This Wine’s a Shoe-in

Have you ever found yourself on a picnic with a bottle of wine, but no opener?  Then take off your shoe!

Yes, your shoe can be used to open that bottle of Cab or Merlot or Chardonnay or Pinot or Rosé or all the aforementioned, even works with blends.  This is how it’s done:

1. Remove shoe
2. Take foil covering off the bottle to expose the top of the cork
3. Insert bottle of wine into shoe with the bottom of the bottle taking the place of the heel of your foot and the neck of the bottle standing in for your leg
4. Holding the bottle with one hand and the shoe with the other and using some muscle, repeatedly whack the bottom of your shoe against a tree until the cork has moved out enough that you can pull it the rest of the way out with your very own bare hands
5. Pour the wine into glasses and enjoy! (or drink directly out of bottle if you forgot the glasses too)

 

 

 

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Catch Of the Day

These handmade mugs by Bette Drake would be a fun addition to your morning, mid-day, or evening thirst quenching ~

 

Well, That Just Tears It!

 

 

Here’s an easy way to tear masking tape and get a starting edge at the same time ~

Fold the tape under at a 90-degree angle to the roll. Then, with a snapping motion, pull the tape against the edge of the roll. The tape tears, leaving a triangular starting tab.

Peter Shelley ~ Nautical Art

Local artist, Peter Shelley hand crafts nautical art and rustic decor from driftwood and reclaimed Ohio barn siding.  The natural elements on the shores of Lake Erie are the influence for his one-of-a-kind works of art.  Peter’s wife, Robin adds her designer’s eye to many of his pieces.

Peter’s creations will bring a rustic, beach-side feel to any room in your home.  His pieces include candle and wine bottle holders, lighthouses, whimsical sculptures, wall art, and miniature ships inspired from historic sailing vessels. Most of these works are the perfect size to display on your tabletop or mantel!

Follow him on Facebook at Lakeshore Treasure Decor

Roger Edgerly ~ Woodworking

 

 Upon retirement from Sandusky City Schools, where he was a teacher and a coach, Roger started building US Post Office banks for his grandchildren, and they love them.

Roger’s US Postal banks are hand constructed from American hardwoods; oak, maple, and hickory.  Each is fitted with a genuine US Post Office box door that has either a key or a working combination to open.  The PO box doors that Roger incorporates into his banks are generally made of brass and were used by the postal system from the 1890’s through the 1960’s.

These US Post Office banks make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, or any other special occasion!

Roger is a local artist who makes his home in Huron with his wife.

This Rocks!

 

What fun a simple rock can be!

The blue guy is from when I was in kindergarten, so he’s got a little wear and tear on him.  We collected the rocks and our teacher painted them for us.  The shape of the rock and the way it felt in my hand was what sold me on it.

And the first gift that my niece, Chloe gave me when she was just a toddler was a rock (just glad that she handed it to me and didn’t throw it!).

Gleaming Coffee Pot

This is a helpful tip from my past life as a waitress (the days before being PC and the renaming of “server”)

The best way to clean your coffee pot and get it sparkling is to toss in a handful of salt and some crushed ice, which you can make the old school way by putting some ice cubes in a plastic bag or between two kitchen towels and pound them with a meat tenderizer.  That action can be counted as therapy because you’ll get any aggression/pent up frustration out, but I digress.  And because it will probably burn at least two calories, you can also count it as exercise, but I digress. Again.  A couple lemon wedges will aid in the cleaning, but they’re not necessary if you’d like to save those for your cocktail…I mean glass of water.

Just swirl the pot around and let the salt and ice do their thing and then rinse well.

Ta-Da!

 

Michael Stadul ~ Woodworking

Michael has been crafting wood items for nearly 50 years along with his wife Ann Daniels, who contributes to the projects with her great sense of decorative style.

“We create a number of quality wood items from driftwood collected from Lake Erie and other sources, including barn wood. Our pieces are whimsical, practical, aesthetic and functional. They will work with just about any décor, and are ideal to enhance your own home or to give as gifts. Much of our work can be modified to meet individual preferences for special orders”.

Michael’s driftwood trees, coasters, and barnwood table are a welcomed addition to the shop!

 

Wine ~ Chocolate ~ Art

Anne Hinton ~ Art Glass Designs

Anne Hinton works with art glass to create one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from sun catchers to yard art to serving trays.  Her designs are inspired by the lakefront of Ohio’s North Coast.

She started working with art glass making traditional mosaics on wood.  As Anne’s interest in mosaics grew, she discovered the technique of mounting art glass on acrylic, grouting some and covering others with resin.  She also creates fun works of art using clay pots and mirrors as the base.

Anne lives in the Huron, OH and participates in area art shows.

For a complete selection of Anne’s work, visit The Back Room Studio