Aficiones de Vida

Many of us quilters are well familiar with the joys of sweet bundles of precut fabric collections. But if you’re like me, sometimes when we collect them, they turn into dust-collectors, souvenirs, bric-a-brac, knickknacks, et cetera, anything but being used. This post is here to help you (and me!) put at least one of those pretty precut 2½” strip rolls to use. Let’s have a little fun and learn how to make a quilted tote bag — it’s always a good time to try something new! Start with a beautiful bundle of precut 2½” strips, and then choose from one of two methods to prepare them for an intriguing weaving technique. Carol made two stylish totes; our pattern walks you through the pink version. But I bet you can’t make just one: you’ll want one for you, one for each of your quilting friends, one for…you get the idea! The complete pattern, Woven Beach Bag, designed by Carol McLeod of Aunties Two is featured in the May/June 2023 issue of Love of Quilting. You can also purchase the Wo...

Here is how to add gold luster to ceramics. Granted, this tutorial is for anyone who works with fired ceramics and has access to a kiln. But if you are interested in the process, you can visit a local paint on pottery or ceramic studio and they will help guide you along through this process! Scroll down to the end of this post to see how to add gold to ceramics if you don’t have a kiln! I have been working with ceramics here in my studio for almost 15 years. I am always amazed at the different things that could be done with this art form. Adding gold to my finished pieces are…CHEF’s KISS! via GIPHY It’s a bit of a process because it takes an extra firing. And that little gold bottle is pretty spendy.  It’s worth it. I’ve barely dabbled in this technique, but there is lots of inspiration on Instagram! Here is a video I made showing a recent batch     A post shared by Kathy Cano-Murillo (@craftychica) Know your gol...

Vinyl is back! Each month on “Vinyl Watch,” we list some of the most noteworthy new vinyl releases — including new albums, reissues, special-edition box sets and more. At JAZZIZ, we share the vinyl community’s appreciation of the experience of collecting and playing vinyl records. As an increasing number of music fans discover the joy of vinyl, we hope these lists will serve as a starting point for new musical discoveries.   BBE Music has released Strata Records – The Sound of Detroit – Volume 1, in association with 180 Proof Records. The new compilation was curated by DJ Amir and includes recordings by Kenny Cox, Sam Sanders, The Contemporary Jazz Quintet, Ursula Walker and The Lyman Woodard Organization, among others. Featuring highlights from the short-lived but hugely influential jazz imprint, the compilation serves as an essential introduction to the uninitiated. Release date: March 1.   Empyrean Isles, Herbie Hancock’s fourth release as a ...

Women in Blues Showcase, a very special installment of Bob Corritore & Friends‘ From The Vaults series, features great recordings from spectacular blues women. It surveys a wide geographic and stylistic spectrum from powerhouses Barbara Lynn, Carol Fran, Koko Taylor, Francine Reed, Diunna Greenleaf, Valerie June, Shy Perry, and Aliya Primer (John Primer’s daughter). It is such an incredible honor to be featured alongside so many of my role models in blues like Koko Taylor and Barbara Lynn. In listening to the music of Bob Corritore, listeners are greeted by a stellar musician who fearlessly shows respect for the elders on the musical path while lifting up new and younger artists like me.His work is constantly bringing artists together, and the Women in Blues he’s chosen for this compilation are beyond deserving of this appreciation. Bob Corritore has recorded all of these wonderful women with great sensitivity to their stylistic individuality! Behold a collection of spec...

This Pad See Ew recipe is a traditional Thai dish that is filled with rice noodles, egg, Chinese broccoli, and beef. Thai is one of my favorite international cuisines! If you are a fan of Thai food then you must also check out my Easy Thai Drunken Noodles, Thai Cashew Chicken, and Easy Thai Fried Rice! Pad See Ew simply means “soy sauce stir-fried noodles.” It’s as easy as that! It’s a classic and savory stir fry noodle dish that is popular in Thailand. One thing I love about this recipe is the sauce. Every time I make this dish, I want to add more and more sauce because it is that good! But note the amount for the recipe in the recipe card is plenty and you will fall in love with it just as I have. What is in the Pad See Ew Sauce? You will rave about this sauce once you’ve tried it. So, let’s break down what all goes into this amazing sauce that ties the whole dish together! Soy Sauce (Light Soy Sauce) – A very popular ingredient ...

Women in Blues Showcase, a very special installment of Bob Corritore & Friends‘ From The Vaults series, features great recordings from spectacular blues women. It surveys a wide geographic and stylistic spectrum from powerhouses Barbara Lynn, Carol Fran, Koko Taylor, Francine Reed, Diunna Greenleaf, Valerie June, Shy Perry, and Aliya Primer (John Primer’s daughter). It is such an incredible honor to be featured alongside so many of my role models in blues like Koko Taylor and Barbara Lynn. In listening to the music of Bob Corritore, listeners are greeted by a stellar musician who fearlessly shows respect for the elders on the musical path while lifting up new and younger artists like me.His work is constantly bringing artists together, and the Women in Blues he’s chosen for this compilation are beyond deserving of this appreciation. Bob Corritore has recorded all of these wonderful women with great sensitivity to their stylistic individuality! Behold a collection of spec...

Bride Mary Catharine shares her downtown Charleston wedding! Please meet our sweet bride for today, Mary Catharine! I really think you’re going to like her. Not only is her wedding to Cody paw-sitively (get it?!) lovely, but they sound like the sweetest couple. I loved learning about how they chose their wedding venue, and especially their proposal – you know it’s going to be good when mama is involved, y’all! Not to mention, the way Mary Catharine described their love story is simply the best. She said it is “an example of patience, friendship, and love, persevering over long-distance to become teammates, PAWrents, husband, and wife.” Keep reading to hear more about this adorable duo and their extra-cute pup! Thanks to Kati Rosado for sharing! Tell us the highlights of finding your wedding dress. I took an impromptu trip to Winter Park with my friend and her daughter (my goddaughter and one of the flower girls!) ...