Sunday, March 13, 2011

CNewcomb's Woodworking

The smell of fresh cut wood used to fill my nostrils and the various sounds from the machines (saw, lathe, planner, router, etc) would fill my ears with their melodic tune in a happier moment of my childhood. The scent and sound were my first clues that something interesting was going on behind the curtain that was erected to keep the dust out of the laundry area in the shop. 

It seemed to be a very magical place as one could never be sure what would be found on the other side of that curtain. Would it be a toy box? spindles for the staircase? a jewelry box? a wall plaque? paper towel holder? bowls?  a truck or car? furniture for a doll house? or furniture that would be passed down from generation to generation in the form of a table, hutch, boot bench, or bed frame? a rocking horse? The possibilities were endless and reality was seldom disappointing. 

That's what I experience when I visit CNewcomb's Woodworking studio at ArtFire. Instead of peeking behind the curtain, I just click on my favorites for a quick look at what's on display. My mind asks the question of "What will be there for me to discover today?" and I'm instantly able to experience the same wonder and delight I had as a child, but without the smells and sounds


CNewcomb's Woodworking has many lovely items to choose from. All would make wonderful additions to your home or office. I had a very hard time choosing a sampling to show you from the many sections and items in his studio. This is what I came up with.

Write it in style:





For the home:





Handmade Custom Wooden Name Key Chains


For the lady in your life:

For someone who sews:

Ornaments:
Handmade Unfinished Wooden Wolf Howling at Moon Christmas Ornament


Each of the above items shown and many items not shown would make a lovely addition to your home, office or as an excellent gift for a friend or loved one.

Check out CNewcomb's Woodworking for all your wood creation needs, wants and desires.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

No Cook Mint Patties

1/3 cup light corn syrup
¼ cup butter
1 t peppermint extract
4 cups sifted powdered sugar
2 drops red food coloring 
2 drops green food coloring

In a small mixer bowl combine the corn syrup, butter, and peppermint extract; beat till well combined.  Gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Stir in as much of the remaining powdered sugar as you can with a spoon. Turn out onto a surface lightly coated with a little powdered sugar. Knead in enough of the remaining powdered sugar to make a stiff dough that is smooth.

Divide dough into thirds. Using one third of the dough, knead in the red food coloring till evenly distributed. Knead the green food coloring into another third of the dough. Leave the remaining third white. Shape the dough into ¾" balls; place 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with waxed paper. Press with tines of a fork. If necessary, dip the fork in powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Let dry several hours. Makes about 75 mints.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup cornflakes, slightly crushed
1 6 oz package semisweet chocolate pieces
1 t vanilla

In a 2 quart saucepan combine corny syrup, brown sugar, and dash salt. Cook and stir till mixture comes to a full boil. Stir in peanut butter. Remove from heat. Stir in cereals, chocolate pieces, and vanilla. Press into an ungreased 9x9x2" pan. Chill 1hour. Cut into bars. Makes 36