Kamis, 28 April 2011

Challenge 53: Use Die or Punch

Hello stamping friends!!

The winner of the free Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber stamp for the color challenge is:
Congratulations, Nikki Byrne!

And the winner of the free Digital stamp for using a WnW stamp on her entry is:
Here is her lovely card using Buddy's Balloon...
Ladies, please email me at stampandcreate@bellsouth.net with your contact information and stamp choices.

This week's challenge hosted by Tracy is:
Use a die or Punch

The prize is a free Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamp.
However, if you use a Wags 'n Whiskers image on your card, you will be entered into a separate drawing for a free WnW Digital Stamp!! Two chances to win!

Now here are the awesome DT cards for your inspiration...

Now it's your turn!!



ReVamp: Clay Pot Makeovers!


Clay Pot Makeovers
It is time to re-vamp plain clay pots with paint, mod podge and embellishments.

From Left to Right.....

Rabu, 27 April 2011

Julia Saner || Sunday Times Style






Elite Girls & Damon Baker || Backstage
















Last week we went behind the scenes on a shoot with Elite favourite Damon Baker and of course a posse of our beautiful girls. Damon is well known for creating shoots that little bit different and going that extra mile to realise his vision, so we can't say we were shocked when he unveiled his latest concept.  Nyasha, Therese, Maddie, Jessica and Tasha emerged from hair & make-up like distressed damsels escaping from a raging fire...exactly the look Mr Baker wanted to achieve. The styling was industrial to say the least and suited the mood perfectly, keep your eyes peeled for the final edit of the shoot, Elite has had an exclusive peek and we think you'll all be very excited to see it!

Minggu, 24 April 2011

PBS's Sew It All TV


I spent my Easter flying to Golden, Colorado. It is really pretty flying over. I am taping a sewing show for PBS in the morning. I'll be teaching lots of fun zipper tricks and embellishments.

My tummy is roaring. I am hungry...since it is Easter everything is closed so no dinner for me. I'll survive but can't wait for the hotel breakfast. I'll eat anything. Lol.

Happy Easter-
Cathie

Rabu, 20 April 2011

seriously what a day....

seriously what a day....

saw a coyote this morning on my neighbors lawn.

worked on a shot list with steve for a project that is uber cool.

had to deliver some bad and good news to two amazing women.

worked on the edit prep for our kids show, makeology.

blogged our new webisode for plaid craft tv.

watched and bugged eddie while he painted the front door.

got an awesome set of sewing themed erasers from my sister.

gave my sister a bird themed necklace.

sold a few etsys from my supply shop.

posted jewelry at my new finished good shop on etsy - details soon.

packed more hot glue gun helpers for shipping.

stitched a jacket for next weeks taping of sew it all tv - pbs.

kissed my hubby.

poured some wine.

waiting for idol to start.

Plaid Craft TV: Fabric Covered Frames and Lamp Re-Vamp





Watch the Video at Youtube (link soon)


We were so excited to have friend, designer and author Norma Rapko, join us on this segment of Plaid Craft TV.  She shared some easy tips for making fabulous Mod Podge picture frames.  For complete written step-by-step instructions - please visit this link.



bonus idea below! 

This bonus idea is perfect for using up scraps of fabric and trims.  The fabric is attached with fabric Mod Podge.  For the instructions for the designs pictured visit this link!

Hi Sushi Camden





Working all day on a shoot can be super tiring, so everyone involved has to keep their energy up all day...what better for this than some delish sushi? We were lucky enough to munch our way through some amazing treats from Hi Sushi in Camden, to get us through the day at today's shoot with Damon Baker. As you can see by the looks on their faces our Elite girls were more than happy with the surprise treats. Massive thank-you to Hi Sushi!


Selasa, 19 April 2011

Jed Texas || Aqua Couture 2011

Aqua Menswear 2011 from Thomas Knights on Vimeo.


Wow! How much do we all love this 2011 campaign video for Aqua Couture? Starring the adorable Jed Texas and shot by Thomas Knight to celebrate the launch of Menswear by Aqua, cheeky Jed has got us all in the mood to party!

Dylan Garner || Elite Model Q&A

Elite: Favourite photographer you have worked with?
Dylan: They've all been great!
E: What was your first modelling job?
D: Barneys NYC
E: What is your favourite film?
D: Pulp Fiction
E: What is your nickname?
D: Garner
E: Guilty pleasure?
D: Robyn
E:What was the last dream you can remember having?
D: Too good to say here….(E: Naughty!)
E: Favourite person in the agency?
D: Ralph (E: The other Elite mascot)
E: Best thing about London/Paris/Milan?
D: It's not Wales
E: What did you want to be when you were younger?
D: Rugby player or a Builder
E: Marmite: Love/Hate
D: It's okay
E: If we took you to Starbucks right now what would you order?
D: American with milk and sugar
E: Who is your celebrity crush?
D: Mila Kunis
E: What song is most played on your ipod?
D: iPod?
What did you have for breakfast this morning? 
D: Brown toast and jam
E: What is your life philosophy?
D: Smile
E: How would you describe your style?
D: LIke a Welsh farmer until I met Charlie…
E: Which established model do you most admire?
D: Is Finn Donnelly established?
E: What's your Facebook status at the moment?
D: Partied with Snoop Dogg last night! (E: Perfect opportunity to drop our favourite word….JEALS!)
E: How much is a pint of milk?
D: 60p
E: What is your fashion week survival strategy?
D: McDonalds
E: Describe yourself in 3 words…
D: Tall, dark….and Welsh

Jumat, 15 April 2011

Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Leftovers

 Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Leftovers

Homemade chicken pot pie may seem like a challenge to make or that it would be time consuming with crust rolling and chopping, but it does not have to be.  This simple and easy to "whip up for dinner" recipe is made with store-bought crusts, canned soup and some veggies.  For this recipe, I used a pie pan and 2 crusts.  I have also made this many many times in ramekins with just a crust top.  I can usually fill 4 ramekins.  For the ramekin version, I bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Ingredients
1/2 onion chopped (I used purple onion)
1 large carrot chopped
3/4 cup defrosted frozen peas
3/4 cup defrosted frozen corn
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups cooked cubed chicken
1 can cream soup (chicken, celery or mushroom)
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dill - fresh or dried
1/2 teaspoon tarragon
2 store-bought roll out pie crusts (I love the Pillsbury ones) 

Let's Cook!
Saute the onions and carrots in butter until the carrots are tender and the onions are soft and semi-translucent.  Next, add the peas and corn.

Add the chicken, soup and milk.
Heat on medium until the chicken is heated.
Don't let it boil.

Add your herbs, salt and pepper.

Place one pie crust in an un-greased pie pan (I like to use glass). Gently press the dough into the base and sides of the pan.

Fill with the veggie, chicken and soup mixture.

Add the second crust to the top of the pie.
Pinch the edges together every inch or so.

Use kitchen sheers to trim around the edge, removing the excess crust.

Press the tines of a fork into the edge of the crust in between your pinches.  This will secure the top and bottom together.

Cut 5 vent holes in the top.

Bake at 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.  Cooking times vary depending on ovens so be sure to adjust to your oven.  For specific instructions please refer to the packaged crust instructions for baking the pie.  Check the pie after 20 minutes.  If the crusts are beginning to brown, wrap the edges with strips of tin foil.

Challenge 52 - A Color Combo

Hello stamping friends!!


We're getting a late start today, sorry about that. But we're here now with the new challenge!


The winner of the free Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber stamp for the Ribbons and Pearls challenge is...


Congratulations Mary D
Please email me (Nikki) nichola.fairbairn@googlemail.com with your stamp choice and contact information Mary.


I'm sorry to announce that Chris had to step down from the team. It's been a long run for her, but after 2 years, it was time to take a break. She will be missed.


Speaking of DT's, I have been looking over the entries for the DT call. The call will end on Sunday. If you are interested in entering the DT call, please email 3 of your best work to stampandcreate@bellsouth.nst by Sunday at midnight.
You will be contacted by Tuesday if you made the cut and the winners will be announced with the next challenge.


This week's challenge hosted by Mariska is: A Color Combo...
Please use some black, pale green, light pink, and white/cream on your cards.
You CAN use other colors as well as long as we can find those 4 colors also.


The prize is a free Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamp.
However, if you use a Wags 'n Whiskers image on your card, you will be entered into a separate drawing for a free WnW Digital Stamp!! Two chances to win!


Now here are the awesome DT cards for your inspiration...


Now it's your turn!! The challenge is open for 2 weeks.