Some New Handbags

I've just added some new handbags and wristlets to my Etsy shop, Felt Sew Good. They are all made from felted, recycled wool sweaters.

I've added some favorites, like this blue "Jasper" style handbag.

This pretty raspberry colored wristlet will make the transition to Spring!

And I've just added this new "Elizabeth" style handbag in pretty shades of blue.

For more info on these items, click here to see my shop.

And be sure to check in again next week for more new Spring styles to come!

Beautiful Blooms

My amaryllis is blooming!

The beautiful trumpet shaped flowers and rich colors
really brighten a winter day.


Amaryllis are easy to grow from bulbs as an indoor house plant and most varieties start to bloom in just about 7 weeks.

I love the pretty warm pink color and the pale green throat.

I always see amaryllis bulbs for sale in my area around the holidays, just before Thanksgiving through Christmas. If planted in early to mid-November, you'll have blooms at Christmas time. You can also order bulbs online from a variety of garden sites to be planted from October through April. We didn't plant our amaryllis bulb until after Christmas, so ours is blooming mid-February.

Amaryllis are surprisingly easy to grow and come in a rich variety of colors! There is really not much of a plant once the blooms are gone. We just set our plant outside for the summer, in the pot it bloomed in, and keep it out of direct sun. Water and feed regularly and the leaves will stay healthy and the bulb will rejuvenate. In the fall, as the leaves start to yellow, I cut back the leaves and remove the bulb from the soil. I just keep the bulb in the garage where it is cool (40-50 degrees F) and dark for at least 6 weeks. After the bulb rests it is ready to be planted again! I plant it in regular potting soil and water it a little. Then don't water again until the leaves start to grow. Then gradually add more water and watch it grow! You can enjoy the beautiful flowers for several weeks depending on the variety. There is more information about planting and care of your amaryllis bulb at Amaryllis.com.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to All!

Have a great weekend.

Toasted-Pecan Butter Cookies

Oh my gosh, you must try these! These are my new favorite cookies! The recipe for these Toasted-Pecan Butter Cookies is the "Cookie of the Month" recipe from the January '09 issue of Martha Stewart Living.

These delicate, crisp cookies have a rich buttery taste.

Toasted-Pecan Butter Cookies
Makes about 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients
3 1/2 ounces pecan halves, toasted (1 cup)
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted


(Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet in oven, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden brown, about 10 minutes. )

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Break each pecan half into 2 or 3 pieces. Cream butter and sugar with a mixer until pale. With mixer running, add vanilla and salt, then reduce speed to low. Gradually add flour, beating until just incorporated. Stir in pecans until distributed evenly. Cover dough, and refrigerate until firm, 15 minutes (or overnight; let dough come to room temperature before using).
Drop 2-tablespoon scoops of dough onto baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges of cookies are golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks, and let cool. (Cookies will keep, covered, for up to 2 days.) Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

"These rich, crisp, delicate cookies owe their crumbly texture to confectioners' sugar. Pecans enhance their buttery flavor." Enjoy!

Seeing Red!

Are you looking for a gift for that special someone? Express your creative spirit as well as your love and affection with these handmade, Valentine inspired gifts from Felt Sew Good!

"Heart Felt" brooches

a cute felted wool zippered pouch

red Emma felted wool handbag

candy stripe felted wool scarf and mittens

See more handmade felted wool handbags, accessories and toys in my Etsy shop, Felt Sew Good!

Pretty New Handbags

I've just listed a few new handbags to my Etsy shop, Felt Sew Good!

I'm partial to argyle, so I really like this blue argle Sabrina style handbag.

This teal Jasper style bag was made from a finely textured merino wool sweater and I added a retro tropical print lining.

And this light blue and stripe pattern Emma style handbag was made from a repurposed wool sweater with a little bit of angora. It's very soft to the touch.

See more photos and get more info about of all these handbags and more in my shop!

Work in Progress

As you can see, I've been making more Heart Felt brooches and felted wool flower brooches.

I set up my own little assembly line on the kitchen table!

If you are looking for a sweet Valentine gift, you can see the finished product and make a purchase through my Etsy shop, Felt Sew Good.