Phonography: November Part I

November was the month that I finally downloaded instagram to my iPhone.  Needless to say things got out of hand very quickly, so I divided this post into two parts...

 

Peonies returned to the wholesalers. Happy day, they are my favorites!

I participated in the "Girls Night Out" holiday show at a local gallery ARTichokes selling some of my jewels.

Basement renovations continue. I absolutely cannot wait to share the before and after with you guys!

The very, very last yellow rose from my garden.

Tried some new beer. I'm not gonna lie I mostly picked it because of the name (and I love Goose Island's brews).

Experimented with some fleurs.

xo ~ Em

 

A New Years Resolution

Where to start?  I've been mighty neglectful of my blog, I don't think anyone would argue with that.  2011 was an amazing year for emmy-ray.  We had so many wonderful clients and weddings, but it was the first year I can say that I had trouble finding balance between work and play.  I didn't take nearly as much time to do some of the things I enjoy most, like creating jewelry, crafting, decorating my home, and blogging just for fun.  I think I put a lot restrictions on what I can write about here on Handmaker of Things.  I always go back and forth between personal and professional, but why not create something that's a mix of both?  

I didn't set a lot of crazy resolutions for myself in 2012.  Only one main statement to sum up the year and keep in mind as I move forward: make it better than 2011.  This is a tall order, because last year was fabulous, both personally and professionally.  However there's always room for improvement, always more goals to create, and opportunities to seek!

Hope you guys all had an amazing holidays, and cheers to 2012!

xo ~ Em

 

Homemade Peanut Butter Doggie Treats

This year I got really ambitious and decided to try a little experiment.  Homemade doggie treats that I could give not only to my own pups, but also as little extra gifts to friends and family with furry friends of their own.  I have to say I am really pleased with the results, and everyone has been loving them!

Biscuit Recipe:  1 1/2 cups plain Quaker Oats, 1 3/4 cups wheat flour, 1 tsp olive oil (or vegetable oil), 1 cup warm water, 1/3 cup natural peanut butter.

• Mix oats and wheat flour together.  Add warm water, and olive oil and mix a bit, and last add peanut butter.  Dough will be pretty thick at this point so I recommend kneading it with your hands to get a good mix going.  


• Prepare a surface to roll your dough.  I used foil on my counter.  Make sure that the surface is lightly flowered, along with your rolling pin so the dough won't stick.  I tried chilling the dough in between the mixing and rolling, but this makes it very tough to get to a nice thin and even layer.  I'd recommend rolling it out right away.  Try to roll it to a 1/4 inch or less.  Thicker cookies will just need some extra baking time.  


• Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees, and lightly grease a cookie sheet.  Your baking at such a low temperature because your basically dehydrating the dough.    


• Cut out your shapes, and then bake for 45 minutes, or until the cookies seem crisp and dry all the way through.  For some of the bigger shapes you may have to bake a little extra.  If the cookies are nice and crispy they'll stay fresh longer.

These treats are great because they're natural, and so inexpensive compared to buying at the pet store or doggie bakery.  You could even eat one, although I wouldn't recommend it as they basically taste like super dry multi-grain bread.  

I also decided to dip mine in some melted carob chips, a chocolate substitute that's dog friendly, and add a little bit of decoration to make them more festive.  This is totally optional, trust me they like the cookies either way!

I got these at Whole Foods, and melted them in a chocolate candy maker.  You can also melt them in a microwave or double boiler.  I found the instructions online.  Just search for "Doggie Treat Carob Icing"

It was two little nuggets birthdays a week ago, and as usual with all the Christmas hub-bub we didn't get around to doing anything to celebrate.  So I made them a big bone cookie cake (with cream-cheese and banana filling).  Not to brag, but they kinda love it.  

Merry Christmas to you and your furry little nuggets!

love, emmy-ray

 

 

 

New from emmy-ray: Cufflinks and Bracelets

Hello lovelies.  The Honeypot this weekend was so much fun!  I didn't take a lot of pictures, but I did take lots of video, which I'll be sharing with you soon.  My favorite part about doing shows is meeting all kinds of great people customers, and other artists, crafters, and indie business owners.  

I've been in the studio this week making all kinds of Holiday goodness, including some fun new products: bracelets and cufflinks.  That's right something for the guys from emmy-ray.  The best part about both these products?  Their completely customizable in different colors, and patters, and you could even put your own designs inside.   They're great for the holidays, or another option is gifts for your wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen alike):

I'm so excited about the cufflinks.  They'd be perfect for any guy (or gal).

If you'd like to learn more about customizing your own cufflinks or bracelets just send me an e-mail: emily@emmy-ray.com or leave a comment.

love, emmy-ray

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Happy Monday everyone. This weekend was super busy, but in the best way. Starting on Thursday with the Ric Rac Roundup, the bi-annual craft show put on by the lovely ladies at bon bon atelier. I had fun hanging with some of my favorite crafty KC ladies, and sold work to both new and old customers.

Saturday was the "Night of Style" presented by Speak Salon and Style and Pepper. For that event I created a mock table display showcasing some fun flower arrangements. Again a great (and stylish) group of ladies.

After looking at my pictures I realized I definitely lean toward whites with pops of bright color when it comes to holiday displays. I've got one more holiday event still to come. More details later this week...

love, emmy-ray