I love fall! From now through the end of the year (maybe even into February) is my favorite time of the year! So many great holidays to make stuff for. Today is a little mix of some things I've been working on. (No time for a tutorial this week because I'm busy playing with stamps, NEW stamps that is! I'm finalizing the sets, and testing to make sure that they all work out just how I want them to! I can't WAIT to share them with you!!) Here's a few other things I've been up to: Sewing samples of my free fabric pumpkin sewing pattern (available here) for the class I'm teaching at CityCraft in Dallas next month. (They just opened … [Read more...]
Cookies and Weekends
Don't those two just go together? I hope everyone has big plans for the extended weekend! (Even if it's just big plans to relax.) While you're planning the weekend, I'd recommend trying these delicious cookies: Chocolate Surprise Cookies 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa (I used the Special Dark Cocoa.) 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup sugar 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup butter, softened 2 tsp vanilla 2 eggs 1 cup chopped pecans 48 Rolo Caramel candies 1 Tb sugar In small bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda; blend well. In large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar, brown sugar and butter … [Read more...]
Tutorial Tuesday: Spring Tostada Bites
I bet you're wondering how in the world tostadas could be spring themed...and my husband was wondering the exact same thing when I told him that's what we'd be having for dinner this weekend! I promise, it's simple and fun! You'll need the follow items: spring themed cookie cutters (I used a butterfly and flower cutter.) flour tortillas olive oil cumin and chili powder your favorite tostada toppings! (My favorites include refried beans, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, avocados and some salsa or pico de gallo.) Cut out your tortillas to make little bite sized spring shapes and place on your cookie sheet. (Who said … [Read more...]
Friday Favorites
It's Friday! Yippee! It's even been an incredibly nice day for spring in Chicago! I'm going to be here not only every Tuesday now for a tutorial but I'll be here every Friday for a round up of a few of the favorite things I've found from around the web this week. This could be a mix of crafts, recipes, decor, anything I saw that I liked. Here's the first installment: Hot Cross Bun recipe from Citrus and Candy. I think I'll be making these on Sunday morning, they look simple AND delicious! Practice your high school chemistry with basic ingredients you have around the house and make your own bouncy balls... Not that I need any … [Read more...]
Frozen Limeade Pie
by libraryman While most of the summer here in Chicago has been VERY mild, the last few days have been in the 90's and without air conditioning in our apartment it's gotten a little warm! I decided to whip up a quick frozen treat to help my husband and I cool down. I thought I'd share with you this simple recipe for making your own Frozen Limeade Pie! Frozen Limeade Pie Ingredients: 1 graham cracker pie shell (or make your own) 1 8oz. container Cool-Whip (I use the Lite or no fat one, it works fine for this recipe) 6 oz. container frozen limeade concentrate 2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream Here are the super difficult … [Read more...]
Tutorial Tuesday: Krispy Treat Gifts
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I had a LONG week last week so I was glad to get some relaxing and crafting done. I had a mini crisis when I realized Christmas is almost here! (Or at least, the time to send out all packages so that they get to family in time!) At work we use Photoshop a lot but I've been trying to use Illustrator a little more so today's tutorial I created for you in Adobe Illustrator! I hope you like it! This is a simple gift that would be great for neighbors or a stocking stuffer. It's also great for those that work. I've been taking it to work and it can be made in the microwave! It's a perfect single sized … [Read more...]
Post #99
So, I tried to post earlier, and then a little later...and blogger was having issues with uploading pictures. And now it uploaded my picture rotated the wrong way... Just one of THOSE days I guess. On to the project: Today I did a little gift for a few friend's birthdays today. I made a little fabric basket, and some homemade granola to go inside. (Click on the items to find the recipes/tutorials.) I made a simple treat bag topper to package the granola. I hope they like it! I do sell the treat bags in my store. They are a great size for homemade goodies! … [Read more...]
Cupcakes
Here is a new cupcake creation that I'd like to call "Lemon Eclair Cupcakes". Basically I used a lemon cake mix to make the cupcakes. After they were cool I used an icing tip and filled them with cool whip. This is the first time I've ever tried to fill cupcakes and it was much, much easier than expected. After that I made some lemon icing and used another one of my new icing tips to add a little yellow flower on top and topped them with fresh raspberries. Christian said they were the best cupcakes he's ever had! I thought they were pretty close to the top of my list too! … [Read more...]
The REAL Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe
I guess this year is Neiman Marcus' 100 Anniversary so today at the stores in Dallas (and maybe elsewhere but I'm not sure) they gave away a free cookie and the recipe. Some co-workers and I went there after lunch and picked up the goods. I'm sure at one point or another you've come across the email with the recipe and the story about the lady who paid $250 for the recipe and was miffed about the cost so she shared it with everyone via email...well supposedly that's an urban legend but anyway....here's the real recipe (and the best part was that it wasn't $250!!): by toadstool ring The Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie 1/2 cup … [Read more...]
