Rose Petal Jelly

So, Once upon a time I saw a program with a cute and bubbly personality, who's name I can not unfortunately remember, who created a beautifully colored jelly.  It was wine red and dark.  Turns out this creation was none other than rose petal jelly.  So now, here I am years later, and wanting to create that same ambrosia.  Well, a little bit of a search, I mean little bit.  Like type Rose Petal Jelly into the Google tool bar, and immediately several sites willing to give up their secrets to the wonderful jelly. 

This is the one I used.
Rose Petal Jelly.
Just a little bit of effort, about 3 1/2 half pint jars and nirvana.

We used the red petals from the Lincoln Rose.  They taste very similar to lettuce when eaten fresh.  There is no aftertaste, and the flavor is enhanced and altered a bit during the jelling process.

These are the items you will need.
jars w/lids and rings
sugar
powder pectin
lemon juice
rose petals
and a little time.

We were able to cut our boiling time down to 7 minutes instead of 10.  The color of the liquid after soaking the petals takes on a purplish red color.  Once the pectin, sugar and lemon juice are added it turns almost a scarlet color. 

The house smells heavenly after several batches as well.  Here is one of our jars.

This is a half pint jar.  It comes as a case of 12 with lids and rings.  Of course if you already have jars, you'll only need lids and rings.

The best part, aside from the wonderful flavor, is the use of a flower that mostly adorns yards with no other thought of use.  Everything I could find said red roses.  I am going to try white and yellow.  I just want to see what they will taste like, and what the color is.  And if it works... even better!

artbystaci

Art is one of the many ways I can work out my creative dragons. (Both figuratively and physically.)

Currently I am working mainly in Sharpie Marker. This has been an excellent outlet for a couple of reasons. 1) brilliant and bright colors, and 2) little expense in both canvas and marker. So far flowers have been the main theme to my marker works. That has begun to evolve just a bit over time. And soon I will be involved in pointillism again.

I thought it might be fun to take a little bit of a tour in no particular order....

The idea for this was my favorite mountains. Living along the Wasatch front all of my life, I have seen the many different faces of our seasons on these mountains. Summer, Spring, Fall and Winter all have their unique qualities. The grove of aspen trees pictured here is just one of those many faces. They are a silvery green in the spring. The leaves take on a musical life of their own in the breezes and winds common to the area. Their white bark sets them apart from the surrounding pine trees and scrub oak. Harsh weather and poor growing conditions allow damage and scarring to the bark that makes them fairly identifiable to even the most amateur of observers. In the fall after the bouts of dry weather and heavy summer storms, their leaves begin to change from green to orange and then finally yellow. The colors of this tree are one of our first indicators that winter will soon be on it's way. I loved the colors that could be possibilities here. Approximately 8 colors make up this painting. Black is not one of them.

This is a purple or "blue" anemone. A member of the Poppy family, I loved the strong color and detailed center of the flower. The petals of this flower in life are, to me, very similar to the tu tu of the ballerina's outfit. This flower here almost seems to "dance" while it holds it position on the page.

There area approximately 6 colors in this painting.

This is just one of the many flowers that came up this spring. Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus, and many others. In the late afternoon of our still very short days, this little orange fringed Daffodil was one of the first blooms. The low light gave a blue tinge to the background which framed this flower beautifully. This one has approximately 9 colors.

Being surrounded by mountains, and in the right locations, water, there are often times huge expanses of sunset clouds reflected in the lakes and waterways that thrive in the area. There are approximately 8 colors here.

This is one of just a few attempts at animals with marker. There is a quality that has been assigned to the wolf over the centuries. From indigenous myths, to the stories from across the world of these, "mystical" creatures, there are a variety of stories, and legends that make up the "romantic culture" of the wolf. The mighty hunter, the protector, and the bearer of strength and wisdom. A wonderful creature to attempt to capture. There are approximately 7 colors in this wolf.

And finally my most recent creation. This beautiful peach and pink tulip adorned the yard my yard for a few short days. Striking color and tone were what drew my eye to this lovely addition to the yard. There are approximately 9 colors in this tulip.

There are several other works on my website, artbystaci.com. From pencil to oil, acrylic to marker. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer. Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you

Staci from artbystaci.com

Plant Press

This is a fun idea for anyone trying out a decorative project or learning about the flora in the area.  It is a plant press.  The one shown here is one we found at our local Deseret Industries, (DI).   The DI is similar to a thrift shop, or salvation army.  (People donate items that are cleaned up and re-sold to new customers.  The benefit is that useful items find new homes and jobs can be obtained for those who are struggling.)

The design is simple enough.  Two rectangle pieces of wood, with holes drilled in each of the four corners.  Bolts and wing nuts connect each matching pair of holes between the two boards.  And then finally paper squares that fit between the two boards.  The papers separate the flowers and absorb the extra moisture while the flowers dry.  ( We've used non-gloss card stock, to wax paper folded into 4's)

This was one adventure worth of flowers.  All grow in my state, some are local to where I live, some have to be hunted for in rural areas.  By identifying them, we will be more prepared for emergencies in the wilderness.

Once the flowers are pressed and dried they can be removed from the papers and glued into a book, or framed or, whatever you happen to want to use the pressed flowers for. 

In a book, the flowers can be glued in, identified and labeled.  A description can be added along with any other information you may find useful.  This is a great way to get kids involved with learning what the world around them has to offer. 

To make this more personalized, add hand written notes, photographs of the fresh flower or plant, and any other decorations that will either make your pages more personal or informational or both.  This page has plenty of space left to add other information about this flower.  Seeds, roots, different colors all can be added to enhance these pages.

You can choose a pre-made book, or create pages to bind later into a book.  Whatever is easiest, most comfortable, or looks the best for you.  Don't worry about space.  If you are diligent in your pursuit of creating your books, you will have many books by the time you decide your done.  If your looking for just something for fun or decoration you may only need a part of a book. 
(Also makes great, decorative additions to journal or diary entries.)

Miscellaneous

Small broom:  You can find these almost anywhere.  From the dollar store to the big box stores.  They come in handy from quick clean ups for debris that the wind hasn't blown off of the picnic table, to sweeping all of the finally dried mud that has accumulated on the bottom of the tent.  Make sure you find one with a dust pan. 

Hammer:  What can I say or add about the ease of a hammer.  Claw on one side that can help to split, or pry, or pull.  And then the business end which can help to put in tent stakes, build and crush whatever may need crushing. 

Umbrella:  Great for sun or rain.  The bigger in this case is not neccessarily the better.  Again, what kind of outdoors are you doing?  Backpacking, driving and parking, or a short stint to your campsite?  I wouldn't recommend the most expensive umbrella, but I would recommend something sturdy, that can take somewhat of a beating.

Fishing pole:  If you can, bring enough fishing poles for everyone who plans to fish plus at least 2 extras.  Having recently lost a fishing pole to a freak fishing accident, (not sure how the tip broke but....) I was thankful that we had an extra so I could continue to fish.  If you are familiar with fishing, this will be an easy one for you.  If not, I recommend talking to your local outdoors sports store reps and getting their opinion for what they recommend.  For the occasional fisherperson, you shouldn't need anything that costs more than about $30.00 dollars.  You can find great poles for less, and awesome poles for more.  But I recommend getting a "starter pole"  and then going from there.  Some of the brands I have used and like are, Shakspear, Eagle claw, and the ugly stick. 

Also talk to your rep about the reel.  Something that you will be willing to learn, or are already comfortable with.  I use and have been quite happy with both the classic, push button reel, and the open face reel.  Lately I've been learning how to use the open bale reel or open face reel with my left hand.  It was recommend, for less manipulation of the reel and rod, so I thought I would give it a go.

Tackle box:  This "box" can be as simple or as complicated as you want.  Start with the basics.
Extra fishing line, 10lb is a good alternate.  It has strength and can handle decent sized fish.
Hooks, we use both tri hooks and single hooks.
Bait, there are several different kinds.  Talk to the locals for the area you'll be in and use what they recommend.
Lures, along with bait find out what the locals recommend for lures.  Sometimes the shiny is what the fish is looking for.  There are millions of different types and functions for lures.  Talk to the locals.
Weights, these also come in a variety of sizes or weights.  Don't be afraid of the recommendation.  When we fish we generally use enough to get the bate out into the water.  More than that will make you fight with whats under the water, and it's not usually the fish.
Needle Nose Pliars, These come in handy for pulling hooks out of fish, fixing hooks, and general repairs.
Fishing Liscense, Don't forget your liscense.  Here we have a couple different choices for liscenses.  Week long, and year long.  Check what's available in your area. 
Rag, This is just a simple old rag that can be used to grip any fish.  It prevents your from taking of the layer of slime that is important for their survival, if you plan on releasing them.  If your plan, is a catch and release, handle the fish you catch as little as possible.  This helps to ensure their survival after being caught.  If you plan on fishing, plan on the possibility of needing to keep a fish that you had intended to release.  Sometimes they swallow the hook and bait, making them non-retrievable.  The problem isn't that they swallowed the hook, it is the thrashing that they can do that may tear them up.  If this happens it can make them impossible to return to the water.  The best thing is to put them out of their misery, and have them for a meal. 
Fingernail Clippers, these are a great line clipper.  They make taking a fish of a line that has been swallowed, simple and smooth.  They also come in handy for cleaning off hooks that need to be re-tied. 
Extra Reels, Most rods come with non fixed reels now.  This makes it easy to change reels, whether for fun or intent, or malfunction. 
Sunglasses, It's always a good idea to carry a few extra pairs, stashed in different areas of your gear.  A tackle box is a great place for a pair.
Sunblock, This is just one of those things you can have enough of.  I recommend water and sweat proof.  Even is you have no intention of getting in the water, you could end up there by accident. 
Bug Spray,  This, like sunblock, is one of those things you just can't pack enough of.  Areas with water, ie; fishing areas, usually have their fair share of mosquitos and other bothersome insects. 

Small first aid kit:  A few bandaids, some triple antibiotic, and maybe some tweezers.  Just a small kit to suppliment your regular kit.  These are great if you are going to walk to your"spot" long the shore line, and don't want to take your entire real kit with you.  This is a kit that could be kept in a banadana wrapped in a zip lock bag.  The bandana can then be used for anything larger than what the band aides can handle.

Large knife:  Knives are a matter of comfort for the user, functionality, and style.  Large knives can be used for a variety of things including regular cooking, hunting, cleaning fish or other game, and in certain circumstances, protection.  I recommend a kife with a blade that is built into the handle.  Not merely attached to the handle.  If it has been built into the handle, it will be stronger, and more adaptable to the situation.

Large rope:  A good sturdy rope approximately 30 ft long is usually enough for any regular camping.  If you feel like you may be in an area, where more rope would be wise, by all means add more length.  Ropes are great for many things from tying tarps to form a shelter, to finding a large tree and making a swing.  Ropes can help tow vehicles out of "stuck" situations, and pull bags or coolers of food up into the trees and out of reach from potential bear maraders.

Sunglasses:  It's always good to have a couple pairs of sunglasses floating around in your gear.  Okay, so maybe not floating, but definitely extra pairs.  It might suit your needs to carry an extra pair in your tackle box along with an extra bottle or tube of sunblock.

Binoculars:  These are great for many different reasons.  Bird watchers have their reasons, as do hunters, game wardens, and many other groups.  They are excellent in emergency situations as well.  Say you have become lost and need to now find safety, or possible shelter, other people or campsights, or possible trails.  A pair of "eyes" that can see further than your own eyes are an excellent choice.  Besides, you never know when you want to see what the bird, waayyyy out there, really is.

Camera:  For me, a camera is a must.  I take mine everywhere.  I take pictures of everything, from family and gatherings, to birds, wildflowers and animals.  There are some pretty intriguing rock formations here in my Utah as well.  Make sure when you pack your camera, you also remember to pack extra batteries, or memory cards, even film if you still are fortunate enough to use a 35 mm camera.  I still use mine on a regular basis.

Tripod:  There are tripods, and monopods.  I prefer the tripod because it is more stable.  I can leave it in place for a picture or I can record myself or accomplish group photographs.  A monopod still needs someone to stabilize it.  There are a ton of different kind of tripod or monopod on the market.  I prefer something that is going to be fairly lightweight, but still strong enough to handle a variety of cameras.  For example, my 35 mm is larger and heavier than my digital camera.  I'd prefer not to have to carry two different tripods.  Switching back and forth is made easier, but not on my poor back.  There are full length tripods, but also small table top styles.  There are telescoping legs that lock, and telescoping legs that are built stiffer to hold the weight without sliding back in.  Familiarize yourself with your tools, and it won't matter what you take.  You can decide when to upgrade.