Monday, March 28, 2011

New craftluxuries Etsy shop listing - Mothers day queen of my heart card


A special card for a special mom. Queen of our hearts.

I designed this card for mothers day and I am planning on making the same for my mom. Every year I make something special for her. She is the queen of my heart.

Use it also for valentine's day (which is quite far), baby girl shower, birth announcement or any other occassion you wish.
view this on my etsy shop

Saturday, March 26, 2011

March 25 Greek National holiday

On March 25 Greece celebrates its liberation from Turkish slavery. It is both a national (revolution against the Turks) and religious holiday (Annunciation). It is the nameday for Vangelis or Evangelos and Vangelio or Evangelia or Eva.

In 1453 the Byzantine Empire fell to the Turks and the Greeks remained captive under the Ottoman rule for nearly 400 years. During this time their language, their religion and their sense of identity remained strong.

On March 25, 1821, the bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in Peloponnese
and a Greek revolution broke out against Turkish slavery. The people of Greece shouted "Freedom or Death" and they fought the War of Independence for 9 years (1821-1829) until a small part of modern Greece was finally liberated and it was declared an independent nation.

Every year, on this day, there is a school flag parade in every town and village. Here are some photos I took from the parade in the Island of Rhodos Greece.

March 25 Greek National holiday

March 25 Greek National holiday













Friday, March 25, 2011

Greek Moussaka recipe! It can also be healthy with the right preparation!

moussaka recipe
Surely many, if not all, have heard or even tasted this ever so delicious and mouth watering famous Greek traditional dish made from vegetables and minced meat. This dish is usually made with fried vegetables but in my recipe I use a more healthier way of making moussaka so you don't have to worry about all that fat building up. You can view my recipe on hubpages. There you will also find some extra advice on how to add a finishing touch that will make your moussaka even more tempting and delicious! Go ahead and try it and don't be afraid to indulge!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Handmade sailorman favor - Nautical polymer clay figurine

Nautical polymer clay sailorman
This is a polymer clay sailorman which I finished crafting yesterday. I let him stand on this beautiful nautical anchor which I used for decorating at my son's christening. It could be used as a favor on your child's baby shower or baptism or for any other occassion. One idea is to tie it on candy filled organza sachets and the sachets could be white or blue or different colors. I would prefer the white  and blue. I am planning to use this sailor as an addition to another craft I am working on. What is it? You will find out soon I hope! If you would like to purchase this alone contact me.  I also sell sailboat invitations. Visit my Etsy shop - craftluxuries to view them. I am preparing more Nautical themed decor ideas and favors.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Sunday, March 13, 2011

New craftluxuries Etsy online shop listing - Flower art print


Title: flower
Size: 11 x 9 inches (width x height) 28 x 23 cm
Smaller and larger sizes are available upon request.

This photograph is professionally printed on high quality, archival paper that will last you a lifetime.

I took this photo with my Nikon DSLR on a beautiful summer morning while strolling by a national park in Rhodos, an island in the Aegean in Greece.

Click here to view and buy this in my etsy shop

Friday, March 11, 2011

Etsy Treasury - "Japan... I heart you"

japanese earthquake

After this tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan... all hearts are with you in this difficult moment...

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sailboat handcut custom invitation card


Handmade from quality cardstock this cute sailboat invitation is ideal for your baby shower or baby announcement. Custom made for you. I can fix these in any color that you choose and add any verse or words you like on the inside or suggest some for you.
visit my etsy shop to view this sailboat invitation card and contact me from this link through my etsy shop if you wish to make a custom order. I will do my best to be of good service!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Chestnut flour chocolate chip cookies

Hmm... my chestnut flour is almost finished. Half a package left. What goodies shall I bake? Well I've tried the Italian fritters, they were good but I am craving for something like cookies! I'd love to try out chestnut flour in chocolate chip cookies. And so I experimented and this is what I came up with. Try them! You will be licking the platter clean!

Ingredients


·      9 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
·      3/4 cup granulated sugar
·      Pinch fine sea salt
·      1 large egg
·      1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
·      2/3 cup chestnut flour
·      3/4 cup pine nuts
·      3 tablespoons raisins
·      Dark chocolate chopped in small pieces
·      Special Equipment: parchment paper

Instructions


Heat oven to 350º with rack in middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, stir together butter, sugar and salt. Mix in egg.  Add all-purpose flour, chestnut flour, pine nuts, chocolate and raisins; using clean hands, mix until just combined.

Lightly flour the palms of your hands, then roll dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet, then, using fingers, press each ball into a 2 1/2-inch round.

Bake, rotating pan once halfway through, until edges of cookies are golden, about 18 minutes. Transfer cookies, still on parchment, to wire rack to cool completely. 

Four leaf clover

[four

Etsy Treasury - "Fun spring things from the etsian newbie team members"

Thank you threadsandthings1 for featuring my Lotus flower art print in your wonderful treasury!
 
 
 
 

Etsy Treasury - "Red Passion"

Thank you 5280yarns for featuring my swarovski crystal stretch ring in your wonderful treasury!


Monday, March 7, 2011

Etsy Treasury - "The Heart Remembers"

Items from just a few of the talented members of the Etsy International Team.
Thank you Deersprite for featuring my mint alabaster swarovski crystal ring in your wonderful treasury!
The subtle blue colors are outstanding!

Friday, March 4, 2011

New craftluxuries Etsy online shop listing - St.Patricks Day Shamrock purse

St.Patricks Day Shamrock purse

St.Patricks Day Shamrock purse

An elegant purse/tote bag with an embellished Shamrock in the center

Made of heavy cotton duck canvas.

I started out from a simple shamrock and slowly turned it into a stunning piece of art. With love for detail I carefully handbeaded and embellished this shamrock with light green silver lined beads ribbon and sequins. For a closure I have added a big white flower bead.

Measures approximately 10" wide by 8.5" long (25cm wide 22.5cm long)

This cute tote bag is ideal for a special gift.
Designed for many uses.
It can make a wonderful addition to a gift basket!
Use it as a jewelry bag, safe keep your sacred objects or protect everyday items such as your favorite tea.
You can use it at the cinema, shopping, out for a cup of coffee, or even better for a special outing ....and not just for St. Patrick's Day! This bag is sure to capture every spotlight!

In the Irish tradition, the four-leaf clover brings good luck to their finders, especially if they are found accidentally. According to legend, each leaf represents something - the first is for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.

It may be hand washed in cold water and gentle detergent.

I do not use secondhand, thrifted or inferior materials in my designs - only high quality and new textiles make it into my bags.

My tote was made and kept in a pet and smoke free environment. It will be carefully shipped to you in a plastic bag inside a padded envelope.

If you need more than one please let me know and I'll set up a reserved listing for you.

Free express shipping for United states, Canada, Europe, Greece
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