I have an update for my storage drawers project.  I still want to add some ephemera but this will just have to happen as inspiration (and time) allow.  

I also have finished another desk project that involves storage.  Tin cans!. I'm keeping all those things I use most often that I normally have to hunt and dig for which wastes tons of time and is irritating.  

I do buy the patterned paper when I either have a coupon or it goes on sale. I try to recycle as many things for a project as I can.

Then, I made a lazy susan type base to glue my cans to but couldn't come up with a grouping I liked that would fit so it's waiting in the wings for a use.

The wood base was $3.50 at Joanne's; lazy Susan mechanism was $4.95 @ Home Depot;  I cut 2 pieces of chipboard and glued them together for the round platform that I covered in paper and trim.  

I've also been busy in the garden.  We have kale, broccoli and fava beans up that need to be transplanted.  Tomatoes haven't sprouted yet.  Beds are all ready for planting but I may add more rock dust.

So many things are in the works and/or have been done that I'll need to designate more time for posting! I will catch up.

I'm also working more at my job than I had planned but it may be a God thing.  I haven't been able to purchase the food I want for the chickens because of the expense.  Now I will be able to.

I've taken an interest in making various kinds of books and must say, it's my favorite craft and hobby!  I'm considering selling them as a way to be at home more and concentrating on building that homestead.  Can't very well take care of animals if you aren't at home.  So much change to deal with.  It feels right though so I'm just believing, again, that it's God's will for us.

I'll get some garden pictures when I am able.  Take care!

Blessings 

Latest Craft Project

I have storage issues for everything!  Small house but I have many interests and so a lot of stuff.  I'm always looking for ways to be more organized.

I first saw this on youtube as a Kaisercraft kit, then a Sizzix die project, and a box making tutorial by Jim the Gentleman Crafter.  I purchased these wall cubbies at thrift stores ( a dollar each) and used a couple in the kitchen until I replaced them with Ikea units.  Now I will use them on my desk to hold craft supplies.

Please excuse the fabric back drop.  It's a window with a topper curtain an the light was not allowing me to get a good picture.
The left side of picture shows what the cubbies look like, to the right is how I will use them with drawers. The drawers aren't decorated yet and the wonky looking one out in front was my first attempt.  I'll probably do it over.  I'm having a lot of fun with this.
Anyway, I used double thickness cereal boxes to make the boxes.  All separate pieces.  The bottom piece is 4" x 3-1/2"; the sides are 3-1/2" x 3" and the front and backs are 4" x 3-1/2".Then I glued the pieces in a cross shape to a 12" x 12" piece of kraft stock paper.  A brown paper bag would work too. Since the frame of cubbies is wood I wanted the boxes to be sturdy.  The kraft stock did firm up the boxes. Cut the box out of the kraft stock with 1/2" or more border to wrap around to inside of box making a smooth finish to the rim.
Next step is to embellish and attach drawer pulls.  I also need to paint the wood and maybe get a piece of wood to make a base for more stability.
 I'll update when I have a finished unit.  I can't decide which papers to use yet.  Although a really cute country theme would be seed packets!

More Garlic

Well, I had enough garlic left to plant another bed, but not another bed available :(

I've decided to plant it in containers in the unheated greenhouse.  It should be warm enough in there to establish some roots before the real cold weather is on us.

I've saved a couple ounces of acorn squash seed.  It was delicious.  We have 2 left.  I did an apple, walnut, raisin, cinnamon stuffing with butter in them and everybody really liked it so I'll do a repeat.

Also saved basil seeds but I haven't removed them from the cut stems yet. Still in the bag drying.  I did root basil cuttings and planted in one container. It's growing fine.

I'm considering growing lettuce on the window sill now.  I probably will.  So expensive in the stores.  Well, until next time....

Just Got My Garlic

I'm so disappointed with my garlic order.  I ordered it August 11th and only received it on Tuesday.  The bed was prepared ages ago so all I have to hope for is that it's not too late.  I should have had it planted in the last week of September or first week in October.  Tomorrow I have to take my mom a couple places and when I get back I'll plant.

My latest project is the grandkids Christmas store for the school.  They go to a Montessori school in Pittsburgh.   This is the page for the store .  Everyone is asked to donate craft materials and then specific items as requested like jars, cans, tissue paper, etc..

I've been collecting materials for a few things I'm making.  So far, this is my list of gifts I'm making and donating:

• Paper beads for bracelets
• Tin can luminaries
• Jar night lights
• Paper bead Christmas tree earrings
• Double Tea Bag Holders
• Wisteria vine baskets?  Not sure if I'll have time for them
• Pine Cone ornaments

I'll get pictures of the tea bag holders and Christmas tree earrings tomorrow when it's light...after Mom's.

So this will be what I'm doing most nights!

Today's Harvest

I'm really happy with most of the vegetable seeds I have purchased over the years and since most are open pollinated and/or heirlooms I will save seed from year to year.

I have done this randomly from year to year, but since I have begun semi retirement and increasing homesteading tasks and projects I consider seed saving one of the more obvious additions.

Today's harvest is the Pingtung Long Eggplant with a couple of the Jupiter sweet bell peppers.  Ed Hume sells these.

Here is a sweet bell pepper that will mature in short season climates. Its crisp, blocky fruit will turn from medium green to red if left on plant longer. Excellent raw in salads or dips. Great to use as stuffed pepper or in tempura recipes. Matures in approximately 75 days from transplanting.

I've saved the first seeds last week, allowing the pepper to turn red on the plant first.  This was not a normal growing season for me so I don't want to review this yet.  Like the Stupice tomato we tried I'll give them another try. They taste good but are on the small side.
Pingtung Long were purchased from Pine Tree Garden Seeds:
Asian HEIRLOOM An open-pollinated oriental eggplant variety, imported from Taiwan. Fruits are elongated and slender, averaging 10" long and 1 1/2" to 2" across with a lovely, lavender-purple colored skin and white interior flesh. Bred to be resistant to many diseases, as well as tolerant to wet and hot conditions. A good yielder, with fruit weighing about 1/2 lb. each. 30 seeds.
I usually roast eggplant but for the eggplant meat balls they are cut into cubes and cooked in the skillet.  Great flavor!  I am getting several from each plant, having been harvesting for maybe 6 weeks?

Garden Favorites Part 3

This year I tried a tomato seed that is said to be early and somewhat cold tolerant.  If I would have had a normal season to start with I could be more confident about a review.  However, what I saw it endure from start to finish is impressive and so I will give this one another season to see how it does under more favorable conditions.

Here's the info on the variety:

This is the tomato you've been hearing about! Early, dependable, firm, juicy, small to medium size fruit. Northwest home gardeners have been raving about this early variety. 3 to 4 foot bush with unusual potato like foliage. Approximately 60 days from transplant.

Special Directions for Short Season Climates

SOWING: Start seeds indoors, in pots, trays or flats in a warm room with plenty of bright light. Water with warm water. Cover with 1/8 inch fine soil.

THINNING: Thin when plants are about 2 inches tall. Individuality pot or space 3 inches apart in flats.

TRANSPLANTING: Plant outdoors in May, when all danger of frost has passed.

SPACING: Leave 24 to 36 inches between plants.

GERMINATION: Approximately 1 to 2 weeks in the home. Keep soil moderately moist during germination.

Ed's Special Advice

Plant in full sun. If possible, against a south or west wall or fence where sun reflection will provide additional heat. Black plastic at base of plants or a tire placed on the soil will also help provide heat for earlier ripening. Fertilize monthly and water deeply when dry.

Organic Certification by Washington State Department of Agriculture

My plants survived a late frost in June.  They stopped growing for a while. Then they got skinny.  They started out with a nice thick stem though.  We got a few small tomatoes in July.  Mild flavor.
I read people's reviews and they were mixed regarding flavor.  Mine weren't tasting like a beef steak but way better than grocery store offerings are in the spring!  I'm giving them another try.

BUSY

So much to do before the wedding!  No gardening until next week.