Dec-Jan 2016 - The Country Register

2
Califonia & N. Nevada
The Country Register of California & N. NV
515 E Carefree Hwy #1128 • Phoenix, AZ 85085
602.942.8950 • 888.942.8950
Fax 602.866.3136
[email protected]
www.countryregister.com/california
Barb Stillman
Lolly Konecky
Publisher
[email protected]
Patty Duncan
Sales/Office Assistant
Adrieanna Gaston
Office Assistant
Nancy Williams
Publisher/Art Director
[email protected]
Sandi Nickler
Graphics Assistant
Phyllis Cypert
Sales/Office Assistant
The CA & N. NV Country Register is
published by:
Consultant
The Deadline for the Feb-March Issue
is Jan 1st for Ads & Articles.
Our feature articles will focus on
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework
The Country Register is a United States and Canadian network of independently owned
and published specialty newspapers for the consumer who enjoys outstanding shopping,
events, day & overnight excursions and specialty classes.
Publisher’s contact numbers across the
USA & Canada for The Country Register
Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:
* Indicates these editions are available on-line at www.countryregister.com
USA
Alabama: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Arkansas: Lenda & Richard Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* California and N. Nevada: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797
* Connecticut: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, 919-661-1760
* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL, 888-616-8319
* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, 706-340-1049
* Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Idaho (S) WA & E. OR: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Illinois: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Indiana: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL, 888-616-8319
Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA 52339, 641-751-2619
* Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, 866-966-9815
* Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whitrose Way, New Market, MD 21774, 443-243-1118
* Maine: Gail Hageman, 221 Winslow Rd, Albion, ME 04910, 207-437-2663
* Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Massachusetts-RI: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-661-1760
Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211
* Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, 763-754-1661
* Missouri: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Montana: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803
New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 330 North Road, Deerfield, NH, 03037, 603-463-3703
* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL, 888-616-8319
New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797
* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* N. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, 937-652-1157
* Oklahoma: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* Pennsylvania: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, 919-661-1760
* S. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
* Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whitrose Way, New Market, MD 21774, 443-243-1118
* Texas: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597
* Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 153 S 2050 W, Provo UT 84601, 801-592-8498
Vermont: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whitrose Way, New Market, MD 21774, 443-243-1118
* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Washington & E. OR & S. ID: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950
* West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217
* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, 715-838-9426
* Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028
CANADA
* Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0, (780) 889-3776
British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711
* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, 306-736-2441
* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, Box 60, 4338 Innes Rd., Orleans, ON K4A 3W3, 613-612-8465
The Country Register is a United States and Canadian network of independently owned and
published specialty newspapers for the consumer who enjoys outstanding shopping, events, day &
overnight excursions and specialty classes.
The Country Register provides targeted, effective, and affordable advertising for the promotion
of Specialty Shops
For more information about publishing The Country Register contact Barbara Floyd at 602237-6008, email: [email protected]
Index for Dec-Jan 2016
Quilting Special Events ........................................................ 3, 8, 11-12
Oceanside • Temecula • Murrietta • San Jacinto .................................. 3
Tustin • Santa Ana • Fullerton • Buena Park ......................................... 4
Services .................................................................................... 4, 9, 12
Special Event ......................................................................... 4-5, 7, 16
Chatsworth • Pasadena • Covina ......................................................... 5
Annie Sloan Stockist ........................................................................... 6
Riverside • Yorba Linda ...................................................................... 7
Watsonville ........................................................................................ 8
San Mateo • Fremont • Gustine • San Jose ........................................... 9
Town & Country Classified ............................................................... 10
Arizona • Washington ....................................................................... 11
Folsom ............................................................................................. 12
Lincoln • Roseville • Auburn ............................................................. 13
Fernley, NV • Colusa ......................................................................... 14
Chico ............................................................................................... 15
Oregon............................................................................................. 16
Cover Story
Sandy Lynam Clough
We thought Sandy Lynam Clough’s painting Holiday Forest was perfect for this Dec-Jan
issue Sandy is always busy spreading encouragement
far and wide through her art, which appears in the many
gift books she has written and illustrated and is featured
on many licensed products.
With her husband Rick by her side managing the
Sandy Clough Studio, Sandy creates delicately detailed
paintings and designs that express the peace and tranquility that we all seek to make life beautiful. Her heartfelt message to her friends and collectors is, “I wish for
your faith, I send to you hope, I share with you love
from a joyful heart.”
Sandy began selling her paintings while at college.
Cover Artist Sandy Clough
Interest in her work grew, and today her art and products
featuring her art are available throughout the United States, Canada and Australia in gift stores
and Christian bookstores. Gift items both designed and licensed by Sandy include everything
from tea sets, needlework kits and rubber stamps to guest towels and wall calendars.
Sandy has also written and illustrated several gift books, among them are: The Art of
Friendship and Tea, Heirlooms from Loving Hands, So Rare a Treasure, Sandy’s Tea Society,
When Friends Gather for Tea, Come to My Tea Party, When You Don’t Know What To Say,
Seeing God’s Heart When You Hurt and Prayers in the Storm.
Understanding the challenges busy women face developing and maintaining friendships in
the fast-paced, mobile society, Sandy has created “Sandy’s Tea Society,” an online friendship
group. “I want to draw women together in small groups nationwide where they can develop
lasting friendships and share their creative ideas,” explains Sandy.
Membership is free and members receive a monthly newsletter from Sandy with tea and
friendship ideas. The Society has grown to over 4,000 members. The Society has a website,
www.sandysteasociety.com where Sandy invites you to visit and join Sandy’s Tea Society.
You can see her art and books at www.sandyclough.com.
Sandy Clough, Inc. • P. O. Box 85 • Powder Springs, GA 30127-0085
770-439-5544 • www.sandyclough.com
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Disclaimer
Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from an outside source, express the
opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoint(s) of the management or staff of
The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole
discretion of the publisher.
Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves.
Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products
advertised herein. Notification regarding any consumer complaints related to merchandise purchased
from our advertisers would be appreciated and would assist in our efforts. Copyright © 2015 by The
Country Register, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER, Months of Dec-Jan 2015.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER is published every other month. Copyright 2015.
Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited
by law. 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085. Subscription price: 1 Year, 6 Issues, $18.00.
Single copies: $3.00. The paper is furnished free to the customers at each advertiser.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER is registered as a business trade name and also a trademark in the State
of Arizona.
Dec-Jan 2016
Oceanside • Temecula • Murietta • San Jacinto • Quilting Special Event
Dancing Sugar Plums
by Sharon Sullivan
Usually during the Christmas holiday, a traditional poem is recited by many children
and adults. Clement Clark Moore is credited with writing “’Twas the Night Before
Christmas” or “A Visit from St. Nicholas” in 1823. In the second stanza, there is a line,
“The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in
their heads.”
Today, many children and adults have no idea what a sugar plum is. The word plum
doesn’t just mean fruit; it can mean all good things. Sugar plums are sweets made of a
mixture of dried fruit, honey and spices. They are rolled into a small ball or oval and
covered with powdered sugar or coconut. Sugar plums are a great sweet for a holiday tea
tray or featured item at a Victorian Yuletide Bazaar.
Sugar Plum Recipe
¼ cup honey
2 teaspoons of grated orange peel
1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of allspice
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
2 cups finely chopped toasted almonds
1 cup finely chopped dried apricots (about 8 oz)
1 cup finely chopped dates (about 8 oz)
Powdered sugar for rolling
In a bowl, mix well honey, orange peel, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Stir in toasted
almonds, apricots and dates. Roll into tablespoon size balls. Roll in powdered sugar to
coat. Store in an air-tight container. Just before serving, roll each sugar plum a second
time in powdered sugar and place each sugar plum in a decorative holiday mini-cupcake
paper. Arrange on a holiday dish. Makes 3 ½ dozen.
Hint: To toast almonds: I use slivered almonds and place the almonds in a heavy,
ungreased skillet. Stir often over medium heat until almonds are golden brown.
Sharon Sullivan is originally from the Mesabi Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota
and now resides in San Jose, CA. She recently retired as an adult education instructor
teaching adults with developmental disabilities. She spends her spare time volunteering
at two museums and sewing pioneer-style wardrobes for 18” dolls.
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Tustin • Santa Ana • Fullerton • Buena Park • Services
California & N. Nevada
Christmas Crafts Village
at Knott’s Merry Farm
Joy is in season at Knott’s Merry Farm! Snoopy and a cast of world-class ice skaters
perform Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, a whimsical ice show bursting with characters and
remarkable skating. In Santa’s Christmas Cabin, guests can share their wish lists with
Jolly Ol’ St. Nick and savor some of Knott’s world famous holiday treats.
Take a trip back in time and
celebrate Christmas in the Old West
town of Calico. Climb aboard the
Calico Railroad for Christmas on
Engine 41 and meet Ghost Town
residents eager to share their holiday
plans with you. Those looking for
great gift ideas can shop Knott’s
Christmas Crafts Village, a shopping
wonderland where local artisans
demonstrate their craft and sell their
unique gifts. Entrance to the Knott’s
Christmas Crafts Village is free
Monday through Thursday, November
23 – December 10, and is included with theme park admission every day.
In the evening, join Snoopy as he lights up the night in the Snoopy’s Merriest Tree
Lighting show, then take a stroll through Ghost Town where snow gently falls while
thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of holiday music.
The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale! A 2016 Season Pass includes one free
admission in 2015, unlimited visits in 2016 with no blackout dates, discounts on select
food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. For affordable
year-round fun for everyone on your “nice” list, Season Passes start at just $81.00, the
best price of the year for a limited time.
Ring in the New Year at Knott’s Berry Farm with special live entertainment, fireworks
and dozens of rides.
To learn more visit knotts.com or call 714-220-5200. Join the festive conversation
using the holiday hashtag #MerryFarm on the Knott’s Facebook or Twitter pages.
Free Tickets Giveaway
The Country Register of Arizona is giving away free admission tickets to Knott’s
Berry Farm. To enter send an entry to us by email at california@countryregister.
com and put Knott’s Berry Farm in the subject or by mail to The Country Register of
California, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085. Include your name, address
and phone number and indicate Knott’s Berry Farm. (Only one entry per person, please.)
The winners will be announced in the February-March issue and will receive their tickets
in the mail.
Chatsworth • Pasadena • Covina
Dec-Jan 2016
Many Items for the Holidays & Beyond
At Country General Store in Covina!
by Barb Stillman and Phyllis Cypert
Country General Store in Downtown Covina is decorated to the rafters for the
Holidays. The colorful window displays invite you in to see more and, once inside, you
are not disappointed. Owner Sandy Carey and her
talented staff have selected many wonderful items
to decorate your home or help with your holiday
gift list.
The store’s annual Holiday Gathering will be
held on Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. with tasty treats, bonus buys and hourly star
giveaways. You will not want to miss this fun
celebration!
It all started 27 years ago when Sandy had
a dream of owning a small country store in the
heart of Downtown Covina. The name country has
come to mean so much more than it did 27 years
ago and Country General Store has transitioned
over the years to a wonderful full-service home
décor and seasonal store full of unique products
and decorating ideas. Since it keeps the intimate,
specialty “country” shop atmosphere, a visit to the
5000 square foot shop takes you back to a simpler
time. There’s also a complete selection of contemporary choices for you to find.
With wooden floors, an old fashion candy counter and creative displays that change
with the season, this store has the feel of a nostalgic homecoming. The sights and the
medley of smells of coffee, candy, potpourri and candles are fantastic. Brewed coffee is
always waiting for customers.
One shopper describes Country General Store this way, “When I enter the store, it
has a warm welcoming feeling. For me it is like food for the eyes. I love to look from
floor to ceiling.”
Sandy has a full staff helping customers with gift selections, decorating ideas and
complimentary gift-wrap. Store displays are changed regularly, completely transforming
the shop to welcome each season throughout the year. A sampling of what is available in
the store includes: Stonewall Kitchen jams and jellies, baking accessories and prepared
mixes for dips, scones, muffins, etc., coffee, teas, teapots and tea accessories. Also,
kitchen linens, Gooseberry cookbooks, wine accessories, nostalgic candy, greeting
cards and stationery, yard art, wind chimes and fairy garden supplies, a baby corner and
much more. Of course, at this time of year, there are wonderful selections of Christmas
ornaments and decorations.
Country General Store offers a variety of merchandise to appeal to all customers,
whether it’s that special occasion gift-giving item or an inspirational decorating idea. As
one customers shared, “The people who work here are so kind and helpful! I come here
often as the atmosphere is comforting, warm and inviting. This is my ‘go-to’ spot.”
Sandy invites you to join her and the staff for their 27th Annual Holiday Gathering on
December 5 or visit them anytime to experience for yourself good old-fashioned charm
and hospitality.
Located at 129 N. Citrus Ave. in Covina, Country General Store is open Monday to
Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from Noon
to 5 p.m. For more information, call 626-331-4043, go to www.countrygen.com or visit
them on Facebook.
Craft Fair Gift Shop in Pasadena
Is Known for Its Handcrafted Creations
by Nancy Williams
Known for its wide assortment of beautiful handcrafted items, Craft Fair Gift Shop
in Pasadena is all dressed up and ready for the holidays with themed merchandise and a
wonderful selection of gifts designed for individuals, family and home.
Craft Fair is one of a very few gift shops that carries only handmade creations.
Among the many exquisite items are
artwork in various mediums, jewelry,
ceramics, toys, quilts, knitted and crocheted
items for children and adults, baby gifts,
home décor and holiday decorations. The
Gift Shop was recently named by Pasadena
Weekly as the Reader Recommended ‘Best
Gift Boutique’ for 2015.
Located at 820 California Blvd.,
Craft Fair is one of several philanthropic
programs of the Assistance League of
Pasadena and showcases handcrafted items
created by the men and women of the
community who are over 50 years of age.
Each item for sale is evaluated by Craft
Fair’s jury and must meet the required standards for quality workmanship and salability.
The exhibitors set the prices of their crafts and receive 70% of the sales price for each
piece sold.
The Assistance League opened Craft Fair in 1955 as a consignment shop and it was
originally located at 924 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena; however, because of its
immediate success, it soon required a larger facility. When a vacant lot on the corner
of California Boulevard and Hudson Avenue became available in 1961, the League
purchased the property and constructed its chapter headquarters, which included a new
building for Craft Fair. The new complex was officially dedicated in 1965 and the shop
has been located there ever since.
A manager and volunteer members from the Assistance League staff the Boutique.
Continued on page 7...
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Annie Sloan Stockists
California & N. Nevada
Old French Trading Co. in Turlock
Is Stockist for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®
Old French Trading Co is the Central Valley Stockist for Chalk Paint® decorative
paint by Annie Sloan and is located inside the thriving retail environment of Vintage
Market at 210 E. Main Street in historic downtown Turlock.
The creation of its founder Lauren Camarata, Old French Trading Co offers
workshops that feature Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan and instruction in the Annie Sloan
method. As a certified instructor, Lauren has designed her workshops to teach you the
best and most creative ways to use the paint for beautiful results in your home. She
teaches both beginner and advanced students and a variety of workshops are available to
suit all levels.
Raised in Turlock, Lauren spent two decades in Los Angeles in the entertainment
industry. Working in marketing, advertising, sales and creative services for many wellknown television and film studios, including FOX, Sony and Saban Entertainment,
Lauren was involved in producing content for print, broadcast and online platforms. She
was exposed to the behind-the-scenes creative industries that serve the entertainment
community, including photo shoots, fashion shows, events and fundraisers and also has
an M.A. in Writing for Film and Television from Loyola Marymount.
It was not until she relocated back to Turlock that she parlayed her experiences in
designing, creating and producing campaigns and events for others into her own creative
business. Lauren says, “Visual mediums are important to me. I am drawn to color, shape,
design and texture, whether it’s in a photograph or a piece of furniture. I like everything
to tell a story. That is the key to a long-lasting relationship with your home environment.”
Art is important, too. Her father is well-known contemporary artist Martin Camarata,
whose work has been exhibited locally and internationally. “Art has always played an
integral role for me in design because scale, color and composition are the building
blocks to a successful outcome,” Lauren explains.
Now focused on transforming furniture—and customer’s viewpoints—one piece at a
time, Lauren has used her own home as the blueprint for floor-to-ceiling Chalk Paint®
makeovers. “That is what got me started with Annie’s paint. I moved into a foreclosure
that was badly in need of some TLC, especially the cabinets. I knew that even a dedicated
weekend DIY-er like me couldn’t possibly strip, sand, prime and paint—twice. There had
to be an easier way,” Lauren said.
The Holy Grail led to Annie’s website in late 2010 and once a Stockist was located
(New Jersey), the love affair began. Lauren believes, “It’s all about the paint. There’s just
nothing else like it. It really is ‘the best paint in the world’.”
To learn more, go to http://oldfrenchtradingco.com/ or call the store at 209-668-7800
or Lauren’s cell phone at 209-648-6447. You can also follow “Old French Trading
Company” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Fireplace Redux
The following project was featured in the Annie Sloan Blog, The Palette, at www.
unfolded.com/blog/fireplace-redux:
Although all of our stockists are amazing, every now
and then a project comes along that stops us in our tracks
– like this fireplace redux by Lauren Camarata of Old
French Trading Co in Turlock.
When Lauren first moved into her home five years ago,
she was underwhelmed by its cookie cutter appearance
and began searching for a way to personalize the space.
She was looking for a way to quickly transform her
environment without having to invest a lot of time and
money…enter Chalk Paint®!
Inspired by a fireplace she saw online, Lauren mixed
Napoleonic Blue and Graphite until she achieved a rich,
deep navy that had almost military tones to it. Once
the paint was dry, she stenciled a mix of Versailles and
Provence on the mantle before adding a layer of Clear
Wax and ultimately finishing with a “wet wax” finish
of Versailles mixed with Napoleonic Blue. After wiping
back and letting the wash soak in, she completed the
process with touches of Dark Wax.
“I find that every project I complete with Chalk
Paint®, whether it’s for my home or my business, offers
a unique opportunity for self-expression.” Although she
describes herself as a traditionalist, Lauren likes bits of eclecticism too. “The more colors
and techniques I can incorporate, the happier I am with the outcome.”
Editor’s note: Before painting your fireplace, don’t forget to check with your local
government offices to see if it is permissible. Every county or province in North America,
Australia, or New Zealand will have a set of building codes, including codes that may
restrict the application of paint within a certain distance from the firebox.
Dec-Jan 2016
Riverside • Yorba Linda • Special Events
7
Giveaways and Winners
We have two giveaway winners from our last issue:
• Tammy Granados of Valley Center will be sent a $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at
her favorite Country Register advertiser, Flying Geese Fabric in Tustin.
• Mary Pierce from Huntington Beach is the winner of Arlene Sachitano’s book,
Crazy as a Quilt.
Tammy told us she enjoys going to Flying Geese Fabrics because they always
mention the next shop hops and keep her up to date with any special events happening
in their shop.
Reader Lois Wilson took the time to share that she enjoys reading the paper. She said,
“The Country Register is great fun!”
In this issue, there is another $25 Gift Certificate drawing, another book giveaway,
free tickets and taper candles giveaway so be sure to enter and tell us which Country
Register advertiser is your favorite. We love hearing from our readers and so do our
advertisers so let them know how much you appreciate their shops and that they bring
you The Country Register each issue.
The Country Register, Inc., is celebrating its 28th year! Newspapers are now published
in 46 states across the U.S. and in five provinces in Canada. Going out of state? Call
ahead to the state(s) you will visit and get a copy of that area’s The Country Register and
take it with you as you travel this winter.
When you enter our contests, please share with us how you use The Country Register
in your travels and shopping trips. We are grateful to all the authors, publishers and
advertisers who provide the books and tickets for our drawings throughout the year. We
wish you a joyous and safe Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year!
Upcoming Events
The Vintage Marketplace
December 4-6, 9am-3pm
4805 5th St, Rainbow/Fallbrook
thevintagemarketplaceattheoaks.blogspot.com
Piecemakers’ Christmas Festival
December 5, 9am-4pm
1720 Adams Ave, Costa Mesa
www.piecemakers.com
22nd Annual Wrightwood Holiday Home Tour and Boutique
December 5, 11am-4pm, Downtown Wrightwood
Sponsored by Pine Needles Quilt Guild
www.pnqg.org.
The Mercantile Flea Market
December 5 & January 2 – 1st Saturday each month
115 S Harbor Blvd, Fullerton
[email protected]
Rossmoor Woman’s Club Annual Holiday Home Tour
December 6
Tour Homes in Rossmoor & Los Alamitos
Seal Beach Ayres Hotel Tea Room
12850 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach
www.rossmoorwomansclub.com
2015 Historic Folsom Holiday Home Tour
December 11-12, Folsom
www.folsomhistorymuseum.org.
Square Tomatoes Crafts Fair
December 13, 11am-4pm
Central Park on C & 3rd Streets, Davis
www.squaretomatoescrafts.com
San Diego Button Club’s Buy and Sell Event
Saturday, January 30, 9am-3pm
Tecolote Canyon Nature Center
5180 Tecolote Rd, San Diego
Free Admission
South Bay Quilters Guild 2016 Quilt Show
February 13-14
Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance
www.southbayquiltersguild.org.
Cotton Patch Quilt Guild 2016 Quilt Show
February 13-14
Kern County Fairgrounds
1142 P Street, Bakersfield
www.cottonpatchquiltguild.org
Craft Fair, continued from page 5...
The store manager interacts with exhibitors who bring their items to the shop and
generally oversees operations. One of the ongoing goals is to increase the exhibitor base
and crafters are wanted to sell their crafts year-round; they must be at least 50 years of
age.
The Assistance League of Pasadena is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian volunteer
organization that puts caring and commitment into action through its philanthropic
programs serving specific needs of the community. It was founded in 1936 and is a
chartered chapter of Assistance League®—a national, nonprofit, volunteer organization
with over 26,000 volunteers. The Assistance League of Pasadena is always seeking
additional members. It is a worthwhile organization full of wonderful people with a
tremendous spirit of community and friendship who are committed to making a positive
difference in the community. For more information about Assistance League, please call
626-449-2068 or visit pasadena.assistanceleague.org.
By shopping at the Craft Fair Gift Shop, you help to financially support the seniors
of the community as well as showing your appreciation for their trade or craft. So, if you
are looking for a baby gift, birthday present, a thank you note or a nice decoration to
‘spruce’ up your house…be sure to stop by!
To learn more, follow Craft Fair Gift Shop – Assistance League of Pasadena on
Facebook, go to: www.pasadena.assistanceleague.org/ps.craftfairgiftshop.cfm?ID=2070
or call 626-795-4991.
8
California & N. Nevada
Watsonville • Quilting Special Events
Piecing Life Together
Watershed Days
by Barbara Polston
I’m fond of saying that change is hard, even when it’s change you invite. I had been
planning a change, with a target date…May 31, 2016. It came
as a shock to find out that others were planning the same
change for me, but with a much closer target date…December
31, 2015.
This change has me losing a part-time job and, therefore,
part of my income. While I am not dependent upon that pay
check to meet my regular obligations, it has allowed me to
pay down debt that sits a bit higher than I would like and
save for retirement, which grows closer by the day. While not
worried, this coming change has thrown me into a strange
emotional place. There’s a certain amount of sadness, but
there’s also an excitement for what the future might hold.
While others were struggling with difficult decisions, I was on hold. The downtime to
work on more creative projects was a taste of free time, something I had not experienced
in several years. My plate has long been overfull and my calendar has little white space.
I enjoyed the taste of free time, but it’s more than just having a few extra hours. It feels
like there’s a shift in the ground beneath my feet.
I’m not sure exactly what I’m projecting, but people have started to ask me if I’m
done with quilting. I don’t think so, but I do feel done with making class samples. I feel
done with making projects to fit into a book proposal. I feel done with making quilts that
don’t move my spirit. I still have plenty of ideas that I want to translate into fabric. I just
want to enjoy the process of the work and not be a slave to a deadline.
In preparing to write this piece, I looked for a quote expressing this feeling of
watershed change. Steve Jobs has said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward;
you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will
somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something—your gut, destiny, life,
karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference
in my life.”
Bring it on! I’m sure I will see how the dots connected from the other side.
Barbara Polston is the author of Quilting with Doilies: Inspiration, Techniques, and
Projects (Schiffer Books, 2015) and an award-winning quiltmaker. You can see Barbara’s
quilts, join her on Facebook or visit her website at www.barbarapolston.com. She was
inducted into Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame in 2013. Barbara, who has lived in Phoenix,
Arizona, for almost 30 years, is calmly quilting with Joy in Studio Narnia. ©Barbara
Polston, Phoenix, AZ, September 2015
Register to win two 6” blackened taper candles by Judy Condon. Just copy and mail
this form to The California Country Register, 515 E Carefree Hwy, Phoenix AZ 85085.
OR email the info below to [email protected], put “Candles” in the subject line!
Name: ______________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________
City: ____________________State:_______________Zip:____
Phone No: ___________________________________________
Entry form must be received by Jan. 1st, 2016. One winner will be selected from
entries. Winner will be announced in the Feb/March issue of The California & N.
Nevada Country Register.
Dec-Jan 2016
Services • San Mateo • Fremont • Gustine • San Jose
Latest Jane K. Cleland Novel
Ornaments of Death: A Josie
Prescott Antiques Mystery
Ornaments of Death is the tenth book in Jane K. Cleland’s critically acclaimed Josie
Prescott Antiques Mystery series [St. Martin’s Minotaur]. Prescott, an antiques appraiserturned-amateur sleuth, once blew the whistle on a price-fixing
scandal that rocked the high-end antiques auction houses in
New York City. She then relocated to New Hampshire to start
a new life, founding her own business in the coastal town of
Rocky Point.
Cleland’s fictional debut, the IMBA bestselling and
multiple-award nominated Consigned to Death, introduced
her resourceful protagonist and was selected by Library
Journal as a “core title” for librarians looking to build a cozy
collection.
In Ornaments of Death, the story opens when Josie
receives an early Christmas present—she is contacted by
Englishman Ian Bennington who says he is a long-lost
cousin. Ian sold his business for a huge amount and, after taking up genealogy, found that
he and Josie were distantly related through Arabella Churchill, mistress of King James II.
He tells her he owns exquisite miniature watercolor portraits of these notable ancestors,
which he has given to his daughter Becca, a marine biologist specializing in clams, who
is working in Boston.
Ian is warmly welcomed at Josie’s annual holiday party so when he later misses a date
with one of her friends, then is a no-show for a lunch with Josie herself, she reports him
missing. However, there is nothing the police can do. Once Ian’s body is found—he has
been killed in a hit-and-run—Josie works
with her friend Ellis, the Rocky Point police
chief, to find out what happened.
Shock follows shock as Josie and the
police make stunning discoveries. Using
her knowledge of antiques—and people—,
she is able to solve the crime. In addition, in
doing so, she discovers the true meaning of
family—and of Christmas.
Publishers Weekly says, “Fascinating
tidbits about collectibles, along with
evocative descriptions of New Hampshire in
winter, elevate Cleland’s 10th Josie Prescott
Antiques mystery. Distinctive characters,
including Josie’s Maine coon cat, Hank, help
make this holiday cozy a winner.”
Often reviewed as an Antiques Roadshow
for mystery fans, Jane Cleland’s series
marries antiques lore seamlessly with fairplay mystery puzzles. This book, like all of
the books in the series, stands alone, but for
series readers, it’s fun to see the evolution
of the familiar stable of characters. It is
especially interesting to see how the romance
with Josie’s boyfriend, Ty, is developing and how she counts on her good friend Hank,
the cat, for wisdom and guidance.
Ornaments of Death can be purchased from your local bookstore or online. For more
information, including book club discussion questions and a free, fun antiques appraisal
challenge, “What’s It Worth? You Be the Judge!”, visit www.janecleland.com.
Win a Free Copy of Ornaments of Death
Enter to win your very own copy of Ornaments of Death by sending an email to
[email protected] and put Ornaments of Death in the subject line. Be sure to
give us your name, address and phone number.
You can also send a note or postcard to: The California Country Register, 515 E
Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085. The drawing will be held on January 1 and
the winner will be announced in our February-March issue.
Almond-Apricot Snowballs
courtesy Cooksrecipes.com
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, for rolling
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cornstarch and salt until completely combined.
Add canola oil and beat until well combined. Add water, almond and vanilla extract. Mix.
Stir in almonds and dried apricots.
Scoop batter with small ice cream scooper, melon baller or spoon, making all same
size. Place them on ungreased baking sheet about 1-inch apart.
Bake cookies about 12 to 15 minutes or until just set. Cool on baking sheet for 2
minutes and then transfer to wire rack until just warm.
Pour powdered sugar into bowl.
While cookies are still warm, but not hot, roll in powdered sugar. It will adhere
slightly to cookies, making them look like snowballs. Return cookies to wire rack and
when totally cooled, roll in powdered sugar again.
Store in air-tight container. Makes 36 cookies.
9
10
Town & Country Classified
Tell it ... Sell It ... Buy It!
California & N. Nevada
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(888) 942-8950 • Fax (602) 866-3136 • email: [email protected]
OR mail your ad & check to:
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Enter to Win a $25 Gift Certificate
The Country Register has a Gift for one of our lucky readers! We are giving away
one $25 gift certificate to be spent at a local advertising shop. Use it to go shopping
at your favorite Country Register advertiser.
The drawing will be held on Jan. 1st and the winner will be announced in our
February-March issue. The gift certificate will be mailed to the winner.
Entry Deadline is January 1, 2016
(Names are not sold, given away or used for any other purpose.)
Drawing Entry Form
Name ________________________________________
Phone_________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
City, State & Zip ___________________________________________________
E-mail address: ____________________________________________________
Name of my favorite Country Register advertiser is:
_________________________________________________________________
Tell us what makes this advertiser your favorite: ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
To enter, complete this form and mail to:
The Country Register, 515 E. Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(Photocopy of form is fine. Be sure to answer all questions.)
Or email the information to: [email protected]
and put “Gift Certificate” in the subject line.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Please tell us about a local California or N. Nevada quilt shop, antique store, gift
shop, etc that you would like to see advertising in The Country Register:
___________________________________________________________________
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We welcome your comments and/or suggestions about The Country Register.
Include a note with your drawing entry, send us an email or give us a call at 1-888942-8950. We enjoy hearing from our readers!
Dec-Jan 2016
Quilt Fiesta 2016! Annual Show
In Tucson on February 19, 20 & 21
The Tucson Quilters Guild presents its 38th Annual Quilt Show, Quilt Fiesta 2016!,
on February 19, 20 and 21 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church St., Tucson.
February is a new month for this popular event to be held.
In addition to more than 300 quilts on display, the three-day show will feature
demonstrations, dozens of vendors, a small quilt auction and the 2016 Raffle Quilt. All
demonstrations and speakers are free with admission to the show. Door prizes will be
given out throughout the show and all paid admissions get a drawing ticket.
Quilt Judges Christine Brown and Judy Taylor will spend hours prior to the opening
on February 19 judging over 200 of the entries. In addition, there will be several quilts
made by children that are hung
in a special Kids Row exhibit to
encourage the next generation of
quilters.
Guest Speaker is Beth Helfter
from Haverhill, MA. The founder
of EvaPaige Quilt Designs, Beth is
an award-winning quilter who has
published more than 40 patterns.
To learn more about Beth, visit
http://evapaigequilts.com.
The small quilt auction, which
will conclude on February 21, will
benefit Quilt for a Cause, a local
non-profit that serves low-income
women. Viewers at the quilt show
will have an opportunity to get a
quilt at the buy-me-now price or
put in a bid and wait in anticipation.
Pictured is the Guild’s 2016
raffle quilt, Diamond Deco. Pieced Diamond Deco, Raffle Quilt. Photo by Jack Kuwalik 2015
by the membership, the 102” X 102” quilt has been professionally quilted by Nubin
Jensen. Opportunity tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and are available at the door,
through a Tucson Quilters Guild member or at Tucson quilt stores.
Hours for Quilt Fiesta 2016! are: Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is: $10 per day, a three-day ticket is $20 and
Children under 14 are free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
To learn more about the Tucson Quilters Guild, visit www.tucsonquiltersguild.com.
Arizona • Washington • Quilting Special Events
11
12
Folsom • Services
California & N. Nevada
Folsom Quilt & Fiber Guild
Hosting Annual Show Jan. 29, 30 & 31
The Folsom Quilt & Fiber Guild’s 31st Annual Show will take place on Friday,
Saturday and Sunday, January 29, 30 and 31, at the Folsom Community Center, 52
Natoma Street, Folsom. Over 200 entries are expected—including stunning quilts,
wearable art and other exquisite fiber items.
Needle artists’ work will be celebrated with a display of knit and crochet pieces.
There will also be a variety of home decor items. An ever-popular daily fashion show, a
long-time guild tradition that showcases wearable art items made by guild members, will
be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
This year’s theme, Quilting Friendships, exemplifies what quilt guilds are all about.
The Folsom Guild extends its scope beyond quilting to include all fiber arts and the group
of art quilters never ceases to amaze with their creative visions.
In addition to all of the beautiful quilts and fiber creations on display, you can enjoy
bidding on the beautiful baskets, shopping with the vendors and waiting to hear your
name called to claim a prize in one of the drawings. You will want to be sure to purchase
tickets for chances to win the beautiful, hand-appliquéd Opportunity Quilt.
Vendors will be offering everything from fabric and patterns to embellishments
and wearable items. You will be sure to find something you absolutely cannot live
without! Vendors include: Angel Quilters, Beyond Interiors, By Kay Mackenzie, D’s
Quilting Designs, Designer Needs, Ladybug Quilts, Meissner Sewing & Vacuum Center,
Pincushion Boutique, PlumEasy Patterns, Quilter’s Corner, Rainbow Resource, Reet’s
Rags to Stitches, Sew Little Time Quilting, The Christmas Shoppe, Comfort Footwear
and Twice is Nice Shoppe.
Karen’s Bakery, a very popular Folsom restaurant, will cater lunch with a variety
of freshly made tasty choices ranging from salads and soups to sandwiches and other
offerings at reasonable prices. Karen’s desserts are fabulous! There is also a snack bar
where you can purchase beverages and snacks throughout the day.
Show Admission is $7 per day with children, 12 and under, admitted free. There is
reduced Admission of $4 on Friday and Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. Hours are from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The show chairperson is Leslie Mankoski.
For additional information about the Folsom Quilt & Fiber Guild and the Quilt
Show, please visit www.folsomquilt.org.
The City of Folsom, just minutes from the show venue, boasts a nostalgic, wellpreserved gold-rush era historical area built near the American River. Because of its
location, Folsom is considered a gateway to the Sierra Mountains. It is conveniently
located 20 miles east of California’s state capitol in Sacramento and is about halfway
between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.
Historic Folsom Holiday Home Tour
Features Nine Sites on December 11 and 12
‘Twas a few weeks before Christmas and all through the town, no one was sleeping—
there was bustling all around. The Folsom Historic Holiday Home Tour was approaching
fast—with visions of by-gone eras and beautiful sites decorated like holidays of past…
On Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12, the 2015 Historic Folsom Holiday
Home Tour is featuring nine charming historic sites beautifully decorated for the
holidays. Adding to the enjoyment of the season as you step back in time are Docents in
period clothing. There is also a wonderful art and handcrafted holiday gift boutique at
the Murer House.
The special holiday highlights will include the 100-year celebration of the Granite
School site. Plus be sure to keep a look out for Frosty the Snowman as he makes an
appearance again this year…his debut last year was such a big hit!
Folsom’s historic district dates from the mid-1800s and has numerous remarkable
homes and buildings that evoke memories of times long gone by. This year’s holiday
tour celebrates architectural styles that range from the post-gold rush of the 1860s to the
roaring 1920s and includes Victorian, Bungalow, Italianate, Arts and Craft and other oneof-a-kind dwellings and structures.
Whether you are a history buff, an architectural aficionado or just curious, the Folsom
Historic Holiday Home Tour Committee knows you will enjoy the tour. Purchase your
tickets early since attendance is limited. Past tours have sold out in advance and the same
is expected for this year’s much-anticipated historic holiday event!
Each ticket is good for one visit to each site. All ages, including children, must have
a ticket—no exceptions. Walking shoes are essential. No cameras are allowed in private
residences! Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets are $20 per person and will be for sale until December 9 or sold out. They can
be purchased by calling 916-985-2707 or at www.folsomhistorymuseum.org. They are
also available at the following locations: Dorthea’s, Folsom History Museum, Folsom
Chamber of Commerce, Green Acres Nursery—Folsom and Elk Grove, Murer House,
Not Too Shabby, and Raley’s – Blue Ravine. After December 9, call the Folsom History
Museum for ticket available status at 916-985-2707.
The 2015 Historic Folsom Holiday Home Tour benefits the Folsom Historical Society
and the Murer House Foundation and their efforts to preserve Folsom’s unique history
and charm.
Dec-Jan 2016
Holiday Magic:
Celebrating What You Love
by Simone Gers
Like my husband Tray and I, many of our friends are collectors and so much of the
fun is decorating with all of our finds. Some of us like to switch things up by moving our
collections around, featuring different items and making what’s old new again. Holidays
provide many opportunities to change the feel of our homes by displaying great antique
and vintage decorations.
Tray loves Christmas so much and
has so many vintage ornaments that
we often decorate several trees with
different themes. This year, we decided
not to limit ourselves just to those
ornaments and we took the idea of
vintage décor to a whole new level—
we decorated with favorite collections.
We love old world globes and
created a ‘Peace on Earth’ tree with
them. We highlighted the lovely colors
in the globes by pairing them with
chartreuse and turquoise ornaments.
To add dimension, we used traditional
dove shapes to make different-sized
cut outs, glittered them and had them
take flight by hanging them from the
ceiling at different heights. Gluing
some to sticks and inserting them in
the tree adds to the appeal. Wouldn’t it
be fun to start a new tradition with your
children by having them help make
Peace on Earth –old vintage globes, old meets new decorations like the cutout doves?
chartreuse and turquoise ornaments and white doves.
Have you ever wondered what to do
with your old punch cups? We had a ball using over 200 vintage cut-glass punch cups in
our ‘Good Tidings To You’ tree. By hanging the cups bottom out, the light illuminates
each like a crystal ball. We paired these crystal beauties with white Summer Everlasting
flowers that we gathered in the Arizona countryside. With this tree, we brought the
outdoors in and integrated a traditional
activity of using native, dried plants.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a party with
a punch-cup tree and then send everyone
home with a cup ornament as a gift?
In a wildlife themed tree, we used a
large plaster owl and large and smallfeathered owls. Any vintage statuary
or taxidermy could have easily been
substituted for the owl. We continued
bringing the outdoors in by using white
and brown glittered pinecones and real
birds’ nests for ornaments. While this
tree would be fabulous in garden rooms,
dens, cabins or camps, it would really be
the star in a ‘man cave.’
Do you love to garden or, perhaps,
collect vintage gardening items? Staying
with an “outside-in” theme, we designed
a tree featuring vintage birdhouses, old
metal folk art flowers, old clay pots
and natural branches. We love the scale
of the birdhouse and metal flowers in
Punch Cup Tree—Over 200 vintage cut-glass
contrast with the smaller items used for punch cups, White, Summer Everlasting flowers.
ornaments. If you had some old, colorful gardening tools, they could easily be wired to
branches as ornaments.
Holiday decorating is a great time to celebrate creativity and fun. Upcycling garden
items, statuary, taxidermy, punch cups, globes or any other vintage collection is an
unexpected and unconventional way to feature what you love.
Designing unusual tree themes also allows you to enjoy traditions like making
ornaments and using items from nature. Further the joy by creating the new pieces with
family and friends. In addition, just think of the stories your family will tell about the
time you used the garden statues to decorate the tree. Imagine your family wondering
with smiles what you’re going to have them make this holiday season.
When you embrace your collections with love and sprinkle in a little inspiration,
magic happens. And isn’t magic one of the joys of the holidays?
Simone Gers began her antiquing journey 35 years ago when she married Tray, an
avid collector. They still have the first piece they bought together—a pegged farm table
that was so decrepit it was behind the antique store—and they have been upcycling
vintage finds ever since. The Gers own Gather A Vintage Market in Tucson, AZ, a monthly
market. Simone has taught writing and literature at the college level for many years.
Lincoln • Roseville • Auburn 13
14
Fernley, NV • Colusa
California & N. Nevada
The Gifts of Teatime
Visit Colusa! by Lydia E. Harris
Anytime is teatime. But the holidays especially invite us to share “the cup that cheers.”
So pour yourself a cup of tea and let’s unwrap these gifts of teatime—beau-TEA, tasteTEA-ness, simplici-TEA and hospitali-TEA.
Beau-TEA
Serving tea offers a
wonderful opportunity to
create a lovely setting. An
inviting table says, “Welcome,
I expected you and prepared
for you.” Fabric tablecloths
and
napkins,
colorful
centerpieces and china cups
and saucers create a beautiful
ambiance. No china? Don’t
let that stop you. Decorative
paper plates, cups and napkins
can also create a welcoming
table.
Festive holiday table.
One guest looked at my
pretty table with fresh flowers, paper doilies, and floral teacups and asked with tears
in her eyes, “For me?” She felt loved because I took time to prepare a special place for
her. Other guests have expressed pleasure and gratitude when I seated them in a comfy
living-room chair and placed a tea tray with food before them. Or on a frosty winter day,
sometimes I set a cozy table in front of the blazing fireplace for a warm teatime.
Taste-TEA-ness
After our eyes feast on the beautiful setting, our taste buds savor the delicious
foods. Crustless tea sandwiches, melt-in-your-mouth scones and buttery shortbread are
scrumptious staples on tearoom menus. Some of my tearoom favorites are chicken salad
served in a croissant and warm scones spread with lemon curd and Devonshire cream.
When I serve tea in my home, I may use shortcuts and purchase Fisher scone mix,
Trader Joe’s lemon curd and chicken salad from the deli. Sometimes I even serve an
unconventional menu using whatever I can easily prepare from what is on hand. Then
I carefully arrange the food on plates for eye appeal. Of course, there are plenty of tea
choices (with and without caffeine) plus sugar cubes and honey!
Simplici-TEA
The tea menu can be
simple or elaborate. Tea,
all by itself, draws people
together. A relaxed chat
over a cup of herbal or
black tea warms a guest’s
life. You could add
cranberry-orange scones
or a favorite sweet. If
you want to be elaborate,
prepare a luscious threecourse tea with scones,
tea sandwiches, sweets
and any extras you wish
Cozy teatime by the fire.
to include. Cucumberand-cream-cheese sandwiches are always a popular, easy-to-make choice.
Hospitali-TEA
The greatest gift of tea is the warmth of companionship. As tea and conversation flow,
budding friendships bloom and strong relationships grow.
I recall the time my niece and her out-of-state friend came for a breakfast tea. I had
fun setting a pretty table and preparing a unique menu from ingredients I had available.
Although I had not met her friend before, we shared a lovely time. Later, this new friend
commented to my niece, “Having tea was one of the highlights of my trip.”
My niece told me, “You planted many seeds in her life through your hospitality,
conversation, and tea.”
I smiled as I thought of the soothing pleasures of our teatime. We took time to linger,
chat, savor our tasty food, and create rich memories.
After sipping hundreds of cups of tea with others in tearooms and in my home, I am
thoroughly steeped in tea. Teatime has truly been a wonderful gift to me, and it makes a
great gift for others. Both children and adults will enjoy the delights of teatime.
With our teapots beckoning us, let’s invite family and friends to “come for tea.”
Together we can enjoy the beauty, tastiness, simplicity, and hospitality of teatime.
I’m ready to brew a pot of Sugar Plum Spice herbal tea to share with others. Won’t
you join me?
Lydia E. Harris holds a master’s degree in Home Economics. She is blessed with five
grandchildren who call her “Grandma Tea.” Lydia authored the book, Preparing My
Heart for Grandparenting (AMG Publishers).
Dec-Jan 2016
Photo Album in a Little Box Gift Project
by Ann St. Martin Stout
Here’s a gift that can be made with materials found around the house—and is very
personal, portable and sure to be enjoyed. Parents or grandparents would be happy to open
the box and find happy moments preserved. So look around for the perfect combination
of photographs that will bring a smile to the face and heart of a special person.
Materials:
A jewelry store box, as for a bracelet – approx 3.5 inches square – with lid
Card stock
Scissors or paper cutter
Double stick tape and/or
glue stick
Ruler
ModPodge (or other
decoupage medium)
Brush
Photographs
Decorative paper for
covering box (quality gift
wrap, thin and not brittle,
works well.)
Step 1. Measure the
inside of the box and cut
four strips of paper the length of the sheet of paper by the width of the box, minus ¼”.
Step 2. Accordion fold one strip of paper so it fits nicely within the box. Do not trim
the tab left over after folding.
Step 3. Align the next strip of paper over the short tab on the first piece of paper.
Use glue stick to adhere lengthening the accordion folded paper. Fold new strip in same
manner as first one.
Step 4. Continue gluing new strips onto previous one, and accordion folding until you
have an accordion folded “booklet.” Trim the final page to the same size as the others.
Set aside.
Step 5. To cover the box, cut two pieces of decorative paper large enough to cover the
flat exterior surfaces of the box and extend to completely cover the interior side walls of
the box. Cover the outside of the box with Mod Podge and secure the paper to the box,
smoothing as you go. Before folding the paper to the inside of the box, cut and remove a
narrow wedge of paper at each corner. This will prevent bulk at the corner folds. Secure
with ModPodge, using clothespins if necessary to hold paper in place while it dries.
Step 6. Glue a plain piece of card stock inside the lid of the box, covering the paper
edges for a neat look. Glue the bottom page of the accordion booklet to the inside of the
bottom of the box. Your photo box is now ready to be decorated and filled with photos.
Step 7. On the top page of the accordion booklet, create a title, either hand-written or
computer generated.
Step 8. On each page of the booklet, secure a photograph using double stick tape or
glue stick. Use the facing page for caption, quote, date, or for another photo. Both sides
of the long accordion-fold page can be used.
Step 9. When finished, close the box and tie with a ribbon or elastic cord.
Notes:
Colors of card stock and decorative exterior paper can be coordinated to the theme of
the book, for example playful, classic, children, nature, etc.
Try using a mint or Altoid tin for a snap-shut photo album that can be easily carried
in a purse. Decorate the top and bottom of the hinged box with colored contact paper and
stickers.
Ann St. Martin Stout of Leaves Are Free (http://www.leavesarefree.tumblr.com) is
always on the lookout for readily available free material from home and nature to make
into a project that can touch the heart, including crafts, home projects, outings, recipes
and more. She resides in Newport, NH, with her family.
From Lydia’s Recipe File: Cheery Cheese Gift
This simple cheese gift served with crackers and veggies makes a festive appetizer
or snack.
Ingredients:
8-ounce package of cream cheese, slightly softened
1 celery stalk, washed
dried fruits, Craisins, or sprinkles for decoration
large round crackers
cucumber and radishes, sliced
strawberry jam (optional)
Directions:
1. Place celery stalk on cutting board with rounded side up.
2. With a vegetable peeler, cut thin strips of celery for ribbon.
3. Wrap celery strips around the cream cheese to look like ribbon on a package.
4. Add celery leaves in the center to look like a fancy decoration.
5. Add bits of dried fruit or sprinkles to look like wrapping paper with a design.
6. Arrange cheese gift, crackers and veggies on a serving plate.
Sweet variation: Instead of veggies, serve cheese and crackers with a side of strawberry
jam. You can also replace the crackers with small bagel halves, bagel chips or scones.
Chico 15
16 Oregon
• Special Events
California & N. Nevada