1700 Monthly Viewers!!! Celebration

1700 Monthly Viewers!!! Wonderful- Hey There thanks for all the support I am taking off the blogger training wheels and moving the blog over to nancytranter.com/blog. There is a time delay redirect so if your topic is not showing use the search bar on the new blog to find that post.

Party Celebration GIFfrom Party GIFs

Master The Art Of Making Blue Violet Eye Cream With These Tips Secrets Of A Wild Harvest

Feed your skin the best all-natural eye cream with the beauty of wild violets.

They are both edible and medicinal and come up in the late winter or early spring. Foraging for wild violets is easy as they grow almost everywhere! Wild violets are an edible and medicinal flower, and easy to spot! Learn how to identify and forage for wild violets, and the many ways to use them in the kitchen and in herbal medicine.

I started wild harvesting last year on my property which is at the base of the Marlboro Mountains, sometimes called Marlborough Mountains, its a group of hogbacked mountains arranged in a 25-mile-long (40 km) ridge extending from Newburgh, New York, to just south of Kingston, New York. Considered to be part of the Ridge and Valley Appalachians. They  are known for their sweeping views of the region. Today, due to a decline in agriculture (the orchards) at the base and logging in the mountains, the area is reverting rather quickly to a more natural state. An abundance of violets sprung up everywhere on the path in my woods.

This recipe is great for tired, puffy, or irritated eyes or just for day to day makeup removal. The Greta Breedlove recipe is very popular its from the book The Herbal Home Spa.
The blue chamomile essential oil is expensive so you could treat it as optional. Its high in Azulene an anti inflammatory agent extracted from chamomile flowers and its very soothing to the delicate skin under the eye. Its not crucial for the recipe but its a great addition when you can afford the indulgence. This is a great lotion and moisturizer for dark eye circles. It's also a vitamin C eye cream. The best eye cream for sensitive skin.

125ml fresh violet flowers

125ml fresh violet leaves

300ml of almond oil

125ml fresh horsetail

30ml beeswax pastels

10 drops E vitamin

10 drops blue chamomile essential oil (optional)

optional use Optiphen for preservation at 0.3 to 1.5% percent of the total weight in oil-based products. Add the Optiphen when your project is 176 F or below. Higher temperatures can degrade the preservative.

Yeild: Approximately 30 1/4 ounce containers

To Make:

1) Gather the flowers and leaves and place them on a towel to wilt overnight

2) In a double boiler, steep the leaves, petals, and horsetail in oil over low heat for 5 hours

3) Strain the flowers and leaves from the oil completely

4) Pour the oil back into the double boiler and add the beeswax

5) Melt the beeswax completely then remove from stove

7) Add vitamin E and blue chamomile essential oil

8) pour into dainty 1/4 ounce (7g) containers or jars

Great For:
1) Contains vitamin c for dark circles
2) Best natural eye cream for dark circles
3) Contains vitamin A eye cream

#violet #eyecreme #eyecream #eyecreamrecipe #eyetreatment #violetflowers #gretabreedlove #homemadebeauty 

source: wikiwand.com, The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs (Herbal Body) Paperback –  by Greta Breedlove, Brambleberry, 

Creating Graphic Designs For Film & Television What Work for Graphic Designer is Like

When most people think about work for a graphic designer, they envision working in marketing or advertising, doing websites, logos, and creating promotional materials for print or digital.

Being a graphic designer for film and television, I would be creating graphic designs on everything from props to set pieces, to the typeset on a dove tail banner. A graphic designer on a TV or film production is responsible for creating any graphic pieces outlined in the script. They also create promotional materials, like movie posters and digital content.

In my case working with Paramount, Touchstone, and Warner Brothers on multiple films I entered the set design department as an independent contractor and answered to the set designer. I worked remotely which was really something in the 2000's. I study historical periods to ensure the designs that are created are as real as possible. The idea is to achieve total immersion for the audience and for the actors on set, who use these prop pieces to get into character.

In a nutshell it's about moving the plot forward, and creating a compelling atmosphere through carefully designed visual solutions. 

Graphic Design work for film, includes The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001), Finding Forrester (2000), The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001) for a full list of production work graphic designs website nancytranter.com

I believe Dylan

#graphicdesign #nancytranter #nancybrowne #sunypurchase #purchasecollege #visualarts #careervisualarts #setdesign #productiondesign #propdesign 

The Best Recipe for Brioche or BABKA CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT By @paul.hollywood

The chocolate babka recipe from the great british bake off recipes aka Chocolate Brioche.

I was intrigued by this recipe because it called or only one proofing session. NY style Babka calls for 2 it can even be as long as overnight. I loved this recipe by @paul.hollywood The singular rise with the addition of instant yeast worked great and this will be the new recipe moving forward for the family. For those of you who aren't familiar, chocolate babka is an enriched bread that's plaited, stuffed with chocolate, and can be filled and topped with all sorts of sweet things like hazelnuts, streusel, and more. 

Essentially the best brioche recipe. It's A BIG DEAL in New York City. 

Just look at the chocolate hazelnuts! The best babka recipe, love that paul hollywood baking.

#christmas #christmasbaking #babkarecipes #GBBO #britishbakeoff #brioche #pastry #pastrylove #pastryaddict #pastrygram #homemadebrioche #briochelove #babka #chocolatebabka #babkalover #winterbaking #covidbaking #homefortheholidays #baking #readyforbakeoff #greatbritishbakingshow

Quick Guide to Dyeing With Wild Goldenrod Plant Solidago Colour from Natures Sunshine

Making Dye From Goldenrod Flowers

purchase this yarn at my store nancystoreonline.com
Goldenrod Flower Pima Cotton Yarn DK Weight

Goldenrod flower dye vat with mercerized pima cotton yarn and Pearl Ex. 

Here in New York, goldenrod matures and blooms from July to October. I carefully harvest the flower fronds, trying not to pick too many leaves or stems in the process then gathered enough to fill my dye pot 3/4 full. 

I used for the mordant aluminum acetate and a tiny rust (iron) from the bottom of the enamel vat, perhaps making it a little hint of green. We will see what it looks like when finished. I use a 10% by a weight-of-goods proportion of alum to cotton, checkout tutorial on mordanting by Botanical Colors it has a great tutorial on mordanting.  1 teaspoon of Pearl Ex Interference Gold check out the video so sparkly. I kept it on the stove to a simmer (not a boil unless you want a deep russet color) for 3 hours.

Soaked my mercerized cotton overnight in tap water at room temperature. I placed it in the simmering vat for 1hr making sure it was mostly submerged. After an hour I removed and used the towel dry method for the yarn let dry, then rinsed 3 times, created a soaking bath for 1/2hr with cedar essential oil, rinsed again toweled dry and hung up to dry. The Pearl Ex is still visible after 4 washings. Goldenrod definitely brought the sunshine it came out great.

 nancystoreonline.com 

#goldenrod#flowers#wildflowers#fall#autumn#naturelover#nature #forest #woods #woodland #solidago #floral #herbal #herbalism #natureheals #naturescure #wildflower #autumn #fall #autumnvibes #autumnequinox #fiberarts #handdyedyarn #artyarn #yarn #handspun  #pantone #knitting #cotton #yarn #fiberarts #weaving #makersmovement #spinner 

solidago virgaurea

 

This goldenrod color is most matched with Pantone 127C

A 13-Step Free Face Mask Pattern Guide (That ANYONE Can Follow)

Here is a face mask pattern it allows you to use elastic or ties to secure it in place and you have the option of inserting a P2.5 filter between the two layers and adding a wire nose guard.

This PDF download is the easiest version to sew. Click on the picture to the right to download PDF. Please hit the like button for my facebook page in the left column if you like or use this pattern.

Materials:

• Two 8″ fabric squares for outside of mask
• Two 8″ fabric squares for inside of mask
• 1/4″ elastic
• wire
• filter (optional)
• fabric marking tool
• sewing machine
• scissors
• printed face mask pattern 

Face mask instructions:

• Cut out inner and outer face mask pattern pieces on the solid lines.
• With fabric right sides together, pin pattern pieces to fabric or just trace cutting lines onto fabric. Cut out inner and outer face mask pieces.
• With right sides together, sew 1/4″ seam along the inside center face mask pieces. Repeat for the outside center face mask seam.
• Cut notches into the curved seam allowance just sewn or use pinking shears to trim curved seam allowance. This will reduce bulk and help the seam to lay flat. Gently press to one side.
• Turn under 1/4″ along the short side edges of the inner face mask and press. Stitch in place.
• With right sides together, pin inner and outer face mask pieces along upper edge, matching center seam. Stitch using 1/4″ seam allowance (backstitching at the beginning and end).
• Turn right side out and press seam, extending 1/4″ fold along the outer face mask edge.
• Top stitch in place 1/8″ from folded edges.
• Turn under 1/4″ along the short sides of the outer face mask and press.
• Fold this edge again (5/8″) so that it meets the pencil line and press.
• Transfer solid casing line (1 1/2″ from raw edge) onto the wrong side of outer face mask pieces using marking tool.
• use a 1/4" elastic for around the ears cut 2, 6-8" lengths (depends upon size of ears), place elastic inside of casing and stitch along the inner folded edge, creating a casing for elastic or ties.
• insert P2.5 filter I buy mine on ebay

Yes, some of that fabric is Dolce and Gabbana and Cavalli ;) They are in my shop nancystoreonline.com
#facemask #covid19 #DolceGabbana #D&G #facemaskhomemade #covidfacemask #covidfashion #covidfacemaskchallenge #cavalli

Rose Clay, Activated Charcoal, Goats Milk Spa Bar Recipe: It's Not as Difficult as You Think

Charcoal and Rose Clay Spa Bar - Learn to make a luxurious soap bar with this recipe.

Available at my store: Handmade Goat's Milk Soap Rose Clay & Charcoal Spa Bar with Rose Otto Essential Oil - FREE SHIPPING

Rose Clay along with activated charcoal are great soap ingredients for several reasons. They have great purifying qualities and introduce beautiful natural coloring to your melt and pour soap. Rose Clay is a very beautiful clay that adds a dusty rosy pink color and gentle exfoliation. Clay can be added to Melt & Pour Soap up to 1 tablespoon per pound.  The easiest way to add Clay to your Soap is to mix it with a small amount of rubbing alcohol prior to adding it to your Soap Base. Creating a smooth liquid with the clay and rubbing alcohol will help keep the clay from clumping when you add it to the Soap; the rubbing alcohol will evaporate out.

Activated Charcoal has so many cleansing and purifying properties. With charcoal, a little goes a long way. 1 teaspoon should be plenty treat it the same way using a small amount of rubbing alcohol until it dissolves

For a great skin nourishing soap, I used goat's milk soap base a proprietary blend from Brambleberry. Goat milk contains a certain fatty acid that helps skin prevent moisture loss and its PH is similar to that of human skin. If you want to receive all the benefits of goat milk in melt and pour soap, Goat Milk Melt and Pour Base is your best bet. If you are using Rose Absolute you would not want to waste it in the heat up process during saponification. The oil is too precious and expensive to just burn off. This soap has a lot of skin-loving ingredients that are perfect for facial skin. However, everybody’s skin is different! Some may be more sensitive than others. I would recommend trying this bar on your face and seeing what you think!

The 4 Benefts of Rose Clay, Charcoal, Goats Milk Spa Bar Recipe

1) Rose Clay benefits are anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness of irritated skin, get rid of acne, dermatitis and eczema.
2) Activated Charcoal has so many cleansing and purifying properties.
3) In addition to lactic acid goat milk contains fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier, probiotics to encourage the growth of normal skin flora, and vitamin A to help gently exfoliate.
4) Rose Otto is the purest of rose oils and known as the Queen of oils. It has anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing properties which can help with stress-related conditions in more mature skin types.

To make this soap you will need:
56 ounces Goats Milk Melt & Pour soap
1/2 teaspoon Activated Charcoal
1 tablespoon French Rose Clay Powder
12 mL Rose Otto Essential Oil 
12 Cavity Rectangle Mold

Start by cutting up your goats milk soap base into small cubes. I have learned that keeping the cubes small and evenly sized will help make the melting process go a little more smoothly – pun intended! When you have all the soap base all cubed, divide the base.

Put the small soap portion in the microwave for intervals of 30 seconds and stirring in between. This will allow the soap to melt evenly without scorching. The goal is to get a nice smooth melted soap base without over heating. 

Divide the soap into three portions: plain goats milk, pink rose clay, and charcoal.

Use a very small bowl and measure out 1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal into the dish. Add rubbing alcohol until it’s well hydrated and easy to mix (up to 1 Tablespoon). Using the mini mixer or small wisk, carefully blend the charcoal to break up any clumps and get a smooth liquid consistency. Set that aside. Use the same technique for the rose clay.  Add rose otto essential oil equally to melted soap.

rose absolute vs rose otto

Rose oil is the essential oil extracted from the petals of various types of rose, the most commonly used being Rosa damascena, the damask rose, and Rosa centifolia, the cabbage rose. Rose Oil is expensive because you need a high yield of flowers to produce a small amount of oil. Typically Steam Distillation, Rose Otto, produces a smaller yield of oil compared to solvent extraction, Rose Absolute. It is said that Bulgaria produces about 70% of all rose oil in the world, other significant areas that produce rose oil are Morocco, Iran and Turkey.

get your mold ready mist with rubbing alcohol and pour the base creating a base of activated charcoal soap

This bar has a dual design one side is entirely an DIY activated charcoal soap recipe melt and pour. 

Once the entire tray has completely cooled and hardened, you can carefully unmold your rose clay soap. Hope you have a better understanding of the benefits of rose clay in soap. 

source: brambleberry, soap queen rose clay soap mask, Dr. Purvisha Patel #rosesoap #roseotto #goatsmilksoap #charcoal

Pantone color of the year 2020 Classic Blue 19-4052

Handspun CLASSIC BLUE Art Yarn Beaded, Rose Sapphire, dk to Light worsted 247 yards - free shipping. 

This yarn is so rare and unique it is made mostly of Rose fiber it is very similar to bamboo in appearance and feel. It is a new cellulose fiber made from rose bushes, it is environmentally friendly, green eco fiber. I hand dyed this shade of blue to represent that special time of twilight. a shade reminiscent of the sky at dusk. It also has glass beads crochet into it. 

Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.

CLASSIC BLUE Art Yarn is a one of a kind yarn that I carded and spun. The dkweight varying to worsted weight yarn looks amazing in finished products! Handspinning and carding is a slow craft technique which results in the yarn looking very different from a machine made yarns. Coordinating hues in of Brilliant Blue, Royal Blue, whites, aqua, and black. Hints of Miyuki glass beads in blue. Firestar and Glitz create a metallic effect. This Yarn is soft.
Its made out of rose fibre 55% flax 10%, viscose 10%, faux cashmere %10, merino wool 5%, firestar 5%, glitz 5%. I would use this for projects close to the skin or outerwear.You can purchase this yarn at my store https://www.etsy.com/listing/797748199/handspun-classic-blue-art-yarn-beaded 

      

#yarn #handspun #makersmovement #idye #rose #rosefiber #pantone2020 #blue #blueyarn #classicblue #idyepoly #handspinnersofinstagram #handspunyarn #pantonechallenge #pantonecoloroftheyear2020

sources: leatrese eishman,  Laurie Pressman, procato