Winsome Wednesday! October 3, 2012

Happy October! 

 I{HEART}ART:  Inspiration:  PUMPKINS!

It is safe to say that I have a “thing” for pumpkins. My husband might go so far as to call it an obsession...hmm, maybe. What I do know for certain is that October is my absolute favorite month of the year. The weather is (usually) fantastic; earthy, warm colors abound, long awaited treats arrive on the scene (like pumpkin cream cheese muffins at Starbucks), and pumpkins are everywhere. The good ol’ fashioned orange ones are great, but I especially love the white, green, cinderella, and other varieties that are available. I literally have hundreds of pumpkin photos that I have taken over the years and those have served as inspiration back at my studio. 

"Stacked Pumpkins" art by Tina C. Wells

"Blue Pumpkins" art by Tina C. Wells

"Pumpkins on a Pallet" art by Tina C. Wells

"Multicolored Pumpkins" art by Tina C. Wells

"Colorful Pumpkins" art by Tina C. Wells

"Oh Pumpkins!" art by Tina C. Wells

RECIPE: Carmel Apples

Carmel Apples with twig skewers

I include this not because it is anything new, but because it is so very easy and fun, especially with the kiddos.  

While in Michigan, my son and I made these delicious treats together. We took a little walk through the woods gathering the perfect sticks. We used the apples we had picked a few days earlier. These worked perfectly because the grocery had not added the ‘beautifying’ wax; this can cause the carmel to slip right off the apple. It is best to purchase organic apples that hopefully have no wax coating on them. 

We used approximately 14 oz of carmel cubes and 2 TBS milk in a sauce pan on medium heat. This was enough for 4 medium/large apples. To insert the twigs, I first stabbed the apples with skewers. 
Since I was at the cabin and doing this project with an 8 year old boy, we kept it simple with just carmel, but at home I like to dip some in chocolate and nuts in addition.
ENJOY!

SIMPLY CREATIVE: Painted Pumpkin

Painted Pumpkin

You can do this (even if you think you can't paint)! This took about half an hour and it was simple and fun. Here it is, step-by-step:

Materials:
large orange pumpkin
brown acrylic craft paint (about $1 at Michaels)
small round paint brush

Painted Pumpkin, step-by-step

Start by painting brown at the stem and down the grooves for depth; soften the paint edges with your finger, or a rag.

Next, paint leaves along either side of one of the grooves. Darken that groove. 

On the next flat space between grooves, make a center dot and then add petals around; fill the space from top to bottom with flowers.

Add dots between leaf and flower designs.

Repeat all the way around the pumpkin.

Note: this is meant for a pumpkin on a covered patio, or inside, as this is not paint that will hold up to the elements outside.

JOURNEY: Michigan, part 2

A few photos that give the flavor of the area:

Goshorn Lake, MI
Lovely, little Goshorn Lake is separated from Lake Michigan by two miles of sand dunes. During our week stay, we watched the leaves turn increasingly crimson and golden.

Cabin Decor

                                     

 The cabin is built entirely of logs, and all interior walls of wood. Our whole family collaborated on the project, everyone adding a touch somewhere in the cabin, including my husband's trophy coues deer that hangs by the fireplace. The bedrooms are themed with boats, bears, trains, and trees, which adds a bit of whimsy.

 The town of Saugatuck is 2 miles away from the cabin and offers artsy shops and cafes. A few of my favorites are above, starting with the cool retro sign as you enter the town. Middle left is the quirky shop, Amsterdam on Blue Star Hwy. where you can find everything from antiques to funky repurposed items. Center is Mermaids Bar and Grill, with a great outdoor deck, dockside on the river. Center right is Uncommon Grounds, charming coffee shop with their own roasted coffee and homemade pastries. Bottom is Good Goods, a shop full of intriguing artisan-made objects.

Saugatuck Dune Ride

The dune ride is something I have always wanted to do, but never had. Besides being fast, and fun, the driver tells the interesting history of the area.

Lake Michigan

One of my favorite things to do while visiting the cabin is to hike to Lake Michigan from the Felt Mansion. The hike is about a mile and takes you through a thick forest. All of a sudden, there is a glimpse of the lake. It looks like the Atlantic, waves, beach grass, and so vast that you can't see the other side. Beautiful.