Crafty Decorated Jars

Quick and easy decorative jars make great gifts for the holidays!

Jars have become my obsession. I cannot stand to throw them out, I keep them in all shapes and sizes. Glass is beautiful and more and more rare as our use of plastic grows. 

One thing to do with jars is to decorate them with various themes. This is an easy, decorative and inexpensive craft project that requires few supplies. It may be as simple as placing silk flowers inside the jars, to elaborately decorated jars with mosaic tops. Decorating the jars can require as little as a few ribbon or lace scraps, some pretty beads or silk flowers.

Supplies to get you started:
glue gun
scotch tape
scissors
ribbons
lace
assorted fabric scraps
assorted beads or jewelry pieces
post cards or pictures
bits of sea shells or anything small and pretty
yarn if you would like to crochet the top covers

From just these few supplies you will be able to make your own beautiful, decorative jars. Use your imagination! They may also be filled with anything from baking goods to candles or potpourri to pine cones or sea shells. They make wonderful gifts that the women on your list will love.

Below are some of the jars I have done:

fabric-covered lids

mosaic button-covered lids

silk flowers

crocheted lids

bead-covered lids

I hope you enjoy decorating your jars as much as I do! Share your ideas and photos with us on Facebook or in the comments.

Until next time!

C. Bruedigam

Vintage Find: 1928 Victorian Rose Stud Earrings

It is likely that I developed a love of vintage things having been raised by my grandmother. I remember playing dress-up in her closet, it was like stepping into a fashion wonderland. Aside from the silky dresses, handbags and high heels, I also loved the hats. 

She had kept her hat collection for probably twenty-five years and this was back in the mid-sixties, so her collection was beautiful and vintage even then. There were hats with veils, feathers, jewels, beads, fur; so fun and so many to choose from. Then there was the jewelry which I loved to put on maybe more than anything.

My grandmother's vintage earrings

Much later in life, as an adult, I inherited her collections and kept the special pieces. My favorites in particular are an oval-shaped pair of flower-print vintage earrings surrounded in tiny pearls, faux to be sure but oh so lovely. I recently loaned them to my daughter to wear in her wedding.

While browsing online, I came across a very similar pair of earrings, 1928 Jewelry Victorian Revival Golden Rose Studs, absolutely beautiful. Though my grandmother’s earrings are not available, these are and you may order them online today. It is so nice that we now have access to vintage items world-wide. 

Spicy Warm Vanilla Spa Bath Body Bamboo Gift Basket

There is nothing like a vanilla bath. I have been using vanilla for years, it is my favorite bath scent; so calm and relaxing, rich and yummy. This set will bring you the relaxation you need for a spa-like feel, all in one luxurious set. 

Vanilla is known to lift the spirits and soothe the nerves and has been used throughout time in aromatherapy for various ailments from stomach upset to weight loss. Give your body the boost it needs and get in a vanilla bath today. 

Order your Spicy Warm Vanilla Spa Bath Body Bamboo Gift Basket through Coffee, Tea & Soul at Amazon.

N°5 After Bath Powder by Chanel

N°5 After Bath Powder 

One of my poems. Ah, the luxury of perfumed bath powder after a relaxing bath; one of the niceties of the feminine, and none more so than Chanel's No. 5. Luxuriate in dusting yourself with Chanel's inaugurate perfume, first produced in 1920 for the modern woman, blending the acceptable rose and the seductive jasmine.

This five-ounce container can last up to a year even with daily usage. Enjoy the smooth feel of its application, allowing the scent to bring you into a restful sleep. Experience French luxury at its iconic best with Chanel No. 5 After Bath Powder. Order yours today, oui?

Patterned Wooden Rolling Pins - Norpro Springerle Rolling Pin

Patterned Wooden Rolling Pins - Norpro Springerle Rolling Pin

Are there any cooks out there who would not love to have one of these beautiful patterned rolling pins? Yesterday I had shared a post of one but did not know where to find them. After going on a search I have located them.

They are traditionally used for making springerle, a German biscuit with an embossed design. The dough is allowed to dry before cooking so that the design is imprinted. It is a mixture mostly of eggs, flour and powered sugar and are usually anise flavored.

The molds originated from the Christian ideals of marking sacramental bread and the themes then evolved over time to include things like family and marriage. The name means "little jumper" thought to possibly stem from the popping up effect after leavening. Springereles are seen mostly at Christmas-time but who would not want to use this lovely roller on most any pastry or cookie?

Order your patterned pin now in time for fall baking season!

Recipe for Springerle from allrecipes.com:

After rolling - photo by Andreas Bauerle

Directions

Lightly grease 4 cookie sheets. Sprinkle with anise seeds. Set aside until needed.

Mix the flour and baking powder together in a bowl until well blended. Place the eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl; beat until light and frothy, 5 to 8 minutes. Slowly stir in the flour mixture until a thick dough forms.
Working with handfuls of dough, roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface until 1/4 inch thick. Lightly sift confectioners' sugar over the dough. Place springerle molds onto the dough; press down hard and evenly until the mold's design registers in the dough. Remove the mold. Use a small knife to cut around each cookie, and place on prepared cookie sheets. Repeat, until all dough has been used. Cover the cookies with a lightweight cotton cloth, and allow to dry 8 hours, or overnight.

After drying - photo byAndreas Bauerle

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).


Bake cookies in preheated oven until tops are pale brown and set, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on a rack. Store in an airtight container.

After baking - photo by Andreas Bauerle

Michal Negrin Women's 3-Layered Long Skirt

What a find! For those of us who love these colors as well as roses, this skirt is a treasure. From Israeli designer, Michal Negrin, who has been designing for over two decades. Oh, the clothes, the accessories; these are some of the world's most beautiful designs! 

Three-Layered Long Skirt Designed by Michal Negrin with Swarovski Crystals Accented Victorian Flowers and Cherubs on Squares Background Pattern and Gold Merrow Edge Finish - Size M 

Order this skirt, then take a look at the video below and you will want more!

Here is a peek at Negrin's Fall/Winter 2013/2014 collection:

Vintage Pink Canisters

If you love pink and you love vintage, then this jewel of a set may be just what you are looking for. Great for kitchen or organization or just to add a spot of old-time love and pink to your decor our your collection. The set is ideal for storing sugar, flour, cookies, and treats.

This three-canister set is constructed of powdered coated steel. It is glossy, with a French country enamel-wear finish and will compliment any kitchen.

Order today through Coffee, Tea & Soul at Amazon.

Beauty of A Woman's Soul

The beauty of a woman’s soul is her inherent nature to nurture life in all forms. ~
C. Bruedigam

Regardless of the year on the calendar or the rights women have achieved (and equally deserved) one thing that never changes is a woman’s heart and soul; a heart and soul whose inherent nature is to nurture life in all forms. 

Woman is life-giver, mother, nurturer. She is the essence of the feminine, of the great fertility goddesses, of life itself. Life is given through her, she bears life and then nurtures it all the way. With this she also brings the love of a woman, a gift from heaven worth more than any jewel.

Spring Breakfast or Brunch Outdoors

A lovely spring breakfast. Food for the soul surrounded by beauty to cheer and brighten the morning.

The weekend is here and what better time to get out on a beautiful spring morning for breakfast or brunch outdoors? Gather your family, closest friends and loved ones for an intimate setting in your yard or even a park. Make it easy on yourself and just enjoy some good coffee or teas, healthy juice and tasty pastries, muffins, scones, croissants or sweet rolls. 

Whatever you serve, your family and friends will enjoy and appreciate your springly effort and are sure to be pleased. 

The Many Women

The Many Women by C. Bruedigam 

there is a woman in me who dreams of new clothespins.
it is what she thinks of at times.
there is a woman in me who dreams of spice, both in the pot and out.
it is what she thinks of most often.
there is a woman in me who dreams of far-away places,
it is what she does when the wanderer strikes,
before she rearranges the furniture.
there is a woman in me who runs to the children
it is she who hears their cries.
there is a woman in me that ties herself,
it is all she remembers.
there is a woman in me that loosens the binds,
it is she that brings me nearer,
to all that is mine.

What Becomes Us

Artwork: Far Away Thoughts by John William Godward

Beauty surrounds us,
Age enhances us,
Experience teaches us,
and Strength sustains us. ~C. Bruedigam

Welcome

Welcome to Coffee, Tea & Soul. We will be sharing uplifting and inspirational pieces, great recipes for the kitchen and the soul and lots of wit and wisdom. Thanks for visiting, hope you will share and invite your friends. 

First up are my Cranberry Cream Scones