Seven years ago this October, I fell in love with my husband. It was a cool fall, one that promised snow plows and winter coats to come. In many ways, our dating relationship was effortless. We fell in love quickly and never looked back.
Together, we traveled to Spain and Portugal, Paris and London. We got married in a tiny church in Manitou Springs. We lost a father, a sister, and a nephew together. We ate breakfast tacos in Austin, bagels in New York, and lobsters in Maine. We learned to love each others families as our own. We ran through the rain together. We swam in the ocean together. And then we had our bright baby girl this June. Our greatest adventure for sure.
But perhaps, most importantly, we learned how to celebrate the others’ unique talents. Ryan pushed me to pursue my MFA in Creative Writing, and he helped me deliver wedding cake after wedding cake in Austin. He encourages me in small and big ways every day. So it is with much pleasure that I share some of my husband’s beautiful jewelry and offer the opportunity for one of my readers to win a pendant of their own.
Ryan has entered American Made, a contest that “spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade.” Starting today, you can vote for Stitch and Saw in the Craft Section of American Made. Winners are determined entirely by popular vote…every click counts! Not only does this give Ryan the opportunity to win 10,000 dollars as well as a feature in Martha Stewart, but it also offers nation-wide exposure. We’re both excited for what this contest might bring.
In Ryan’s own words:
“My name is Ryan Kulp, and I make jewelry in the foothills of Colorado. My designs combine wood, fibers, and metal. I took up cross-stitching three years ago. After stitching a few larger pieces, I found my niche in creating small portraits of animals. Because my grandfather and father both worked with wood, I wanted my creations to also reflect that heritage. I began salvaging fine woods from local cabinet makers and cutting out the wood discs that now serve as the backs of my pendants. Each pendant is designed and stitched by hand. Using the very best materials and unique designs, I hope to create pieces that make people smile and reflect on the small things that make life beautiful.”
If you’d like to be eligible for the giveaway, please vote for Stitch and Saw on the link below and then share your favorite animal pendant in a comment on this post. UPDATE: THE AMERICAN MADE SITE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. IF YOU CAN’T VOTE AND WOULD STILL LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GIVEAWAY, PLEASE FOLLOW US ON AT LEAST ONE OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS BELOW. THANK YOU!
Additional entries will be accepted if you follow either of us on:
Facebook
Anecdotes and Apple Cores
Stitch and Saw
Twitter
@anecdotesapples
@stitchandsaw
Instagram
@cakestand
@stitchandsaw
Pinterest
Monet
Please leave us additional comments telling us you did so. THIS GIVEAWAY CLOSES ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 31st at 12 PM EASTERN.
And because it’s Monday…and we all need something sweet, I’m sharing this Lemon Rosemary Bundt Cake. It’s light and bright and a perfect way to celebrate a new day.
Lemon Rosemary Pound Cake
Pound Cake:
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Rosemary, Crushed, divided
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Lemon Extract
4 eggs
Lemon Rosemary Glaze:
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Rosemary, Crushed
For the Pound Cake, preheat oven to 325°F. Generously grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Sprinkle bottom of pan with 1/2 teaspoon of the rosemary.
Mix remaining 1 teaspoon rosemary with remaining cake ingredients in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 minutes. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
For the Glaze, mix confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon rosemary in small saucepan. Bring to boil on medium heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 1 minute. Remove cake from oven; pierce cake surface deeply with a fork, about every inch. Spoon half of glaze over hot cake in pan. Let stand 10 minutes. Invert cake onto serving plate. Spoon remaining glaze over cake. Cool completely before serving.
Monet
Anecdotes and Apple Cores
Wow, you are both very artistic, love those pendants for sure….and needless to say, that delicious cake as well:D Wish you both best of luck in the contest!
Your hubby is so talented!!! I think the sheep is so cute!
These pendants are absolutely gorgeous! My husband and I were at an Etsy craft show type thing on Governor’s Island in nyc yesterday and I saw something extremely similar-mini cross-stich pendant necklaces…which is strange since I had never seen anything like this before. Ryan’s are seriously so so cute 🙂 I especially like the lil fox! Love that you encourage and support each other so well!
My vote goes to the fox, for sure!
Thanks for the heads up on the giveaway you left on my blog, but you know I’d be here anyway, right?
It is amazing how we never know all the ups and downs and adventures we’ll go through when we fall in love with someone – it is like being born again, we must enjoy the ride, each moment, and you do so beautifully!
the pound cake is awesome too, I find myself more and more focused on all “other things” going on in your life, and sometimes neglect to comment on the recipe.. sorry!
Those are the CUTEST necklaces! I love them! Definitely voting 🙂 And what a lovely cake as well.
Nice pendants! I was happy to click on the link to vote for Ryan – he does good work. As do you with this cake! I love rosemary – wonderful idea using it in pound cake. Thanks for this.
What a sincere post, it made my morning have a big smile. 🙂 I would like to eat 6 pieces of this pound cake – please! Many congrats and good luck with the contest!
Good luck to Ryan!
Monet and Ryan, you are both so incredibly talented! I am amazed at these pendants, they are beautiful and unique and actually I love them all but my girls (hovering in the background) are voting for the rabbit (they are partial since they are the proud “keepers” of a dozen bunnies) – oh, to be so talented!
Whishing you the very best of luck with the contest!!!
Lots of hugs from all of us – we will now switch over to the site and do our best to vote!
Good luck to Ryan — love the necklaces, and I love your cake!!
I LOVE Ryan’s pendants! I remember seeing your chicken pendant you wore to work one day…I was completely enamored! I of course voted for Ryan. ~Tanya (Still waiting impatiently to meet miss Lucy 🙂 )
Monet and Ryan, everything is so lovely! I will make up this cake and my fave is the fox! I tried to vote but can’t get to correct page. I will keep trying! I follow you both on all your social media links xox
Monet,
You and Ryan complement each other so well, with your talents and families. Ryan’s pieces are wonderful, depicting Americana. Going to vote for the Fox right now, because I live in the Fox Valley:)
The pendants are just beautiful and your cake looks fabulous, I have to try your recipe! Nettie
Dear Monet, i started following your blog since not so long ago, i was looking for a special yogurt cake for my Lucy, i found your recipe, i loved the blog and you were pregnant of a little Lucy!!
Each week, i love getting updates and new ideas… now i just found out the awesome little friends you husband creates… You’re such a talented and sweet family! Never stop doing what you love, cause the feeling it leaves is contagious..
(i’m in love with the sheep..)
Anyone that would take a moment and get to know you both through your blog would know that Stitch and Saw would be the ideal candidate for American Made. We all could learn a few things from you both.
These creations are beautifully handmade. I’m partial to the fox I think, but I really can’t pick a favorite. For some reason the fox speaks to me the most.
I hope you have a great start to your week! Thank you for everything you share.
Oh my goodness, that fox is adorable. I’ll give voting a go, hope your husband is the winner!
I voted for him on the website. It was slow, but it worked for me. I am loving the fox pendant. I wish there was a rabbit one too. My daughter was born in the year of the rabbit and I think that would be so cute. However, I having been loving pretty much anything fox these days.
Ohhhhhh my gosh, these are so cute! Your husband is so talented! Love them all, but I think that fox is my favorite– too cute!
I just voted! These necklaces are really wonderful! Cross stitching is something I wish I could learn to do. There’s something really special about it.
All the pendants are great but I think my fav is the hen. That pop of red on the fox is awesome but the little hen is too cute. Good luck to your husband!
The pound cake looks lovely and your husband’s necklaces are darling! I really love the fox one.
What a great opportunity for you and Ryan! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I sure do miss you and Ryan. I can’t wait to meet Lucille either!
I voted as many times as I could. The fox is my favorite 🙂
I followed you both on instagram as well! Too excited for you two!!
Phooey, my vote did not go through, but I’ll be back to try again! You and Ryan are both so talented!
i met you guys at renegade last year and have been in LOVE every since! I of course love the fox pendant as it is my nickname. best of luck to you! ill keep trying to vite until it works agian
Hi Monet,
You and Ryan are both a talented couple! Already voted for Ryan and glad to! I really hope he wins and continue on to pursue his dreams!
The cake looks lovely, the kinda cake I love to snack on, anytime I want to!
The pendants are all so beautiful, especially the Hen pendant, it really is very cute and homey!
A hug for baby Lucy!
Lovely looking drizzle!
Your blog is my most favorite to read. Always brightens my day and is always something I can relate to and find encouragement/wisdom in.
Ps. Definitely voted! And my favorite is the sheep. 🙂
Love the pendants made by Ryan. He is incredibly talented! I’ve voted!
Hi Monet & Ryan, I’ve voted! Love the cute and pretty pendant. Ryan, you’re so talented. Wish you all the best.
I’m also a cross stitch fan, used to do a lots of cross stitching but age catching up, so slow down. 🙂
Monet, your pound cake look absolutely delicious and the texture look moist and soft. Thanks for sharing the wonderful recipe.
Have a lovely week ahead,regards.
I had a 7th marriage anniversary last month. You two are great together. I love your small family. Lucy is so pretty. I did not know that Ryan has such a lovely talent. I’d love to get one and I am glad that I’ve discovered your instagram, so I can see sweet Lucy more often. I think I coted. I pushed the bottom and then the website went blank, so I am not sure. Will try again for sure. Good luck Ryan! And I love one with fox.
How exciting!! That is such a great contest. Even if you guys don’t win (which I hope you do) it gives such awesome exposure! Off to vote! And I follow you on Twitter!!
Aw, you two are both so talented : ) I loved reading more about your story together. Good luck to Ryan in the contest – just voted! I think the sheep is absolutely adorable!
Hey Monet!! What a great giveaway! I followed you both on anything and everything I could. I couldn’t get on the website this am. I will try again. Ryan’s jewelry is so pretty, this reminds me of my family. We cross-stitch a lot. If you don’t win the giveaway is there any way to buy Ryan’s things?
Ryan is such a gentle soul, I can feel it without ever having met him in person – I love how God has brought you two together and what a beautiful life you are building. There is no storm you can’t weather!!! I love the chicken ~ kind of reminds me of a mama hen and I always call my children my little chickens so that pendant just really makes me smile. voting for Ryan, and am a fan of your pages.
These are so cool! I love the fox. This cake sounds delicious too!
How cute are these necklaces!!! Your hubby has got some good talent! I’ll take a slice of cake and a necklace please 🙂
Voting worked to day…whew!!!
Thank you Liz! You’re just lovely 🙂
I am so glad it allowed me to vote! Best of luck to Ryan!! You are both so talented. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him. My favorite animal pendant is the rabbit but it is so hard to pick. Thank you for the chance to win 🙂
The pound cake looks so beautiful on top of the lace!
Dear Monet, Thank you for letting me know about your giveaway.
I did cross stitching when I was a girl. This is a beautiful way to express yourself and create.
These pendants are lovely. I like the lamb pendant.
The lemon-rosemary cake sounds like a perfect companion for a good cup of tea.
Rosemary is a favorite for me. I am new to loving rosemary. I planted it in my garden a couple of years ago and now love it.
I hope all is well and happy.
Blessings my dearest. Catherine xo
Good luck in the contest! I have heard about it before and think it is great to showcase American made products. This cake looks awesome too. Always fun to bake with herbs.
This post is so sweet, Monet! You and Ryan have been through so much together and you are an inspiration to everyone. I voted – with five daily votes, actually, so I think I’ll be checking back in tomorrow 😉 The rabbit pendant caught my eye at first, but then I saw the buffalo, and WOW! Love them all 🙂
Enjoy every last bite of your delicious pound cake!!
This cake looks scrumptious! And I love Ryan’s creations! I voted for him (as many times as I could 🙂 They are all adorable, but the fox is still my fave. Best of luck to Ryan and thank you for the chance to win!
Ryan’s work is so lovely, you should be so proud… and it’s so clear that you are! Congratulations to him on this exciting nomination and best of luck to him with all of his endeavors! He’s certainly got my vote. I love the little chicken pendant best! Reminds me of my days on the farm.
Hi Monet, Love the sheep! You have such a creative husband…lovely pieces! I followed you both on fb.
I am drooling for that cake…great flavors and it looks so moist and delicious!
Hi Monet, I have voted. You both are so do lovely work. I love the fox and your pound cake. Good luck to Ryan I hope he wins.
I love Ryan’s pendants. Of course I’m partial to the chicken because we raise them 🙂 Love that we got to see his work and yours both in the same post Monet. That cake sounds like a winner too! Have a great week and tell little Lucy I said she has the best parents a little girl could ask for 🙂
You and Ryan are both so talented! The pendants look so beautiful!
The cake has such a fine and smooth texture…must be very delicious too.
I love your stories about each other. It’s so sweet. You two are like a fairy tale couple 🙂 I love his art, it is truly beautiful. Your cake isn’t bad either Monet!
So beautifully written! The cake is stunning! I love all the pendants but my favorite pendant will have to be the duck.
Not only do your recipes look delicious, but your husbands pendants are adorable. You have got all five of my allowed votes today and I will go back tomorrow and give five more! Wishing him the best of luck with the contest!
just voted! you are such a special couple, and now trio with lucy! love his work! the fox is too cute! but all are great. best luck to him!
He’s got my vote ! I live the fox, for sentimental reasons<3
I voted! My favorite is the red cardinal made specially for me that made me cry. Love and miss y’all.
I love his pendants. Ryan is very talented! I’ve been trying to vote for days and it’s just not working. I’m going to keep at it.
I absolutely love the fox pendant, have done since I first saw it. Ryan your work is stunning, and as someone who cross stitches occasionally, I’m amazed at how small and delicate your pieces are!
This is so exciting. I sure hope Ryan wins. His work is beautiful and like nothing Iv’e ever seen. I love all the pendants but I think my favorite is the Mallard. I think what draws me to the necklaces so much is the memories they evoke for me. I remember being a little girl siting with my grandma learning to cross stitch. I voted on MS and I started following Ryan on Twitter!
I voted! Good luck. Ryan’s necklaces are awesome.
Those pendants look amazing, what a lovely job your husband does! I’m voting right now, best of luck for him! 😀
(And the cake looks amazing, so delish) x
LOVE the Buffalo 🙂 Voted and shared on facebook!
I voted for your hubby!
LOVE the story, the history and the beauty of Ryan’s necklaces!
I now follow you both on Twitter.
Ryan I hope you win – this is awesome work you’re doing creating this delicate and gorgeous things of beauty – non-traditional ‘role’ and deeply admirable.
Delicious looking pound cake.. Love that u used rosemary!!
I voted for Ryan 5x today! 🙂 wishing him good luck! He is incredibly talented and definitely deserves the win! The fox necklace is my favorite.. So cute!
Good luck to Ryan! 🙂 I voted today 5 times as well 🙂
Greetings from Sweden!;)
Good luck to Ryan…voted 5 times! I can vouch that the pendants are lovely after seeing yours in person in Austin last Summer. Would love to have one to wear around San Antonio!
Hi Monet! I love both your recipes and Ryan’s necklaces; I voted five times for him today! My fiance’s mother would absolutely love the buffalo pendant–it’s her spirit animal:) She’s a warm and giving person and has always put her family before herself. Surprising her with this would put such a smile on her face!
I also follow you on Facebook and Instagram:)
good luck ryan! the pendants are lovely. do you have any cows in your menagerie?
Oh my word, I love the buffalo!
Voted!! And Following You Both On Instagram!!
Love The Fox!
My favorite is the bunny of course! I voted for you and of course, I follow you on facebook. 🙂
Love to hear about how supportive you two are of each other, and to hear of your business ventures.
I voted and hope Ryan wins! He is so talented, and I love how much thought and care are put into his pendants. The chicken is my favorite. 🙂