Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 50 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

Wednesday 29 June 2011

WOYWW What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 108 + Pineapple Jam!

Well here comes another week around again! Feel like your world is spinning too fast sometimes?? I do! The calligraphy piece on my desk does not show as much progress as I would have hoped but that is because of life getting in the way - some more card orders, Pineapple jam and Mint sauce and other such domestic chores. However almost all the painting has been finished and the gold leaf now just has to be done; this one has a lot of it so it will take some time!

After numerous attempts I have finally perfected Pineapple Jam! It must be made on fresh pineapple and pineapple juice (all the recipes on the net were with tinned pineapple, but not like the real deal). When Golden Circle stopped making it a few years ago my brother in law was distressed – one of his favourite condiments no longer available. Anyway he has been patient waiting for this batch, so will be pleased to get it and my sisters' to receive the mint sauce. Our mother always made her own so we are totally spoilt by it now – bought is not quite the same.


Have made more than one card this week as orders came but have posted the other three before so wont worry putting them up again. This last one I really like too. I made it on Monday night as was going to my neighbour’s funeral on Tuesday morning and wanted a really special card for her family. They have been our neighbours since Dec. 1973, so a few years you might say! she was in her 90th year, and really sweet lady.
This card was made with the lovely Stampin Up Pastel card and a Stampin up stamp now sadly both discontinued.  I used the pigment S.U. Pastels Ink Spots and embossed with Iridescent EP. With Caramello Cuttlebug folder, enlarged method (see sidebar), and Labels 2 dies with Labels 2 Nestabling new from Fat cats, I really like the framing of the pictures with the Nesties. A computer generated greeting, with Fancy Tags and Petite Scalloped Small Nesties also to finish off the card.

Unhappily the photo dies not do justice to the bling and Irisdescent EP, these are are much prettier. Tried several ways - no success.
If you want to enjoy a snoop at desks around the world, and learn sooo much, please join in the fun and pop over to Julia’s blog, Julia's Stamping Ground for the best blog hop around! 


Well thanks for peeking everyone, happy WOYWW and may God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz. x PS You may like post below too?

Pineapple Jam recipe (Jo asked for it so here 'tis,  - now 'tis mine, so  no guarantees come with it! )

750g of fresh diced ripe pineapple.
500g of sugar (you may want to cut it back my brother in law likes it rather sweet)
2 cups of unsweetened pineapple juice
i packet of Jamsetta*
 *( I use 50g packet - but it seems to me this varies, so just add as much as it needs, sometimes it seems to set quicker than others, and need less, but needed whole packet this time).

METHOD:
Cook on stove for about 50 mins, a gentle rolling boil. I puree it with a stab hand blender about 50 mins into cooking it carefully as it is piping hot as that is how the jam is here not in big pieces.
Cook it for another 10 mins to settle bubbles, then jar up in warmed jars, if set and it tastes to your liking.
I find most of the bubbles go after you jar up you dont have to lift of scum like other jams.! :)


30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card Shaz!! That pineapple jam sounds heavenly!! I am in awe of your calligraphy skills!! You are creating a masterpiece and would love to see a picture of the finished product!
Hugs,
Sheree
www.vancouverislandcraftjunkie.blogspot.com

RosA said...

Hi Shaz, As usual, beautiful work on your desk. I've always made mint sauce. Wouldn't dream of buying it! But, pineapple jam, WOW, that sounds lovely! I'd like to try making apple jelly one of these days.
(I don't understand SU's policy of deleting stamps on a regular basis.) Happy WOYWW!

Helen said...

She does calligraphy, she makes cards... now she makes jams! Love your sympathy card, it is beautiful, and so hard to get right I always find.

JoZart Designs said...

Lovely card Shaz!
I too always make all my own jams, sauces, pickles and chutneys but I've never yet made pineapple jam.Yum! I'd love the recipe if it's not a family secret. I often get pineapples really cheaply too.
Love JoZarty x

Sue said...

Hi hun
beautiful work its looking fabulous, scary how time fly's bet that jam tastes yummy,lovely card,thanks for the mooch, happy WOYWW, sue,x (16)

Sarah said...

Yum - pineaaple jam - sounds so tropical. Yes life must go on as there are no plans for a 5 day weekend yet. My hubby is a Belgian so I am soon to embark on Tour de France fever in our home...he would be a wee bit envious of your brother - how fabulous! And what endurance...unbelievable.
Hope you will call by Friday for the first My Mojo Monthly. Thanks for sharing today.
Sarah at 6.

Glenda said...

Such a talented lady! So many things you do girl...that jam looks wonderful! Your piece looks like it is coming along nicely. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Morti said...

Lovely work as always - the sympathy card is just delightful - fab colours and very subtle.

Can't wait to get Mum's present - fingers crossed, just like you, that it gets here fast! Thanks Shaz!

scrapwordsmom said...

Nice work and that jam looks divine!

#77

Kathleen said...

Shaz what have you done!! Chris has just looked over my should and is drooling over your recipe for jam hope he cooks it I don't do kitchen lol.
The calligraphy is looking beautiful as is your card.
God Bless
Kathleen x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

That is a very pretty card for your neighbour. what a shame that stamp is no longer available. That pineapple jam looks very tasty. I love mint sauce too, but it has to be made with one special mint, which came from my grandfather's garden, then bits followed Mum to wherever she lived and is now growing in our garden and our daughter's.

jude said...

Beautiful card Shaz and love the colour combo and design youve used so elegant!Wow never tired pineapple jam before may just have to try it!
Happy woyww have a creative week
hugs judex 88

Anonymous said...

I find all that domesticity very scary! Jam and mint sauce and then some cards too? Its a wonder you made any progress on the calkligraphy. LOL
Happy WOYWW - I have given up on Blogger so now I just comment 'anonymously'
Tertia
http://tertia-craftinggran.blogspot.com

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Thanks for sharing pineapple jam recipe! :) I never tasted pineapple jam i'm thinking I definetly should.:)

JoZart Designs said...

Oooh, you are good and a big thanks for that! Will be a couple of weeks before I can try it out but I'll let you know how I get on!
Love JoZarty x

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Shaz, lots to see as always. The jam sounds gorgeous- and this from a confirmed fruit-hater,lol. My mum also has always made her own mint-sauce- nothing smells quite like freshly chopped mint, does it? Shaz

Elizabeth said...

Hi Shaz, your calligraphy piece is coming on really nicely. The pineapple jam sounds delicious so I will copy the recipe and might just give it a try. I used to make mint sauce when the kids were younger but as we no longer eat lamb it doesn't get eaten up like it used to. I still grow it though - love it chopped and sprinkled over new potatoes. Have a great week. Elizabeth x #83

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Thank you for your lovely comments today :) I loved Eastern Australia, visiting Brisbane, Toowoomba, Gympie, Bundaberg (ginger factory), Gladston and Heron Island. Glorious and at least 20 years ago!! Pineapple jam brings back memories! xx

Pam said...

Nice card your sharing today. Hugs Pam x

okienurse said...

WOW you have been busy this week with card making then adding the jam making and mint sauce in! The pineapple jam sounds awesome. Thanks for the recipe! Vickie #39

Angie said...

That is a beautiful card ....and I have copied off the recipe for when there is a special on pineapples ...should the pineapple be fully ripe and sweet ...or a little under? xx

angelfish said...

Pineapple jam is a new oe on me but mint sauce I know about! It was always my job, on a Sunday, to go and pick the mint from the garden and make the sauce, if we were having lamb:)

Franka Benjaminsen said...

Making jam is a lovely job. I did it, a few years ago, with plums. And this year our own tree is full of plums, so I start collecting jars for my plum jam this year (in august, september I think).
And I love your card. Specially the purple flowers. Bye, Franka

lisa said...

Hi Shaz
Your pinapple jam sounds interesting. I might just give it a go. I always make my own marmalade as I like it bitter and the shop bought ones are always too sweet!!
Your card is beautiful, but what a sad occassion. It's rare these days to have a neighbour for such a long time, you must miss her.
BTW, I was reading on Elizabeth's blog your comments about Craft Stamper magazine. If you e-mail me your address, I'll send you a copy if you would like. It's a great magazine full of great projects and ideas.
Hugs Lisax

Mrs A. said...

Beautiful card for the sad occasion it was needed for. Haven't tasted pineapple jam for years. The recipe sounds scrummy. Hugs Mrs A.

Neet said...

Love your calligraphy - think I say that every week. Great card you are showing us too - I always admire your work as it is so neat and classy. Thanks for the jam recipe - might have to give that a try if I can stop myself eating the pineapple. Hugs, Neet

fairy thoughts said...

lovely card as always, but pass on the jam. even the thought of pineapple makes me shudder!ugh
janet

peggy aplSEEDS said...

wow, that calligraphy piece is coming along beautifully. i think you've made a lot of progress! the card is lovely but you are right, pictures often can't really capture the way something really is.
thanks for sharing!
hugs,
peggy aplSEEDS

Kezzy said...

I so love your calligraphy its a real piece of art and your so talented. Beautiful card and the pinapple jam looks great. Your brayer cards are stunning and best wishes to your brother with his biking trips. Kezzy x

Hettie said...

OMG - Shaz how did I miss you on Wednesday? Apologies for that. I am just going to have to try your pineapple jam!! I am with Lisa in that I always make my own marmalade as shop stuff is too sweet! That calligraphy is coming on lovely.
Hugs
Hettie

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