from getting started by cindy hoedel, kansas city star 5/1/11: Karen Tholen of Roeland Park creates custom necklaces using a family photograph in a soldered “frame” hung on a 16-inch sterling necklace; available in 1.5-by-1.5 inch or 1-by-3 inch pendant sizes. Photographs brought in Monday can be turned around for pickup Saturday, in time for … Continue reading →

By CINDY HOEDEL The Kansas City Star A roundup of nifty items for cooks of all skill levels. Uber-bownie mix ■ This crème brulée brownie mix ramps up the decadence factor of the classic dessert. Just add water, 4 eggs (really) and 1 1/2 sticks of butter (well, why not?). Makes enough for a 9-by-13-inch … Continue reading →

staff pick: coffee bean bag pillows The world goes through more than 100 million sacks of coffee beans each year, but most of the beautiful burlap bags go straight to the landfill. CasaBean Design of Chanute, Kan., has brewed up a plan to change that. Read more @ kansascity.com

while browsing on the website of one of our favorite magazines today, we came across this blog post and were so happy to see our cards! when you’re finished here, maybe you can make someone’s day and go write a letter…maybe even on a postage paid card! check out the readymade post here.

Foolproof ‘plants’
Stefanie Richwine of Independence makes faux terrariums of felted “rocks” and “plants” in domed glass pots, perfect if you’re looking for low-maintenance “greenery.”