Canned Butter...

Canned Butter

On Monday night, when Handsome was at band rehearsal, I did a thing. After a lot of research, I've learned that this process (while unapproved by FDA) is completely safe and has been safely done by the Amish and farm families for generations.

The butter is melted in a big pot while jars and lids are being heated. The melted butter is then ladled into the jars, rims cleaned (not with vinegar, which could cause the butter to curdle), rings tightly attached, and then back into the oven for another 20 minutes or so. Place the jars on the counter to cool. Once the lids have pinged, intermittently shake the jars to make sure the butter solids don't separate while they cool. Once cooled, label and store. The butter is perfectly shelf stable for at least two years.

When I purchase butter, I wait until it's on sale for less than $3/pound, and then I buy a case of it. I've always kept the extra in the freezer until I learned about this method. Now, I won't be taking up freezer space, and the butter is ready to use whenever I need it.

I used wide mouth jars, and filled them to leave 1" of headspace. Five pounds of butter yielded six pints, canned. It doesn't take that long to do either. I'd say it was a good use of an hour of the time Handsome was away, making great music.

January ATCs...

 

January 2026 Artist Trading Cards

 

Better late than never, I like to say (when necessary). I finally sat down and created the artist trading cards for last month. This was for Jan's Handmade ATC Swap group. January's theme was "New Year" (surprise!). It took me a minute, but I managed to come up with a unique interpretation.

 

Detail - January 2026 Artist Trading Card

 

Nothing like "turning over a new leaf" to begin a new year. Of course, this year, my "new leaf" was three week's of sick. ugh Can I start turning over a new leaf as of today instead? Pretty please?

 

Now, I'll finish stitching the second Something Blue Bridal Brooch and I'll be ready to turn them into brooches. After that, I'll be heading over to update my Etsy shop for the big March sale. I'm looking forward to that, for sure! See you tomorrow.

 

Two Down, One To Go...

Two Stitched Heart Brooches

I managed to complete the stitching on the second heart - a new Something Blue Bridal Brooch - over the weekend. I love how this one turned out! As with the Purple Heart Brooch, I can't cut it out until I complete the needlework on the third heart to maintain the integrity of the hooped ground fabric.

Beginning Third Heart Brooch

I began work on the third brooch yesterday. This one incorporated a lighter, matte-finish seed bead which will really contrast with the brilliant check chipping once I start adding it. I'm hoping to do that this week, and then turn them into brooches over the weekend.

The weather was beautiful Saturday and Sunday, and we had a blissful reprieve from the constant dump truck traffic. Nothing ran after dark on Saturday and it was quiet all Sunday. We'll see if that continues through today. That would be wonderful.

I'm woefully late in getting out my January ATCs to my sister's group, so I'll probably work on those today. It's going to be a busy week. The theme is "New Year" and I already know what I'll be doing. Now to set the time aside!

Tomorrow I work; Wednesday will be another classmate dinner gathering; Bella has a vet appointment on Thursday that coincides with an appointment Handsome has on the books, so I'll take her instead this time; and then work again Friday night. I plan to set aside as much time as I'm able to get the ATCs and brooches finished.

I know I said I'd have a big sale in my Etsy shop this month, but I think I'm going to change it to a March Madness Sale instead. As soon as I get these projects finished, I'll begin work on my shop sale. Being sick in January really set me back!

I hope you have a great week ahead. I'll be looking forward to catching up with you each day. Take care!