Posts

Posted on

Objets d’ Art

IMG_3463{Purse made of coconut shells from Aruba}

When I studied art history the French term “objets d’ art” generally referred to “works of art” that were not traditional works of art such as sculptures, drawings or paintings. These items were typically small, highly decorative and usually three-dimensional.

While listening to the lecture my mind kept seeing other creative uses for such delicate enamels, jewel encrusted boxes or Persian rugs from art’s distance past. The question that kept entering my mind was could these works of art serve a dual purpose?

I decided to test the theory.  I fell in love with this purse made from coconut shells while on a recent trip to Aruba. The obvious intent was to utilize the small bag as a purse, but on second thought, it looked intriguing on my vanity as a decorative piece, especially in the sunlight.

IMG_0829

The small coin purse I found has a beautiful color of gold within its orange shade and looks lovely on this gorgeous bench beside the vanity as a pillow.

IMG_0828

The golden bracelet can be shaped into any design that can be imagined.  I have wrapped the design around a lamp as an ornate addition, but for now I prefer the bracelet to enhance the coconut designed purse. ..et voila!

If you have any creative ideas for alternate uses of everyday items, please share your comments!

K

Posted on

Winter Storm Saturn

IMG_3441The mid-Atlantic region had its first significant snow storm of the season today. Government offices and schools closed in Northern Virginia as we had six to eight inches of snow. For me the storm presented an opportunity to slow down and focus on a few tasks, one was baking a few items before the possibility of our electricity going out.

IMG_0816{Pot of coffee, a plate of cranberry-orange scones and apricot raspberry preserves}

This recipe for cranberry-orange scones are from my good friend Cynthia, who is a fabulous culinary chef by trade. I did not do well the first few times I attempted to bake the scones, but have improved upon the recipe with a bit of practice. Enjoy!!!

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.
  3. Sift 3 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 2-½ baking powder, 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp baking soda into large bowl. Mix in orange zest.
  4. Add 6 oz (cold) butter and cut in with fingertips or biscuit cutter until mixture resembles coarse meal.
  5. Mix in ¾ cup dried cranberries. Gradually add 8 oz of buttermilk, tossing with fork until moist clumps form.
  6. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. Knead briefly to bind dough, about 4 turns. Form dough into 1-inch-thick round. Cut into 8 wedges.
  7. Transfer wedges to prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush tops of scones with milk and sprinkle generously with sugar.
  8. Bake until tops of scones are golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let stand on baking sheet 10 minutes. Serve scones warm or at room temperature.

IMG_3445{Storm picking up intensity around 11:30 am}

IMG_3447

Stay safe and warm,

K