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Nothing beats a weekend that includes a good vintage ride. Especially one like this 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible that we scored for a photo shoot.
Special thanks to Jon F - the king of all things automotive - for granting us the privilege of taking this baby for a spin. For more on what we were doing, just keep it tuned to Stash Studios.
Clothing design and styling by Stash Studios 2008.
- Cheryl Schulke
I hope you have had time to sit down and discover the first issue of Refueled magazine - the FREE online magazine with an alternative view of country design. If not, check it out. You can download a PDF version here or utilize a wicked cool iPhone-ish smart browser through the online host here.
On one hand, you can skim through and enjoy the eye candy but on the other hand, I think there are layers that reveal themselves with each new look.
I was honored to work with Urban Prairie capturing Chris's unique vibe and vision with my photography and writing. Don't miss my religious experience and check out my in-depth review of the new Jim White album.
As with any project, there are always pieces to the puzzle that don't quite fit. In film and music, these are called outtakes. There were literally thousands of photos taken for the first issue of Refueled. There was also a piece inspired by a story shared by one of my vendor friends (watch for this to run in a few days right here at Stash Studios).
I could regale you with tales behind-the-scenes of how I spent several weeks chasing thunderheads trying to capture the perfect photo of the hymn board against a high contrast sky. And the number of times I found the perfect sky only to be without a camera or the hymn board only added to the drama and adventure.
I had many wonderful photo assistants who slogged through open prairies and quickly realized that the hymn board is heavier than it looks and it catches the wind like a sail. Thus enduring a shoot proved to be quite a workout. Well, when you are working with Stash Studios, you can always expect an adventure, always.
When I sat down to recall playthings past, I first remembered the abandoned oven in my great grandmother's garden and the many many hours spent there making mudpies and meals from all the garden goodies she allowed me to use. The chickens scratching at my feet.
I thought I had hit heaven when we ascended the attic stairs and went through boxes of old records and turned the handle on the Victrola, me in a vintage dress that I had rummaged from a dilapidated trunk and she in her calico cotton smelling of coffee and cookies and soap and earth.
Oh sure, I had a few Barbie dolls. But the thing I remember most was not hours imagining Barbie's life with Ken, but rather the hours spent sewing scraps for Barbie's new wardrobe and then cutting her hair only to find my agility with the scissors led to the original punk Barbie.
Retreating to the pine grove with a book and a blanket.
Lying there
listening to the wind rustle the needles as I immersed myself in
imaginary worlds.
Roller skating.
From those rusty adjustable skates to the boot skates
we scored at a garage sale when my foot finally slowed growing.
These are the things that come to mind when I consider my nostalgia for vintage toys.
I have vague memories of Big Wheel and Betsy Wetsy and Inch Worm and Merlin but I don't recall that these were the playthings that molded me.
Don't get me wrong, I dog-eared the Sears Wish Book like crazy. However, in retrospect it seems now that it was as much about what we didn't have as what we had.
Back then we didn't have playrooms stuffed to the gills with the
latest whatnot.
Back then it was more than receiving all that we wanted.
It was about the hoping and wishing and experiencing
some disappointment.
Then ultimately calling on creativity to fill the long summer
days.
Those were the things that informed our hard work of play.
Thanks to Jessi at Scrappy Jessi for hosting the Vintage Toys post today.
Of all the books on my studio shelves, Alabama Stitch: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style has turned out to be my favorite sewing-related book, hands-down. From the philosophy to the no nonsense tool information, this is more than a book, it is nourishment. Natalie works largely in knits and specializes in breaking the boundaries of traditional appliqué.
If you are going to add this one to your library, then I must recommend that you order a personally signed copy straight from Natalie Chanin via her online store - Alabama Chanin.
Sit down, we need to talk.
I may have been wrong about something and I need to let you know.
I realize it is Monday morning, far far away from the hallowed halls of happy hour but I need to tell you that my Jalapeño Margarita may be breaking things off permanently with Grand Marnier.
I know, I know.
You are all soooo tired of hearing about those Jalapeño Margaritas.
How good could they be?
Seriously.
But this weekend I shared them with several new friends (always a fun prospect). We were all in the kitchen juicing limes and testing infused Patron when the host came in and declared that he had no Grand Marnier.
What?
No Grand Marnier.
We were going to have to settle for Cointreau.
Seriously?
Hmmmph.
Stash doesn't settle.
But no one cared to trek back to the liquor store.
So we had to take on a pioneer spirit and simply make do.
Make do.
When all was said and done - and I can't believe I am saying this - but I really think these might have been better. I am so serious about this that I am considering hosting a tasting this weekend just to settle the matter once and for all.
As it turns out, chikapedia did a little research and here is what makes the difference. Turns out that Grand Marnier and Cointreau are both types of Triple Sec, made essentially by steeping sun-dried orange skins in alcohol for a period of time then distilling.
Hello? Wake up. This is like Food Network drama!
Only I guess it technically must be considered the Drink Network.
Now there's a thought....
Anyway, here is the important difference that I think changes the margarita completely. Grand Marnier has a brandy base and Cointreau has a neutral spirit base, think vodka. This new discovery made the margaritas taste much more crisp and clean.
Sooooo, plan to stage your own comparison.
Or go back to your nap.
Whatever.
I care about you and I just felt you should know the truth.
Okay guys, your wish is my command. The blogshop response was overwhelming my email so I've updated my inventory and decided to repost the shop as this will help me process orders more efficiently. Find it in the lower right side of your screen. Thanks a million for your interest and support!
Cheers,
Cheryl
Thanks to everyone who has continued to express an interest in our Tattoo Tee Kits and Junk Posse Tees. Due to low inventory and my hectic schedule, I've taken the shop down momentarily to regroup and meet other deadlines. If you are still interested in any of our products, just shoot me an email and I will put you on the first ship list.
Take good care,
Cheryl
Vintage kid-sized card table + European maps = a clever recovery delivered by Garden Antiques Vintage.
Found at Warrenton.
Because I care deeply for you, I've created a badge to link you directly to those Jalapeño Margaritas. Find it to the left. I have also done a bit of homework and found an interesting Blood Orange version by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger- the border girls. It looks delish but rather labor intensive. I'll let you know how it goes once I've tried them.
I've been told that my margaritas are difficult to duplicate and I'm going to confess that even I, the queen of the Jalapeño Margarita, have on occasion made a questionable batch. So here is my seasoned advice for you...
The bottom line to success is FRESH LIMES and QUALITY TEQUILA. I use Patron Silver and the other recipe calls for Herradura Silver tequila.
If your tequila gets too spicy, cut the margarita with club soda or sparkling water and you can add more sugar for those with a sweet tooth but I still say, take it easy on the sugar. These are not meant to taste like high fructose concoctions found in Tex-Mex chain restaurants.
Ice is fine, in fact I like the fire and ice aspect of the drink. Good luck!
Cheers,
Cheryl
I'm sure I could regurgitate long lists of eco - ideas in honor of earth day but I decided to turn off the lights instead. Today our big adventure is to live with as little as possible. No computers, no television, no iPods....does the iPhone count as a computer? I can feel the withdrawal sweats coming on even as I prepare to set an auto-post in my absence. Wish me luck!
Reclaimed stairs made from the floor of an old castle. Now that is some cool scrap. This comes from Jan Korbes of Garbage Architecture.
