DIY + Book Giveaway: Monogram Card from Put Your Stamp On It

The folks at Chronicle Books have sent over a lovely DIY - perfect for a last minute Mother's Day Card Idea an excerpt Meagan Lewis' book, Put Your Stamp On It!  As Lewis explains in the little video clip (below), people may not realize how easy it is to make your own stamp.  So with that said, she's offering us her instructions to hand-carve an adorable monogram stamp and then alos how to emboss it while you're at it!  And then afterwards, enter (by leaving a comment here) to win a copy of the book!  Good luck!

Embossed Monogram Stationery Set

Personalized stationery makes a thoughtful and useful gift. Use a monogram from the template provided or create your own. This project requires embossing—a fun and relatively easy way to give cards or envelopes an elegant and polished look. Similar in effect to thermographic printing and engraving, embossing is accessible and inexpensive, and requires relatively few materials. The embossing powder is heated and transforms the stamped design into a raised and shiny print.

Materials
• Basic carving materials (artist carving rubber, linoleum cutting tool, scissors, craft knife, cutting mat, metal ruler, graphite pencil (6B), bone folder, paper)
• Double-stick tape
• Clear embossing (a.k.a. “watermark”) ink pad or pigment ink pad
• Cards and envelopes, a solid color other than white
• Scrap paper
• Embossing powder, white
• Fine-point tweezers
• Embossing heat gun
• Monogram Template - click here to download

Step 1
Choose the size and number of letters for your monogram. For a monogram 11⁄3 in/35 mm tall, set your copier to enlarge the template by approximately 150 percent. For a two- or three-letter monogram, make an enlarged copy of the template and cut out the letters. With double-stick tape, mount the cut-out letters onto a new piece of paper. Make sure the letters are straight and spaced evenly apart. Create a new copy so that you have a single sheet from which to trace and transfer the design to the rubber.

Step 2
Apply ink to your stamp with the clear embossing ink pad and print onto the card. Because timing is critical when embossing, stamp only one card at a time, and complete the following steps before repeating the process.

Step 3
Place a piece of scrap paper underneath the stamped card, then pour the embossing powder onto the wet print. Cover the print completely and generously. You can shake it ever so lightly to ensure the powder sticks to the print.

Step 4
Gently tap the card over the scrap paper to get the excess powder off. You will see that the powder has stuck to your printed monogram. Any remaining powder can be carefully wiped away with your finger (or, for pieces stuck in isolated areas, removed with fine-point tweezers). Any powder on the card will melt and stick to your card, so you want to make sure you get all the unwanted powder off! Excess powder can be poured back into the jar of embossing powder.

Step 5
Hold the embossing heat gun at an angle to the card, away from you and the hand that is holding the card in place. Turn the heat gun on and move the nozzle around to distribute the heat around the print. You want to have the heat gun about a finger’s length from the print. The powder will take 20 to 30 seconds to melt and seal. Once you see one area of powder melt, move the heat gun to any other areas that have not yet melted. Turn off the heat gun and leave to cool once the entire print has melted. Your print is now permanently sealed to the card. Set the card aside and allow it to dry. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each card.

Extra hints: embossing colors
In this project we used a white embossing powder. It turns opaque when embossed so the color of ink underneath will not show through. If you would like the ink color to show, you can purchase clear embossing powder and print with a colored pigment ink pad. When embossed, the clear powder will melt and the color of the ink will show through and appear shiny and raised.

Please enter to win a copy of Put Your Stamp On It, by Meagan Lewis by commenting below.  We will announce a winner Tuesday, May 14th!  Deadline to enter - 6pm Monday, May 13/13. Good Luck!

Put Your Stamp On It
20 Adorable Projects Plus Instructions for Hand-Carving Beautiful Stamps
By Meagan Lewis
ISBN 9781452115719

Update:  We have a winner! Congrats to Julia Marchionna! Please contact us for details!  Jan

Read More

a bit of rambling with the last mini scone pan giveaway!

I do believe it is time we find another winner for the last Mini Scone pan Nordic ware has provided for you. So give me a moment and I will share how you can win the last one.

I have been going mad woman crazy in the house. Everything is moved around and switched up. I do this often. Maybe 4 times a year. Each season I go through every room and put a fresh look and deep cleaning into it. I have yet to do the Mud room but that is more due to the large pantry in there. I store the winter produce on top since that room stays cold (year round). Too many pumpkins at the moment which I dread having to move before the bulky pantry.

All those Long pie pumpkins....I can not stand the thought of another pie or empanada. Think I will be switching over to some Pumpkin Scones for awhile.
"Every October, Bonnie Ackerman-Luo makes pumpkin purée and freezes it in measured portions so she can make these scones all year long. Yield: Makes 6 scones"

And these caught my eye for a new twist on the normal plain, spicey or fruit scone:

Rose Petal Drop scones! Of course no reason not to use a scone pan or round dish for the baking.

A few more giveaways befor the new year. I have a shipment I have been waiting on which had a few stalls. I recieved the call yesterday and they are being shipped out now. This would be the delay in our giveaways. I will not list it unless I have recieved it (or if they ship it to the winner).

So this is our last Mini scone pan giveaway. How will I decide on a winner.... Well of course each commenter goes in the bean pot BUT your comment must include an answer to:

"If you had a LARGE garden in which you will need to grow as much of your vegetable/fruit/herb needs as possible, what would be your TOP 4 choices you would plant the most of and why?"

(in other words choose the 4 things you would plant the most of in your garden and tell why)

I plant more of the tomatoes, lettuce, beans plus my herbs dominate a whole 1/4 of the garden square- not including what herbs I interplant. Why? Well lets leave that answer for the future post we speak of garden plans and the "must have storage value" items.

I am very interested to see your answers. Deadline for entry is December 19,2009.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Read More

My odd pics and winner of the week!

This beautiful weather has afforded more time to finish the Solar pit greenhouse. I am building the trusses and should have the old windows in place on Monday. I rarely have time during the week to do much of anything that is outside which leaves me with little time just for me.

So I escape. Escape into my mind and just let it create images. I wrap my mind around how I could recreate those images. Where can I go to take the shot? What sun lighting or time of year would be needed? And the outfits...How I so love thrift store shopping in my rare alone time looking for outfits , of which I may use in my rather odd secret escape of photography.Don't laugh..O.K you may very well laugh and wonder what was I thinking to set up and snap these pics...

(Don't ask...I have no idea why my mind comes up with these things...)

Sometimes I get these images in my head for pictures and it becomes overwhelming. I know at that time, it is best to grab the camera. Try to attempt what my sublimal mind is screaming. I kinda think of these as my horror movie picture series but that was not the intent. Being the photographer AND the subject makes it rather hard to get that perfect image you are after. 3 hours into setting up and snapping pics, I gave up. I could not get the face angle right, The clothes to flow as I wanted or just could not get it timed perfect with the timer.

Much easier to do when YOU are not the subject of your own photographs.

The image still breezes around in my head and I have at least pacified those creative screams for a little while longer. But I already feel it raring up again with all this beautiful weather.

My "looking for the rabbit hole to hide in" or "scared girl running through the woods barefoot as a creepy loner follows her path" picture:

This one was my attempt to create a woman swirling in the morning's sunshine as it beams onto a forest path. Grass still cool from the evenings mist.

My "Gypsy laughter" through the forest.

I have no idea what to say about this one.... but I rather like it.

After getting the images downloaded, I edit them into sepia or B & W. Adjust a few things and play around until I feel it is the best at the moment.

I can not wait till the Pit greenhouse is done. I already have images running through my head along with a child's tea party. I need to expand my thrift store playground. I need to find more vintage clothes...

But that all may likely bore you and I have stalled enough. Frog stirred and flipped the many names in the bean pot and finaly pulled out 1 slip of paper. On that paper the name was....

Maria!

So we now have a winner for the first Nordic ware Giveaway.

Congratulations Maria! I wish you much happiness and many many years of wonderful scone making.

No worries to all who entered and did not get the Scone pan. I have plenty more Nordic ware for over the next month and you have more chances to get your hands on another AWESOME bakeware product which Nordic Ware has ever so generously provided for our giveaways.

Of course not every prize will be bakeware. I have a wonderful company who has been in business for over 100 years and is sending some very cool items for you to chance at. (tea related of course).

Now, I must be off. That Solar pit greenhouse will not finish itself. I have Frog's 4th birthday on Monday and a "waterfall tinkerbell cake" to whip up....Plus I have a turkey which will be given some extra love and thank you's this week. After all Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And in our home, I always say my "gratitude prayers" and give extra yummies to any animal who is providing my family with food. I think it may be from the Indian way's I picked up when my Gypsy roaming family followed the Pow Wow trail many many moons ago. (No we are not Gypsy descent and I mean no insult to those who may be. I use the title as reference to the homeless life we lived).

I hope those who have this sunshine to enjoy are utilizing it to hit the trails and find some wild foods to forage for winter. I plan to hit my favorite rose Hip area once more before the sun is shadowed once again with clouds.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Read More

Nordic Ware "bakeware" Giveaway!

So much talk of scones has our home emanating fresh baked scents. The blueberry with lemon glaze scones are a huge hit with my kids. I found this light distinct scone recipe over on the Food network web page by Tyler Florence.

Wonder how mine came out so perfect in shape and color? Oh my dear friends the secret is in the pan. But not just any pan will do. Your baking world will forever change with what I played with all week and have to share with you. A new one for you. Not the one I played with. I hold that in the secret bake ware cabinet where no other woman, man or child shall pass. My most treasured pans are stored in there for fear of someone getting the bright idea to use it for a purpose I would highly frown upon.(Think stove top or grill. Oh~ it has happened... Which is why the sacred cabinet was born.)

If you are not one of the lucky recipients of the King Arthur scone mix, no worries. Here is your chance for more scone delight and the perfect baking must have.

The Nordic Ware "Mini Scone" pan! A Heavyweight cast aluminum design.

Instead of the normal 8 portion circle pan, this is divided into 16 scones with a square shape. This way you can indulge like you are being naughty by eating that second scone (or third in my case), but truly it is like having 1 regular size.

I love so much about this company and their bake ware. I am deeply honored to have their participation with our giveaway.

Their bake ware is MADE IN THE USA. They follow Green sustainable business practices and have been recognized by their county and state of manufacturing with "Green recognition awards". They continue to make improvements moving their company to an even more Green status. Just click here for more information. A must read for those who wish to know more about their Green ways and non use of heavy metals & PFOA's.

These average in retail about $32. You can buy direct from their site here if your local store does not carry them. Of course they offer more then this scone pan. Have a look around and get those holiday wish lists going!

Now enough of my soapbox. What about the giveaway? No hoops to jump or mathematical equations to answer. A simple comment saying "I must have that awesome pan" will do. No you do not have to put exactly that. Just get your name in the "Bean pot" before November 14,2009.

Entry comments must be in before midnight Eastern time Friday November 13,2009. One entry per person.

I have a few more Nordic Ware items for you to chance at before this year ends. There will be a giveaway of a tea time related item(s) almost every week till 2010.

Why you may ask? Not just as a debut to my Tisane blends. It is because YOU deserve it. Those who tag along on our adventures through my blog and those who have been following along on our adventures from the very beginning almost 4 years ago. The ups, the downs. The fun and hysterical along with the sad and not so great times.

I have spent many days & hours researching the best companies and prizes to offer you. I wish I could send each and every one of you a great prize, but alas you would break the bank dearies. So I offer these giveaways as my Thank You for your support and friendship through the years and those who may have just stumbled upon my humble blog of adventures.

Your comments, your support, sharing your own adventures through blogging. You give me so many smiles and laughter with the occasional good cry. I have gone from feeling like a lone soldier in my way of living to the big meadow of many in "Blogdom".

Now enough sappy talk. Get your entry in!

Good luck to all! and of course...

Sweet Dreams,

~Tammie

....as Mary Poppins 10/31/09

Read More

My " King Arthur Scone mix " Giveaway!

In honor of my upcoming Tisane blends, King Arthur Flour Company has so generously participated in the first of many giveaways right here on The Unusual Farm Chick site.
I truly love their flours which is all I will use for my Artisan breads. I am so thrilled to share with you the taste of exceptional quality one finds with King Arthur's products.

"Here at King Arthur Flour, we believe “value” still refers to the worth of something, not how cheap it is. So while our flour may cost a little bit more than some of the other brands you see on supermarket shelves, we know it’s a good value, because you get what you pay for: the consistent performance of King Arthur Flour yields exceptional results whenever you invest your time and ingredients in baking.
All flour is not created equal. King Arthur Flour is subject to the most precise specifications in the milling industry, and the resulting purity and consistent performance has made it the trusted flour of baking enthusiasts and professionals for over 200 years. We put that care into our products because we believe you deserve exceptional results, every time you bake.
We believe it’s best to offer pure, natural flour free of unnecessary chemicals that may be hazardous to your health. In particular, we avoid adding any bleaching chemicals – such as benzoyl peroxide, commonly found in acne treatment products – as well as potassium bromate, a suspected carcinogen banned in Europe in California.
What’s more, we back our superior flour with a host of resources developed from our more than two centuries of baking experience."

Pick one from the many delectable choices of scone mix from their site here. (There are so many, it will be hard to choose just one, so take your time and browse around!) Then come back to leave a comment including what Herbal blend Tisane ( tea) you would enjoy sipping to compliment their delicious scones. This extra step where you include what herbal blend would go best with the flavor of Scone, helps me know what you enjoy in your herbal tisanes which just might result in a new blending experiment.

It's that easy!

Be sure to check out their FREE Traveling Baking demo's too! They are coming to the Firestone Country club here in Akron Ohio November 6,2009. I know I will be there to benefit from the knowledge of experienced bakers! Heres a direct link to see if they will be coming close to you*.

The deadline is Midnight on Friday November 6, 2009. One entry per person. Two Winners will be chosen from all commenter's to this post. King Arthur Flour Company will mail your choice of scone mix directly to your home. Be sure your comment/blog link has a current email address so I may contact you for your mailing information. I reserve the right to disqualify anyone who does not fully participate with the comment qualifications.

I will announce the winners chosen from a random generator, on Saturday November 7, 2009.

Be sure to keep watching for the next giveaway. After checking out all those scone mixes, the next giveaway will give you even more reason to give King Arthur's dry mix items a try!

Best of luck to all! And be sure to spread the word to your friends about the Unusual Farm Chick giveaways. So many more prizes and well worth the wait.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Read More