"I started photographing my domestic world and writing not just about what I had made,
but why I made it, examining the thoughts that accompany creativity and the act of making."
Jane Brocket from The Gentle Art of Domesticity p. 189 UK edition

Saturday, October 30, 2021

October 2021 Harvesting...Crafts

 



Welcome to a glimpse of our major harvesting event! We decided it was time to cut the umbilical cord of the Birdhouse Gourd!  Since my youngest daughter, Elisabeth, had started growing the Birdhouse Gourd seeds at her house months ago I thought she should enjoy sharing the harvesting of the gourd that grew from the little plant she brought me to grow on my patio trellis. She has taken the gourd back to her house.  From what we have read it may take between six to twelve months for the gourd to dry before we can take the next step in crafting it into a birdhouse. Stay tuned! :)



It would have been such fun if you could have joined us one October afternoon when on the spur of the moment I crafted an impromptu tea party for my neighbor friends, Orletta (on left) and June (on right). Perhaps you at least can get pleasure from imagining that the menu of tea, cookies, and good conversation were enjoyed by us all.  

Another afternoon Candy, June's daughter was visiting here from out of town and was able to join us for some tea and cookies.  A dear friend, Becky, from upstate NY, had sent me a goodie box that arrived just before Candy and June came over.  Among the goodies were delicious dark chocolate-covered almonds from Krause Candy in Saugerties, NY that we enjoyedl Thanks again, Becky!


 
Some of you asked for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookie recipe that produced these cookies I showed you last month. If you try the following recipe I hope it is a great success for you!







Several weeks ago my youngest daughter, Elisabeth, texted this and the following three photos to me.  A co-worker had heard Elisabeth enjoyed making cakes and asked her to make her wedding cake...the biggest Elisabeth had ever tried to make.  Elisabeth took on the challenge and gave me permission to share some of the process with you.





 After baking all the layers and trimming them, she spread a crumb coat of frosting on the three layers so that the final coat of frosting would spread smoothly without crumbs.




She transported the three layers separately then constructed the cake at the venue.



Finally, she decorated the whole cake with ribbon and fresh flowers and the couple's choice of topping.  Elisabeth does not claim professional results, but she reported the couple and many of their guests appreciated the look...and taste of the cake!



This is such a pretty season in our area near the base of Mt. Hood and close to Portland, Oregon, that I drove to one of my favorite spots in the old nearby neighborhood where I lived a few years ago to take some photos to share with you.




There are many nurseries in the area and this row of brilliant red trees captured my admiration!




Then back in our condominium community, this view got my attention also.  I hope you are enjoying beautiful sights wherever you are as well!

Have you harvested any crafts in October?


((Hugs))  

Gracie :)

"And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" Mark4:20 NLT





8 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing Gracie I would love a cuppa with you. Also enjoy Mt Hood as don't see it any more after Dear Teresa๐Ÿ˜ฏ That bird house sounds neat too xo ๐Ÿ˜€

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Sweet Gracie! I was hoping to see a post from you today since it's the end of the month. It looks like you've had a beautiful and joyful October. I enjoyed seeing your tea party and the friends you had visit. Of course, I would have loved to be seated at your table with you. If we had needed more space, Dennis would have been happy to add the leaf. :-)
    The scenery is so beautiful with the leaves turning and Mt. Hood. Oh how I miss the northwest, but Nebraska has beauty in it's own way too.
    Much love and blessings,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice update on the gourd! lol I think the cake is lovely, too. So glad you were able to enjoy friends...so necessary for all of us to get together again!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much for posting the gluten free cookie recipe! Love the cake your daughter Elisabeth made and decorated!! Beautiful. I have enjoyed seeing the autumn leaves and will miss them tremendously as the wind/rain/time make an end to them. We recently made a trip to WA and the colorful trees on the hillsides were beautiful.
    Stay safe Gracie!
    Blessings,
    Aimee

    ReplyDelete
  5. How fun to make a gourd into a birdhouse! Loved seeing your photos of Mt.Hood. When we were in Cannon Beach recently all we saw enroute was lots of rain; we did get in one dry walk though. I love meringue cookies but never thought of adding peanut butter! Trees around here have been really pretty this year, but now many of those pretty leaves are on the ground waiting to be raked!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My goodness what an impressive Wedding cake! I congratulate your daughter that is no mean feat. Good to hear from you again and very glad you have had some great moments with your friends. I do like the tea cosy, very unusual. Those lovely trees displaying their beautiful autumn colours are quite something. keep well. Amanda x

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an amazing cake. The taste is the most important thing I think don't you. Inspired to ask some crafting friends around seeing yours. Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  8. ๐Ÿ˜ thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting me today! I welcome your comments!