Monday, February 11, 2013

My Punny Valentine II:

Due to popular demand (okay, Margo told me it was time for another blog post), I have decided to follow up last year’s popular Valentine post with another one in the same vein.   Here it is...



I felt it was time you had a new cell phone case, Valentine…

















Is this dichroic glass half full or half empty?


 




Wood you be my Valentine?




You bowl me over, Valentine!



















I’ve been earring great things about you, Valentine…

 
I’ve plate it cool long enough – I must have you as my Valentine!


Can I have a hug?
 

Wrap jar arms around me and tell me you love me, Valentine!

 

You are cute as a button, Valentine…

















Love is in bloom, Valentine!
 

I am raven-ous for your love, Valentine


 





Compared to all other menu are my favourite, Valentine

 

It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night.
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear…

 

You are a stone cold fox, Valentine!
 

You don’t have to chase me, Valentine – you origami!
 

I love you, Valentine – no kitten!
 

If you are noodle not complain, Valentine…
 

I wouldn’t tray-d our love for anything, Valentine!
 

Shake your booty, Valentine

 


No one can hold a candle to you, Valentine…
 

I’d be very happy if jewel be my Valentine!

 
 


 
Face it - I only want you for my Valentine!
 
  
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For a special treat, serve this Chai Tea mix to your true love in one of our handmade pottery mugs:

 
Chai Tea Mix

Chai is an Indian spiced-tea beverage that is enjoyed both hot and iced. Dried orange rind and ginger add even more flavour. Present this mix with a pretty teacup and the recipe for Chai Tea for Four (see below).  This recipe makes 2 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 inch gingerroot, peeled
1 large orange
4 sticks cinnamon (each 3 inches/8 cm long)
1 cup(250 mL) black tea leaves (such as Darjeeling)
24 green cardamom pods, crushed
12 whole cloves

Preparation:  (Make-ahead: Store for up to 2 months.)

Slice ginger into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick slices; arrange on rack. Using vegetable peeler, peel orange rind (avoiding white pith); add to rack. Let dry at room temperature until brittle, about 24 hours.

In bowl, break rind and cinnamon sticks into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces; add ginger, tea leaves, cardamom pods and cloves. Mix well; spoon into decorative airtight bag or jar.

Additional Information:

2 cups (500 mL) each milk and water
1/4 cup (50 mL) Chai Tea Mix
Granulated sugar (optional)
   
In saucepan, bring milk and water to boil; remove from heat.  Stir in Chai Tea Mix. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain into warmed mugs. Stir in sugar (if using) to taste.

*Tip: To make with tea bags instead of loose leaf tea, prepare milk and water as directed.  Steep 2 tea bags and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the spice mixture, trying to get a bit of everything. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sweeten as desired.

Source: Canadian Living Magazine: January 2003


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Did you know:

Honey is so evocative of love, that it's the standard by which we measure its sweetness.  And when the sensation of falling in love proves as delectable as the sticky stuff, we even dub our sweethearts "Honey." Newlyweds were once supplied a month's worth of mead, a honey wine, hence the term "honeymoon."

 
Of course, when you get down to it, honey is literally one sexy substance — it's created from the nectar bees collect as they flit from flower to flower, fertilizing blooms.  Not only is honey a ready source of energy, but pure and unheated honey is a mild natural love stimulant, since it contains numerous substances such as zinc, vitamins B and E which promote virility and reproductive health.  The vitamins in honey also boost testosterone production, while boron in honey helps the body to use estrogen.



Why not pick up some of our “Bee and Me” locally made honey today for a very special Valentines celebration? 

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Artisan Profile:  me - Sandra Rodwell!


I am a Hamilton-based artisan who has explored many mediums including: special-effects makeup artistry; drawing; painting; photography; collage; and ornament creation.  For the last decade or so, my passion has been costume jewelry design and construction.  The combining of unexpected and disparate colours, textures and materials in a 3-dimensional, wearable piece of art provides immense satisfaction, and endless opportunity!



As a creative child growing up on a fruit farm in the Niagara region where traditional craft supplies were not always readily available, I developed a natural resourcefulness and learned to see the whole world as my craft store.  Just about anything can provide the seeds of inspiration for creative projects – whimsical and sophisticated designs are crafted with everything from crystal, glass, wood, paper, metal, leather, and semi-precious gemstones to tree bark and actual seeds!

 
I sharpened my creative skills studying Theatre Production at Niagara College and apprenticing with BBC special-effects makeup artist Maureen Sweeney before enjoying a brief career in theatre and film.  As life led me in a different direction, I followed my entrepreneurial dreams and opened gift shop “FRED – a store…” in Sarnia, Ontario, which featured my jewelry creations as well as handcrafted works by other local artisans.

Eventually, I wrapped up my retail operation and moved closer to family in Hamilton, where I studied silversmithing at Mohawk College.  I have acquired a large and loyal following over the years, and now sell my creations through the award-winning artisan collective, Textures Craftworks!


*Nominee- 2012 Hamilton Spectator Reader's Choice Awards: 
                   Favourite Local Artist

*Nominee- 2010 Hamilton Tourism Awards:
                   Arts Ambassador

*Nominee- 2010 Hamilton Tourism Awards:
                   Marketing or Promo Piece

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Upcoming Shows at Textures:

Feb. 11 - Mar. 4:  Romancing the Stones:  Jewelry by Sandra Rodwell
Mar. 4 - Mar. 25:  Cattitudes:  All splendid cats in all media
Mar. 25 - April 15:  The Nature of Things:  Nature photography by Mark Williams

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So that's it for this year's Valentines installment.  Until next year, keep on lovin'!