Brian Francis

Author/Eater

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Church Bazaar Tour 2023

December 02, 2023 by Brian Francis in Crafts

Throughout November, I visit as many holiday bazaars as possible. They’re always an adventure and, more often than not, I meet at least one new friend named Jean. Here’s a round-up of my best bazaar finds from 2023.

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December 02, 2023 /Brian Francis
Bazaars
Crafts
Comment

Making Apple Head Dolls

October 28, 2023 by Brian Francis in Crafts

Apple head dolls don’t get the recognition they deserve. Each one is unique, they’re cheap to make, and no craft better represents the ravages of time. They’re just like people. Before you know it, the moisture has been sucked out of their faces and they turn into shriveled, toothless, leathery balls.

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October 28, 2023 /Brian Francis
Crafts
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Cool Whip Easter Eggs

April 15, 2022 by Brian Francis in Crafts

Colouring Easter eggs as a kid was always stressful. You ran the risk of your eggs cracking while they boiled. Then you had to mix the PAAS food colouring tabs in separate bowls. Then you had to deal with your mom hovering over your shoulder, saying, “If you stain my counter, so help me God…”

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April 15, 2022 /Brian Francis
Crafts
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Thanksgiving Paper Bag Cornucopia

October 07, 2021 by Brian Francis in Crafts

Recently, I came across a copy of Woman’s Day “Best Ideas for Christmas” magazine, published in 1976. It featured recipes like Avocado Ring with Crab-Meat Dressing, as well as an assortment of holiday craft ideas (never underestimate the versatility of a paper towel roll).

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October 07, 2021 /Brian Francis
Crafts
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Bazaar-o-Rama Week 4

December 01, 2019 by Brian Francis in Crafts

Well, I’ve put on 12 pounds worth of Mars Bars Slices and Peanut Butter Porcupines – and just in time for the holiday season! That can only mean one thing. Bazaar-o-Rama is coming to a close for another year.

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December 01, 2019 /Brian Francis
Bazaars
Crafts
2 Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama Week 3

November 24, 2019 by Brian Francis in Crafts

Another week, another round-up of church bazaar treasures! What did I find this past Saturday on my travels? Read on, dear reader.

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November 24, 2019 /Brian Francis
Bazaars
Crafts
8 Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama Week 2

November 17, 2019 by Brian Francis in Crafts

It’s been another exciting bazaar adventure of shopping, eating and making new senior friends. Here’s what I scored this week. 

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November 17, 2019 /Brian Francis
Bazaars
Crafts
2 Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama Week 1

November 10, 2019 by Brian Francis in Crafts

I’ve put on five pounds worth of leftover Tootsie Rolls and it’s dark by 2pm. That can only mean it’s November and time for Bazaar-o-Rama, my annual tour of holiday church bazaars. You know, I’ve been doing Bazaar-o-Rama since 2012. Why, you ask? Well, I’m cheap.

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November 10, 2019 /Brian Francis
Bazaars
Crafts
6 Comments

My Gingerbread House Obsession

January 02, 2019 by Brian Francis in Food, Crafts

Every Christmas, I take on an ambitious baking project. I tell myself I enjoy doing it, but, by the end of the project, I always wonder if I have some sadomasochist need. This year, I decided to make a gingerbread house.

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January 02, 2019 /Brian Francis
Food, Crafts
6 Comments

Witch Cut-Up Cake

October 31, 2018 by Brian Francis in Recipes, Crafts

A couple of years ago, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, talking about what I thought would be the new book trends. Cut-up party cakes was one of them. Apparently, the rest of the world still needs to catch on. Maybe people think turning a cake into an airplane is intimidating. But believe me, if I can do it, so can you. 

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October 31, 2018 /Brian Francis
Food
Recipes, Crafts
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