Easy Valentine

Nothing says Valentines Day quite like hearts, flowers, and chocolates. Now you can combine all three in this easy Valentine project. These quick to make Valentines would be perfect to give out to your child's class mates.

The Easy Valentine uses a balloon stick with cup attachment (the kind that non helium balloons are attached to). The balloon cup is a nice base for the chocolate to sit on.

Supplies (for each Valentine)

• chocolate heart  
• clear cellophane measuring 4 x 4 inches
• printed cellophane measuring 6 x 6 inches
• pink tulle measuring 6 x 6 inches
• balloon stick with cup (they are readily available from ebay or a party supply store)
• clear cello tape
• printed washi masking tape

Method:

1. Position the chocolate on the balloon cup so that it is centred. Cover it with a clear square of cellophane, and twist the cellophane around the balloon stick and hold it in place with some clear cello tape.

2. Layer the tulle on top of the printed cellophane square. Fold the cellophane in half so that it is off centre - refer to photograph below. (The cellophane and tulle were tricky to photograph so I have used a square of origami paper as a guide).

3. Wrap the folded cellophane around the chocolate, and adhere with a small piece of washi tape at the base and where the cellophane overlaps.

4. Et Voilà! You could also add a label/tag to the stick with a Valentines message.

You can find some of our other Valentine projects here:

• Be Mine Valentines card
• Valentines Pot Holder
• Valentines Heart Garland
• Button and Felt Hearts

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Book Review: Stash Happy Felt

We have just returned from a fabulous family holiday to Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China which is why things have been a bit quiet around here lately! We have returned refreshed with plenty of ideas and inspiration. We have a few Valentines inspired projects that we will be sharing over the next week.

With many local book stores closing,  more and more people are now purchasing their books online. I don't know about you, but I am hesitant about buying craft books that I haven't been able to flick through or seen reviewed. I like to make sure that there is enough in the book to interest me or teach me a new skill, and a number of projects that I would be inspired to make.With that in mind, we are going to post regular book reviews here to keep you up to date with the latest publications relating to sewing, craft and baking. Thanks to the lovely folk at Capricorn Link, we have a number of new releases to share with you over the next few weeks. Please note that we are not paid to write the reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book.

Stash Happy Felt by Amanda Carestio

I really enjoyed reading Stash Happy Felt as felt is such a great medium to work with and is perfect for many projects as it does not fray. Stash Happy Felt features 30 fun felt projects for felt and fabric lovers. Many of the designs would make great gift ideas, and the projects are made from a combination of ready made felt - acrylic and wool; thick industrial felt; adhesive felt; felted sweaters; and wool rovings that are needle felted. The book has a handy Basics section that introduces you to working with felt with helpful tips and tricks. It also includes instructions on how to felt your own sweaters, which makes for an eco-friendly project.

The projects are many and varied. They range in complexity, with most being suitable for the beginner through to intermediate crafters. A number of projects would be suitable for an older child to make with some assistance/supervision. Some projects are entirely hand sewn and others require the use of a sewing machine. Templates are included in the book but most require the templates to be enlarged by 200 - 400%. 

The projects are designed by a number of contributors and they are all beautifully styled and photographed, and include a number of helpful step by step photos and diagrams.The projects include a sewing machine cosy, wine tote, baby booties, coasters, and a bookmark, and many more.

My favourite projects from the book include:

Woodland Bear, designed by Savannah Carroll

Mushroom Terrarium, designed by Lisa Jordan

Cutie Crown, designed by Cynthia Shaffer

Overall, if you enjoy making small gift items out of felt, then you will no doubt  find some modern and colourful projects in the book to interest and inspire.

Details:
Publisher: Lark Crafts
Publication Date: October 2011
ISBN: 9781600599255
Format: Paperback

In Australia, Stash Happy Felt is available online from Booktopia and Can Do Books.

Have you discovered any great craft/sewing books lately?


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How to Make a Pencil Case

With the new school year nearly upon us in Australia, I am making up a few easy zippered patchwork pencil cases. This is a great scrap buster project. The little zippered pouches can be used for all manner of things. Mine was sized to fit approx 6 pens; or a small pack of tissues; or a small notebook and pen; or a few cosmetics.

How to Make a Pencil Case 

Project Difficulty:  Beginner/Intermediate

Time Required:  1 hour

Finished project measures: 3 1/2 x 6 3/4 inches (9 x 17 cm)

Materials:

• Linen measuring 7" x 2 3/4"
• Fabric 1 measuring 7" x 1 3/4"
• Fabric 2 measuring 7" x 2"
• Fabric 3 measuring 7" x 2 1/4"
• Fabric 4 measuring 7" x 7 1/4 (lining)
• Flannel measuring 7" x 7 1/4" (batting)
• zipper measuring at least 7"
• Ribbon/tape measuring 3"

Note:  Please read all instructions before commencing the project. Careful and accurate cutting and sewing are essential to ensure success with this project. A seam allowance of 1/4in is included throughout.

1. To assemble the exterior of the pencil case, stitch the linen strip, to Fabrics 1, 2 and 3 (as shown in photograph). Press the seams open. Topstitch 1/8 " on both sides of each seam. 

2. Position the lining on top of the flannel rectangle. Pin the layers together, and quilt together through both layers in straight lines approx 1/2 " apart. 

3. Position your lining facing up on your work surface. Position your zipper so that it is face up with the zipper pull on the right side and the edge of the zipper is aligned with the long edge of the lining. Position the patchwork rectangle so that the right side is facing down, and the linen strip is on the right hand side. Pin in place. Using your sewing machine and the zipper foot, stitch in place through all layers. Refer to photo.

4. Align the other long edge of the patchwork pencil case exterior, with the other side of the zipper and pin in place so that the right sides are facing. Take the other edge of the lining, fold under the zipper, and pin this to the other edge of the zipper. Refer to the photo for placement, and stitch in place. It will appear that you have two separate channels, but once it is sewn in place and turned out the right way it will look like a pencil case!

5. Open the zipper and turn the pencil case so that the lining is on the outside and it is tubular in shape. With a pin, mark the midpoint of each side. Position the zipper so that it is in the centre of each side, and pin in place. (Refer to photo).  Fold the piece of ribbon/tape in half, and position it in the middle of the pouch (linen end). Stitch along each side. Then zigzag or overlock/serge to secure. Trim ends of zipper, Turn right side out and press. 

There you have it, a useful little pencil case or pouch to pop in your handbag. 

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January Sponsor Spotlight

We would like to warmly welcome our new sponsors for January.

Antipodean Love

Antipodean Love is an exciting concept store of gorgeous handmade Australiana and Kiwiana gifts. Kate has sourced some fabulous Australian and New Zealand designers and has assembled a lovely collection of products which would make the perfect gift for family and friends overseas. There are gifts for babies and children, homewares, stationery, jewellery and much more. With flat rate shipping, and free gift wrapping, Antipodean Love is the perfect place to shop.

Dinky-Dye Kangaroo Print

Stitching Cow

Whether your interest is patchwork and quilting, appliqué, or hand embroidery, you will find an extensive range of inspirational e-patterns and paper patterns available at Stitching Cow. All patterns are exclusive to the Stitching Cow website. Lenna also shares a terrific range of helpful tutorials and free patterns. If you love to create with fabric and thread, check out Stitching Cow.

Heirloom Ornaments

Ethos Design

Ethos Design is a Townsville based interior design company specialising in interior design for real people and real homes. They offer, an online interior design service which gives you all the inspiration, instructions and shopping lists you need to create your dream home. This is an interior design firm for those who want a beautiful home, but don’t think they should have to pay designer prices for it. It’s for those people that already have some great pieces and just need a hand putting it all together. Ethos Design provide decorating services for clients anywhere in Australia. You can also find more inspiration over on Anna's blog.

Ethos Design

You can find all of our wonderful sponsors' buttons over in our side bar. We are grateful for their support and would be pleased if you checked out their lovely stores.

Vinyl Lettering

I am trying to start this year with a more organised approach to life. I have bought all the school supplies and covered all the school books. It was an easier process this year as I will only have one teen left at school. The other one will be starting his engineering degree (I'm a very proud Mum!)

My word for 2012 is Update - i.e. modernize and refresh. I want to update my eating and exercise habits, update our home, and update my goals. With this in mind, I wanted to organise a few things to update my workstation at the day job to make it more personalised. We have to supply our own tea/coffee, so some vinyl lettering was in order.

I used the Cricut and the Tie the Knot Cartridge, to cut a Monogram for my coffee mug.

I used From the Kitchen Cartridge to cut a label for a tea cannister.

Next, I hope to find some prints to decorate the workstation. I found some lovely free printables over at The Handmade Home. - love the camper vans.

For another vinyl project, check out our Moustache Glasses.


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Tea and Cookies

One of my favourite stores is Ikea - I always manage to find something that I can't live without. What I love is that most of their products are really practical, well priced, and help with maintaining a tidy and organised home. January is always the month that I focus on getting organised.

This morning, Sarah and I took a field trip to Ikea and my favourite purchase was a Krus Jar with Lid. Sized at 24 x 19 x 7 cm, it comes with two transparent dividers and is the perfect place to store tea bags. As the container is clear with a clear lid, it is easy to see the contents.These containers, with their dividers, would have made perfect boxes to present and gift home-made cookies at Christmastime time - oh well, at least I will know where to look for cookie storage next Christmas!

The perfect accompaniment to tea, are Maple and Cinnamon Moustache Cookies. Sarah received a set of Fred Munchstache Cookie cutters for her birthday, and made up a batch of maple and cinnamon cookies. The cookie cutters come in a set of 5 moustache styles - one side of the cookie cutter cuts, and the other imprints the design. They were delicious and had us laughing as of course we had to pose with the moustaches before we ate them!

 Maple and Cinnamon Cookies

Ingredients:
 115 g (4 oz) butter, softened
1/3 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 3/4 cup plain flour
1 1/4 cup self raising flour
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 egg lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 180 deg C (350 deg F). Combine the maple syrup and egg. In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar with electric beaters until light and creamy. Fold the cinnamon and both flours through the butter mixture, alternating with the combined maple syrup and egg mixture. Stir until just combined.

Transfer the mixture to a floured surface and knead lightly. Roll into a disc, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll out between two sheets of baking paper.

Cut out the moustaches, imprint the design,  and place on lined baking trays, allowing room for spreading. Transfer to the fridge and chill for 15 minutes. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, until golden.

* This is not a sponsored post. We are recommending these products because we love them.


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Dust Cover

It is that time of the year, when I have an urge to get organised around our home. Now that the busy Christmas season is behind us, I am gradually going through each room and cleaning, organising, and finding items to be donated/thrown out. It feels really good to have everything in its place. 

One of the projects I came across today was a dust cover that I made to keep Sarah's First Holy Communion  Dress free of dust while it is being stored. It was this dust cover which was later reworked to include a side zipper and a closed bottom to become the Monogrammed Clothing Cover in the book  Fabric by Fabric One Yard Wonders. 


Sarah's dress has been stored this way for several years now (I should have ironed it again before the photos - oops!). I am planning on making some more dust covers to store some of her cute dancing costumes that she wore for dancing concerts when she was small - all the precious outfits I can't bare to throw away. I will also make a few for some of my winter jackets that always seem to collect dust on the shoulders when they are hanging in the walk in robe. 


If you would like to make your own dust covers to protect some of your out of season clothes or kids clothing/costumes, here are the instructions:

Dust Cover:

Measures: 21 inches x 29 inches (53 x 74 cm)

* If you want to leave off the monogram, just follow steps 3 and 4. 

Materials:

·         1 yard printed cotton

·         6 inch square of white cotton homespun fabric

·         scrap of contrasting fabric for monogram

·         20 inches of wide ric rac trim

·         co-ordinating thread

·         appliqué film (e.g. vliesofix)

·         5 inch square lightweight fusible interfacing

Supplies:

·         serger/overlocker

·         rotary cutter and cutting mat

·         compass and pencil

·         card

·         spray on starch

·         water soluble pen

·         pencil

·         computer and printer

·         pins

·         scissors

·         dinner plate

Method:

1.       Using your computer and printer, print out a monogram letter that is approximately 3 x 4 inches in size. (I used Notebook font, size 600). Cut out the letter. Trace the wrong side of the letter onto the back of appliqué film (i.e. paper side). Cut around the letter leaving approx ½ inch clearance. Press the appliqué film onto the wrong side of a piece of contrasting fabric. Cut around the letter. Peel off the paper.

2.       Using your compass, draw a circle that is 5 inches in diameter onto the card. Cut out the circle template. Trace the circle onto the back of the white fabric. Cut out the white fabric circle leaving ½ inch seam allowance. Iron a 5 inch circle of fusible interfacing on the back of the white fabric. Position the monogram on the centre of the white fabric circle and iron in place.  Using the sewing machine, stitch around the monogram using a buttonhole stitch. Moisten the edges of the white circle with spray on starch. Place it wrong side up on the ironing board. Place the card circle template on top, and then press the seam allowances over the edge of the card so that they are ironed under. Pin the ric rac trim around the circumference of the circle.

3.       From the yard of fabric, cut two rectangles that measure 22 inches x 32 inches. Use a dinner plate to round the top two corners on each piece.  Centre the monogram,  5 inches down from the centre top and stitch in place using a scant seam allowance so that the white circle and ric rac trim are sewn in place.

4.       Overlock the sides and top of each fabric piece. Pin right sides together. Sew from the bottom on one side around to the top and back down the other side, leaving a 2 inch gap in the centre top (for the hanger the fit through). Clip curves and press seam allowances open. On the bottom edge, fold up one inch and press. Fold up another inch and press. Stitch around hem. Press.

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Jam Recipe

I usually make jam the traditional way but have been keen to try out jam making in the breadmaker. My breadmaker machine is an older style Breville Baker's oven (approx 15 years old), and from my research it looks like most breadmakers these days have a jam setting.

The recipe is easy:

400g chopped/diced fruit of your choice
1 - 1 1/3 cups of sugar, depending on the pectin level of the fruit
1 3/4 tablespoons Jam Setta *

*Jam Setta is a jam setting mixture which contains the ingredient pectin which is usually naturally occurring in fresh fruit. It is the pectin in fruit which when cooked produces a gel. The addition of Jam Setta to bread making jam ensures a thicker setting action. It is available in supermarkets.

Follow the instructions on your breadmaker manual. On mine, there is a Jam Mode that is selected on the control panel, and then the breadmaker firstly heated the ingredients for 15 minutes, and then the jam was heated and mixed for approx 50 minutes. When cooked, pour the hot jam into hot sterilised jars and seal immediately. The jam thickens upon cooling and storage.

I used nectarines to produce a delicious Nectarine Jam - one of my favourites. At this time of year in Australia, nectarines are plentiful and cheap. It will mean we can have the taste of summer later in the year. You can find my other recipe for nectarine jam made the traditional way here.

Overall, I found the jam making to be quicker, easier and a less messy process in the breadmaker. I didn't have to stand by the stove, stirring the pot regularly, and testing the mixture to see if it had reached the "gel" stage. However, the recipe only yielded two small jars, a much smaller quantity than I usually make. It would be great if you only wanted to make up small batches at a time.

I made up some fabric tags to label the jam (refer to our Scrap Buster Gift Tags).

What is your favourite type of jam to make? Which method do you prefer?

Edit: I bought the polka dotted jar lids from Lark last year - they are no longer in stock.



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Flourless Chocolate Cake

Yesterday we celebrated Sarah's 15th birthday. We took a group of her friends out to our favourite local restaurant, and then we returned home for a special dessert that Sarah had made - Flourless Chocolate Cakes.

The Flourless Chocolate Cakes were delicious - with their crackly top, and their rich and fudgy centre. The cakes are made from an aerated chocolate custard, and the whipped egg whites give them a light texture. They sink after baking, as they do not have any flour to stabilise the mixture. They were especially nice served with creamy vanilla ice cream and chocolates. They got the thumbs up from Sarah's friends. I hope that Sarah will make them again soon.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
115 g (4 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar

Makes 10 cupcake sized cakes

Preheat oven to 135 degrees C (275 deg F). Line muffin tins with baking cakes. Melt butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl that is placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until combined, then remove the bowl from the the heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk in egg yolks.

With electric mixer, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until peaks are stiff and glossy. Fold one quarter of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture, and then add the remaining whites.

Divide batter among the baking cases, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until the cupcakes are just set in the centre, about 22 - 25 minutes. Keep at room temperature until ready to serve. The centres will sink as they cool.

They taste great with vanilla ice-cream.



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A Spoonful of Sugar Updates

Newsletter
We are excited to announce that we will be launching a monthly newsletter in 2012 which will contain a summary of our more popular posts during the month, as well as some newsletter only projects, recipes, reviews and inspiration! To subscribe, follow the link below or click on the link at the top of our sidebar.

Subscribe to our newsletter

The first newsletter will go out to subscribers in early February. We hope you enjoy some extra sugar in your inbox!

Owl Pillow

Advertising
We currently have a couple of advertising spaces still available on our sidebar, so if you want to grow your crafty business in 2012, now is the time to consider advertising! We can send extra traffic your way.

Why Advertise with A Spoonful of Sugar?
We are visited by a large and growing group of wonderful and loyal readers who share our love of all things creative. In December 2011 we had 112 977 page views and 65, 238 unique visitors; we have over 4300 subscribers with google feedburner; and are building a strong following on Facebook and Twitter. We have lots of exciting things planned for 2012!

For more details and to see our current rates, check out our advertising page.

Product Reviews
We love learning about new products and supplies that would be of interest to A Spoonful of Sugar readers, including books, sewing and craft supplies/equipment, baking supplies/equipment, and other home décor/lifestyle items. Requests for product reviews can be sent via email to

aspoonfullofsugargirls@gmail.com  

or via post 

A Spoonful of Sugar

PO Box 608

Hillarys WA 6923

AUSTRALIA 

Moustache Cupcakes

Butterfly Quilt

The Butterfly Quilt has now been completed, thanks to some quilting time over the Christmas break. I love the idea of scrap quilts - using all those treasured scraps and turning them into a useful quilt. However, in reality, I found that using such a varied and bright colour scheme didn't sit well with my tendencies to make everything neat and uniform. Nevertheless, I am pleased to have the quilt completed and the bright colours look great against the black background. It will be well used in our home theatre which is where the teens hang out with their friends, watching movies, and playing XBox etc. I am hoping that the black and bright colour scheme will prove to be a practical choice. I love the use of text prints in the butterfly blocks.

You can read more about the progress made on this quilt - here, here, and here.

I made 144 butterfly blocks which measured 4 1/2 inches square (unfinished) and 4 inches square when joined together. This made it a good size for a lap quilt.

The Butterfly Quilt is my first finish of 2012!

What is your favourite type/style of quilt - a scrap quilt, an improv design, traditional etc? I think I prefer quilts that are more simple and understated (they fit better with our décor). Can't wait to start planning my next quilt.

If scrap quilts are your style, you may wish to join the 2012 Sew Scraps Along over at Pleasant Home.
If you need some encouragement to finish those PIP's (Projects in Progress), check out PIP's over at Loft Creations.


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Welcome 2012!

Sarah and I would love to wish you and your families all the the very best for 2012! We hope that this year is full of good times with family and friends, and leaves you plenty of time for creative pursuits.

Sarah has baked up a batch of coconut cupcakes to start the New Year off with some sweetness. 

Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shredded coconut

45 g (1.5 oz) almond meal

1 cup sugar

1 1/8 cups plain flour

1/2 tablespoon baking powder

1/3 cup butter

1 teaspoon coconut essence

2 eggs

1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon coconut milk

Frosting:

2 cups icing sugar

2-4 tablespoons hot water

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon coconut essence

white pearls for decorations

Makes 18

1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C (350 F). Line muffin tins with paper liners. Sift together flour and baking powder; stir in coconut and almond meal.

2. With electric mixer on medium/high speed, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add essence and then eggs, one at a time, and beat until incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of coconut milk, beating until just combined.

3. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through until golden and cake tester comes out clean, for 20 -22 minutes. Turn onto wire rack to cool completely.

4. Frosting: combine butter, sugar and coconut essence , and whisk in hot water until it is has reached the desired consistency. Spread on cool cakes and decorate with pearls.

If you would like to make some cupcake flags, click on the link below to access the pdf file. Print them out on a sheet of white card, and then use a 2 inch scallop or circle punch to cut them out. Tape a toothpick to the back using a piece of masking tape.

Happy New Year Cupcake Flags

Best wishes for 2012! We hope you will continue to stop by our space here for lots of projects, tutorials, recipes,and inspiration!

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