Holly Lynne Design

A little painting of a Big Dog

2011-06-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Fishy Fishy

2010-08-27T05:48:00.001-07:00

Just a glimpse at what I am working on today.

Ribbons, Ribbons, Ribbons

2010-07-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

MayArts Ribbon so graciously supplied me with the most beautiful, soft ribbon the other day. So I had to make something unique and beautiful. I thought and thought about what I wanted to make...should I made pretty scarves, should I make a weaving....well, I decided to make a unique, one of a kind decorative pillow. So, here it is and the progression. Thank you MayArts, you are the bomb. Find their ribbon at www.mayarts.com

I love you MayArts

2010-07-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Look what was just delivered to my door...soft, beautiful ribbon to be made into something fantastic. Check back in about a week to see what I make.

Junk Art

2010-07-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me what a little scrap-junk and a creative mind can come up with...

My friend Rita

2010-06-15T15:07:00.001-07:00

My friend Rita is a fabulous welder artist. Her designs are organic and even recycled. Check her art out: http://ritagrendze.carbonmade.com/

More Garden Inspiration

2010-05-26T06:49:00.001-07:00

Isn't it lovely...

My Garden of Inspiration

2010-05-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

Just a few shots of what's in bloom at my studio.

Whew

2010-05-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

A great big pile of new necklaces. All individually photographed and ready for ETSY.

Needle Felted OWL

2010-05-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hoot Hoot. This little owl was made with Wool Roving and a Styrofoam Ball. Super easy and cute as a button.

Finished Fish

2010-05-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE the way this Fish collage turned out. This is one in a series of 10 collages. This one is not for sale, but others are. Look to the ETSY store for Fishes available. Keep your eyes peeled for more collages to come...even ROOSTERs are on the horizon. Who woulda guessed!

Yellow as Sunshine

2010-04-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

Necklaces, my latest Excitement.

2010-04-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Check out my ETSY site, over to the right, for all my offerings. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy.

Springy

2010-04-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

New work in the works...

King Charlie

2010-03-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Well, he is at it again...King Charlie Cat cannot keep off of my fabric collages. He enjoys laying all over it - pins and all. Doesn't seem to care or be bothered. He's a very tactile cat, just like his mom. :)

Fabric Fish Collage o rama

2010-02-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

This is what is keeping me busy and on my toes these days.

The Dog days of winter.

2010-01-20T12:14:00.001-08:00

A new painting to share.

Some Recent Pet Tile Paintings...

2009-10-05T12:32:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year when my customers start thinking about the Holidays. Now is the time to order your Pet Tiles. These little beauties are such a lovely gift to give as well as receive. Get yours today.

Warm Apple-Cornmeal Upside Down Cake

2009-09-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

A fantastic recipe from Bon Appetit:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 pounds Braeburn or Golden Delicious apples (about 4 medium), peeled, quartered, cored, each quarter cut into 2 wedges
3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup boiling water
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole milk

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 9-inch-diameter cake pan with 1 1/2-inch-high sides; line pan with 10-inch-diameter parchment paper round (parchment will come 1/2 inch up sides of pan). Butter parchment. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 10-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup sugar and cook until sugar dissolves and mixture turns deep golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Add apple wedges and gently shake skillet to distribute caramel evenly. Cover and cook until apples release their juices, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook until apples are tender and caramel thickens and coats apples, stirring occasionally, about 13 minutes. Transfer apples and caramel syrup to prepared cake pan, spreading evenly.

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl to blend. Place cornmeal in large bowl; pour 1/2 cup boiling water over and stir to blend. Add 6 tablespoons butter and 3/4 cup sugar to cornmeal mixture. Using electric mixer, beat until well blended. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture alternately with milk in 2 additions each. Pour batter over apples in pan.

Bake cake until golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool cake in pan 5 minutes. Run small knife between cake and pan sides to loosen cake. Carefully invert cake onto ovenproof or microwavable platter and peel off parchment. Cool 15 minutes. (Cake can be made up to 6 hours ahead. Rewarm in 350°F oven about 10 minutes or microwave on medium just until slightly warm, about 2 minutes.)

Cut cake into wedges, place on plates, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Most Amazing Banana Bread Ever!

2009-09-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Recipe to follow.

Pasta with Savoy Cabbage and Pancetta...

2009-09-07T04:22:00.001-07:00

Pasta with savoy cabbage

serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 slices pancetta, cubed

2 shallots, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced

1/2 head savoy cabbage, thinly sliced

1 cup vegetable stock

salt

pepper

8 oz pasta, cooked in salted water and drained

1/2 cup grated pecorino

Heat the oil in a saucepan.

Saute pancetta, shallots, garlic and mushrooms until the onion becomes soft.

Add cabbage, saute until it gets soft.

Add stock and simmer until half of the liquid is gone.

Taste with salt and pepper.

Serve over freshly cooked pasta.

Sprinkle with pecorino and serve.

Chocolate BLACK OUT cake!

2009-08-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

I made this all time delish cake for my friend Rita's birthday bash. It was amazing and received lots of OOH's and AHH's.

Be sure to give the pudding and the cake enough time to cool or you'll end up with runny pudding and gummy cake.

Serves 10 to 12.

INGREDIENTS

Pudding
1 1/4	cups granulated sugar
1/4	cup cornstarch
1/2	teaspoon table salt
2	cups half-and-half
1	cup whole milk
6	ounces unsweetened chocolate , chopped
2	teaspoons vanilla extract
Cake
8	tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), plus extra for greasing pans
1 1/2	cups all-purpose flour , plus extra for dusting pans
2	teaspoons baking powder
1/2	teaspoon baking soda
1/2	teaspoon Table salt
3/4	cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1	cup strong black coffee
1	cup buttermilk
1	cup packed light brown sugar
1	cup granulated sugar
2	large eggs
1	teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For the pudding: Whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, half-and-half, and milk in large saucepan. Set pan over medium heat. Add chocolate and whisk constantly until chocolate melts and mixture begins to bubble, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in vanilla and transfer pudding to large bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.
2. For the cake layers: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in bowl.
3. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cocoa and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Off heat, whisk in coffee, buttermilk, and sugars until dissolved. Whisk in eggs and vanilla, then slowly whisk in flour mixture.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool layers in pans 15 minutes, then invert onto wire rack. Cool to room temperature, at least 1 hour.
5. To assemble the cake: Cut each cake in half horizontally. Crumble one cake layer into medium crumbs and set aside. Place one cake layer on serving platter or cardboard round. Spread 1 cup pudding over cake layer and top with another layer. Repeat with 1 cup pudding and last cake layer. Spread remaining pudding evenly over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle cake crumbs evenly over top and sides of cake, pressing lightly to adhere crumbs. Serve. (Cake can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

Meyer Lemon SCONES! Delish.

2009-08-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, chilled and cut into 10-12 small pieces
8 tbsp fresh meyer lemon juice
1 tsp meyer lemon zest

For Glaze:
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp melted butter
juice of one lemon (but you might not need all of it)

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add butter and toss to coat. Using your finger tips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles very coarse sand. A few large bits are ok, but most should be smaller than a pea.

Add 5-6 tablespoons of lemon juice and zest and stir dough with a fork. Add remaining juice until dough comes together into a not-too-moist ball. Divide dough in to two balls and flatten onto baking sheet to for discs about 1-inch thick. Divide each disc into quarters and separate slightly.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until scones are a light golden color. A toothpick should come out clean, but color is a reliable indicator for these.

For glaze: mix the sugar, butter and juice of half the lemon in a bowl. Add more lemon juice as required to get the consistency you want for the glaze. Glaze the scones hot from the oven.

These are delish first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. Enjoy.

Blueberry Time!

2009-08-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

My hubby surprised me and returned home with a big ol box of blueberries. I have been making blueberry this and blueberry that. If only I could share them with you. Or at least scratch and sniff.

Summer lovin'

2009-07-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

It happens so fast, summer that is. I have been putting a lot of thought into summer decorating and have decided to spruce things up around here. I've been painting cheerful colors all over the walls and adding new and parisian inspired furniture pieces and art. Now onto deciding which bed frame to purchase.

Summer Cake

2009-05-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

I am in love with cake. Especially cake that is HomeMade by me or my friend Rita. I prefer eating cake before dinner. Give it a try, it will make your day brighter.

Tootie Pockets are in...

2009-05-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Tootie Pockets are the new thing when it comes to the Tooth Fairy. All lovingly hand made in Illinois by me! Purchase yours today.

New Girls on the Bunny Block

2009-04-09T15:36:00.001-07:00

Just in time for Easter. Two sweet little bunnies for two sweet little girls. Thank you Tiffany!

A new Girl on the Block!

2009-03-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Here is the newest and cutest of my new Girls!

Purse Surfing

2009-02-24T16:42:00.000-08:00

Purses are so delicious to me. I especially like the ones that are made with Anna Maria Horner fabrics. So many to see, I have chosen some of my favorites. What inspiration!

A wishful Peek at Summer...

2009-02-12T11:25:00.001-08:00

There is nothing more summerie than fresh tomatoes from my garden. I love twisting and twisting the tomatoes until they release from the vine. BLT's are on my Radar! xo Holly

The New Year has flown by!

2009-01-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

How could this be...I just celebrated the New Year and I still haven't written my Resolutions! I think a cup of something hot in hand along with a pen and paper is a must. Off to write my Resolutions, while sitting on a compfy couch. See you soon.

Gnome it UP!

2008-12-19T06:45:00.000-08:00

Look at what my friend Rita is making...You can have one for yourself at her Etsy.com site...http://www.etsy.com/search_results_seller.php?search_type=seller_usernames&search_query=Emfredovich

Vintage Star, Oh MY!

2008-12-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have found a new favorite place, Megan Morrison Home and Garden in DeKalb, IL! Check out her site... http://www.meganmorrison.com/ I LOVE this store and highly recommend taking a trip to DeKalb to see it. Their Christmas displays were so Vintage Cool! Here is my Most Amazing Purchase! I have looked for something vintagie for many years now to go on my stone mantle. It has been a challenge finding something BIG enough to fill in the space! I think I might have to leave it up all year long!

Here are some other finds from her store. Love it!

Winter Container Extravaganza!

2008-11-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

The other evening I took an amazingly informative winter-garden-container class (say that fast 5 times). I took the class at one of my all-time favorite shops, Scentimental Gardens, http://scentimentalgardens.com/, if you are ever in Geneva, IL, you MUST stop by this place and have a looksie. It is well worth the trip. Be prepared to ooh and ahh at all the fun, frenchy finds. Here are the pics from my lesson:

I have NEW Product to show you!

2008-11-12T16:45:00.001-08:00

Hello, this has been long in the making...here is my new line of ADORABLE Ornament Sewing Kits - just in time for the Holidays! They are so much fun to make, I must say so myself. Each kit comes with all the trimmings to make one adorable felt ornament. With all of the buttons and sequins, this will be the hit of any tree. I will be adding other designs in the next few days...For ordering, please visit my Etsy page until I can get them on my website. Enjoy and Happy Sewing!

Oh So Chic and Dreamy

2008-10-27T13:42:00.001-07:00

Dreamy rooms are my thing...I want more than ever to create the most chic and dreamy master bedroom. Oh Honey, where's the paint!

Feathering my Nest

2008-10-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have been rearranging furniture in my house again. I tend to go in cycles with this. Now that the cold weather is setting in in Chicago, I am feeling the need to Feather my Nest. I have scoured the web and have found some inspirational rooms, no they are not my own, just one's that I admire and wish to be in with my friends and a nice cup of tea.

Chilly Days Ahead...

2008-10-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am trying not to think about the holidays...but, I just love them and want to share with you these cute little guys. How Fun!!

Vintage Jewels

2008-10-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

I just love Vintage jewelry. Here are some of my favorites.

A is for Apron

2008-10-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

I just love aprons. A few years ago I bought a dear friend a cool apron from Anthropology - it had a owl as the pocket. I am drawn to aprons. Here are a few of my favorites.

Fine Art, my way...

2008-10-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello again, A few posts ago I was saying that I was needing more fine art in my life. Well, I have created what I call, My Art - My Way.

I just love fish. I think in my previous life I may have been one.

I have used all fabrics for both of the fish art pieces. I will continue to bead and embellish, my way, of coarse. Enjoy. More to come.

The Red Room

2008-10-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

I came across this fun Red Room on the web the other day. I just love how it sings a song of delight. How could anyone wake up in a bad mood in this lovely space!

I think my husband will kill me if I paint one more room a loud color. The latest is a black and toast colored room. Very Chic!

I Love, LOVE, LOVE the table next to the chair, I must have that. Have fun. Bye for now.

CupCakes, oh my!

2008-10-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

What does it mean when you sleep and dream about CupCakes?! I have always had a thought that one day I would open a CupCake Bakery. My bakery would be vintage cool. I would serve the yummy cakes on old vintage plates, serve the best tea and coffee and greet all my guests with a warm, "How do you do." I would have all of my employees wear vintage-inspired aprons with cute jeans and fun tshirts. What would I call this special bakery? I would love to hear your ideas.

Isn't this CupCake Pincushion pattern adorable! I've got it... how about a CupCake Bakery with a sewing and crafting space - all in one! What Fun!

Forward March!

2008-09-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends, the last few weeks have been very trying for me. I am recovering from a terrible flood in my basement and have setup shop (temporarily) to begin taking orders and getting ready for the holiday season. I have been doing a lot of reflecting over the last week and have decided that I need more fine art in my life. So off I go to the art store to pick up some supplies to create more art. Every once and a while I get the itch to create, do you? I would love to hear what inspires you as well as the kind of art you make. I promise to post some new pictures soon of my new art projects. Bye.

Flood!

2008-09-15T18:13:00.001-07:00

I am just beside myself...my entire studio flooded, really bad! We are in the cleanup stages and will be back online as soon as we get a free moment and clean fingertips. Thank you for understanding.

What Inspires You??

2008-08-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just love seeing new fabric designs. Here are some of my favorites. What are your favorites?!

The Cutest Tooth Fairy Pillows!

2008-08-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

More Inspiration!

2008-08-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Boy, this makes me want to run to my studio and create! Here i go....

Inspiration Galore!

2008-08-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

While surfing the web this morning, I came across the most amazing quilt/fabric designs. I just had to share.

Welcome to a Colorful World...

2008-08-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello there. I am Holly Lynne, a designer, mother and a great friend. My blog will introduce you to my world of design and to my favorite things. Here are a few to get you started on my blog. Stay tuned, I have lots of great things to show you.