Feeling Thankful!
I love this time of year- the weather is getting cooler (which I actually don't like), the trees are putting on a beautiful display of colours, and it is time to take stock of all the things we have to be thankful for! Coming from a big family (I have 6 brothers and sisters!), family gatherings are loud, entertaining and fun! It reminds me how grateful I am to have such a wonderful group of siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews.... and a few boyfriends and a fiance!
It is also a wonderful time to get crafty and make little thank-you's to let the people you love know that you care. I made these cute little pumpkins and added a tasty piece of fudge inside. I've included the recipe in case you want to try it for yourself- it is to die for! The recipe is from my sister- it is very easy- but incredibly delicious! It is now a must-have at all my card classes!
Watch for a Christmas version of these little boxes which will be available in my store in November.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary Anne
Microwave Fudge
- ¾ cup butter
- Melt butter in microwave
- Add 2 cups brown sugar and 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- Microwave on high for 10 minutes, stopping every two minutes to stir
- After 10 minutes remove from microwave and stir in one capful vanilla
- Let stand 5 minutes and then add 2 cups icing sugar
- Mix with mixer until smooth
- Put in a 9 x 9 pan and refrigerate
Goodbye 2013!
I can't believe another year has gone by.....it was a great one for sure! I am so happy to have launched my SHOPIFY store in 2013- I know big things are on their way for 2014!
To thank all my customers- I am offering a New Year Special!
Beginning January 1st - 40% off your entire order! This gift to you is until January 8th only- so stock up on these beautiful hand stamped cards that are sure to impress your friends!
A different gift for you each week- so be sure to check back often!
CODE: newyear
Happy New Year!
Mary Anne:)
Little Gifts of Kindness
I love this Little Gifts of Kindness idea for an Advent calendar!
Even if you don't celebrate Advent- how cute would it be to give and/or receive a little gift one day or every day in December! These cute little muslin bags have hand stamped number tags on them.You could also personalize them with Monogram letters!
Show someone you really care-send them a Little Gift of Kindness (or 24)and make their day!
Holiday cards arriving soon....check back regularly for beautiful hand stamped Holiday cards!
Famous Ginger Cookies
Well I promised you I would post my favourite ginger cookie recipe! This recipe- from Canadian Living, is to die for! It is easy to make- and people will talk about these cookies for weeks to come! They are really nice when packaged in cute little bags for gift giving- I made a big batch on the weekend and gave them out for little "thank you" gifts to colleagues and friends. Who do you know that would love a little bag of ginger cookies?
Spread the love- bake some ginger cookies this weekend!
Aunt Mary Anne’s Ginger Cookies
¾ cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
Granulated sugar (in a small bowl for rolling cookies in)
In large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in egg and molasses.
In separate bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, spices.
Blend into creamed mixture.
Shape into small balls (I inch/2.5 cm. in diameter) Roll in sugar.
Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets (I don’t grease my non-stick pans)
Bake in 350 oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden. DON”T OVERBAKE! I remove from oven when they are cracked on top and still soft.
Cool on baking rack for a few minutes then remove to rack to cool completely.
Makes about 40 cookies.
Fall is in the air!
It's hard to believe that the summer is winding to a close and that school has begun! Fall to me is always a new beginning, and a chance to enjoy my recharged batteries from the summer. One of my favourite things about fall, besides the fact that there are less bugs when I'm walking my chocolate lab, Marley, is the harvest of local produce available. Fruits and vegetables are never quite as colourful or tasty at other times of the year. To preserve their beautiful colour and taste I like to make jams and jellies. This year I tried a new recipe: Peach and Raspberry Jam. It has quickly become a favourite! Check out my Facebook page for the recipe!
I love giving jams and jellies as a little gift- but anyone who knows me, knows that it will arrive with a Handmade label and wrapped like a present! These cute little mason jar labels are perfect for gifting or just labelling your preserves; they are available in a kit- simply add them to your jar of preserves. Also available in the Kits Collection are clear bags to make your delicious gift look as good as it tastes! So why not try the recipe, and send some cute little jars of Peach and Raspberry jam to someone you know....Little Gifts Of Kindness- pass it on!
Don't forget to like Pinery Papercrafts Facebook page, and your name will be entered into a draw to receive the Well Preserved Kit (details on Facebook)!
Watch for my next blog post which will showcase cards inspired by the changing colours of the fall leaves.
Little Gifts of Kindness
I am so excited to finally have my Shopify store up and running! Thanks to my awesome Shopify Guru Sarah, I am ready to share my love of papercrafting with the world! I have always enjoyed crafting, packaging and adding the extra little touches to make things look beautiful. Why give away some of your favourite homemade fudge without putting them in a cute little box or clear bag complete with ribbon and a hand stamped tag? (DIY Set available- comes with everything you need- just add fudge!)
It's these little extras that really tells someone that they are special enough to you that you took the time to make it really beautiful. I am all about Little Gifts of Kindness, and on this blog I will be giving you lots of examples of how you can easily add the WOW factor to your gifts, or send a card that really says I care.
Too busy to make them yourself? Then you've come to the right spot. Shop the Pinery Papercrafts store and purchase the tags, cards, hand stamped paper, and DIY sets so you can give your own cards or Little Gifts of Kindness to those you care about. I am all about personalization- so send me an email if you would like me to create something unique and special for you.
As my Little Gift of Kindness to you, use the discount code: FIRSTORDER and receive 5% off your first Pinery Papercrafts order.
Be sure to check out my next blog post for lots of cute labeling and packaging ideas for homemade jams and jellies!
Mary Anne:)
