KC Willis' Studio Retreats Feature Visiting Artists in 2010

KC Willis has some of my fave artists on staff for 2010! Lesley Venable of Flatwoods Folk Art fame will be teaching an altered book class, Bound Reliquaries, which will be held in KC's Colorado Studio February 4 - 6, 2010.

The class is limited to only 10 people so sign up early! After the first 5 sign up there will be a drawing and one of those lucky artists will receive the class at 50% off the already bargain class price. Additionally, when the next 5 sign up another drawing will be held and one of those lucky artists will receive the same 50% discount! A dream of a deal!

I'll be heading on out to KC's in a couple of weeks and I just can't wait!

October Giveaway - Vinyl Banner!

First, a word from our sponsor...



UPrinting is offering my readers a chance to win one of their 24X36" 15 mil vinyl banners! They are top quality banners with heavy metal grommets that make them easy to hang for any event. UPrinting banners feature photo quality printing on durable vinyl material with archival ink that will ensure that these banners will last for years to come! These banners have been used for weddings, parties, graduations, advertisements, rallies, political campaigns, backdrops and more. Free shipping in the US.

How to win...

1. First check out UPrinting and then leave a comment on this post telling me how you would use the banner if you won.

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The winner will be chosen randomly on October 28th and will have until October 30th to contact me so they can receive a coupon code for the free banner and shipping (in the US) from UPrinting.

Good Luck!

Never Forget

How to Remove Tarnish from Silver – The Easy Way!

We just got in some nice old silverware at Weller's - some of it matches and some of it is a very eclectic mix of patterns. I'm starting to get the urge to bend, cut and drill on them! Check them out in the Junque Shoppe next time you're in Rural!

While there is something really lovable about the patina that silver takes on with age, eating with tarnished flatware is not something I’m fond of doing. And, though I also love the look of silver when it shines, I’m not very enthusiastic about getting out the silver polish. Ugh!

I recently read somewhere that you could actually soak the tarnish away so I decided to give it a try with some silver that has been in the family for awhile and will soon become my daughter’s. It’s now her favorite color (shiny) and ready to pack in its case.

All it takes is an old brownie pan or similarly wide but shallow old piece of bake ware. I used an old, beat up one that was aluminum. Line the bottom with a piece of aluminum foil and lay out the silverware on the foil. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over everything and then fill up the pan with boiling water.

The baking soda will react with the foil and you’ll see some gentle bubbling for a few minutes. Let the pan sit until it cools and “voila!” your silver is ready to rinse, dry and use. It’s that simple. Easy-Peasey!

Ta Da! August Giveaway Winner!

The winner for this month's giveaway is libbyquilter at Paper Napkin Poetry! Congrats!! Please send me your address and I will get your package out to you soon. Can't wait to see what you do with these goodies - I hope you will share some photos of your work!

This was so much fun! I think I'll do some of these more often! Stay tuned!

Eileen