It's Bella-rific Friday, and I have some fun non-stamping news to share! I made a late post yesterday and gave you a little hint. I haven't seen any guesses yet, but I also know I haven't given it a whole lot of time.
(By the way, do any of you use Feedburner? If so, how do you get your posts to show up in GoogleReader and/or emailed out to your subscribers simultaneously with your posting? Mine sometimes take up to 24 hours to be updated/emailed out. Thus, if a post isn't made first thing in the a.m., it can get 'lost,' KWIM? I've tried doing a search to find out this info, but to no avail. So if any of you have the answer? Please share it with me!)
Anyway, the card I created with this week's Bella-rific Friday sketch (courtesy of Shannanabella) is your second hint... I'll go over the card details whilst you ponder the significance... Chefabella was colored with Copics and shaded with Prismacolors and odorless mineral spirits. Her kicky little apron was paper pieced. Don't you love that veggie background paper? It's courtesy of Basic Grey's Offbeat 6"x6" paper pad. The sentiment was hand-written, and the gingham brads were some that I found long ago at the Target Dollar Spot.
Be sure to check out Emily's blog today to see what the other Bella-rific Babes and the Sistahood created using this fab sketch -- lots of inspiration and just by leaving a comment, you could win some Bella Bucks!
Now for a little backstory on my scoopage. See, I've always been kind of a foodie at heart. I'm a decent cook for someone who is totally self-taught, though I'm utterly reliant on a recipe and my timing is terrible. I've long been a subscriber to Cook's Illustrated (greatest cooking magazine ever, IMHO), and I own countless cookbooks. I love reading foodie memoirs (The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, Calvin Trillin's Tummy Triology, and Ruth Reichl's books are particular favorites) , and have harbored a long-standing fantasy of attending the Culinary Institute of America.
Well, the whole Julie & Julia hype (regarding the current movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams) made me buy a second copy of Julie Powell's book about how she set a challenge for herself to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French cooking in one year. (My original copy was loaned out before I had a chance to read it and was never returned.) So, instead of my first edition hardback (which is now going for good money on eBay...), I bought a movie tie-in paperback while I was in Michigan and read it this past week. It was delightful, and re-kindled the abovementioned culinary school fantasy.
Clearly, CIA (the main campus is located in Hyde Park, NY) isn't an option, unless I wish to abandon my family. And if I were to do that? I'd definitely have to do something like work in the restaurant industry... um... no thanks. I don't actually know what I'd want to do with a Culinary School degree; I just want to go through the process of getting one. Better stick with the hubby and children. I looked at the culinary program at OSU Okmulgee, but that's a year and a half long and an 1.25 hours away, one-way. Just not feasible; at least, not now.
Sean, always the voice of reason in this particular household, suggested that maybe I should start slow and take a few cooking classes here or there, just to make sure it was something I truly wanted to do. As opposed to impulsively diving-in, full immersion (my typical style) and then deciding I didn't really want to invest so much time, money, and energy. I reluctantly lowered my sights and did an internet search for cooking classes in Tulsa.
My hopes weren't high. Most cooking classes I've seen are so specific -- learn to make sushi (I love sushi, but have no illusions that I'll ever want to make it at home; which is saying a lot because I'm fairly delusional, as a rule) or something related to whatever gadget they're trying to sell at Williams-Sonoma. But what to my wondering eyes did appear? It looked too good to be true: a course called 'Pro Chef I' at a Tulsa gourmet shop. According to the website:
And guess when the next semester starts? Next week! Is that kismet or what?! Well, I was so excited, I could hardly contain myself! I told my great friend and next door neighbor, Marguerite, about it the next morning on our daily walk. Her response: "I want to go to there!" a la Liz Lemon. By the end of the day, we were both signed up (there were only two spots left -- more evidence of destiny?), and starting next week, we'll be spending every Wednesday evening through November learning mad knife skillz and wearing our white chef's jackets just like the Cheftestants on Top Chef!
So you've been warned. This paper-crafting blog is going to be a hybrid paper-crafting/foodie blog for at least the next several months. Are you ready to cook vicariously?
Bon Appétit!
Supplies used:
Stamps: Chefabella by Stamping Bella
Paper: MFT Perfect Paper Panels, Pure Poppy & Ripe Avacado (PTI), patterned paper from Basic Grey's Offbeat 6"x6" pad
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils & odorless mineral spirits, PTI Pure Poppy grosgrain ribbon, gingham brads from Target Dollar Spot, Jody's Foam Boosters
AWESOME!!!! I hate cooking, but LOE watching my favorite show Top Chef...as a family, it's one we all three watch together. I would love to learn the skills, and know all the jargon that goes with what they are cooking on tv, can't wait to hear about your stories and hey....LOVE your card and that paper is perfecto!! How was the Bourdain book...love him too.
Posted by: paula | August 14, 2009 at 07:34 AM
REALLY great card Carole! You just inspired me to search for a cooking class nearby, and I found one and I registered for a series designed for the home cook. FUN!
Posted by: Karen Motz | August 14, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Good for you!!! I love to cook as well but my dream is to do cake decorating. I love to make desserts!
Great card, the coloring is exquisite and I can't wait to read more about your cooking adventures!
Posted by: Kim Howard | August 14, 2009 at 08:17 AM
LOL I can't wait to hear about your cooking adventures! Love your card, sistah!
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | August 14, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Super cute! I love the paper piecing and all that matchy matchy! :)
Posted by: jenn diaz | August 14, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah for you! How kismet is that??? I am super excited for you and the secret chef in all of us. I could spend hours, days, weeks, just watching cooking shows on TV, the Food network is my fav, but I have to give some love to the local public television stations that put some wonderful shows on as well! I hope you have the best time and I hope you get out of it everything you want. I will be looking forward to updates.
What a great card to go with your great news! You go Bella Babe!
Posted by: Darsana | August 14, 2009 at 09:38 AM
That is so cooooooooooool!! I want to sign up for the next
one. What's the deets on the store?
Posted by: Megan Lock | August 14, 2009 at 09:43 AM
you lucky gal! i also am a serious foodie! now i'm not a food snob...i'll eat anything, but if you wanna make me really happy feed me something a little on the gourmet side. we have a rule in my kitchen, when mom cooks something that is exceptionally outstanding i make the family all rave about it. i say, come on guys...this is rave-worthy...they look at me and with a low monotone voice they say ..."rave". now the payback...they are off to residence in a couple weeks so i am fully expecting some real raves when they come back for a home cooked meal!
Posted by: lindaH | August 14, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Yeah for you...though I can't imagine your quiet, reserved self diving into anything on a whim...Cute Bella card! Can't wait to hear about your Tulsa adventures. :)
Posted by: Lori Craig | August 14, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Congrats on your endeavour! Have fun and happy chefing! :) OH and super cute card of course!
Posted by: Jody Morrow | August 14, 2009 at 11:14 AM
This card is GREAT!!! I love it!!!
I HATE coooking though, so good luck with that.
Posted by: Meahni | August 14, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Well, since I'm a lucky grasshopper who just happens to be scheduled for a stamping session at your house on the 23rd - I expect a gourmet dinner upon my arrival!
How fun will this be? You and Marguerite will have a blast!
Posted by: Lesa Smaligo | August 14, 2009 at 01:20 PM
The other day I was looking at a recipe card posted on Splitcoast and low and behold, there is a web site for stampers/cooks and they swap recipes stamped out on nice cards. You may need to join! Great card and thanks for sharing. Keep us posted.
Posted by: Jane Harrah | August 14, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Good luck! Have a blast. I went to Johnson & Wales, our rival was CIA. :O) A little tip for you... get some powdered dishwashing detergent. Use that to wash your chef's whites. Keeps them sparkling clean.
Posted by: Lisa | August 14, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Hooray for your scheduled chef lessons and the inclusion of your friend. Sounds like you'll have Great Fun! It wouldn't be for me...I hate to cook. But thank the Lord for all those who really enjoy it 'cause I do love to eat!! I often ponder the mystery of why young men don't require 'loves cooking' to be on the top of the list of specs for a wife.
Posted by: Pat J | August 14, 2009 at 02:56 PM
congrats on your new adventure! can't wait to see posts of your delectible creations. (and woohoo for TC starting next week!)
Posted by: tracy | August 14, 2009 at 05:57 PM
love the card! Now ALL i wanna do is EAT, never mind cook ;)
Posted by: emily | August 14, 2009 at 09:26 PM
congrats on your new endevers. My son is a chef and the recession has hurt his job, but when I go visit him -- his skills have never left and he really amazes me.
Posted by: Karen Z | August 16, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Congratulations on your new adventure. How cool that you're doing it with a friend! Have fun with it! I'll be looking forward to your discoveries and recipes!
Oh yes. The card is great too. ;)
Posted by: Kathi | August 16, 2009 at 01:43 PM
I just loved this card Carole and I am so excited to see you're a Bella Babe now!! :D can't wait to see more Bella cards from you! I have Feedburner and I know all about the delay! I had it too and it drove me mad. There's a place where you can change the delivery options. It's under the Publicize tab across the top; then click on Email Subscrptions down the left hand side; then click Delivery Options under that heading and you can select what timezone and when you want Feedburner to deliver your posts. :) Hope this makes sense to ya!
Posted by: Sandra MacLean | August 17, 2009 at 03:20 PM
I'm usually just a lurker on your blog, but had to comment on this post - it's a great card and all the little details are perfect.
But the foodie thing - you're a woman after my own heart! I just started reading Julie and Julia LAST NIGHT! I'm a bit late on that bandwagon, but glad to be reading it finally, and can't wait to see the movie. And Kitchen Confidential - that was a real eye opener! Cook's Illustrated is my favorite too - Christopher Kimball is an awesome writer. If you don't get their newsletter, you should sign up. I have done some recipe testing for them and that's been really interesting. Anyway, good luck with the cooking school and I'll be anxiously awaiting the details!
Posted by: Robin Kirkpatrick | August 19, 2009 at 07:07 AM
one of my top fav bella images is chefabella! super cute card. I love watching Top Chef, Food Network Star and Chopped (esp love this one) - but I have no grand illusions to becoming a chef myself. BUT, I will love hearing about your hits/misses in cooking class! Do you read any food blogs? I recommend Smitten Kitchen, Bakerella and Annie's Eats - I droll at everything they make.
Posted by: Karen Sullivan | August 20, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Great card, the coloring is exquisite and I can't wait to read more about your cooking adventures!
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