Thursday, December 30, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Altered Book into The Techi-Bible...

"the techi-Bible" by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

the box cover for the old book altered...


 

the altered book slides out of the boxed cover...

inside The Techi-Bible with compartments to hold technology I carry with me often...

 there are places for all my cords to go and openings for me to reach the buttons of each item...

I hope you enjoyed seeing my latest creation and design...
This fills a need plus uses much of my stash and items that have been given to me...
I totally think this is rockin' awesome...
just wait until you see another idea I have...=)
Thanks to Garrett for naming this device...
Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}}, RHC
----->www.RitaHutchesonCobbs to pre-order your very own The Techi-Bible...<-----
**Video of this creation can be seen at YouTube. **

Simple Things Tag Made

"just a note" tag by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs
(materials list at the end of this blog entry)

"simple things" tag by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs
(materials list at the end of this blog entry)


Core Story: What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.) (Author: Molly O’Neill) reverb10 the final word prompt...

Happy New Year and may God richly bless you every moment of every day
 in the most amazing way...

Materials for the Tags...
Close to My Heart Products: Workshop on the Go "Olivia" X7128B, Designer Brads "Shimmer" Z1349, Mini-Medley Chocolate Shades Embellishments Z1037, A Little Thanks stamp set (15 stamps) D1444, Timeless stamp set (11 stamps) B1355, Inks Chocolate Z2111 & Cranberry Z2116, Distress Ink Chocolate (available in a set of 2 colors chocolate & black); #8 shipping tags and scrap ribbon/fiber.

From our family to you and yours!!
Happy New Year!!!!

Chocolate


Beaded Charms Created...

 
"sweetness" charm by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs
for the February 2011 Charm Swap on
(paper by Close to My Heart)

Defining Moment: Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year. (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice) reverb10



"gold in the snow" charm by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs
for the January 2011 Charm Swap on
(paper by Close to My Heart)


Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root)    reverb10

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com 
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Friendship Tag using Stamp of the Month.

"friend" tag using a #8 shipping tag &...

This sheet from the Close to My Heart
 "My Reflections" December 2010 Kit of the Month ($29.95, #X7130B)
is amazing...when I applied Chocolate Distressing ink ($3.95 for 2 colors in chocolate & black, #Z1296),
 the pattern popped through the ink...Rockin' Awesome!...&...

Close to My Heart January 2011 Stamp of the Month
"Find Your Style" (#D1452, Cost Free to $22.95)

I just wanted to share this with you...I was so very pleased with how the tag turned out.
It is going to look great as a gift tag for my special friend...
Loving it...
BTW...I will be posting completed charm sets in my personal website store
this week....they are beautiful additions to your cards, tags, and mini albums...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
RHC


Achieve...

"the barn" scrapbook 12x12 shadowbox framed photograph
by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs.

"the barn" color photograph by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

"the winter barn" by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs
I photographed this on Christmas Day 2010...
Alabama's never before white Christmas morning.

This is the 12x12 scrapbook page prior to framing. I love the embellishments
that offer the vintage appeal while looking fresh and comfort. 
You want to visit this spot, I know you do. =)

Achieve What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara [...] reverb10

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com





Monday, December 27, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Ordinary Joy...

Ivy Garden Bracelet handmade by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I love the clasps with a tiny flower each piece...


 Beads are from Bella Beads...be sure to tell Jennifer that I sent you over =).

Ordinary Joy ~ Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown) reverb10

I love ordinary joys...what might your's be...

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com
Saturday, December 25, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Penguin Christmas Tree Skirt...

When I saw this pattern in a sewing magazine, I had to make it for our friend, Rachel, who collects penguins. We teased her that she could wear it a cape...thinking of making one next year just for that purpose!

I loved the brightness of the colors and the penguins seem to come alive and look so happy...

One penguin design wore skates which I embossed so that they would glitter...


I alternated penguin designs with a skater and a walker...

I set up an assembly line to put the penguins together...

This was the "lander" penguin...

I offered to take this Penguin Christmas Tree skirt to someone else but for some reason Rachel wouldn't let me LOL...


There is one thing for sure, either you love penguins or you don't, there is no straddling the fence...I must say, that I am hooked into the happy penguins...they make me smile. 
I like finding something like this and make it for someone who loves the theme it is created with...making another one now...fun...totally fun...

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Caramelized French Onion Soup with Sausage Recipe

French Onion Soup with Sausage Recipe
Serves 6 (maybe enough for lunch tomorrow too)
~ Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Ingredients:

8 large while onions, peeled & shredded
1 Tablespoon butter
2 Tablespoons of honey
1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
6 cups of vegetable broth
1 cup of wine, your choice
2 pounds of summer sausage, thinly sliced (I use Schwans Dinner Sausage)
salt & pepper
6 slices of French bread or end pieces of loaf bread
Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.  Spray a large boiler with cooking spray, add butter and onions, saute until onions are translucent and lightly brown.
2.  Add honey and garlic, stirring constantly so onions won't burn for 3 minutes.
3.  Add sausage to onions and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
4.  Add broth and wine to the sausage, caramelized onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes (you can combine the caramelized onions and garlic with the broth and wine in a Crockpot and cook for 6 hours if you wish).
5.  Fill a bowl half full, add a bread slice and top with Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt.
6. Serve hot.

This is wonderful!!! The sausage and the onions totally compliment each other and is totally rockin' awesome on a cold day...

Love, Blessings and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com 
Friday, December 17, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Mamaw's Old Fashioned Tea Cakes with a Twist of Chocolate

The tiny old fashioned tea cakes with chocolate and caramel...

The dough takes time and patience but it worth it cooked...or not =)...

The recipe as designed soothes the soul just as make it and then enjoy the delicious cookies...

The tea cake recipe made into soft sweet muffins and chocolate sneaking out from inside...

Mamaw's Old Fashioned Tea Cakes 
(the cookie recipe)

1 cup real butter, melted
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon real vanilla
3 cups or so of self-rising flour
chocolate covered caramel cups (WalMart brand works fine)

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Cream butter and sugar together well using an electric mixer.32. 
3. Add eggs, flavoring and milk, mix well.
4. Add about 3 cups of self-rising flour very slowly, more if needed until the dough is tough, stands on its own.
5. Roll then and cut with cookie or biscuit cutter or roll them into small balls and place them on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. 

For the chocolate and caramel treat:

Follow directions #1-#4 above. Then take a chocolate caramel cup and fold the cookie dough around the candy until it is complete covered. Pat into a ball and place in a mini muffin pan. Then bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until top is golden brown. For the larger muffin, just add more dough around the candy and place in a large muffin pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until top is golden brown. Serve with real vanilla bean ice cream. 

This was fun to make but the dough for the tea cakes does take a little time to prepare. Make sure the flour is completely mixed into the dough slowly not all at once. 

Love, Blessings and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
Thursday, December 16, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Icebox Coconut Cake Recipe

Icebox Coconut Cake Recipe

1box of yellow cake mix
3 eggs + 1 egg yolk
1 cup of cold water
1 stick of butter, melted (1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon real vanilla
1 can evaporated milk
1 large container of whipped topping
1 cup of crushed coconut

1.  Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
2.  Using a hand mixer or electric mixer combine cake mix, eggs and water until creamy.
3.  Add the butter and vanilla, mix well.
4.  Spray a large oven proof baking dish with cooking spray and pour the batter into the dish.
5.  Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6.  While cake is still hot, punch holes throughout the cake and pour the can of evaporated milk into each hole. Place in refrigerator until cake is completely chilled.
7.  Add whipped topping  and then the coconut on top of the cake.
8. Garnish with canned (in their own syrup) orange slices, cherries or fruit cocktail (well drained). Optional
Store in refrigerator.

My mother has made this cake for years, I just add a twist with the extra egg yolk, vanilla and real butter.

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

A Christmas Day Blog Hop Announcement

"Christmas Day" card by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Hay, Everyone!! Let's do a Christmas Day Blog Hop!!! I know everyone is busy creating gifts BUT you can post your giveaway which can be a card, a tag, a dangly charm, a beaded item, whatever that is for any occasion AND the list of blog participants with links. Simple fun and a sweet way to end the Christmas Day festivities while you prop that laptop on your belly and lay in bed resting all that food and fun from the special day! So, email me (icon down the right side of my blog) or message me on Twitter or Facebook with you name, blog addy and "I'm so in" note....=) I will post the blog list here, on my website, Facebook and add a link to my Twitter...this will be so much fun!!!

Love, Blessings & {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Integrity...a 12x12 Scrapbook Layout

Melissa (GodsMixedMediaGirl) taught me to make flowers today!
These are three I made following her live show! Thanks, Mel!

Today has been the most productive day, no, I take that back, this week has been the most productive week I have had in a long time! I made three 12x12 layouts that I want to use as wall hangings, one is a gift. I have made a 16x20 shadow box layout that only needs to be framed. I have also completed two altered composition books and made one 8.5x11 and  one 8x8 scrapbook albums that were commissioned pieces. Today is just Wednesday too! =) Tomorrow I will cut out the tree skirt I have planned for a friend and I plan to work on it through the weekend. I am having such fun creating and as I go along, I have made a wonderful list of projects to work on for 2011. Now...I must get through next week so that I can finish my second novel! I am loving all that is happening these days....

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
RHC

My first handmade paper flower.....

Thanks, Mel!!!! You taught me well!!! Hugs....

2010 in 5 Minutes or Less...

Cute Christmas Gift made with scrap paper
by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh) rever10


It is a total given that if I did set a timer for five minutes and recapped on the past year, hands down it would be the creative flow and growth that I have experienced this year! I am so excited that I have discovered scrapbooking and paper arts but I have discovered art journaling, painting, altering objects into art, and learned that using what you have is a wonderful way to recycle, reuse and to recreate, which has also become my theme for my world of art and creativity. I treasure the love, peace and hope that flows from my soul and being. I am completely happy and looking forward to an amazing year to come. What about you? What is the one thing you have gained in a positive air of 2010?


Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com 
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Altered Composition Notebooks...

Today I altered two composition notebooks for holiday gifts. For this one I used earth tones beginning with the paper (thanks, Judy), a vintage photo print (thanks, Melissa), Tim Holtz hardware, a couple of mismatched flowers with fall leaves from the dollar store and vintage buttons. I love the feel of this cover because it gives a ray of energy and happiness.

This is the inside of the front cover. I like to finish out my composition books, they look crisp and clean that way. The added pockets and tags give additional places to write notes or favorite quotes or Bible verses.
 I kept the same theme going on the back cover again with pockets and tags. The back cover is the same green that is used on the front cover.

This altered composition notebook scream vintage, does it not? The paper again is beautiful by itself (thanks again, Judy) and the mismatched flowers along with Tim Hotlz hardware, vintage buttons, bling, the back of an ATC card where the front isn't completed (thanks, DeDe) and features sticking out the top. I do love, absolutely love the rhinestone vintage button, I am looking for more of these.
The inside carries the vintage theme with an edge to it. I loved this paper because of the daisies. I also added pockets and tags to the inside covers....
 On the back inside cover I added two tags to the side pocket rather than one. I wanted to use the remainder of the scraps wisely so I added them here.

I have made a video, just need to get that edited and then I will post it on YouTube. I really look forward to giving these as gifts. It is fun to make notes and write grocery lists in something that looks like this rather than just plain old pieces of paper LOL. =)

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
Monday, December 13, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

What is my next action?

Ornaments I painted and decorated for our tree this year.
I will have them available for sale on my website also.

Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky) reverb10


As I have been thinking about the past year and all the amazing things that have happened. I discovered youtube, streaming live on three different networks, twitter, Facebook, radio program, various mediums that I have learned.  Now that I think about what 2011 will hold for me and what I will do next, I see myself celebrating...


Bring 2011 on, I am so ready to move out of the past 10 years and pray that the next ten will be filled with peace, hope, love and joy. God is so good in taking us to this point of victory and creativity.


Love, Blessings and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
Thursday, December 9, 2010 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Rita's Banana Pudding Minus the Bananas Recipe

Rita's Banana Pudding Minus the Bananas Recipe
Super Easy and Quick Dessert


Half of our family loves bananas while the other half wouldn't touch them. So, I made this super easy and quick dessert that everyone can enjoy. The meringue isn't hard to make at all and it makes a large batch to share. So, let's get started...

Ingredients:
2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding
6 cups of milk (I use fat free milk but hay, use which ever milk cranks your tractor)
1 box vanilla wafers
3 egg whites (put the yokes in a small plastic container and freeze for a cake or something)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
1/4 cup sugar plus 1/8 teaspoon

Directions:
1. Prepare the instant pudding as the package directs which should call for the milk.
2. Layer the pudding mixture and vanilla wafers in a large over proof bowl starting with the wafers and ending with the pudding.
3. Put the pudding/wafer mixture in the refrigerator while you make the meringue.
4. Put the egg whites into a mixing bowl. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites on the highest speed.
5. Add the cream of tarter and continue mixing.
6. Slowly add the sugar. Continue mixing until stiff peeks form.
7. Pour over the pudding/waffer mixture.
8. Bake in the over on broil, but watch it closely allowing the meringue to lightly brown.
9. Serve warm or cold, it is delicious both ways.

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Rita's Amazing Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Rita's Amazing Shepherd's Pie
Makes 8 servings

Meat Layer Ingredients:
4 pounds ground hamburger (I use Schawns, very lean)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 large union, chopped
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire
1 Tablespoon Cilantro, fresh, chopped
salt, pepper

Mashed Potatoes Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubbed 
1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute for fat free milk)
3 Tablespoons of butter

Directions
1. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray.
2. Cook hamburger until done and crumbly, drain in colander.
3. Add peppers, onion, Worcestershire sauce, cilantro to the skillet, cook, stirring often until tender and onions are transparent.
4.  Add meat to mixture, cook 2 minutes, stirring often.
5. Place in a deep oven-proof baking dish, set aside to prepare mash potatoes.
6. Boil potatoes in water adding a little salt, cook until tender, drain.
7. Add cream, 2 Tablespoons of butter and mash until a creamy smooth (you can use a mixer for this) I leave the mashed potatoes a little moist so that they fill in the hamburger mixture...ummmm)
8. Pour the mashed potatoes on top of the hamburger mixture.
9. Sprinkle with paprika, optional.
10.. Place the dish into the oven, broil until the potatoes are golden brown on the peeks.

Serve with corn on the cobb or have it alone. Freezes great too! For a family of 4 simply divide the dish in half. With 8 services, I feed 5 for supper and have 3 servings for lunches the following day. Quick, easy and delicious....


**Tip:  I buy peppers, onions and celery, chopped them
and place them in the freezer so they are ready for recipes.**
Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC