Saturday, January 28, 2023

Quilling and brownies

 I haven't talked about paper quilling for ages. I have done it, and taught, it, but long ago, so no samples to show you.

However, here are some masterworks instead






It's not a difficult basic skill -- strips of paper rolled into cylinders and scrolls and glued down. You could probably use a paper shredder to get uniform strips. 

Might be a fun thing for grandchildren to do. I've taught kids as young as six. They need to be able to handle small items, so that's different ages for different kids. But the art of it is endless.

And I did get the brownies made, using a different baking dish, worked better.


The blue and green potholder is one I made on that little loom I showed you recently. The red one is a corner to corner knitted one. The handy testing skewer is really a baked potato nail from the days when you baked them in the oven, long since dedicated to testing cakes.


A supply of brownies went next door, so I expect Gary's pleased. I left a box of them for him when he was out.

And before we leave January which seems to have galloped by, here's a look at a page of Edith Holden's January 1904 entries


I think I still have the very end of that virus, after all this time. I did a bit of free weight work and some stair exercises because I didn't feel like walking. Then just about collapsed into sleep. Woke up sneezing and congested, dangit. 

It seems to abate for a couple of days, normal activity, then bang it's back. Never gets very bad, just not very good either. Good thing I have brownies in the house. End of grousing.

And while I was fussing about sneezing, I discovered a free streaming service has appeared on my tablet. Movies, tv. So maybe that's a good winter matinee idea.

Happy evening everyone, knit on, or grumble on,  whatever you're up for.

I'm still deep in This Golden Fleece, and totally recommend it as a history and a travelogue and a knitting and wool fiber primer. It's huge, about 500 pages, plenty of good research, footnotes, really well done.

Just finished the umpteenth reading of Pym's Crampton Hodnet, one of her funniest books, with great set pieces.  One of my favorites is the scene at the professor's house where there are about five agendas bumping into one another, one per participant plus Miss Morrow's observation.

A lot of wonderful antiphonal dialogue, really a masterpiece of writing, so understated that a lot of early critics didn't even grasp what was going on. Which was funny in itself.

And I've started the Trollope-as-Harvey book. We'll see how it works out. Hard to follow Pym though.



23 comments:

  1. Superb works of art those paper quilling samples displayed in your post!
    Hopefully you feel better soon! Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am sorry you are having a time of it with illness. There was cold abot 15+ years ago yours reminds me of. It would end and circle back 2 or 3 times, weeks apart in some cases. Sort of like a yo'yo cold. Prayers you feel bettter on going
    Brownie maple walnut ice cream sandwiches with a thin drizzle of grade b maple syrup can create a mini spa moment in winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That dessert sounds amazing. I think you're right about this cyclical thing.

      Delete
  3. I love looking at paper quilling artworks -- so colourful, creative and unique! I've never taken a class in quilling though. Maybe some day? Man, I could eat that whole pan of brownies, they look so good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. About the brownies -- that's why a good share of them went next door! Also if Handsome Son visits, he'll help.

      I think you could do quilling without a class, but maybe you like the social side, too.

      Delete
  4. The paper quilling is absolutely amazing. I don't think I'd have the patience for it though. I'll gladly help with the brownies though! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a craft that requires patience and, I think, no cats helping.

      Delete
  5. I actually bought supplies to try quilling during our very long lockdown
    I might have to get it out and give it another go.
    Brownies always make you feel better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go for it, Angela. With your dexterity you'd be very good.

      Delete
  6. The quilling looks fascinating. I know the grandkids would enjoy it. Hmmm…the shredder would be helpful too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see quilling in your future. The grandchildren can shred their own supplies then get to work. I'm thinking Easter and spring themed artwork.

      Delete
  7. "It's not a difficult basic skill" Hmmm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you can roll spills for the fireplace, you can quill.

      Delete
  8. Those quillings (is that the proper word?) are beautiful. Like stained-glass windows, some of them.
    I remember potato nails. My mother had them and used them. Aluminum. Oh dear. I just prick my potato skins all over with a fork before putting them in the oven. They do fine.
    The brownies look quite properly made. I would love to test one for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The potato' nails were an economy move. They baked much faster, saved fuel, a big point when your income is modest.

      I wonder if Maggie would like quilling? Or Levon? August?

      Delete
  9. I'm sorry about the lingering virus, I hope it will be gone for good soon. I admire your interest in and knowledge of so many things previously unknown to me. This makes your blog so interesting to read. I will bring out my Country Diary and read it again. I'm so glad you reminded me of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was another blogger, Sue in Suffolk, ehi reminder me. It's a lovely book which I keep forgetting to read.

      Delete
    2. That was supposed to say who reminded me, oops.

      Delete
  10. Another art form I knew nothing about. I don't know about the 'basic' though. Brownies look delicious, lucky Gary!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Listen, if you can roll leaf vegetables to chiffonade them, and I bet you have, that's the same thing. A lot of cooking and art skills are similar.

      Delete
  11. I've never tried quilling but it's on the list of possibilities one day. I could happily help you eat those brownies because I love them and rarely get them (Resident Chef doesn't care for them, sadly).
    I still bemoan the disappearance of my Holden book and if I happen across a really cheap copy I might have to succumb.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, between the shellfish allergy and the lack of interest in brownies, resident chef needs an assistant!

      Delete

Thanks so much for commenting. I really appreciate your taking the time, and taking part. Please read the comments and see if your question is already answered!