What’s On Your Workdesk this Wednesday?
This week I completed the final set of the three Florabunda arrangement drawings that I did. Here they are with their Distress Oxide backgrounds. This time I decided to go for a yellow colour scheme.
When I had completed the backgrounds I mopped up the excess ink on the media mat with some of my bleached teabags.
I think there’s some real potential in these. I must remember to try some more. I still haven’t decided what to do with these small samples.
There was also a piece of inked kitchen paper for mopping up that I’d gradually been building up until most of it was covered. When I do this, I have several sheets on the go, and try and pick one with the right colour scheme so that I don’t end up with mud, and can use the kitchen paper sheets at a later date. This particular one was quite fragile because it had been on the go for a long time and was getting rather flimsy. I peeled it apart and found there were three layers, all of which are useable. Three sheets for the price of one.
Once the backgrounds on the drawings were dry, I drew over the outlines, this time with a fine sepia pen, and then coloured them with my Tombow brush markers.
I also made a birthday card from one of my mandala drawings.
I used the same technique as before, matting and layering with a printed paper I didn’t think I’d use on its own, and then doing the usual inking and splattering to add a bit of texture. I also made another sheet of printed sentiments to cut out.
I still have a lot of drawings to mat and layer and eventually make into cards, but for now I shan’t do any more colouring, but move onto something else for a while.
Kitties
My hubby needed to get up, and didn’t want to disturb Ruby.
Food
Recipe of the week
Vegan Sugar and Fat Free Crumble
This was adapted from an online recipe for a classic apple crumble with a vegan crumble, but it seemed rather smooth and bland. I decided to experiment and make my own version of this, adding some rolled oats and chopped nuts for a bit of texture.
60g whole wheat flour
60g almond pulp
90g almond butter
6 tabs maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon (for apple crumble)
1/4 cup rolled oats
Approx 2 tabs chopped blanched almonds
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl with a fork, then spread over the dish of your choice. It makes enough for a crumble for 4.
I made this (minus the cinnamon) to replace the crumble on a rhubarb and strawberry crumble and it was delicious. I will feature that dessert another time.
There was a little bit too much crumble, so I retained some and pressed it together and shaped it into a few little balls, and baked them beside the crumble. They came out a bit hard on the outside (possibly overcooked), and while they tasted nice, they didn’t have a great deal of flavour apart from sweetness. This got me thinking; the flavour reminded me somewhat of a standard plain sweet biscuit that you can buy. I am going to try making some more and flattening the dough balls with a fork before baking. I thought they could do with some additional flavour, so I shall experiment with some almond essence, or maybe some vanilla paste, and there’s the option to make some savoury ones, too.
I also decided to invent a savoury version of the crumble, for a nice crunchy topping on a main course dish. I have yet to try this so if you try it and it’s a disaster, I did warn you!
Savoury version as above, but add:
2 tabs nutritional yeast
1 tab onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Herbs of choice
Omit:
Maple syrup
Cinnamon
This crumble recipe definitely benefited from the addition of some rolled oats and chopped nuts, for a bit more texture. The colour is pretty dark, and this comes from the almond butter.
I’ll let you know how I get on with my biscuit experiments.
Seed sprouting and microgreens
I am about to embark on an exciting new adventure in growing my own superfoods! I am waiting for the seeds to arrive, but I already have a seed sprouter. I bought this many years ago and every now and then it has had an airing but never with very satisfactory results, because until now, I never knew the correct way to use it. I’ve been watching YouTube videos and educating myself this week.
I am also saving the little plastic trays that the mushrooms come in from the supermarket. These will fit on the kitchen windowsill and don’t have holes in the bottom, so they will be ideal for growing my microgreens. Microgreens are seeds which have sprouted and have been allowed to grow into seedlings with the first true leaves after the cotyledons which emerge from the seed. The nutritional value of sprouted seeds and microgreens is many times that of the ungerminated seed, and even of the adult plant; this is because the plant makes certain phytonutrients available at this early stage, to aid in the healthy growth of the plant, and these decrease as the plant grows in size. The flavour is very often enhanced too. I am keen to try pea shoots because I hear these have the flavour of freshly shelled garden peas (now that’s a wonderful memory of my childhood – sitting out in the sun, shelling peas! Pop, pop, pop, and then popping one or two in my mouth!). I have seen these on MasterChef and always thought they were so pretty, with their tiny leaves and little tendrils, and their bright green colour.
I hope by next week I shall have a progress report for you. I am really looking forward to some success with this. They will be great additions to salads and garnishes for soups and other dishes. You can also wilt them and add them to things, or stir fry them. Another benefit is that you can grow them all the year round.
Food shopping
I had my first Sunday delivery from Tesco a few days ago. I’m not very happy having my shopping on Sundays but the scarcity of delivery slots gave me no alternative. There are NO more slots available until 24th May (another Sunday) and I’ve also booked one for the Sunday after that. My hubby is going to have to do 2 weekly shops for me at Sainsbury’s. My delivery plan at Tesco’s comes to an end at the beginning of June so I have converted it to payment on a monthly basis rather than the yearly one I’ve been on to date. I am planning to abandon Tesco altogether in favour of Sainsbury’s, which has much more choice, and better quality stuff as well. Unfortunately, while the Coronavirus crisis continues, they are not allowing any new customers on their delivery plan, so I am going to have to wait. In recent years I have got more and more fed up with Tesco, with so much of their fruit going bad, or not being ripe enough to eat for weeks on end, and then going from bullets to bad, and several of my regular items being discontinued. I don’t think it is nearly as good as it used to be. Changing over to Sainsbury’s will be something to look forward to as the restrictions are lifted.
I’ve got another huge box arriving soon from my whole food supplier! I’m looking forward to unpacking all those goodies to restock the pantry.
Other news
My hubby has made a new concrete hole for my new whirlygig washing line which arrived last week. Unfortunately it didn’t arrive in time for me to try it out with last week’s wash, but as long as it doesn’t rain, I shall hang out this week’s! I can’t wait for that lovely fresh smell of the laundry when it has blown in the fresh air. The primroses are now over (sad…) but other things are starting to come on now, and my hubby brought the first crop of rhubarb in the other day. I just wish it would warm up again and be sunny so that we could sit out under the umbrella for lunch again!
The herbs in the herb garden are growing apace, and most of them are now big enough to start plucking from. This year I am planning to harvest a lot more for the freezer, to keep for the winter months, while they are in their prime.
Have a great creative week, everybody, and continue to say safe and well. Hopefully we’ll all soon be out and about again.
Morning Shoshi! I love those paper towel backgrounds, mine always look like the mud you have avoided! As always I have had a lovely read before I start work (any minute now!) I love the herbs in their planter, and hope your seeds come soon! Take care. Helen #1
Wow Shoshi your herbs have come on in leaps and bounds. I look forward to seeing more of your seed growth over the next few weeks. That inky paper towel had me drooling. Just the sort of thing that would make it onto my tags. The new drawings are beautiful too. Meow to Lily and Ruby (doesn’t she look cosy in that blanket). Stay safe and Happy WOYWW. Sarah #5
Morning Shoshi. My goodness – you just don’t stop! The yellow based pieces are lovely – hope you find lots of uses for them. The finished card is great – I’m sure the recipient will love it.
Take care of yourselves. Stay safe. God bless.
Margaret #3
Happy WOYWW. Thank you for sharing the detailed/tagged photo of your lovely desk area and also the many wonderful finished projects. You always give me inspiration. Pea shoots sound lovely and something I will investigate. Looks like the sort of growing project that I could cope with. We spend a lot of time each day trying not to disturb Milky the Cat, or spoiling her. For instance, yesterday I was putting clean bedlinen on our bed, so the big heavy/fluffy bedspread was piled up on a chest of drawers. Milky appeared and then sat, miaowing up at the bedspread. She wanted it on the floor, so she could have her daily long nap. Of course, I did that for her! Tesco. I have been shopping with them online for 12 years (I get a pressie each year for being the most longstanding customer in this area.) Do they give me special treatment, as quite a lot of other people complain about them. I always get fabulous fresh produce and the substitutions are 99% ok. I only seem to be able to get a delivery slot if I stay up until after midnight, which is exhausting me. Used Asda for the first time in 7 years last week and they were excellent. Worth trying if you need a delivery. I have also used Iceland for my mum – fairly easy to get a delivery slot – but they don’t deliver to our remote area unfortunately. We are also getting a weekly delivery from a local fruit/veg/deli shop – their fresh produce is far better quality and she makes different flavour mini cheesecakes each week, which makes 3 desserts for us, as they are big enough to share. Stay safe, and enjoy the warmer temperatures until Sunday, when they drastically drop. Ali x #13
I do like a labelled photo! It just highlights many items that otherwise may have been overlooked. I agree with using the mopped-up teabags like that, so effective for many uses – the mandala card is fab and I really like the way you did the inside too!
Hugs LLJ 12 xxx
Your herb garden is flourishing Shoshi, i’m in great envy of it as it’s something I plan for my little garden when we get chance to work and remodel the bits unloved. Beautiful cards again, you have been super productive, when you find a design that works it’s very very rewarding to repeat it.
Have fun with those that are left over, they will be waiting for you when you return.
I didn’t get chance to pop back over last week & say last weeks stamp set bundle was purchased from Hochanda, a bargain I couldn’t resist as I know some sets are hard to find or expensive.
Take care & stay very safe & above all thanks for sharing WoywW Tracey #6 xx
Morning! It’s a beautiful day here and feels a lot warmer than yesterday so I’m expecting some time under my umbrella today – not as posh as yours though! Great projects, I particularly like how your mandala card turned out, it has some very lovely colours. You square herb wheel is looking great – really must try some herbs one year. I don’t use them a lot but often wish I could lay my hands on some fresh bits. Stay well, stay safe, Happy WOYWW Cindy #18
Well… were do I start? Your use of the backgrounds is amazingly clever, repurposing those trays is also super clever (we don’t get anything half as good for our mushrooms), and your herb garden is superb. But the highlight for me is the photo of Ruby…. Priceless. Have a great week and keep crafting while staying safe.
Sandra de @9
I love how organised your desk is and the cards are gorgeous as always. Well done on the gardening – loos fab – my seedlings are still seedlings and I just had an order cancelled – after waiting a month for delivery as they cant get the supplies- will have to look else where – I do miss garden centers. Enjoy your washing 🙂
soojay ~22
Hi Shoshi, lots of lovely things to see on your desk this week. I like the desk shot, you have a very organised desk. My favourite thing is how your colouring has made the florabunda pictures come alive – they look gorgeous. The herb garden has certainly come alive too – I think ours is in a spot that is too shady. Mr M may need to relocate it. Do you make your own card envelopes? It looks very professional having a matching lined envelope. Growing rhubarb takes me back many years – my mum used to grow it I’m sure. I think that would grow rather well on our embankment, next to the wild strawberries – something I shall have to look into. I am intrigued by the seed sprouter, and will watch the progress you make. I’ve been reading a few gardening books to get some ideas of what to ‘pot’ when my potting shed arrives next month. Although I’m now in a quandary as to where to locate it – I have two possible sites, and cannot decide where it should go. I may leave the decision to Mr M, as one of the sites will make it easier for him to build. Have a lovely week and stay safe and well, Heather xx #20
Hi Shoshi, love how the florabunda colouring came out, they look gorgeous. The herb bed is looking fab, filling out nicely.The pic of Ruby made me smile, cat’s will do that won’t they, rather than leave a warm spot! Have a lovely week, Stay safe, Hugs, Shaz #8 X
Wow – I am so jealous of those herbs! I haven’t started any yet, will have to buy them as plants. If I were to be planting in March, I would be planting in the snow! And I love microgreens, especially pea sprouts! We have a favourite restaurant (closed at the moment) that puts pea sprouts on their sandwiches, mmm! I think you will love them. You are so creative with your cooking! I am slowly starting to get that way, looking up a recipe just for the “guidelines”! I am also trying to lose 20 pounds, so I’m adapting recipes to fit WW a bit better. I love your Happy Birthday mandala card – gorgeous! And those floribunda toppers are awesome! You are just one big bowl of talent! Sorry I missed you last week, hugs to Ruby and Lily (Ruby is so cute in her little “hammock”!), have a great week! Lindart #28
Love your herb bed, looks really good. I am interested in the sproutlings, love all these ‘new’ ideas. WE ahd the same problems with Tesco plus the fact they kept coming up with all different reasons why they didn’t have any of ‘my’ bread. We changed to Morrisons and are much happier, the staff always seem so happy to help us, some of them actually walk with us and don’t go waltzing off which, in tesco, used to really annoy me.
have a good week
Christine #29
Wow! Love your drawings and projects!
Had a laugh on your hubby and Ruby.
Looks like you have lots going on with the food experiments, sprouts, herb garden, and such.
Thanks for popping by and have a great week!
Carol N #26
The floribunda drawings are gorgeous! I love the cards and will be interested to see what you do with the teabags. Happy WOYWW! Stay safe and take care, with love and God Bless, Caro xxx (#17)
Very interesting blog post! Love the food bit as my daughter is a vegan and this will be something for here – the florabunda is lovely!
Hugs,
CARDARIAN
Hello Shoshi, lovely art work as usual and I love the background to your cards. Your herb garden is looking beautiful. We have been dissatisfied with Tesco for some time and it seems if they deliver you often get short dated products. It is more convenient normally for my husband to shop there, since he drops me off for a massage and then doe the shopping, although since the lockdown he has been going to Sainsbury’s.
Did you scan a background to do Your envelope liners? I am suffering with my tummy at the moment, not sure what set it off :(. Have a good week Angela #30
Loving your cards they are so different, Good luck with the seeds when they come. I have got some in a used plastic egg box and there are signs that they are coming up. I have chives and lupins. your hurbs are looking good,
Morning Shoshi…I’m visiting your blog before going to work this morning…I enjoy stopping by and seeing your creations every now again…I hope all is well with you and your herb garden looks wonderful…..I hope you are enjoying wonderful day!!