Category Archives: art

A winter project

I walked outside to get yesterday’s mail. It is 37 degrees and windy. The driveway was plowed but now very slippery. Next time I’ll have cleats on my boots.

So came back inside to work on my winter project. I’m cutting up Bob’s old clothes to eventually make a quilt.

I started this last winter so don’t expect a completed quilt soon. More cutting to do.

Until next time, that’s it from Sunnybook Farm

Copyright 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

A special bouquet

Here’s a special handmade gift I received.

If you are looking for something handmade by a Wisconsin artist, I can recommend this. The large flowers are made of wood! Sectionals can be found on sale in Bria Bella.

Check out Bria Bella on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briabellaco/ and the internet, https://www.briabellaco.com/.

Just thought I’d share this today.

Until next time, that’s it from Sunnybook Farm.

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke. All rights reserved.

Painting

In between lawn mowing, I took some time to pour a couple of acrylic paintings on tiles.

Some are better than others, but I’m still learning.

Right now I’m considering my next pour and using less paint and more of the thining medium.

So much to learn.

But I’m having fun.

Maybe if I did let the cat out when the paint is fresh, I’d get some interesting paw prints across my creations. Hmmm, something to think about.

Copyright © 2021 Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Homemade salt clay

I have not made this recipe in ages, so I checked it on the internet and found it hasn’t changed.

This seems like a good project for a family when everyone is stuck indoors.

Cooked Salt Clay Recipe

2 Cups of Flour

2 Cups of water

1 Cup of salt

2 Tablespoon vegetable oil — The oil will make the dough a little easier to knead and work with but some recipes omit it.

1 Tablespoon cream of tartar — The cream of tartar makes this dough last 6 months or longer, so resist omitting it. But if you are making ornaments that you are going to dry right away, the cream of tartar isn’t needed.

Food coloring

Directions:

In a large saucepan mix the flour, cream of tartar, and salt; add oil and water.

Cook over medium heat five minutes, stirring constantly. Your arm may tire as mixture thickens—having a helper is nice.

It is finished when the dough clings to the spoon and refuses to be moved. Take care not to scorch.

Remove from heat and cool a bit. Divide into fourths and add food coloring. Knead.

After play period, roll dough in a large ball, or in four balls if you have colored them, place them in plastic bags, and store them in the refrigerator. If sticky when removed, add a little flour.

If you made cookie cutter ornaments, let them air dry for 1 to 3 days then they can be painted.

Good luck.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved