Tag Creations...what fun!!

"southern dream" tag by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbbs

 I use the dust jacket from a book to make this tag and then scraps from my stash.

I love, love the key from K&Company as well as the handmade hat pin & vintage button.

 "shiny metals" tag by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I covered this tag with a book page, added the chandelier rub-on which is absolutely beautiful

and then some bits and pieces from my stash. Love the Tim Hotlz gears & the simple fish hook.

"the queen of the south" tag by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

 Again, I used a portion of the dust jacket from a book that I am altering

and pieces for my stash. I love the crown, it fit perfect here and the wire holding the misc beading element onto the tag. Sweet...

"trusting" tag by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

 OMGosh, OMGosh! I love love this tag paper...it is paper I used to distress pieces for my latest mini album! Can you believe it! Glitter/Embossing/Distressing...I just wrapped this tag in it's love!

The day I made this tag, I needed trust in my spirit...this tag was my respite...

"black'n white" tag by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

All of this tag is recycled elements from my stash...

the polka dot foundation is from Prima packaing of blink.

the key and keyhole are cut from the meat trays you get at the grocer.

the lace/ribbon/embellishments are from my latest mini album.

the tab, my favorite punch ever, is from a coke can and then I curled the brad, a technique featured on one of my youtube videos.

I am having fun with tags! I just found out from my friend Mitzi that there is a die cut for this tag...

you know what is at the top of my wish list now LOL...

Remember2recycle+reuse+recreate=rockinawesomeness ~ RHC

Love, Blessings & {{{Hugs}}}

as we remember Martin Luther King Jr

and celebrate the difference he made as well as his contributions,

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

check out my photo gallery too.

Bigger Fluffier Thighs Fantasy Fulfilled Fudge Recipe

Bigger Fluffier Thighs Fantasy Fulfilled Fudge Recipe

from the kitchen of Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

 is best ate with real vanilla bean icecream....

Bigger Fluffier Thighs Fantasy Fulfilled Fudge Recipe

from the kitchen of Rita Hutcheson-Cobb

You will need:

6 cups of granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups real butter

1 1/4 evaporated milk

2 lbs of chocolate chips, any flavor

14 oz jar of marshmallow cream

2 teaspoons real vanilla

1. Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a boiler, bring sugar, butter & milk to a rolling boil, one that can't be stirred down & boil 5 minutes, timing is important, & continuously stir.

3. Remove from heat & stir in the chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, & vanilla, mixing thoroughly.

4. Immediately pour into dish allowing the fudge to cool completely.

5. Break into pieces and store in refrigerator or in the freezer.

Warnings, this is a super sweet treat...may want to add some ice cream to the dessert...otherwise, enjoy. =) Makes a ton, I promise...lol...this isn't an original recipe & I have used it for 20 years at least, but I do require the "real" butter and the "real" vanilla, both make this recipe the very best fudge ever...

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

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

CrockPot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

1 6-qt CrockPot

6 boneless skinless frozen chicken breasts

2 cups chopped frozen broccoli

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1 cup of instant rice

1 cup of water

pepper and salt to taste

1.  Place chicken breasts in the crockpot that has been sprayed with cooking spray (promise, you will always be glad you did this before cooking anything lol).

2.  Cook the chicken for 10 hours on warm.

3.  Remove the chicken, cut in small pieces or shred it and place it back into the crockpot (Don't drain the liquid from the crockpot).

4.  Add broccoli, cream of chicken soup, rice, water and salt/pepper.

5.  Cook 2 hours on warm and serve hot. 

I think it is even better the next day! This will feed 5 people and make 3 lunches for the next day.

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

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Reading...

"crystal clear in pink" earrings by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Reading is my passion as much as my faith and my art and my family. Although I love reading most things, Christian Fiction is my favorite themed writings. I am a romantic through and through and believe that love is what brings us to the choices and decisions we make, or at least it should be. Love is what brings us together weaving together our uniqueness, independence, and our differences. Love binds the world and creates hope and peace within our hearts. I challenge you to send a note, make a card or tag and leave it for someone specific but do it anonymously...love shared in secret brings a smile to everyone's face...=) Loving it...

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. ~ John 3:16-18 The Message

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

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Refined & Recycle...

"black heart" charm by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

 "black heart" jewelry collection by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

\

Recycled beads into amazing pieces of jewelry and charms...I love recycling things especially jewelry and beading into something else. These are some of those beads. I created a jewelry set and five charms from one long strand of beads. I took one piece and made eight pieces. Sometimes I feel recycled as each year passes...I grow and develop into a strong better person learning from the decisions I make and the choices I have in front of me. God's Word says that we walk through the fire so that we can be refined and renewed and that victory is ours, it is promised. I like that refined and recycled...=)  When I clean beads, I am constantly amazed what is found underneath the dirt and dust. Sometimes, we need to just clean our hearts and wash our mouths out with soap to find that happy peaceful place in our lives. If you are walking through the fire of cleansing or circumstance, know that there is victory in the end.

"...I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. 

They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 

'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.' " 

Zech 3:19

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." 

Matthew 11:28

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

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Remember2Recycle+Reuse+Recreate=Rockin'Awesomeness 

Love with a Heart Like His Shadowbox...

"Love with a Heart Like His...Personal Reflections" by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Using an old book, I altered it adding some of my favorite things that I love...

 I added love in the form of family photos, 

metal, clock pieces, key, bird cage, tea pot, vintage blingy button, 

fiber, paper flowers, butterflies, crochet cotton lace, faith, books and beads...

I started to paint the book, but loved the cover tremendously...

I got this book at a thrift store and it was in really great condition...

I left the raw edge of the side pages in the book untouched...

I totally loved the rugged edges of these pages, they look torn...

Last week, I watched ArteDar as she showed many of her altered books

and I was inspired...so I had to create this book. 

My faith is deep and vast for I have walked paths that have led me to trust

Him in all and with all. It was amazing that my first altered book shadowbox would

reflect that and the things I find inspiring and love because of His love for me...

Rockin' Awesome...totally love it...

Watch the video of this book on my Youtube Channel...

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

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Remember2Recreate+Reuse+Recreate=Rockin' Awesomeness!!! =)

Facing the Giants...

"facing the giants" art journaling page by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I know there was a popular movie with the title of Facing the Giants, but for me I think like the creature on my art journaling page, they might be things that are bigger than we are that we cannot see. May we all be facing the point of truth that lives in within us, the truth that we are birds soaring to new heights that if higher than any fear we may have.

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Anchor...

I have accepted the ABC Scripture Challenge hosted by Triple The Scraps!

I am so excited about doing this faith walk and picked tags as my way to share each word prompt.

With the first word prompt being Anchor I decided on earth tone colors with a hint of blue water.

The first scripture was Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

The second scripture was from Hebrews 6:18-19a

"God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

I had so much fun making this tag which housed two additional tags with hidden compartments.

It is my prayer, however, that my faith is never hidden from others and 

that the joy that lives in me wraps others in love and happiness.

I did have the embellishment challenge with this creation...I had not one diecut, sticker, cartridge, etc that had an anchor on it...So I made my own...thought it looked more like the tool for changing tires! LOL

This was a rockin' awesome project...Loving it... Oh btw, the stamps are from Close to My Heart as is the paper. I dry embossed two of the sheets using embossing envelops.The tags are standard shipping tags and #8 shipping tags.

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

RHC

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

ABCSCRC11

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

The Scrap Beach

(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

The Scrap Beach

(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 

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

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

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

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

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

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 

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