Yummy Potato Soup

Hey Folks,
On those chilly nights, what could be better then sipping on some comforting, creamy potato soup? It is so easy to make and so tasty. Here is how to make it. In a big pot on medium high, stirring occasionally, add these ingredients...

5 Cups of water
3 chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes
5 Cups of chopped Idaho potatoes
2 Cups of chopped carrots
1 Cup of diced onion
1 Cup of celery
2 Cans of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Chicken or Cream of Celery (I prefer Cream of Mushroom)
Reduce heat and add
1 Cup of cubed Velveeta Cheese (optional)
1 Cup of diced mushrooms (optional)
2 Cups chopped cooked turkey or chicken (optional)

Serves about 8 people

Great with Artisan Bread or crackers
Enjoy!

CIndy Fix & 8th Day Studio

Hi Friends,
One of my favorite things is learning about other creative people and showing off their wonderful work. I recently found some totally cute dresses made from my Lift Your Spirit collection by Cindy Fix at her Etsy studio called 8th Day Studio. I wrote to her and asked if she could tell me a little bit about her. I just love Cindy's spirit and her letter gives us a glimpse into her world.

Hi Wendy!

I'd be honored to be mentioned in your blog! I can't tell you how much I love this fabric -- a year ago I made a set of pillowcase dresses like the ones on my Etsy site, for my niece who was expecting twins. One dress had the blue on top and yellow on the bottom; the other was reversed. I made hair bows to match. They were the hit of the baby shower, and she LOVED them! 

As for my creative life.... hmmm.... Mom taught me to sew when I was 8 years old. I was the third of four girls. I figured if I was ever going to get to wear something that wasn't a hand-me-down twice over, I'd better learn to make my own clothes! And I did. Took a flat pattern design class in high school, and that added a whole new dimension to my sewing career. Majored in fashion design in college, but plans got waylaid by marriage and babies, so I never did finish, but kept sewing and creating nevertheless. Fast forward 25 years -- my daughter and I started an online boutique for little girls; I made the clothes, she made the bows -- and we had fun with that until SHE started having the babies. Four of them in five years.... no time for bows anymore. So here I am on Etsy, doing what I love best. Bright, colorful fabrics just speak to my heart, and that's why I was immediately drawn to your fabric, Wendy! 

Thanks for the opportunity to be featured in your blog!

Blessings, 
Cindy Fix @ 8th Day Studio

When you have a chance, check out Cindy's studio...maybe the perfect gift will be found for a loved one in your life. Have a great day!

Tea Party by Wendy Bentley

Introducing the latest collection I have made through Timeless Treasures called Tea Party. A beautiful, sweet tea party is such a wonderful way to spend time with friends whether its formal and elegant or country and quaint. Inspiration develops through research...finding beautiful imagery, taking a trip to a local antique store and considering the artistic style in which this collection would take shape. I look forward to seeing all the beautiful creations. 

Check Chic at Lang.com

Hi Everyone,
If you haven't found a calendar yet for 2013, how about Check Chic at Lang.com http://www.lang.com/pbendecasearch/result/query/?Ntt=wendy+bentley. Along with this 2013 calendar I created, there are some other fun products that would match this calendar too and many are on sale! 

Here is a wonderful oversized ceramic mug that comes in a beautiful box. This would make a wonderful gift for yourself or a friend.

Along with this mug are the most stylish post-it notes. One of these post-it notes will not go unnoticed on this Check Chic variety pack. 

We're always on the go these days, right? Well, I almost never go anywhere without at least a little bit of coffee to sip on along the way. There are two wonderful "to-go" travel mugs, Check Chic (ON SALE!) and Check Chic Blossoms.

I am particularly fond of the cherry blossoms and the fabric covered journal and note cards because my mom and I worked on the quote together, "The fragrance of new blossoms awaken sweet memories." My mom is a wonderful writer, her poems are so touching, it is such a pleasure to work together on these projects.

Well enjoy all these items and check out some of the other options on the site too. New products will be coming throughout the year. Happy 2013!

Chloe's Snowgirl

Chloe and I enjoyed making this little Snowgirl together using Super Sculpey. The colors were chosen by Chloe and we added a yarn scarf to warm her up.

We also enjoyed making these fun snowflake ornaments with Chet and Chloe's whole class for their Christmas party. All supplies were purchased at Michael's Craft Store. I have to admit, these ornaments really stand out on a Christmas Tree...I think the simplicity and size have something to do with it. 

Our last little project involved styrofoam balls which we painted brown. I grabbed some little branches from outside and added eyes, cottonball noses and felt for the ears, our version of Rudolf and Clarise. 

Submit your craft project to me and tell your story.

Happy Holidays to all! 

Angry Birds with SuperSculpey

Hi Everyone,
Well for fun, the kids and I sculpted replicas of the Angry Bird Plush Crew. We used SuperSculpey, which is pretty easy to work with. It can be purchased at your local craft store and bakes in an oven 275º per 1/2 inch. The kids painted the base color of the characters, but I painted the eye details. It was a fun family thing to do and taught the kids patients as we went through each phase of the project.
Now, maybe we'll do some snowmen ornaments for the holidays!

Winter Wonderland Fabric Bags

Hey Everyone,
Happy Holidays! For fun this week-end I whipped up some elegant, little holiday bags from my Winter Wonderland fabric licensed to Timeless Treasures. Making the metallic ribbon roses and trim in the wee hours of the morning added the elegance and sparkle this collection is all about. These cloth bags can really make a present extra-special. A bottle of wine, a package of coffee or a little plush animal fit perfectly in these 5"X7" bags. The hardest part will be choosing which ones you want to give away and which ones you just have to keep!

Check your local quilt stores or on-line for Winter Wonderland.

Pumpkin Doodles

Happy Halloween-Doodles from Chet and Chloe! Has anyone ever seen such a cute and studious bat girl? How about this scary, pirate pumpkin and the happy spider? I love these spooky and charming cast of characters. Happy Halloween, Wendy

Pumpkins at Neltner Farm

Another fun time at Neltner Farm! Over the last two week-ends we have had quite a difference in the weather, but still have had lots of fun at this 120 year old farm in Camp Springs, Kentucky. After taking a horse-drawn carriage, we managed to find some pumpkins that "spoke" to us..."pick me...pick me, I'm your pumpkin." The kids had a chance to ride miniature horses, go through a corn stock maze, buy a basket of Jonathan Apples and a jar of Claire's Homemade Strawberry Jam. Raking leaves, carving pumpkins, drinking warm cider, taking nature walks...there is something so nostalgic about this time of season; I hope that Chet and Chloe remember these fun, memorable times.