The Parisian Pouch

Regular readers of our blog, may recall the zippered pouches that we made here, here, and here. We have had a lot of enquiries about this pattern over the past year or so. It is such a handy size and shape and is perfect for all manner of things.I finally got around to drawing up a pattern and it is now over in our Etsy store. It is called "The Parisian" as we love all things French and Sarah is heading to Paris in a few weeks time on a school study trip. Sadly they didn't need any parent chaperones to accompany the students, but at least Sarah will have a handy pouch for her travel essentials:)

You can find The Parisian PDF Sewing Pattern here.

Contempo Doorstop

One of my goals this year is to make more items for our home. One project that has been top of my list for a while is to make some doorstops. We have a few sets of internal French doors which often slam when we open up the windows to let in the strong afternoon sea breeze (one of the issues living so close to the ocean)- but not any more!

I designed a doorstop pattern - I wanted a more modern contemporary look. For the study, I used Authentic Fabrics by Sweetwater. My husband is an engineer and loves numbers and mechanical gadgets. I found a great Steampunk Clock over at The Graphic Fairy and applied it to the front panel using a photo transfer sheet. It looks great with the black and woodgrain study furniture.

For our home theatre, I used fabrics from the Metro Living Collection by Robert Kaufman, so the doorstop matched the pillows  I made last year. I didn't add an image to this one as the fabric is so bright.

Next I plan to make one with an Eiffel Tower on it for our family room. Just waiting on some recently ordered fabric to arrive.

The Contempo Doorstop Pattern is now available on our Etsy Store. It is an 11 page photo tutorial with full sized pattern pieces. It is suitable for a confident beginner or intermediate sewer, and can be easily constructed in an afternoon. They would make great gifts.

Project linked up to Brag Monday over at The Graphics Fairy.

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Book Review: Whoopie Pies

This week we have a cookbook to review for you, thanks to our friends at Capricorn Link (distributors). Whoopie Pies by Viola Green is a fabulous cookbook which shows you how to make over 80 varieties of pies. Those of us in Australia, haven't grown up with Whoopie Pies. However they seem to be growing in popularity and after looking at the book, I can see the attraction. A Whoopie Pie is essentially a sandwich made from two soft cookies with a creamy filling in between. According to Amish legend, Pennsylvanian women would bake the pies from left over cake batter as a lunchtime dessert. Baked for less than 10 minutes, the Whoopie Pie is a quick and easy to prepare treat.

The book includes a handy section on Whoopie Pie Essentials - covering all the basics, and giving tips and tricks to ensure success. The recipes are divided into: The Creamy Fillings, Fruit Delights, Chocolate Oasis, Savory Bites, The Classics Whoopie  Style, and Holidays and Special Occasions.

Here are some of our favourites -

Blueberry Whoopie Pies

Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pies

Sweet Potato and Thyme

The book is full of inspiring recipes and photographs. I love how you can combine the different cake batters and fillings to make such a wide range of pies - perfect for every occasion. For Christmas, I bought Sarah a Whoopie Pie Pan, with cavities to make the cake batter so that they form a perfect circle. I can't wait to try out some of these recipes.


Book Details:
ISBN: 9781936140527
Format: Hardcover
Published: 1 October 2011
Publisher: Imagine Publishing
Pages: 144

In Australia, Whoopie Pies is available from  Booktopia and Fishpond.

Do you have a favourite recipe for Whoopie Pies?

A Sprinkle of Sugar

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to our newsletter over the past few weeks. We have been blown away by the number of subscribers we have received:)   The first issue of "A Sprinkle of Sugar" was published today and should be arriving in your in boxes soon. We hope it has added a little sweetness to your day. It includes a newsletter only project, as well as links to some of our most popular projects over the past few weeks. We aim to send out a newsletter each month to keep you up to date on all the goings on here at A Spoonful of Sugar. We would love your feedback on "A Sprinkle of Sugar" so we can bring you the best newsletter possible.

If you haven't already signed up and would like to join the fun, you can sign up here:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Lisa and Sarah x

Easy Sponge Cake

It has often been said that the measure of a good cook, is the lightness of their sponge cake. It is a classic recipe that can lend itself to so many possibilities. It can be filled with jam and cream, filled with lemon curd, or rolled into a Swiss roll.

Sarah made her first ever sponge cake on the weekend using this easy recipe. It tasted just like the ones my Grand mother used to make.

Ingredients:

3 eggs

3 extra egg yolks

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

pinch salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup plain (all-purpose) flour

1/4 cup corn flour (corn starch)

1. Cover the bottom of a 23 cm (9 inch) spring form pan with baking paper. Preheat oven to 180 deg C (350 F).  Half fill a saucepan with water and put it on the heat until the water is simmering.

2. Combine eggs, egg yolks, vanilla and salt in the bowl of electric mixer. Whisk on low speed to until eggs are combined, and then gradually whisk in the sugar. Place the bowl over the simmering water and gently whisk until the mixture is luke-warm  - 45 deg C (115 F).

3. Place the bowl back on the mixer and whip on medium high speed until the foam is tripled in volume and light in colour (3-4 minutes). 

4. Mix the flours together. Sift 1/3 of the flour mixture over the egg foam. Use a large spatula to fold the flour  through the egg mixture. Add the rest of the sifted flour in two lots, folding well after each addition.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until the sponge is well risen and feels firm when pressed in the centre, approx 25-30 minutes.  Remove the cake from the tin and place on wire rack to cool.

Sarah brushed her cake with a vanilla syrup, and then covered it in butter cream frosting. It was a special afternoon tea treat.

Winner of Ethos Design Giveway

Thanks so much to everyone for entering our recent giveaway to win a ReFresh Kit from Ethos Design, valued at $249. A 'Re-Fresh' kit is a decorating plan which uses your existing furniture and suggests new artwork, accessories, window treatments and rugs to reinvent your room. A new layout will be suggested to make the space work better for you, and the kit includes all the sources, instructions and tips you need to pull it all together.

The lucky winner is Jamine Barton - we have sent you an email!

Chocolate Cookie Recipe

If you are after a simple and quick chocolate cookie recipe - this is it! Sarah baked these yesterday and they are absolutely delicious. So chewy and chocolatey....

Ingredients:

• 170 g (6 oz) dark chocolate coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 g) butter
• 1/3 cup plain (all purpose) flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups caster (superfine) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 oz milk chocolate chips or coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 180 deg C (350 deg F). Line two baking trays with baking paper.

Melt together the dark chocolate and butter. Allow mixture to cool. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together/ In another bowl beat the the eggs, sugar and vanilla until thick and creamy. Stir the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, followed by the flour and chocolate chips/chunks.

Drop tablespoons of mixture onto baking sheets and bake for 8 - 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Makes 24

Trust me, they are the most irresistible chocolate cookies - you won't be disappointed.

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A Spoonful of Sugar is Now on Etsy

I am very excited to announce that I have finally opened an etsy store to sell some of my designs as pdf sewing patterns. The first pattern I am launching is for a Peanut Pillow. You may recall that I mentioned it here. I made up a batch at Christmas time and we used them on our long flight to Shanghai a few weeks ago- they provided us with great neck support and were so much better than those airline pillows.

Here is a peak at the pattern:)

The patterns are in pdf format and will be emailed to buyers usually within a few hours (depending on your time zone) and certainly within 24 hours. I am new to etsy so hope everything goes smoothly (fingers crossed!)


Thanks to my sweet husband who used his great computer design skills to draft the pattern template. 

I have a number of other patterns in progress. Hope to be adding to my store soon.


You can find A Spoonful of Sugar on etsy here.

Book Review: Sew Up a Home Makeover

Sew Up a Home Makeover, by Lexie Barnes, arrived at the perfect time for me. After living in the same home for just over 8 years (a record for me as during our 21 years of marriage we have lived in 4 countries, 6 Cities, and moved 14 times)  it is time for a bit of an update.

Sew Up a Home Makeover includes 50 simple sewing projects to transform your space. The projects are inexpensive to make and can be easily customized to suit your taste and furniture proportions. The book includes a helpful section to read before you get started. It helps you identify your style, function, comfort, and budget goals; and encourages you to take an inventory of what you already have - chances are some of it can be re-purposed or altered to fit in with your room make over.

The projects are designed for anyone with a basic sewing knowledge. The book also includes a tips and techniques section which serves as a helpful reference. The projects include everything from cushions and slipcovers, lampshades, basket liners, wall art, napery, and duvet (doona) covers. There is plenty of inspiration for every room in your home.

Some of my favourite projects include:

Folding Organiser

Kids Room with Bed Canopy and Marshmallow Cushion

Nursery with Tulle Canopy, Box Cushion, Felt Mobile, and Appliqué Blanket.

Book details:
ISBN:  9781603427975
Format: Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher: Storey
Published:  24th September 2011

The Book is available in Australia from Booktopia, Fishpond, and Can Do Books.

If you are planning a home makeover, be sure to enter our Giveaway from Ethos Designs to win a Room "Re-Fresh Kit" valued at $249 (for Australian and New Zealand residents only). You can enter here or log into raflecopter with your email or facebook below.
TIP: If you don’t see Rafflecopter Click READ MORE below, and it will then show the Rafflecopter Form!!

Guest Post and Giveaway: Ethos Design

We would like to warmly welcome Anna, from Ethos Design, a very talented interior designer who has been helping us "update" our meals/living area. Today Anna is explaining her design process, and is offering a very generous giveaway (details at the end of this post).

* * * * * *

Hello everyone! I'm Anna from Ethos Design. I was very excited to have the opportunity to help Lisa and Sarah update their living space. Lisa wanted to keep their existing furniture, and use accessories to modernise their open plan space, and inject some colour and personality.

This made Lisa the perfect candidate for one of my "Re-Fresh" kits which uses your existing furniture and suggests new cushions, artwork, window treatments and accessories to update the space and give it a 'freshen up'.

I'm here to give you a quick summary of what I suggested in Lisa's 'Re-Fresh' kit so you can see the changes I've suggested.

Here is the photos Lisa sent me of her existing space...

There's definitely nothing wrong with the space; it's a lovely, comfortable family home! But, I could see a few areas where we could make some improvements...

1. Timber. Timber gives a home a lovely warm feeling, and is used extensively in Australia. However, a lot of timber in a space can make it feel very warm. I wanted to bring in some cool colours to contrast with the warm orange of the timber.
2. Colour. The only dominant colours in Lisa's space is the black of the lounges, and the warm timber. I'm going to suggest some bright, cheerful colours to bring some personality to the space.
3. Accessories. Part of the reason this room doesn't feel as homely as it could is because of the lack of accessories. A few well-placed items can bring colour into the room, and show off the family's personality.
4. Texture. All of the textures in this room are smooth or hard. We want to bring in some new textiles and a rug to add a variety of textures and give the room a softer, cosier feeling.

In the Design Questionnaire, Lisa mentioned that she likes bright colours, and that the family loves to travel. She mentioned vintage travel posters which I thought was a great idea!
So with these goals in mind, I developed a moodboard for Lisa's living space and a second for her dining space using her existing furniture.

I knew I wanted a cool tone to counteract all the timber in the room, and I thought this pale blue rug was the perfect jumping off point. I found that gorgeous kimono fabric in shades of coral, aqua and emerald green and used that to pull together the rest of the colours in the space.

A gallery wall of vintage posters in coordinating colours will provide the perfect fun backdrop, and Lisa and Sarah can pick places they've been, or are dreaming of going!

After that, a couple of pretty accessories were all that was needed to finish the room off.

For the dining room, I gave Lisa some ideas for an oversized DIY artwork to bring a splash of colour into this space. I also gave her some fun ideas to update the dining set if she wanted to; including reupholstering the seats or painting the chairs white.

Finally, I came up with a slightly different furniture layout to make the living room feel cosier and more cohesive around the new rug...

Now, Lisa wanted to keep her existing furniture but don't feel you would have to do that! I also have 'Start from Scratch' kits where I can help you choose everything from the chairs to the vases. Want some inspiration? Here's how Lisa's space could look with a 'Start from Scratch' Design Kit...

Well, I hoped you enjoyed my little 'show and tell' and thank you to Lisa for giving me the opportunity!

* * * * *

Thanks Anna - we love all your suggestions, and will give a few updates on our room 'Re-Fresh' over the coming weeks.  You can see more of Anna's work over on her blog and facebook pages. 

One lucky A Spoonful of Sugar reader will win a gift voucher for your own 'Re-Fresh' kit by Ethos Design, valued at $249. A 'Re-Fresh' kit is a decorating plan which contains all the information you need to create your dream home. You simply fill out our Design Questionnaire and some photos of the room and within a few weeks we post you a folder with everything you need. This particular kit uses your existing furniture and suggests new artwork, accessories, window treatments and rugs to reinvent your room. A new layout will be suggested to make the space work better for you, and the kit includes all the sources, instructions and tips you need to pull it all together.

The giveaway is open to residents of Australia and New Zealand only. 

* To enter, log in to raflecopter giveaway box below with your email address or facebook account and follow the steps. TIP: If you don’t see Rafflecopter Click READ MORE below, and it will then show the Rafflecopter Form!!

Home Made Ice Cream

After reading Anna's glowing review of  Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home, I purchased a copy for Sarah as a Christmas gift. We love home made ice-cream, especially during Perth's long hot summers. Sarah has been spoiling us with some lovely ice cream flavours, but I keep forgetting to photograph the ice-cream before it is gone (seriously - it is so good and disappears quickly in our home!)

What I like about the recipes from Jeni's Book, is that they incorporate some cream cheese and corn flour into the ice-cream base which stops the ice-cream from becoming too "melty" and soft, a common problem with home made ice-creams. The recipes don't include eggs which is different to the typical ice cream custard that we usually make. Sarah has made up a number of the recipes and they all taste great. We especially loved the Salted Caramel ice-cream.

This week, Sarah made some Honey Almond Praline Ice-cream. She use the recipe for the ice cream base from the book, and swirled in some honey almond praline - it was d.i.v.i.n.e.

Recipe for the ice-cream base can be found here. (Note: light corn syrup is not readily available in Australia, so Sarah substituted liquid glucose).

Honey Almond Praline:
1 cup slithered almonds
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Preheat oven to 180 C/350 F. Combine ingredients in a bowl and toss to coat nuts. Spread out on baking sheet lined with baking paper, and bake for 8 mins. Stir, and bake for another 5 mins, stirring a couple of times. Let cool completely, stirring the nuts every few minutes to break up any clumps.

Stir into ice-cream base.


I found the sweet gelati cups at Wheel and Barrow. I bought the ice cream book from The Book Depository.

Sarah is going to make up another batch of ice cream this weekend. I can't wait to see what flavour she makes for us this time.

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Winners of Better Homes and Gardens LIVE Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered our Better Homes and Gardens LIVE Giveaway.

The following winners have each won a double pass to attend the show in Melbourne, valued at $40. All winners have been notified by email.

smatthews
Bronwyn Beazley
Christine M
Melissa Antolovic
Sooze M
Jane
Susie
Skevi
Kerry Santillo
Marilyn

Bonjour Paris

One of my favourite projects from last year was this Bonjour Paris Tote, which I designed for Stitch Magazine. It has been published in the Spring 2012 issue. I love how it combines elements of patchwork, appliqué and embroidery. I even added a few sequins but they don't show up too well in the photos.

My author copy of the magazine arrived this week. It is a lovely issue filled with 36 inspiring projects for spring. It features projects from some of my favourite designers: Ayumi Takahshi, Penny Layman, Malka Dubrawsky,  Rachel Hauser, and many more.

It is no secret that Sarah and I love everything French! We were lucky enough to live in France for a year (close to Versailles), and I dream of when I can return. We have just started a Pinterest board of French Inspired Projects and will be adding more Parisian inspiration if you would like to check it out.


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Book Review: Just For Fun

Just For Fun , 20 Handmade Projects to Stitch, Knit and Craft, is a delightful little craft book that brings together an inspiring collection of bright and modern projects. Projects include soaps, softies, socks, and bags. This book is perfect for those that like to dabble in a range of crafts. Techniques used include: sewing, knitting, papercraft, felt making, and soap making.

Projects are aimed at the beginner crafter, with lots of fun projects, many of which would be suitable to make as gifts. The book would make a great gift for a creative teen or anyone who loves to craft.

The book includes a helpful section on basic techniques. It also includes templates for the designs, most of which are the actual size, although some do need to be enlarged.

Some of our favourite projects from the book include:

Neapolitan Soap Pops

iPod Sweater

Button Baby Dolls

Details:

Format:                  Hardback, 128 pages

Release Date:       30 September 2011

Publisher:              David and Charles

ISBN:                    1446300692

The book is available in Australia from Booktopia, Fishpond and Can Do Books

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Booktopia and Fishpond.


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Giveaway: Better Homes and Gardens LIVE, Melbourne

We have a special giveaway today for our readers in Melbourne, Australia. Better Homes and Gardens LIVE will be on at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, from 24 - 26 February and we have 10 double passes to the event to giveaway.

This fabulous LIVE event brings to life the pages of Australia’s favourite magazine, providing
home makers, DIY enthusiasts, keen gardeners and aspiring cooks with inspiring new ideas
for their home and garden.

Don’t miss live stage shows from your favourite TV presenters, inspiring ideas, workshops
and products for you to try and sensational shopping from over 250 exhibitors. Plus, with
plenty of entertainment for the children, this is an unbeatable day out for the whole family!

All your favourite Better Homes and Gardens TV experts will be there and you can see them
LIVE! Graham Ross, Tara Dennis, 'Fast' Ed, Karen Martini, Jason Hodges, Rob Palmer
and Johanna Griggs will take to the stage to share their creative and original ideas to help
you make yours a better home and garden! Click here to view the stage timetables.

For tickets and more info visit bhglive.com.au

SPECIAL OFFER
Purchase a double ticket (admits 2) for just $20 – that’s 50% off the door price!
To take advantage of this offer, simply click here and enter the code BHGLIVE18. But hurry,
offer ends at 5pm 10 February.


WIN A DOUBLE PASS
To be in the running to win one of 10 double passes to Better Homes and Gardens LIVE in Melbourne from 24-26, 2012, leave a comment on this post. Mention the giveaway on facebook or twitter to earn an extra entry in the giveaway (leave an extra comment to let us know). Giveaway closes at 12 PM on 12 February, and winners will be drawn randomly and notified by email. Good Luck!

Guest Post: Pretty Wood Grain Jar Makeover

Cintia is a blogger, vintage fabric hoarder and keen thrift shopper. When she isn't wrangling a toddler she makes products for her store My Poppet and manages to write a blog as well. 

You can find plenty of her craft tutorials and design inspiration over at the My Poppet blog.

Pretty Wood Grain Jar Makeover

It's hard not to notice the emerging trend in design circles for all things wood grain, and mason jars are also a popular prop with stylists at the minute. 

Why not combine the two to create a practical and decorative piece that will cost you next to nothing. Use the finished jar as a vase, for craft storage or to make your pantry just a little prettier. 

You will need: 

One wide mouth jar. I've used and old mayonnaise jar and soaked off the label.

wood grain vinyl adhesive contact paper, light and dark. Feel free to substitute with other colours or patterns

Scissors

scrapbooking paper edge punch in a decorative lacy design

How to: 

Cut a strip about one inch wide in both the dark and the light adhesive. Measure around the jar and trim leaving about 1/2 an inch overlap.

Use your punch to create a decorative edge on both strips

Peel off the backing and stick on the lighter strip about half way up the jar. Hint: half fill the jar with water to give you a level guide. 

Add the darker strip on top

Yay! That was easy. 

Why not make some extra pieces of lacy wood grain adhesive strips and use them for scrapbooking projects or gift wrapping in place of paper tape?

Thanks Cintia for sharing such a great eco-friendly project with us. For more inspiring ideas and products, check out My Poppet and My Poppet Blog.


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DIY Heart Memo Holder

Just wanted to let you know that we are guest posting today over at Omiyage Blogs, with a quick tutorial on how to make a Washi Tape Heart Memo Holder. 

If you love paper crafts and washi tape, you will find plenty of inspiration over at Omiyage Blogs. Check out all the great Valentine Day's ideas.

Loyalty Card Wallet

Long time readers of our blog may remember one of our earlier tutorials, to make a Scrappy Loyalty Card Wallet (originally blogged here). I have had my loyalty card wallet in use since 2009 and it is now showing signs of wear so it was time for an update.

I teamed scraps from the yellow colourway from the Picnics and Fairgrounds collection by DS Quilts with some linen.

And finished it off with a vintage style button.

The wallet is sized to fit up to 16 loyalty cards. Much nicer than my original wallet:)

You can find the pdf of the tutorial here. 



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