Stamping in the Woods

Stampin' Up!'s New Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps!

Stampin' Up! has once again stepped "outside the box" by creating a cookie stamp - well, three cookie stamps actually.  Because I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I was able to pre-order the stamp before it becomes available to the public on October 1st.  The set comes with a nice wood handle, three interchangeable stamp images - a snowflake, a jack o'lantern and a heart - and instructions including two recipes.

I made a batch for my Advent Calendar class this morning, and they looked so pretty I just had to take a photo to share:

To get some color on the cookies I diluted some blue food coloring with water, then brushed it on the unbaked cookies with a pastry brush.  I then sprinkled some white sanding sugar on top and popped the cookies into the oven.  What an easy way to bake some decorated cookies.

My customers thought the cookies were delicious, and one couldn't have said it better: "The Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps would make a great gift for someone who likes to bake".  I couldn't agree more!

As a side note, the first time around I used the second cookie recipe that was provided.  The snowflake image stayed sharp, and the cookies were nice and crisp, and not too sweet; but any shortbread - type cookie recipe will do. 

Remember - customers can order the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (#125152, $16.95) beginning October 1st.  I'm sure you want to try this new, fabulous product as soon as possible!  Contact me today to order one for yourself, and don't forget those gifts!

Another Easter Treat (Or Baby Shower Favor)

I just love it when a stamp set can be used for more than one occasion.  This is true of the Eggcoutrements stamp set (#118556, $16.95 for the clear mount) in the 2010 Occasions mini catalog.  These little bags would make such darling baby shower favors! 

I saw these cute treat bags online, and just had to make some.  I bought the bags from Clear Bags, and the pastel M&M's from WalMart.  These were so easy to make - just fill the 8" x 1" bags with the candy, seal the end, and tie on the little stamped tags with ribbon.  I plan to make some red, white and blue ones for the 4th of July, and red & green for Christmas.

Handmade Easter Baskets

I love this time of year, when bulbs are coming up and the trees are beginning to show signs of life.  It is also a time when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ our Lord.  When my daughters were growing up I always made new Easter dresses for them to wear to church, and we always dyed Easter eggs.  I also hid Easter eggs in the backyard, and of course the Easter bunny always left a wonderful Easter basket.  Those days are long gone, but I still enjoy making Easter baskets for friends.

Here is one of the Easter baskets I made for the North Idaho Crafters market.  I used So Saffron and Almost Amethyst card stock and Tea Party Designer Series Paper (#113992, $9.95).  I also used the clear mount Eggcoutrements Stamp set (#118556, $16.95) and the new Pinking Hearts Corner Punch (#118072, $9.95), both from the 2010 Occasions mini catalog.  I think it is too cute!  I can almost smell the chocolate eggs.  What do you think?