Tea Time at Jennys

 Our weekly gathering was hosted on the 21st of February by our one an only Lovely Jenny. She had a perfect day for hosting a luncheon and tea event, because the day was a bit chilly and rainy.  We all felt the desire to nestle in and getting comfy, considering we started at 12:30 ish and never left until 5:30. This type of gathering works even better when the hubbies are out of town and we can stay and finish our amazing projects. Pictured here are Jennys tea cups/ coffee cups which are stunning! Don't you just love some bling on your table?

The stage was set with the colors of silver, gold, ivory, clear glass and white. Wow, what an impact this makes when you want an elegant table. She had positioned little gold tea-lights and gold tipped butterflies throughout the table for added sparkle.

 Pictured here is the layering she used for each table-setting. Simple stunning!

A close-up of the gold beaded napkin rings and butterflies used.

For our craft, we made patterns for gloves and mittens, along with continuing our knitting project from the week before.  Pictured here is my attempt to make gloves. I just have to embellish them with vintage buttons and lace or ribbon and they will be done. Thanks Jenny for a great lunch and tea,  and allowing us to stay so long and making us feel at home.

Valentines Day Tablescape

Hi all... I am out of sequence here due to the fact that we were at lovely Kimmies before we were here at Sarahs, but no worries as soon as I get photos from you girls I will post. So we were at Sweet Sarahs for our Tuesday crafternooners which fell on Valentines Day. What a treat to be able to not only spend special time with friends but to enjoy amazing table-scapes that you girls create. The projects are always great fun as well. Such creativity in one place!

The dining upon entering is elegant and stately, so pretty and traditional.  The eyes immediately settle to all the layers, textures, and color on the table. The Valentines Day table is strikingly designed in deep hues of reds, gold and whites. What a feast for the eyes. 

Each table setting has a gold charger with layers of fine white china edged with gold and topped off with red glass salad plates to match the napkins. Each napkin holds a ring of pearls, adding that touch of elegance.  Sarah had just spent a few days in Hawaii so she added abit of Maui by placing a take away gift on each plate. 

You can't celebrate Saint Valentines Day without a cherub, rose petals, pearls and hearts. Oh how I love the symbolism of the day.

To kick off our lunch Sarah poured a raspberry sparkletini which was rose colored and tasted so sweet and delicious! Who says you can't have a drinkie and lunchie.

The chocolate candies were placed on a gold gilded glass plate on a buffet next to the table. Talk about a feast for the eyes.

Here you can see the coffee and tea set which was demanding attention as well.

At first glance next to the coffee and tea set you spot the most artistically decorated candy. No, not candy but candles. When you are as talented as Kimmie and Sarah at decorating tables you really don't miss a trick. We are such lucky friends because we have them to look to for expert advice and inspiration. The wonderful part of being in such a creative group is we learn so much from eachother, because we all have talent to share.

Sarah not only had given us a sweet smelling soap on our plates but we actually had a gift bag filled with goodies to take home as well.

Pictured here a close-up of soap from Hawaii. Thanks Sarah for all the goodies, your too much!

 Red vintage water glasses added a touch of history and more luxury!

 In a candle holder on the table she added glass hearts of red and clear for extra sparkle.

 In case your interested the Sparkletini was delicious and can be found at World Market, they are unable to keep it in stock. It flies out the door as soon as they get it in, so call ahead.

 Dessert was a chocolate lovers dream- a brownie, light chocolate mousse and whip cream. On the side was a chocolate macadamia nut treat and a shortbread cookie dipped with chocolate. Perfect dessert for the chocolate lover.

Each lovely had a gift bag to take home. Remember all women are lovely, celebrate!

 Sarah had fresh flowers placed throughout the house, which is always a great idea.

After an amazing lunch, we headed to her studio for our craft of the day. We learned how to knit. Some of the lovelies already knew how and helped those that didn't. Pictured here are samples of Sarahs handcrafted scarves. What talent this group has.

You can't ever go wrong holding all your yarns in a Longeberger basket. They have been around for ever and talk about quality. They are great baskets.

Sarah, thanks again for another outstanding lunch and project! You are the best, oh wait we are all the best. We learn, create and share. We women are LOVELY!

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life -to be happy- that's all that matters."  -audrey hepburn

Bling It On

Bling It On Baby was the theme of our last project! We met at Sheryls lovely home and had a light lunch followed by a dazzling display of stones, chains, tools and crystals of many colors. Our objective was to create a necklace or a bracelet with our heavy duty chains and components from the hardware store. We had our inspiration in front of us (a cool bracelet), by the one and only Marlaina Stone. She and her team are based out of the detroit area and are known for their unique oversized radical designs. With that being said, we were so excited to go out on a limb to see what we could create. We had so much fun, I think we stayed until 5 or 6:00 p.m.

Thank you Sheryl for our fun filled afternoon and creative inspiration!

Kimmies oh so pretty design was made with some old necklaces she wanted to recycle. She ended up with a new updated piece she will now wear. I can just see this design with a crisp clean white t-shirt,  a pair of jeans and some awesome heels.

 Betsys deisgn is so pretty with the oversized blue crystals, and genuine freshwater pearls. This color combination can be worn with just about anything. Way to go Bets, we love it!

Sarah is blinging it home with these pretty bronze oversized crystals, clear crystals, pearls, silver chains and oversized lobster clasp. Love the colors!

 Speedy Sarah made a couple of bracelets. Here she used gold tones with browns, bronze and blacks as her color scheme. Oh so pretty, may I have one?

 I (Tina) made a summer themed bracelet consisting of brightly colored agate, pink jade, pink crystals, silver chains and a large white genuine pearl for added interest. Can't wait to wear mine.

Here I took and old necklace Kimmie gave me and tore it apart, added oversize clasps and voila. I absolutely love the simplicity. Kind of feels like a summer piece or a boaters bracelet. Should I add more? I think I will sit and ponder awhile on that one.  I think having your inspiration in front of you works, but it's always fun to make the project yours, by adding stuff or taking away from the design or putting a twist on it "to make it your own". Stay with us to see what's next for the Lovelies, we are always up to something good. 

Napkin Rings for the Fun of it!

Because the lovelies have asked me to send them the link for these napkin rings, I thought I would go ahead and write a little about them and give everyone else the opportunity to purchase them as well.
Twisty flexy napkin rings have been on my table for the last couple of months, and yes they are a huge hit. The hours of fun have been hilarious, Inspiring much play after dinner with wacky creativity.
Because we have had so much fun with these fun flexy twisty napkin rings, I thought I'd put them up for sale on my website. Go to SavvyandSky.com under Goodies for details, and Lovelies you can always call your order in directly to me.

For the more elegant dining table try these gold twistys in bright gold. The bronze and gold napkin rings can be purchased in sets of 6, 12 or more if needed. If anyone has any questions please don't hesitate to call me (Tina) at 616.551.0301. Have fun and live creatively!

Kicking Off the New Year with Creative Jewelry Making!

So we kicked off the new year by taking a drive to one of the lovelies summer home, which is in a nearby city of Grand Haven. It is a cute little lakeside community which offers beautiful beaches, golfing and fishing. We had a day which was about 45 degrees in Michigan, which is unheard of for the month of January. We have had basically no snow thus far and warm temperatures, alittle bit weird for this time of year. We started our morning by antiquing at one of many shops from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven. In search of treasures yet to be discovered!

Upon our arrival we were greeted by our lovely Laurie the host and these bright cheery Gerbera Daisys. So pretty when lined up in a row. I think if you love to make an impact it's a great idea to place your items in a row, repetition is candy for the eye!

So the project of the day was to rework old necklaces and create something new! Sweet Laurie had old jewelry that we had fun tearing apart. This beautiful focal charm was created by Sarah using a large chunk of amethyst, swarovski crystal, chips of quartz, pearls and a gold charm with words of love.

Here you'll find Jenny made a wonderful focal made from a picture frame (so clever) with large shell pearls, swarovski crystals, and glass crystals. If you try this, just remember to use a wire that fits through the hole of the pearls. They can be quite small at times. Such creativity! This pretty focal compliments her pearls so nicely!

Kimmie made a necklace using the same amethyst faceted stones that Sarah used adding irredescent briolettes and hammered silver chain! Oh so Lovely Kimmie.

Christy Louise used her creative spirit by using crystals and pearls. She made these oh so elegant earrings that measure approx. 1 3/4" which can be worn with anything. Way to go Christy!

I have always wanted to attempt making a birds nest, and I did it! I was so excited to bring something home. I used gold artistic thick non tarnishing wire and then added pearls for the eggs and topped it off by using a bird given to me by another lovely (Sarah). Thank you Sarah! I started by cutting off about 12" of wire and then making the loop at the top for the clasp. From there I just made a circle the size I wanted and twisted it about 4 times and once done with that I attached 3 seperate coils for security on the sides of the nest and then took thinner wire and added the eggs. Easy peasy I know you can do it! Top it off with charms of your choice and voila.

The Groups Birthday Celebration

Every couple of months we usually end up having the joy of celebrating one of the girls birthday. This month we are enjoying Christys special day at my home.  She is seated wearing a pretty dark plum jacket today by Elie. Elie Tahari (born 1952 in Jerusalem) is an Israeli-American luxury fashion designer of men and women's clothing. Thought I'd add a little fun fact there, if your like me. I always love little tidbits of information.

The whole group together for the celebration. We started by having champagne with a simple syrup made of cranberries and orange, called the Ruby Sippers. Followed by Potato Soup with Honey Baked Ham, an old recipe I've had for over 20 years, along with my version of a Fall Cranberry Salad, Steak Bruschetta and and fresh Raspberry Mousse. I chose not to have a traditional cake, instead what I did was incorporated our project around pop cakes. So the project of the week was to learn and decorate Cake Pops and Truffles. Recipes to follow. All was prepared ahead of time, so the girls could simply enjoy their time!

A close up of each table setting. I first started with a table cloth of tiny simple design with an overlay of dark champagne with matte sequins. I then added a selection of vintage wine glasses for a bit of bling and then moved on to a flat placemat of dark gold capiz shell, a wooden charger topped off with a bronze ribbon, a white dinner plate, a salad plate with an image of a pheasant, a bowl and finished off with a beaded napkin and a bendy for the napkin ring. Pulling out the silver was another elegant touch for this special day. While putting this table together I kept in mind color, texture and interest by adding candle holders of all sizes, fresh flowers in an oversized mercury container and also added touches gold with Ferrer truffles scattered throughout the table.  I took all my inspiration from Kims amazing tablescapes, which she makes oh so lovely!

Christy enjoying her moment after lunch. 

Because we try to live creatively, learn and share. My project was (decorate cake pops and truffles) to incorporate something I thought the

birthday girl would love, and to make the project quick and easy after a lovely lunch.

Pictured here Betsy is hard at work. I had everything prepared ahead of time the cake pops were baked, truffles were made into balls, and all the sprinkles, frostings etc... set out. So all the girls had to do was have fun decorating. 

A handful of chocolate never hurt anyone. 

I made sure as to have the treat trays on hand and the cellophane and ribbon ready for easy travel.

This was a huge hit being so close to the holidays. What a yummy treat to take home or give to your hostess for a great party.

Ruby Sippers

Makes 6 cocktails

Recipe can be doubled

Pulse in processor

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cup cranberry juice cocktail

Put into saucepan over med. heat and then add

1 cup sugar 

1 orange and ( zest of the orange - use micro planer or zester) and juice of 1 orange

If desired rub the rims of champagne flutes with and orange and dip in red sugar and set aside.

Simmer in a saucepan over med. heat w/ sugar, orange rind, and juice until syrupy about 10 min. Strain and cool to room temperature.

Pour 1 to 2 Tlbs. into bottom of glasses then top with sparkling wine. Garnish cocktails with whole cranberries if desired.

Potato Soup

3 cups water

6 chicken boullion cubes

3 onions

10-12 potatoes

1 stick butter or magarine

3 Tlbs. parsley

1 1/2 Tlbs. salt

1 1/2 tsp. pepper

1 package colby or cheddar cheese

1 or 2 cans evaporated milk

1 Tlbs. cornstarch

2 cups ham (optional) Honey Baked 

Put water,bullion,onions,potatoes,butter,salt,pepper in large stock pot and cook potatoes until done then add ham to warm. When ready add parsley, milk, cornstarch and cook until thickened ( just a couple of minutes ) then add cheese to finish off. 

Melt in your Mouth Truffles

makes 3 dozen

Melt 1/2 cup heavy cream

8 Oz. dark chocolate (couresly chopped)

Stir In - 1/4 cup butter softened

Cool then add 2 teaspoons vanilla

Refrigerate until firm

Make 1” balls and roll in finely chopped nuts, cocoa, powdered sugar, etc.

Refrigerate and Store

Peanut Butter Balls

1/2 Cup peanut butter

3 Tlbs. butter

1/4 Cup Rice Krispie Cereal

1 Cup powdered sugar

Combine and knead until smooth, shape into balls.

Dip in chocolate.

Simple Truffles

2 1/2 pkgs. of Bakers Chocolate or (20 squares)

or 1 Bag of White chocolate Chips

8 oz. pkg of Cream Cheese
Melt chocolate and beat cream cheese w/mixer until creamy.

Decorations of your choice

1. Blend in melted chocolate and refrigerate until firm.
2. Shape into 36 balls and place on wax paper.
3. Melt remaining chocolate and use fork to dip truffles and decorate.

Thanksgiving Table Inspiration

Thanksgiving Table Inspiration

So the 8 Lovelies had the pleasure of going to lunch at 

another members home. Kim not only has a beautiful home but she makes it inviting and alluring. She uses her home to host lovely parties and luncheons such as this for her lovelies group with which we belong.  Kim believes in sharing her home with those she loves.  Upon entering the dining room your immediately in awe of the warm color scheme and neutral tones of the the entire space, love the red walls.  She totally outdid herself with this years centerpiece for her amazing table, all designed and decorated by her. She fooled me, I thought she purchased it.

Here you will find a pheasant as the main focal of the centerpiece. He is rather large which makes him noticeable and brings him to the forefront. To make the centerpiece cohesive Kim added pheasant feathers throughout, along with different greens, feathers and pine cones. She started with a basket and added all the color and textures she wanted for the the main event.

Here notice how she added more pheasant feathers under the arrangement for more cohesiveness. She served soup in ceramic white pumpkin bowls. The tablecloth is layered with a textured fabric and topped off with burlap. She used feathered napkin rings and ochre napkins to compliment the overall green color scheme. The napkins can be found at Pier1 Imports. Notice the orange pumpkins as well for more unity.

She made us all feel so special by pulling out all the stops. Notice the feather placemat and the silver plate charger under the china. The turkey plates are a seasonal addition which brings joy to the Thanksgiving table. They can be found at Pottery Barn. She used brown wine goblets and served a lovely wine during lunch. It is always a treat to visit with friends and enjoy the fruits of their labor. In this case, Kim uses her talent of table scaping. She uses the table as her palette, and she succeeds in not only design but using her home as a place to express her talent. Thank you Kim for your friendship and talent!