Such Pretty Things

Pretty Books: Maker Spaces by Emily Quinton

 

Oh my goodness, do I LOVE Emily Quinton's new book, Maker Spaces!!!

This beautiful and completely fascinating book takes you inside the homes, studios and work spaces of a number of today's very talented and creative "makers".

Like Emily, I have always been intrigued by the ways in which people incorporate their creativity into their everyday lives and homes.  Maker Spaces gives the reader an up-close and personal look into the lives of people who have truly melded their creative talents with their work and living environments.

In addition to showing us lots of lovely spaces (gorgeous photographs by Helen Cathcart), Emily also shares each makers' personal story - delving into how they discovered their careers, found their homes, and transformed their spaces to reflect their creative needs.

I especially loved seeing how the different makers designed their craft and work spaces to fit their own unique needs...how they designed them, furnished them, and organized them.

The book also showcases a variety of design styles - from rustic and floral (my fav!) to eclectic and colorful. It's such fun to see so many pretty, yet very different spaces - each such a true reflection of the maker who inhabits it. 

A consistent message throughout the book is that each maker clearly values the importance of surrounding one's self with the things that inspire them and feed their creativity - the things that give them joy.

As a creative person myself, this really resonated with me.  My home and work spaces are filled with the things that I love and that make me happy just to look at them.  My collections, flowers and pastel colors are everywhere! For example, here's a peek at what my desk top currently looks like...

Yes, it's filled with the practical and the utilitarian (staplers, tapes, etc...), but it is also a reflection of all that inspires me...like pretty vintage tins and tiny millinery flowers. So, whether I am paying bills, editing photos, or designing a new floral fabric, I am surrounded by the things that make me smile. :-)

All Images are taken from Maker Spaces by Emily Quinton, photography by Helen Cathcart, published by Ryland Peters & Small rrp £19.99.  You can find a copy of your very own right here and here!

Happy reading!

Jessica

Eton Mess with Pastel Meringues

I have literally been meaning to share this recipe since last August! When we returned home from vacation in Italy last summer, I discovered that the beautiful pastel meringues I had brought back with me did not survive the journey. They were a sad, crumbly mess and I felt just terrible.

What to do?  Well, when life hands you smashed meringues, you make Eton Mess! If you are not familiar with it, Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that typically consists of a delicious combination of fruit, whipped cream, and meringue. I decided it would be the perfect (and pretty) solution to my crushed meringue debacle. :-)

Ingredients:

- 1 pint Heavy whipping cream

- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract

- 2 T. Confectioner's sugar

- Meringues (homemade or store bought)

- Fruit of your choice (I used strawberries)

 Directions:

Begin by making the whipped cream. Please don't use anything from a can or tub for this, real whipped cream is so simple to make and it tastes sooo much better!  Just place your cold heavy cream in the mixer. I like to add a little sugar and vanilla to mine, but this is totally optional. Whip on high speed until fairly thick - just be careful not to over-whip it or you will end up with butter! Next, crumble your meringues into small pieces (I was obviously able to skip this step!). Just place them in a plastic bag and crush them lightly with a rolling pin.

Now, wash and prepare your fruit.  I used strawberries because I really like them and they looked good, but you can use any fruit you like.

I just sliced them into bite-sized pieces.  Now, the fun part!  Mix it all together.  Yes, it will be a real "mess", but that's totally OK!

I like to serve Eton Mess in individual clear martini glasses because the ingredients look so pretty, but you can use any type of serving vessel (I've even made this as one large dessert in a trifle bowl).

As a finishing touch, I topped mine off with more meringue bits.

Eton Mess makes a really lovely - and surprisingly light - spring or summer dessert.  Perfect for Easter or Mother's Day!

XOXO

Jessica

Vintage Beaded Easter Baskets

Easter is this Sunday and I always think it's fun to come up with interesting and novel Easter basket ideas.  When I found these kitchy, vintage beaded, safety pin baskets, I knew I absolutely had to use them for Easter baskets this year...

Aren't they fabulous?  I just adore the candy colored beads!

These baskets are likely from the 1950's or 60's and were evidently a very popular craft to make back then. They look super complicated to me! :-)

I filled these beauties with some "ribbon" grass and LOTS of pastel foil-wrapped chocolate eggs.

The best thing about these baskets is that long after the candy is gone, the baskets will still make a a pretty and colorful addition to your home!

XOXO

Jessica

Chocolate Covered Matzoh

The Jewish holiday of Passover begins this Friday night and if you celebrate (or even if you don't!), you might want to try making some chocolate covered matzoh. It's crunchy and sweet with just a little salt for contrast - sort of like a yummy chocolate covered pretzel. And so simple to make- only three ingredients!

Ingredients:

- Matzoh (I used the salted variety)

- Chocolate candy melts (white, milk, dark, etc...)

- Sprinkles, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, etc...

Directions:

Lay your sheets of matzoh on a parchment covered baking sheet. Melt the chocolate according to the manufacturer's directions and spread evenly over the matzoh. I just covered one side, but if you want to make it truly decadent, let one side set up and then turn it over and coat the other side.

Working quickly, sprinkle on the toppings of your choice and allow to completely set up.

Once the chocolate is hardened, break up the matzoh into pieces and serve. Delish! And pretty, too!

Happy Passover!

XOXO

Jessica