Recipes - Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes

Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes

Courtesy of my mother-in-law, here is a great hot weather recipe. I think we skipped spring and went right to summer here in NC! This is a great dish!

Put some leftover cubed or shredded chicken in a medium bowl and add:

Light mayo to taste with a splash of milk

2-3 t. Curry powder to taste

A few shakes of pepper

A tiny amount of grated onion

Finely diced green apple

Finely diced celery

Red or green grapes cut in half

Serve on a bed of lettuce. Or get real creative and scoop out a tomato and fill with the salad, and place on a large romaine leaf. Easy hot weather dinner, with fresh bread.

GIVEAWAY WINNER!!

Drumroll please...

Congratulations to MEGAN - the winner of the personalized sterling silver necklace...

Thanks for participating, everyone!! Keep posted for more giveaways, a Spring Mother's Day sale... and lots of good features...

You all are the best...

GIVEAWAY - Sterling Silver Necklace

I will be announcing the winner to the giveaway tomorrow (Wednesday) evening... Stay tuned... prep that drum roll...

Featured Etsy Artisan: PersnicketyHome

Beautiful pillows make a room pop and hold together the color themes. Designer pillows easily sell for about $70+. These pillows by PerkicketyHome are amazing - the shop has Home Decor, Throw Pillows Covers, Sachets! I love these fabrics and patterns. Cindy graciously agreed to be featured on for my Etsy Artisan series. I think you'll enjoy her interview below. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us, Cindy!

And be sure to visit her shop - these are my favorite here and here and here (okay - I like it all!). Keep up the great work, Cindy!

Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.
My name is Cindy and I live in Fort Collins, Colorado. I've done many different types of work over the years, every thing from book stores, to landscaping, to working as a Teachers Aide in elementary schools, tutoring literacy.

Tell us about your Etsy shop and products.
I started my shop in January 2009. I have a friend named Kristen who also has a shop on Etsy and we both love beautiful fabric, she kept telling me I could do it , I could have my own business, and to be brave. With a lot of encouragement and a leap of faith, I held my nose and took a deep breath and jumped in! My shop is called Persnickety Home Designs and can be found at www.persnicketyhome.etsy.com currently my focus is on Pillow Covers. I love the versatility of Pillow Covers! They can spruce up the place for a reasonable price and you can change them whenever the mood strikes (which around my house is often...) its also a lot easier to change the covers than the whole house and it brings a comfy splash of color, and after all who doesn't need a little comfort now and then! I also have a few other items including Lavender Sachets and Handmade Birdhouses and Feeders. Also I'm always adding new items.

How did you get into your creating? Do you have a favorite item you’ve made? Tell us the story. I have been making things for almost as long as I can remember. I have always drawn and painted and was constantly found with pencil and paper in hand. Sewing in particular is fun for me because it’s so hands on and I get a kick out of the finished product.My mother taught me to embroider and cross stitch when I was eight years old, she has a real love for handmade treasures. My grand mother, Mommy Ann taught me about sewing machines, she was always making clothes for me and my many siblings. My dad was a real artist; he owned a successful carpentry shop and could build and make everything from houses, to furniture, to sculptures. I can't say I have a favorite Pillow cover because I love all the fabrics so much, but I am fond of my "liberty" bird house. It was fun to create and I'm pleased with how it turned out. (See photo above)

What advice would you give a creative entrepreneur on starting a small artistic business?
Be brave! Choose something you love and pour yourself into it. Your customers will feel the quality and attention to detail that you worked so hard to achieve. Believe in yourself even if it’s scary, after all life is short and talent is God given and should not be wasted.

Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!
Many people have inspired me; I mentioned my mother, father, and grandmother, earlier. I also mentioned my friend Kristen who was probably sent my way to help light a fire under me. But there are so many more, my sister Cecilia was the bravest and strongest person I've ever known, and my husband Paul always believes in me, he thinks I can do anything.I believe you can be inspired by everyone you meet, inspired to be like them in some way or to be different from them. But if you are open to it inspiration will find you.

Do you have a book or movie that makes you feel creative? Tell us about it!
There is a series of books that makes me feel creative every time! The series is called EARTH'S CHILDREN and it’s by Jean Auel. It’s about this woman at the dawn of prehistory and how she and her kind have to survive in a harsh world. It’s humbling because it always reminds me of our beginnings. It is easy in the "instant" world we live in now to forget our struggle to climb to the top. Back when all we had was our big brains, our two thumbs, and our imagination and creativity; it was our need and ability to make things that made the difference. Whenever I'm feeling dull and unimaginative I pick up those books, they work like a charm!

What is your favorite handmade treasure?
I have a corn husk doll that I bought from a local artist for my sister on her 35th birthday. When I lost my sister the doll came back to me. She sits in my workshop with me and brings me comfort. Also, I have a dresser that my dad made many years ago that I won't ever part with.

Do you have any suggestions for creatively weathering these tough economic times? How are you creatively making the best of it?
Well... sometimes it’s hard but try not to get too discouraged if things are slow. Work on a new project and remember that its not just necessity but also adversity that is the mother of invention! Life is full of ups and downs, but as for me I'd rather be on the Roller Coaster than the Carousel. It’s more interesting and after all the view on the Carousel never changes.

Do you know a special Etsy artisan who would be great to feature? Email me at paperandpearls[at]gmail.com .

See the rest of the series here.

GIVEAWAY - Sterling Silver Necklace

Introducing... the SECOND Paper and Pearls GIVEAWAY!

This is a GREAT prize - an 18" sterling silver necklace with sterling leaf pendant - so perfect and simple. The winner of the giveaway will get to choose a stone to be wire wrapped with the necklace - amber, peridot, pearl, tiger eye, garnet, jade ... You can customize this prize!

To enter the giveaway, please follow these simple steps.

1. Go to the Paper and Pearls Etsy Shop

2. Have a look at the gallery - don't forget the sold items - and pick your favorite.

3. Come back to this blog and post a comment on your favorite item in the shop by APRIL 20th.

Bonus : Want your name to count TWICE? Post the link to this giveaway on your Facebook page or blog, and let me know when you leave your comment!( use this link, please: http://paperandpearlsboutique.blogspot.com/search/label/Giveaways )

***The WINNER will be randomly drawn on TUESDAY, April 21st. Check back here to see who wins this SUPER prize! ***

Good luck!

While you are here, please enjoy some recent posts on:

Etsy Sellers

Creative Living Interviews

Make the Necklace a Room - a take on Domino

These Tough Times

These Tough Times

I found a great article on Design*Sponge that fits perfectly with my "These Tough Times" series.

Meg, author of the wonderful book Craft, Inc., says:

For one thing, I think it’s a pretty good time to start a side business. If you’ve been laid off, this misfortune may really be an opportunity for you to jump into your dream business. Or if you’re a new grad on the job hunt, you probably have plenty of extra time you can dedicate to a business. Or if you’re currently employed, considering it’s probably not the best time to ask for a raise, starting a side venture can be a great way for you to earn some additional income.

The good thing about starting a business during a down economy is that you will do it with DIY ethos based on a foundation of frugality. Building a business foundation based on excess is never good—just look at a majority of those dot-com businesses back in the day. And when the economy finally rebounds, your business will be in great shape to handle all the opportunities and challenges that come its way.

Read Meg's plan of action and the full article here.

This definitely encourages me to expand my business and think creatively about growing Paper and Pearls in this down economy.

So - hope this inspires you would-be entrepreneurs to GET OUT THERE and give it a try!

Make This Necklace a Room

I've been looking through my deco file for some inspiration, and I found another room I think would be great for my "Make this Necklace a Room" take on Domino's old feature. 

Rose quartz is one of my favorite stones to use - it's soft pink looks GREAT on everyone and with every outfit. (My customers LOVE wearing it.) This pretty soft pink and cream room is delightfully tranquil. I think the Big Bubblegum Chunky Rose Quartz necklace would fit it quite beautifully.  Doesn't this room make you think - cherry blossoms, jasmine tea, soft pink tea roses - it's feminine without being overdone. 

Pink. Never gets old. Always looks great. So fun. 

Creative Living Interview #6

For my next Creative Living feature, I introduce my college friend and fellow English major - Melissa. She is poet at heart, and loves reading just as much as I do! She and I have enjoyed writing letters for many years now - keeping that art form alive. She is so gifted with words - and is a super editor to boot.

Melissa was also the winner of the first Paper and Pearls Contest and Giveaway! She's so creative. You can see a picture of her prize above - beautiful peacock pearls.

Thanks for being featured, Melissa!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Melissa. I live in southern Maine and I've worked for the university system for just about 4 years now. I am starting to take classes toward a Masters Degree in Literacy.

What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.
I like to knit, cross stitch, paint with watercolor, make beaded earrings, write poetry, and bake. Seeing a project come to life from the humble beginnings of thread and fabric or yeast and flour is very satisfying to me. I like to see people enjoying my creations, whether for their beauty or their taste, and I only make things I enjoy myself.

Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!
I can only aspire to write poems like Emily Dickinson. She is my muse. I love how poetry can aptly capture beauty and meaning in a few carefully selected lines. Brevity is the soul of wit.

What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
Prince Edward Island, hands down. The red roads, blue sky, and amber fields combine to make a breathtaking sight.

What creative things would you like to learn this year?
I'd like to learn to sew something without help,and I'd love to know how to knit cables.

Make This Necklace a Room

I miss Domino. Like many others, I was a fan.

One of the ideas I loved was the "Make This Outfit a Room." I thought - how fun - why don't I try this with jewelry?

I loved the acqua/brown combo a LOT. My spearmint chip necklace would look great in this classic Domino room.

I have a friend who painted her house in that palette - brown walls, blue ceiling. LOVE that feel. Here in the south, it's an old tradition to see porch ceilings painted sky blue. Supposed to keep bad spirits away - or maybe birds? I don't know the full story behind that, but the blue ceiling idea is pretty awesome.

image: domino

Featured Etsy Artisan: momomadeit

I LOVED these "Everday Housewife" aprons. The colors, the cut, the patterns! The creator of momomadeit, Joan, graciously agreed to be interviewed for my blog feature! I think I'd feel so glamorous doing my chores and cooking up a feast in one of these aprons...

Be sure to check out her shop! My personal favorite is here.

Thanks, Joan! Keep up the great work!

• Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.
My name is Joan Hand Stroh and I live in Waco, Texas. I am married to a swell guy and have three grown children and one granddaughter. In my past life, I worked as a disability rating specialist for the federal government. After retirement in June 2006, it didn't take long to realize that I was not the sit around, watch TV and eat bonbons type of gal. I do like to spend time in the yard - I have dozens of antique roses and a herb garden.


• Tell us about your Etsy shop and products.
In October 2006, I logged onto the Etsy site as "momomadeit" and looked around. Later that year, my daughter-in-law asked for an apron. She suggested that I make some and sell them - so here I am! Had I know I'd be selling aprons, I most likely would have selected a different user name. I am a bit superstitious, so I'm going to hang onto it. Originally, I had intentions of doing more baby items and retro inspired clothing, but aprons have become the focus of my shop.

My aprons are made in the traditional fashion with an emphasis on style and function. I'm not big on frills, so I seldom do anything that is "over the top" with trims and embellishments. I believe that a good apron is like a second skin - you put it on and after a while forget you are wearing it.

“Photo shoots” are always fast and furious, but the most fun! My daughter models for me when she is available and we have a blast!

• How did you get into your creating? Do you have a favorite item you’ve made? Tell us the story,
I've been sewing since I was quite young. I have three older sisters (I was a surprise baby 11 years later) and I remember watching my mom run yards of fabric through the sewing machine. She would keep me busy by letting me cut up scraps of fabric (with her huge silver scissors),and sew them, first by hand, and then by machine. By junior high I was making and wearing my own clothes. In high school, I was the "seamstress for the band", making the guys matching polka dot shirts and corduroy jackets. Sewing was fun and it allowed me to have clothes were unique, or things that I could not otherwise afford. It was not unusual for me to buy fabric on my lunch hour, come home, make a dress, and wear it to work the next day. I simply cannot imagine life without a sewing machine (or two).

I have always focused on making items with the intent that they be used. I'd much rather see the things I make being lovingly used until they are worn out rather than having them stashed away in a closet. Favorite items change over time for me - a “cool” orange backpack for my oldest son because I could not afford to buy him one, making boxers for my middle son out of weird fabrics, an "emergency dress" for my daughter who preferred soccer shirts and wind shorts, my daughter-in-law's wedding dress, a quilt for my niece when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a last minute prom dress, etc.

As far as aprons go, the cocktail apron shown above has to be my favorite.

• What advice would you give a creative entrepreneur on starting a small artistic business?
You must believe in yourself. Focus on doing what makes you happy or gives you satisfaction. It takes a lot of hard work - there will be ups and downs. Always treat your customers the way you’d like to be treated and never underestimate the power of generosity.


• Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him
My parents! My Mother was Martha before Martha was Martha! There wasn't anything she wouldn't or couldn't do. I have a picture of her wearing a straight skirt wielding a hatchet in her hand, whacking away at the rocky soil so she could plant grass. She was a talented seamstress, superb house keeper and a most excellent cook. She always saw the glass as half full. When she made drapes for the windows and didn't like them, she took them down the next day and reupholstered the couch. When my Dad was overseas during World War II, she opened her first restaurant. My Dad and I plotted, planned and built all kinds of things. He did amazing things with metal and found things. Looking back, I now see that their biggest gift to me was the belief that you can do most anything if you set your mind to it.


• Do you have a book or movie that makes you feel creative? Tell us about it!
I just don’t have time to read like I used to -the last real book I read was “For One More Day” by Mitch Albom - my daughter left it here and I felt compelled to read it.

Music and sunshine are what really makes me feel creative!

I can’t imagine a day with music. I listen to all kinds of music - classic rock as well as the new music. Some days, I let itunes shuffle, other times I put on a particular artist depending upon my mood - it could be James Taylor, Billie Holiday, Amos Lee, The Eagles, etc. John Mellencamp is wonderful to sew by.

Sunshine recharges my batteries. Sunshine also warms up the earth and I love the feel of hot sand or dirt between my toes. That makes me feel like a little kid again and that is good for creativity!

• What is your favorite handmade treasure?
Long story short: Two years ago, I went to a garage sale at the house that my parents built in 1957. After chatting with the current owner, I asked him if he was attached to the mailbox stand my father had made in 1957 - one of those initials made from large chain, now hidden by a large shrub. A deal was struck - if we removed it, we could have it. We cleaned it up, and it now holds our mailbox. It is not exactly stylish by today’s standards, but it holds special memories of my dad who died when I was only 26. Everyone wonders why we have a mailbox stand in the shape of the letter “R” when our last name starts with “S”, but it is all good!

Do you have any suggestions for creatively weathering these tough economic times? How are you creatively making the best of it?
Hmmm.... I’ve never been a spendthrift, so being mindful of finances is the norm for me. I never spend more than I can afford to pay off within 30 days. I’ve always got a gazillion things that I’d like to try. When sales are slow I have time to work on something new or different. I also believe that people often times are more creative when times are tough.

As a result of having a shop on Etsy, five of my aprons are in the project book "A Is For Aprons”. I am currently working on a new opportunity as a result of my exposure on Etsy. So, continue to work hard and show off your best products as you never know who is watching! : )

Inspiration - Interiors

I had the best job for about 2 years! I worked for The Kellogg Collection's flagship showroom in Northwest DC. I love the comfortable collection of English style furnishing and accessories. 

Here is a picture from the website. I LOVE it. Just looking at this picture makes me feel happy - the wonderful palette, the comfort, and the craftsmanship. 

And for those of you who live in DC - go check it out. Get inspiration, and meet the really talented people who work there!