ARTspiration
Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my soul. This modern piece is by artist, Joan Miró, and is called, FEMME ET OISEAUX
YOKE DU YOUR
A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good to eat?”
“That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about things like that over dinner,” the dad replies.
After dinner the father asks, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?”
“Oh, nothing,” the boy says. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone.”
DESIGNspiration
Look around you. Design is everywhere! Marie-Anne Oudejans is Jaipur’s newly minted tastemaker—and her hotel apartment is one deliriously lovely reason why How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft?
IDEA I LOVE
Now’s your chance to recycle your leaking garden hose — or to dumpster dive for one. Make this cool outdoor, practically indestructible rug! Pretty cool, right? Find the tutorial here:
http://annsgardenpath.blogspot.com/2013/07/hose-rug.html
IDEA I LOVE
Warm days on a picnic or at the beach call for cool treats (except in New Jersey where Chris Chrispie-kreme http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/07/christie_pictured_at_island_beach_state_park_durin.html#comments closed all of the New Jersey beaches and parks this holiday weekend except for his own family – dip shit that he is).
Try whipping up these pretty insulated mason jar bags for all of your hot weather treats that you’ll be chowing down on in your backyard rather than the beach, at Sew Mama Sew. Here’s the tutorial:
http://www.sewmamasew.com/2015/06/insulated-mason-jar-bag-free-tutorial/
YUMMY DISH!
KIELBASA KAPUSTA
SLOW COOKER RECIPE!
Ingredients
- butter
- bacon drippings
- sweet yellow onions
- sauerkraut
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- light brown sugar
- water
- kielbasa
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE http://foodfolksandfun.net/2016/05/kielbasa-kapusta/
IDEA I LOVE
Now that the weather is nice and your flowers are about to spring into color bloom (except on New Jersey parks and beaches LOL) why not gather some petals and experiment with natural fabric dyeing. Here’s the tutorial on how to turn your garden into enviable fabric stash:
http://abeautifulmess.com/2017/02/experimenting-with-natural-dyes.html
IDEA I LOVE
I like the look of a professional label on handmade masterpieces but sometimes buying them can be very expensive, you have to order more than you might ever use in 4 lifetimes, and they might look pretty crappy once you get them. Try making your own. Here’s the tutorial (Maybe Calvin Klein started this way?):
http://www.easysewingforbeginners.com/project/make-fabric-labels-home/
SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG
BEST LEMONADE MIMOSAS
Ingredients
- lemon zest
- sugar
- lemon
- champagne
- lemonade or pink lemonade
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53750/lemonade-mimosas-recipe/
OBSESSED WITH
IDEA I LOVE
I am so NOT a butterfly person. I mean, I like butterflies, but they do nothing for me on quilts, pillowcases, wall sconces, lamps, etc. This little butterfly craft, however, I do like. Of course, it all depends on if you find top-notch paper butterflies — otherwise, it could look like some arthropod experiment gone horribly wrong (not to mention ass-ugly). Here’s the tutorial:
http://www.markmontano.com/2012/09/butterflies-under-glass.html
WORDS TO LIVE BY
IDEA I LOVE
Cute, cute, cute. Easy, easy, easy. Summery, summery, summery. “Hey, Kids! Hide your t-shirts . . . Mama’s got her scissors!” Here’s how to bangle up your look this summer:
https://craftsbyamanda.com/make-bracelets-from-recycled-t-shirts/
MY RECENT MUSIC OBSESSIONS
Sister groups!
The Three X Sisters
The Boswell Sisters
The Andrews Sisters
The McGuire Sisters
The Lennon Sisters
The King Sisters
The Paris Sisters
The Carter Sisters
The Simon Sisters
The Dinning Sisters
The McGarrigle Sisters
The Pointer Sisters
The Maharelle Sisters
MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!
QUICK CINNAMON BUNS
WITH BUTTERMILK GLAZE
OR
(Why my tuchus is the size of Maine)
For the Cinnamon Buns
- unsalted butter
- dark brown sugar, packed
- granulated sugar
- cinnamon
- cloves
- salt
- flour,
- baking powder
- baking soda
- low-fat buttermilk
For the Glaze
- cream cheese
- low-fat buttermilk
- confectioners’ sugar
For the full recipe CLICK HERE: http://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/weekend-baking-quick-cinnamon-buns.html
FREE AUDIO BOOK
I don’t know how I found this free eBook and after I downloaded it I didn’t listen right away . . . I mean, I’ve seen the movie. How different could it be? Well, a lot different, as a matter of fact! I actually loved the book and it’s so unlike the film. The story has so many layers and subplots that the Bela Lugoisi film doesn’t even come close to interesting. Give it a shot. You might like it. Here’s the link I used:
http://www.audiobooktreasury.com/dracula-bram-stoker/
MEMBA?
When it took half the time to get out of the market — and the cashiers knew all of the prices (and so did we because all of the products had prices labeled or stamped on them), they entered them in manually and more often faster than the scanners, AND they were able to count change without having the register do it for them. The good old days!
IDEA I LOVE
In the mood to paint? Grab a few tubes of cheap acrylics and learn how to paint textured roses! Here’s the tutorial:
http://www.craftberrybush.com/2017/06/how-to-paint-textured-roses.html
And now a personal word . . .
Last week, I gave my last lecture for the foreseeable future at the Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, New Jersey.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by. It was a sweet send off . . .
It was bittersweet. I love the performance. I love meeting and talking with quilters and other creatives, but I’m just not strong stong enough to continue – even on a local level. Between the kidney failure and some pretty negative reactions to the drugs, I am barely doing anything at all. It’s very frustrating — but I still think I’m luckier than many. We have to find gratefulness in all of our experiences (gifts are there if you look — even under dire circumstances). That said, I’m forced into hibernation.
As it turns out, after my last bloodwork, it seems my creatinine numbers have surged and I will most likely be beginning dialysis shortly until we find a donor match. The bad news is that as a result of the several blood transfusions I had to save my life, protiens had been introduced into my blood that unfortunately renders about 60% of all possible donors unfit. There is hope but it may take just a little longer than expected.
At least dialysis will keep me alive (hopefully) until a match is found. As a matter of fact, I have a preliminary appointment on Wednesday with a new pre-dialysis doctor referred by my transplant team.
Current Fantasy
I want to get rid of everything I own. Everything. I don’t have the energy to even try but I can dream . . .
Stash Page
Get first dibs on all of my eBay listings when you follow the Pickle Road Stash Busting page on Facebook! Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PickleRoadStashBusting/
FACEBOOK LIVE
Mr. Electric and I will be back NEXT Sunday evening! (Keep watching Facebook for alerts). I have special sales for you, new products to show, and more! See you there!
I also started a YouTube page and will, eventually be doing some live broadcasts and probably a few online classes there. I will be uploading all of the Facebook Live videos to my channel first (and adding retroactive links to this blog). I already have some uploaded and am working backward — hopefully, I can organize them later. Then, I’ll think about creating and adding original content. Please subscribe to my channel, here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeWRvfCwPVqbXXvphw6bsVg
Celebrate!
IDEA I LOVE
How terrific is this Sweet Heirlooms Tomato Garden Quilt? Looks like Kaffe Fassett fabric to me (www.gloriouscolor.com). Such a great idea and I love the fabric choices, too. Here’s a link to the free applique lap quilt pattern:
COOKIES!
SAND DOLLAR COOKIES
Ingredients
tapioca flour/starch
egg yolk
powdered sugar
butter, melted
coconut milk/cream
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE http://www.diamondsfordessert.com/2011/06/sand-dollar-cookies.html
IDEA I LOVE
Hey yarnies, this is cool. Make your own flower “petal dyed yarn”! It really looks like such a fun project and now is the time to try it — because believe it or not we have less than 60 days before September weather and the leaves begin to fall — i.e. prime knitting time! Here’s the tutorial:
http://childerhouseblog.com/?p=4077
LOL
JUST BECAUSE I SWOON
Appliqued gowns designed by 26-year-old (and former racecar driver) Mark Bumgarner.
IDEA I LOVE! CROCHETspiration
Whip up a quick crocheted beach bag (unless you live in New Jersey, or in just case you are invited to Chris Christie’s private beach house this weekend)
FOR THE FREE PATTERN, CLICK ON THE LINK: http://www.marthastewart.com/907071/crocheted-beach-bags
BE DAZZLED!
Jewelry designed by Istanbul jewelry artist, Derya Askoy. “These majestic pieces were drawn out of her inspiration for nature, in fact, Aksoy transferred real moth and butterfly wing images onto fabric to create these eye-catching pieces.”
Here’s a Derya Askoy work in progress . . . stunning!
PATCHWORK, BABY!
I love watermelon and I love this watermelon quilt, too. Isn’t it fun? I especially love the big polka dot that SuzyQuilts used for the back! Here’s the free tutorial to make your own super easy watermelon quilt:
Click to access ModMelons-Pattern_Digital2.pdf
SHOEspiration
From the Ralph & Russo fall/winter heels collection for 2016/2017.
IDEA I LOVE! LAVENDER
I love these little lavender inspired cross stitch charts. Have at it!
IDEA I LOVE! KNITspiration!
Here’s a knitted wrap around belted tunic dress that you can make to fit! I kinda like it. wonder what it might look like in a mix of colors? Here’s the pattern:
http://www.canadianliving.com/home-and-garden/knitting-and-crochet/article/knit-a-belted-tunic-dress
GARDENspiration
Here’s a simple tutorial for personalizing a door mat. Just think of all of the trouble you could get into with your own unique messages! LOL Just follow this tutorial (to get yourself arrested):
http://www.settlinginsawdust.com/come-back-with-tacos-doormat-diy/
MUST HAVE
IDEA I LOVE
Make your lips the most kissable in town this summer with your own DIY vegan lip balm. SWAK! Here’s the recipe:
http://helloglow.co/diy-vegan-lip-balm/
EMBROIDERYspiration!
I love old family photos. Use this tutorial to add some color and texture to old images using transfer to fabric medium and embroidery floss. You’re not just creating art — you’re creating an heirloom. Here’s how to start:
IDEA I LOVE
Use the power of the summer sun to sun print fabric this summer using flowers, leaves, and weeds from your own garden or neighborhood. It’s super easy and fun. Start here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/337724/sun-print-pillows-how-to
DESSERT!
HUMMINGBIRD CAKE
There is a tie between this and Carrot Cake as my personal fav!
Ingredients
- non-stick baking spray butter, softened
- sugar
- vanilla extract
- eggs
- flour
- baking soda
- cinnamon
- salt
- buttermilk
- ripe bananas
- Frosting, recipe follows
- Optional garnishes: sweetened flaked coconut, chopped macadamia nuts
Frosting
- butter, softened
- cream cheese, softened
- confectioners’ sugar
- lemon juice
- vanilla extract
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/hummingbird-cake-recipe-1976976
IDEA I LOVE
When the moon is in the 7th house and Jupiter aligns with Mars . . . you’re going to need to re-learn macrame! It’s baaaaaaack. Peace and love. Peace and love. Start here to make your own knotted treasure:
http://placeofmytaste.com/macrame-knots/
… and CHRISTMASpiration IS HERE
And not a moment too soon . . . Santa will be here before you know it. Why wait until the ground is snow-covered before looking for ready, willing. and able pinecones? Click the link for DIY pine cone elves:
http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-pinecone-elves/
If you’re liking this blog Please tell your friends about it! I’d really appreciate it!
Just cut and paste this into an email or post on your Facebook and Twitter pages:
I LOVE this blog and think you will, too! Check it out: https://marklipinskisblog.wordpress.com
I sure miss your blog. Wishing you the very best!
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I do hope and pray that you get the perfect kidney transplant in the near future. Keep up your good spirits.
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Mark- that was an award-winning blog post!
Thanks for all those wonderful ideas.
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I love your blog! I wish you success in finding a perfect match kidney real soon!! Kathy
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FYI … I clicked on the lemonade mimosa link and that site has been hacked! Love reading your blog. Cheers, Jenny
On Sun, Jul 2, 2017 at 3:14 PM, Mark Lipinski’s Blog wrote:
> marklipinski posted: “ARTspiration Artists or art that turns me on and > feeds my soul. This modern piece is by artist, Joan Miró, and is called, > FEMME ET OISEAUX YOKE DU YOUR A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good > to eat?” “That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about t” >
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Thanks for the note, but I just tried the link on another computer of mine and it worked. Anyone else having a linking problem? xoxom
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Dogs at the table! The Kilted Coaches! Sister Groups! Very fun post. I will only watch The Kilted Coaches for the great workout tips! 😉
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This is wonderful, Mark, just like you!
I wish you all the best! Prayers and good thoughts for you, always.
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Hello Mark it’s good to see you posting ,thanks for the watermelon Quilt ,I hope your getting a transplant soon, keeping you in my Prayers
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Best of luck to you Mark. You are an inspiration to all of us in how you live your personal life and your artistic life. In your current illness you are teaching all of us how to go through adversity gracefully and courageously. You and your family are in my prayers.
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I no longer get your emails delivered to me. Do you know why??
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I have no idea why? Certainly nothing I did. Try subscribing again. xoxom
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Adding you to my prayer list. You have already beaten the odds once, so why not again? I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast and ovarian cancer (no BRCA mutations, either) 4 years ago, and I’M STILL HERE. I have a good feeling that you will get your transplant and live a long time. Take care of yourself however you need to right now, and continue to have hope.
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You have such great talent, imagination, and many super powers. The one I most enjoy is your ability to bring out the laughter, kindness, and joy in people. The ability to make someone smile and positively change their day is the most amazing thing someone can do! That’s you! Thank you. Wishing you the very best as your journey continues. I am here with the others cheering you on.
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Love your newsletter as usual except, was it a tease or did I just not see the watermelon quilt? Always love the littel treats you drop in along the way and I hate you have such a dopey govenor but maybe he read the the book, “All I ever Needed to Learn to be Governor, I Learned from our Dip Shit President”. Take care and we still love you. Lois
On Sun, Jul 2, 2017 at 6:14 PM, Mark Lipinski’s Blog wrote:
> marklipinski posted: “ARTspiration Artists or art that turns me on and > feeds my soul. This modern piece is by artist, Joan Miró, and is called, > FEMME ET OISEAUX YOKE DU YOUR A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good > to eat?” “That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about t” >
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Boy did you ever hit the nail on the head about Christie!! Sounds like he had lots of fun at “his” beach this weekend while the taxpayers paid the bill for him to fly back and forth!! Something else for sure. Hope so much that you will find a match. Maybe the dialysis will give you back some energy?? Hope so. Loved the blog this time. Watermelon quilt looks like fun, and the Hummingbird cake looks like the best ever!! Can’t wait to try it. Thoughts and prayers going your way. Take care and rest.
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Mark, I really enjoy reading your blog and always come away inspired! Thank you.
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Mark, I have enjoyed your sense of humor for many years, and I am sorry to hear that things are not going well health-wise. I will keep you in my prayers.
Barb 🙂
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Mark–regardless of the state of your health, you remain a treasure for all of us. I very much appreciate the efforts it takes to publish your blog, but searching for and sharing beautiful ideas are what makes life very much worth while. Please please watch your diet (what a horrible pain that can be) as it is so essential to your continued health. Thanks for everything you do. Looking forward to the watermelon quilt.
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Mark, I’m so sorry to hear you are not doing as well as you should. Prayers and best wishes to you. Love your pics and comments about Gov Christie. I no longer live in NJ, but I’ll always be a “Joisey Goil”. I hope you can find a match soon. Keep that creativity coming.
Sue =^..^= x 5 I am only one person. There are many things I cannot do, but there are also many things I can do. I will not let the things I can’t do prevent me from doing the things I can do.
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I love your blog and your Facebook posts. I am praying for your health. Keep up that positive attitude!
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Mark I hope that the universe finds the perfect kidney and helps to make you well. I love love your sense of humour and your style. The world is a better place with you in it. I will say a prayer for you.
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Mark, it has been too long since we have heard from you. I am hoping that you are getting along well. And your partner and son as well.I haven’t been able to do a matchup test for you because of some meds I take. Legal ones.I met you some years back at a retreat in Reno. So much fun. I know it is part of your shtick to accuse some one of thinking that you are fat. It wasn’t me that accused you in my head but you dit point to me. You are great in my mind and I think of you often.Martie Dutro in Nor Calif
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