Author Archives: maryjane

Ice Lanterns

Chances are, cabin fever hasn’t set in quite yet …

But we can all use a little inspiration to get outside on a chilly day, right?

Even better … a winter’s night.

Well, here’s a super COOL idea:

ICE LANTERNS

These crystalline cuties, which traditionally hail from the world’s most wintery northern latitudes, are a good way to spark your appreciation of the season’s stark beauty or light a pathway that invites guests into your home.

Ice lanterns have the lavish look of blown glass, but they’re a snap to make.

I like the way they transform the outdoors into a winter wonderland—even in the absence of snow.

Depending on the sizes and shape of lanterns you’d like to create, choose from a variety of flexible plastic containers to freeze them in, such as:

  • Buckets
  • Mixing bowls
  • Yogurt containers
  • Pitchers

You’ll also need:

  • Smaller containers that fit inside the ones above, such as cups and empty plastic containers
  • Rocks or marbles to fill the smaller containers
  • Branches, berries, grasses, or herbs (optional)
  • Candles or electric tea lights

Here’s how you do it:

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It’s beginning to …

Karen England’s beginning to look a lot like …

Mrs. Claus.

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Salley Mavor

Looking for a little whimsy,

a bit of charm,

and a bushel of inspiration?

Feast your eyes on the fantastic felt work of Salley Mavor

Salley, an accomplished fiber artist and author living in Falmouth, Massachusetts, says she has always been fascinated with “little things” and needlework.

“Manipulating materials in my hands with a needle and thread was so much more satisfying than …

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Interfaith Prayer Vigil

I love my country.

If you missed last night’s televised interfaith prayer vigil in Newtown, Connecticut, do what it takes to find a copy. The service, held in the high school auditorium, was about an hour and a half long. It was a model of right and good for you and me, the whole world, to see.

Newtown’s selectwoman, first responders, Connecticut’s governor, our president, the leaders from all the different faiths in Newtown—Bahai, Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Islamic, Jewish, Congregational … who spoke, prayed, sang, hugged, cried … Under an unimaginable burden, Newtown is showing us how to come together.

 

 

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Dear Friends Are Near

Christmas is here.

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In Our Prayers

Our troubled hearts are with Nicole, our Suburban Farmgirl blogger, from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, where her precious daughter attends school. Even though Audrey was in attendance at a different school and is safe, Nicole’s community will never be the same.

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Extra-special Delivery

It’s big. It’s unstoppable. It’s sparkly. Are you ready?

For the rest of the holiday season, that is. Feasts to prepare, halls to deck, family to see, and—oh, yes—gifts to give. Often, that includes whipping up our “famous” cookies, candies, and cakes and sending them to familiar faces in far-flung places.

But if you’re like me, you cringe to think what those goodies must look like by the time they’ve reached their destination. Have the cookies dried out? Did the frosting smear? Is your rum loaf still … well … a loaf? If the idea of people receiving a messy box of crumbs with your name on it makes you crazy, read on for some peace of mind …

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