Returning to myself
I feel like I blinked this week and it was suddenly Friday, with me still not knowing what I was going to write about in the newsletter. Since I'm dork who in my days of academia would have never even entertained the possibility of not finishing my homework, I like to have the newsletter completely finished before I go to bed on Sunday. Some things never change.
I spent most of this week making things and figuring out my booth display. Since I bring so many things with me to shows (it's basically a traveling shop), I am constantly figuring out how to best display everything. This usually involves me setting up in the living room so I have somewhat of an idea of how things will work. The set up for most shows starts early in the morning, and since I've never been a morning person, that makes this process go very slowly for me.
Aside from that, I've been making a lot of things. Stepping back from social media has not only relieved a lot of my stress, but also given me the freedom to focus creatively. Sometimes my hands can't keep up with all of the ideas swimming around in my head. If you do happen to stop by any of my upcoming shows, you will find many new things available. I also now sell my work locally at River Pearl Studio in Marietta. And, for those of you who are not local, once the sun comes out again I plan on taking some pictures and restocking my website.
Stuff from this week
- I watched A Complete Unknown with my husband and we loved it.
- I started a Barbara Kingsolver book, Pigs in Heaven that I found at the free library.
- I saw pictures of my cousin's new baby who was born on April 9.
- I made bagels. (I do this every so often, but it had been awhile)
- I saw a bumper sticker that said: "vintage Tesla-pre-madness edition"
- I walked many miles with my dog.
- I got accepted to several more shows. yay!
- I harvested some beautiful spring nettles from my garden and made a gallon of tincture.
How to make a nettle tincture
Supplies needed: Fresh nettle, a clean mason jar, 100 proof vodka, a label, and a pen/marker
Wear gloves when you harvest your nettle. I prefer to cut off the leaves so I can fit more plant matter into the jar.
- Fill jar (don't stuff) to the top with nettle.
- Add vodka (enough to completely cover the nettle).
- Put the lid on (I like to put a piece of parchment paper in between the lid, but this isn't necessary).
- Label jar: with the contents and the date.
- Store in a dark cool place for about 6 weeks.
- Strain into another jar or an amber bottle if you have it.
- Please do your research on dosages, etc. before taking your tincture.
Use this method to make a variety of tinctures. The key is to use fresh plant matter, always use 100 proof vodka, and make sure you completely cover your plant matter with vodka to prevent oxidation. Some other tinctures I've made: catnip, lemon balm, mullein, elderberry, and ginger root. The next one I'm going to try is turmeric with pepper corns.
I hope you have a good week dear reader.
xo, Christa
Thanks for reading. I appreciate you.