Gamboge: The Color of Mustard on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Gamboge is a familiar term to most artists who paint, denoting yellow-brown hues that come in tubes of artists' pigments. Originally derived from gamboge tree resin, the range of colors reminds us of mustard. Beautiful as a stand-alone hue, I also love what it does when used as an accent in a color scheme. A painter might cover a canvas with it before beginning to compose a landscape composition, a weaver might throw in a pick of it here and there, or a designer might use it for striking accessories to add punch and warmth. Today I featured creations found on Etsy that illustrate various beautiful ways to use the color gamboge. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $16.00 to $645.00. From top left to bottom right, today's featured Etsy artists include: DAcustomframes, kirevi, metroline6, verreencore, therawcanvas, constancrosedesigns, inbloomdesigns, FableBay

Outdoor Living with Etsy Creations

Handpicked on Etsy

Summertime in the Pacific Northwest means super long days, entertaining in the garden, al fresco dining and mild evenings on the patio. Today I focused on Etsy creations that enhance outdoor summer life. Featured today are garden enchantments for all ages, functional weatherproof furniture from whimsical to elegant, and a couple of summery wraps for bare shoulders including one of my own cozy wraps that protect against post-sunset breezes. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $17.00 to $925.00
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: katsarayarns, HangLooseHangers, filofashion, johntunger, CatsMeowArt, calicoskiescrafts, MillionTabbies, AspenIronworks, deliafurniture, joejeach, BearPawPottery

Clear Blue: Jewelry on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Fresh air and "clear blue sky" popped into my mind as I looked at these pieces that caught my eye today as I browsed Etsy's search pages. Each of these talented artists used their materials with economy and skill, allowing the beautiful gemstones to make their statement elegantly and simply. Click on the photos to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $37.00 to $188.00

From left to right, today's featured artists include: DvoraSchleffer, Bebop, janeeroberti, steinschmuckdesign, LexLuxe, steinschmuckdesign

Fiber Sculpture: Needlefelt Critters on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Miniature critters found on Etsy's search pages today range from sweetly whimsical to poignantly realistic portraits of beloved pets. These artists represent some of the uncommon talent available in Etsy stores, some of which is undiscovered and deserving of more attention. Click on the photos for a closer look at these remarkable creations, ranging in price from $20.00 to $200.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: Gerry, twolefthands, fibreheart, VirginiaMopFair, BarbaraPageKnits, sendsunshine, arrowroot, LoveableTreasured

Dreaming of Summer on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy by Artkitech

This morning I awoke to pleasant news from Artkitech saying I was included in her treasury. Flattered and very taken with her color palette, I decided to post her picks in this showcase of warm, sun-kissed creations that most definitely evoke the summer feeling of Artkitech's theme. She wrote this: "Al fresco dining, a glass of chilled prosecco, summer breezes drifting through wheat fields, refreshing scents of herbs and blossoms -- fleeting dreamy images in eager anticipation of summertime for those of us who dwell in the northerly hemisphere." 'Nuff said - she tells the story with this beautifully curated showcase of unique Etsy creations. Click on the pictures to go directly to these listing. Prices range from $4.50 to $495.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: TwoSecrets, Piacere, fullmoonmilk, yorktownroad, trendyknitting, ottobone, iheartfink, sammi84, moderneradesign, yystudio, charmdesign

Mulligatawny Soup: Bon Appetit with Etsy foodies and artisans

Handpicked on Etsy

My favorite meal-in-a-bowl is mulligatawny soup, the hearty 18th Century British concoction created by Indian cooks who served in English colonial homes. Below is my favorite, truly scrumptious recipe -- get out your your shopping list, special spices, tureen, bowls and ladle, all found today on Etsy's search pages in prices ranging from $3.00 to $150.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured sellers include: purposedesign, StarAniseRecipes. willowspiceco, TwoStrandsSoapWorks, waverleykitchens, sweetpaperart, craftsbykate, earthfired, AliceLasky, jblairpottery

East Indian Mulligatawny Soup

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs skinless chicken thighs (preferably bone-in)

Flour and cooking oil

4 tsp. Curry Powder (hot or mild, depending on your taste)

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 - 1/2 tsp. hot red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 quart chicken stock

1 cup each chopped carrots, celery, turnip, parsnip, tart apple

2 cups diced onion

3 or 4 cloves minced garlic

2 cups (or 1 can) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

Finish with:

2-3 tsp. grated lemon zest

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/4 cup chopped cilantro or Italian Parsely

Optional: Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Dredge chicken in flour. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. oil over medium heat. Add chicken and all the spices to the skillet and cook 5-7 minutes, turning the chicken to brown it. Transfer these ingredients to a slow cooker or heavy soup pot. Deglaze the skillet with one cup of the stock, and transfer that the the pot. Add the fresh vegetables, apple, garlic, beans and remianing stock to the pot, and mix gently to combine. Place a piece of foil lightly atop the ingredients, then cover the pot tightly. If using your slow cooker, cook on low for 5-6 hours. On the stove, cook on lowest flame for 3 - 4 hours.

At serving time, add some salt and pepper to taste if needed, and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice and cilantro or parsely. NOTE: If you prefer a vegan version, add more garbanzo beans and veggies in place of the chicken