From Amber to Orange.

And so today I move around the colour wheel from honey coloured Amber to rich, orange to red-brown coloured Carnelian.
Carnelian has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, particularly for signet rings, cameos and seals. Engraved with Arabic characters, it protected the wearer from the tricks of the envious. 

This necklace shows the colour  variations of Carnelian. The main cylindrical bead is an apricot colour to the smaller beads being a deeper orange to burnt brown colour.

No wonder Carnelian is another one of my favourite gems......it is said to stimulate analytical capabilities and precision, as well as awaken one's inherent talent and skills. Wear Carnelian to fend off your temper tantrums.......it also protects against fear and rage!

This Carnelian and Amber necklace was one of my first designer creations. Quite fitting that it encorporates both Amber and Carnelian, the first two gem stones I have featured!

As my personal mantra is cooking, crafting and creating, I am looking outside the window and staring at a bright, beautiful display of Nastutinum flowers.....so, immediately I am pairing Carnelian with a beautiful, bright orange nasturtinum flower....naturally!

It takes only one small bright flower to brighten up a miserable winter's day.

My endless fascination with water droplets on nasturtinum leaves still exists!

While on the topic of water droplets, I could not help but slip this image in......this time on thick, fleshy Aloe leaves.

 

New Inspiration.

I recently viewed an insert on one of  Deutsche Welle's television channels and it has set my creative juices a flutter. The blog, Taste of  Runway is my inspiration.....have a look at it www.tasteofrunway.com 
The creative combination of Fashion and Food is a wonderful way of finding the perfect recipe to match the design, shape, colour and texture of a selected fashion piece. I just LOVE it!

I have decided to give this creative idea my own twist.....since I am in Beading creative mode at the moment, I will match beads, gems and jewellery pieces with basic, organic ingredients, flowers, herbs and plants. I imagine this new inspiration should keep my mind spinning for a while?
I can see new pieces of jewellery emerging, and designer recipe creations popping up in the kitchen. What fun!

This necklace created using Amber, turquoise and African Trade beads.

  Amber, or Bernstein, as it is known in German is an Organic gem. It is fossilised resin from prehistoric pine trees. Amber is hard and golden to yellow-brown in colour . Amber is considered to be healing, soothing and harmonising . It is said to exert a positive influence on the endocrine system, heart and spleen. With all these healing properties, Amber is known as the Mindful One.

How beautiful are these slices of Amber? See how the colour variations go from clear,  golden Amber to milky white, almost yellow Amber. (The large, clear stones are Citrine.)

Amber, a delight to the eye ...... it remembers past centuries but helps with simple absent-mindedness! It is truly the Mindful One.

Looking at the golden colour of Amber, it is almost predictable that I am going to pair Amber with delicious, sweet and golden Honey.

Just look at that golden colour and see the Amber......... so beautiful and natural.

Honey, Food of the Gods.....produced by bees has been prized by man for centuries. Used as a sweetner and food, honey has traditionally been served as a tonic or pick-me-up. I am sure many of you have fond memories of drinking a mug of warm milk and honey at bedtime? Be it as a nightcap or to sort out a sore throat.....Honey always comes to the rescue.

Doctors have also recognised the antibacterial properties of honey. Honey is used in the treatment of burns as well as bedsores. As a beauty treatment, use honey to soften and condition the skin.

And to conclude, just the use of the honey colour gives a warm and glowing, sweet feeling. Go and enjoy some Honey now..... Honey!

Creating Green Events is easy, given a little thought.

It is time to be faithful to nature and love and respect the world that we live in. It is so easy to go green at special events.......just give a little extra thought in the planning process.

Firstly, be inspired by nature..... look to nature for your lessons in design, symmetry and colour co-ordination.

 

Whatever your style, be it City slic, Country chic or Afro organic, you can incorporate nature by bringing the outdoors in....or by simply hosting the event outdoors. Allow nature to be the designer and create your event around the theme and colour scheme of a garden/ outdoor setting. It is much easier than hiring draping and lighting.....go with nature and use the calming effect of soft flickering candles and hurricane lamps to add atmosphere to your event.  

Switch off the electricity and light loads of candles to set the scene.

 Here in South Africa we have no shortage of outdoor settings to create the most spectacular of events. Be it an intimate brunch on your garden patio, a romantic picnic between the sand dunes, a wine tasting in the vineyards.....or a secret escape on a yacht.......the choice is yours. Set the scene no matter how large or how small, let nature be your guide.

Sunset in Stellenbosch on the Villiera Estate. How beautiful is this colour palette? From grey, green, brown, dusky peach to pink..... use your imagination and be creative.

 

To help yourself in planning the colour scheme for an event, make a copy of a particular picture and identify the colours as in the picture above. Cut our colour swatches of materials, paper or even thread some beads on a pin ....take the samples shopping with you to help match up your colour scheme.

Another spectacular sunset....this time in Hermanus. Indulge in the beauty of this setting and learn from the gentle colour combination.

Use local flora and herbs for your decorations..... there is nothing more beautiful than a simple protea in a recycled glass bottle to make a statement...be it on the dinner table or in front of the mirror in the bathroom. Your aim should be to support and use what is available locally. Go shopping at local farmers markets and support local crafters and rehabilitation workshops.

Simple but beautiful Iceberg roses are perfect for a wedding. Team them up with herbs from the garden and fresh fruit to create a country setting.

For natural gifts make a bucket load of  pot pourri using dried lavendar, rose petals, fragrant herbs, spices, citrus peel, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.  Sew small pouches out of vintage fabric or old linen. Fill with dried lavendar or pot pourri and tie closed with satin ribbon. Collect china bowls and cups and saucers and fill with pot pourri to add some old world charm to a country setting.

Eat out at local restaurants to see what is popular and cost effective according to your budget. Experiment with your menu at home and add your own touch to the final menu.

Always colourful and satisfying to the eye and the palate....a rustic cheese and fruit board with a selection of biscuits and farm breads. Use natural wooden boards and collect old cutlery from local markets and antique stores to make the table settings interesting and eclectic.

Should your event take place around the festive season, make homemade fabric crackers and fill with antique collectables. Fabric gift bags and also popular as wine bags for the men.

Get to know your local Vinters and taste their wines. A great way to get out and about and buy stock for your event from local cellars....and save on delivery! Cheers to a wonderful, green event! More creative, green ideas next time....soon!

Creating meals for Meatless Monday's.

Just recently I have had the opportunity to create Vegetarian meals for a friend on a regular basis.This has prompted me to get creative in the kitchen and to include chickpeas, beans and lentils into my offerings.My all time favourite is still my Vegetarian Lasagne which I will share with you today. I have two versions, Butternut and Feta Lasagne and a Mixed Roasted Vegetable and creamed Spinach Lasagne. Here is a step- by -step guide to preparing the Butternut Lasagne.

I  par - cooked two large butternuts cut in slices in salted water.

Remember the eco friendly rules and keep the peels from the butternuts for the compost heap and the seeds for the garden!

There is something special about preparing a perfect white sauce..... and licking the spoon afterwards!

 White Sauce Ingredients for a large Lasagne, otherwise use half the ingredients.

60 g Butter
60 g Cake flour
800 ml Milk
Salt and Freshly cracked black pepper
2 Cups grated Cheddar Cheese

Method:
Melt the butter, stir in the flour and cook gently over a low heat. Do not allow to brown.
Remove from the heat, stir in the milk and mix vigorously to create a smooth sauce.
Place over the heat again and cook till the sauce comes to the boil. Cook until it is the consistency of runny cream and coats the back of the spoon. 
Season well and stir in the grated cheese.
Heat just enough to melt the cheese and and create a smooth sauce.
Set aside until needed.

Stir the grated cheese into the white sauce to create a rich cheese sauce.

The result, a shiny and silky cheese sauce. Any cook's delight!

Raid your herb patch and gather a generous bunch of Parsley. Wash and drain. Set aside.

  

Also from the garden, green pepper and baby tomatoes....all to add some excitement to the basic tomato sauce.

 The tomato sauce will add interest between the layers of pasta, cheese sauce and cooked butternut. For a large lasagne, use two cans of tomato and onion mix. I spiced these up with extra sauted onions, garlic, chilli, green peppers, chopped fresh parsley and baby tomatoes or roma tomatoes.
Heat through and check seasoning. Set aside. 

Create the layers of  butternut, pasta sheets, tomato sauce and cheese sauce.

For a large baking dish, I used 12 sheets of lasagne. Pre- soak them in hot water with a drop of oil in to prevent them from sticking to each other. Leave in water just long enough to soften slightly.

Drain the cooked butternut and layer between the sheets of pasta with tomato sauce and cheese sauce.

 To create the lasagne, start layering with a generous spread of tomato sauce at the base of your dish. Add the butternut and blocks of feta and then the lasagne sheets.Top with cheese sauce and repeat the layers.
Finish off the top layer of cheese sauce with a generous sprinkling of grated cheese.

Place in a pre- heated oven and cook through until the cheese layer is golden brown and bubbling.

Mmmmmm....... ready to serve with a crisp, green garden salad and a glass of White wine!

It is Earth Hour time again on Saturday 31 March 2012.

So that means it is lights off and all non essential electrical equipment to be switched off. Take time out in the dark from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm to support this cause...... and enjoy a relaxing and calming time with the gentle flicker of candles or lanterns.

Get creative with bowls of floating candles ..... this is the ideal way to relax and unwind after a busy Saturday . Add a few drops of essential oil to the water for the added benefit of the aroma from the oil.

 

Decide on a theme for this year, be it Oriental, Moroccan or African...... decorate your entertainment area accordingly and enjoy the beauty of Earth Hour.

Be a little eclectic and create a mix of Cultures....here I have a blend of Oriental and Moroccan decor, with possibly an Indian Tandoori Chicken roasting in the weber! The choice is yours....just do it and be green and earth friendly.

Should you decide on an African theme, collect all your ethnic bowls, prints and dishes and mix and match your cutlery and crockery to give a true Vintage feel at the same time. One is allowed to break all the rules these days!

Half the fun of working around a theme is unpacking all your treasured collections. Together with the blue and white Oriental  bowls and serving spoons, I will mix the Dutch Delft bowls and platters. It all sets the tone of the day, be aware of the earth, re- use, recycle and do not waste anything.

Be sure to use linen serviettes as well. It is also fun to get back to the old ways when each family member had their own servitte ring with their name engraved on it. Should you be forced to use paper serviettes or kitchen paper, ensure that you place it in the compost heap.

Continue to collect all thos ecorks from your wine bottles. If you stay in the Cape Town area, deliver them to the Vineyard Hotel and Spa in Claremont. They are supporting a project where the corks are recycled and used to make flooring for various community projects in the townships. Visit their site to learn more about their green living and social responsibility programme.

 

 

Should you be handing over any gifts, remember to wrap and decorate with nature. Use natural raffia or re-use string or ribbon. Decorate with herbs and flowers or Vintage brooches and hat pins! It may take a little longer to gather everything, but it is much wiser . Just imagine the joy when the gift is handed over. Delight and surprise your family with your creativity.

Continue to grow your own herbs and vegetables.... it can be a fun activity for the entire family. Should you not have the space or time for this, then support your local farmer's market and buy fresh, local produce. Remember to save all the pips, seeds, peels and husks for the compost heap. That goes for tea bags and filter coffee grounds as well.

Continue to turn to nature for healing and natural remedies. Use the juice of the Aloe plant on any skin allergies, scrathes or bites. Use Tea tree sprigs to cleanse the air in your home. Place sprigs under your pets' bedding to chase fleas away. Vietnamese Coriander is also used to rub on dogs fur to chase fleas away. It is also used on the floors in temples to chase away flies and insects. Try it! Should you need to relax in a hot bath at the end of the day, place a few sprigs of  Tea tree into the water to relieve aching legs and feet. The fragrant water will also soothe any itches, bites or allergies.

Say NO to plastic carrier bags! This Starbucks paper carrier says it all.....  literally use it until it falls apart and is only then destined for the compost heap. Remember to tear up or shred any newspaper when placing in the compost heap. Have a look at their site to read more on their Global Responsibility Report..... they are setting the trend!

Sit back, relax with a glass of wine and watch those candles flicker. Just think how good it would be IF  we ALL supported Earth Hour every year ? Remind your friends and family to do the same. Enjoy the magic of the candle light!

 

Easter is just a few hops away and just around the corner!

So that means it is time to dust off the baskets, the bunnies and time to get baking. This year I will be trying a recipe for the Russian Easter Cake, Kulich and also Spicy Biscuits from New Zealand.

Allow the bright colours of Easter to inspire you...... decorate your home with this colour palette and enjoy the positive effect it will have on your mood. Colours are uplifting....especially yellow at Easter time.

You are no Bunny, until you love some Bunny! Enjoy the wonderful, warm memories that come flooding through your mind when you unpack your Easter decorations. My memories are happy ones of  Easter festivities shared with family from Windhoek......and all the wonderful German Easter treats.

Decorations like this can only come from Europe..... it is an absolute feast to the senses...... the department stores are all decorated in bright yellow and are literally dripping with these wonderful Easter decorations. It is almost as delightful as shopping at Christmas time!

It is always a delight to lay a bright and cheerful Easter breakfast table. As always, I look to the garden for colour and inspiration. You will find all the green, yellow, blue and pink that you are looking for to decorate your Easter Table in the garden. Here I have golden gooseberries and fragrant, crisp, green apple mint for colour .

Easter would not be Easter without an Easter basket. Dust off your baskets that are hiding away on top of your cupboards and get creative. Here I have a selection of herbs and foliage from the garden ready to make my Easter wreath.

To create the wreath, start with a simple base using long spikes of  rosemary and work up layer upon layer to create a thick wreath. Use raffia or twine to secure the foliage as you work.

In Namibia they use the kameeldoring or thorn bush to hang their Easter decorations from. Here I used dry twigs and florists twirly spikes. You could also use branches of Cypress Tree.

Use wood wool to create a nest for your eggs. I also like the simple white colour palette of this image.

mmmmm Smell the cinnamon and spices, taste the soft, juicy, plump raisins..... Easter Tea would not be the same without warm, spicy and fruity Hot Cross Buns. Enjoy them with a good cup of tea or coffee.

Raid your cupboards and pull out all the old family egg cups and  egg coasies to add interest to your Easter breakfast table setting.

Why not get creative building up to Easter and make some homemade preserves. Here I made orange marmalade from Organic oranges....just perfect with a slice of toast and a boiled egg..... Enjoy being creative until my next post!