Sunday, April 27, 2008

a little progress

I had really hoped to have more done this weekend, but I suppose I should be grateful for what has been accomplished and not aggravated by what hasn't. I suppose my list of things I wanted to get done was a bit overly optimistic. At any rate, we did get the wallpaper border up in my studio:


Dave covered the wall socket plate in a fancy fabric for me:


And he gave the floor a couple of coats of white paint. That's Fuzzy, reclining on the new floor.

In the crafty line I did finish up these three birdies, my own design although Elizabeth makes wonderful bird totems as well.


These are destined for VAAM Gallery's new show featuring our china painters and themed around "Tea in the Garden". Hey you Brit readers, I'm helping with the reception which is supposed to be a high tea. So far we're planning on shortbread, scones, cucumber sandwiches, Devonshire cream (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) lemon curd, jams and, of course, tea. I'm thinking Yorkshire Gold. What else do you think? Cakes? I'll take any suggestions. Of course it's not like anyone here will know if I totally screw it up but I'd like to make it nice.


We're still plugging away on the studio, but so many other things come a long to take our attention elsewhere. I'm sure you know how it is.

Hope everyone has had a relaxing weekend.

9 comments:

Carol said...

Has to be Victoria sandwich sponge cake, Served on a cake stand for sure!

Julie said...

Looks like you're progressing well with your studio, Susan. It looks as though it will be an energising space for working in and your kitty obviously approves.
I'm with Carol, victoria sponge cake is definitely a must and maybe some butterfly cakes too. My Mum used to make cream horns when we had friends to tea but they are tricky to make and maybe a bit too fiddly. Little iced petits fours (cupcake type of things) are a possibility too. Sounds as though you've thought of most things already. :)

I do like your little birds.

Debbi Baker said...

Hi Susan - three things - love your studio (great progress!), your your birds and so happy to finally see YOU!! Love the photo.

Stitchety Grub said...

WOW I love the fabric covered socket - what a novel idea :-) I also think the birds are just gorgeous too.... I agree with the others there should be a Victoria Sponge - that was the first thing I learnt in Domestic Science! But now after being in Australia for 20 years it's Lamingtons, Carrot cake and fairy bread!!!
Britt

CG said...

I'm with Carol and Julie...Victoria sponge!!

Your studio is looking fabby!

Mrs Moog said...

I'm also with Carol and Julie on the cake thing!! Your studio is really coming together - I bet you can't wait to move in!

Great photo on your sidebar - I'm still resisting using a grown-up one of me!

xxxx

liz said...

lovely studio, I'm so jealous. As for afternoon tea, we always used to have butterfly cakes http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/orange-butterfly-cakes,1789,RC.html
Although ours had bigger wings.

Kate said...

Hey Susan! Your pink is PERFECT! (Sorry for yelling).
Try this sponge cake
4oz self raising flour
4 oz marg
4oz caster sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
Put everything together in a bowl and whisk with an electric whisk for 2 mins.
You can put vanilla in if you like. Divide between 2 7inch tins and bake in what I consider quite a cool oven (350F - I do it at about 160C because that's what my oven is in)for about 15 mins. Sandwich with jam (raspberry or blackcurrant, not strawberry). Classically, you should dust the top with caster sugar, but icing is best. In England, that's icing (confectioner's) sugar mixed with a little hot water, spread on the top with a hot knife.
Sorry - being long-winded. Technically, if you're having High Tea, you should have a boiled egg or a kipper or something (it's a tad common, I'm afraid! Think coal miners!). And serve at 5ish. What you're doing is Afternoon Tea, which is lovely.
Don't forget to serve your scones plain and empty. The tea goers spread with cream (whipped is fine) and then add jam. No butter. Don't serve them done already, it just Isn't Done!
And save some for me, I could use a nice cuppa!! (Fab birds!)

Bethel of Bethania said...

G'day Susan
My love the colours of your studio ... how welcoming that will be for you each day - calling 'come on in & play'...yummm
also love your birds - have a wonderful 'high' tea ... OOroo ... Bethel