Carved pumpkins

 I decided to carve pumpkins this year and I enjoyed carving them. Unfortunately, I can't seem to take photos at night and I didn't get the images that I have seen of other carved pumpkins. I took the photo without the flash so you could better see the image. Then I used the flash in hopes that you could see the pumpkin with the image carved into it. I drew a picture on the pumpkin and then I used the Drummel took with the wood carving attachments to trace over the penciled lines. 

Rose.

Pumpkin with the carved rose.

Butterfly.

Pumpkin with the carved butterfly.

Orphan Blocks or as I call them, Independent Blocks

Many people call their extra blocks, "Orphan blocks", but I think that sounds sad. So I call mine, "Independent blocks" because there are so many possibilities. For example, I used two of my independent blocks to make a gift bag for the two sided lap quilt I just finished. 

The recipient can use the bag to store the quilt or use it for anything, including a green grocery bag. I lined the inside of the bag and used a French seam to give it a finished look. 

Other ways that I have used my independent blocks are: pot holders, hot pads, pillows, and for the front of plain shirts. 

Some ideas that I have not yet done are: baby bibs, burping cloths, and bottle holders/insulators (baby and water bottles). 

Rose Apple Tarts

There are a lot of recipes for rose apple tarts on the internet. I tried to read the reviews and there was a criticism of lack of apple taste or not sweet enough. I didn't want that with mine. 

Therefore, I placed my rose apple tarts on top of a bed of apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, an apple pie filling. Then I drizzled caramel sauce over the top after baking. I didn't have puff pastry, but I used pie crust dough. I'll try with puff pastry next time. 

I liked how it turned out and so did my family.