Rhubarb Preserves

Today I made my way into the gardens. I planted more. I harvested more. Some of my harvest was more rhubarb, and I made some rhubarb preserves. I added organic, dried rosehips and orange peel and am pretty happy with how it came out.

And I have a surprise for you. I actually measured and noted what I did, so here's as close to a recipe I can offer:

Rhubarb Preserves 

16 c rhubarb, chopped
1/2 c dried rose hips
1/4 c dried orange peel
4 c cane sugar

Combine in a pan and bring to boil. Simmer until soft. Pack into half-pint/pint jars. Seal. Process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes. Let cool. Check the seal. And, enjoy, of course!

I also managed my final preparations for the lecture I'm offering at tomorrow's Connecticut HerbFest Country Fair. I'll be there all day tomorrow, so if you're in the area, stop by, introduce yourself (even if we know each other, it'll be fun!)  and join the merriment of HerbFest!

Sunday I plan to plant a little more and relax with some arting, getting back to my Book of Days and other artful projects I've got going. So … I'll see you then!

Peace.

A Light in the Darkness

Today I made a simple candle lantern from a jelly jar ready for the recycling bin, some copper wire, an old bead and a few crystals.

I was inspired Saturday, at HerbFest, when I saw similar items displayed at Shooting Star Gallery. They were lovely. The items triggered a memory of making like objects at some point in the past. So ... I made one again.

Stuff for HerbFest

I made adjustments to the final version of this year's HerbFest tea donation by adding a bit more peppermint and rose petals and love . . .

. . . I brewed it . . . and I sipped it.

Delightful! I just hope it brews as successfully tomorrow as a sun tea as this heat infused cup. I am calling this blend "HerbFest 2008 Tea." It is an intuitive blend of organic lemon balm, raspberry leaf, peppermint, red clover, lemon verbena, pink rose petals and lots of love. It is rare that I mix so many herbs together like this, but this is one of those times I just do what the voices tell me. 

I also made my give-aways. I still have more to do, but "well begun is half-done!" I make these because I like for folks to walk away from the workshops that I offer with a little something to have and hold. 

Now, to gather my drums and rattles, my business cards and workshop notes, these creations you see here, as I prepare and pack for the big day. With that - Hope to see you tomorrow at HerbFest!