My latest Project

I was so excited when Arts Alive asked me to paint one of their street banners for this years event. There are about 100 artists participating and I can't wait to see all the finished paintings. The big unveiling is in Feb., then they will hang downtown for 3 months before being auctioned off.
Thought you'd like to see the progression of my piece. I decided to do a different version of my beehive girl since I always regretted painting the original on a small 16x20 inch canvas. Can you believe how BIG this thing is? The last few days were spent painting from a little stool or up on a stepladder. I'm just about done and will post the rest of the pictures soon.

Was it the soup?

How did this child turn from this to this? It must have been the soup.
I love that Ethan showed up for dinner in his pj's.

So tonight I informed the family that my soup kitchen was open which meant we had nine for dinner... instantly. I served the potato leek soup recommended by Georgia from Modern Crush which was a big hit. Recipe here.
I made two versions.... vegetarian for my veggie side of the family and the original recipe with bacon. The vegetarian version won by a landslide. Go figure?
Also, you really don't need to add the flour since it has potatoes. I will definitely make this again. T'was perfect soup for a rainy day.

We ended the night with lots of games in my studio, plenty of wine, chocolate and then popcorn to seal the evening.

I then I tossed them out the door when I was done for the night. That's what I call a perfect evening.

I know...... I'm supposed to be hibernating, but I had to share.

Art Class Show and Tell

I had to wait till after Christmas to show you this adorable "Snowy Egret" painted by my nephew Andrew (age 7). He used it for his holiday card this year. Just look at the feet and shadows! I'm so proud of him. Love it!

--FYI.....all the art class projects from Carol, Francesca and I are on display at the Encinitas Pannikin all month if you want to take a peek.

................................now, back to hibernating. Karin

2011

It's that time of year again when we declare our New Years resolutions.
Well, sorry...but I don't have any this year.

Instead.......all I can think about is "I WANT A NEW KITCHEN!"
Something like this one would be amazing.

I also love the look of this reclaimed wood and have the perfect wall for this. Wouldn't it look great wrapped around a kitchen island too?

Com'on universe, what do ya say? Sort of a New Years House resolution?

Jealous?

Here's a toast to the beginning of my soup making efforts. This is the vegetable with quinoa soup that I got from my friend Alexis' blog. She wasn't kidding when she said to use your biggest pot. I ran out of room and had to omit the butternut squash. It made enough to feed four families! Next time I'll remember to make a half batch.
Serve this with some crusty bread, grilled chicken and of course a nice glass of wine. So....so good!

If you have a favorite soup recipe...please share. I just bought 2 cookbooks with a total of 570 different soups.
I hope the weather stays rainy and winter like so I'll be in the mood to make more.
Did I tell you I only cook 3-4 months out of the year? The rest of the time I (try) to leave it to Art and his grilling skills.

Also pictured are some pretty shots of Barrels and Branches. Don't you just love the way they decorate?

Class at Urban Barn!

I'm so excited to take the soldering class at Urban Barn with teacher Terri Brush.
Seriously, I can't tell you how long I've wanted to learn how to make my own charms. There are still a couple spots left if you want to join me. I'm registered in the "crown making" class.

Guest Blog

I'm so flattered that Bianca over at Bink and Boo asked if I'd participate in her "Five Favorite Finds" blog series. She's such a cool cat full of wit and crazy good taste.

Go check it out and say hello. Karin