Craft Room Re-do

My creativity needs all the help it can get, and my sewing place was not helping.  Our sewing machine was down in the basement that was dark, lonely and cold - not inspirational.  So when that same sewing machine was moved upstairs to our classroom where everyone congregates, it was a welcome change.  And not only that, but the whole classroom also got a makeover.

 

BEOFRE: the room totally dedicated to school, which was good when both Anna and I were in school.

 

 

 

NOW: it is bright and cheery with space for work and craft.  I know, I am not actually showing the sewing machine (you can see a bit of it in the lower right corner), but it makes for a rather uninteresting picture.  But the space is great.  The only thing I'll miss about sewing in the basement?  The chickens watching me through the window.  They would just stand there interested until I was done - they were sweet company!

 

 

All I did for this fun, new, piece was print out the image from Pinterest and then place it in the frame!

 

Thank you for reading!  Happy crafting!

 

Amber Nicole

Early Morning Shipment

 

This morning I have this lovely little shipment to send to a costumer!  It is always exciting to know that a stranger wants and will have something I made in their home!

 

Crusty Bread

 

 

A few times this past month including today, I have been making this lovely bread.  I have always liked bread with a crusty outside and soft inside, but had never thought to try making it myself.  But after seeing this super simple recipe, it has become a new favorite!

 

 

It comes out so lovely, making it look like you're a master baker, while it is really easy.  And it's also pretty healthy - with no sweetner, not even honey.

 

 

Simply So Good: Crusty Bread

Original Site

 

 

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon Instant or Rapid-rise yeast

1 1/2 cups water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and yeast.  Add water and mix until a shaggy mixture forms.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 12 - 18 hours.  Overnight works great.  Heat oven to 450 degrees.  When the oven has reached 450 degrees place a cast iron pot with a lid in the oven and heat the pot for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, pour dough onto a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball.  Cover with plastic wrap and let set while the pot is heating.  Remove hot pot from the oven and drop in the dough.  Cover and return to oven for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Remove bread from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool.   (Note: they say you do not need a cast iron pot, just something with a lid that can take the heat)



Bright Lights Conferences

 

Sarah Mally and I

 

What a blessing this past week has been!  Just one year ago I had no intentions of becoming a part of the Bright Lights girls ministry, then earlier this year I took over a group for a friend who was getting married, and now this past week I had the pleasure of helping out at the MN Bright Lights conferences!

 

 The Bontrager girls did some special music.  You know the Bontragers from 19 Kids & Counting episode "Duggars Do Dinner"?  Same family, and I do wish I had more of a chance to talk with these girls!

 

During the Strong In The Lord conference I was an assitant leader for a small group.  The days would be scheduled with all attendees (about 400 in number) switching from large group session in which Sarah and Grace Mally talked, and meeting in small discussion groups.  The whole conference went smoothly with many girls, and even a mother, responding to the Gospel message!

 

With two days spent at the church (sleeping over night there gave me opportunity for a late night discussion about books with two other sweet leaders) I went back home for a day of rest there, and then went back with friends to attend the Radiant Purity Conference, as I had never attended one before.

 

What a blessing that conference was also!!  The sessions were encouraging and challenging.  In the small group the discussions were great, which not all that long ago would have just seemed uncomfortably scary.  And making more lasting friendships was excellent!

 

And making so many amazing new friends was another big highlight of the week!  Fellowship can be so sweet with so many like-minded girls!  I collected as many email address and added as many Facebook friends as I could, but it would have been nice to get even more!

I and the small group leader I assisted signing books, there was a space in the back of the conference journals to collect signatures from people we met. 

 

 

I praise the Lord for the oppurtunity I had to do this!!  It will be a fond memory for years to come, and hopefully I can make more by doing it again another year!

 

Thank you for visiting!

Amber Nicole

Shop Finds: eShakti

 

 

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I had the privilege of playing violin for a dear friend's wedding.  But I didn't have something nice for a just entering the fall season sort of wedding, so I had to go shopping, sad right? ;)

 

 

I ended up buying my dress from eShakti, a wonderful online clothes store specializing in dresses of a 50's style.  I had a great experience ordering from this shop, but what's extra special about this shop is that for only $7.50 more, you can choose the length of your dress - made for modesty!  On some dresses you can also choose the sleeve length this way too.

 

  

I chose the "Joy Dress" in navy blue with a sweeping bow at the neck - well made.  The price came to $45 dollars after having it lengthed to calf length and using the $25 first time register coupon.  The dresses are already reasonably priced, but sales are going on at all times.

 

Probable return costumer: Yes!

 

 



Downy & Floral Grand Opening!

 

After about a year of delay, either because of having to fill in the details or just not feeling like I knew enough yet, I have finally took the plunge and opened my very own shop on Etsy.com! 

 

 

I would feel honored if you pay a visit by clicking the link below or using the widget on my sidebar.

 

 

Downy & Floral

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a very exciting day for me and I appreciate your encouragement and support dear reader!

 

Blessings,

Amber Nicole



Passing Summer Breezes

I wanted to share just a few experiences from this past summer as I look back..

 

We got to go berry picking and pick a parcel of fresh blueberries - always delicious!

 

Dad and I went camping in the Boundary Waters.  The scenery was lovely and I enjoyed stepping out of the country and into Canada for the first time!

 After getting back from our camping trip I had to set my mind to preparing for our Bright Lights Bible study retreat.  Ten of us girls enjoyed a full day set aside for seeking the Lord, studying His word, and prayer.  We were also blessed to be allowed to use a beautiful cabin on the lake!  We might just make this a yearly tradition!

 

Then a couple days later we got to again go to our favorite water park in Wisconsin.  It was a really fun and relaxing time!

 

Yesterday I had the great privilege of playing for a dear friend's wedding (I'm on the far left)!  I am so excited for my friend, but it's hard to believe how the time flies! 

 

 

 

As I am working towards opening my very own shop on Etsy.com very shortly, this past week I ordered my business cards!  This was our first time using vistaprint.com, and we would for sure consider using them again!  I've always like the double sided kind of business cards with all the information on the back, but never suspected I would be able have it for my own cards!  The front side I drew myself (and that's as far as my artistic abilities go...;-)

 

 So keep an eye out for the grand opening announcement that my little shop has (finally) opened... scary! :-o  But I guess I can't sell anything with a closed shop, now can I!?  I'm also looking forward to it!

 

Thank you for visiting dear readers!  I hope everyone's fall season has gotten off to a good start!

 

Blessings!

Amber Nicole