Some Treasuries

I should be posting a feature - but still having some trouble typing with only 3 fingers on my left hand :)

So I thought I would share some treasuries I've made. Starting an "Inspired Series". I pick an item I love, then make the treasury around it. Here are 3 of my favorites:

What NOT to do when camping...

We went on our annual camping trip this weekend.  Usually we ride the atv's on Sat and Sun. however this time we ended up making a trip to the hospital on Sat. morning.  I was trying to chop wood to start a fire for breakfast and missed...

Well - I missed the wood that is. My pointing finger has 3 stitches between my finger nail and the top knuckle. They think I will have nicked the bone too, so I'm on antibiotics for two weeks. The middle finger wasn't cut quite as deep, so it didn't need stitches.


Won't be driving the bus for a couple of days, and typing is interesting :) Hubby and Logan got a little riding in Sat. afternoon after we got back to the campground, but it started to rain and didn't quit until late at night. Guess we'll have to go another weekend - I just will leave the ax alone :)


Hope everyone else had an uneventful weekend!

Taco Pasta Salad

I love taco salad - but the "men" don't care for it quite as much.  Then I found this recipe - now they love taco salad too :)  It's a wonderful salad to take on a picnic, to a summer potluck, or camping!

TACO PASTA SALAD

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 envelope taco seasoning

3 cups shredded lettuce

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup Catalina salad dressing

Tortilla chips

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the taco seasoning; cool.

Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, green pepper and dressing; toss to coat. Serve with tortilla chips.

Do you have a favorite summer salad?

Beautiful Flowers!

Are you getting married this summer or know someone who is? Ardesign has some beautiful bouquets! I looked through her whole shop to find my favorites to feature, I think I changed my selection of favorites a dozen times before I decided on these :) They are all so beautiful!

*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am from Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
I have been in the floral industry for about 15 + years as a artistic freelance floral designer
Having been part of an award winning design team and having the pleasure to design pieces for TV, Movies, Magazines and celebrities including Her Majesty The Queen

*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

I came up with the name because my last name is "Ard" and just added the word "design" into it and thought it was nice and simple :)
I started my business when the economy took a down turn and had some extra time on my hands
Prior to opening my shop, i was freelancing for various party planning event companies and wasn't getting enough work from them as the economy had impacted the industry quite hard

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?

Alternative,unique,forever keepsake,beautiful,Realistic

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?

Feathers are my supply addiction, i have all colors and types of feathers you can imagine...i really think they make a custom piece look so gorgeous!

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?

I love to go to flea markets and thrift stores and find vintage treasures...treasure hunting is my way of relaxation and very theraputic, i also love spending time with my dogs and hubby going for long walks in the wilderness or out and about on my Electric scooter

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?

I love making the feather and organza bouquets they are quite labour intensive but the finished product is so very stunning
I have alot of favorites like the Feather Fusion design www.etsy.com/listing/53358497/feather-fusion-feather-and-organza


Giving an artist the freedom to create what comes from the heart is the best way to receive the most beautiful piece you can imagine! :)

*What keeps you motivated?

 My happy clients keep me motivated, I love that my design is going to be involved in such a special part of their day and I get so excited when they send me pictures of my designs in action, the pictures they send are so very much appreciated

*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?

Answer your convos quickly and daily from potential buyers,believe in yourself and your product and they will come :)

*Are there other places on the net we can find you?

I do have an "Ardesign" facebook fanpage where I have a plethora of albums for all to see of the beautiful weddings my designs were a part of
here is the link www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Ardesign/107501499271675