Camper Cleaned ~ Crochet Time ~ . . . from the handiwork journal

The camper got a good cleaning, but we still need to clean the top canvas.  That's another day for us.

The floor was swept and mopped with my favorite cleaner.
Here are a few photos of some new items I crocheted for the upcoming Farmer's Market.  I've already sold a set of crocheted nesting baskets, and one pig ornament.

Crocheted nesting baskets.  The aqua baskets were sold.

Mug/coaster set, Harley Davidson inspired, with a removable motorcycle charm on the front.

Drink cups with lid and coasters to match.  A few more to make.

More mug and coaster sets. A few more to make.

Harry Potter Inspired Cup Cozies.  Woke up to find one gone.  Daughter stole it. Ugh. Kids.

More cup cozies to make, and possibly some crocheted earrings and matching necklaces.  It's just a matter of time.  The chicken coop needs cleaned, the tomatoes need checked, hot peppers and green peppers and berries need checked, garlic bed needs to be cleaned up and replanted ASAP......it's gonna have to wait until this market day is over (other than picking what needs picking).

I'm looking up info on how to get my tax ID to open my Etsy to the public.  I'm researching how to do the shipping costs too.  You never know, I may be trying it out for a year.  Stay tuned.  I'm a bit concerned on shipping the mug sets, considering I'd have to invest in packaging, so there's a lot to consider in everything.  

Hubby's cousin stopped in for a loooooong porch chat yesterday, so I lost time (although very much enjoyed her visit) with my handiwork progress.  Speaking of handiwork, I purchased a new canopy (ours broke a few years back), and bought a commercial grade one.  It arrived last week broken in two places.  Sigh.  I returned it, and they re-ordered it, with a discount.  We'll be giving it a try after the market day, but really needed it for the market day.  I'll be borrowing one until it arrives.  Then we'll take it camping to see how well it works compared to the flimsy cheaper grade ones we owned.

Homemade Madagascar Vanilla Extract

I've been making my homemade vanilla for years.  I simply purchase madagascar vanilla beans (non-gmo, organic), and organic vodka.  I'll admit, it's become more difficult to find an organic grain vodka, but make sure it's grain, not a potato vodka.

Place 1 cup of vodka in a pint canning jar.*

Slice 5 vanilla beans down the center of each, and then cut each bean in half. 

Place vanilla beans into the vodka filled canning jar.

Place lid/rim on and store in a cool, dark location for 3-6 months.

Shake the jar once a day.

Strain, and store in amber glass bottles.

It makes a wonderful gift for Christmas, so start early, and have it ready in time.  I purchased amber bottles, created my own label, and it was very much appreciated.  Include recipes, or the recipe to make it when gifting.

*use any glass jar that will hold 1 cup of liquid and still leave room for shaking the jar.