GROW YOUR OWN SPROUTS!

GROW YOUR OWN SPROUTS!

Tiered Sprouting Container

Several years ago, my daughter, Kirsten, who was a vegetarian at the time, ordered a salad with sprouts at a restaurant located at a beach resort. Little did she know that this particular batch of sprouts were grown in a pasture right next to where cows grazed and were contaminated. She came down with e-coli. She became very ill and fought for her life. The health division tracked down exactly where the sprouts came from so that others did not get sick. She finally, after an agonizing several weeks, became well, swearing off all sprouts forever. The entire family has been leary of eating sprouts ever since. Some family members like sprouts so much that they now boil them. Boiling probably destroys the nutrients. I love sprouts so I decided to grow my own. Growing your own sprouts does not eliminate all the dangers of contamination but cuts down on them tremendously.

Seafood Salad with Sprouts

I remembered using a 4-tier sprouting system years ago but had no idea where I got it or what became of it. I went online and found one very similar to the one I used. The sprouter had two reviews. One good and one very, very bad review. I gambled anyway and find that I absolutely love this sprouter. I’m not affiliated with them in any way but just want to pass on that I found mine at Williams-Sonoma.

These sprouts are fresh and I can control them, since I am the grower. Now as far as the seeds go? It is probably best to purchase organic grown seeds. There are many sites online that offer top grade sprouts.

Sprouts are chock full of nutrients, fiber content, essential fatty acids, AE and C complex, amino acitds, proteins and phytochemicals. Another bonus is that they are lowfat and taste delicious in salads and sandwiches.

"Plant Seeds of Kindness"

SOLD! THANK YOU TRISH!

To accompany my sprouting post, I have created one of my philosophy art dolls with a sprout quote. "Plant Seeds of Kindness." Well, it’s not necessarily a sprout quote but as close as I could find.

I hand sculpted her face out of clay, used material for body. She is has fully moveable arms and legs. She is 4” wide (wider with arms outstretched) and 10 “ high and priced at $38. These little "Philosophy Art Dolls," are fun and whimsical and make great gifts to cheer up a friend in need. If you’d like to purchase her, just e-mail me and we can use Paypal. Also, if you’d like for me to create a custom one for you, just let me know the color scheme and your special quote.

TCHAIKOVSKY CD COVER

TCHAIKOVSKY CD COVER

CD Cover by Cheryl Dolby

When I used my Renaissance Oil method to create a collage of Tchaikovsky last year for my son, Cameron, I had no idea that it would end up on the cover of the new CD by pianist, Anthony Goldstone of London. I was excited when Anthony e-mailed me asking for permission to use it in his upcoming CD. I think this goes to show you never know when some exciting thing might happen when you create a post.

I decided to create a Giclee of 50 Tchaikovsky prints. Number one is now available. For those of you who are not familiar with Giclee’s here is the definition that Wikipedia gives.

Giclée ( /ʒiːˈkleɪ/ zhee-KLAY or /dʒiːˈkleɪ/), is a neologism coined in 1991 by printmaker Jack Duganne[1] for fine art digital prints made on inkjet printers. The name originally applied to fine art prints created on IRIS printers in a process invented in the late 1980s but has since come to mean any high quality inkjet print and is often used by artists, galleries, and print shops to denote such prints.

Giclee is 18"w x 24" h x 3/4 d and is priced at $175.00

I added oil paint to the surface to create texture

If you are interested in purchasing my number one Giclee of Tchaikovsky, we can work through papal so just email me and we’ll go from there.

A SUMMER MEDLEY

A SUMMER MEDLEY

Goddess Planter

In the summer, I often reflect on quotes from Ray Bradbury’s book, “Dandelion Wine.” Bradbury writes, “Medicines of another time, the balm of sun and idle afternoons, the faintly heard sounds of ice wagons passing on brick avenues, the rush of silver skyrockets, all these in a glass.” It seems like a timeless quote to me because it echoes my past and yet places me squarely in the present summertime. In this post, I will attempt to have you enter my world this summer at Woodloft.

Side-View

I love when my plants get to the stage where they drape over the top of my Goddess planters and in some cases, they even begin to become integrated and look as though plant and planter are one.

Hidden Goddess Planter

Earth Mother Goddess Fountain

Goddess with Baby's Breath

My garden is doing great so far. Last year, the deer feasted on most of my vegetables and they seemed to especially like my impatiens.

Hydrageos and Petunias

Tomato and Bean Garden

The market has been hopping the last few weeks with one celebration after the other. We had a Chili cookoff, Strawberry festival, Local Colors festival, a dog festival, Festival in the Park Craft show, and last weekend was the Sidewalk Art Show.

Side-View of Booth at Farmer's Market Saturday

Picture of "yours truly" taken on the market by soap girl Rebecca

My Friend, Trish, Sitting on Back of B-dazzle With Her Flowered Dress

Rudy Saunders Drummed at the Park adjacent to the Market

Tim Belcher and Helper

Jerry and Brian-Who Call Themselves "Two Bitter Old Potters"

Chris and Friend Cook Up A Storm at 'Thelma's Chicken and Waffles' Restaurant

Pauline's Enticing Little Boutique on the Market

Since I acquired my Kindle, I read more books in a week than I used to in months. The reason: I am able to enlarge the font and have no need for reader glasses. Of the many I have read recently, one that I’d like to recommend for summer reading is 'The book of Lost Fragrances,'by M.J.Rose. I like it when authors names suit their titles~LOL. The book is very thought provoking and I’ve even started a new art series after reading it.’ Maybe you can guess what it is I’ll be creating.

Speaking of creating, I’m busy with my ‘face’ soaps for the market. They are major good sellers for me and I’m having a hard time keeping up with the demand!

My Face Soaps in Lavender and Rose Geranium

Even though it is not the season for eggplants, I have been craving them. Obsession is my name when it comes to finding the best recipe possible for any given dish. The last few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with recipes for Eggplant Parmagiana. Coming from an ethnic background, I have always made my parmagiana from traditional methods of salting, draining and dipping the eggplant before frying and baking. Recently, I attended one of our “Little Supper Club” gatherings and was delighted with Christine’s pasta eggplant. In her recipe, spaghetti was actually added as an ingredient and it was very tasty. I decided that there must be many other recipes out there so I searched the web and experimented with several. Finally, I came up with the one that rivals my recipe and is much simpler and better for you. I’ll be posting the recipe soon.

Christine's Eggplant Parmagiana

I vow to try to slow down this summer and enjoy all the beauty that surrounds me. Hope everyone else gets a chance to slow down as well.

VIRGINIA'S B-DAZZLED CROCS!

VIRGINIA’S B-DAZZLED CROCS!

Virginia's B-dazzled Crocs

Why would a person want to wear plain old shoes when they could have a pair of sparkly, glittery and be-dazzled crocs? At least, that’s the way I feel about it and apparently so does Virginia. You might ask, ‘Who is Virginia?’ Well, she is a very special member of my high school class who has given much time and energy every 5 years in preparing our school reunions as well as generally keeping the entire class together via her monthly newsletter.

I’ve known Virginia since junior high school where she and I and two other friends, Cheryl Harvey and Karen Gulakowski, sang on stage at all the school events and even were ‘hired’ to sing at Christmas parties all around town. Our music teacher thought “The Four Melodies” were destined for stage and screen. I wonder who thought up that name for us? It seems like we could have come up with something a little more spiffy.

Here Virginia is pictured with an adorable, ‘hip’ 50’s outfit.

Virginia made a comment on one of my blogs that featured my b-dazzled crocs. She said something to the effect that if she had those shoes, she’d wear them to our reunion. I decided to test her to see if she meant it by asking her if I made her a pair of my b-dazzled crocs, would she really, wear them to one of our events. She came back with “How nice of you to want me to have a pair of those special shoes. You are really so kind. Would I wear them for the reunion? You bet I would-all three days.” So, Virginia, the challenge is on. Your red, black and white (school colors) crocs featured in this post are on the way to your home. I wonder if there will be any beads left on those crocs after our fun-filled three day event!

Crocs-Side View

Crocs at My B-dazzled Art Car

Crocs Enjoying the Garden

MOSAIC GODDESS PLANTER

MOSAIC GODDESS PLANTER

Tatiana, Fairy Queen

Sometimes I get carried away with my mosaics. One example would be my b-dazle car, which you can view here. Another would be my laundry room labyrinth floor, shown here. The latest adventure in mosaics is a new series I’ve named simply, Mosaic Goddess Planters.

Close-up

Tatiana, is the first in my series. The name means "Fairy Queen," according to an online fairy site. LOL. Tatiana's dimentions are approx 15"h x 9"w x 9"d. She is quite striking when the light hits the stained glass and glass tiles. She is more expensive than most of my planters because of the time factor. I not only sculpted her of stoneware clay, but then fired and mosaiced her. I lost track of the hours and I see no way to shorten the process. I’ve priced her at $375.00. One of these days, I’ll figure out how to make something simple!

If anyone is interested in purchasing Tatiana, you can contact me by e-mail

Side View

Back view

THE UNFOLDING

“THE UNFOLDING”

The Unfolding Stoneware Clay Sculpture

When I created this particular stoneware clay sculpture, spring was on my mind. I thought about the plants and trees and how the leaves seem to unfurl and stretch from a long winter. The bright verdant green underbrush creates a backdrop for spectacular flowers that begin to materialize out of nowhere. And so it is with all of life. We stay cocooned in our inner sanctuary until the time comes for a change. Here is the story I wrote for my sculpture. It seems fitting.

THE UNFOLDING

So long in the cocoon..and now she was free..free to fly..fly away.because they had been called to the world and she had been called …to herself.

Full View of The Unfolding

Side View of The Unfolding

Back View of The Unfolding

The Unfolding is similar to the sculpture we will be creating in my sculpture class this summer. Of course, she will be nude since we will be working from live models. If anyone is interested in taking an all inclusive sculpture class, where we will be studying the face and figure, please view details at my website located here You can also e-mail me if you are interested in the class or sculpture.

THE BEST ONE MINUTE DISH I EVER TASTED!

THE BEST ONE MINUTE DISH I’VE EVER TASTED!

All Carmalized and Oh So Yummy!

Yes. You read right. It took me only one minute to create this delectable vegetable dish. ..and yes…it’ IS cauliflower. I know, a lot of you may not like cauliflower. I wasn’t particularly fond of it myself until I listened to my friend and fellow artist, Jerry. He was on our Farmer’s Market in Roanoke the other day, and had a very interesting looking lunch he had brought from home. Upon inquiring, he gave me the recipe. Recipe? What recipe. There is absolutely nothing to it.

Cauliflower On Tray Before Roasting

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

1 large head of cauliflower
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400. Place aluminum foil on cookie sheet. Place cut cauliflower onto foil and drizzle with about ½ cup of olive oil or more to completely cover. Add salt and pepper. Roast for 40-45 minutes.

"Wow! The cauliflower carmalizes in the oil and tastes unlike anything you have ever eaten before. People who hate cauliflower, LOVE this recipe. Who ever heard of a vegetable that absolutely melts in your mouth? Imagine what it would taste like with garlic added or maybe pureed into a soup? Possibilites are endless.

Hope you enjoy and thanks Jerry!

SNEAK PREVIEW OF GODDESS PLANTERS

SNEAK PREVIEW: GODDESS PLANTERS

Can You Guess What This Is All About?

Several people have asked for a preview of the planters I’ll be taking to the City Market in Roanoke, Virginia on Saturday April 14th, Soooo, I’ve decided to do a posting of them. If you are interested in having me hold one for you, please just e-mail me and I’ll take her out of my B-dazle art car, where they are all snuggled up together awaiting their journey to the market and new homes.

My Goddess Planters Are Sitting and Awaiting Their Journey

B-dazle art car

Before I show the planters, I have one announcement to make. I have a cancellation in my Figures class for July so if anyone is interested in joining a great group of women, please e- mail me. We will be sculpting from a live model, taking trips around the Southwest Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains , dining will include meals created for us by chef Stratton St. Clair.

Here we go!

Ocean Planter number 1 18"h x 10"w x 7" deep $145.
Features Two Anemonite Stones

Oceana front view Number 1

Healing Woman number 2 13"h x 7" w x 4" deep $265.
Features Mosaic Glass Planter

Number 2- close-up

Number 2-back

3, 4 and 5 Moon Woman, Soaring Spirit and The Doran all approx 10"h x 4" w x 3" deep
Each $58.

Close-up number 3 Features Mirror and Gold Leaf Inlay
Can Be Used As Burning Bowl, Planter or Candle Holder

Close-up number 4 Features Glass Mosaic

Close-up number 5 As With Planter 3 and 4, This One Can Be Used As Planter, Candle Holder Or Burning Bowl

Althea, Number 6 12"h x 10" w x 10"d $235.

Number 6 back

Number 7 Timekeeper 12"h x 6"w x 4"deep $78.

Number 8 Gentle Spirit 9"H b 8"w x4"deep $58.

Isadora front number 9 15"h x 7" w x 7"deep $285.

Isadora number 9 close-up

Number 10 Shaylee front 17H x 9w x 11 deep $275.

Number 10-Shaylee side

Number 10-Shaylee back

Adorabella number 11 front 8"w b 15" h b 8" deep $300.
Beautiful Stone Jewelry Featured, Which Is Removable For Wear

Adorabella number 11 side

Adorabella number 11 back

Adorabella number 11 closeup

Cassandra number 12 front 17"h x 10" w x 8"deep $300.

Cassandra number 12 close-up

Cassandra number 12 side

Lady of Astolot Number 13 18" h x 10" w x 7" deep $275.

Back number 13

Close-up number 13

Front, Guinevere, Number 14 size: 16" H b 10" w x 7" deep $250.
Features Silver Necklace From India

Close-up number 14

Back, number 14 Guinevere

Front, number 15 Ancient Herbalist 13" h x 7" w x 6" deep Price $89.00

Close up number 15-Ancient Herbalist

All of my planters have stories or translations of names in different languages. I will be glad to translate or send stories to those who are interested..just out of time now. Also, I have more planters sculpted but not fired or finished yet. So far-this is it! Hope you like-let me know.

Hugs,
Cheryl