on eBay. This model, in particular.

The brooch {not pictured} was made by me, and I will show you how in the next post!

P.s. Oh yes, the lesson. These scissors are great cutting button holes, clipping threads, etc. but mine can also jump off the ironing board, landing on the peaceful seamstress sitting next to it. I made friends with many butterfly bandages.... and learned to always, always keep the plastic cap on when not in use!

Bella Celeste Photography

Fine art  photography speaks to me.... take me to places I dream of visiting.... makes me feel peaceful, alive, joyous.  I am delighted to share a few of my favorite fine art photos taken by a dear friend (hi Lindsey!) of mine who started Bella Celeste Photography.

Awaken


Soft Rose


Handful of Sweetness (Isn't it darling?)

For a limited time only, all fine art photos in the Bella Celeste Photography shop are on sale for 20% off!  Please visit - I'm sure you'll find a photo you can't live without!  Also visit  www.BellaCeleste.com to see more of Lindsey's beautiful work.

Precious Baby

Precious Baby Boy

 

 

Precious Baby Girl

Adorable file folder sets to store precious things for precious babies!