Hi folks,

The long weekend is here and today Friday is a gloomy one for sure, but weather predictors here say we will have a sunny days till Monday.

Please know that my prayers are with those of you in the southern USA as tropical storm Gustav makes his way. May he run out of steam, forget where he is going, lay down and have a sleep!

This newsletter has the pictures of the Acanthus Scrolls for the September 26 - 28 seminar.

For those of you registered for this class, I’ve sent everything to you via e-mail and post.

We still have 6 seats open, so please think about joining us.

You will receive patterns for both the large table runner that fits on Coyote Woodworks Order A119, and the matching chargers Order A141-4.

There will only be time in class for you to do the runner OR the chargers. All together this makes a beautiful and unique table setting.
Janet at Coyote is also designing more contemporary surfaces for the Jacobean design for this seminar so please check out www.coyotewoodworks.ca, click on “Maureen McNaughton Seminar Pieces” and you will see what she has designed. Janet also tells me that she has a sale coming up soon on her website, so be sure to take advantage of that.
  

OCTOBER 27 ALTERED ART - GUEST TEACHER
 SANDY SCALES

This will be the last seminar of the season and a perfect way to celebrate the wonderful time we have all had together in 2008.

Sandy will be attending my Botanical Seminar immediately preceding.

Bless her heart, after much pestering from our other students Sandy agreed to stay an extra day to teach us how to make these beautiful star books - just in time for Christmas gifts.

Closed and tied it is a lovely book to hold pictures. Open it fully to transform it into a beautiful star shape with pockets that hold the photos.

Hang it on your Christmas tree, in your window or fireplace mantel. Sandy is making kits for each student that will contain the paper, ribbons etc. She will teach us how to cut and assemble the books, do embossed stamping and antique burnishing. Everyone will add their own special touch to make their star book unique.

Seminar cost includes the supplies, notes and our usual delicious lunch and snacks.

The supplies you need to bring are minimal. Join us for a day of fun and celebration!!!

SEMINAR FEE: $85.00

The last project in the Botanical seminar is the botanical crocus. October 24 to 26.

All the painting are now on my website - so please do take a peak.

I am leaving you with a recipe sent in by Carol Gould, that is sure to satisfy those midnight cravings for chocolate.

Carol, you are a cheeky devil and if I gain a pound it is all your fault.

Love to all, Maureen

From Carol Gould, Illinois

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE (World's Most Dangerous Cake)*
4 tablespoons cake flour or all purpose (plain, no self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips(optional)
A small dash of vanilla flavoring
1 coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla flavoring, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

* And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!