Gifts from Sonya

A large parcel came in the mail today, all the way from Sonya in Italy. When I opened it, I was excited to see so many little gifts that will fit nicely with my upcoming plans for a Tuscan house.

Look at the purse. It is my first Gucci - a real Italian Gucci!

Thank you, thank you, Sonya! You are a generous and thoughtful friend!

Free Graphic: Pizza Boxes

I've seen some terrific mini pizzas showing up on blogs lately. Maybe your pizza can find a home in this box? Please share your creation!

This is a copyright-free graphic.

For the best print quality, download the pdf. 

Looking forward to dessert class tomorrow

I'm excited about taking my first online class at CDHM tomorrow. But what makes this class extra special is the teacher – Oiseau deNim. She will be instructing the participants on making French Desserts and Macaroons. She is a fantastic food artisan! Stop over at her blog or better yet, register for her class on CDHM.

A Gift from Anthoula

I admire Anthoula's work very much. So when I found out that I was a winner in her giveaway, I was thrilled! Today the package from Greece arrived containing a fantastic spinach pie and scrumptious looking cookies. Doesn't the spinach pie make you hungry? Look at the amazing detail! Thank you, thank you Anthoula! I will treasure your gift.

Anthoula has recently opened an Etsy shop so we may all enjoy owning a piece of her beautiful work!

This Bunny Doesn't Eat Hostas

The last three weekends I have been organizing a garage sale at my mom's house. While cleaning out a desk for the sale, I found a CD of pictures I took way back in 2003 at the flower show at Chicago's Navy Pier. Here are a few of the inspirational pics I snapped.

A cute way to use those clay pots that you may have in your stash:

A tranquil garden room in blue:

Isn't she fun? I am certain that she wouldn't fit in my backyard!

Inkjet printing on Aluminum and More

Here is a good tutorial for inkjet printing on aluminum. The writer suggests using inkAID to prepare the surface for printing. Apparently this product can be used on many different substrates - papers, fabrics and more - to prepare the surfaces for inkjet printing. Has anyone tried this product?