EtsyMetal Blog Carnival: Favorite Recipe

The beginning of July means a new EtsyMetal Blog Carnival post!

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic:
What are your favorite recipes? Simple ones, difficult ones, BBQ, crock pot, patinas...?! Feel free to add a story about the success or failure of them.

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This recipe's history with me is very bittersweet (oh, but the pie is only sweet. Sweet deliciousness in epic proportions). I was introduced to it by a really good friend. Well, a really good friend at the time. One who would suddenly up and disappear out of my life, basically overnight, taking herself and this recipe with her without a second look.

I spent months trying to figure out what the Hell happened to this once amazing friendship. Then while wallowing, I realized that not only did she steal away out of my life without a care but she took this damn recipe with her. I spent months. Seriously... months searching for it online. Doing every kind of Google search imaginable using search terms that only the best tongue twister could conjure up. Then one day, one glorious day, I found it. I found the Holy Granny Smith Grail of pie recipes. HA! Take that "friend..."

Okay, enough negativity. I don't want to jade you on what could be one of the BEST apple pies you will ever taste. All I want you to remember about this pie is the very first bite you take. Savor that sweet, unmatchable moment. It is a moment that you may just carry with you from here and throughout the rest of your days. And yes. It has pineapple juice in it. Even if you don't like pineapples (for the record, I do not care for the prickly fruit) don't let that stop you from making this masterpiece. I swear, it is worth it. Now go buy some apples.

I do want to mention that I have switched a bit here and there from the original "friend's" recipe. But I am not going to say what I did. Just know that I made this recipe my own; and better. Only she would know the change I made. And that is all I am saying...

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Texas Apple Pie

5 to 6 apples (I use granny smith)
1 unbaked double pie crust (I use store bought...)
3 Tbsp. butter, softened
1-1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. pineapple juice
3 Tbsp. flour
1 t. vanilla
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg

Glaze:
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. evaporated milk

Pare, core and thinly slice (I mean, very thin) 5 to 6 apples. Arrange in an unbaked pie crust. Beat the softened butter, gradually add brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add beaten egg and mix well. Add pineapple juice (yes! pineapple juice), flour, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well and pour over apples. Cover with top crust and vent. Brush with a glaze made of 1 Tbsp. brown sugar and 1 Tbsp. evaporated milk. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or longer until apples are tender. I like my apples to be soft and fully cooked in any apple pie. I test the doneness of the apples through the slits on top of the crust by poking them with a sharp knife. If there is any resistance, I keep baking the pie, testing doneness every 5 minutes or so. Serve pie warm with ice cream. Or without. Just be prepared to bake several of these pies for friends and relatives once they taste it. You will be responsible for bringing pie for any holiday or special occasion from here on out. You're welcome.

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Want to discover more? Check out other EtsyMetal members' favorite recipes:

KSkilesJewelry (post coming soon!)

Peculiar Forest

Laura Jane Bouton

Andrea Ring

Abella Blue

June & July Studio Classes are UP!

Click here to read full class descriptions, see dates and prices. Register early to ensure you get a seat.

April & May Studio Classes Posted

Click here to read full class descriptions, see dates and prices. Register early to ensure you get a seat.

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival: I am here.

The beginning of March 2013 means a new EtsyMetal Blog Carnival post.

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic:
Where do you live?
Physically, mentally, emotionally...
City, state, country; house, apartment, farm; orderly, chaotic, on the edge...
Give us a picture of who you are by showing and telling us where you live, how your surroundings may inspire you...

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I currently call Olympia, Washington home.

It feels like a good fit for my artistic heart and bohemian gypsy spirit. It is a little city with a lot of urban energy. Full of art, hipsters, wannabes and wanderlust. With Evergreen State College several miles from the historic downtown core, it is not uncommon to see a few barefoot tree huggers moving about on my AM drive to my studio. Latte' cup in hand, messy bed-head bent down to keep the rain out of bleary, up-too-late-cramming eyes.
Prayer flags fly anywhere here.

One moment I can be in downtown Oly driving by a bustling Darby's cafe and the next moment I can be on the banks of the Deschutes river watching the water cascade down toward the old Olympia brewery.
I love my little art mecca. I live here. I create art here.
I grow here.

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Keep reading to see where other EtsyMetal members live and love and create:
Lou Hunter
Laura Jane Bouton
2Roses
Inbar Bareket
Abella Blue
Cynthia Del Giudice
Rebecca Bogan
Erin Austin
Deborah Lee Taylor
Anne Walker
Theresa Kwong

Jewelry Making Tools!

I am very happy to announce that I am now carrying a great collection of beginning jewelry making tools at the Silentgoddess Studio! You can shop online and have them shipped directly to you or you can pick them up at the studio in Downtown Olympia.

Browse our current tool inventory now:
Silentgoddess Jewelry Making Tools

I will be adding new tools to the studio's inventory so check back to see what is new. I can order just about any tool you may need (or want) so feel free to contact me with your requests.

If you decide to order online and pick your tools up in person, I will refund any and all shipping/handling charges that are incurred by placing your order online. If you prefer to just come in and browse, drop me an email letting me know when you plan on stopping by (just to make sure I am in the studio). I can accept credit card payments in person or PayPal for online orders.

Thanks!!

sterling silver dogwood blossom

$38 plus shipping

Available here: Silentgoddess.com

Or here: Silentgoddess on Etsy

February Studio Class Schedule Posted

All classes are held at the Silentgoddess Art Jewelry studio in downtown Olympia, WA.

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Stamp your Heart Out -

Tuesday, February 12 6pm to 8:00pm  $45

Stamping on metal is a wildly popular technique. It is fun, it is easy and the design possibilities are endless!
From letter stamps to design stamps this class will introduce you to the world of stamping on metal for creating personalized jewelry.

Class fee covers use of tools and materials for completing at least two projects in this two hour class.  Tools will be available for purchase.

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4 Week Beginning Jewelry Making Series

Wednesdays February 6, 13, 20, 27 6pm to 8pm $135

This 4 week series will introduce the beginner to the wonderful world of metal working.  Learn to use a jeweler's saw, hammers, design stamps, cold connections and more in this 4 week class.  Each student will create several pieces of jewelry over the course of the series.  Beginning techniques and studio safety will be covered.  No previous experience necessary.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention throughout the class series.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class over the 4 week class series. Tools will be available for purchase. 

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Beginning Hand Piercing (Sawing)

Tuesday, February 19 6pm to 8pm $35

Learn to use a jeweler's saw!  Hand piercing is one of the basic skills necessary to start creating jewelry out of sheet metal.  Class will cover tool set up, correct handling and hand's on experience piercing (i.e. cutting) copper and brass sheet. The design possibilities are endless once you know the basics of this skill. We will aim to complete at least two projects during this 2 hour class.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention during the class.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class. Tools will be available for purchase. 

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Beginning Soldering

Tuesday, February 26 6pm to 8pm $55

Learn the basics of soldering using a handheld torch!    Class will cover torch safety, metal preparation and finishing, basic supplies needed and hand's on soldering of at least two projects. Soldering is a terrific skill to learn if you want to make more complex jewelry designs.  We will aim to complete at least two projects during this 2 hour class.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention during the class.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class. Tools will be available for purchase. 

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To read full class descriptions with prices please visit:
Studio Class Schedule

To register please visit:
Class Registration Form

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival: New Year's Resolutions?

A new month brings a new EtsyMetal Blog Carnival post.

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic:
New Year's Resolutions?

Eeek! It's that time of year again - A new year, a fresh outlook, new ideas... what are your plans? New goals? New disciplines? Old disciplines and goals you want to try again?!! Spill it! Make it a reality... tell us all! Recap this past year and what you've learned, where it's taken you, where you would like it to take you in 2013.

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I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions. Well, at least not out loud. To be honest, I spend most of my life contemplating what I can do that will bring changes for the better for myself and my family. It is nearly obsessive at times. And yes, at this time of the year I tend to contemplate more.

We have had several years in a row that have been difficult ones. Started out back in 2009 when Paul was involved in a motorcycle accident. He was injured and had to undergo several surgeries over the next few months. One month after his accident he lost his job. 2009 ended really bad and 2010 started out pretty crappy as well. Back then my thought processes focused on surviving. My resolution was to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. We made it through the the really tough times but I came out of it with high anxiety and calloused fingers. It is funny how when your intentions are truly set on something, you can create what you need. I had some of my busiest months of 2009 and 2010 making jewelry for people. I helped bring in extra income for several months as the unemployment checks were quite lower than the income we were accustomed to.

2011 and 2012 had their hardships as well. However, to bring this into a more positive light, I will switch gears and move toward a more progressive thought process. We made a big move in 2012. After several years of long commutes and too much money poured into the gas tank, we decided to move to Olympia, WA. Paul's job was there and Port Orchard (our previous home) had become somewhere we didn't want to be anymore. We found a sweet little house in an older neighborhood that we are renting and I moved my business into a really neat studio space in downtown Olympia. And that brings us back around to this month's topic: 2013 New Year's Resolutions. Sometimes I take many turns to get to short destination ;)

One of my goals in getting a studio space set up away from the house was to be able to offer classes. As of January 2, 2013 I started on this new journey. My first class of a series of four started on the 2nd. First goal of 2013 is already underway! I am hoping that this is just the very beginning of this new direction for me. My plan is to offer many different varieties of classes from single day courses to multiple day series. I have SO much information and experience rolling around in my head and I am ready to offer it to anyone interested in learning.

Paul and I spent several days of the holiday break getting the studio classroom ready. A great new workbench was constructed, new tools were purchased and a big dream started to become a reality. Here is what we end up with (pictures are of the classroom right before the beginning of my first class):

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I hope that this year is a good one for all. I know we all have some battles to fight but try to focus on the good things. They are really what is the most important. And they are out there. Sometimes all you need to do is just start looking...

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Click on the links below to keep reading about other EtsyMetal members resolutions and goals:

Lou Hunter
Laura Jane Bouton
2Roses
deborahleetaylor
Mary Anne Karren
Theresa Kwong
Danielle Miller
Nodeform