Redwood Coast Creative Arts

Buddha's Hand Citron- weird looking but very fragrant and delicious

AKA The Buddha's Hand Cthulhu fruit

 

      The Buddha's Hand is high in vitamin C. It is used as a general tonic and stimulant.  Buddha's Hand Citron Tisane (Spring time with blossoms) 

 

Buddha's Hand cut in half. No pulp, juice, or acidity. The pith is slightly sweet and has the texture of a zucchini. The zest is amazingly fragrant, bright, floral, and citrus-y.

 

Buddha's Hand is an Ancient Chinese Citron (citrus fruit) also known as fingered citron. it looks like a squid or Cthulhu fruit!  It grows on tree like all other citrus fruit.  It will grow anywhere that other citrus trees grow.  I am in Northern California and my tree is well eastablished and thriving for 4 years now. 



have a magnificent tree. I share photos every year when they come into season because it is relatively unknown in US culture and also super expensive. I have seen them at Whole foods for as much as $7.99 per lb.!


Buddha's Hand Citron Tisane (Winter- no flowers)

 

Buddha's Hand Citron Vodka Recipe- Slightly sweet, sunny and bright- Enjoy!

http://userealbutter.com/2010/03/11/buddhas-hand-citron-vodka-recipe/

Joanna Banana Design Originals: Recycled Christmas Card Angel Ornaments

Because everyone knows I recycled stuff into art, I often get all kinds of things "given" to me.  "Here's a bunch of crap I was going to throw out.  I know you'll do something artsy fartsy with it," is what I usually hear.  My studio is bulging at the seams because of these well-meaning souls (and because I can't say no very easily).  These recycled angel ornaments are a result of such an influx of old Christmas cards that were just too lovely to throw out.

I made an angel template out of cardstock and cut two mirror images of the angel out for each ornament.  They are about four inches in height.  The key to making them three dimensional (which doesn't show up well in the photos but the arms can be folded gently forward for a 3D effect) is to slit one of the images from the bottom to the middle vertically, and the other from the top to the middle vertically and then slot the two pieces together, glueing in strategic places to hold them together.

These are fun little ornaments to make because you never really know how they are going to turn out until you slot them together.  Shimmery, shiny, sparkly Christmas cards are perfect for this but you could use any card or very heavy paper (cardstock is preferred for the 3D effect). 

via joannabananadesignoriginals.blogspot.com

Aren't they adorable???? Yes, they are! I want to make a few too! I am going to give them to neighbors that sent cards but didn't get one back in return! I am going to use their cards to make them!

Sir Gibborous Grouser Noble Gnobbins Gnome, of the Curmudgeon Clan, of Royal Garden Gnomes, of the Wild Thyme Woods, Where the Wild Thyme Blows, where Oxlips and Nodding Violet Grows.

Here he is at last Sir Gibborous Grouser Noble Gnobbins Gnome, of the Curmudgeon Clan, of Royal Garden Gnomes, of the Wild Thyme Woods, Where the Wild Thyme Blows, where Oxlips and Nodding Violet Grows.  Please be sure to go and see more of him and read all about how he came to be in my "Art Saves" spot at CRESCENDOh

via redwoodcoastcreativearts.typepad.com

Blast from the past!

I've been missing my old friend. He has been traveling around and is currently on exhibit at Fusion International Arts Center in Sacramento (http://www.fusioniac.com/)

Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones) - Hispanic Kitchen

Mexican wedding cookies, like turnovers, have many variations found around the world. Many of us know them as polvorones, pan de polvo, Russian tea cakes, or just plain old snowballs. Further afield, variations include kourabiedes (Greek) and ciastke kurche (Polish). You'll find many more, but by any name, they're a tiny explosion of sweetness that will leave you wanting just one more bite. Traditionally, they're piled on tables, or placed in small packets of pretty paper called papel de china. For holidays and special occasions, hosts may prepare them in small bundles as parting gifts for their guests. In fact, these are a terrific post holiday "thank you" gifts as we head into the New Year. That's why I've prepared two versions of these favorites. One's a decadent delight for the holidays - with traditional ingredients. The second is a sugar-free version that retains all the melt-in-your-mouth flavors, but with much less guilt. When calories start to count at the New Year, we can still have our indulgences. Presentation is also part of the fun. With a few colorful ribbons and food-grade bags or containers, these make delightful packages for delivery any time of year. For extra flair inside the bags, toss in some colored sprinkles or other edible adornments that coordinate with the season or a special theme. These little wedding cookies freeze well, too, so go ahead and make up a large batch and you'll be prepared.

via www.hispanickitchen.com

Don't wait for a wedding! Enjoy these today! :)

Free Art Friday- Heart of Gold- In honor and Memory of the lives that were taken in the Sandy Hood Elementary School Massacre

I had so many things on my agenda today but, I felt deeply compelled to create this Heart of Gold and send it out into the world as a beacon of hope and peace. I hope that it brings the finder some bit of comfort.




Free Art Friday- Heart of Gold- In honor and Memory of the lives that were taken in the Sandy Hood Elementary School Massacre. My heart goes out to the victims, the families, the community, and the world as we mourn this tragI had so many things on my agenda today but, I felt deeply compelled to create this Heart of Gold and send it out into the world as a beacon of hope and peace. I hope that it brings the finder some bit of comfort.

Free Art Friday- Heart of Gold- In honor and Memory of the lives that were taken in the Sandy Hood Elementary School Massacre. My heart goes out to the victims, the families, the community, and the world as we mourn this tragic, senseless loss of innocent light and beauty.




Rest in Peace Precious Angels..... ♥♥♥

Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Madeleine F. Hsu, 6
Catherine V. Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi,6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison N. Wyatt, 6
Rachel Davino, 29
Dawn Hochsprung, 47
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Lauren Rosseau, 30
Mary Sherlach, 56
Victoria Soto, 27
Nancy Lanza

Bettina Welker • beadworx – The Pixelated Retro Blend Cane

Hier klicken für die Anleitung in Deutsch

While doing a project for my new book “Polymer Clay Bracelets” I was doing an extruded veneer for a bracelet. I had some leftovers with which I just played around a little bit – I stacked it, compressed it etc. Then, when I cut it open I suddenly had this beautiful blended rainbow cane in front of me. The original veneer was a spiral and so the cane I had now was not a rectangle – it was more shaped like a piece of cake. I definitely had to try and figure out what had happened inside this extrusion and translate the whole process  into a rectangular shaped cane. I called the cane “Pixelated Retro Blend Cane” – maybe you guys come up with a better name for it:)

So, here is how it’s done:

via www.beadworx.de

Time to Prepare for the Holidays

Autumn Goddess, Fire Dragon Keeper, Masquerade

Halloween and Dia de los Muertos have passed.  The temps have dropped and the cool, wet weather is rolling in.  No more long walks in the park wearing flip flops and shorts, no more splashing around in the pool and lounging out in the sun, no more sun ripend tomatoes in the garden or Summer fruit treats, it is now time to bundle up in scarves and hat's, rain coats and galoshes, and make it through the Winter.  It is time to think of the holiday season and all of the activities and evens thta revolve around them.

For me that means family gatherings, ridiculous amounts of food, baking up a storm, and creating new art work to show, sell, and give as gifts. 

What do the holidays mean for you?  Do you have any special holidays traditions that you look forward to all year round?  If you have a moment please share them.  I'd love to hear from you!   

El Señor Marco Fermin Marquez, The Dead Groom WIP

El Señor Marco Fermin Marquez, The dead groom- WIP (Work in Progress)




The chandelier is significant of his work in the crystal chandelier industry

Sister Mari Isabel- The Catholic Nun

Sister Mari Isabel, The Catholic Nun

She was a favorite teacher at Saint Catherine of Alexandria's School for Orphans.  She taught literature, art, and music.  She played a guitar and sang songs about everything and anything.  no matter what the subject or lesson was Sister Mari Isabel always had a song to go along with it!
 
She was also a wine afficionado and so, when one of her students presented her with a lovely, red apple, she could hardly wait for the end of class.

Once the day of teaching lessons and singing songs was over and the children had all gone for the day, she popped the cork on her bottle of red wine and let it breathe, unwrapped her soft cheese from it's paper wrapper, polished her shiny apple on her habit and the anticipation of that juicy got the best of her.  She took a huge bite of her apple, much bigger than she was able to chew, and at that moment she realized that it was also to big to swallow.  Dear Sister Mari Isabel tried to call out for help but unfortunately, that only lodged the piece of fruit further down her throat. 

Everyone was in the dining hall, it was time for the evening meal.  By the time anyone noticed that she was missing it was to late.  A couple of children were sent back to get her and were terrified to find their favored teacher, Sister Mari Isabel, lying on the floor of the school house pointing to her throat.

Final face sculpt (well almost final).  After seeing this photo a re adjusted her brow a bit.  It was a little off.

Final paint

Pointing at her throat signifying the fact that she died choking on a piece of apple that was gifted to her by one of her beloved, students!

Nude Yoga.............

 

I'm not sure if I am ready for this. I am definitely not ready for it with anyone else around. Maybe by myself. I don't have any issues with nudity at all. It's just that some of the asanas put you in such vulnerable and compromised positions. I don't think I'd want to be so exposed with other people around. I may give it a try in the privacy of my own little space. I'll let you know how it goes.

Go to the link and check out the video clip. It features some pretty amazing female yogis. I am impressed and inspired by their strength, courage, and flexibility!

Namaste!

http://www.yogaundressed.com/