Yvette's Twistedvines

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TT – Spring Blossom ‘Crackerjack’ eDition

Published by Yvette

Spring is on its way…Yeehaw! This weeks Texture Tuesday party challenge with Kim Klassen is that we have to incorporate her new texture ‘crakerjack’. It’s a FUNtastic texture giving a photo a glazed crackle effect.
I love this effect and let me tell you, to actually get this effect on any of your arty crafty objects it takes time and patience, waiting for paint to dry and the crackle effect to magically appear. So much easier with a add button in our photographic software, with combinations of all sorts of adjustments to light and tones.
I couldn’t decide on which one I liked the most, so I uploaded all three…
What’s your opinion, tell me which one caresses your emotions and inspires Spring Fever.

A cloudless sky, a world of heather. Purple of foxglove, yellow of broom;

We two among it, wading together, Shaking out honey,treading perfume.

Crowds of bees are giddy with clover

Crowds of grasshoppers skip at our feet,

Crowds of larks at their matins hangover,

Thanking the Lord for a life so sweet.

Jean Ingelow.

Photo recipes:

Photo1: original photo + kkcrakerjack (Picasa3)

Photo2: original photo + kkcrackerjack + kkdream + 1/2 tonal grade 8Picasa3)

Photo3: oroginal photo + kkjustwhite + vignette + fade 34% + light strength 66%

+Light Hardness 22% + Brush Size 22% (Picasa3 /Picnik)

Be sure to join Kim Klassen in her Cafè for Texture Tuesday, and join in the party by visiting and leaving comments to the other inspirational party goers.

Just click on the photo to see the full image.

Thanks for stopping by, have a super week friends,

Yvette…x

TT- The Orange eDition

Published by Yvette

Today’s Texture Tuesday is the colour Orange. This colour can portray many feelings, those vibrant of Spring coloured flowers and fruit, or that of Autumn a more mellow feeling with changing leaves, and wintery soul warming vegetables.

Oranges, Persimmons, Peaches, Mangoes, Carrots, Butternut squash, Apricots, Pumpkin, Tangerines, Sweet potato.

What’s your favourite Orange fruit or vegetable?

See some interesting facts about the colour Orange here.

…Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy.

Stimulates activity

Stimulates appetite

Encourages socialization …

Join in today’s Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen and check out all the wonderful photographers and their inspirational images portraying the colour Orange.

Photo1: Recipe – original photo twistedvines + kkcrackerjack + shadow 20% + fill light 35% (Picasa 3)

Photo2: Recipe – original photo twistedvines + kkmoody (Picasa 3)

Photo3: Recipe – original photo twistedvines + kkcoolgrundge + warmfly45% + soft focus 56% + glow 30% (Picasa 3)

Have a wonderful week, friends

Yvette…x

Enchanted Pink

Published by Yvette

Welcome to an afternoon of enchantment. Of Enchanted Pink.

Of Victorian doll houses and stories, crystals,butterflies and cupids.Marshmallow flower cupcakes, lace and teasets. Welcome to Pink Saturday, where we share things Pink. I truly have something wonderfully pink to share with you today.

A beautiful illustrated book by Robyn Johnson…

The Enchanted Dolls’ House series is set to become a classic. Each book is lavishly produced with great attention to detail. Each features exquisite authentic historical pop-ups, lift-the-flaps and a variety of textures and finishes including embossing, foil and fabrics. There are three books in this series, I’m capturing the story of one today – ‘The Enchanted Dolls House’

The Enchantment begins…

You’re introduced to ten little toys who lead you on an adventure through four very old doll houses. Starting with an Medieval adventure ,through to the stylish ‘the beautiful era’ La Belle époque.However my favourite the late Victorian secrets and romances.

Excerpt from Victorian Secrets… The Enchanted Doll’s House

…A ‘vanity set’ that the Victorian dolls kept in the bedrooms. The fairies supplied the dolls with rosewater to wash themselves with. In those days, people used to fill a basin with hot water from a huge jug to freshen themselves up in the morning. Not many people had running water in the upstairs rooms…

…She was the fairy of light. At midnight she would flit into the doll’s house and magically give all the lights a soft warm glow that lasted till dawn…

…The Victorian dolls admired the long silky tresses of the fairies, and they loved to brush their hair with miniature silver hairbrushes…

…Some of the fairies’ favourite treats were rose geranium sugar-drops.lemon candies and rose petal jellies – and they particularly liked tiny frosted cupcakes…

At each cut out dolls house there are windows that you peer into and see the beautiful, and intricate details of the illustrations by Robyn Johnston. A beautiful, magical tour, and lingering enchanting memories.

…Sometimes, early in the morning, the Victorian children were surprised to see butterflies leaving their nursery through an open window. But were they really butterflies?…

On display today are my pretty lace centre’s, I bought last weekend for $2.00 (Aus), aren’t they such treasures. Spring pansies from the garden. Royal Alberts ‘Lady Carlyle’ teacup set and marshmallow petal flower cupcakes I made yesterday, can be found here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my enchanting pink, linking to Pink Saturday

I’m also sharing this with friends, found here:

Sandi ~ http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/ Rose Chintz Cottage TTT

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/
Victoria – A Return to Loveliness
Marty~ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Table Top Tuesday
Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Teacup Tuesday
Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday
Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee
Trisha~ http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Tea Party Tuesday
Lady Katherine~ http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/
Teatime Tuesday
Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
L.A.C.E.

Have a wonderful week, and thank you for all your visits and lovely comments.

Yvette…x

A touch of Hope

Published by Yvette

Today in Australia, August 26th is Daffodil Day. The Daffodil is the international symbol of hope for all those touched by cancer. So today my life is touched with golden yellow flowers, of Daffodils, sunshine, cupcakes and marshmallows. The daffodil is a sign of HOPE for a brighter, cancer free future, and funds raised today are essential for cancer research, prevention and support services.

Fresh Daffodils were on sale at retail outlets, and for every fresh bunch sold $1.00 (Aus) was given to the Australian Cancer Foundation. Theres every chance within our lifetime, our lives will be touched by cancer, either directly or through the experience of family and friends.

So I’m sharing some golden sunshine with you, friends. How about trying these wonderfully decorated cupcakes. Aren’t they just special. I’ve seen these before around blogland and have been wanting to try them for some time.You’ll enjoy this video found here and its even more enjoyable making them.

Firstly make a basic cupcake recipe.My favourite one bowl wonder plain cake mixture recipe found here. Then make a vanilla frosting.

For decoration:

mini marshmallows ( 1 bag )

Coloured sugar or sprinkles.

Cut each mini marshmallow on the diagonal forming the petal shape. Coat each petal in coloured sugar.Using the flat side, start on the outer surface of the cupcake gradually working towards the centre.

I know you’ll agree they look FUNtastic.

A beautiful illustrated book is that of The Country Dairy of An Edwardian Lady.She writes of daffodils..

‘Daffy down-dilly is come up to town,

In her yellow petticoat

And her green gown’

It’s a beautifully illustrated and written book, and I’ll try and do a review on it soon.

‘…Edith Holden’s words, all carefully written by hand, include her favourite poems, personal thoughts and observations on the wildlife she saw surrounding her home in Warwickshire, and on her travels through England and Scotland. On every page her beautiful paintings of birds, butterflies, bees and flowers, reflect her deep love of nature, …

For more information on Daffodil Day click here

I hope I’ve bought a bit of sunshine into your day, and if yellow makes you happy, support Daffodil Day.

Linking to: Design’s by Gollum – Foodie Friday

Allison – Sweet Tooth Friday

Yvette…x

Baking Vanilla Apple Cake

Published by Yvette

My goodness, its been a while since I’ve baked something, so I’m happy to share this moment with you. The sun was shining through the windows and the kitchen had a warming magnetism, and in my head I could hear a voice saying come on Yvette, get creative and make something delicious for morning tea.

So not resisting, I made something that I know the children love as well. The fruit bowl had an overload of apples, so the choice was easy Vanilla Apple Cake.

This my friends is a little something, petite isn’t it. It’s a Royal Albert petite china Christmas decoration. Design ‘Old Country Roses’. The little cup is actually joined to the saucer and has a beautiful ribbon with embossed gold calligraphy. Can you imagine your Christmas tree decorated with these and full of fairy lights.

I know you won’t be able to resist this apple cake, so read on for the recipe…

TT – Back to School eDition

Published by Yvette

Summer Vacation is drawing to a close on the other side of the world and this is the inspiration behind Kim Klassens Texture Tuesday Challenge. Thinking on today’s subject there are of course some obvious objects that remind me of school.

Pencils,pens, books, apples, learning tools and these are my inspirations for these photo’s.

Photo1 Recipe: original photo:yvettes twistedvines + kkcoolgrunge + kk123 + highlights 60% + black&white film + film grain 40% (Picasa 3)

Photo2 Recipe: original photo: yvettes twistedvines + kk123 + kkpaperscript + highlights.(Picasa 3)

Photo3 recipe: original photo yvettes twistedvines + kk123 + kkcoolgrunge + soft focus + film grain (Picasa 3)

I love changing an image by the use of textures, and thanks to Kim Klassen I’m learning more and more each week. It’s still all an experiment and I can sometimes get carried away…but that’s all part of the fun of learning.

Join in today’s challenge or just go and visit Kim Klassens Cafe and look at all the inspirational creations for Back to School eDition.

Have a great week, friends

Yvette …x

TT – Camellia Rose (yvettesblogs.com)
TT: three eDition (yvettesblogs.com)
TT: La Dolce Vita (yvettesblogs.com)
Texture Tuesday – Shine (yvettesblogs.com)
TT – Icy Pink (yvettesblogs.com)

Your Ticket to Wonderland

Published by Yvette

Photo Credits: House Beautiful, Google search, Johnny Depp Alice in Wonderland,Peacock feathers, AquaMarine, Bottom left: Source Unknown. Bottom Right:Patricia Gray Inc.

Photo Credits: House Beautiful palette aquamarine; Vivienne Westwood Shoe4;Mimosa Reversible Bedding in Aquamarine Zgallerie Bedding; Google Search Aquamarine,Peacock feathers,Alice in Wonderland; Cake designed by PinkCake Box; Nicholas Kirkwood Designer Shoes.

Photo Credit: Center photo – Eat me miniatures, check out the talents of Cindy Teh from Snowfern Clover.com don’t waste another second and go visit her charming unbelievable talent. You won’t believe your eye’s. Google search Aquamarine; House Beautiful

Designer Cakes by PinkCakeBox; Google Search Alice in Wonderland,Source Unknown,The White Queen – Anne Hathaway in Alice in Wonderland, Designer Shoe Versace Spring 2010 Collection

Photo Credits:House Beautiful; Favim .com search: Alice in Wonderland, Source Unknown.

…”Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, `and what is the use of a book,’ thought Alice `without pictures or conversation?”

Have you seen Tim Burtons magical take on the 19th century Lewis Carroll’s, Alice in Wonderland.?

Such wonderful costumes, make up, visual and art direction, but the colours are just so vibrant, one of the colours I focused on was Aquamarine and tones of it.

… A pale tint of Spring – tonal to Cyan, a calming,relaxing colour.(Source: Wikipedia).

When you watch movies full of visual resources, what do you see. Do you only ‘watch’ the movie? Do you see and give credit of how much screen and visual work has gone into the making of the movie? Do you think ‘wow, look at all those special effects’? Starting with one focus point: being colour, can lead into new inspirations. Where do you get your inspirations?

One colour Aquamarine and it takes flight on a journey of inspirational thought, it makes me think of blue oceans, and cooling breezes. Summer vacations and blue cacao cocktails…

Isn’t it amazing how you see something and it triggers a thousand thoughts.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’d love you hear your thoughts or maybe share your links.

Yvette…x

It’s the power of pink

Published by Yvette

Photo Credits: Inspirational photo’s from House Beautiful , Martha Stewart Weddings, Google Images: Paper Lanterns.

Photo Credits: Pink Champagne Cupcakes: Culinary Serendipity, Images Google search Pink Champagne, Marie Antoniette photo’s from official site, inspirational cake making ideas from Babushka Bakery.

Photo Credits: Google search Images, Martha Stewart Weddings.

Photo Credits: Google Search: Pink Champagne, Coco Chanel and Pink

Photo Credits: Shoes in top left corner: With the collaboration of Christian Louboutin and Jean-Francoise Lesage designing and creating these shoes . Should they come in a velvet, gold encrusted shoe box? Google Search: Marie Antoinette.Designer shoes for the movie Marie Antoinette designed by Manolo Blahnik. Photo’s from original Marie Antoinette site.

With the rejoicing songs of birds of a feather, it’s been a day of sun behind clouds and falling rain. I’ve been reading some of my design magazines on line. And nearly all of them have a design in PINK section, where every tone and shade of pink can be put into our homes. From kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, fridges,mirrors and wardrobes.

One of my favourite magazines is House Beautiful, from designer tips to choosing colours, I know I can get lost for hours.

Photo Credit: House Beautiful

…we pulled the pink into several accessories and details, but in a very subtle way so that the house wasn’t overly feminine—we wanted it to be light and airy but not too beachy in a resort-like way. I’m known for my use of color, but I really only use it as an accent,” says Suzanne Kasler

Photo Credit: House Beautiful

Subtle tonal pinks, I love. Icy frosty pink I love on cakes, I’ve even worn pink shoes. I love to dream about owning one of those Marie Antoinette dresses and living in that era. And Chanel has always been known for pink.

Think of your childhood, does a colour come to mind?

Maybe Pink.

Candy sticks, fairy floss, bubble gum, and please, let’s hope photo’s can’t be found of me dressed up at the Grease premier as one of the Pink Ladies.

Linking to How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Have a great Saturday, Friends,

Yvette…x

Friday Chatter

Published by Yvette

Here’s the update with some chatter on getting to know us all a little better…Mandy, from The Complete CookBookhas written a couple more questions and here are my answers…

1. What 5 items are always in your fridge?

Milk,classic stock cubes,a jar of capers,parmesan cheese,bottle of prosecco.

2. What 5 items are always in your pantry ?

Tinned tomatoes, flour,cornflour,polenta,couscous.

3. Do you write a grocery list or do you shop off the cuff?

I always write a shopping list..on my favourite note paper. My list is written on the back of a $100 Dollar bill…(printed notepad) you don’t know how many people stop me and take a second look….it’s only paper!

4. What is the most used item/s in your kitchen?

I’m a cleaning/germ freak, it would have to be the cleaning sponge/cloth.

5. What do you have in your kitchen that may seem strange to other people?

Gosh, I would hope to think that I’m normal and that you wouldn’t find anything strange!

6. If you were to enter a Come Dine With Me challenge, what would you cook?

Starter: A tris of ravoli with different flavoured centres. Each centre a delicate surprise a burst of gusto!.

Mains:A beef filet mignon, medium rare, encased with proscuitto, a rosemary garlic butter. Served on a creamy, cheese cauliflower puree and a medley of coloured carrots (orange/purple)

Dessert: A slice of pineapple cheesecake with thinly sliced fresh glazed pineapple . Freshly brewed coffee and a lingering tawny port.

7. If you could invite any 4 living people in the world to dinner, who would they be?

Actors Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, actress, Julia Roberts ( she’s a beautiful lady and she’s a bucket of laughs and Kenny G.

8. What is your favourite breakfast out?

Fresh fruit salad….I usually regret everything else I eat.

9. What one condiment could you not be without?

Extra-virgin Olive Oil

10. Some people seemed to have a problem eating leftovers or reheated food, do you?

Oh, heavens no problem here, let a lasagna rest in the fridge 24 hours and see how better it tastes!

Have a great weekend, friends

Yvette…x

The Se7ven Link Challenge

Published by Yvette

The duck population are partying today!

Time for me to stay inside and enjoy a virtual vacation visiting all of you, and catching up with what I’ve missed. Everyone has been busy in the kitchen, I’ve been visually overindulgent soaking up all the new recipes and fresh and seasonal produce that I’m seeing around the country, and I never have enough time to catch up with all the great photographers and their textured Art.

As I was unable to acknowledge the last award I was given,( Versatile Blogger) I thought I might acknowledge this person in this the Seven Link Challenge, so you could all visit her and see her talents. She’s number one on my list of bloggers.

Initially I learnt about this challenge from Mandy over at her blog The Complete Cookbook, her knowledge and cooking has inspired her book, with the second edition available soon. Her Seven Link Challenge can be found HERE.

What’s this challenge all about? With SEVEN different categories, each blogger nominates a single post, then nominates up to 5 more bloggers to take part in the challenge and on it goes…it’s a great way to personally look at how far your blog has travelled from when you started and look at your great achievements and maybe even remember some of those forgotten posts. So come on…join in, rattle your archives and show us your posts of pride…

Seven Categories:

Most Popular Post
Most Controversial Post
Most Helpful Post
Most Beautiful Post
Most Surprisingly Successful Post
Most UnderRated Post
Most Proud of Post

These are my entries to these seven categories. How many do you remember?

1. Most Popular Post

This post being popular on traffic numbers..Salted Eggs – Easter Tutorial

I had fun creating these salted eggs for an Easter display to the entrance of the house.Tutorials do take abit of extra effort and time, but they seem to catch everyone’s eye…and who can resist a bit of added colourful fun to have with their children over Easter break.

2.Most Controversial Post

I really don’t think I’ve written anything too controversial…I have had a personal conflicting comment thrown my way…but all in all ‘it’s not worth it’…is their glass half empty?

Maybe there might be conflicting views over this post: A Hunting we will go…however this post was an introduction to a wonderful recipe called Chicken Cacciatore.

3. Most Helpful Post

Summer Tutorial: I so enjoy changing each season throughout my house, and in the garden for those outside entertaining evenings.

This post was my first tutorial…This particular post took a lot of preparation time and was helpful for me as a learning process of how best to achieve precise instructions and photo’s for any other tutorials in the future

4. Most Beautiful Post

There have been many ‘ beautiful’ posts, I love capturing the romanticism of my heart, my feminine side and all those dainty and whimsical moments.

For me, Springtimes Laughter I so enjoyed taking an overload amount of photo’s and creating for me a picture book of Springtime emotions.

5. Most Surprisingly Successful Post

This post received an extra amount of traffic, and it’s the simplest recipe, however one of those old favourites…Lemon Meringue Pie…I really believe it’s so important to have a new original and catchy title to your post…a little intriguing ‘Citrus Gold’ !

6. Most UnderRated Post:

This post was a ‘way back then’, I was so enthusiastic about this dessert and in awe of the magnificent colour of the mulberries that I still get an adrenalin rush…I’ll have to do a ‘revisited’ on this one and see whether I can get you all enthusiastic as I was back then!

7. Most Proud Of Post:

I’d have to say Sandy’s Tea Society it’s the first time I contributed to Food for Thought which is an edible book review. I’m so appreciative of Mary over at her blog ‘Home is Where the Boat is’ who introduced me to this link. Although I haven’t found time now to do another book review of this type…I hope to contribute in the future. You seem to take on a masters hand with creativity…and I was just bursting to style and create interpretations of this book through my photography and food concepts. I’m very proud of this post.

So, the next step in this challenge is to tag another five bloggers…

Here’s where I introduce some new amazing bloggers to you and be sure to visit them…

1. Rita from The Culinary Taste.

Rita passed on the Versatile Blogger to me some months ago and I was unable to acknowledge with appreciation this award. So she’s first on this list. Her blog is amazing with her latest contribution Stewed Rhubarb with Honey Mascarpone. Living in Italy I relate to many of her troubles finding ingredients which are all too common in other parts of the world. She’s also writing for Honest Cooking, so she’s busy, busy! Take a peak…She’s even written storybooks…

2. Alexandra from The Art of Afternoon Tea.

Alexandra is a talented illustrator/ artist. She illustrates her favourite past time of afternoon tea, cooking, and teacups. Her detailed illustrations of fancy afternoon teas of biscuits,cakes,teapots and pearls just jump out of the page to the reader. And she doesn’t leave any details untouched. A pleasant surprise.

3. Kiss my Spatula is a visually impressive blog full of new ideas, cooking and photography. Take a look at this blog, I know your reaction to some of the photo’s will be instantly ‘WOW’…

4. Crustabakes is a great blog and has been freshly pressed a couple of times. ‘G’ is a donut and nutella lover and loves her time making magic in the kitchen, you’ll find some great recipes and clear, up close photography.

5. The Klutzy chef…OH! this woman has a sense of humour…and will make you smile at her kitchen antics and travels.Always a great idea to be found…

So I hope you take some time out and go visit these new and exciting blogs and meet some new friends,

Have a great week, friends

Yvette…x

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