MERRY CHRISTMAS

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Here's to a happy holiday season for everyone!!  It's really hard to believe that the year is nearly over.  And since I seem to be unable to even make New Year's Resolutions, much less keep them, here is an old proverb to think about instead:  

"The difficult is done at once, the impossible takes a little longer."

~~~ 

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THE MINIATURE PONY GETS A NAME

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Those of you who are ambitious enough will be able to research this info to verify it.  His name is The Yak Killer.  That's right.  I saw it in print!  He is a biter (playing) and the method he uses seems to suggest a type of stinging insect somewhere in Africa that are called yak killers.  He seems much sweeter than that!

~~~

"Few delights can equal the mere presence of one whom we trust utterly."

~~George MacDonald

~~~

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MORE BEESWAX CREATIONS

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It would be impossible to include every variation on the rolled beeswx candle that could be accomplished.  Once you begin, your imagination will, no doubt, take over.  Perhaps not all ideas will be workable, but most will, I'll bet. Here are some to try:

• You could simply cut the sheet into equal halves and roll two candles.
• Select a sheet of green wax, cut it lengthwise into 2" wide strips.  Then cut each strip diagonally, place the wick at the widest end and roll using the same method as described in our earlier post.  When finished you will have 8 delightful little 2" Christmas trees.
•  Or make a two-toned spiral:  Using your choice of colors, cut the sheets diagonally.  Stack two triangles of different colors, roll and finish as usual.      
• You can create very thick candles by butting un-cut sheets of wax and continuing to roll until you reach the size desired.
• Stacked candles can be made by cutting the sheets of wax into various widths and butting together at the bottom, roll as above.
• Don't forget decorations!!  Beeswax contains a natural adhesive so adding glitter is easy.  And you can make cutouts from different colored sheets and stick to your candle.
• Things to remember:  Work in a warm room.  Save scraps for cutouts, beeswax can be easily repaired, you will not need extra wick for the bottoms of tapered candles.  Have fun!!

Article #8 in a series

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CREATE A HAND-MADE BEESWAX CANDLE

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Hand rolled beeswax candles make beautiful, practical gifts.  Very little time is needed to create a versital honey colored utility candle. You can, of course, choose other colors, but the natural lends itself to many different arrangements.  

You can purchase 11"X8" sheets of honeycomb or smooth beeswax and round-core wick at a craft supply store.  Do not use braided or wire-core wick!  Remember to work in a fairly warm room.

Now the fun begins.  Place a sheet of wax on your breadboard with the long side toward you and the edge protruding about 1/4".  Bend this downward, keeping it straight by aligning the 8" side to the end of the board.  Carefully turn this over so that it bends upwards.  Cut a length of wick to extend 1/2" on BOTH ends of the wax.  Lay it along the fold and press the upturned edge over the wick firmly enough to remove air but still preserve the wax.

Now begin rolling from the wick side using enough pressure to eliminate air.  Keeping the wax straight, roll the entire sheet.  Finish the bottom by tapping on a hard flat surface.  The extra wick on that end will be pressed into the wax and can still be used if you need to "turn it over" and start with a fresh wick.

There are many variations and decorating ideas which will be discussed in the future.

~~~ 

Article #7 in a series              

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THE TRUTH ABOUT BARBARA JEAN'S ACCIDENT

A mis-diagnosis has occured.  My kitten does have a broken tooth but not to the exaggerated extent that I was told.  (See my previous post.)  That Saturday evening I had to give her a can of tunafish to get her to eat, after which she enjoyed a dose of pain medicine.  End of treatment!  Sunday morning she was her old self running and leaping in her usual playing habits.  She ate a regular diet, even some dry kibble.  And she hasn't stopped since; living up to her name is easy!  And so, the appointment for surgery was cancelled, much to the relief of my checkbook.
                                    ~~~
And along those lines:

• "A dog comes when called, a cat takes a message and gets back to you."
• "Ask not what your cat can do for you."
• "If you don't talk to your cat about catnip, who will?"

                                   ~~~

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BARBARA JEAN'S MYSTERIOUS ACCIDENT

Yesterday morning Barbara Jean, the kitten, was her usual piggish self, trying to eat not only her food but Harry's and Big bear's as well.  Then she followed me around the house (running) and outside to do yard work (running).  But in the evening she seemed cranky and didn't eat well.  She cried pitifully when I picked her up, as though in terrible pain.

This morning she was unable to eat at all and wouldn't even drink water.  She seemed feverish with a dry nose and fast breathing while wailing long sad
laments, quite far from her usual bubbly self.

Being Saturday, it took many phone calls to find a vet for emergency treatment.  But, finally by 11:00 AM  she was being examined.  How very fortunate to get the appointment AND a good vet.  Her handling of Barbara Jean was amazing!
  
Turns out she didn't have a fever.  I had thought perhaps an insect bite, but I was wrong about that, too.  What she does have is a tooth broken off down at the gum-line with nerves and everything else exposed and painful.  How it happened will always be a mystery!

So she was given a shot of antibiotics, a dose of pain medicine and an appointment for surgical extraction next Thursday.  Now she's sleeping and just sort of 'complains' when I touch her.  Bless her little heart.
                                     ~~~ 
    

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QUICK CANDLE DECORATING IDEAS FOR FALL

For a quick and pretty Thanksgiving display, choose a collection of Fall-colored taper candles.  Group them in mis-matched holders on a sideboard or the center of your table, with or without a runner (a tapestry-look would be gorgeous).  You might sprinkle some rich colored leaves or snowflakes the children have cut from folded paper  among them, or lay stems of silk flowers here and there. 

Another idea is to cut the tops from miniature pumpkins and squash, hollow them out and then coat the flesh with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.  Next, place a scented votive candle in each one.  Voila! a use for the mini-fruit!  Or you could just pile the fruit into a pretty basket with some tiny indian corn and tuck in a bow.
~~~
"There will be a time when you think everything is finished.  That will be the beginning."~~Louis L'Amour
~~~
Article #6 in a series

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HOW QUICKLY HE GREW - AN UPDATE

Here are some pictures of mini baby at 5 months.  For comparisons scroll back to 5-27 post and through June.  Pretty amazing!!  ~~~

And here's a thought for today; it's an old Zen saying:  "Move and the way will open."~~~

~~~ 

CANDLE SENSE

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Would you like to have a lovely candle scent in your car?  Here's how:  

• Choose a votive candle and trim the wick off at the top to discourage any attempt to light it.  Or, you might try to remove the wick altogether, working from the bottom where there should be a wick-holder.  This, however, can be difficult with well-made votives.
• Place the candle in a container strong enough and large enough to hold the wax should it melt.
• Then simply place it into a cup holder in your car.  Heat, especially sunshine, will release the fragrance.  AND, you have no annoying little doodad swinging from your rear-view. 

~~~

What kind of candle burns the longest?

• I think most of us know that candlelight is soothing to our nerves and also keeps us focused on others who are sharing the moment.
• But did you know that when beeswax candles burn they clean the air in your home?  Like an air purifier, they release negative ions that clean up mold spores, dust, pollen, even bacteria and other stuff that can trigger allergies and asthma.
• Beeswax candles also burn longer than other types of wax.

Article #5 in a series

~~~   

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A WORD ABOUT HOLDERS

Regardless of how you acquire your candles - make them yourself, receive as gifts, or purchase -  they need complimentary holders.  The holders must not not only enhance the beauty of your display, but also contribute to safe burning.  Of course, we all know we should never leave burning candles unattended!  Not even jar candles! 

There are many beautiful glass holders for tapers available in retail stores, as well as thrift shops, flea markets and yard sales.  You will also find ceramic, metal and even wooden holders, from single candle size to elaborate candelabras.  And if you find one you especially like but it has surface damage - think spray paint!  You might even have some glass bottles or bud vases that would make interesting candle holders.  Many holders lend themselves to added decorations, so be creative, but be careful to keep flamables away from the flame.

Large figural candles do well simply sitting on a pretty plate or a trivet which also protects your surfaces from wax marks.  If your candle needs more height, you might consider a 'spike' holder with 'scroll' feet.  These also work well with big thick pillar candles which then lend themselves to much creative decorating.
~~~
4th article in a series.

~~~

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AUTUMN IS IN THE AIR

And it's a great time to display creative candles.  These 7 3/4" jack-o-lanterns were poured in a two-part plastic mold.  The witch hats first in black (which have faded some as you can see in the picture) and then re-poured and partially cured to prevent mixing of the colors, before casting the pumpkins in orange.  The faces were applied with acrylic paint. 

An old basket, recyled, works well to show off a witch from the thrift store, silk flowers and candy-container  jack-o-lanterns.

Article #3 in a series
~~~   

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THREE LADIES IN A WAX MUSEUM

Here are some ideas from past experience.  They are wax, but cannot really be considered candles or even pomanders because they have no wicks or scent.

The Madonna is poured in a two-part mold without wicking. There is a small indenture on a ledge on the back to insert a very  tiny candle, such as a birthday cake size.  Makes a pretty glowing "halo" effect.  She stands 11 1/2" tall so is quite impressive.

The nude is a bit more complicated.  The original candle, cast in a two-part mold was first carved, then used as the model for a plaster mold.  The mold is bulky and difficult to work with; let me just say that all conditions need to be perfect or else!
The nude can be made with a wick but I have not burn tested any.  This particular one was an experiment.  She is over 13" tall.

Mrs. Butterworth was cast in a glass syrup bottle and properly cured, then my husband wrapped her in a thick towel and broke away the glass.  I painted the hair, hat, collar, cuffs and apron with melted crayons.  Facial features and buttons are acrylic paint.  She is missing an eyebrow and her lipstick but that can be fixed.  As you can see from the pictures, the front is quite faded. (Since inserting a wick before pouring into such a small space would have been nearly impossible, I opted to attempt it after, and then feared damaging her, thus no wick.)  Mrs. Butterworth is about 9 1/2" tall.

And there are my three ladies!!
~~~
Article #2 in a series     

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CANDLE MAKING SEASON IS HERE!!

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Some years ago I had a small home-based candle crafting business.  What a joy is was to create beautiful molded candles and decorate them.  The smell of the wax, even without additional scent, is still alluring.  Of course back then the wax was petroleum based or beeswax.  (I knew nothing of soy wax and still need to finish researching that subject.)  

I took a correspondence course, doing all of the experiments, learning where to get the best wax, wick, dye, scents and all things candle.   I amassed probably a hundred different molds which I still have, but the years no doubt have taken a toll on at least some of them.  

Also in my small inventory is a bit of wax, some dye, wicking, scent and various gadgets needed for two- part molds and the like.  Some of the decorating craft items have been used in other projects or for children's art work, but I still have sheets of beautifully colored beeswax, both waffled and smooth.  I was never good at rolling beeswax candles; they were either too loose and wouldn't burn well or didn't look good because I smashed them trying to tighten them up.

I hope to be able to begin again!!  I will write about each project whether it succeeds or fails.  Til then.
~~~
Article #1 in a series.
     

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WHAT IF

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What if Grayson really dies, goes to Heaven, hits return and comes back in the body of some gnarly old wino.....

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EQUAL RIGHTS

"Creation of woman from the rib of man: 

She was not made of his head to top him;

nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him;

but out of his side to be equal with him;

under his arm, to be protected;

and near his heart to be loved."

~~From Apples of Gold, by Jo Petty

~~~

IDEAS

"Idea's are funny little things.  They won't work unless you do."

"Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier."

"The only safe way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend."

"Always forgive your your enemies; nothing annoys them so much."

"He drew a circle that shut me out,

But love and I had the wit to win;

We drew a larger circle that took him in."

~~~

Quotes from the book Apples of Gold

by Jo Petty

Photo by Jason Caligaris, Jr.

~~~ 

RULE NUMBER ONE

What do you mean, "I'm not suposed to play in Mom's plant?"

"You mean this plant?"

"Nobody can see me, right?"

This little calico kitten appeared in our shop last Wednesday morning.  In a week she went from starving to attacking unsuppecting plants.  The two big tom cats are still not sure she should stay here, for cryin' out loud!!  What shall we name her?

~~~

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A TRIP TO JUAREZ MANY YEARS AGO

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My memory of our high school senior class trip to Juarez, Mexico, has become somewhat blurred over the years. 

But three things prevail:

1. A stop in New Mexico for a tour of the Carlsbad Caverns.  I remember first, the strange smell of the huge underground caves; we purchased sandwiches somewhere in the depths and it seemed to me they tasted of the odor.  There was a constant dripping sound which is how the stactites (hanging) and the stalagmites (rising) were created over many years time.  
2. Then shopping in the border town of Juarez, Mexico, was exhilerating!  I bought a huge sombrero to hang on my wall, shawls and blouses, huaraches and probably smaller things I don't even remember.  I was, however, unable to haggle as some of my friends were.  The proprieters all seemed to know that if they just said 'no' I would pay their price.  But it was fun.
3. When we began the trip home the whole bus-load realized that our years together were coming rapidly to a close.  Confined as we were, we became a huge family and the closest of friends.  Spontaneity ruled.  We even had a wedding!  I was the bride and a handsome young man, the groom.  When the bus rolled to a stop in front of our school, "THE END" flashed on the screen and the curtain closed.  I climbed into the backseat of my parents' car and cried all the way home.

 ~~~

Today it is difficult to see how conditions have changed in Juarez:  

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GREAT GRAND-CHILDREN ARE...GREAT!!

DEMETRIUS, age 7

EYAN, age 6

KYRA, age 5

GAVYN, age 3

~~~

Demetrius photo by Brendan  Caligaris

Eyan and Gavyn photos by Brandy Peek

Kyra photo by Bev

~~~

HOLIDAY WEEKEND

WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE  DAY WEEKEND!!!!

Here's something to mull over:  awhile back I watched a TV commercial  where-in  it was stated that the product is made with REAL ingredients.  Guaranteed!  What?  Please don't tell me that there are UNREAL ingredients!?!

~~~

WILD ROSES AND PONY AT 4 WEEKS

The top picture shows how tall he is by The Mayor (or Mater, as Gavyn calls her) , then the wild roses by their pen and last, a curious look at the camera.

~~~

SKY AFTER THE STORM

I was very lucky to be able to capture these before they vanished. 

So many beautiful sights,
so little time.

Nature's own
fantasies!!

~~~

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE

Remembering America's Finest

"We didn’t start celebrating Memorial Day until after the Civil War, but it was during that conflict, November of 1863, that President Abraham Lincoln gave his historic Gettysburg Address and eloquently laid out the simple yet profound idea that lies at the heart of this day:

'It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'

“The last full measure of devotion”—a beautiful phrase describing a tragic consequence. And while the fight has moved from within our own country to conflicts overseas, the giving of your life in service to your country remains a uniquely sacred act. American soldiers are fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the sad reality is those are not the last two wars that will ever need fighting. On this Memorial Day and all the days before and after it, we must remember those in our military who bravely served and never made it home."
`

~~~From Glen Beck's newsletter                               Photo by Bev Caligaris