Dec-Jan 2016 - The Country Register

The Country Register of Arizona
2
515 E Carefree Hwy #1128 • Phoenix, AZ 85085
602.942.8950 • 888.942.8950
Fax 602.866.3136
[email protected]
www.countryregister.com/arizona
Barb Stillman
Lolly Konecky
Publisher
[email protected]
Publisher/Art Director
[email protected]
Sandi Nickler
Patty Duncan
Sales/Office Assistant
Adrieanna Gaston
Office Assistant
Graphics Assistant
Phyllis Cypert
Sales/Office Assistant
The Arizona Country Register is
published by:
Nancy Williams
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
Arizona
Special Events ........................................................................3-5
Annie Sloan Stockists .............................................................6-7
Antique Register • Services • Drawing.......................................8
Plain Country Ads • Farmers Markets ........................................9
Phoenix .............................................................................. 10-12
Scottsdale ..........................................................................10, 16
Mesa .............................................................................10, 13-14
Glendale ................................................................................. 10
Goodyear ................................................................................ 12
Chandler ................................................................................. 13
Beads, Gems & Jewelry ........................................................... 15
Scrapbooking, Stamping & Paper Arts ...............................15, 16
Cave Creek • Carefree ............................................................ 16
Catlin Court & Historic Downtown Glendale ...................... 17-20
Prescott • Young • Payson & Pine .............................................. 21
Globe-Miami • Quartzsite........................................................ 21
Fiber Arts, Yarn, Knitting & Needlework .................................. 22
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework.......................................... 23-33
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework Events .............................. 34-36
Cover Artwork
Artist Heather Myers
We loved the vintage look and great colors of artist Heather Myers’ work, and thought
it would be perfect for our Holiday issue! We hope you like it, also.
Heather Myers was “born to create” whether it is
designing art, stirring in the kitchen, putting a new oufit
together, choreographing a dance or rearranging furniture.
It’s what she loves to do!
Although Heather has the ability to create different
styles of art, her passion is for vintage. One of her hobbies
is searching for unique vintage items, including old books,
textiles and sheet music. She is inspired by anything
vintage and loves to mix it with the latest trends and colors,
in both the fashion industry and home décor styles.
Over the years, Heather has worked in many different
mediums, including soft sculpture, papier-mâché and
wood, to name a few. She enjoys mixing the materials
together. Collectors recognize her work for its detailed
charm.
She says, “I love adding crystals and antique glitter to
my designs, it’s the same as putting the icing on the cake!” Heather adds, “I feel very
fortunate; I get to do what I love for a career, creating beautiful items for people to enjoy
for years to come!”
Heather’s creative talents were discovered at a very young age. She spent her
childhood years growing up in a dance studio and her love for dance was her way to
express her creativeness. When she wasn’t dancing, she would spend time in the sewing
room with her mother and grandmothers, who were always making doll clothes for her.
In her early teen years, she knew that she wanted to be a fashion designer. After taking
a few design classes and working in retail for 10 years, she had a change of heart. Even
though she had a love for fashion, she realized her passion was for interior design.
As a self-taught artist, she soon found herself creating small unique objects for the
home, which soon turned into a fulltime business. In 1992, she established The Briar
Rose, a wholesale handmade manufacturing company. As the company grew, Heather
could not keep up with the demand, and had very little time to design and create new
items. In 2000, she started to license her designs in the gift industry to various companies.
It didn’t take long before her products were soon being sold worldwide. This was a dream
come true!
Heather was born and raised in Colorado where she currently resides with her husband.
She is also the mother of two daughters, who are her pride and joy!
Her artwork is licensed by Linda McDonald, Inc., Charlotte, NC, 704-370-0057.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER, Months of Dec-Jan 2016.
THE COUNTRY REGISTER is published every other month. Copyright 2016.
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.
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 © 2016 by The
Country Register, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085.
Special Events 3
Dec-Jan 16
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
Peace on Earth –old vintage globes, old meets new dove shapes to make different-sized
cut outs, glittered them and had them
chartreuse and turquoise ornaments and white doves.
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 decorations like the cutout 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
Continued on page 5...
4
Arizona
Special Events
AZ Renaissance Festival & Marketplace
Opens Its New Season on February 6
Revel in the atmosphere of 16th Century Europe at The Annual Arizona Renaissance
Festival & Artisan Marketplace! Explore a 30-acre festival village filled with thirteen
stages of nonstop entertainment and performances of music, dance, comedy, falconry and
acrobatics.
Cheer on your favorite armored knight at a jousting tournament in the 5,000-seat
arena. Foolish pleasures mix with artisan treasures as you shop at over 200 craft shops
and interact and revel with a cast of nearly 2,000 colorfully costumed characters.
Kids love the interactive games and people-powered rides. It is Disneyland unplugged!
There is something for EVERYONE in the shire.
The 2016 Renaissance Festival is being held at 12601 East Highway 60 in Gold
Canyon. Dates and hours are: Saturday and Sunday, February 6 to March 27, from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, contact the Festival at 520-463-2700 or on the web at www.
renfestinfo.com.
Free Tickets Giveaway
The Country Register of Arizona is giving away free tickets to the 2016 Arizona
Renaissance Festival on our Facebook page. Go to The Country Register of Arizona—
“Like” us if you have not already done so—watch for the announcement and leave a
comment to enter the drawing for a free ticket. (Only one entry per person, please).
If you don’t use Facebook, send an entry to us by email at Arizona@countryregister.
com or by mail to The Country Register of Arizona, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix,
AZ 85085. Include your name, address and phone number and indicate Renaissance
Tickets.
Winners will be posted on Facebook in January and in the February-March issue and
will receive their tickets in the mail.
AZ Show Listing
Desert Club – Christmas Idea House
Luxury Home Tour & Holiday Shopping Event
Dec 3, 4 & 5
www.christmasideahouse.org
Artisan Christmas Boutique - Redemption Gilbert
Friday, Dec 4 – 5-9pm
1820 W Elliot Rd, Gilbert
www.facebook.com/pages/Redemption-Christmas-Boutique
Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival
Friday, Dec 4 – 5-9pm
Peoria & Grand Ave, Peoria
Free Admission and Parking, www.peoriaaz.gov/specialevents
City of Buckeye – Hometown Holiday Boutique
Saturday, Dec 5 – 9am-4pm
Sundance Crossings (SW Corner of Yuma Rd & Dean Rd)
Free Admission and Parking, www.buckeyeaz.gov/events
Yuma Arts & Crafts Show
Dec 4-6 – Friday & Saturday 9-4, Sunday 10-3
The Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E 32nd St – Theatre Building
www.yumapotpourriartists.org
Gilbert Art Walk
Dec 5th, 12th, 19th, Jan 2nd & 16th • 9am-1pm
45 W Page Ave, Gilbert
www.gilbertartwalk.com
Vintage Market in the Garden
Saturday, Jan 16 – 9am-3pm
40 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert
www.facebook.com/cjsantiquesandgarden
Canyon Arts Festival
Saturday, Jan 23rd – 9am-4pm
United Methodist Church
6640 S Kings Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon
www.gcartsfest.com
Quilting in the Desert
Jan 25-29, 2016
Four Points Sheraton, Phoenix
www.quiltcamp.com
Wickenburg Quilt Show
Jan 29 & 30, 10am-4pm
Community Center, Wickenburg
[email protected]
Desert Lily Quilt Show
Jan 15-16, 2016 – Friday – 9-5, Saturday, 9-4
Yuma Convention Center
1440 W Desert Hills Dr, Yuma
Dec-Jan 16
Holiday Magic, continued from page 3...
send everyone home with a cup ornament as a
gift?
In a wildlife themed tree, we used a large
plaster owl and large and small-feathered
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 contrast with the smaller items used
Punch Cup Tree—Over 200 vintage
for ornaments. If you had some old, colorful
cut-glass
punch cups, White, Summer
gardening tools, they could easily be wired to
Everlasting flowers.
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
Plaster Owl, large and small- years ago when she married Tray, an avid collector.
feathered owls. White and brown They still have the first piece they bought together—a
glittered pinecones. Real birds nests. pegged farm table that was so decrepit it was behind
Use an old statue. Think outside the box.
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.
Special Events 5
6 Annie Sloan Stockists
Arizona
Fun & Easy Holiday Packaging
Using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®
Here is a quick and fun holiday project for customizing your own holiday packaging
using Chalk Paint® from Green Table Gifts in Tempe.
Supplies:
Two of your favorite Chalk Paint® colors
(We chose Duck Egg & Old White)
Paint brush
Bubble wrap
Leaf and foil size
Silver foil
Pencil with round eraser
Your choice of wrapping paper, boxes and bags
This unique holiday packaging was created by painting Chalk Paint® onto bubble
wrap and simply stamping the gift boxes and bags as shown in the picture. You can
customize your color to go with your décor. To add some glam to you packaging you can
make metallic dots with silver foil and some leaf and foil size using the round eraser of
a pencil as a stamp. Have fun experimenting and make it your own with Annie Sloan!
Green Table Gifts opened in 2011 and, within weeks of opening, owner Patty
Brees added Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan to her shop—a decision
that revolutionized her business. Moving to its current 2,500 square feet location in
November 2012 gave the shop needed space to accommodate the expanding business. It
also provided a larger classroom venue for Chalk Paint® classes and room to showcase
a fresh perspective on combining vintage and handmade items into irresistible gifts and
home decor items.
Patty and her creative staff are always on the lookout for neglected antiques that
can either be repaired, re-purposed or remodeled using Chalk Paint®. This very special
decorative paint is specifically designed for furniture, but can also be used on walls, floors
and in paintings. It will cover just about every surface, including fabric, with minimal
preparation, if any. The full line of paint, wax, brushes, books, fragrance and fabric is
available in the store and in the online shop.
The antique and neglected pieces that have been redone sell very quickly so the shop
is constantly changing as fun items arrive weekly. Customers love the techniques Patty
uses so she teaches how-to classes in addition to offering custom refinishing. A large
well-stocked display of Chalk Paint® is located on the back wall next to a work area used
for classes, demonstrations or one of Patty’s many projects. She has become an expert on
Chalk Paint® and finds herself carrying around a paint brush most days as she answers
customers’ questions and demonstrates techniques.
Green Table Gifts is located at 1840 E. Warner Road, Suite #115, in Tempe, on the
border of Chandler and South Tempe. Seasonally, Green Table Gifts hosts between 30
to 60 artists and local vintage curators. For more information, call 480-855-5620, email
[email protected] or visit www.greentablegifts.com. You will also find the
shop on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Dec-Jan 16
Annie Sloan Stockists 7
How To Make Old Furniture
‘New’ Again Using Chalk Paint®
What can you do to “fix” wood furniture pieces that are still usable but their finishes
are beyond repair? Here is a project idea that is sure to work for you. The beautiful
Drexel buffet pictured here was made “new” again by painting it using Annie Sloan Coco
Chalk Paint® with a pure white wash over the top. It is finished with a slight distressing
and clear wax.
Cleaning whichever piece you are getting ready to paint is most crucial since you
want to be sure ALL oils are removed first. This piece was cleaned with white vinegar
and rinsed before applying two coats of Chalk Paint®. The pure white was watered down
to a skim milk consistency, brushed on and then further wiped backed before applying
the clear wax.
For more complete directions,
tips and other how-tos for using
Chalk Paint®, you can check with
Audrey’s, a shop in North Phoenix
that specializes in making old
treasures into new pieces that are
sure to fit your home’s personality
and your budget.
A fun and happy place to shop,
Audrey’s is a local stockist for
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® and offers
workshops and classes on how to use
this fabulous paint. The store is also
where you’ll find reasonably priced
recycled and upcycled vintage and antique items, re-purposed furniture, boutique items,
jewelry and clothing, as well as plants and things for your garden.
Owner Erin Audrey Vetnar and her staff – Lisa and daughters Alexa and Ali—value
integrity, take pride in customer service and do their best to keep their customers happy.
Erin says, “2016 promises to be another exciting year for growth and we look forward to
our continued success and seeing you the next time you stop in!”
Audrey’s is located at 11649 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. To learn more or shop
online, go to www.audreyshopaz.com. Like Audrey’s on Facebook and follow the shop
on Instagram and Twitter to see upcoming special events or call 602-281-6055. The shop
is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be open until 6 p.m. Monday
to Friday now through Christmas.
“Stockist”
A shop that carries Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan is called a “Stockist.”
That means it is a retailer¬—such as a store, shop, supplier, retail outlet or
boutique—that stocks goods of a particular type for sale.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® Techniques
For the Rustic Chippy Look
You can transform any piece of furniture with this rustic aged look. All you
need is two thick coats of Chalk Paint® and a little sand paper.
Leave the paint in the fridge for a few
hours to get it really thick.
Paint two coats (or even three in some
parts) and leave to dry – or you can
use a hairdryer get some really good
cracks.
Apply Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax
with a lint-free cloth or brush, working
the wax into the paint like hand cream
and removing any excess as you go.
When it’s dry, ‘knock’ the paint off
with a piece of folded sandpaper.
*Optional* For a great antique look,
use Dark Soft Wax. Work it into your
(still wet) Clear Soft Wax and spread. Wax small areas at a time, and remove
excess wax with Clear Soft Wax as you go.
Finish by making sure that every part of your furniture has been waxed at
least once with a lint free cloth.
Want to know more? Each Annie Sloan Stockist can offer you workshops and
practical advice on these and other techniques from the Annie Sloan Method at
http://www.anniesloan.com/techniques
Don't miss the numerous ‘how to’ videos by Annie Sloan on her YouTube
channel!
8 Antique Register
Arizona
Giveaways and Winners
We have two giveaway winners from our last issue:
• Marcia Bradley of Peoria will be sent a $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at her favorite
Country Register advertiser, Scraps of Love in Peoria.
• Julie Alver is the winner of Crazy as a Quilt! By Arlene Sachitano.
Marcia told us Scraps of Love is her favorite shop because “this store is the female
version of Cheers, everyone knows your name.” She went on to say that the staff there
are super friendly and never pressure their customers to make a purchase. The store has
a wide variety of classes to allow you to test out your creative side without breaking the
bank. They have recently opened a second shop, Scraps of Love 2. See their article in
this issue.
Julie shared that she loves to read the (Country Register) paper. She really enjoys
trying all of the new recipes as well as getting fresh ideas for future projects.
Another one of our avid readers, Katie Winans of Gilbert, sent us a nice comment as
well. Katie let us know she picks up her copy of The Country Register at her favorite
store, Merchant Square in Chandler. “I get copies to share with my friends. I have been
reading The Country Register for years, always looking forward to getting a new issue at
Merchant Square.”
In this issue there is another $25 Gift Certificate drawing, another book giveaway 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!
Register to win two 6” blackened taper candles by Judy Condon. Just copy and mail
this form to Arizona 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 Arizona Country
Register.
Dec-Jan 16
Farmer’s Market • Plain Country Ads 9
Building Harmony
An Andolini Christmas
Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix
courtesy Cooksrecipes.com
With ingredients like real, thick-cut smoked bacon, crunchy toasted pecans, dried
cranberries and pure maple syrup, this sweet and savory popcorn snack is sure to be a hit.
8 cups popped popcorn
6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2/3 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon maple extract
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Line jellyroll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on
rack. Bake 15 minutes until ends of bacon start to curl.
Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. Brush bacon with 2
tablespoons of maple syrup; bake 15 minutes until browned. Cool then coarsely chop
bacon.
Combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries in large bowl.
Combine butter, black pepper, maple extract, remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup
and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Drizzle over
popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.
Spread popcorn mixture in jellyroll or roasting pan.
Bake 5 minutes. Toss in bacon pieces. Serve warm.
Makes 2 quarts; 8 (1 cup) servings.
Plain Country Ads
Buy It - Sell It - Tell It - Trade It
by Jeff Cappis
Last year we had a typical Christmas. The snow covered the ground in a smooth white
blanket, the air was crisp and the stars were out in all their glory. As an added bonus, you
could read a newspaper by the moonlight so the forest was well lit. It was a good night to
build a fire (in the fireplace this time) and look at the view out our living room windows.
Our neighbors from down the road, Alfonso
and Christina Andolini, had come by for a visit.
They were very rich and, when Christina got
excited, the noise from all her jewelry could
be heard throughout the house. She was much
larger than Alfonso was so he kept sliding
towards her on the couch. They often talked
over each other, stayed far too long and drank
all our wine but the bubbly company made the
time pass pleasantly. I’m not sure how much
they learned about us that night, but we learned
a lot about them.
Amidst all the stories of their business
successes and lavish trips, there was one story
that I think took us to the core of who they actually are. I could listen to this story over and
over again (and probably will). It occurred many Christmases ago.
Alfonso and Christina were immigrants from Italy. They stepped off the boat (well,
actually a Boeing 707) back in 1970. With only a few hundred dollars and a little English,
they set out to build a new life. The only valuable possessions they had were a gold
necklace and a pocket watch—presents they had given each other on their wedding day.
They both worked odd jobs and got a one-bedroom apartment. Times were hard
but these were resilient young people who knew how to stretch a buck. After rent and
groceries, however, there never was much left in the well.
The first Christmas was particularly hard. They were away from their families. Still
they had each other. Alfonso worked out a deal with the local grocer for a frozen turkey
and Christina was determined to make the best dinner they ever had.
Alfonso puzzled over what to get her for Christmas. The light over the dinning room
table was a single bulb hanging from an electrical wire. Christina always wanted a nice
light fixture over the table. While out strolling one day, she spotted a fixture in a shop that
reminded her of the one her mother had. Alfonso decided he needed to get her that fixture.
But how? He had no money. All he had was the pocket watch. He reasoned that it
was worth at least as much as the light fixture. He could pawn it, give Christina a good
Christmas and then get the watch back by working another part time at the grocery store.
That’s what he did. On his lunch hour the next day, he went to the pawnshop and made
his deal. Now all he had to do was remember where the shop with the fixture was. Oops.
A few days later, Christina was cleaning the apartment when she noticed his watch
wasn’t in its usual spot. She looked high and low for it but all she found in its place was a
pawn ticket. Christina was a smart woman. She realized he had pawned his only valuable
possession to buy her a Christmas present. Knowing what it meant to him, she couldn’t
let that happen.
She reasoned that her necklace was probably worth as much as his pockets watch.
So she decided to pawn it to buy him his watch back and then get the necklace back by
working part time at the grocery store. That’s what she did.
On Christmas morning, they flipped a coin to see who got to open their present first.
Alfonso won. Christina handed him a small box. He pulled off the ribbon and inside found
his pocket watch! He was overjoyed to have it back.
“I saw your pawn ticket,” she said. “I couldn’t bear to think of you without it.” He
smiled and with a tear, kissed her gently.
Now it was her turn. Alfonso handed her a big present. Excited, she quickly pulled the
ribbons off, ripped the paper and opened the box. In it she didn’t find a grand light fixture.
Her smile softened. All that was in it was a single gold necklace.
“I saw your pawn ticket, too,” he said.
That night, under a single light bulb hanging from an electrical wire, they had the best
turkey dinner ever. They both had a good laugh, too, over how much trouble they’d gone
to, giving each other things they already had.
And they still have them to this day—a watch, a necklace and each other—the gifts
that have added true value to their lives and keep on giving. With that, they are truly rich.
Merry Christmas from Harmony Acres.
Copyright 2011 by Jeff Cappis Email: [email protected].
READERS: Yes, you can advertise in our “Plain Country Ads”.
The 2” x 2” space to reach 30,000 readers is $35.00
Mail your ad & check to: The Country Register
515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085 (602) 942-8950
Next deadline is Jan. 1, 2016
Not for shops or shows. Great place to find crafters.
10 Phoenix • Scottsdale • Mesa • Glendale
Irish Cultural Center
www.azirish.org
602-258-0109
McClelland Irish Library
www.azirishlibrary.org
602-864-2351
1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix
Tues-Sat 10:00-3:00
Arizona
The Way It Was and the Way It Is!
A Family Treasure
by James A. Nelson
As my wife and I started out the door of our small apartment, I heard the inevitable,
“Jim, have you got the diaper bag, the food bag, the clothes bag, the car seat and, above
all, don’t forget the extra pacifier?”
Without a doubt, we now had become a family. We were about to venture out, with
our six-week-old daughter on our first outing into the world of parenthood.
Smiling, though bent double from all the paraphernalia, I watched my wife walking
with confident strides toward our car. All she carried was a soft bundle of responsibility,
something she carried so well during motherhood. She grasped responsibility almost as
tight as the five tiny, strong fingers that grasped her single finger inside the pink blanket.
It was the finger she had placed inside the baby’s blanket for “baby reassurance.”
We are now reaping the benefits of marriage and our biological urges. I say benefit
because the sleepless nights and responsibilities will be with you until your newborn
becomes an adult. The benefits come during a lifetime of love and sharing with your own
family throughout your lifetime.
There are all kinds of experts in the field of parenthood but nothing can compare to
common sense, actual hands-on experience—and a worn copy of Dr. Spock. Ours was
given to us by in-laws, inscribed with these words, “We raised the new Mother with this
book of wisdom and the world is happy with the finished product.” They couldn’t have
been more correct, I thought to myself.
In actuality, nothing can really prepare you for the joys and trials of parenthood. I’m
sure it’s an inborn trait that has lain sleeping during your young life but is awakened with
a soft but loud cry when you happen to be blessed with a child. Even a childless couple
has these traits, which are stirred, awakened, and developed with each contact they have
with others’ children. After all, they are no different than parents except that, either by
design or chance, they haven’t shared the experience of raising a child.
It is difficult to write an essay on raising a child. Most of all because so many
experiences you felt were a crisis at the time became merely laughing matters as the
years progress. You have heard the expression, “You will laugh at this years from now”
or words to that effect. I certainly didn’t think it was a laughing matter when our bundle
of joy rolled off the bed and hit the floor with a startled cry and loss of breath. I learned
you can’t take your eyes off them for a second—and certainly not a minute.
You will ask yourself a million times, should I have done that or should I do this?
Guilt will creep into your life over so many trivial matters. Like the time you forgot to
double-check the pins in a diaper. Then you are met with a cry of pain from a tiny voice.
How could you have possibly done that? you ask yourself.
Today the pin problem has almost disappeared with the advent of disposable diapers—
only one of the material things that have made raising a child so much easier in this age
of technology. No more pans of hot water to heat a bottle or baby’s first solid food. In
this matter, the microwave has become a blessing to all, including the baby who lets it be
known through vocal expression that it’s “time to eat – now!”
You can read all the books and listen to all the advice, professional and nonprofessional,
but nothing will replace the lessons learned and confidence gained through actual childraising experience. It will prepare you for most any trial in life. It will make you smile
and mold your character with strength you never knew you possessed. After all, there is
nothing more concerning than facing the unknown.
Because I have been a parent four times, I feel I fit the mold and the ‘products’ we
produced and formed made us proud. During your own parenting experience you will
have your trials and triumphs, none of which will seem trivial at the time. But in the long
run, you will never regret it. Good luck!
Jim Nelson enjoyed a career at the Spokane Review and retired in Spokane, WA. His
writings have been widely published in nationally known magazines, including five times
in Chicken Soup of the Soul books. His book, The Way It Was and The Way It Is, can be
found in the public libraries and school systems in Spokane. It is available for purchase
through Amazon.com and contains 46 nostalgic short stories. Jim Nelson enjoys hearing
from our readers and can be reached at 43 E. Weile, Apt. 214, Spokane, WA 99208. Jim
has been writing for over 50 years.
Phoenix 11
Dec-Jan 16
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.
11649 N. Cave Creek Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
11649 N. Cave Creek Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Local.
One Stop Shopping.
Park & visit all
5 shops - one location!
12 Phoenix • Goodyear
Arizona
Holiday Events Begin on November 27
At Heritage Square
in Downtown Phoenix
Heritage Square Holidays will be this year’s must-see destination from Thanksgiving
weekend through the start of the New Year. Local Phoenician designers and cultural
organizations have elaborately decorated the rooms of the Rosson House mansion, a
fully-restored 1895 Victorian home, for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Every room will
inspire and capture the spirit of the season. In addition to regular tours of the Rosson
House, several events have been planned to get you into the holiday spirit.
Kick off the season with First Friday on December 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. when the
Opening Party for Heritage Square Holidays will be held. The Rosson House Museum
will be filled with holiday décor and live music. Outside in the Square, enjoy a delicious
hot chocolate bar along with holiday music provided by the Heritage Carolers. Take a
holiday selfie (#hsphx) under the mistletoe on the front porch of the Rosson House to use
for your holiday greetings! Admission is $15.00 per person and free for Heritage Square
members.
On Saturday, December 5, or Thursday, December 10, enjoy a tour of the Rosson
House coupled with an elegant Holiday Tea in the Stevens Bungalow, an historic home
and exhibit space that will be transformed into a Victorian-style tearoom. Spend an hour
over tea, scones and clotted cream, which will be served on exquisite vintage china from
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Tickets are $15 per person and seniors and Square members
are $12. Reservations are required and are available online at heritagesquarePHX.org.
Visitors on December 5 and 6 can also stroll through the Seventh Annual Phoenix
Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German holiday market that includes food, gift vendors
and live entertainment. This event is sponsored by The Arizona Center for Germanic
Cultures. Visit www.ac4gc.org/events/christkindlmarkt.html to learn more.
From Saturday, December 26, to Thursday, December 31, spend time with your
family over the holidays at Heritage Square during Snow Week, with traditional holiday
crafts, outside games and the chance to win a prize by finding objects during a seasonally
themed scavenger hunt. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and this event is free.
Heritage Square is located at 112 N. Sixth Street, 7th Street and Monroe. It is the
last remaining residential block of the original Phoenix townsite, and its cornerstone is
the Rosson House Museum. The Museum is open for public tours, special events and
school trips, Wednesday through Sunday. While on the Square, visitors can also visit the
Museum Store, three award-winning restaurants, a coffee shop, and wine bar. A visit to
Heritage Square provides an afternoon of history, culture and relaxation.
For more information, call 602-261-8063 or go to: HeritageSquarePHX.org,
facebook.com/Rosson-House-Museum, twitter.com/RossonHouse or pinterest.com/
HeritageSquare.
Poppy’s Home Decor in Mesa
Offering Holiday High Teas
Poppy’s Home Decor in Mesa is happy to announce special Holiday High Teas that
will be offered at Picadilly Square Sandwich & Sweets located inside the store beginning
December 5. There will be two seatings every Saturday and Monday, one at 11 a.m. and
another at 2 p.m. During your shopping trip, why not take a break and enjoy a lovely pot
of tea with scones, savories and sweets served in the traditional manner? Reservations
are recommended.
Holiday Magic is found at Poppy’s Home Decor with an exquisite display of
beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a Designer Diva’s night along with the new Holiday
High Teas. In-home tree decorating service is also available so book now as the holidays
are fast approaching. Whether you are redecorating your home, going out for a delicious
lunch or shopping for that one of a kind gift, Poppy’s Home Decor is the place to go.
Owner Susan Haviland, an award winning interior designer, is extraordinarily
talented and highly creative and Poppy’s has a talented crew of artisans ready to help
you love your home. Workshops, classes and demos are offered throughout the year. One
of the most popular events is the monthly Designer Diva’s night where the designers
demonstrate how to make all kinds of beautiful and unique floral designs. The enjoyable
and informative Designer Diva’s evening includes dinner and dessert and is a great girls’
night out with door prizes and giveaways. The next Designer Diva night is December 10.
Poppy’s Home Décor is located at 7143 E Southern Ave., Ste 107, in Mesa just east
of Power Road. For more information, call 480-325-4900, follow Poppy’s Home Decor
on Facebook or check www.poppyshomedecoraz.com.
Dec-Jan 16
Mesa • Chandler 13
Cheddar Smashed Potatoes
courtesy Cooksrecipes.com
This rich and creamy, cheesy potato side dish is simply bursting with flavor. It’s a real
crowd-pleaser and sure to become a family favorite.
5 pounds red potatoes, washed and quartered
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Directions:
Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a simmer and cook until fork
tender. Drain potatoes well and return to pot off of heat. Using a handheld masher, add
butter and mix until melted. Mash in remaining ingredients
and season with salt and pepper.
Makes 10 to 12 servings. (Recipe can be halved.)
14 Mesa
Arizona
Covered Wagon Antique Mall in Mesa
Invites You to Its New Weekly Event
Covered Wagon Antique Mall in Mesa, which just celebrated its first anniversary,
is having a weekly party—a Tea Party—and you are invited! The special Tea Service is
a new feature offered on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mall’s “Chuck Wagon
Cafe.”
During the Full Luncheon Tea Service, two types of tea are served along with a variety
of finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. Please call 480-577-2549 the Friday before or
stop by to make your reservation.
Of course, during your tea visit, you’ll want to be sure to check out the large selection
of booths, showcases and bookshelves from more than 200 vendors. Offerings include
a large variety of furniture, sports memorabilia, collectibles, military, vintage/retro
clothing, jewelry, shabby chic—and so much more.
Covered Wagon Antique Mall’s over 35,000 square feet are filled with Reminiscing,
Nostalgia & Good Ol’ Memories. And, even if you can’t make it for Tuesdays’ teas, you
can still stop by the “Chuck Wagon Cafe” and enjoy a cup of coffee and a variety of light
snacks when you’re done shopping.
Other opportunities at Covered Wagon include Do It Yourself classes, such as jewelry
making, furniture distressing, basic decoupage and Christmas décor that are scheduled on
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Supplies are always included at the class and prices vary.
Outdoor Markets on third Saturdays began in October and continue through April 16,
2016. There are also sale prices throughout the store on those weekends and great food
vendors will be on hand.
Located at 6225 E. Main Street, between Power and Recker in Mesa, the Mall is open
daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday is Senior Day with 10% off.
To learn more—including finding out about new arrivals, featured items and
collections, special sales and other events—go to www.coveredwagonantiquemall.com.
You can also follow Covered Wagon Antique Mall on Facebook or on Twitter at https://
twitter.com/CWAntiquemall, email [email protected] or call 480355-1554.
Dec-Jan 16
Beads, Gems & Jewelry • Scrapbooking, Stamping & Paper Arts 15
Scraps of Love Crafting Store in Peoria
Has New Gift & Home Décor Boutique
Are you looking for a special gift to go with that unique card you plan to make?
Did you know that Scraps of Love in the original Arrowhead Mall on 99th and Peoria
Avenues can now help you with both? The paper crafting store not only has all your card
making, scrapbook, mixed media and rubber stamp wants and needs, it has added gift
and home décor items in a new boutique,
Scraps of Love, Too.
After being in business for over three
years, Owner Christina Widemark decided
to expand the crafting store because she has
always wanted to offer unique, affordable
gifts that are hard to find in the big box
stores. Hobbyists can now use their talents
for card making plus enjoy the convenience
of having a selection of gifts and home
décor to choose from—all in one location!
Open for just over a year, the gift boutique, which is located next to the craft shop,
carries a variety of large and small gift items for many occasions, including seasonal
offerings and exclusive collections that are new to the Valley. An example is Ginger
Snaps, a creative line of jewelry that lets you mix and match pendant faces on bracelets,
necklaces and other fun pieces just by snapping in different jewels. This design lets the
user select and wear the jewelry based on the occasions and outfits without having to
switch bracelets or necklaces. Christina says, “This is popular on the East Coast, so I
thought it would be fun to carry the line here.”
In the Phoenix area, what could be better than shawls and scarves that are comfortable
and wearable in many different configurations? These, along with boot socks, seem to
go quickly. For football fans, Chris found some University of Arizona and Arizona State
University belts that make the perfect gift. Amazingly, the belts sit next to each other
without any type of fighting or taunting!
With the holidays coming, Scraps of Love, Too has stocked up with all types of
ornaments and seasonal decorations. The Kringle Candle line, which is available in
different sizes and holiday scents, makes a perfect gift. Picking up hand-made cards
created by the Scraps of Love staff and instructors makes stopping at the Boutique an
easy single trip without the need to face lots of shoppers at the larger stores.
The staff at Scraps of Love, Too is excited about this new venture and even likes
to shop for their own gift needs. Ellisa, Allysa, Lucinda and Ann enjoy setting up and
changing displays so there is always something new for customers to see. And the fun
doesn’t stop at the gift products! Christina likes to shop for vintage furniture to add to
the shop’s décor. Some of her more celebrated pieces include an old iron garden cart, an
antique shopping cart, and an aluminum cabinet from the 1940s. These unique additions
are occasionally for sale—if you ask and she is ready to part with them!
With all their years of experience
creating crafts, cards and mixed media
projects, staff members Rhonda and
Melanie pass their expertise along during
classes at Scraps of Love. The class
schedule and calendar is available at http://
scrapsoflove.us.
Originally opening Scraps of Love
during the 2008 financial crisis, Christina
is grateful and proud that she has been able
to keep this small business successful so
she can continue to offer great service,
wonderful products and a fun place to stop.
While expanding and successfully running
this business has not always been easy, she finds it rewarding. Christina’s adult children
help in both shops from time to time. Son Zachary works on the paper crafting side and
helps manage the business while daughters Samantha and Kassidy assist customers find
that perfect gift. Christina feels that it is a blessing having her family so involved with
her dream.
Scraps of Love is at 9720 W. Peoria Avenue, Suite 130 Peoria, just blocks from
downtown Peoria and just west of the Interstate 101. Scraps of Love, Too is next door
in Suite 110—look for the sign that says, “Gift Boutique.” If you stop by once and meet
Chris or Debbi, one of her key employees, don’t be surprised if when you come in again,
they remember your name!
For more information about both shops, visit www.scrapsoflovetoo.com and www.
scrapsoflove.com or call 623-455-9810. Be sure to use the coupons in the shops’ ads in
this paper!
16 Cave Creek • Carefree • Scottsdale
Arizona
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 fair-play 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 Arizona 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.
Dec-Jan 16
Nearly Two Million Lights Will Glow
During Glendale Glitters Starting 11/27
Historic Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court is the place to be in December and
January! Nearly two million lights will illuminate a sixteen-block area during Glendale
Glitters starting on Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28, from 5 to 10 p.m.
This award-winning free event has become a family tradition for twenty-two years!
Murphy Park hosts entertainment, food, craft booths and a variety of activities for all
ages every Friday and Saturday night until Christmas.
Shops and restaurants are open daily with
extended evening hours on the weekends. Tree-lined
streets offer a unique blend of restaurants, shopping
and theatre. From the quaint houses in the historic
Catlin Court district to the downtown shops, visitors
can find holiday decor, gifts, antiques, clothing,
home decor, toys and much more. Unique dining
options include American, Asian, German, Italian
and Mexican cuisine. You can also find coffee,
cookies, ice cream, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and
steak. In addition, be sure to visit the Cerreta Candy
Company that offers daily tours.
The holiday light display remains lit every night
from 5 to 11 p.m. until the Glendale Glitter and
Glow Block Party on January 9, 2016. This colorful
event features over two-dozen hot air balloons
located throughout the downtown and Catlin Court
area. Murphy Park and the surrounding streets will
be aglow with hot air balloons along with street
performers, bands, food stands and entertainment
for all ages. Most shops and restaurants are open
late for this event.
Parking is available for all the events in two downtown parking garages and in all
the adjoining parking lots and side streets. Shuttle service is available from Glendale
Community College for the Grand Opening weekend, November 27-28, and for the
Glendale Glitter and Glow Block Party on January 9. For more information, call 623930-2299 or visit glendaleaz.com|events.
Catlin Court & Historic Downtown Glendale 17
18 Catlin Court & Historic Downtown Glendale
Arizona
Dec-Jan 16
Catlin Court & Historic Downtown Glendale 19
20 Catlin Court & Historic Downtown Glendale
Arizona
Enjoy Historic Downtown Glendale
By Visiting Catlin Court and Old Towne
You’re invited to come down to Historic Downtown Glendale and experience all that
it has to offer in its two unique districts—Catlin Court and Old Towne. Within their 16
blocks are unique shopping, crafting, live entertainment and delicious dining.
Catlin Court is on the northern end of the Historic Downtown area between 59th
Avenue and 57th Drive and between Myrtle and Palmaire in what was Glendale’s first
neighborhood. One of the oldest buildings is home to The Spicery in Our 1895 Home
where you can enjoy luncheon, tea or that special occasion in a Victorian environment.
There are many specialty boutiques in Catlin Court. The Talented Tortoise is akin to an
artist co-op, offering handmade goods that change seasonally. The Open Door specializes
in Laurel Burch, Minnetonka, kitchen gadgetry and handmade decorative tiles. Via their
gift shop and fund raising, 2 Share Gifts has a mission to provide our K-9 officers with
protective vests like their human partners wear. For kids and vintage fans, Bears & More
has lots of toys, stuffed animals and rooms full of vintage treasures. Antique lovers will
enjoy exploring Spinning Wheel Antiques, filled with collectibles and antiques.
Crafters have many options. Paper crafts at The Occasional Artist and tole painting at
The Tole Shop are just two of the stores offering classes. Painters can visit The Country
Maiden for Miss Mustard Seed and Fusion Paint, Blue House Boutique for Annie Sloan
Chalk Paint and Vintage Green Old Town Treasures for Webster’s and General Finishes.
These shops also offer home décor, bath products and repurposed and vintage items.
Cottage Garden II is a clothing and accessory boutique. Its sister store, Cottage
Garden, has new home and garden decorations. Delfina Salon and Day Spa offers
pampering facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and new hairstyles. You can sit a
spell in the garden at Papa Ed’s Ice Cream enjoying tea, coffee or ice cream in homemade
waffle cones.
General operating hours for Catlin Court shops are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m., with extended hours for holidays and events. Visit www.visitcatlincourt.com
to learn more.
Old Towne is where Glendale’s original downtown began. Between the city offices
and the historic buildings, there is the sense of a traditional town square with Murphy
Park in the center. Old Towne stretches to the east and south so allow time to explore it
all.
You won’t leave hungry since even the fussiest eaters can find something to enjoy.
Bitz-ee Mama’s is in its 4th decade of offering American and Mexican fare, delicious
Margueritas and live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Gaslight Inn and Café
and OTG Wine and Beer bar are right next to each other offering locally-sourced breads,
olives, olive oils and vinegars as well as jams. Haus Murphy’s has traditional German
schnitzels and other meals as well as German beers and it is a great spot for Oktoberfest.
For a fun dinner 1950s style, head over to Hop Stop Diner for home style American
dishes. Pizza Old Roma has been part of Old Towne for years and is a friendly place to
grab a slice or two or more. Cuff recently reopened with a variety of modern dishes plus
a fully stocked bar. A Shot of Java is known for its coffee, espresso, poetry readings and
entertainment by local musicians. Coyote Oaties will satisfy those cookie urges—try one
and you’ll be hooked. Pacific-Rim cuisine fans are happy that Zang’s Asian Bistro will
reopen soon. Historic Downtown Glendale’s biggest news is the opening of Desert Rose
Steakhouse and Desert Rose Pizza & Gastro Pub, thanks to the incredible revitalization
of the property in which they are located. Their Grand Openings are highly anticipated.
Many boutiques and specialty shops are located in Old Towne. Apple Tree, Evening
Shade Antiques, Timeless Treasures and Creations, and Zola Bell’s Vintage Emporium
are within sight of each other, offering selections that will bring back memories.
Everything from pinup girl style fashions to Hello Kitty accessories are found at Pink
House Boutique. Auntie Em’s Miniatures specializes in dollhouses, accessories and
vintage toy collectibles. Visit OZsome Resale for fine furnishings and home décor.
Westside Furniture has western style furnishings and accessories for your home. Inside
Glass Creations Boutique are glass creations made by American manufacturers along
with women’s fashions, handmade jewelry and home décor. If pop culture is your thing,
J & R Accessories is the place for fun accessory items. Drawn to Comics has everything
for the comic book aficionado and hosts many events, most notably National Comic
Book Day in May. For those interested in the paranormal, mystical, supernatural or
otherworldly, The Astrology Store has books and classes along with stones, crystals,
pendulums and figurines.
For fun and entertainment, the options are wide and varied. Cerreta Candy Company
delights generations of families with its factory tours and specially made chocolates.
Off the Cuff Venue holds dinner shows and mystery theatres. Local community Brelby
Theatre has a full schedule of original and popular plays. Desert Rose complex will
include the west valley’s only Cigar Lounge and Club.
The Old Towne shops are generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some having
evening hours. During festivals and special events, hours are usually extended.
Many special themed shopping events take place throughout the year with businesses
working together with the Glendale Convention and Visitor Bureau (GCVB) to provide
unique and delightful experiences. Please see the full-page ad in this issue with calendar
information so you can mark events that you don’t want to miss.
For information on Glendale and the West Valley, stop by the Glendale Convention
and Visitor Bureau at 5800 W. Glenn Drive. It is stocked with hundreds of brochures,
maps and menus and the friendly staff and volunteers are there from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to
help you. You can also visit the GCVB’s website at www.visitGlendale.com.
Dec-Jan 16
Prescott • Young • Payson & Pine • Globe & Miami • Quartzsite 21
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.
Continued on page 22...
1.
PINE
5
4
3
Hardscrabble Rd.
2.
Pin
e1
3M
ile
s
Forest Dr.
2
Highway 260
Longhorn Rd
1
Frontier St.
3.
W. Main St
PAYSON
BEELINE HWY 87
4.
5.
22 Fiber Arts, Yarn, Knitting & Needlework
Arizona
THE FIBER FACTORY
The Southwest’s Most Complete Yarn Shop
Yarn, accessories, equipment & classes for:
Knitting, Weaving, Spinning, Crochet, Tatting,
Basketry, Navajo weaving & Bobbin Lace
480.969.4346 • Fax: 480.969.2365
Out of area: 888.969.9276
216 W. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
www.fiberfactory.com
email: [email protected]
Photo Album, continued from page 21...
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.
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
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Or email the information to: [email protected]
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Please tell us about a local Arizona quilt shop, antique store, gift shop, etc that you
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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 16
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework 23
KISSed Quilts
National Park Service Centennial
by Marlene Oddie
Have you found your National Park yet? 2016 is the National Park Service (NPS)
Centennial. I grew up visiting Yosemite National Park several times a year. Although I
lived on the California coast, our frequent visits to Yosemite are great memories from
my childhood. I now live at the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, which is
created by the water backup of the Columbia River behind the Grand Coulee Dam. The
National Park areas have always had a soft
spot in my heart and I regularly try to get
more cancellations in my Passport to Your
National Parks® Program.
A little background, my group leader
at Jinny Beyer’s last Hilton Head Seminar
in 2009 was Ricki Selva. Little did I know
what an important connection that would
become. In January 2015, I was attending
the Washington State Quilter’s Guild
Meeting and Ricki was the guest speaker.
As part of her presentation, she talked
about being one of the 148 artists in an
upcoming curated exhibit of 177 pieces
celebrating the NPS Centennial. The artists
represent the United States, Canada and
Germany. Some artists are internationally
known, others made their first art quilt for
this project; the common thread throughout
is that all were inspired by the timeless
beauty of the National Parks.
Although there are hundreds of national
park areas, a flora, fauna and landscape
quilt has been created for each of the 59
National Parks.
Landscape is by Barb Hollinger created
After contacting NPS Centennial
to honor Rocky Mountain National Park.
Exhibit Curator Donna Marcinkowski
DeSoto, I learned she had recently curated an exhibit of quilts for each of 150 Beatles
songs. How fun! We discussed the possibility of hosting the entire exhibit in our area
as part of the NPS Centennial celebrations. The entire collection will be shared with
enthusiasts during our Festival of America – 4th of July weekend when fireworks are set
off from the top of Grand Coulee Dam. We are honored to bring these pieces of art to
our area and hope to see many from our region as well as visitors. These exhibits have a
coffee table style book that can be purchased and which includes photos of all the quilts
along with personal narratives by rangers and personnel of the National Parks.
You are invited to create a quilt inspired by your own National Park experiences and
share it with us as part of the show in the Grand Coulee Dam area. I’ve been working
on a quilt that depicts a scene looking out a window from the Ahwahnee Hotel in
Yosemite. For the latest information on the show and how you can participate, visit www.
grandcouleedam.org or www.nps.gov/laro.
A portion of the exhibit debuted at International Quilt Festival, Houston, in October
2015. Check http://www.npscentennialquilts.com/ for a current exhibit schedule of the
collection.
Marlene Oddie is an engineer by education, project manager
by profession and now a quilter by passion in Grand Coulee, WA.
She enjoys long-arm quilting on her Gammill Optimum Plus, but
especially enjoys designing quilts and assisting in the creation of a
meaningful treasure for the recipient. Follow Marlene’s adventures
via her blog at http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com and on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts.
Carrot Apple Squares
courtesy Cooksrecipes.com
These moist and delicious, cake-like spiced carrot and apple squares make healthy
lunch treats or after-school snacks. Tip: The batter can also be used to make muffins.
Recipe Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated carrot
1 cup grated apple
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
In a separate bowl cream together butter, sugar and egg, add vanilla stirring until
blended.
Slowly stir in the flour mixture, followed by carrots, apples and raisins. Mix well and
pour into a 13x9x2-inch pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until tested done.
Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice (enough to make a thin glaze).
Spread glaze evenly on top of the slightly cooled, but still warm cake. Let cool
completely before cutting.
If making muffins; fill each lined muffin tin 2/3 full. Bake
12 to 15 minutes or when wooden pick inserted into center of
one muffin comes out clean.
Makes 24 squares.
24 Quilting, Sewing & Needlework
Arizona
Dec-Jan 16
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework 25
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
26 Quilting, Sewing & Needlework
Arizona
Dec-Jan 16
A Mea Culpa of an Article
by Kerri Habben
I apologize for this article. The following topics are ones you almost read about:
What will come of our fermenting cabbage?
Why an old rebuilt German house in Staunton, Virginia brought tears to my eyes.
Why we sing “Stille Nacht” instead of “Silent Night.”
For some unknown reason, a sentence just didn’t sit like proper prose should. Wads
of paper later, I finally decided to save a tree and revised the following poem from a few
years ago. It fictionally shows through the “muses” the qualities I believe helps a writer to
trust the words and follow where they lead. I’ve found the words—and sharing them-—
are always, always worth the wait.
Awaiting the Muses
There is a quiet terror
in waiting for words
that may or may not arrive.
I sit at the edge of my chair,
my skirt smooth, blouse neatly tucked,
hair pulled back into a twist
with all the ends secure.
The doorbell shall ring triumphant.
They’ll sweep in and lay images and
metaphors in my evenly pressed lap.
I wait through lunch and begin to
slouch in my chair. By dinner-time,
my hair has fallen to my shoulders,
and at last, I accept that they aren’t coming
and throw on a long t-shirt and
my grandfather’s long underwear.
I pour a coffee into my favorite mug
and go outside to look at the stars.
I am thinking how rare a night it is
that the moon seems to be in its proper place
when the muses come clattering up the back steps,
laughing and lugging suitcases behind them.
First, a short gray-haired lady
wearing a purple jumper and carrying a flowered suitcase,
hugs me and says with a gush of a sigh,
“You should have seen the traffic on the highway.”
Behind her is a little boy, in tan shorts, tennis shoes, and an orange shirt.
He throws his arms around my waist and hangs on.
Then,“I’m hungry. Did you make anything to eat?”
He brushes past me into the kitchen and sits down
at the table while the lady pulls out her knitting.
Errol Flynn’s twin stands a few steps away from me.
He looks at me as Robin Hood looks at Marion and
traces a finger gently down my cheek.
“I struggled to get here,” he murmurs gruffly,
“I’m not leaving until I’ve told you everything.”
He takes my hand, and I let him lead me
into the kitchen where the lady is making a sweater,
the boy is devouring cookies,
and words are flying everywhere.
However, as a responsible and well-intentioned writer, I cannot end this article yet.
Because I know you truly, truly want to know about our fermented cabbage.
As I write, there is a crock in the garage with layers of sliced cabbage and salt, topped
with cabbage leaves, a wet cloth, and a weighted-down plate. The man at the old German
house in the Frontier Culture Museum showed us their crock and explained how to
preserve the cabbage.
It has been about a month now, and we’ll see how ours tastes.
The German house had been a home for over two centuries in Germany, and its
presence was the main impetus for going to the site. We have never seen my greatgrandmother’s childhood home in Northern Germany, save for a few photographs.
We went to feel the essence and energy of this farmhouse similar to where Nanna was
raised and the walls so like where she once lived.
And where she sang “Stille Nacht.”
Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer and crochet teacher living in Raleigh, NC.
An avid crocheter and knitter, she learned these skills from her grandmother and mother.
She donates many of her yarn creations to those in need. Kerri has gathered a decade
of essays she is working to publish. She can be reached at [email protected].
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework 27
28 Quilting, Sewing & Needlework
Arizona
Dear Mr. Dunn . . . from Mari
One of our shop owners recently sent the following letter to Mark Dunn, owner and
president of United Notions/Moda Fabrics regarding “her resentful feelings towards precuts they have named after baked goods.” We thought you’d enjoy it.
Dear Mr. Dunn,
First, let me compliment you on your strong marketing skills, keen business sense,
ability to recruit talented designers* and your company’s user friendly website. You have
left many other fabric companies in the dust in just a few short years.
I do, however, have just one small complaint.** Ok, it used to be a big complaint,
but thanks to appetite suppressants, exercise and the fact that I no longer eat, it’s getting
smaller. Yes. I am talking about my thighs, stomach and rear end.
I am referring to the Moda Bake Shop, sir. It was a brilliant move. Naming precut fabrics after delicious food that invoked memories of Grandma’s kitchen*** and
including “recipes” with the pre-cuts. Layer cakes, jellyrolls, honey buns, candies,
turnovers . . .
However, there was a dangerous side effect to all this goodness. Some of us Quilters
got hungry. When we got hungry, we ate. Baked goods were already on the mind. You
can guess what happened next.
It was so innocent, at first. We could keep this quietly controlled. An occasional
jellyroll was slipped into the shopping bag at the quilt store and we might stop off to get
a jelly filled doughnut on the way home to complete the experience. Then we graduated
to hosting “Moda Bake Shop” parties, slicing and dicing up our layer cakes and snacking
on chocolate cake as we sewed. Quilts were completed more quickly, which gave us more
time to have seconds on the turnovers brought in by the skinny baker/quilter who never
gains weight.****
Our New Year’s resolution was always to make more quilts and lose weight, never
realizing that by accomplishing one, we were setting ourselves up for failure in the other.
I have finally found a solution to the problem. Fabric is fiber and fiber is good for you.
Fabric has no calories and you can’t get fat with zero calories! All of the Moda treats are
low fat, zero calories and high in fiber. Since traditionally low fat, high fiber food is also
low in taste, this should help me trick the old taste buds. I will continue to use my Moda
baked goods to finish more quilts. If I get too hungry, I will just eat the fabric. Desperate
times call for desperate measures.
I am sure you had no idea you would be contributing to America’s Obesity Problem
and had the very best of intentions. Maybe, as an act of good will, you could use one of
your Collections for a Cause fabric lines to sponsor scholarships for Weight Watchers! I
am also open to a tummy tuck. Whatever works best for you.
Sincerely,
Mari VanderStelt
Fabric Geek, Yankee Dutch Quilts
Brownsville, OR
* Although you have not recruited me—yet.
** Ok, I’m not entirely serious. I figure the Moda bakeshop thing was only responsible
for about 20% of my weight gain. Yes, I realize I’m responsible for my own choices . . .
*** Before she got dementia and started to forget to add sugar. Sigh. I miss Grandma.
**** We are pretty sure she’s taking something illegal. But, dang, her turnovers are
good!
Mari Vanderstelt owns Yankee Dutch Quilting & Dry Goods, located at 106 East
Bishop Way, Brownsville, OR 97327. She can be reached at [email protected].
Writing has proven to be a great way for her to unwind. Mari told us that Mark Dunn
liked her letter enough that it was published on the company blog. “But,” she says, “he
didn’t come through with the tummy tuck. So irritating.”
Growing Up in a Victorian Home
by Dvid Kish
My great Grandpa built the home that I grew up in. It was a two family Victorian in
an old Italian neighborhood in Connecticut. One to three blocks away in any direction
you would find an Italian Mom & Pop store or business of some type—grocer, sausage
factory, Esposito’s Italian Bread Bakery. Across the street was a gas station where my
brothers and I would buy our nickel bottles of soda from the old cooler with the ‘lift lid.’
Up the hill from the gas station was the St. Ann’s Italian Club and next to it was the
family who made all the Christmas garlands that were hung across the streets uptown and
downtown by my uncle and other locals. I once was able to tour the workshop and see all
the garland-making machines, Santa and Snowman decorations. One year I was paid to
test light bulbs and then screw them into the garlands.
My uncle and aunt lived downstairs and we lived upstairs in the Victorian house. Our
upper floor included a great big attic with all its eves creating separate areas, each with a
window. We used the attic areas as a playroom, poolroom and my brothers’ slot car racing
set-up. On snowy days, I would sit in the window watching the snow and play with my
Mickey Mouse Colorforms. I’d pray it would keep snowing so I would not have to go to
school the next day!
In the playroom was a large wooden rocking horse with a real horsehair tail. It was
our little haven up in the attic. At Christmas time, my Mother would come up and open
the box of Christmas decorations my Great Grandma brought to the USA from Europe.
The box contained little cardboard houses with ‘plastic film’ stained glass windows and
bottlebrush trees; paper mache bells covered in foil hung from strings of glass beads held
together by silver foil covered cardboard leaves.
Mom would tack one of the bell decorations on the center beam of the playroom
window and all the windows that faced the street. The little houses would be placed
along the windowsill like a little village. I loved picking up the houses and looking at
the stained glass windows and running my fingers along the glass beads of the bells and
hearing the little clinking sound as the strands touched.
Those are wonderful memories of the Victorian home, its decorations (that I wish had
survived time) and the feeling I get every time I see the little cardboard houses in antique
stores, books and magazines.
David Kish is a fiber Artist and Teacher.
Dec-Jan 16
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework 29
30 Quilting, Sewing & Needlework
Arizona
Great Holiday Shopping! Complimentary Gift Wrap
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Exceptional, Wearable, Art Collection.
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Gallery
OPEN DAILY OCTOBER-MAY
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7 Camino Otero
P.O. Box 2211 • Tubac, AZ 85646
1 (800) 255-2306
7601 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85710
520-74-QUILT (747-8458)
b Colorful, exciting fabrics
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www.thequiltersmarket.com
Fall in Love with White Ironstone
by Simone Gers
A timeless classic must-have is white Ironstone—plates, platters, pitchers, bowls,
serving pieces and soup tureens. With humble beginnings as a heavy-duty staple
commonly used for dinner service because of its
iron-like durable qualities, white Ironstone can
be dressed up or dressed down. What we love is
that it is a perfect complement for so many other
pieces.
White Ironstone plates make great chargers
for glass dishes like green or pink Depression
glass or ruby red, patterned dishes or solid
colored fiesta. White Ironstone brings a holiday
table to life through layering. Red dishes layered
over creamy white Ironstone create an extra
special Valentine, 4th of July or Christmas table.
Even a Halloween table can come to life.
This classic lightens even the darkest places.
Have a dark wood cabinet? Fantastic. Try
layering different shapes of white Ironstone and
watch the pieces sparkle. Place architectural
pieces, mercury glass or silver plate items in
front and the details shine.
White Ironstone platters are the perfect bases for displaying curated collections of
your favorite pieces.
It can be used in every room of the house, from
bathrooms to living rooms—so many pieces are simply
elegant with few frills. The clean lines, the patina, the
crazing create architectural interest. The versatility of
layering with it in your home decorating—whether in
tablescaping, accessorizing or bringing light to a dark
area—makes us celebrate its durability, thankful that
white Ironstone has survived the test of time.
Simone Gers began her antiquing journey 35 years
ago when she married Tray, an avid collector. The
couple still has 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. Simone has taught writing and
literature at the college level for many years.
Dec-Jan 16
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework 31
The Gifts of Teatime
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).
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.
32 Quilting, Sewing & Needlework
Arizona
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework 33
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Dec-Jan 16
34 Quilting, Sewing & Needlework Events
Arizona
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
Diamond Deco, Raffle Quilt. Photo by Jack Kuwalik 2015
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 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.
Dec-Jan 16
Splendor in the Desert Quilt Academy
Is Better than a Shop Hop!
Valley Quilters Guild and Desert ScrapRats Quilt Club of Green Valley have joined
forces to present their newest venture “Splendor in the Desert Quilt Academy” that
will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held biennially
opposite their Splendor in the Desert Quilt Show at Las Campanas Recreation Center,
565 W. Bell Tower Drive in Green Valley—the same venue as the Show.
“Splendor in the Desert Quilt Academy” is inspired by another Academy in Lodi,
WI, that was attended by a Guild member who brought the idea home to the Guild.
Only $35 for Guild and ScrapRats members ($40 general public) will garner you
a reservation and a choice of
three of the eleven live demos
given by the vendors. It will
also include your choice of box
lunch provided by Sweet Peas
Catering, Door Prize and Grand
Prize Tickets, and shopping at
all eleven vendors’ booths.
The Registration Form for
Guild and ScrapRat members
will be available December
1 in the Members’ section
of the Valley Quilters Guild
website,
www.vqgaz.com.
The Registration Form for the
general public will be available
January 1 on the Guild website
as well.
And the prizes! A beautiful
quilt pieced, quilted and
donated by the Guild’s Quilt
Addicts Bee will be raffled and
tickets will be for sale at the event. A Grand Prize sewing machine has been donated
by each of three Tucson vendors—a Bernina Sew Pink donated by the Quilt Basket
& Sewing Room, an Elna Lotus donated by Eagle’s Wings, and a Baby Lock Rachel
donated by Cathey’s Sew and Vac.
Each of the other vendors is donating a Door Prize valued at approximately $150.
The Door Prize Committee is also busy preparing up to 50 baskets of goodies. Each paid
participant will receive 21 free Door Prize Tickets for the drawing as well as 1 Grand
Prize Ticket for the drawing for one of the sewing machines. All prizes will be drawn at
the end of the Academy and participants must be present to win.
Attendance is limited to 220 participants and more information is available on the
Guild website.
Quilting, Sewing & Needlework Events 35
36 Quilting, Sewing & Needlework Event
Arizona