What's in my Studio

It's another What's in my Studio Day... and Whats on my Workdesk Wednesday. 

So many things going on this week! One of my priorities has been making more of these vintage bottles with replica labels for my Etsy Shop. Folks seem to like them, so I like to make sure I have a few of each design in stock. 

You can see some Artist Trading Cards scattered about. Partially getting ready for our local ATC trade this coming Saturday and partially just playing. The things on the ledge are just there on their way to some yet-to-be-determined final storage spot. The terra cotta pot is from the office, and the pens are also awaiting their final storage spot. It will happen one of these days. 

I'm unlikely to make my re-organization deadline for myself of my upcoming birthday, but that's okay. Messy is just the way it flows most days in my studio. :)

And just to celebrate the Spring Equinox this week... a view of crocus in the yard. Yay for Spring! 

Check out what others around the world are doing at Julia's What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday. 

Joy

Joy Star in Orange3x3 Miniature Art

Hope

Heart of Hope

A Heart of Hope as Spring approaches. 

Which seems appropriate as we are going through some health issues with my husband. Following a stress test that shows some "abnormality", a Cardio Angiography has been scheduled for next Thursday to see if there are any major concerns. Our focus is that IF there is any "problem", an angioplasty will be all that's needed. 

Husband lowered his cholesterol level several years ago using "The New Eight Week Cholesterol Cure" as a guideline, so we're re-visiting the recipes. There are some great muffin recipes in the book. Oat bran is very good for you, as is a 30 minute walk daily.  :) 

Along that track, we made the best Oat Bran Banana Bread this morning... oh my goodness it's lovely! Because a couple of folks have asked, here's the recipe. 

Oat Bran Banana Bread

Oat Bran Banana Bread

 

Ingredients:

·         1 cup oat bran

·         1 cup all-purpose flour

·         1 teaspoon baking powder

·         1/2 teaspoon baking soda

·         1/4 teaspoon salt

·         1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·         1/2 cup corn oil

·         1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

·         1 teaspoon vanilla

·         2 egg whites

·         3 bananas, ripe, mashed

·         1/4 cup milk

·         1/2 cup chopped dates

·         1 cup chopped pecans

Preparation:

Grease a 9x5x2-inch loaf pan with oil; dust generously with flour.

In a bowl, combine oat bran, flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl with electric hand-held mixer on low speed, beat corn oil with the brown sugar until well blended. 

Beat in vanilla, egg whites, mashed bananas, and milk; beat for about 1 minute, until well blended.

Stir in dry ingredients. Mix in the dates and chopped pecans.

Spoon into prepared pan, smoothing top.

Bake on center shelf at 350° for about 40 minutes. 

Remove from oven; invert cake onto a wire rack.

Turn loaf upright and cool thoroughly before serving.

Enjoy! 

Sharing with Paint Party Friday hosted by Eva and Kristin! Happy 3rd Anniversary, PPF! 

What's in my Studio - crocus

Crocus sketch in progress

I was totally inspired by this "Last Words" page from a regular magazine I get from our local Food Co-op. We only have a few crocus in the yard this year after re-doing some of the garden beds last year. We added raised beds over the garden where a lot of my crocus formerly resided. Even though we transplanted a lot of the bulbs, very few have shown their little heads. I'll be re-planting come next fall. 

I'm still in the clean the office and studio re-organization mode. And becoming a bit despondent with the lack of progress. How the heck did I get so much crap, I want to know? I'm at the point where I'm going to box some of it up to get it out of my sight, and will tackle it again later. Anyone have suggestions, other than chucking the lot into the garbage bin? *grin* 
(I do have the toss, donate and keep boxes going strong, but it's sorting the keep that's undoing me.) 

In other news, it's almost been warm here. Well, if you call 50 degrees with a bit of sunshine warm. It's not as cold as it was, so that's improvement. And I noticed this weekend that the Oregon Grape in the front yard has buds!  They are one of the first blooming native flowers and the hummingbirds flock to them. Spring is coming! Yay!

So... what's on your work desk today? Check out what others are doing with Julia's What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday. 

Wabi-Sabi

I'm getting this book for my birthday. 

When one checks it out several times from the library, it indicates one should own it. 

 

I wish to attend to Art and Soul in Portland, and take "Mind your Own Beeswax" taught by Serena Barton. I'm dreaming, focusing, and working to make it a reality! 

Grass Seed

Summer Grass Seed Head

In this cold winter weather, I'm remembering sunny warmer days in the garden. This photo is of a native grass clump in the yard. I didn't notice until later that a tiny spider had made a web on the seed head.

It's only two weeks until Spring!

What's in my studio... busy-ness

I'm showing the workspace in the office again this week. I've spent more time here this week. And look! It's still not too messy. :) The framed photograph was dropped off earlier today at Allied Arts for the Members Show. I've done it the past few years, and this is the first time I've entered a photo. The Show opens Friday at the monthly Art Walk in downtown Bellingham. 

You also see some boxes... one on the scale, and the other to house the bubble wrapped item (near the scale) that was shipped this morning. It's been a busy week so far in my shops. Love that! 

Here is a better view of the photo for the art show: 

This was taken on a winter bird watching trek looking for raptors (birds of prey). It was a successful field trip. 

Winter Rosehips

So what are you working on this week? You can see what others are doing by visiting Julie's What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday.