Garden Tea Party Extravaganza!

There has been a lot going on with this Crafty Crusader® lately, keeping me detoured from my blog, so I sincerely apologize for neglecting you! I am back with a bang, so grab a cup of tea and a cookie and have a good read...

Recovery from my recent Garden Tea Party Reunion Luncheon for 60+ dear friends, has finally been achieved and I am relishing in the memories! Anyone who knows me has a pretty good idea that my events are out of this world, both in the edible particulars and the creative details, and this party was no exception! It was a labor of love, in the works for 6 months, from the moment the idea crept into the cockles of my mind. 

Those Tippy Tea Cups...they did it to me!

"Tippy Tea Cups" by Deanne Crim - Crafty Crusader®

I'm getting ahead of myself, but that's where the seed was planted. 

I should explain... 

My online friendship with a wonderful lady I met on Facebook (many years ago), led to a gifting of several antique tea cups when she discovered my penchant for them, discussing my inheritance of a portion of my Granny Annie's extensive tea cup collection. Wendy had a few tea cups from her own grandmother that she didn't use and felt guilty about, so when she heard I wanted to do some crafting with tea cups, she surprised me with a box in the mail! She felt that having them immortalized would be a good thing to honor her grandmother. What a great friend, eh?!! 

Wendy's grandmother's tea cups were soon followed onto my porch by one of Wendy's friends who had seen her Facebook post to me regarding my thank you message for said tea cups, got my address and surprised me with four more treasures from her own family cupboard. How lucky am I?!! They had been sitting in my craft room with Wendy's for over a year, daring me into some kind of tangible action!

Ideas swirled in my mind for crafting with tea cups. I was fairly certain I didn't have the heart to take perfectly good tea cups and smash them into bits for mosaics, as I initially intended. A few were broken from shipping but I was able to reconstruct them with E6000® adhesive, and not a crack was visible. Phew!

It was my desire to create something whimsical and worthy of the heirloom treasures they are. Then I remembered the intriguing floral decorations I had seen a few years prior, with teapots and tea cups, flower cans and crystals...as if they were 'pouring' out the contents into a saucer or receptacle of some kind, with magical gravity-defying splendor! 

My creative intention came with specific thoughts on how to assemble my own version, less heavy handed then the ones I had seen - something I could assemble with a more delicate touch that created a better sense of motion and 'tumbling out' of the contents. But what actual reason did I have to make these wonderful centerpieces? Nothing...nada...zippo...zilch...and that is where my extravagant tea party plans began! 

Garden Tea Party Extravaganza - Part 1:

When it comes to entertaining, FOOD IS KING! At least it is to me. It has to be pretty, somewhat simple to prepare for a large group of people, hopefully made easily at the last minute, or at best, frozen ahead of time. Most of all it must be DELICIOUS!! 

I have a thing for small bites. I could actually live on hors d'oeuvres, and if I'm being totally honest, I would prefer to! So this kind of a party is right up my alley. 

The extensive menu of savory delectables and sweet treats included: Candied Bacon Skewers (non-traditional tea party fare but DEVOURED by guests!), Fruited Curry Chicken in Endive Cups (overheard to be "The best thing I've ever eaten" by an oohing guest), Cucumber rounds with Herb 'Cheez' Smoked Salmon and Fresh Dill Garnish, Strawberry Delight Bites, Classic Egg Salad Bites w/ Chives, Traditional Tuna Salad Bites, Strawberry Candied Pecan Baby Greens Salad w/ Strawberry Vinaigrette, Krab Melange Salad, Crazy Rice Salad, Greek Salad, Strawberry Delight Bites, Apple Walnut Cinnamon Salad (Charoset), Vanilla Bean Scones, Homemade Rose Petal Jelly, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Lemon Cake 'Butterflies' with Homemade Clotted Cream and Lemon Curd, Pecan Tartlets, Springerle Hand-painted Cookies, and favor bags with 'Sweet & Garlicky Party Mix' (otherwise dubbed 'Party CRACK' by my close friends who cannot get enough of the addictive snack!)

My dear childhood friend, Marcelle and me, getting the buffet ready for the tea party reveal!

Do we look as exhausted as we felt? I was up until 3am the night before with last minute food preparation, and Marcelle had to get up at 4am to drive home to get her makeup case which she had forgotten!! Its a miracle we were upright for the party, but the energy and buzz of guests kept us going strong...don't ask about the next 2 days of being a useless wet noodle on the couch! 

The tempting buffet table of scrumptious food...

Special Thanks to my Mom and her EXTRAORDINARY collection of

Sterling Silver - on display in her SPECTACULAR Dining room! 

Fruited Curry Chicken in Endive Leaves

Strawberry Delights w/ Fresh Basil - Strawberry Jam & Cream 'Cheez' (vegan)

Traditional Egg Salad with Chives on soft (gf) bread diamond shapes.

Classic Tuna Salad on soft bread fluted squares.

Cucumber rounds with Herb 'Cheez' (vegan) & Smoked Salmon with Fresh Dill

Chocolate Hand-Dipped Strawberries

Springerle Molded Cookies - drying for 24 hours - made with Vintage Replica Cookie Presses.

Hand-painting Glaze Details on Springerle Cookies.

Springerle Molded Cookies - Lemon Cake Butterflies w/ Lemon Curd (background)

Baby Bundt Chocolate Bites w/ Raspberries and Pecan Tartlets.

 Sweet & Garlicky Party Mix

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade

It was quite the affair, to say the least! Friends are still talking about it and sharing their photos with me. They felt the LOVE that I infused into the party...the entire reason for doing it was to show APPRECIATION for a lifetime of friends whom GOD has chosen to be the golden threads in the tapestry of my life!

It is my hope that this inspires you to do something...be it a small tea party for two of your friends with a few special nibbles, or a giant charity event with your church family...start thinking outside the box! Being a facilitator of JOY and GOOD TIMES is truly a GIFT to the lives of others...don't underestimate how much you can lift another person's spirit just by including them in something fun, be it big or small...its always the thought that makes the biggest impression...to include others is a HUGE BLESSING!!

If you are interested in getting any of my tea party recipes, 

please leave your comments and requests below! :) 

Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts...

Here is a sneak peek: 

(Learn how I made these EXTRAORDINARY Centerpieces)

"Tippy Tea Cup" Centerpiece by Deanne Crim - Crafty Crusader®

Table Setting Decorations, Favor Giftings, Napkin Ring 'Bling'

Floral & Bling Photo Frame - for Unique Technicolor Guest Photo Experiences!

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Happy Crafting!

Deanne Crim - Crafty Crusader®

Sugarplum Village is now Crafty Crusader!!

Hey there!! Its been awhile...and I've missed you...No, really, I have!!

Life has its way of sacking us with various unexpected circumstances, which often derail our well intended plans and expectations of grandeur. My blog is one such victim. I won't go into the boring details, the most important thing is, I am back with bells on, and I have renamed my blog, "Crafty Crusader" to compliment my other business activities, social media accounts, and in general to bring all of my Artsy Fartsy Adventures into one convenient similarly named pile of fun!

If you haven't yet visited my Instagram account: Crafty Crusader you may want to hop on over and give it a peek-see? I post photos and links to my newest crafty projects, patterns, and tutorials, with enough 'Eye Candy' Inspiration to fill your cup! 

For those who have been following my blog, you are aware that I don't fit into any particular 'box' of art. I work with a vast array of mediums and 'art wanderings' that I nurture fully, and I am always looking to new opportunities to express myself creatively. 

If you are new to my blog, I think you will be pleasantly surprised to find artistic experiences that challenge tradition. Not challenge, as in disapproval or disagreement, but challenge as in, revamping into something with a fresh new way of looking at it. I love a traditional crafts. As a matter of fact, I am thoroughly intertwined in the roots of folk art and historical crafts, discovering great ideas to turn into modern day artwork and creative experiences. Its the 'unexpected twist' of creativity that propels me forward. As an example, its not just up-cycling, recycling, and repurposing that tempts me, its turning a simple glass jar into a Spectacle of Splendor, that inspires me. Its all in the details. I am a detail kinda girl. 

Recent efforts have been focused on the development of my library of Original Designs for crochet patterns, which I call the 'Crafty Crusader - Crochet Circus'. Currently, in my Ravelry store: Deanne Crim - Crafty Crusader, you can find Instant Downloads for Original Pattern Designs, including paid and FREE Patterns.  

(Folk Art Xmas Tree - by Deanne Crim)

'Folk Art Xmas Tree' is an intermediate level crochet pattern the combines a folk art country style with Blingtastic glittery bead ornaments and a crystal angel tree topper. Themed charms personalize each tree for one-of-a-kind gifting. It may be too late for this year, but its never too early to start on next year's amazing giftings!

 ('Finger Sleeve' by Deanne Crim)

If you are a crocheter and afflicted with infamous 'yarn burn', I am your new hero!! In search of a remedy, I designed a 'Finger Sleeve' (available for FREE immediate download in my Ravelry store). I suffer terribly from said affliction in a big way, and got tired of wasting bandaids and dealing with sticky residue left behind. So the big question is, "Why did it take so long to figure this out?" Yeah, I don't know either, but we're okay now!

(Bonbon Pincushion Ring - by Deanne Crim) 

If you are looking for a unique gift for a crafter or seamstress in your life, you may want to consider the 'Bonbon Pincushion Ring' pattern? It is adorable and functional all at the same time! It is a beginner/intermediate level pattern, made with #10 cotton crochet thread. Color choices create milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate with swirls in delicious colors to tempt you! It can also be made with worsted weight yarn for a larger 'bracelet pincushion' results. 

You can find all of these patterns in my Ravelry Store: Deanne Crim - Crafty Crusader (link below)

Ravelry Store: Deanne Crim - Crafty Crusader

To give you a sneak peek at upcoming crochet patterns in the queue...

(Cozy Walnut Cradle & Mouse - by Deanne Crim) 

              

Here's a FUNtastical 'Cozy Walnut Shell Cradle & Mouse' - which is my next pattern coming! A tiny mouse is tucked beneath a colorful quilt in a nutshell cradle. An intermediate level pattern, it is a perfect piece of 'Eye Candy', with no particular function other then to delight! If you have the courage to stick a pin in it, it would be an adorable pincushion. By gluing the knot end of a loop of sparkling thread, you instantly turn it into one of the most wonderful ornaments you have ever seen! Stay tuned, the crochet pattern should be available for download by January 2019!

Here's a sneak peek at other unique crochet patterns available in coming months...

(Unicorn Wishing Doll - by Deanne Crim)

(Teddybear Pouch - by Deanne Crim)

(Bookmark Dolly w/ Teddybear - by Deanne Crim)

(Old Fashioned Jointed Teddybear - by Deanne Crim - 5" tall)

(Mini Santa & Gingerbread Boy - by Deanne Crim)

(Mushroom Fairy - by Deanne Crim)

(Snow Baby - by Deanne Crim - 24" tall)

(Brush Crochet Teddybear - by Deanne Crim - 24" tall)

              

(Teddybear Backpack - by Deanne Crim)

(Hula Menehune Fairy Doll - 5" tall - by Deanne Crim)

(Wire Crochet Garden Cuff - by Deanne Crim)

And there is oh so much more in the works...that isn't even close to being 

a comprehensive list of whats coming!!

But...But...BUT!!!

Don't worry that I've gone off the rails and abandoned my other Crafty Crusader Adventures  into the oblivion of crochet-land!! I am a multi-tasker {{insert multi-CRAFTER here}} with room for more art fun than most can even imagine!!

Have no fear! I am still unapologetically immersed in the world of creativity on every level and in every medium I can get my hands into!! Perhaps thats why my house looks  like a disaster area, or a Craft Store Tornado at Ground Zero?!! Chock full of supplies and tools, bags and piles, fabrics and glues, beads and wire, clay and wood, there is no denying it...Its just who I am, and there isn't any changing it, I am happy to say! Thank heavens my hubby is okay with it...sorta! {{wink wink}}

My new Crafty Crusader website is under construction, and will be my primary location in the future for sharing tutorials, patterns, and instructional videos to inspire you to make exceptionally WONDROUS and SPECTACULAR works of heART in all avenues of creativity. I will continue to use this blog as my way of sharing projects and insights, as well as sharing my creative crusades on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thecraftycrusader/ I have also created a Crafty Crusader Group on Facebook, as a place to gather with followers and craft enthusiasts, with future plans of 'Craft-a-longs'...'Swaps'...and other fun activities, so be sure to join us for FREE!!

Below is a sampling of images of creative journeys I would love to take you on...That is, if you're willing to going on Crazy Crafty Adventures with me? I hope so!!

            

('Amazeballs' Jars w/ Inspirational Messages & Wishes - by Deanne Crim)

This awesome up-cycled spice jar, is a favor I designed as a gifting to some very

special ladies in my life...a 'Love Tribe' actually! 

('Holiday House' Tintastical' - by Deanne Crim)

The 'Holiday House' Tintastical is my pocket sized version of the perfect Christmas...

with a perfect tiny tree, bead ornaments, jeweled base, basket of magazines, pooch portrait hanging above the mantle, and stockings hung by the fire. 3-dimensional paper-crafting creates a world of wonder, all within the confines of a tiny tin box.

            

            

('Garden Glory' Tintastical by Deanne Crim)

Capturing the beauty of flowers is always one of my favorite things to do. 

No one can beat God's artistry!! 

             

(Wedding Bling Bouquet - by Deanne Crim)

             

(French Beaded Pearl Rose - by Deanne Crim)

 (French Beaded Christmas Tree & Angel Topper Charm - by Deanne Crim)

(Retro-style Pincushion w/ Floppy Bunny - by Deanne Crim)

(The Big Cheese Pincushion Mouse - by Deanne Crim)

(Theodore & Pipsqueek jointed miniature Teddybears 4" and 1" tall - by Deanne Crim)

(Resin Collage 'Hula Beach Dreams' Necklace - by Deanne Crim)

              

(Snowfolk Dioramas Bottles & Jars - by Deanne Crim)

When I was a kid, I loved nothing better then to get the assignment from a teacher to make a diorama. It may have been while studying dinosaurs, or volcanoes, or other earthly events...but the notion stuck in my head, and I have loved dioramas ever since! Turning old glass bottles and jars into lovely holiday decorations in diorama form, is a Win-Win!! 

             

 (Crafty Crusader 'Booktique Arts' presents: Bookmark Jewelry!)

...the best part, is that you can also wear it as a necklace!! This particular design was 

created as a prototype for a 'Fish Extender' gift, for a Disney cruise we were supposed to go on.

Life threw us a curve ball, and we had to postpone the cruise, but the bookmark jewelry lives on! FREE TUTORIAL COMING SOON to www.craftycrusader.com!!

(Wire Crochet Garden Cuff - by Deanne Crim)

Crochet is a traditional craft, with most of us having a grandmother or aunt who spent countless hours with a hook and yarn in hand. I'm not much of an afghan or clothing crocheter, I am...of course...an 'Eye Candy' Crocheter, which to me means, I like to make things that please my eyes, but those things don't necessarily fit a particular use. These gorgeous delicate wire crochet cuffs are the perfect choice to adorn your wrist with unique beauty!

('Olivia's Orb' - commissioned piece to gift Olivia Newton John for her birthday 2017)

This one of a kind creation combines vintage with new brooches and bling jewelry, into an orb of Inspiration. It was a commissioned piece by Nancy Gould Chuda, for her best friend, singer, Olivia Newton John. There are no words to describe the honor and privilege of creating this gift, and even more so, to meet Olivia backstage at her concert, subsequently. The custom pillow/cushion 

was created to rest the orb, as it now sits on Olivia's piano where she creates her 

Masterpiece Music to share and bless the world!

       

(Honored to meet Olivia Newton John - Scottsdale, AZ - Talking Stick Resort - 2017)

Endless ideas fill my mind and continue to overtake me. I can't seem to get them to stay in one particular box, so you can expect lots of SPLENDIFEROUS Wild Creative Rides coming up the pike in the future! I hope you'll put your seatbelt on and join me for the ride!

**Be sure to follow my blog to get updates, free tutorials, crafty projects, artful inspiration, and to stay informed about upcoming projects, activities, workshops, retreats, and online events!

I look forward to sharing unique, challenging, creative, FUNtastical, skill-developing, Ahh-inspiring, projects with you, so STAY TUNED!!

If you would like to contact me with questions, requests, or just to say, "Hello" you can reach me at: craftycrusader@yahoo.com  OR via private message on the Crafty Crusader Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thecraftycrusader/

With blessings beyond measure...

Deanne Crim

Crafty Crusader :)