71 Rings at Starbucks

 

This is the second painting at a Starbucks location in Denver. Stuart Wallace was commissioned by the manager to provide something different for the walls. He painted two -- both were accepted. (See previous post below.) Unfortunately, no sooner were they installed than we went into lockdown due to Covid. The paintings have hardly been seen by the public. 

Using only various strengths of coffee as the medium...in other words...only Starbucks coffee was used for the first painting. This second piece (also displayed) represents the first Starbucks coffee shop in Seattle, in 1971. Stuart remembers the rings left on the table by hot cups of coffee. Once more, the painting mainly consists of different strengths of coffee, but this time he used a little watercolor to enhance the flavor -- sorry about the pun, had to do it! 

More of Stuart's artwork can be seen at: www.stuartjwallace.com.

http://www.stuartjwallace.com/

Act of Kindness

 

While in Pueblo recently, I came across this very unusual "tiny library" fastened on the outside of a homeowners wall. Inside there are books and seeds for people in the neighborhood. Other residents can leave (or take) a book, seeds for planting, or other fun ideas. I'm told, the homeowner has also left masks and bottles of water. What a sweet and kind idea....one we can all learn from. The message on the side of the "Tiny Library" reads: Free books and seeds. Grow your mind or a plant. 

No Knead Bread

 

Literallly, you do not knead this bread. Asked to describe it, I would say it's similar to a sour dough with a rustic Italian flavor. A dear friend gave me this recipe years ago and, because it's so easy to make and always turns out beautifully, I know she will not mind my sharing. The recipe follows:

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting
¼ teaspoon instant yeast
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed

Method:
In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.
Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.

Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees (I’ve started using 425 degrees – you know your oven. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is O.K. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

Bartering--- an Ancient Custom

 In these difficult times of Covid-19, I've noticed a trend in bartering, an ancient method of exchanging one skill set for another. Recently, I was asked to make as many teddy bears as possible (large family) using the pajamas of a recently deceased loved one. Understanding the fabric was more important than design...I came up with a very simple 10" teddy bear pattern. I used some of the lace from the pajamas on a few of the bears. A sentimental "bee" was placed on the heart, no questions asked. No money exhanged hands in this ancient form of payment. My client has agreed to clear my driveway of snow for the whole winter, no easy feat in Colorado. Good deal? Who knows! The client is "thrilled" with these little rascals, which I'm told are gifts for his family at Christmastime. According to him, they will be passed down through the family. It was a very sweet idea.  

Don Budy-- Artist and Sculptor

Clear Acrylic (looking straight into side view)

Dr. Walter Heath, a frontier doctor in Parker, Colorado is looking at the hand of a young boy who has fallen in the street, and scuffed his hand. This particular piece is located on Main Street, Parker, Colorado.

 

To find more of Don Budy's wonderful works in bronze, marble and clear plastic...please go to:

Studio 6211. Or contact him at: 303-841-4395. 

Democrat and Republican Gnomes

 As a seamstress all my life, and of English heritage...I just had to make some gnomes! These little fellows are some of my latest creations. Of course, I coudln't stop there! Had to make gnomes in cat, dog, birthday and political fabric - and everything in between. The choices are endless. Each one is a little different as their personality pops out. These are such fun to make.