Country Crafts and Candies

Changes to our Product Line......

2012-02-01T22:18:00.002-05:00

I want to let you all know of what I feel is exciting news!! Because of the high demand and candle orders, we are in the process of making changes to our product line.

In the upcoming weeks we will be adding our primitive and grubby candles back into our product line,Blackened Beeswax candles, as well as still offering our current candles you have all grown to love. We will also be expanding by offering many of our candles with a wickless battery operated tea light option, so you can still enjoy the same beautiful creations without having to burn them!

With the decision to increase our candle product line, we will be no longer offering our full faux bakery line and bath and body/ soap lines. This was a difficult decision to make, but one we made based on time and being able to provide quicker turn around for shipping. The last four months of last year really made me realize I am only 1 person and can not spread myself so thin!

I have decided however to continue to offer these items during the holidays as limited edition items in the bath and body and faux bakery/ ornaments line. We will also during the holiday seasons be offering special gift basket/ boxes that will only be available during these times.

As always we know that this will be heart breaking as many have become addicted to these products and swear by the product. This is something that means a lot to us, and made this decision very difficult. So please know you me ALWAYS contact me to see if a custom purchase would be possible in the off season.

Thank you so much for your continued support, and passion for our products! I look forward to bringing you LOTS of great new items in the weeks to come!

Wendy

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/CountryCraftsandCandies

Shop with us on ARTFIRE

2012-01-26T22:06:00.003-05:00

Over the past year, Etsy has made many changes including the quality of their site. We have paid hundreds in fees each month and just can not continue. In order to bring the same quality product and affordable prices to you, we have moved our shop to ARTFIRE: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/CountryCraftsandCandiesOf course you can still find us at www.countrycraftsncandies.com as well.

CountryCraftsandCandies

Handmade Soap

Please make sure to bookmark our site! We look forward to a Happy 2012 with you!
Wendy

Dirty Pears and Apples

2011-12-08T02:47:00.001-05:00

2 Cups ground cinnamon
1/2 Cup ground nutmeg or cloves
2 Cups applesauce
Whole cloves
Small thin twigs

Mix spices and apple sauce well. It will form a stiff dough. Add more spices if needed to make firm...Shape dough into pear or apple shapes. For pears just add a stem; for apples add clove on the bottom and a short stem..Let air dry on cookie pans/sheets that are covered with foil then wax paper...The foil keeps the bottoms from turning black...until hard (up to 5 days)or bake on waxed paper lined cookie pan/sheet at 150%....Allow to cook overnight...I prefer the air drying...Note during the drying process dough may start to show small cracks. This is normal..
To wax dip the dirty pears/apples you melt beeswax adding essential cinnamon oil and spices....stir well when melted, then dip the fruit using a slotted metal spoon (pick one up at thrift shop or garage sale)...Allow to dry on the wax paper and dust with more spices...Remember to be careful melting the wax...never do it over direct heat....Make your self a melting pot....Take an old large can, put it in a pot with water and simmer till the wax melts....Use a large can that tomatoes come in or a pound coffee can....

How to make primitive soap balls

2011-12-08T02:34:00.004-05:00

Have you ever been to some ones house and on the counter you see a basket filled with soap balls that just look and smell lovely? Sure, you could go out and buy your own but, if your into hobbies and crafts, then why not consider making your own.
These bars have the look and feel of old soap. For a more grungy looking soap ball roll them in spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or apple pie spice before they are completely set up. Once rolled in spices, they are for display only!

Ingredients:

1 cup of instant Quaker oatmeal
1 bar of ivory or dove soap
1/4 cup of water

Grind up the oatmeal in a food processor until finely milled but do not grind to flour, you want it chopped up enough to break up the oatmeal flakes but still be visible.

Grate the bar of soap into small slivers. Place the soap and water into a large microwavable bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir the mixture once or twice making sure it does not bubble over.

When the soap is dissolved remove from the microwave and add the ground oatmeal slowly, stirring constantly.

Let cool enough to touch, then form into balls or bars and place on wax paper to set and dry. It will take about 2 hours for them to set.

Oatmeal soap balls/bars have a great old fashion look and can be displayed in old soap dishes, vintage jars, wooden bowls and baskets in primitive or country bathrooms or kitchens. If you make the soap bars, they look really cute tied with homespun!

MuddyPuppys All Natural Organic Dog Treats

2011-12-02T18:52:00.009-05:00

One of my ALL TIME FAVORITE places to get treats for my pups, and actually the ONLY place I buy treats for my pups now is Muddypuppy's. Her treats are AMAZING! They never have to be refridgerated, they have a shelf life of 6 months (however dog shelf life is about 2 days! LOL) She can custom make your treats how you like and is an incredible person to work with...........

Welcome to Muddy Puppys!

I am a dog groomer/chef/boutique owner. I am blessed to have a great shop (b&m), wonderful husband, and Beautiful Fur-babies.
My husband and I believe in only eating the best all natural, organic and we feed the babes the same. Before I decided I wanted to become a dog groomer, I worked as a chef for years. It seemed only natural to make homemade treats. My babies and friends and clients babies love them, and so will yours!

At Muddypuppy's you Truely get all natural and organic wheat free treats! These are the best quality and made treats you will find! Here are some of my pups favorites:

This is a set of 15 Natural unbasted rawhide's dipped in white Yogurt and drizzled with Red and Green Yogurt. Perfect for the holidays!
This is the Perfect treat for a small or med dog. (can also be made in LG. rawhides with special order, contact me)

Comes in a gift wrapped Christmas package ready to be a gift or an extra special gift. This package will be delivered in a 100% recycled content cardboard box or priority box. Items will be wrapped in earth friendly paw print kraft paper (maybe some tissue paper). Each package is Ready to be a gift, and can be sent with card and your special note (leave me memo with order). Or this is just ready to be something special for someone special in your own home. If you would like it wrapped with a special color ribbon or packaging please let me know otherwise it will be neutral, adorable colors!

These are Peanut butter and yogurt candy cups made just for your dog! They are all Natural and Organic. These are Peanut Butter and Carob with yogurt. They are easy to cut and perfect for any size dogs! My dogs and I have tried them! And we all Love them!

As seen in pictures they come in a set of 6 cups that measure 1.5 x 1. Your also welcome to tell me if you would like the layers different or a custom color paw Print.

Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Carob and Yogurt
*Will come Carob top with white Yogurt Paw Print unless you leave me a memo for something different.

They come in a gift wrapped package. ( Recycled kraft pin stripe box, tied with satin ribbon and includes a label of contents.) This package will be delivered in a 100% recycled content cardboard box or priority box. Items will be wrapped in earth friendly paw print kraft paper (maybe some tissue paper). Each package is Ready to be a gift, and can be sent with card and your special note (leave me memo with order). Or this is just ready to be something special for someone special in your own home. If you would like it wrapped with a special color ribbon or packaging please let me know otherwise it will be neutral, adorable colors!

Wheat Free
Corn Free
Soy Free

Holidays are coming and they make me think Pumpkin!, These Dog treats are handmade, all natural and gourmet.

Pictured you will see these treats made in Gingerman shape for the Holiday! Super Gingermen!

Crunchy Treats that each measures approx. 1.5" and come in a 5 oz gift wrapped package same as seen in pictures. This is a Gingerman theme gift bag filled with Gingerman shaped treats in Gingerman theme airtight bags. This package will be delivered in a 100% recycled content cardboard box or priority box. Items will be wrapped in earth friendly paw print kraft paper (maybe some tissue paper). Each package is Ready to be a gift, and can be sent with card and your special note (leave me memo with order). Or this is just ready to be something special for someone special in your own home. If you would like it wrapped with a special color ribbon or packaging please let me know otherwise it will be neutral, adorable colors!

Ingredients: rye flour, rice flour, pumpkin, oats, rice bran, flax, canola oil, dried eggs, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, yogurt

Wheat free dog treats are the best option for your dog. Along with corn and soy, wheat is the most common canine food allergen. Muddy Puppys enjoys providing nutritious, tasty treats that don't contain any of these potential allergy triggers will keep your dog's coat, skin, ears and paws healthy and itch-free.

Wheat Free
Corn Free
Soy Free

Perfect for the most tiny of dogs and larger dogs love them to! These treats measure .5 inches accross. Crunchy Peanut butter treats (all dogs fave) dipped in un sweetened carob and coated with chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts.

This is by far the most perfect treat for any size dog, and comes in a paw print cello bag inside a matching organza bag with 4 dozen treats. This cute package will be delivered in a 100% recycled content cardboard box or priority box. Items will be wrapped in earth friendly paw print kraft paper (maybe some tissue paper). Each package is Ready to be a gift, and can be sent with card and your special note (leave me memo with order). Or this is just ready to be something special for someone special in your own home. If you would like it wrapped with a special color ribbon or packaging please let me know otherwise it will be neutral, adorable colors!

Ingredients: rye flour, rice flour, peanut butter, oats, rice bran, flax seed, barley flakes, canola oil, dried egg, peanuts, carob.

Now Hurry and Get your special 4 legged loved ones some of these AMAZING treats! There is still time to fill their stockings from Santa Pup! Let Muddypuppy know I sent you!!
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/muddypuppys or on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/muddypuppys

Pine Cone Firestarters

2011-12-02T01:45:00.002-05:00

Starting a fire in your fireplace can sometimes be a little challenging, but starting fires with festive pinecones makes this process way easier!!

Recipe makes approximately 20 large fire starters..
Ingredients
Pinecones
Paraffin Wax - An easy cheap way is to get the pillar candles from the dollar store that you can get unscented or scented in cinnamon.
Choice of Fragrance Oil - If you are using a prescented candle you do not need to add additional fragrance oil.
Liquid Candle Dye (or if you buy pillar candles from the dollar store, you can get these already colored so when melted down you will have your desired color)
Cotton Wicks (62-52-18z)

Equipment
Waxed paper
Melting pot
Cookie Sheet

Directions
1. Gather pinecones from a pine tree. Remove any debris or dirt on them. Place the
pinecones on the cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Carefully, slide the
cookie sheet into the oven. Turn the oven off after 30 minutes. Leave the pinecones
in the in the oven for the duration of two hours. This will ensure that they are
completely dry.

2. Starting at the bottom end, wrap the cotton wick around the pinecone two or three times. Try to get the wick as far into the pine cone layers as possible. Leave 1 to 2inches of wick at the top of the pinecone.

3. Melt two pounds wax. Once the wax hits 195 degrees, add coloring if desired. Let the wax temperature drop to 180 degrees. Add 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of melted wax. Stir gently. (Additional fragrance oil does not need to be added if you are melting down a scented candle for use of wax.)

4. Now, you are ready to dip the pinecone. For the first dip you need to prime the wick. Holding the end of the wick, immerse the pinecone completely in the wax for 45
seconds.

5. Place the dipped pinecone on wax paper. Allow the wax to cool and harden. Repeat
step 4 until the pinecones are completely coated to your satisfaction.

6. Allow the pinecones to dry overnight, then store in airtight containers.

7. You are now ready to set the night a fire. Do not use these as regular candles! They are meant to start fires in your fireplace.

Bath Jellies

2011-12-02T01:32:00.002-05:00

Foaming bath jelly for your shower or bath! How much fun is that! This recipe is for personal use. It does not contain any preservatives.

Recipe Makes 2 Cups of Bath Jelly
Ingredients:
1 packet of Unflavored gelatin 15g
1 tsp of Salt
1/2 cup of Liquid soap
3/4 cup of Boiling Water
Food Coloring
Fragrance Oils
Plastic Jars and Lids

Other Equipment:
Glass Mixing Bowl
Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons

Directions:
1. Empty the packet of gelatin into a bowl and add 3/4 cup of boiling water mix until gelatin is completely dissolved.

2. Add salt

3. Then pour the liquid soap into the gelatin mix.

4. Add 2 drops of food coloring.

5. Add 5 drops of fragrance oil (paying attention to IFRA recommendations)and stir it softly so it doesn't bubble too much.

6. Pour the mix into a clean container and allow to set for several hours in the
refrigerator.

7. Dispose of the jelly after several weeks.

8. Avoid mold by keeping it in an airtight container in a cool place at all times.

Black Friday Savings

2011-11-24T19:43:00.001-05:00

EARLY BIRD SALE!! Friday from 12am eastern to 10am eastern use coupon code EARLYBIRD to save 40% off your purchase!!! If you don't catch the early bird sale you can Save 30% off Until Saturday 12am eastern by using Coupon Code BLACKFRIDAY at check out!!!

Shop us on Artfire or Etsy for savings!!

We are MOVING........

2011-11-21T19:19:00.005-05:00

With the ever rising costs of goods and fees we pay with our etsy shop due to the high volume of orders, we have decided to set up shop and move to Artfire.com

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/CountryCraftsandCandies
By moving our shop to artfire we are saving the astronomical fees we pay to etsy each month, which in returns allows us to continue to provide you with the same amazing products at the same great price!

In other words; "NO RISE IN PRICES!!"

Make sure you come by check us out and bookmark so you can continue to get our great products!! By following us to Artfire, use coupon code CustomerLoyalty and receive 35% off your purchase!! Coupon may NOT be combined with current shop sales....

We Thank you for your support and passion for our creations, and wish you and your family a Wonderful Holiday Season!!

Wendy

The Winner is..................

2011-11-01T13:35:00.003-04:00

Well it's that time to announce the winner of the Dino Bath Set Giveaway!!!
All entry's were assigned a number which were entered into a random generator to pick the winning number.

The winner of the Dino Bath Set is...

Drum Roll..........
Roseann Russo

Congrats on winning!!
I will be contacting you to find out if you would like it for a girl or boy :)

Please check back in the next couple days for our Christmas Holiday Giveaway!
You WON't want to miss it!!!!

Thank you for everyone who participated :)
Wendy

Candy Apple Boutique

2011-10-14T18:05:00.006-04:00

As you all know I love to share incredible artists from Etsy. This next shop I want to share with you is an old time favorite for me and my daughter! I have been getting items from this talented creator for some time now. She custom makes my daughter so many amazing hats and wacky ideas I come up with! She is simply amazing with her talents.

How about you see for yourself:
Candy Apple Boutique
My name is Roxanne and I am the owner of Candy Apple Boutique, a shop on etsy! This shop contains items created out of a hobby and passion of mine, which is not so much crochet like you may assume at this point, but rather, the desire to create items that are cute and adorable and loved by those who receive them. Whether it be a hat, fingerless gloves, Mouse ears, scarf, hair clips or something else, it is my hope that you will love the items that I make. That is why I do what I do! Knowing that the pieces I create bring a component of joy to another brings me happiness. Some people head off to work each day, I head "in". As for the crochet part, yes, I do crochet. I do not knit. How many times have people asked me what I "knit" I knit nothing. Let me be perfectly honest: I can't knit to save my life:-) Really, it is a pretty funny sight to see me even attempt it!

I love to be inspired in this life. I find inspiration from anywhere I please...why limit myself to one defined answer such as "my kids" or "nature." While those things might inspire some of what I create, the spectrum is certainly broader than that. A movie, a character, an animal, a color, a book, a place, a food...you name it, I can likely inspire a creation after it. Would you like to test that theory? Contact me at candyapplebyrl@gmail.com or on etsy at www.candyappleboutique.etsy.com
Here are some of her adorable items!!

Here are some her adorable hats for boys. And as always, Roxanne welcomes custom requests and orders! I've had her do everything from a horse hat, chesire the cat, and even a squirrel!

Marbled Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies

2011-10-10T16:59:00.002-04:00

Fall is my Favorite time of year! I love not only the leaves changing colors, but the smells of all the spices! Two of my favorite things are chocolate of course! Hey, I'm a woman! And secondly, Pumpkin :) mmmmmmmm Nothing like the taste of pumpkin and all the smells of the spices that goes with it! Well if you like both as well, you are going to love these!!

Marbled Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
Makes: 36 brownies
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 1 hour

ingredients

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup canned pumpkin (I like to use organic, pure)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup butter, cut up
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over the edges of the pan. Grease the foil; set pan aside.

In a medium mixing bowl beat cream cheese and the 1 tablespoon butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup sugar. Beat until well combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in 1 egg, the pumpkin, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the cinnamon, and ginger until combined. Stir in the 1 tablespoon flour. Set aside.

In a small bowl stir together the 1 1/4 cups flour, the baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a large saucepan combine the chocolate and 3/4 cup butter. Cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Gradually add the 2 1/4 cups sugar, beating with an electric mixer on low speed just until combined. Add the 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in milk and the 2 teaspoons vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture just until combined.

Spread chocolate mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture in several mounds on top of the chocolate batter. Using a narrow metal spatula, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate batter. If desired, sprinkle with walnuts.

Bake about 60 minutes or until center is just set when pan is gently shaken. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Use foil to lift uncut brownies out of pan. Cut into brownies.

To Store: Layer brownies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Children's Bath Set GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2011-10-10T14:55:00.002-04:00

Well, the holidays are among us! Actually approaching way to quickly, lol So I wanted to do my first of the season; Holiday Giveaway.

What am I giving away? Well, this adorable Dinosaur Bath and Body Gift Set! It can be made for a girl or boy, and the winner can choose! In this adorable gift set, you will receive your choice of Pink Dino or Green Dino bath soap scented in Fruity Loops, Dino Body Spray scented in a Fruity Loops, A Dino Shaped Bottle of sugar cookie scented lotion, and a Dino Shaped Bottle of Fresh Pear Scented Bubble Bath! This amazing set retails for $18.95 and you could be the lucky winner!

So here are the rules:
1) The winner will be choosen by random. Each person will be assigned a number and then inputed into a program that will choose a number at random from the numbers submitted.

2)You will receive one (1) entry for commenting on this posting, please include how I may contact you if you are chosen as the winner. I do not spam, so you will not be sent a million and one emails.

3)You will receive one (1) entry for each item you purchase from my shop from October 10th - October 31st 2011

4)You will receive two (2) entry's for following the blog. If you are a current follower of the blog, you will have your two entry's entered for you automatically.

4)I will pick the winner on November 1st!!!

So what are you waiting for? Get to posting!

Customer Appreciation!!!

2011-10-10T14:39:00.008-04:00

Over the years I have met some amazing people, and wonderful customers! Everyone of them brings a smile to my face; and for that I truely Thank You all! It's always such an honor to see how much my creations bring smiles and enjoyment to others; it lets me know that what I do is worth all the hard work that is put in to every item!

I wanted to share with everyone some of the adorable and wonderful pictures I've received of my products being used as photo props and more! Thank you all for sharing, and please continue, I love to hear how you have enjoyed your creations!

www.letmebe.etsy.com

Hi! My name is Inbar and I am an addict of all things CUTE (and preferably pink!).
I am a collector of 1980's Strawberry Shortcake dolls and of anything else that's well - Cute!!.
When "cute" began to take over all my storage space and was overwhelming my family (1 husband, 2 sons and too much pink...) I opened my little store on Etsy - LetMeBe Designs.
Etsy is a truly wonderful place - my Disneyland if you will, and I am having a great time being a part of its huge and incredibly creative family.
Please stop by for a visit!
Happily sharing the cute,
Inbar

The following is from a customer in California. She recently did a car show where her theme was "COOKIE MONSTER"! Such a wonderful theme! I was so excited when she asked me to create dozens upon dozens of different faux cookies for her as magnets, and others to be created into a chandelier! Yes, a chandelier!! Her car was all decked out with her spoiler having different variety of cookie names, she put the cookie magnets all over her car, and she made this amazing chandelier out of my faux cookies! How cute is this?!?

The following pictures are from an amazing display set up in one of my wholesale customers shops in California. How gorgeous is this display?!? Her shop is called The Shabby Confections Shoppe and sells all things Shabby Chic, amazing confection goodies of the edible type, and of course my creations! Check out her shop, it's truely adorable; http://shabbyconfectionsshoppe.vpweb.com/

This next shop you will absolutely fall in love with! If you love handcrafted, handcarved wood items, you have to check out Wood Expressions, there stuff is absolutely amazing! I was so honored when they approached me to use my cupcake candles as photo props for there cupcake stands. These are the most beautiful creations I have seen, and the prices are amazing!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodExpressionsThank you for visiting my Shop. My wife takes care of the web site, shipping and paper work, I get the fun part of making a whole lot of sawdust.
I started working with wood making furniture and toys when the grandkids come along. About ten years ago I got started in woodturning after going to a woodturning show in North Carolina. Been hooked every since. Most of the woods I turn are from local trees that died, damaged by a storm or firewood piles. Woodturning is a creative outlet for me after working all week in Bridge Construction. I can't wait to pick up a piece of wood and see what the end results will be. The grain,knots,cracks,spalting of the wood all determines what will emerge.

Thank you all for sharing your amazing photos and your passion for my creations!

Kindergarten Basics......

2011-10-09T06:30:00.003-04:00

It was a late night of making orders and I couldn't sleep. What else is new? haha So of course I jumped on the laptop and began surfing the web; mainly blogs. While searching randomly, I came across this great blog posting that I wanted to share. Lately it seems with all the changes etsy has been making that Etsy is the topic of choice. I often hear shop owners ask each other for advice on how to make their shop/business successful. Well, I'll let you read for yourself, but I thought this couldn't have been put any better!

Article by: Crimson Hill Soap

Would you believe me if I told you that everything you needed to know to run your business you learned in kindergarten? To a large degree, I find this to be very true. We learn educational, social and behavioral basics at the ripe age of 5 and carry these core values with us the rest of our lives.

Reading
Reading in the form of research is vital for the formation, implementation and successfulness of every business. I had to spend countless hours researching how to make soap, what natural ingredients I should use, FDA labeling guidelines, etc. By the end of my initial research, I felt like a chemist!

Writing
To have a thriving online business, you MUST become a good writer. Since customers can’t see, feel, smell or try-on your product, they have to rely on concise, smart and informative text to guide their purchase decision. When your customers are greeted to your website by incorrect grammar or typos, there is certainly no greater turn-off. Ya gotta kno what to say n’ how ta say it, ya no whut I mean?!

Color
Everybody remember the color wheel? Using color to grab a customer’s attention and direct their eye through your website is the key to pulling customers in to want to see more of your products. Vibrant, complementary and flowing colors will always win over a busy and disorganized color flow.

Play
Nicely With Others You will never hear me say a negative word about my competition. I find it to be tacky, unprofessional and shows that you lack confidence. Rather, if I am asked about a competitor’s product, I tell customers that I am confident in the quality and uniqueness of my products and that I won’t speak on another’s behalf. At craft shows, I chuckle when I see my competitors trying to “sneak” past my booth to view all my new products. Imitation is the best form of flattery.

Homework
You must strive for continuous education and improvement in your industry. If you think you already know it all, you are dead wrong. Markets, niches, trends and economic factors are constantly changing and staying in tune with these changes is the key to long-term success.

Recess
This is important and often overlooked by adults. Take time to HAVE FUN. There is a reason that 5-year-olds need to go run and play for a bit after a few hours of work! Schedule breaks, time off, trips, etc….whatever you need to do to re-charge, unload, rest and clear your mind. Trust me, you will be energized and better equipped to handle your business affairs after “recess”.

I don't think that I could have stated any of the above in a more simple and understanding manner :)

More Views; by cleaning up your etsy tags

2011-10-02T22:21:00.002-04:00

I do not claim to know all the answers, but I can only share what has worked for the success of my shop. Have you ever looked at your shop stats? Did you know you could? Check them out sometime, you will be able to learn a lot from this, including the top keywords that potential buyers use to find your items and shop.

There are many was to get more buyers into your Etsy shop. A few good examples are running sales, properly placing keywords, getting featured in more treasuries, and changing up your tags. Here some great tips for cleaning up and changing your Etsy item tags.

My views when I first started were very low, so I knew that it was a good time to stir the pot so to speak. Change is good. I now do this at least twice a year Spring and Fall or whenever I take things from my expired items. I do a much different group of tags if it hasn’t sold. I take matters into my own hands so at least if it doesn’t help I know I did all I could tag wise.

Does this work? By all means I am not bragging but rather showing you that this can work for you! In the past 7 days, my shop has had 2188 visits (and I do not participate in the ads). Out of these shop visits, 1788 of them are item specific! I've had 189 favorites as a shop, and 223 individual item favorites! Trust me if you put in the time and invest the time to keep on it, you can find yourself turning those views into sales like I have.

Here are several examples; make combinations of words and phrases by understanding what your potential buyer searches for. Take the time to search similar items, and see how they come up. Keep in mind that cutesy words and trade industry words don't always work best as others may not know the same "lingo".

Example when I search for jewelry, I search bracelet, ring, childs ring, necklace, diamond, cubic zirconia..... But I notice that a lot of shop owners use specific bead types, names, etc that I have no idea what they are even speaking of. These are okay to use as a couple key words, but do not use for all.

Example for soap:
cold process soap, homemade soap, scented soap, natural soap, childrens soap, shea butter, goats milk soap, ..... hopefully you get the idea.

With etsy's new relevency search, you can get penalized and thrown to the back by using non relevent search terms. So be careful not to do this; example for soap:
wedding showers, baby showers, birthday.... in the past many shops will use keywords for occasions or colors of an item. Using colors are fine, but add to the color such as lavender soap, lavender scented, orange soap, orange scented........

Ask yourself these questions about your item. These can make great search terms!

1. What is it?

Eg. necklace, jewelry, bowl, print

2. What is it specifically? What type?

Eg. Hoop (for earrings), v-neck (for sweaters), long sleeve (shirt)

3. Who is it for?

Eg. women, men, baby, children, boy, girl, adult, pets, dog, teachers

4. What is the main material?

Add the major material to your tags, if it is something you think a buyer might search for to find your item. Add minor materials or component materials to the “materials” box on page 1. Eg. leather, cotton, canvas, felt, metal, 14K gold, sterling silver, glass

5. What is the main color?
Buyers are not likely to look for minor colors in your piece, so stick to the main color(s) or important color combos! Eg. white, black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple

6. What method or technique did you use to make it?

Eg. hammered (for metal jewelry), burned (for woodworking), appliqued, embroidered

7. Where will the item be used?

Eg. kitchen, hair, office, beach, garden, car, nursery

8. What size is it?

Eg. small, extra large, 7mm, 18in, 8 x 10

9. What style is it?

Eg. goth, victorian, hippie, punk, impressionist, post-modern, feminine, sophisticated, southwestern

10. What Imagery or motifs that are on the item?

Eg. owl, landscape, nature, plaid, geometric

11. Are there synonyms?

Use these if the word means exactly the same thing as the tag you already used, it is accurate for your item, and you think it will be an important search term that buyers will look for. Eg. Infant for young babies, handbag for purses and clutches, toddler for children 18 months – 3 years, kids for children, drink for coffee, trousers for pants.

12. What is the scent or flavor?

Eg. sweet, spicy, salty (for bath and beauty and food items).

Etsy’s search and sort algorithm currently considers three main factors:
■Tags
■Titles
■Descriptions
Tags are the 14 keywords Etsy allows sellers to categorize and describe the item they are listing. This is the most heavily weighted part of the algorithm.

Finally, a keyword filled and lengthy description is the third key to ranking well in Etsy’s relevance search and sort. Don’t skimp on the description, because the algorithm is looking at the words and phrases you include here. What words you take out of the title should be included in the description.

Relevency Search - How to Succeed

2011-10-02T22:05:00.003-04:00

Etsy caused quite a stir this August by switching the default sorting in search results to Relevancy instead of Most Recent. Etsy has attempted to help forlorn sellers with advice, videos and rule updates related to the change. The advice from Etsy is scattered over a dozen articles and hard to find, so I’ve attempted to gather it all in one place.

Relevancy is one of the major goals of search. Think about the last time you did a Google search and got a bunch of nonsense that wasn’t what you wanted – it’s frustrating. I’m surprised that Etsy wasn’t using this as the default until now. Etsy’s own test lab shows that users prefer relevancy search 15 times more than recency – that’s a lot!

Love it or hate it, relevancy search isn’t going away. If your shop stats are dipping since the change, it’s time to get serious and learn to work with it. You might just find that you like it – shops now have more power to affect their search position than just relisting.

Word pairs
Etsy has introduced a search feature for relevancy that gives word pairs a tremendous amount of weight. Word pairs are phrases of more than one word that people use to search – think “silver necklace” or “beaded napkin rings”. Items that match the searched phrase exactly are given priority and displayed above other search results. Exact matches in both the title and tags boosts an item even higher.

The word pairs are scored much better if the match is exact, but it doesn’t have to be. A search for “red desk” will favor a title of “Classic Red Desk”, but might also show “Red Sox Desk Set” or “Red Tulip Desk Lamp” further down in the search results.

Titles are King
There’s one message that Etsy has pushed about relevancy search – titles are the most important factor in your listing. Titles are more important than tags, descriptions, recency, attributes and views. Real estate’s mantra is “location, location, location” – Etsy’s is now “titles, titles, titles!”

Titles are king with good reason – besides the picture, they’re the best source of information customers have about your item in search results. Customers searching for “red desk” expect to see the words “red” and “desk” in the search results – otherwise the search seems broken. Tags and descriptions don’t appear in search results – and the listing date only shows if you purposefully choose the list view.

Etsy weighs the position of word pairs in your title. In our “red desk” example, an item with the title “Classic Red Desk” will be favored more than “Shabby Chic Primitive Antique Red Desk”, since the word pair appeared earlier in the title for the first item. Hindsight is 20/20 – if the customer had searched for “shabby chic desk” the latter item would have been positioned more prominently.

Most important is to use the best phrases for your item in the beginning of your title. How do you determine the best phrases? Etsy Shop Stats to the rescue! Log in to Etsy and go to Your Account > Shop Stats. This page will show you all sorts of interesting things about the people who found your shop – most importantly, the Top Keywords section will give you the best phrases for your titles and tags.

Another great source for keywords is the Etsy search box itself. Start typing a phrase into the Etsy search and you’ll see suggested search terms pop down. These suggestions are popular search terms from real users. Try a few combinations that relate to your item and see what pops up!

Lastly, Etsy recommends title variation - don’t use the same title format for similar items. Changing up the title will help diversify where your item appears in searches.

Tags are a sometimes food
In the last few months, Etsy has taken a stance against tag “stuffing” – putting multiple words into tags like “blue coral turquoise”. With the relevancy search change, Etsy has updated the DOs and DON’Ts to refine the rules about tags. The pertinent rules for tags now read:

You may use a short descriptive phrase as a tag if it accurately describes your item (for example: “sterling silver,” “messenger bag,” “steampunk cufflinks”).
You may not stuff multiple words into a single tag that do not comprise a descriptive phrase (for example: “beach water sunset,” “handbag purse clutch,” “green red blue black.”)
We’ve already covered “descriptive phrases” – also known as word pairs – that you’ll absolutely want to put in your tags. If you can manage to get a commonly-searched word pair in both your title and your tags, you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Recency still matters
Relisting is much less important with the search changes, but it hasn’t entirely gone away. There are still places that recency is a factor:

Category pages are still sorted by Most Recent. Customers that navigate to categories like Coffee Tables will see the most recently renewed or created items.

The Etsy home page still has a Recently Listed Items section. It’s the easiest way to get on the Etsy home page - although if you blink, you might miss it.

Broad search queries – searches that return more than 100,000 results – will use recency to sort the top matches. Etsy’s example is a search for “dress” that returns nearly 180,000 results – “jewelry” returns over 2 million. In these hotly-contested areas where so many items match exactly, recency will still put you on the top.

Searches – while defaulting to Relevancy for sorting, there is also a prominently-featured strip along the top of each search showing Recently Listing items that match the search. There are 4 items showing, but 40 total if you page through with the arrow buttons.

Naturally, the Most Recent sort option is still available on searches even though it’s no longer the default.

Even searches that aren’t broad enough to hit the 100,000 mark seem to factor in recency. Switch to the list view in a search and you’ll see that even though some items are a few weeks or months old, there’s no real dinosaurs hanging around at the top of search results.

What doesn’t matter
The Etsy search team has confirmed that these things do not affect search placement for relevancy search:

Descriptions – although Google scans descriptions, so these should still be written with SEO in mind.

Tag order – though Etsy recommends having the most descriptive tags first, since it may someday matter.

Item location (even for heavy items).

Number of views.

Number of listings in your shop.

Attributes – for now.
Etsy encourages sellers to fill out the attributes, as they are being given a serious look for inclusion in relevancy search in the near future.
Punctuation in titles – this is automatically stripped out for search purposes.
Pluralization – titles and tags are stemmed before indexing, so having both “earring” and “earrings” in your tags is not necessary, and verbs like “beaded” will also match “bead” in a search.

Passion for my Creations

2011-09-05T12:42:00.003-04:00

As many of you know from purchasing my candles, my creations are your visions. One thing that I have always strived for since starting my business nearly 8 years ago now was not only customer service, but also allowing the customer to partake in their creations! This is something that you do not get when shopping other candle companies. I love putting every little detail on each candle, and creating those visions by hand, and not just pouring colored, scented wax into a mold! So when one of my newest customers sent me this link to a review they did on my shop, I have to honestly say my heart melted, and I felt so proud knowing that others have such a love for my creations!

I wanted to share this review, as I'm so proud that I have made someone just as happy as I am creating these visions.
http://glutenfreepotpourri.blogspot.com/2011/09/country-crafts-and-candies-review.html

Thank you so much to all my loyal customers who feel this way about my creations!
God Bless! Wendy

Such a heart felt thought!!

2011-08-02T20:01:00.003-04:00

It always means so much to me and warms my heart everytime I hear how much someone loves my creations; my little pieces of art that are my passion! So needless to say I was truely touched when I read this blog posting by one of my all time favorite shops on Etsy.

http://threadbarestitcher.blogspot.com/2011/08/three-little-candles.html
Please read, visit her store and show her some love. Her store is absolutely amazing! I LOVE these reusable storage bags!! I put my chips, flour, sugar and more in them, they are fantastic! And the little chalk boards; simply awesome!!! I invested in a chalk pen which is the greatest thing for these as it does not wipe off until you use a damp towel. They are great!

Trust me visit her shop you will not be disappointed!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Threadbarestitcher?ref=pr_shop_more

Cocoa-Coffee Spiced Chicken with Salsa Mole

2011-07-30T18:50:00.005-04:00

One of my passions is cooking and baking. I came across this recipe, and I have to tell you this has to be one of my FAVORITE chicken recipes of all times! You must try this!!!

Cocoa-Coffee Spiced Chicken with Salsa Mole

Ingredients
2 tablespoons ground coffee beans
2 tablespoons HERSHEY'S Cocoa 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
SALSA MOLE(recipe follows)
Cilantro sprigs(optional)
Black beans(optional)
Rice(optional)

Directions
1 Heat oven to 425°F. Grease baking sheet.

2 Stir together coffee beans, cocoa,brown sugar, salt and chili powder. Rub chicken pieces with vegetable oil; pat on cocoa mixture. Place coated chicken pieces on prepared baking sheet.

3 Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until juices are clear. Meanwhile, prepare SALSA MOLE.

4 Arrange chicken and salsa on large platter. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with black beans and rice, if desired. 4 servings.

SALSA MOLE
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, peeled and diced
1 green onion, minced
1 tablespoon snipped cilantro
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Mini Chips Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1 teaspoon lime juice

Stir together tomatoes, avocado, onion, cilantro, garlic, small chocolate chips and lime juice in medium bowl.

CLICK HERE for an AMAZING Giveaway

2011-07-30T11:53:00.002-04:00

Check out this AMAZING GIVEAWAY!

Upcoming Craft Shows

2011-07-27T22:08:00.004-04:00

One thing that I always hear being asked online is, "Have you heard about any craft shows or fairs?" Well here is a list of some of the top shows in the country :)

Winter Springs Festival of the Arts 2011 - Florida
DEADLINE: 7/28/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 10/15/2011 - 10/16/2011
The Winter Springs Festival of the Arts will be presenting artists with total cash awards of $13,000. The Winter Springs Festival of the Arts is positioned as a signature event in an affluent Central Florida suburb, this fine art, wine and jazz festival will attract residents and visitors to the upscale village center. Patrons will stroll along beautiful Blumberg Boulevard enjoying the work of 125 fine artists, which will consist of juried and invitational, as well as music and a variety of food.
The Winter Springs Festival of the Arts is presented by The Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Winter Springs.

Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival 2011 - Bar Harbor, Maine
DEADLINE: 7/28/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 8/12/2011 - 8/14/2011
The 4th annual Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival takes place on the grounds of the spectacular Bar Harbor Inn in the heart of Bar Harbor's waterfront commercial center. This show features top local, national and international artists exhibiting to a diverse mix of wealthy island residents and sophisticated tourists at peak season.

Arizona Fine Art EXPO - 8th Annual - North Scottsdale, Arizona
DEADLINE: 7/28/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 1/19/2012 - 4/1/2012
Thunderbird Artists proudly presents the 8th Annual Arizona Fine Art EXPO. This 10 week event nestled in the most affluent, upscale area of North Scottsdale is only 5 miles south of Carefree and 5 miles north of Loop 101. Patrons love watching artists work in studios, can purchase artwork, enjoy the café, artists’ marketplace, 2-acre sculpture garden, attending garden parties and other special events.

The Arizona Fine Art EXPO has two-thirds artists returning, therefore, the jury is an on-going process until the remaining studios fill. Limited space available. American Style Magazine readers recently voted Scottsdale as 5th place (mid-size city category) for “Best Art Destination” in the country.

The Highlands Craft Show 2011 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DEADLINE: 7/29/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 9/30/2011 - 10/2/2011
The 30th Annual Highlands Juried Craft Show will be held September 30, October 1 & 2 2011 on the grounds of the elegant Highlands Mansion and Gardens in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania featuring over 60 high-caliber artists from throughout the United States. This well known and established Philadelphia area craft show welcomes 2,000+ knowledgable visitors a year.
Talented craft artists will display the highest quality of handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, home décor, and more, available for purchase throughout the mansion and adjacent heated tent. The 2011 show highlights horticulture with an expanded category: Garden and Lawn crafters, creating outdoor and lawn specific works.

Talking Stick Fine Art & Wine Festival - Nov 2011 - Scottsdale, Arizona
DEADLINE: 7/29/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 11/25/2011 - 11/27/2011
Produced by Thunderbird Artists, the Talking Stick Fine Art & Wine Festival takes place at the hundred million dollar state of the art complex (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick) and is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. This location is beautifully positioned in one of the most desirable geographic regions of the metropolitan Phoenix area and is surrounded by vast panoramic views of Arizona's most iconic mountain ranges.

This venue promises to be an upscale and elegant setting for patrons and artists; adding fine wines, chocolates, gourmet foods and live musical entertainment to accent the superb selection of fine arts. Limited space available; closed in jewelry and photography mediums.

Beaver Creek Art Festival (Vail, CO) 24th Annual August 2011 - Vail, Colorado
DEADLINE: 7/29/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 8/6/2011 - 8/7/2011
Our signature event on our Western Tour continues on the 1st weekend in August. Located in Vail Valley, the Beaver Creek Resort is just a few hours from Denver and Aspen, Colorado. Beaver Creek attracts a high-profile clientele throughout the summer season.

Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival 2011 - Atlanta, Georgia
DEADLINE: 7/29/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 8/20/2011 - 8/21/2011
The Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual arts, crafts and entertainment event and will be held at Piedmont Park. This midtown community is home to some of the best Fine Arts festivals in the country, and home to enthusiastic art buyers from metro Atlanta. 2011 is the inaugural year for this event, with 100- 150 exhibitors in Atlanta’s favorite park. Hosts AFFPS are “bringing it back” by offering an atypical show reminiscent of the days when local art events were held in the park. “This one’s for our local artists and crafters, people in the community, neighbors and friends.” The event is hosted by AFFPS by artists for artists.

Benches on Parade Art & Wine Festival 2011 - Itasca, Illinois
DEADLINE: 7/30/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 9/24/2011 - 9/25/2011
Come exhibit in historic downtown Itasca, Illinois for the Third Annual Fine Arts & Wine Festival.
Show dates September 24-25, 2011.

Old Town San Diego Art Festival 2011 - San Diego, California
DEADLINE: 7/30/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 10/1/2011 - 10/2/2011
The Old Town Art Festival is clebrating it's 8th year in the heart of Old Town San Diego. Enjoy the beautiful weather San Diego has to offer along with the 30,000 patrons of the event.
Display your work alongside other notable artists displaying their work in all mediums of fine art.

Art Off Pike 2011 - Covington, Kentucky
DEADLINE: 7/31/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 10/9/2011 - 10/9/2011
Now in its Seventh year, the Art Off Pike Annual Street Arts Festival brings together a wide variety of artists whose works will be on display and for sale amongst an urban setting in the heart of historic Covington’s downtown. As people discover the artwork presented by the artist booths lining the streets, children are invited to take part in ‘Picasso’s Playground’, where Covington's arts and cultural organization offer hands-on art activities and performances for the enitre family. Musicians will be playing throughout the day and food vendors will be selling food.

Congratulations to the 72 accepted artists. They are in the process of purchasing booths. Meanwhile, we are still accepting artists for the next two weeks until we reach our goal of 80 artists. So, there is still time to apply!

Sandy Springs Festival 2011 - Sandy Springs, Georgia
DEADLINE: 7/31/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 9/17/2011 - 9/18/2011
The Sandy Springs Festival is an annual arts, crafts, and entertainment event and will be held on September 17-18, 2011. Now in its 26th year, the event has grown from a small, picnic-style gathering to over 20,000 attendees and the largest annual event in Sandy Springs. This celebration of community and tradition is located in the center of the Sandy Springs business district on and around Heritage Green.

Historic HandleyFEST - 13th Annual Festival & Classic Car Show - Fort Worth, Texas
DEADLINE: 7/31/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 10/8/2011 - 10/8/2011
CALL FOR ARTISTS! DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE EXTENDED for a LIMITED TIME!!

Over $5,000 in Cash and Prizes offered!

If selected to participate, your jury fee is applied toward your booth cost!!

The 13th Annual HandleyFEST is a free community event that features live music, multiple entertainment stages, a juried art show, crafters village, commercial vendors, great food, classic car show, kid’s zone and city safety fair.

We expect more than 50,000 to attend the 2011 festival.

HandleyFEST takes place in the Urban Village of Handley located in East Fort Worth and is designed to attract a variety of quality artisans. The local galleries will increase their participation in the 2011 event as we take this one-day festival to the next level!

More than $5,000 in cash awards and prizes! Additional purchase awards and other prizes may be given.

FESTIVAL FACTS
• Over 40,000 attendees last year
• More than 100 Artists and other vendors
• Free entrance for shoppers
• Free parking available
• Live entertainment throughout the festival
• Eclectic variety of Festival Food and local Restaurant participants
• Located in historic urban village
• **NEW**Promotion via Billboards and Bus Signage

If selected to participate, your jury fee is applied toward your booth cost!!

We have 200 spaces available for 2011!

Art in the Gardens 2011 - Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
DEADLINE: 7/31/2011
Jury Fee: $20.00
Event Dates: 10/15/2011 - 10/16/2011
The Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce invites you to apply to be an exhibitor at the 6th annual Art in the Gardens, a two-day arts festival produced by the staff that operates the annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival. Admission is free to the two-day event which showcases over 75 artists and includes children's activities and the Youth Art Competition. Attendees will be treated not only to the fine art, but to local musical entertainment and food from the fine eating establishments in Downtown at the Gardens. Festival hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 15 and 11a.m. - 6p.m. on Sunday, October 16. Complimentary parking will be available onsite.

Desert Art Festival November 2011 - Palm Springs, California
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 11/25/2011 - 11/27/2011
The 25th annual Desert Art Festival, the original Palm Springs art festival, held Thanksgiving Weekend, in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs.

One hundred ans twenty five of the finest artists from the Western Untied States will converge on Frances Stevens Park to display their original work in all mediums of fine art and fine craft.

Manayunk EcoArts Festival 2011 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 9/24/2011 - 9/25/2011
Manayunk.com is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual EcoArts Festival in Manayunk. Our festival was such a success last year and we were happy to host as many as 30,000 over the course of a two-day weekend. This year, we invite you to take part of this great celebration of artistic, sustainable, and local green initiatives where eco-minded artists, green businesses, and ecologically-concerned community groups gather to share resources and education about green and healthy living. The festival highlights the sustainable efforts of our “green” exhibitors. Note: Not sure if your products are green? Contact mvidauri@manayunk.org to find out!

James J. Hill Days Street Market 2011 - Wayzata, Minnesota
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 9/10/2011 - 9/11/2011
James J. Hill Days is Wayzata's annual community festival held in the heart of downtown Wayzata, Minnesota overlooking the beautiful shores of Lake Minnetonka. This year's open-air street market will include an eclectic mix of fine art, crafts, antiques, and handmade items from around the region. The show will be open to the public on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Best of the Northwest Fall Art and Fine Craft Show 2011 - Seattle, Washington
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 11/18/2011 - 11/20/2011
Seattle's premier indoor art event located on the waterfront on Pier
91, is a tradition with holiday shoppers. Strategic timing and an
affluent downtown clientele situated in a beautiful setting makes this
show a must for talented artists.

To complete the art experience we create a festive atmosphere with
Great music, performance art, good food and a wine tasting featuring
20 boutique regional wineries selected by a well-known sommelier.

NOTICE: The Fall 2011 Best of the Northwest Show has 45 spaces that have just opened. Read the event prospectus/description to learn more.

Panama City Beach Festival of the Arts 2011 - Panama City Beach, Florida
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 9/17/2011 - 9/18/2011
The PCB Festival of the Arts will take place at the Palms Conference Center. There will be indoor and outdoor spaces for this festival.

Bartlett Heritage Days Arts Festival 2011 - Bartlett, Illinois
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 9/10/2011 - 9/11/2011
For the past 8 years, Arts in Bartlett, the local arts council in this thriving Illinois community 35 miles northwest of Chicago, has presented Bartlett’s only juried fine arts and crafts show. Arts in Bartlett, a dynamic all-volunteer 501(c) 3 organization, prides itself on presenting high-quality, yet affordable fine arts and fine crafts in this highly anticipated free annual event. This year the art fair has moved its date to September 10 and 11 to become part of Bartlett Heritage Days. This community festival celebrates the “good-old days” in a 3-block square of quaint, downtown Bartlett with the Arts Festival area clearly visible from all directions. The Arts Festival will be in the newly landscaped Town Center park with grass, walkways, benches, fountain, nearby restaurants and a new piece of public art commissioned by Arts in Bartlett to be dedicated during the festival.

NEW FEATURE THIS YEAR: Young Art Appreciators. A special "kids only" tent for children shoppers who can purchase art priced at $1, $5 and $10. Art will be labeled with artist name and booth number so parents can take them to meet the artist and learn about their techniques. Artists accepted in the show are asked to donate a small piece or two and proceeds will go toward Arts in Bartlett scholarships for high school seniors to plan to major in the arts.

Our popular full artist breakfast will be served both mornings in the Center for the Arts one-half block away, which will also serve as an artist lounge. Live music and children’s art will also be featured. A Classic Car Show, 1880s re-enactors, games and another stage are in the next block. See more details as they develop under “Art Fair” and “Heritage Days” on www.artsinbartlett.org

Art on the Hill 2011 - Winterset, Iowa
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $20.00
Event Dates: 9/17/2011 - 9/17/2011
The 2011 Art on the Hill, on the hill top where the Madison County Historical Complex is located. It overlooks the beautiful town of Winterset, in Madison, Co. Iowa. Madison County has become a destination for artists and art lovers of all mediums. The scenic rolling hills and historic bridges are always an inspiration.

Metro Arts Expo 2011 - Des Moines, Iowa
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 11/4/2011 - 11/5/2011
The Metro Arts EXPO features the work of 100 juried artists. This event is FREE to the public. There is a Children’s Workshop, interactive art projects for all ages, live musicians, demonstrations and an upbeat holiday shopping atmosphere. Des Moines is the most populated city in Iowa. The approximate Metro Population of 553,000 people. In 2009, Forbes Magazine rated the City of Des Moines as #3 in the "America's Most Livable Cities”. Capital Square at 400 Locust Street is in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. Thousands of people come to eat, shop and experience museums, music, amazing architecture.Capital Square is surrounded by cultural and social amenities such as, luxury condominiums, the Civic Center, upscale restaurants and businesses.

Art Fest Boca 2011 - Boca Raton, Florida
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 11/19/2011 - 11/20/2011
Art Fest Boca is an annual JURIED fine arts show. The location of the festival is Boca Center, home of Boca Fest, Boca Raton's most successful art event, 21150 S. Military Trail Boca Raton FL 33486. Art Fest Boca is located in Palm Beach county, the third highest per capita income in the United States.

American Craft Council Show in Atlanta 2012 - Atlanta, Georgia
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 3/8/2012 - 3/11/2012
Located in a beautiful venue situated near the affluent suburbs of Cobb County, with easy highway access and free public parking. The Atlanta show is very competitive, drawing a sophisticated audience.

American Craft Council Show in Baltimore 2012, Retail-Only Section - Baltimore, Maryland
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 2/24/2012 - 2/26/2012
Three full days of retail to the public, the Council's flagship show is a must-attend event for the public. The highly competitive and prestigious show attracts artist from throughout the US.

American Craft Council Show in Baltimore 2012, Wholesale-Only Section - Baltimore, Maryland
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 2/22/2012 - 2/23/2012
Two full days of wholesale only, the Council's flagship show is a must-attend event for buyers from around the nation. The highly competitive and prestigious show attracts artist from through out the US.

American Craft Council Show in Baltimore 2012, Wholesale-Retail Section - Baltimore, Maryland
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 2/22/2012 - 2/26/2012
Now two days of wholesale only and three full days of retail to the public. The Council’s flagship show is a must-attend event for wholesale buyers and the public. This is a highly competitive and prestigious show attracting artists throughout the U.S.

American Craft Council Show in San Francisco 2012 - San Francisco, California
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 8/10/2012 - 8/12/2012
Located on the San Francisco waterfront between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, this show serves a well-established audience of Bay Area craft enthusiasts, including a growing demographic of younger admirers of handmade goods.

American Craft Council Show in St. Paul 2012 - St. Paul, Minnesota
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 4/19/2012 - 4/22/2012
Now in it’s 26th year, this is the Council’s only Midwest show. This intimate, established show attracts a loyal regional audience and is presented in a superb facility in the heart of the St. Paul.

2011 ZAPP Conference Artwork Exhibition - Atlanta, Georgia
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $0.00
Event Dates: 9/19/2011 - 9/20/2011
Share your artwork with the field and help educate yourself and your peers in the jury process! This application is for a mock-jury session at the third annual ZAPP® Conference. The 2011 conference is Monday, September 19, and Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the W Atlanta Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia.

Please note that this is not an application for a juried art festival. This application is to submit your artwork images to the 2011 ZAPP® Conference. By completing this application you consent and understand that your images may be displayed and may be discussed by a panel during a conference session.

Seattle Gift Show 2011 - Handcrafted from Northwest Art Alliance - Seattle, Washington
DEADLINE: 8/1/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 8/13/2011 - 8/16/2011
Seattle Gift Show – Handcrafted from Northwest Art Alliance! - Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, August 13th - 16th, 2011.

Explore selling wholesale at the Seattle Gift Show. NWAA membership offers premium booths at greatly reduced rates for your introduction into wholesaling at this well established event.

Fairfax Festival of the Arts - Fairfax, Virginia
DEADLINE: 8/4/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 10/8/2011 - 10/9/2011
Fairfax Corner in northern Virginia hosts its second Paragon event for 2011, the Fairfax Festival of the Arts (formerly the Greater Fairfax Fine Art Festival). Located just outside the Beltway, Fairfax corner is readily accessible to all parts of the Washington D.C., Baltimore, and northern Virginia markets. Reston lies less than 10 mi. to the northwest and Alexandria 15 mi. to the east. In May artists reported an average of $2960, a strong showing for a first year event, especially given the drizzly weather that persisted most of Sunday. Adding in the post-show sales artists have reported, this is now one of the premier events in the mid-Atlantic region.

Fairfax County is the most populated community in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Fairfax was the first county in the United States to reach a six-figure median household income and boasts the second-highest median household income of any county with a population of at least 250,000. The average income within a ten mile radius of the Festival is over a $125,000 and over 30% of the population have graduate degrees. In 2009, Forbes Magazine rated the City of Fairfax as #3 in the "Top 25 Places to Live Well”. Fairfax Corner is a premiere location for a fine arts festival.

Chastain Park Arts Festival 2011 - Atlanta, Georgia
DEADLINE: 8/4/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 11/5/2011 - 11/6/2011
Join us for the 3rd annual Chastain Park Arts Festival in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia on Nov 5-6, 2011. With over 175 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors against the backdrop of beautiful Chastain Park, this 2011 Fine Arts festival promises to be the premier event of the year. This North Buckhead area is home to one of the largest and most affluent and enthusiastic art buying communities in the Metro Atlanta area. This event, hosted by AFFPS, is organized by artists for artists.

Charlotte Fine Art Show - 4th Annual Dec 9-11 - New Location Convention Center - Charlotte, North Carolina
DEADLINE: 8/5/2011
Jury Fee: $30.00
Event Dates: 12/9/2011 - 12/11/2011
HotWorks.org Presents
4th Annual Charlotte Fine Art Show™
December 9-11, 2011 – 3 days
New Location! Charlotte Convention Center

The 4th Annual Charlotte Fine Art Show™ has a new and improved location indoors at the Charlotte Convention Center, located in Uptown Charlotte. Dates are December 9, 10 & 11 – this is a three day event. As you may be aware, this is the old home of the American Craft Council Show which no longer happens there. In the past, Hot Works has held the Charlotte Fine Art Show™ at The Park Expo & Conference Center, formerly known as the Merchandise Mart. Many seasoned artists have requested us to make the move to the Convention Center – which we are doing! Artists who have participated in our previous Charlotte shows, who will be returning this year include John Benton and Brian Sykes, Wood; Antanas Ulevicius, Clay; Woodrow Nash, Sculpture; and David Goldhagen, Glass; Mia Tyson, Fiber, to name a few.

In the past four years, Hot Works has created grass roots relationships within the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. The event is highly advertised and promoted on print, radio, television, social media, posters and post cards. In the last few years, the new Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art have been newly built and are now open within a few blocks of the Convention Center. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture, also located a few blocks from the Convention Center, went through an $18M beautiful renovation. The new Nascar Museum is adjacent to the Convention Center, and a parking structure with 800-900 parking spots has been added on.

The Institute for the Arts & Education, Inc., is the 501c3 non-profit organization that is part of the event and helps find ways to enrich lives and strengthen the community through the Power of Arts. Many positives link the Charlotte Convention Center to a successful Fine Art & Craft Show.

Charlotte, NC has not been given the chance it deserves to make this high quality juried fine art & craft show a success. There is a lot of potential in Charlotte. Hot Works has built its flagship event, the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show® now held in West Bloomfield, MI to be in the top 100 art shows in the country the last four years in a row – in Michigan’s worst economic times. We can do the same for Charlotte, NC!

Please keep Hot Works in mind for Charlotte or any of the other upcoming events:

9th Orchard Lake Fine Art Show®, Outdoors, heart of West Bloomfield, MI
Jul 29-31 ‘11

8th Estero Fine Art Show™, Outdoors, Estero, FL (near Naples/Bonita)
Nov 5 & 6 ‘11

9th Estero Fine Art Show™, Outdoors, Estero, FL (near Naples/Bonita)
Jan 7 & 8 ‘12

3rd Boca Raton Fine Art Show™, Outdoors, Boca Raton, FL
Jan 21 & 22,‘12

Frisco Art Festival (Downtown Frisco, CO) 5th Annual - August 2011 - Frisco, Colorado
DEADLINE: 8/5/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 8/13/2011 - 8/14/2011
Summit County will be the recipient of a very special juried art fair the second weekend in August. City of Frisco is closing down Main Street for this great event. Downtown Frisco is nestled between Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, close to Denver. Last years event was a huge success. Historic Main Street has upscale, quaint and eclectic shops, galleries and eateries that line the streets. Summit County, Colorado is located in the heart of the Rockies, just one hour from Denver to the east on I-70 and is home to Frisco, Breckenridge, Keystone Resort, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain.

Combine the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the quaintness of Frisco, the art of 150 fine art exhibitors and the publicity this event will receive and you get a fabulous art fair!

ArtFest of Scottsdale 2011 - Scottsdale, Arizona
DEADLINE: 8/5/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 11/19/2011 - 11/20/2011
ArtFest™ of Scottsdale is a two day celebration featuring fine art, continuous live music, a variety of international food, and an interactive family area featuring hands-on art activities for children.

Over 200 select artists and craftspeople from across the nation will show and sell one-of-a-kind artwork. These works include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, fashion, furniture and jewelry. The festival is held in a spectacular setting of rolling green lawns, sparkling fountains, gorgeous flowers, stately trees, and meandering walkways.

Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza - In historic Old Town Scottsdale 7380 E. Second Street.

FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING

www.888ARTFEST.com

New Events

Leesburg Art Festival 2012 - Leesburg, Florida
OPEN DATE: 7/21/2011
DEADLINE: 12/1/2011
Jury Fee: $25.00
Event Dates: 3/3/2012 - 3/4/2012
In our 35th year, the Leesburg Art Festival is held on Main Street in Downtown Leesburg. Leesburg is located in the heart of Central Florida, equal distance from each coast.

ACRE Las Vegas 2012 - Las Vegas, Nevada
OPEN DATE: 7/21/2011
DEADLINE: 8/31/2011
Jury Fee: $10.00
Event Dates: 6/2/2012 - 6/4/2012
ACRE™ features American and Canadian made products in a full range of price points for every buyer's budget. Product lines include stationery, tabletop, jewelry, furniture, decorative accessories, seasonal and garden, toys, clothing, fashion and fashion accessories, green products and more. Attendees include buyers from many different retail categories including craft galleries, specialty stores, gift shops, art galleries, furniture, boutiques, jewelry stores, antique shops, museums, hotels and garden centers.

ACRE™ offers artists an all-inclusive booth package, Emerging Artist program, and convenient payment options. All booths include a free year of Wholesalecrafts.com™ web service (a $468 value).

Space is limited and booth assignments will be made in the order applications are approved, so DON’T WAIT!

ArtFest of Fifth Avenue 2011 - Scottsdale, Arizona
OPEN DATE: 7/22/2011
DEADLINE: 8/26/2011
Jury Fee: $35.00
Event Dates: 10/21/2011 - 10/23/2011
ArtFest of 5th Avenue held in the Arts District of downtown Scottsdale, featuring galleries, fountains, and picturesque storefronts with over 25% of the attendees having incomes over $100,000.

Over 100 select artists will participate in this three-day festival held the weekend of Friday, October 21, Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23, 2011, from 10 AM to 5 PM each day. As usual the FREE trolley will be running the downtown circuit. Although tourism makes up approximately 30% of the business income, Scottsdale is home to the affluent as well as a prime location for second homes.

Buyers Market of American Craft February 2012 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
OPEN DATE: 7/27/2011
DEADLINE: 2/1/2012
Jury Fee: $10.00
Event Dates: 2/18/2012 - 2/20/2012

The nation's largest wholesale tradeshow for contemporary craft artists from the U.S. and Canada, with exhibitors selling their work to thousands of stores and galleries.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, until the show is full.

Shorty's Gourmet Treat's

2011-07-22T19:26:00.012-04:00

One of my long time favorite shops on etsy is also one of my little Magee's favorite shops as well!

Shorty's Gourmet Treat's

The owner of Shorty's Gourmet Treat's is Elizabeth. She lives in California with her two boys, Pokey (a long haired German Shepherd) and Sunny (a golden/lab mix).

They are the inspiration for all her products stating, "I feel the need to bake with love lots of gourmet, healthy and organic handmade treats for them and for your best friend."

Elizabeth is very convo friendly and would love to create that special order for you and your best friend. She has almost every single type of dog breed cookie cutter at her disposal. So if you're interested in that custom shape, let her know! :)

My four year old boxer has fallen in love with her treats, and I have also turned my in-laws dogs on to these amazing treats as well! Here are Magee's all time favorites!

Napawlitans
These large bone shaped cookie sandwiches are handmade with organic cinnamon and a special yummy yogurt filling and drizzled with carob, which will have your pets begging for more! :)

♥NO Salt
♥NO Corn
♥NO Sugar
♥NO Artificial Colors
♥NO Artificial Flavors
♥NO Byproducts
♥NO Preservatives

These treats come in 5 oz. containers which is approximately 4 HEAVY bone shaped cookie sandwich treats.

Ice Cream Cones
These peanut butter ice cream cones are all natural and made with human grade ORGANIC ingredients.
((If the mood should strike you, you could eat them as snacks, yourself!!))

These treats also include molasses, which is a natural sweetener and is an ingredient dogs love to devour! :)

Lil Cuties
These Lil Cuties are little handmade organic ginger sandwiches made with a special yummy yogurt filling which will have your pets begging for more! :)

Buddy Bones
These buddy bones are all natural and made with human grade ORGANIC ingredients.
((If the mood should strike you, you could eat them as snacks, yourself!!))

Peanut Butter PupCakes
These peanut butter pupcakes are all natural and made with human grade ORGANIC ingredients.
((If the mood should strike you, you could eat them as snacks, yourself!!))

These treats are made with hand ground peanut butter that her mom makes herself! (You can even see some tiny peanut bits in the treats... even more for a dog to love!)

These treats are made with a much more "cupcake-like" consistency! As well as topped with organic hand ground peanuts! :)

These buddy bones are decorated with an assortment of yogurt and carob coating! Super yummy and healthily satisfies a sweet tooth!

These are just a few of my Magee's favorites and their are so many more to choose from, including Natural Botanical Doggie Shampoo! Visit Elizabeth's shop and show her some love, along with your special pup!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/shortysgourmettreats

Recipes from the South

2011-07-22T19:02:00.002-04:00

I was going through my family recipes the other day, and I pulled out a few of my all time favorites to share. This collection is some of my favorite southern foods!

Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
2 cup(s) buttermilk
2 tablespoon(s) hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon(s) salt
2 (3 1/2 pounds each) chickens, each cut into 8 pieces
2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper
1 teaspoon(s) paprika
5 cup(s) vegetable oil or shortening for frying

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Directions

1.In extra-large (2- to 2 1/2-gallon) zip-tight plastic bag, combine buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add chicken pieces, turning to coat. Seal bag, pressing out excess air. Place bag in bowl; refrigerate 2 to 24 hours to marinate, turning bag over once.

2.In pie plate, stir flour, baking powder, pepper, paprika, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt until well mixed. Remove chicken, a few pieces at a time, from buttermilk, shaking off excess. Add chicken to flour mixture, turning to coat well. Place chicken pieces so that they do not touch one another on wire rack, set over waxed paper. Repeat with remaining chicken. Let stand until coating has set, about 15 minutes. Discard buttermilk mixture.

3.Meanwhile, preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line two 15 1/2-inch by 10 1/2-inch jelly-roll pans or large cookie sheets with paper towels. Divide oil between two 12-inch skillets, preferably electric (there should be about 1/2 inch oil in each skillet), and heat over medium heat until temperature reaches 360 degrees F on deep-fry thermometer.

4.To each skillet, add 4 chicken pieces, skin side down, being careful to avoid crowding. Cover skillets and cook until chicken is light golden brown on bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn pieces and cook, covered (reducing heat to medium-low if necessary to maintain a temperature of 300 degrees F), 8 to 10 minutes longer for white meat, 13 to 15 minutes longer for dark meat, turning pieces every 4 or 5 minutes, until well browned on all sides and juices run clear when thickest part is pierced with tip of knife. Using tongs, transfer chicken pieces to lined jelly-roll pans to drain; keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining chicken. Makes 8 main-dish servings.

Southern Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
1 (refrigerated ) pie crust , half a 15-oz. package, softened as directed
1 3/4 cup(s) pecan halves
3/4 cup(s) (dark) corn syrup
1/2 cup(s) (packed) dark brown sugar
4 tablespoon(s) (unsalted) butter, melted
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
3 large eggs

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Directions

1.Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a 9-inch glass pie plate with the pie-crust dough. Fold overhang under and pinch to form a decorative edge.

2.Line the pie shell with foil, fill with dried beans or uncooked rice and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil with beans or rice and return to oven until golden, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.

3.Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF. Coarsely chop 1 cup pecans; reserve remaining pecan halves.

4.In large bowl, with wire whisk, mix corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla and eggs until blended. Stir in chopped pecans and pecan halves.

5.Pour filling into crust. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until edges of filling are set (center will jiggle slightly). Cool completely on wire rack. Garnish with whipped cream before serving, if you like.

Southern Style Onion Rings
Ingredients:
3 large Vidalia onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices, and separated into rings
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 quart oil for deep frying

Directions

1.Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper; set aside. Line 2 additional baking sheets or 1 tray with paper towels; set aside.

2.Place 1 1/2 cups of flour in a shallow bowl. Pour the milk into a second shallow bowl. In a third bowl, stir together the cornmeal, 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and black pepper.

3.Dip the onion rings first into the plain flour, then into the milk, and last into the cornmeal mixture. Place the breaded rings on the wax paper-lined baking sheets.

4.Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, or deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).

5.Fry the onion rings a few at a time in the hot oil so they are not crowded, until golden brown. Drain on paper towel-lined baking sheets, and serve immediately.

Southern Butter Rolls

Ingredients
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1.Mix together flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix in shortening. Mix in water.

2.Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 20 minutes. Cover dough with oil. Place dough in a bowl, cover, and proof for 1 hour.

3.Form rolls, and place on a greased baking tray. Proof for 45 minutes.

4.Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 12 to 14 minutes.

Southern Praline Pecan Cake
Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package butter pecan cake mix
1 (16 ounce) container coconut pecan frosting
4 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9 or 10 inch Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2.Combine the cake mix with the frosting, eggs, oil, water and 1/2 of the pecan pieces. Mix until combined.

3.Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 of pecans in the prepared Bundt pan then pour in the cake batter.

4.Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Layered Cheesecake

2011-07-21T03:29:00.002-04:00

CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST (recipe follows)
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips, divided
1/2 teaspoon shortening(do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)

Directions
1 Prepare CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST. Heat oven to 350° F.

2 Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs, heavy cream, vanilla and salt, beating until well blended; set aside.

3 Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate chips. Place remaining chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1-1/2 minutes; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted when stirred.

4 Gradually blend 1-1/2 cups cheesecake batter into melted chocolate. Spread 2 cups chocolate mixture in prepared crust.

5 Blend additional 2 cups plain cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread 2 cups of this mixture over first layer in springform pan. Stir remaining cheesecake batter into remaining chocolate mixture; spread over second layer.

6 Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven to wire rack. With knife, immediately loosen cake from side of pan. Cool to room temperature.

7 Place reserved chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred. Drizzle over top of cheesecake. Cover; refrigerate several hours until cold. Cover; refrigerate leftover cheesecake. 10 to 12 servings.

CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST: Stir together 1-1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 45 wafers, crushed), 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa; stir in 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter or margarine. Press mixture onto bottom and 1-1/2 inches up sides of 9-inch springform pan.

Heavenly Chocolate Cream Pie

2011-07-21T03:16:00.004-04:00

Ingredients
One 9-inch pie shell
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
3 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips, divided Sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping (optional)

Directions
1 Bake pie shell; cool. Stir together sugar, cornstarch and salt in 2 quart saucepan. Combine egg yolks and milk in container with pouring spout. Gradually blend milk mixture into sugar mixture.

2 Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Add 1-3/4 cups chocolate chips; stir until chips are melted and mixture is well blended. Pour into prepared pie shell; press plastic wrap onto filling. Cool. Refrigerate several hours or until chilled and firm. Garnish with whipped cream and remaining chocolate chips, if desired. 6 to 8 servings.

Now that you have gained several pounds drooling over the above recipe, you can enjoy my ZERO calorie version!

Everyone LOVES Chocolate! This Heavingly Extremely Scented chocolate pie is made from muslin and batting. It is baked with a special primitive recipe in the pie pan you will receive your pie in.

Available in your choice of Single Whipped Dollop, mulitple dollops or in Smore's with graham crackers, hershey chocolate embeds, and large marshmallows! Heavily scented in chocolate you will be sure to make the tummy's rumble!

Hershey's Candle Tarts

2011-07-21T03:05:00.003-04:00

One thing I LOVE is Hershey's Chocolate! One of my signature chocolate additions and add-on's for my candles are wax chocolate hershey bars. If you are a lover of Hershey's Chocolate or Chocolate in general, than you will love these candle tarts! I can make them in many styles: white, milk, dark, with nuts and without! (All wax of course!)

Perfect for the chocolate lover! Packaged in a bakery bag tied with ribbon, you will receive (4) four chocolate bars in your choice of White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, or Dark Chocolate. Just break off a piece or two, place in your candle tart burner, and enjoy!

Chocolate bar tarts can be scented in any of my chocolate scents:
Creamy Milk Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate and Amber
White Chocolate
White Chocolate Truffle
German Chocolate
Truffle
York Patty
Chocolate Fudge
Hot Fudge Brownie
Chocolate Covered Cherry
Chocolate Covered Strawberry
Better than Sex
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate Biscotti
Chocolate Almond
Chocoalte Pecan
Chocolate Turtle

Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake

2011-07-21T02:59:00.002-04:00

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING (recipe follows)

Directions

1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2 Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings. VARIATIONS: ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost. BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost. CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes. "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa 3 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

My Other Child.........

2011-07-18T15:37:00.004-04:00

So many often here me speak about my 4-legged daughter "Magee", she is such a Mama's girl! They say your children pick up your habits, and I swear my dog does to! Magee is a soon to be 4 year old boxer and is such a cuddle bug. She usually thinks she is a lap dog and curls up with me on the sofa. Last night I was so into my candle making that Magee was tierd of laying at my feet. I turned around and she was just Oooh so cute on the sofa. The funniest part of it all, is I often sleep with lots of pillows. Well, apparently Magee enjoys the pillows too! She knocked the pillows over creating her little bed. Anyways, I thought was way to precious and just wanted to share!!

Tammy's Treasure Chest

2011-07-18T06:36:00.007-04:00

One thing I look for when I am shopping especially for jewelry items, is a unique item that just captures you when you first set eyes on it. When I came across Tammy's Treasure Chest during my search through Etsy shops, her items captivated me by their beauty. Her talent is so amazing, and the quality of her work is superb!

Tammy is from Grayson Louisiana, and when she was a little girl, she would watch her Daddy carve. She said that he could turn a block of wood into a duck decoy that looked so real you had to touch it just to make sure it wouldn't quack!

Luckily, for Tammy, she inherited a little bit of that artistic talent! Tammy has tried it out in many mediums, but when she got to metalwork, she found her true passion.

Tammy says she loves the feeling of turning cold, hard metal into something warm, and beautiful. The process of hammering and joining pieces of metal is a release of emotions for her. she pours herself into each piece and tries to convey her thoughts and feelings. Tammy says that she becomes at peace with herself and the world when she is working.

Tammy is inspired by the world around her, and the things in everyday life. Ideas and designs are formed in her mind and are slowly but surely coaxed into reality. Tammy believes that an artist leaves a little bit of their soul in each work of art, and passes that on to the person that falls in love with her creations! It is her mark on the world, proof that she was here. Art outlives the artist!

Believe it or not, Tammy has never had any formal training in the arts. She use the things that she has picked up along the way, from TV, books, and the Internet. Tammy doesn't always follow the rules, but adapts them to work for her. Therefore, a lot of her techniques are unique.

If you would like to know more about the ideas and processes she uses, or just more about her, you can visit her blog at http://tammys-treasure-chest.blogspot.com/

Well all I can say is that I have fallen in love with her creations, as I am sure you will as well! Here are some of Tammy's beautiful pieces of work:

Click Here for more InformationThe poppy measures 15.5mm wide and sits on a 14g sterling silver band.

Click here for more InformationPersonalized Stamped Sterling and 14K Goldfilled Spinning Ring:
This is one of Tammy's sterling and 14K goldfilled spinning rings with stamping on the outside of the band.

It is made from thick, 18g sterling and is 1/2" wide. It can be stamped with 2 or 3 lines of your choice. And, can be made in any half, quarter, or whole size from 4-1.

Custom Personalized Copper and Sterling Silver Bangle
Click here for more Information
Tammy made this lovely bangle from copper and sterling silver for a special customer and loved it so much that she decided to add it to her shop!

The base is a band of thick 16g copper that is hand textured. The sterling silver band is hand stamped with the phrase "THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD..." but you can add your own personal touch with a phrase of your choice.

It is all held together with copper and sterling wire rivets, then oxidized to add depth and beauty. It gives the copper a nice, warm glow.

It is 1/2" wide and the silver band is 1/4" wide. It is a touch over 2&1/2" in diameter (8" round) and will fit a medium to medium + wrist.

Labradorite and Rock Crystal Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings
Click here for more Information
This is a pair of 1", handmade, oxidized sterling silver hoops. Tammy added a gorgeous, flashy, faceted, 14mm by 7mm labradorite and a 5mm round, faceted, clear rock crystal that are wrapped in sterling silver.

The labradorite is a beautiful, blue fash stone. It looks grey until the light strikes it, then the fiery blue shows brillianly.

Each stone can easily be removed so that you can wear them as 2 different pairs of earrings in one!

Cat's Eye Sunstone Onion Briolette and Gold Filled Necklace
Click here for more InformationTammy wrapped this gorgeous, 12mm, lab-created, cat's eye sunstone onion briolette in 14K gold filled wire, then hanged it on an 18", 14K gold filled chain, but can easily change this to any length.

She handmade the spring ring and the hook clasps in 14K GF, too.
You get the look, feel, and wear ability of solid gold at a fraction of the cost!

Can you see why I fell in LOVE with this shop? Visit her Etsy shop for lots of more beautiful and exquisite items, you will not be disappointed!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TammysTreasureChest

Heartsy

2011-07-18T06:34:00.001-04:00

I recently submitted to be reviewed on heartsy and would greatly appreciate your votes to see me featured! If you think my shop would be a great addition to Heartsy, Please let them know by voting for me at: http://heartsy.me/shops/4839/like
Thank you so much! Wendy

Primitive Grungy Nubbies , Tapers & Wax Tarts

2011-07-18T00:16:00.002-04:00

Looking for a way to make those adorable cinnamon grunged candles and nubbies you see in the stores? What about that extra wax from a candle you no longer burn?

Well, here is a simple solution that is inexpensive and easy enough for even the beginner! You can buy store bought tapers , or make your own with a mold ,or the old way , by pouring your melted wax on a cookie sheet and rolling them . You do not have to buy expensive equipment to make these.

Items needed :
Old , clean coffee can
Needle Nose Pliers
Wax paper
Cinnamon
Cloves
Old cookie sheet

Wax from old candles you have laying around or from candles you have burned and wanted to throw the last of it away . No No, save that wax for new tarts, candles, nubbies, and dipping ornies ~ Save it!

Large Pot filled 1/3 of the way up with water. Place on low heat for simmering. Place all of your saved up wax in your coffee can. Place coffee can in pot with water to melt your wax.

While waiting for wax to melt get your wax paper on the table or counter you will be placing the candles as you are done dipping and rolling.

Place your cookie sheet beside your wax paper, sprinkle with your spices so you can roll your candles in it.

When your wax is melted, add your fragrance oil if you want to scent, take a taper, with your needle nose pliers, get ahold of the wick and dip in the wax as many times as you like. Then roll in your spices and place to cool on wax paper.

For Nubbies , cut your taper into the sizes you want your nubbies to be and do the same as for the tapers.

For wax tarts , you can use old lids, metal jello molds or any mold you like. Sprinkle your mold with your spices, add your wax. Let cool and unmold , rub again with your spices.

This can also be done with pillars. You can also melt different colors of wax and dip in different layers of colors.

This is the simpilist of things, that you will have so much fun making all sorts of new things!!

Sweet Dessert Pizza

2011-07-18T00:12:00.002-04:00

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time:

Servings: 4
Ingredients
NESTLÉ LA LECHERA Dulce de Leche (squeezable bottle)

4 (6 inches each) store-bought or homemade pancakes

4 tablespoons grated coconut

4 small strawberries, tops discarded and cut in round slices

1 kiwi fruit, cut in matchstick pieces

1/4 cup blueberries

Directions
SPREAD about 1 tablespoon dulce de leche on 1 pancake. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon grated coconut. Top with strawberries, kiwi fruit and blueberries to resemble toppings on a pizza. Repeat with remaining pancakes and ingredients.

Delicious Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

2011-07-17T21:30:00.006-04:00

There is one thing that I love and it is peanut butter and chocolate! In this entry, you will find not only these adorable realistic peanut butter thumbprint cookies, but you will also find 3 AMAZING thumbprint cookie recipes! Each one of these is just as scrumptious as the next if not better!

Faux Peanut Butter and Chocolate Scented Hershey Thumbprint Cookies
Everyone loves the smell of fresh baked cookies! Mmmmm....these smell so good, just like the real thing! These are a true a cookie lover's dream! Perfect for the zero calorie diet!

Each cookie is made of muslin, then baked with a special scented recipe, hand stitched, sprinkled with our special faux sugar, and topped with a faux chocolate scented Hershey's Kiss!

These cookies would look so adorable displayed in a glass jar. Just make sure that wandering hands know they are not edible!

Interested in my other styles? Each one is scented and topped accordingly:
Chocolate Chip
Rainbow Chip
Peanut Butter Kiss
Peanut Butter
Oatmeal Raisin
Iced Sugar Cookie
Pecan Sandies
Gingerbread
Snicker doodle
Iced Cut Out Cookie (Let me know what style cut out you would like)

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 7 mins
Cooling Time: 20 mins cooling

Servings: 48 cookies (4 dozen)

Ingredients
1 package (13 oz.) NESTLÉ BUTTER FINGER Jingles, unwrapped

NESTLÉ CRUNCH Jingles

3/4 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup granulated sugar (optional)

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

BEAT peanut butter, brown sugar, butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in flour and baking soda.

SHAPE dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in 1 cup granulated sugar; place on ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 7 to 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press 1 Nestlé Jingle into center of each cookie (cookie will crack around edges). Cool cookies on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Cooking Tips
NESTLÉ Jingles are available mid-November through December.

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 45 mins
Cooking Time: 10 mins
Cooling Time: 15 mins cooling

Servings: 36 cookies (3 dozen)

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup chunky or creamy peanut butter (not all-natural), divided

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Melt 1 cup morsels in a small, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Beat sugar, 1/3 cup peanut butter, butter and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in melted chocolate. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in cocoa mixture. Stir in remaining morsels. Cover; refrigerate just until firm.

SHAPE dough into 1 1/2-inch balls; press thumb into tops to make about 1/2-inch-deep depressions. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Fill each depression with about 1/2 teaspoon peanut butter.

BAKE for 10 to 15 minutes or until sides are set but centers are still slightly soft. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 30 mins
Cooking Time: 15 mins
Cooling Time: 30 mins refrigerating

Servings: 5 dozen cookies

Ingredients
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened

1 can (14 ounces) NESTLÉ LA LECHERA FAT FREE Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 large egg yolks

3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

3/4 cup strawberry marmalade

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 325° F.

BEAT butter and sweetened condensed milk in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add egg yolks; beat until smooth. Gradually beat in flour. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

SHAPE dough into 1-inch balls; roll in chopped nuts. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Make indentation in center of each cookie with thumb. Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon marmalade.

BAKE for 15 to 16 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand for 1 minute; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Happy Baking and Enjoy!!!

Annie Dee's

2011-07-17T12:48:00.007-04:00

So who doesn't like to feel feminine and girly? I am always shopping for those unique and beautiful accessories for both myself and my daughter. While doing so I stumbled upon one of my new Favorite shops ~ Annie Dee's
Another fantastic Etsy find that I feel every woman young or old will fall in love with! Here is Annie's story:
"I'm a mom to two children, my daughter is 10 and my son is 3. I work full time, but love to craft and have lots of different projects going on at a time. When I see something interesting, I want to make it - I think that's half the fun for me. Trying to figure out how something is made and doing it my way!

I've always been a creative person and make many different crafts. So, when I saw beautiful fabric flowers in department stores on clothes and as accessories and thought I could make them for myself. Throughout the process of creating my flowers, I discovered how certain types of fabrics react when singed and which fabrics look well together. I take both color and the type of fabric into consideration while making my creations.

Once I started making them, I couldn't stop! So, I decided to open my very own Etsy shop. My flowers are unique because I let the buyer choose how they would like to wear their accessory. I offer the option of attaching the flower purchased to headbands, bobby pins, hair clips, or a pin back to wear as a brooch.

In addition to my fabric flowers, I also sell items I crochet. I've crocheted since I was 10 years old when my aunt taught me. I've done it off and on for the past 7 years, but had fallen out of working on any projects until this past winter. I saw the mohawk hats that popular retail stores were selling and picked my hook up again to make my 3 year old son one for winter. My husband brought him into where I work one day and I ended up making 8 more of them for my co-workers, which reignited my passion for the craft. A couple of my co-workers approached me about teaching a class on our lunch break, so I did and have been holding the class for the past 7 months. It's now more of a crochet group than a class!

I find my inspiration mostly from fashion. I look at the season's Pantone colors and work off them in hopes those color combinations will be popular. Right now I'm looking at the upcoming fall's fashions and stocking up on fall and winter color fabrics."

Here are a few of Annie's beautiful pieces of work:

I handcrafted this flower in a gold/copper color satin fabric. Each petal was singed to create a one of a kind (OOAK) flower accessory. This flower is adorned with 5 small pearl beads that are hand stitched in the center of the flower and attached to a silver bobby pin.

I handcrafted this blue flower with a beautiful shade of blue satin and light baby blue organza fabrics. Each petal was singed to create a one of a kind (OOAK) flower accessory. The flower is adorned with three blue glass beads.

This flower accessory is hand cut and handmade in with cream ivory satin, red and brown organza, and ivory tulle fabric. The edges are singed to create a one of a kind organic shape and adorned with multi shape red and brown glass beads that are hand stitched in the center of the flower.

I hand crochet this purse with very soft white acrylic yarn. I adorned the bag with a purple chiffon and tulle flower. The flower has a small sparkly purple glass bead in the center and is sewn to the purse.

I hand crochet this bath poof with 100% cotton yarn. Colors are light tan, coral/peach, and green. The bath puff is approximately 4.5 in by 4.5 in.

This puff is machine washable and can be thrown in the dryer. After use, just squeeze the water out and then hang to dry.
** Promo ~ FREESHIP for free shipping! **

There are so many wonderful finds from this extremely talented Etsian! So visit her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnieDees Browse around, Show her some Love!!

RKDsign88 ~ Cute and Fun Art

2011-07-17T11:22:00.011-04:00

The next stop on my Fabulous Etsy Shop's Journey brings me to an old favorite! I have LOVED and Admired this shop for some time. RKDsign88, is a shop full of beautiful art work. I came across this shop during one of my searches for things for my daughter's room. This is a shop that I just knew that I had to share! So grab your cup of coffee and enjoy learning about this incredible shop.

I asked Rita the owner of RKDsign88 to share with you her story, and this is what she had to say;

"My name is Rita, owner of rkdsign88.etsy.com . I'm a stay home mom with a sweet daughter & a wonderful supporting husband. I used to live in Stevens Point, Wisconsin & Los Angeles for 8 years. Now, I currently reside in my original city, Jakarta and so blessed with my life.

I was working as an Interior Design before and have Bachelor Degree for that. However, after going back to Jakarta, my plan to continue my carrier as an Interior Design did not quite work as well as I did in the states.

Couple years later, I married and have adorable daughter and become a stay home mom which I actually enjoy so much too until now.

Back at 2008, My husband suggested me to check ETSY since he knew that I still love to see something that related to Interior Design.
Than my sweet daughter inspired me and got me and idea to draw her instead of furniture that I used to draw and sell it at ETSY.
I was so surprise that I actually I love it so much and the buyers love my arts too.

When I used to work with somebody else, I felt I couldn't be myself and not sure what I like too, but since I have my ETSY shop my mind is being free to create anything and of course I thank GOD for listening to my prayer."

Here are some pieces of Rita's beautiful work!

My Sunshine

Cute Nursery Wall Art Print for baby girl or children room.
Title: My sunshine - combo mom blonde & girl brown
Date: 2009
Size: 5"x7" inches including 1/4" white border around the picture. Signed & titled by me on the back. Watermark rkdsign88 will not appear on the real print.

This is a print from my original acrylic painting.
The girl's hair is colored digitally.
I use high quality heavyweight matte paper & Epson ink. Display print framed under glass not to fade for at least 97 years. Mat & frame are not included, just sample only. I print & hand cut my work by myself. So it is truly handmade by me.

My Lovely Cupcake

Cute Nursery Wall Art Print.
Title: My lovely cupcake
Date: 2008
Size: 5"x7" inches including 1/4" white border around the picture. Signed & titled by me on the back. Watermark rkdsign88 will not appear on the real print.

This is a print from my original acrylic painting.
I use high quality heavyweight matte paper & Epson ink. Display print framed under glass not to fade for at least 97 years. Mat & frame are not included, just sample only. I print & hand cut my work by myself. So it is truly handmade by me.

My Lion

Cute Lion Nursery Art Print.
Title: My lion
Date: 2010
Size: 5"x7" inches including 1/4" white border around the picture. Signed & titled by me on the back. Watermark rkdsign88 will not appear on the real print.

This is a print from my acrylic original painting combined with digital color.
I use high quality heavyweight matte paper & Epson ink. Display print framed under glass not to fade for at least 97 years. Mat & frame are not included, just sample only. I print & hand cut my work by myself. So it is truly handmade by me.

I Care

Cute Nursery Wall Art Print.
Title: I care - brown hair
Date: 2008
Size: 5"x7" inches including 1/4" white border around the picture. Signed & titled by me on the back. Watermark rkdsign88 will not appear on the real print.

This is a print from my original acrylic painting.
Brown hair is colored digitally.
I use high quality heavyweight matte paper & Epson ink. Display print framed under glass not to fade for at least 97 years. Mat & frame are not included, just sample only. I print & hand cut my work by myself. So it is truly handmade by me.

Proud of You

Whimsical Cute Nursery Art Print for boy.
Mother with son print or big sister with little brother print.

Title: Proud of you - brown
Date: 2010
Size: 5"x7" inches including 1/4" white border around the picture. Signed & titled by me on the back. Watermark rkdsign88 will not appear on the real print.

This is a print from my original acrylic painting & mixed with digital color.
I use high quality heavyweight matte paper & Epson ink. Display print framed under glass not to fade for at least 97 years. Mat & frame are not included, just sample only. I print & hand cut my work by myself. So it is truly handmade by me.

Sharing

Cute Elephant and Monkey with Ice Cream Nursery Wall Art Print.
Title: Sharing
Date: 2008
Size: 5"x7" inches including 1/4" white border around the picture. Signed & titled by me on the back.Watermark rkdsign88 will not appear on the real print.

This is a print from my original painting.
I use high quality heavyweight matte paper & Epson ink. Display print framed under glass not to fade for at least 97 years. Mat & frame are not included, just sample only. I print & hand cut my work by myself. So it is truly handmade by me.

I'm So Cute

Cute Nursery Arts
Title: I'm so cute
Date: July 2009
Size: 5"x7" inches including 1/4" white border around the picture. Signed & titled by me on the back. Watermark rkdsign88 will not appear on the real print.

This is a print from my original sketch which is digitally colored.
I use high quality heavyweight matte paper & Epson ink. Display print framed under glass not to fade for at least 97 years. Mat & frame are not included, just sample only. I print & hand cut my work by myself. So it is truly handmade by me.

Rita has such an amazing collection, and it is so hard to choose just a few to share with you. All of her prints are available with optional skin tones and hair tones, and may all be found in her Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/rkdsign88

Now take your cup of coffee, and head on over to Rita's shop browse her amazing and beautiful work, and show her some LOVE!

Handmade Silicone Bulbs

2011-07-17T02:12:00.004-04:00

Have you ever purchased these adorable bulbs in the stores? Not only are they adorable but they can also get to be a bit costly. You can find them not only in the traditional style, but you may also find them now with color, scent, and shaped!

Well here is a recipe that is amazing! I know that you will love this as much as I have fun making them. Try making your own homemade silicone bulbs. You will become addicted and wonder why you haven't tried these sooner!

These are fun to make and you can buy the silicone at Lowe's ,Home Depot , or any hardware store . Here is what you will need:

*Silicone caulking in the tube ~ (make sure it is 100 percent silicone)
Gloves (the disposable kind you find at the pharmacy like what your Dr. uses works perfectly!)
*An empty container for the silicone ~ (You can buy cheap storage bowls at the dollar store as you want to make sure that you cover the silicone when not in use. You can save it with a lid.)
*5 watt bulbs or any any stringed lights
*Ventilation ~ Silicone does have fumes !!

Make sure you have enough silicone in your tub to completely cover the glass part of your bulb . If not sure measure the bulbs to your container .

Tie a string to the metal end of the bulb for hanging to dry.

Pour your silicone into your container and tap it down. Do not stir as you will get air bubbles in it and your lights will have them also.

Dip your bulb slowly into the silicone and slowly pull back out as this is how it gets its tail . You can also swirl these , add color , and scent.

That's it! How much more simple can you get?!? I love making the silicone bulbs on my strands of lights. It reminds me having little candlesticks, and looks amazing on my Christmas tree, swags, wreaths, and more!

Now it's your turn to try them and tell me what you think! I would love to see your finished projects!

KMGEMS

2011-07-16T20:23:00.010-04:00

One of my favorite things about Etsy are all the great people that you meet. I love participating in different treasury's and chats. Among my journey through such, I came across a very lovely shop; KMGEMS ~ Unique OOAK Handmade Jewelry. Upon speaking to the shop owner Kathy, I found out she is from my neck of the woods; North Grafton Massachusetts.

Kathy says she LOVES to travel to Cape Cod Beaches in the summer. She has been a Etsy Shop owner for about 2 yrs. now, and has always enjoyed some form of crafts. Kathy says that Knitting was actually her favorite craft for many years, until she went to a beading class on how to make a wine bottle cover. Since that class, Kathy has been hooked to new founded passion!

Most of her items are one of a kind, which gives the buyer the pleasure of having that unique special creation that will be admired by many. Kathy says she loves the sparkle that the swarovski crystal has to them. Kathy loves making special requested items, especially for friends and her 2 adorable and cute grand daughters.

Below you will find some of Kathy's amazingly beautiful creations, and trust me after visiting her store; you will want her to make you a special item as well!

This lovely bracelet is knitted with a metallic thread, size 6 E- beads of Czech glass in gold and crystal seed beads. Holding this beautiful bracelet together is a heart style toggle in silver.

Bracelet measure 71/4" to 7/1/2, with some stretch to it.

Jewels from the Sea! First time addition to Kim's shop, you could be the first to get this lovely bracelet and make a statement.

This shade resembles the Gulf of Mexico waters; Oh so blue when the sun light reflects off the waters.

Made with (9) 8mm Caribbean Blue AB bicones crystals and 4mm crystals bicones all give it accent to this stunning bracelet, along with 20 braided antique silver rings, and 5 mm silver balls. This amazing bracelet shines all over the place as the light hits it. The length of this bracelet is approx 7 to 7 1/2 inches.

Are you looking for a unique one of a kind pair of ear rings or necklace that will dazzle? You must check these out!

Click here for more Information
Click Here for more Information

Here comes the Bride!! Be the first to get this lovely OOAK white stick freshwater pearls necklace. This necklace is so feminine and elegant for that special occasion!

Made of 1/2" white fresh water stick pearls and a 4mm white potato pearls, and tiny seed pearls. Each 4mm pearl is wire wrapped and accented with a 3mm swarovski crystals between the stick pearls. Holding this beautiful piece together is a sterling silver lobster claw with a figure 8 loop. The length of this necklace is approx. 14 1/2 inches.

Would you like to see more of Kathy's exquisite creations? Then stop by her shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KMGEMSand show her some LOVE!!

Sweet Art Sweets

2011-07-16T01:57:00.012-04:00

As many of you know I have been on a journey through Etsy to find Amazing shops by Incredibly Talented Artists. Today on my journey I came across Sweet Art Sweets bake shop.

Let me tell you, my mouth watered and my tummy rumbled while trying to resist the temptation! But who could resist such amazing sweets? This was a shop I just knew I had to learn more about. So I contacted the very talented owner; Elizabeth Walsh. I asked her to share with me more about herself, her shop, and how she started, and this is what she had to say;

"I have been interested in baking for as long as I can remember. My mother and grandmother are my inspirations. I can think back to sitting on a stool in my grandmother's kitchen watching her bake. She always baked the prettiest, tastiest cookies for Christmas. I can also remember sitting on the counter in our family's kitchen, watching my mom prepare baklava, layer after layer of fillo dough and butter, intently watching her precision with each step. I've baked lots of trays of baklava, but mine never taste (or look!) as good as hers. She truly is a master chef in my eyes - the best of the best!

I began baking in my teens - cakes here and there for friends and family. The first two tiered cake I made was for my sister's engagement party. It was a replica of a Hawaiian themed Colette Peters' cake. I had purchased a Colette Peters' book and poured over that thing until it fell apart!

I am self-taught; I've never taken a cake or cookie decorating class. I do have a degree in art, so that helps a little. The very first cookie I ever decorated was about 10 months ago - I wanted to make butterfly cookies for my daughter's first birthday party. I googled "butterfly cookies"... and up popped Sweetopia's website, www.sweetopia.net. I was hooked. I poured over her site, learning everything I could. I was like, "I can totally do this!" BUT.. it was harder than I thought! So I practiced like crazy, and to date I've probably made a couple thousand cookies... getting better with each one!

I realized this was something I absolutely could not live without - and then I realized people actually wanted to buy my products! I had just recently become a stay at home mom to my 2 wonderful children, so I thought this would be the perfect way for me to earn some extra money. I came up with the name SweetArt Sweets because I wanted a product that not only tasted amazing, but looked amazing as well! I wanted my products to be like edible art. I started selling to friends, then to friends of friends, and I now have so many wonderful customers. I bake every day, into the wee hours of the night sometimes because it is only me doing the promoting, selling, networking, baking, decorating, and packaging, and shipping. When I first started selling my products, my husband (Mr. SweetArt Sweets) told me that he would support me all the way. And he has - 1,000 percent!!! I couldn't do it without him. At this time, I work in my home bakery - in consistence with Florida's Cottage Food Law - but my dream is to one day open up a storefront bakery."

Now trust me grab a nice hot latte or a cold glass of milk and just even try to resist the temptation! Trust me, you will not be able!

Whooooo wants cookies??? I do! These cute little owls will make your day with their adorable expressions.

Each cookie is about 3.25" across and will be individually wrapped and heat sealed. This listing is for 6 cookies, but larger orders are also available.

You will get an assortment of yellow, orange, and blue owls or you can choose one of those colors for your entire order. Please let me know your request in notes to seller. They will stay fresh for 4 weeks and can be frozen in their original packaging for up to 3 months.

I love any type of butterfly, but I think monarch butterflies are especially beautiful. These were inspired by a gorgeous monarch butterfly pattern that I stumbled upon. I first draw with edible marker on each cookie and then go back in and fill with royal icing - almost like I'm painting.

You will receive 6 butterflies for this listing. Each one will come individually heat sealed and tied with decorative ribbon. They will stay fresh for 4 weeks and can be frozen in their original packaging for up to 3 months. These cookies are not only beautiful but extremely tasty as well!

I am an artist through and through, and I love to paint on canvas... so why not paint on a cookie? These hummingbird cookies are delicately painted with luster dust and gel colors to achieve a beautiful picture that is completely edible.

These delicious, soft sugar cookies are approximately 4.75" across. The cookies are covered in my homemade marshmallow fondant and then painted. For those who don't care for the somewhat crunchy royal icing, the soft, smooth consistency of fondant is the perfect alternative.

I individually wrap and heat-seal each cookie and tie with a matching ribbon. The cookies will stay fresh for up to 4 weeks, but you can also freeze for up to 3 months. I have had rave reviews about how yummy these cookies are, and also that they are just as good after being in the freezer as when the customer first received them.

The images that you see here can be ordered or I can do a different hummingbird image for you altogether. You choose the images that you would like. This listing is for 6 cookies, so you choose if you would like one image or six different images. Or if you would like a larger order, please convo me and I will do my best to accommodate you!

These make great gifts!!!

I don't know about you, but I love coffee! And what better accent to your morning coffee than a cookie that looks like your cup of coffee?! These soft sugar cookies will melt in your mouth.

12 pink coffee cookies come with this listing. The cookies come beautifully packaged, individually heat sealed, and tied with a matching ribbon. The cookies will stay fresh for 4 weeks and can be frozen in their original packaging for up to 3 months. I can also do a custom order with the other coffee cookies that you see pictured, so please convo me with your request along with any questions you have. These cookies would be a nice gift for any coffee lover.

These hippos are too cute, you'll just have to eat them!

These cookies would be adorable as favors for any party. They can be made into any animal, such as elephants, lions, zebras... you name it and I'll do my best to make it happen for you.

Cookies come individually packaged, heat sealed, and tied with a decorative ribbon. They will stay fresh for up to 4 weeks and can also be frozen in their original packaging for up to 3 months. Larger orders are available; please convo me and let me know your request! Gift cards can be included at no additional charge.

If you have never tried cookies from SweetArt Sweets, this is the perfect way to sample! Not only are they adorable, but they are tasty too. These are soft sugar cookies covered in royal icing.

Ladybug sampler comes with 2 dozen ladybug/flower cookies.
Cookie size is approximately 1.25"
Please specify which sampler you would like in notes to seller.

Have a different design in mind? Convo me and I'll be happy to make a custom listing for you!

Now that you are hungary for a sweet! Visit Elizabeth's shop at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetArtSweetsShe also says she is having a 1,000 Facebook Fan Giveaway on her blog starting next week (7/18) www.blogspot.sweetartsweets be sure to check her out and show her some LOVE!

Where do I find my adorable graphics?

2011-07-15T02:23:00.004-04:00

One thing I take pride in with my products is the packaging, and with that comes labeling. I am constantly asked; "Where do you find your graphics?" Well, I decided to share with everyone an amazing place to find quality work. I often purchase many of my graphics here and then use a photo program to piece together and form my label images.

:::Drum Roll Please::: If you haven't visited or heard of, well you must check out www.mygrafico.com ! They have everything from templates, line art, graphics, and much more. There site is broken down by individual artists and style of product. They are always having amazing sales so make sure you sign up for their notifications, and this month they are having an awesome promotional giveaway!

It's Party Time!! Our Promotion this month includes some goodies to help you create a smashing party....

Get the party on with 37 clear acrylic stamps from Pink Paislee,

2 Sets of Fancy Pants Chipboard Banner Shape Kits to create your own unique party banners,

Beyond the Page MDF Cupcake Stand that you can embellish yourself!

Information about HOW TO ENTER and all rules can be found here

Go take a look around their site, trust me you will not be disappointed!

Summer Time Key Lime Pie

2011-07-15T02:14:00.003-04:00

Key lime pie takes its name from the type of lime it is made with, the Key lime, which grows in the Florida Keys. The Key lime has a mild, delicate fragrance, and the flavor is sweeter and more tart than that of the commonly found dark green, seedless Persian lime. Condensed milk and a graham-cracker crust are also common to the Key lime pie, which has remained essentially unchanged over the years. Look for brightly colored, smooth-skinned limes that are heavy for their size. Small brown areas on the skin won't affect flavor or succulence, but a hard or shriveled skin will. You'll know the pie is done when the center is set but still quivers when the pan is nudged. Before serving, chill the pie in the freezer for 10 minutes; this will make slicing easier.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham-cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
5 tablespoons sugar
1 can (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup freshly squeezed key-lime juice
1 tablespoon grated Key lime zest, plus more for garnish
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Directions
1.Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine graham-cracker crumbs, butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl; mix well. Press into a 9-inch pie plate, and bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled.

2.Lower oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, gently whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, Key lime juice, and zest. Pour into the prepared, cooled crust.

3.Return pie to oven, and bake until the center is set but still quivers when the pan is nudged, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

4.Shortly before serving, combine cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon over cooled pie; garnish with zest. Serve immediately.

As always, if you prefer the Zero Calorie pie, then check out my scrumptious looking Key Lime Pie Candle!!!

Click Here to Purchase this Candle
Our candles are made with the highest quality of soy wax on the market. This allows our candles to provide excellent cold and hot scent throw with incredible burn times! Our wax holds more fragrance than most waxes on the market, and has a nice creamy, glossy appearance!

These yummy and adorable pie candles measure 5", come with one wick tied with homespun. Each pie is filled with creamy whipped wax, and filled with your desired pie filling.

Top Selling Scents: Chocolate Cream Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Cream Pie, Turtle Pie, Smores Pie, Wild Berry Pie, and Pumpkin Pie!!!

These adorable pies can be customized to a larger size or your choice of scent. Please convo me if you prefer something different!

(The adorable mouse pictured came all the way from Russia with Love: http://www.etsy.com/shop/novembrin , this is an incredibly talented artist!)

True Treats Pet Bakery

2011-07-15T01:46:00.011-04:00

I am always shopping online! Especially for both of my girls (my 6 year old 2 legged daughter Isabella, and my 4 legged daughter Magee!) While shopping for my little Magee, I came across this amazing Etsy shop that makes all natural pet treats! Her items are absolutely amazing and I wanted to share both her story and shop with you!!

When I approached Kristan about her Etsy shop and asked her about how she decided to get started in her business, this is what she said;

"At 40 years old, I made it my goal in life to improve the health of my pets and yours. Our family consists of 3 kitties: Meuski, Spartan and Olivia and one doggie named Ruse. They are the light of my life and their health is so important to me. I want them to be with me for as long as possible. I could never imagine feeding them food and treats from the grocery store! Have you read the labels on the brands your local grocery carries??

True Treats Dog Bakery (formerly Rockin Doggie Dog Treats) opened in 2009 with the idea of having a small business making dog treats. I sure fell in love with doing this! In 2010, True Treats Dog Bakery participated in 48 "shows" including pet fundraisers, farmers markets, community fairs and festivals, etc. It was a very busy year and I learned so much about my customers and the NEED for very specific dog and cat treat products. Things have grown dramatically over these two years and I believe our products are some of the best on the market. I hope you do too.

What makes me qualified, you ask? Well, about 8 years ago, I suffered from such severe food allergies that it got to the point where I could only eat plain oatmeal. Eventually, that too was a problem. One day, I learned of an allergy elimination technique called Bioset that sounded like it could help me, and it did. I was treated for a year with amazing results. I felt that I had to study this practice and joined up with the founder of Bioset where I trained extensively to master the healing powers of Bioset. In this venture, I learned so much about how and why we have allergies and my focus was to study how illnesses are related to allergies, especially food. Our pets have similar food and allergy connections. This is where the two came together for me.

Through the course of the past 8 years, I combined my love of animals, nutrition, and health with the wisdom I obtained while practicing these allergy elimination techniques.

True Treats products are fresh, pure, wholesome, healthy, and balanced. You will find a large variety of items in my shop here on Abe's. I hope you find something that fits perfectly with your pet."

Here are some of Kristans amazing items, I hope that you take a look, visit her shop, and show her some LOVE!

Christmas In July! Cat Treats Pumpkin & Catnip Flavor with 2 extra ounces in this package. This size would last my three cats about 2-3 weeks. Mini heart shaped kitty treats are on the menu! I have three cats and I have finally come up with a treat they ALL LOVE! So, I'm pretty confident that your cat will too. You get mini hearts and our new "Give N Go" sized heart shape (about the size of a quarter).

Our first cat treat made with only the best ingredients for your cat. Pumpkin Flesh is enhanced by most cats favorite things: Fresh Dried Catnip & Cheddar

GO FRESH INGREDIENTS
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Whole grains, pumpkin flesh, freshly grated cheddar, organic dried catnip leaf and flower, cage free eggs, fresh water, canola oil, fish oil

True Treats has a 100% Money-Back Guarantee on Quality, Freshness, Flavor and Smell. If any of these 4 elements do not meet your expectations, we will refund your full purchase amount. Please shop carefully! If your cat is super-duper finicky, they may not like these treats. Most cats do, but in this circumstance we don't offer refunds.

Made fresh daily. If your order is placed before 3pm PST we will bake them that day. If your order is received after 3pm PST, we will bake them the next morning and ship out the same day.

Pre Order your Blackberry and Peanut Butter Pupcakes. Our 6 pack of pupcakes comes with 6 large pupcakes,and 6 biscuits to go on top (or carob chips if you prefer). An example of those is shown in the photo). You provide the cream cheese. These will be available mid to late August.

GO FRESH INGREDIENTS
PupCake Ingredients: wholesome whole wheat flour, freshly picked blackberries, pure peanut butter, free range eggs, fresh water, canola oil, baking soda and baking powder

Biscuit Ingredients: wholesome whole wheat flour, pure peanut butter, fresh water, free range eggs, canola oil

As Always, A Full Organic Line, a complete line of Wheat Free, Grain-free/Gluten-free treats and muffins,a complete line of Vegan treats and muffins
Please Reuse All Packaging To Keep The Cycle Going!
Large Bones Are Perfect For Good Doggie Time
Small Bones Serve Well As Training Tid Bits
Super Crunchy on the outside to keep their teeth and gums healthy. A secret to heart health!

Dog Pizza Pet Pet Treat Bake At Home has the pure, wholesome nutrition built into the crust. Specially formulated for dogs and oh so fun. You will get a count of 4-8" pizza's with this order.
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GO FRESH INGREDIENTS:
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Crust: Whole grains, pumpkin flesh, blueberry, carrot, apple, banana, fresh water, cage free eggs, canola oil
Toppings: Freshly grated cheddar and chopped tomato; Cat-N-Bone peanut butter cookie shapes: whole grains, peanut butter, cage free eggs, fresh water, canola oil

Our "Cat-N-Bone" Dog Pizza comes to you fresh and wonderful. You bake it at 450 degrees for 13-17 minutes. Voila! Now your pup can be a part of Family Pizza Night too!

This is a frozen product. Item MUST BE SHIPPED OVERNIGHT. HINT: These pizza's last in the freezer for up to 4 months so you can always have a supply ready for Pizza Night With The Family.

Christmas in July! Dog Treats Peanut Butter Lover's Duo! I created these treats with your dog's palate in mind! These fun shaped biscuits are overflowing with ingredients such as whole grains, pure peanut butter, extra oats, cranberries and freshly grated cheddar. Assorted shapes such as turkeys, cats, poodles, bones, paw prints, and crowns. You get a full pound of fresh, handmade dog treats with pure and wholesome ingredients:

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>GO FRESH INGREDIENTS<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Peanut Butter & Cheddar Ingredients: Whole Grain, Whole Oats and Oat Flour, Pure Peanut Butter, Freshly Grated Cheddar, Cage Free Eggs, Fresh Water, Canola Oil.

PB&J w/Cheddar Ingredients: Whole Grains, Whole Oats and Oat Flour, Pure Peanut Butter, Cranberries, Freshly Grated Cheddar, Cage Free Eggs, Fresh Water, Canola Oil.

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These treats also come in assorted small/medium sized pieces, and/or grain-free/gluten-free. Please see our other listings for these products. You can also start our Monthly Treat Subscription Program and have them made fresh and shipped automatically every 3 or 4 weeks.

Chiuahuah, English Bulldog, Terrier? Dog Treat for your Pumpkin Loving Pet. I created these treats with your dog's palate in mind! These fun shaped biscuits are overflowing with ingredients such as wholesome rice and oat flours, pure pumpkin flesh, extra oats, cranberries, apple, banana, carrot, and freshly grated cheddar. Assorted shapes such as mini dog houses, mini hearts, mini stars, cats, poodles, mini bones, paw prints, and crowns. You get a full pound of fresh, handmade dog treats with pure and wholesome ingredients:

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>GO FRESH INGREDIENTS<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Pumpkin & Cheddar Ingredients: Rice Flour, Whole Oats and Oat Flour, Pure Pumpkin Flesh, Freshly Grated Cheddar, Cage Free Eggs, Fresh Water, Canola Oil.

Fruit & Veggie Ingredients: Rice Flour, Whole Oats and Oat Flour, Pure Pumpkin Flesh, Cranberries, Fresh Grated Carrot and Apple, Mashed Banana, Cage Free Eggs, Fresh Water, Canola Oil.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
These treats also come in assorted medium/large sized pieces, and/or grain-free/gluten-free. Please see our other listings for these products. You can also start our Monthly Treat Subscription Program and have them made fresh and shipped automatically every 3 or 4 weeks.

Christmas In July! Cat Treat and Dog Treat Combo! The first of it's kind! :~) This cat treat package would last my three cats about 2-3 weeks. I have finally come up with a treat they ALL LOVE! So, I'm pretty confident that your cat will too.

Our first cat treat made with only the best ingredients for your cat. Pumpkin Flesh is enhanced by most cats favorite things: Fresh Dried Catnip & Cheddar. Whole grains, pumpkin flesh, freshly grated cheddar, organic dried catnip leaf and flower, cage free eggs, fresh water, canola oil, fish oil.

Dog treat package would last my lab about 1 week. You get large and medium sized bones in this 8oz package. Filled with the good stuff: papaya, brazil nuts, cranberries, apples, pulverized sunflower & pumpkin seeds, whole grains and oats, cage free eggs, fresh water, canola oil.. True Treats chose these SuperFood ingredients because they all offer the highest saturation of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Okay, now how can you refuse these AMAZING treats?!? Visit Kristan's shop at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tabithas34and get your favorite four legged child the Yummy treats they have been waiting for!!!

Grannys Craft Attic

2011-07-12T20:30:00.011-04:00

As many of you know I sell my products not only on my own .com web site, but also on Etsy. Have you ever shopped on Etsy? All I can say is if you have not, you do not know what you are missing! There are so many amazing items to be found, and talented crafters/ artists to go along with! With that being said, I decided that I wanted to share the stories of some of these AMAZING people and their shops.

This first talented artist, I met in a treasury, and I have to say is an absolute gem! So please, get a cup of coffee, sit back, read about her, browse her shop, and let her know what you think! Show her some LOVE!

What inspired Judi to begin crafting?
Judi has been doing some sort of craft for longer than she can remember, and has always wanted to have an outlet where she could sell those items. Judi continued to say, "since I am now retired and my girls each have their own lives, when opportunity knocked, I opened the door."

Judi's daughter's friend told her about Etsy, where she first started out with an Etsy shop named Smart N Sassy Sayings, making little hanging pillows with outrageous sayings on them....a throw back from her NY upbringing. When her older daughter was pregnant with her third child, she revisited crocheting, and started adding crocheted items to the Etsy shop. Since the crocheted items did not fit the previous shop name, she decided to open Granny's Craft Attic.

Judi LOVES thinking out of the box, and when she finds a pattern for an out-of-the-ordinary item, she just has to have it and make the item....like the Couch Tissue Box Cover or the Miss Lizzy Tish TP Cover. Judi also says she loves patterns where the stitches form a picture. One such item is the Colorful Kittens Afghan she made for her Etsy shop; it sold within a week of being listed!

Judi believes that excellent customer service is the most important thing, with 90% of her business being the interaction with a customer. She will work with a customer as long as it takes to make sure they get what they want, and LOVES when a customer requests a special item, or an existing item in a different color, or size.

Here are some of Judi's wonderful finds that you can find in her shop:
http://www.etsy.com/people/grannyscraftattic

SANTA CLAUS GIFT CARD HOLDER
What do you give to the person who has everything? A gift card of course....and here is a Gift Card Holder with Santa Claus ‘watching’ you. Use it to insert money or a gift card. Made with plastic canvas, acrylic yarn, wiggle eyes and a dab of glue, it measures 3" x 4 1/4". I am really jazzed at how this turned out!

If you would like to hang this on your Christmas tree, let me know and I will add a metallic thread hanger.
Need more than one? Please convo me for volume pricing.
The Joann gift card is NOT included

PEEK-A-BOO PASTEL BABY AFGHAN - PINK
This beautiful afghan will envelope your little sweetie in clouds of softness....she will be floating on air while snuggled in white, pink and multicolor stripes. I have made a scalloped edging.

The afghan measures approximately 38" x 41".
Machine wash/dry at low temperatures.

COLORFUL KITTENS (this is an already sold afghan but will be happy to make it if requested, and in whatever color scheme the customer wants)

What a great combination....babies and kittens!

If you look closely, you will see rows of little kittens....all in different colors: pink, yellow, blue, green, lavender and white. The stitch configuration turns the yarn into little kittens. I crocheted this lovely afghan with a very soft baby yarn. The dimensions are approximately 35" x 35". This afghan is machine washable/dryable on low.

COUCH TISSUE BOX COVER - MADE TO ORDER
Every table needs a couch on it...lol....so here is a couch to put on your table and cover a box of tissues at the same time. This whimsical tissue box cover will fit a box of tissues measuring 3 1/2" deep x 4 1/2" wide x 9 1/4" long. The back and arms of the couch are stuffed with fiberfill for that 'comfortable' look. The round pillows each have a crocheted flower applique, fiberfill inside and are sewn on to the couch. This item is a MUST for your home!

*****This item is made to order.*****

I can do this in any color that will fit your decor, and can even make different types of pillows, as you can see from the pictures of the couch. Please convo me with your color/pillow type preference.
The box of tissues IS NOT included.

MISS LIZZY TISH TP COVER- MADE TO ORDER
Hey there you Red Hat ladies (and non-Red Hat Ladies too)...here's a really cute item to spruce up your bathroom... This little cutie wears a ruffled bottom dress, with a ruffle at the neckline and on the sleeves. She's all dolled up with her pearls and of course her red hat has a purple feather, pearls and a crocheted flower. One picture was taken by a very satisfied customer, who emailed it to me and is allowing me to use it.

*******THIS ITEM IS MADE TO ORDER*******

Now some of you may like the idea of this but not the colors....so if you would like it in another color combo, please let me know and I will be happy to make it up for you. Those who prefer another color I ask for prepayment because I do not have all colors of yarn and feathers on hand and would need to get in touch with my supplier. I figure I would need 10 days to have supplier send me materials, 2-3 days to make the item for you, and shipping to you takes about 3 days.

This tp topper is approximately 10" high and will fit a standard TP roll. The roll of tp is NOT INCLUDED. ***This item is shipped Priority Mail Flat Rate so you will receive it within 3 business days.*** I know the shipping fee is pricey but in order to not squash the hat this is how I have to ship it.

So now that you have met this talented Etsy Seller, Visit her Shop, Look around, and show her some Love!
www.etsy.com/shop/grannyscraftattic

Toffee Bread Pudding

2011-07-11T20:53:00.006-04:00

Who doesn't love a yummy warm gooey sweet treat? Try out this AMAZING recipe!
Ingredients
3 cups milk
4 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 to 6-1/2 cups (1/2-inch ) cubes French, Italian or sourdough bread
1-1/3 cups (8 oz. pkg.) HEATH BITS 'O BRICKLE Toffee Bits
CINNAMON TOFFEE SAUCE(optional, recipe follows)
Sweetened whipped cream or ice cream (optional)
Directions
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

2 Mix together milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt in large bowl with wire whisk. Stir in bread cubes, coating completely. Allow to stand 10 minutes. Stir in toffee bits. Pour into prepared pan.

3 Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until surface is set. Cool 30 minutes.

4 Meanwhile, make CINNAMON TOFFEE SAUCE, if desired. Cut pudding into squares; top with sauce and sweetened whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. 12 servings.

CINNAMON TOFFEE SAUCE: Combine 3/4 cup HEATH BITS 'O BRICKLE Toffee Bits, 1/3 cup whipping cream and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon in medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until toffee melts and mixture is well blended. (As toffee melts small bits of almond will remain.) About 2/3 cup sauce.

Note: This dessert is best eaten the same day it is prepared.

Want to enjoy the smell of this yummy dessert all the time? Try this amazing Buttery Toffee Turtle Bowl Candle!!!

Everyone loves cookie dough! This adorable 3 wick candle comes in a ceramic bowl (Your choice of Clear, Beige, Black, or White bowl) measuring 3" high and 6" in diameter.

Inside you will find your whipped cookie dough of choice and a primitive brown spoon tucked into the dough.(Pictured is the Gooey Chocolate Turtle Sundae Bowl. Everything's BETTER GOOEY! Gooey Drizzle can be added to ANY candle at no additional charge.)

Each dough will contain wax inserts cordinating with your choie of flavor.

If you are looking for something specific, please convo me or email me and I will be happy to custom your order!

(The adorable mouse pictured came all the way from Russia with Love: http://www.etsy.com/shop/novembrin , this is an incredibly talented artist!)

To purchase this candle and many others, please visit http://countrycraftsncandie.etsy.com

Primitive Cinnamon Dough Ornies Recipe

2011-07-08T06:05:00.003-04:00

This is one of my all time favorite recipes, and my daughter LOVES to help make these. I have these hung all over my christmas tree every year, along with wax dipped salt dough ornies, berries, sweet annie, white lights, and little hand sewn primitive ornies. It makes for such a simple, sweet, and yummy smelling tree that you can smell through your whole house!

These also make great little adds hanging on any cabinet, knob, curtain tie backs, twig swags, wreaths, and the possiblities are endless! So what are you waiting for? Here is what you will need~
Ingredients :
2 cups applesauce or applebutter (I prefer the apple butter)
2 cups cinnamon
2 Tablespoons clove powder
1 Tablespoon allspice
¼ cup salt
¼ cup glue
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
water in case dough is too stiff
Large bowl
old cookie sheets / you can find these at goodwill if you don't have
old ones
old spoons
Foil or wax paper
cookie cutters
Hands for molding own ornies such as apples / pears
straw for making holes for hanging

Mix your ingredients . Dough will be stiff ,, but you can add water
to make more pliable . Let dough rest for about a half hour .
Roll your dough out to your desired thickness , I usually roll out to
about ½ inch thick .

Cut your shapes with your cutters and don't forget to get that straw
for holes if you want to hang them .
Or use hands to shape pears, apples , plums , dolls ,anything
handmade .

Place on foil or wax paper lined cookie sheet .
Oven should be heated to no more than 200 degrees . Not all ovens
are the same . Test this as , they sell thermometers to test the
accuracy of your controls .

This dough can burn just like any other .
Smaller items will only need to be in the oven for 30 mins. To an
hour . Handmoldes up to 2 hours checking frequently as not to
burn .

Pull out and let sit to finishing drying as long as needed .
Now you can decorate however you wish .
Use wire , jute , twine , yarn and many other items to string
through holes for hanging .

Growing Sweet Annie

2011-07-08T04:03:00.004-04:00

For anyone who has been making country or primitive crafts or has even purchased them, you most likely have seen or used Sweet Annie. Sweet Annie is a very simple herb to grow, and if you love the smell or use it frequently, why not grow your own! Below you can find simple instructions on how to seed and grow. Sweet Annie is very hearty so please make sure you allow room for it to grow!

Sweet Annie is a variety of artemisia, or wormwood, often grown for its sweet-smelling leaves and blooms. This herb keeps its scent, which makes it a good choice for fresh flower arrangements. When dried it can be used in wreaths, potpourri or sachets. Sweet Annie is hardy and easily grown in a variety of climates and locations.

Location
Choose a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Partial shade is also acceptable, particularly in hot climates. Sweet Annie can be grown in a raised bed garden, traditional flowerbed or container garden. Use caution when incorporating this herb into a decorative garden, as it grows from 2 feet to 6 feet in height and may block lower plants from view. You also can plant Sweet Annie around a vegetable garden to deter pests. Ensure the soil is well drained, as Sweet Annie does not tolerate wet roots, though it is resistant to most diseases.

Planting
Sweet Annie seeds that are planted outdoors in the fall will grow the following spring. Space seeds 18 to 24 inches apart and sow on the surface. Cover with a light layer of dirt to prevent birds and animals from eating the seeds. No special soil or additives are required to grow this hardy plant. Seeds can also be started indoors during the winter in small containers. Do not overwater when starting seeds indoors. Place the containers outside after any danger of frost has passed. These plants are categorized as annual, but tend to reseed easily under most conditions. Cut the blooms before they go to seed to control natural reseeding.

Uses
Use Sweet Annie to attract bees and butterflies, or as part of a garden designed to attract wildlife. In some climates it may spread quickly and should be strictly controlled to avoid becoming invasive.

Harvest this herb by cutting the stems close to the ground. Sweet Annie blooms are used in fresh arrangements or dried for wreaths. Use caution when considering Sweet Annie for decor, however, as it can trigger allergies. If allergies are a concern, simply spray the herb with a little hairspray before handling.

To dry for use in potpourri, tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark location until they are completely dry. Use the woody main stems to create wreaths. Cut the stems to the same length and tie the base together into a single group. Bend the group into a circle and wire them stems together every 6 to 8 inches. Leave the branches and foliage attached to create a fragrant, natural wreath that does not need any additions.

Gooey Apple Cupcakes

2011-07-07T21:29:00.007-04:00

Click Here to purchase this adorable candle
This adorable hand topped cupcake candle comes incredibly richly scented in your favorite apple scent! Each cupcake measures approx. 2 1/2" in diameter and almost 4" in height. Each cupcake is made with hand whipped wax, topped with little coordinating embeds, and tied with homespun giving each cupcake it's own original unique appearance! *Make sure to remove homespun tie before burning*

We use a unique soy wax blend that provides excellent cold and hot scent throw with incredible burn times! Our unique wax blend holds more fragrance than most waxes on the market, and has a nice creamy, glossy appearance!

Everyone loves cupcakes, so keep wandering hands from temptation!

Available Apple Scents: Country Apple, Mulled Cider, Hot Baked Apple Pie, Grandma's Kitchen, Toffee Apple Crunch, Apple Butter Pie, Mcintosh Apple, Green Apple Candy, Hillbilly Home Brew, and more! Please view our available scents on the front page for other apple scents.

(The adorable mouse pictured came all the way from Russia with Love: http://www.etsy.com/shop/novembrin , this is an incredibly talented artist!)

Okay so now that you are probably HUNGARY!! Why not try this delicious recipe!!

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Dough:
2 cups milk
1 packet active dry yeast
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 cups finely chopped apples (I used Golden Delicious apples)

In a small saucepan, heat milk to about 110 degrees. Add yeast and sugar to bowl of a stand mixer and pour in the milk, stir to dissolve. Add salt and two cups of flour and beat for two minutes. Beat in eggs and butter. Stir in the remaining flour half a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Switch to dough hook and knead about five minutes, until smooth and elastic. Spray a large deep bowl with cooking spray, shape dough into a ball, put it in the bowl, turn once to coat and cover it with a clean towel. Set in a warm place and allow to rise for about 40 minutes or until doubled in volume.

Meanwhile make the filling by combining the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and apples in a small bowl. Melt remaining butter in a small dish.

Dust counter top with flour and roll out dough into a long rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with about half of the melted butter. Top with the apple mixture, sprinkle evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch empty on all sides.
Line cupcake pans with 24 liners. Roll dough into a log beginning on the long side of the rectangle. Trim off both ends to remove the uneven part that doesn't have any filling. Slice the log into approximately 24 even pieces. Place each piece in a cupcake liner, folding the ends together to make a “C” shape. The pieces should come to about the top of the liners. Cover the cupcake tins with a clean towel and set in a warm place to rise for another 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Brush the tops of the cupcakes with remaining melted butter. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden.

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
About 2 tablespoons milk

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk until combined. Start with one tablespoon of milk and add more as necessary until you have a glaze that is thick but runs easily off the spoon. Drizzle over warm cupcakes and serve. Store in an airtight container and reheat leftover cupcakes in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.

Everyone LOVES Hershey's

2011-07-06T23:03:00.002-04:00

Ingredients
1 cup sugar, divided 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup HERSHEY'S Mini Chips Semi-Sweet Chocolate, HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, divided 1 container (16 oz.) dairy sour cream 2 eggs 2 cups frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed Fresh strawberries, rinsed and halved Directions
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch springform pan.

2 Beat 1/2 cup sugar and butter in large bowl. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat until creamy. Gradually add flour and baking powder, beating until smooth; stir in 1/2 cup small chocolate chips. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.

3 Stir together sour cream, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, remaining 2 eggs and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla in medium bowl; stir in remaining 1/2 cup small chocolate chips. Pour over mixture in pan.

4 Bake 50 to 55 minutes until almost set and edges are lightly browned. Cool completely on wire rack; remove side of pan. Spread whipped topping over top. Cover; refrigerate. Just before serving, arrange strawberry halves on top of cake; garnish as desired. Cover; refrigerate leftover dessert. 12 servings.

Smore's Cupcake

2011-07-04T20:45:00.004-04:00

Click Here to purchase
(Pictured above is the Gooey Smore's Cupcake Candle. Everything is BETTER Gooey!! Add Gooey Drizzle to ANY candle for NO additional cost.)

I use a unique soy wax that provides excellent cold and hot scent throw with incredible burn times! Our unique wax blend holds more fragrance than most waxes on the market, and has a nice creamy, glossy appearance!

This adorable hand topped cupcake candle comes incredibly richly scented in your favorite sweet treat scent! Each cupcake measures approx. 2 1/2" in diameter and almost 4" in height. Each cupcake is made with hand whipped wax, topped with little coordinating embeds, and tied with homespun giving each cupcake it's own original unique appearance! *Make sure to remove homespun tie before burning*

Everyone loves cupcakes, so keep wandering hands from temptation!

Please email us with your specific scent choice countrycraftsncandies [!at] hotmail.com

(The adorable mouse pictured came all the way from Russia with Love: http://www.etsy.com/shop/novembrin , this is an incredibly talented artist!)

Now for the EDIBLE VERSION!!!!
This is an old school favorite treat, but in a cupcake!! If you LOVE Smores and you LOVE Cupcakes, you will LOVE THESE!!!!

Graham cracker "crust", Hershey's chocolate, chocolate marshmallow cake, toasted marshmallow frosting... these cupcakes are the cake version of everyone's favorite campfire treat. They are fun to make and although it sounds like a lot of steps, each step is fairly simple. The "toasted" marshmallow can be achieved with a kitchen torch which is always fun to use and makes for an impressive presentation.

S'mores Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from Annie's Eats

Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham crackers (approx. 1 pkg out of the Honeymaid box)
1/4 cup sugar
5 T unsalted butter, melted
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces
Marshmallows (you'll need about 100 mini marshmallows)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. In food processor, pulse graham crackers until they are fine crumbs. Add sugar and melted butter and mix until well combined. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of crumbs to the bottom of each liner. Use a small circle object (I used a shot glass) to press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of each liner. Bake for 5 minutes and remove from the oven. Divide the chopped chocolate evenly among the cupcakes. Add approximately 4 marshmallows to each tin.

Cake:
2 cups plus 2 T sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt in your mixing bowl. In a small bowl, add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla and whisk together. Add to dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Increase speed to medium and beat 2 minutes. Add boiling water and beat on low until just combined.

Spoon batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 of the way full. The marshmallows will float to the top but that's okay. Bake approximately 18 - 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center cupcake comes out clean. Cool for about 5 minutes in the pan and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting:
8 egg whites, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large Hershey bar

In a clean stainless steel mixing bowl or double boiler, combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar. Whisk frequently, heating the mixture over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 160 degrees. Transfer egg mixture to stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Begin mixing at low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high speed as the mixture becomes thicker. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add in the vanilla and mix until just combined. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and frost as desired.

Using a kitchen torch held about 6 inches away from the cupcakes on a non-flammable surface, brown the cupcakes lightly as desired. Keep the torch moving so you don't catch any spot on fire. Just like toasting marshmallows by a campfire, slow and steady is a better approach than sticking the marshmallow to close to the fire, you're going for lightly toasted frosting not black and bubbly marshmallow. Garnish with chocolate bar segments.

2011-07-04T00:23:00.006-04:00

Little Chubby Gingerbread Men ~
These adorable gingerbread men are made of muslin and stuffed to make them chubby. Each one is baked with the cinnamon and spices right into these yummy guys! Heavily scented with a special receipe, baked in the oven three times over and then scented them again with spices. They measure 6.5 inches tall and have been stiffened and come with a little rusty safety pin on the back to hang.

Display them on an old plate, hang by the pin, or stand them on your shelf or cupboard.

Your gingerbread will come to you wrapped in bag with a homepsun tie, a grubby tag and a scent that will leave your kitchen smelling like a bakery!
CLICK HERE to purchase these adorable little guys

As you know, I always post a yummy recipe to follow. You have to try this amazing gingerbread truffle recipe. It yeilds approx 2 dozen truffles! Try it out, let me know what you think.

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup whipping cream
10 whole allspice
10 whole cloves
1 tablespoon mild-flavored (light) molasses
1 1/2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

7 ounces plus 12 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
7 ounces plus 12 ounces high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), chopped
1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger plus additional for garnish

PREPARATION:

Bring first 7 ingredients just to boil in heavy medium saucepan; remove from heat and let steep 1 hour.

Combine 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate and 7 ounces white chocolate in large metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Strain cream mixture into chocolate; stir to blend. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger. Chill filling until firm, at least 3 hours.

Line baking sheet with parchment. Using 1-inch melon baller, scoop filling and roll between palms to form balls. Place on parchment. Chill truffles at least 2 hours.

Line another sheet with parchment. Place 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate in medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Cool until thermometer inserted into chocolate registers 115°F. Quickly submerge 1 truffle in chocolate. Using fork, lift out truffle and tap fork against side of bowl so excess coating drips off. Using knife, slide truffle off fork and onto prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining truffles. Chill until set.

Line another baking sheet with parchment. Place 12 ounces white chocolate in another medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water; stir until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Cool until thermometer inserted into chocolate registers 100°F. Hold 1 truffle between thumb and index finger; dip halfway into white chocolate. Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining truffles. If desired, press small pieces of crystallized ginger atop truffles. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover; keep chilled.)

Angels Haven Horse Rescue

2011-07-03T15:10:00.007-04:00

An organization that holds very dear to mine and my families heart is:
Angels Haven Horse Rescue

Angels Haven Horse Rescue's mission is to save as many unfortunate victims of the horse world as we humanly can. In some instances we have to purchase the horses to remove them from harms' way. To that end, we provide care for abused, abandoned, neglected, aged and unwanted horses or those horses that can no longer be cared for by their owners for whatever reason. We accept them in any condition and do everything in our power to provide needed care and veterinary services.

Our goal is to make decisions that will help make the future for horses better than their past experiences. We want to be a hub of education in humane horse care and training methods, alternative therapies, horse rehabilitation and rescue. The only way to stop the suffering is to teach people better ways of caring for their horses. It is our goal to prevent this from occurring. Our organization's desire is to be a place for horses to become healthy and move on to have happy, productive lives and permanent loving homes. Every day young horses in their prime are starved to death, abused or sent to slaughter.

Here at the rescue we work with various organizations such as the Girl Scouts, helping them earn their horse badge, as well as 4H Clubs, Indian Guides & Princesses, local disaster teams, Kiwanis organizations, Farm Bureau, preschoolers and many more groups and community affiliations.

Please call us to set up an event. We will be glad to teach and work with you and your group by providing a better understanding of these fine animals.

Angels Haven will provide them with what they deserve - TO LIVE A HEALTHY AND HAPPY LIFE!!
You may also send donations to :
www.angelshavenhorserescue.org
Angels Haven Horse Rescue
13297 Durkee Rd. Grafton, Ohio 44044
You can contact Heidi or Mindy any time at:
440-781-5060 Heidi
440-781-5050 Mindy

Here are some of the Beautiful Animals that they have rescued that are now healthy and ready for adoption.

Another way you can reach out to help these beautiful creatures, is by supporting the Giddey up SOAP that was created exclusively for Angels Haven Horse Rescue. 50% of all proceeds is donated to the rescue.

These soaps are so fun and adorable! ~ daughter approved!!) Long after your kids are done with this adorable soap, they can play with this adorable horse toy that comes embedded in the soap. Each soap is made of 100% Shea Butter Soap scented in Fruit and Fun. Each soap comes packaged sitting in a cupcake liner, inside a cello bag tied with ribbon. The best part about these soaps; your kids will want to take baths and wash again and again to get the toy! Horse color will vary unless you have a specific preference, which may be noted in the additional instructions section when ordering.

Always use with adult supervision please, and not intended for infants.

**Allergy Warning** Shea butter is made from Shea Nuts. If you have an allergy to nuts, please consult your physician before using.

Please remember 50% of each Giddey Up Suds soap sold will be donated to the Angels Haven Horse Rescue: www.angelshavenhorserescue.org Please visit this site and see how they are helping save these beautiful creatures lives!

Cherry Cobbler Bowl Candle

2011-07-02T17:42:00.004-04:00

This adorable 3 wick candle comes in a clear glass bowl. Inside this delicous looking candle, you will find a base layer of brown sugar candle crumbles, yummy cherry embeds, whipped cherry cobbler wax, topped with more yummy cherry embeds and brown sugar candle crumbles, and then to top it all off, lots of cherry pie drizzle!!! This makes for one PERFECT zero calorie treat!!!

**Warning this is not edible so please keep out of reach of hungry tummies!

Click Here to purchase this amazing candle

However, if the candle made you hungary, try my Grandma's recipe for homemade cherry cobbler! It's out of this world!!!

This recipe will yield 6 servings
Ingredients:
Filling~
6 cups tart red cherries, pitted
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
4 teaspoons cornstarch

Topping:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a saucepan combine filling ingredients and cook, stirring until bubbling and thickened. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish. Meanwhile, stir together flour, sugars, baking powder, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until it is crumbly. Mix together egg and milk. Add to flour mixture and stir with a fork just until combined. Drop topping by tablespoonfuls onto filling. Bake for 25 minutes until browned and bubbly.

Looking for Candle Embeds?

2011-07-02T12:38:00.005-04:00

I get approached all the time about making candle embeds and selling them. Unfortunately I'm usually so swamped that I do not have the time to specialize in making them for others with all the other stuff that I do. 99% of my embeds that I use in my candles are made by myself, but I do also purchase some as well. I absolutely LOVE getting some of my embeds from Long Cane Primitives. I love the more primitive but realistic look that they have. So check her out if you are looking for candle embeds, and she also does lots of things. Her website is wonderful!

Now I know this will seem odd as I make tons of candles myself! But, I even have a few of her bakery delights in my kitchen in my prim bakery cabinets and shelves mixed in with mine. They are aboslutely darling, and have a different look and approach than mine, that I just LOVE the contrast!

Check out some of her items below:
Long Cane Primitives

New Blueberry Triffle Candle

2011-07-02T06:07:00.007-04:00

Our candles are made with the highest quality of soy wax on the market. This allows our candles to provide excellent cold and hot scent throw with incredible burn times! Our wax holds more fragrance than most waxes on the market, and has a nice creamy, glossy appearance!

For over the past year we have been making these yummy parfait candles and offering them on our .com website, and now we are bringing them back to etsy. Back by popular demand is the Gooey Blueberry Cobbler Triffle Candle. Each candle starts with a base layer of candle crumbles, piled full of cordinating embeds, topped with creamy whipped wax, with more candle embeds, and then optional drizzle! Now that's a dessert without the calories!

Our triffle candles are available in many many scents, so please convo me if you would like a specific scent created into one of these bakery delights!

Purchase our Blueberry Triffle Candle on Etsy

Now if you prefer the non-zero calorie Blueberry Triffle Dessert, here's how you can make it:
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
8 large egg yolks, beaten
1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup butter
3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
4 cups heavy whipping cream
12 blueberry muffins, torn into bite-size pieces (approximately 12 cups)
6 cups fresh blueberries
Garnish: additional fresh blueberries and lemon-peel curl

Directions
1. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, cornstarch, and salt, mixing well. Add egg yolks and water to sugar mixture, whisking well to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until mixture thickens, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Add lemon juice, butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla, stirring well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream and remaining 1/2 cup sugar at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

4. In the bottom of a trifle bowl, layer half of blueberry muffins. Top muffins with 3 cups blueberries. Top blueberries with half of whipped cream. Top whipped cream with two-thirds of lemon mixture. Top with remaining 3 cups blueberries and remaining blueberry muffins.

5. In a large bowl, combine remaining lemon mixture and whipped cream, folding gently to combine. Spread over muffin layer.

6. Garnish with additional blueberries and a lemon-peel curl, if desired.

Loyalty Cards

2011-07-02T05:49:00.006-04:00

Hot off the print press; NEW Loyalty Cards!!

Loyalty cards will be sent out with all purchases shipped, and mailed to anyone who placed an order from June 26th 2011 forward and who's order has already been shipped.

Here is how they work: You will receive 1 stamp with every purchase made over $15.00. Once your card is filled, you may redeem your card for a FREE triffle candle of choice!! **Please note, shipping is not included**

Once you receive your card, you will be responsible for making future stamps to your card, and all stamps will be verified upon redemption. In order to redeem your card, just simply contact me via conversation on etsy http://countrycraftsncandie.etsy.com to set up your FREE triffle candle listing.

(please note that wholesale purchases do not apply)
It's just that simple! So what are you waiting for? Visit us at http://countrycraftsncandie.etsy.com to get started!

Lanesboro Junction

2011-07-02T05:37:00.005-04:00

Are you a local or visiting the Berkshires in Western Mass?
Then come and visit us at:
Lanesboro Junction
(413) 997-4350
1 N Main St, Lanesboro, MA 01237
Open Mon-Saturday

Here you will find a WIDE variety of all handmade items!

Showing some Love

2011-07-02T05:23:00.007-04:00

Being "Simply Creative" is not all that easy and good talent is hard to find! Check out some of my favorite shops on Etsy. You will not be disappointed!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Threadbarestitcher
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandyAppleBoutique
http://www.etsy.com/people/Tatestastees
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sassygraceboutique
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kiddycouture
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeChicBakeryBoutique
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jerseymaids
http://www.etsy.com/shop/eruckman
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FairyPrincessCouture
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pugs2Persians
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bloominhappy2009 - You will not be disappointed with her Amazing quality of seeds!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thebearfootshaman - You will not be disappointed with her Amazing quality of seeds!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladybugonaleaf - An amazing and talented artist!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahstreasurebox

Grab yourself some Java and show them some Love!!!

We're Back in Action!

2011-07-02T05:15:00.002-04:00

Yeah, we are back on the blog!!! Things have been so caotic over the past months. Business has been booming, and NEW wholesale locations have been picked up in Canada, France, and Spain!!

Our Etsy shoppe has grown with lots of NEW incredible creations, and our www.countrycraftsncandies.com website re-vamp is almost complete! There is just not enough time in the day!

On top of all that, you may now purchase our items locally at Lanesboro Junction, in Lanesboro Mass.

Being "Simply Creative" has been a sheer enjoyment, so bring on the NEW requests!!

Keep an eye out in the upcoming days as lots of new postings are yet to come, along with our next giveaway!

Sorry for the delay's in posting

2010-08-13T06:39:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the delay's in posting. I have spent the past couple weeks over coming pneumonia!

I have NEW items being added to the shoppe in all categories so please make sure you check them out! Also, I have added several NEW PIF Pay it Forward listings that you can pick up for only .20 cents with purchase! These listings will change continuiously so please make sure you check them frequently.

I am working on NEW fall items, along with bring back old time goodies from years past. Keep a look out for the next FREE giveaway coming soon, and LOTS of happy shopping!

God Bless~ Wendy

Winner of the Blog Giveaway!

2010-07-05T13:17:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the "Olde Homestead Barn" for winning the Old Fashioned FLour Scoop Candle Giveaway! Please contact me via email with your address and scent choice so that I can get that sent out to you.

For everyone else, please keep an eye out for the next giveaway!!
Happy July 5th, Wendy

FREE Graphics!!

2010-07-02T12:53:00.000-04:00

I wanted to offer a few free graphics that I had laying around not in use. Just right click and save :) Enjoy!!

How adorable??

2010-06-29T09:26:00.000-04:00

My Daughter's Newest Favorite Accessory!!! So my daughter is my only child other than the furry and the feathered kids. As you can imagine she is spoiled rotten!! I love shopping for her, and she absolutely loves dressing up being a girly girl. If you have someone that loves necklaces, you will love Sarah's Treasure Box. Each necklace even comes packaged in an adorable little bag that is perfect for gift giving.

Check out her link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahstreasurebox
Let her know what you think!!

Check out this AMAZING Etsy Shop!

2010-06-28T12:39:00.000-04:00

So I recently purchased this cake from CARAMIACAKES on Etsy. I received it today, and am just absolultey amazed and in LOVE with it!! How adorable and real does this look? My daughter said "Mmmmmm Dessert!" when I opened it. Below is her shop link, and she does do custom orders. These are absolutely amazing, the only thing better is the real thing!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CARAMIACAKES

NEW Blog Members Giveaway

2010-06-20T12:11:00.000-04:00

Starting today June 20, 2010 I will be starting a NEW Giveaway from my Bakery Shoppe! You MUST be a follower on the blog in order to qualify.

What do you need to do: Just join as a follower on the blog between now and July 1st
On July 2nd I will use a program that will randomly pick a winner and the winner of the Blog Members Giveaway will win your choice of Old Fashioned Flour Scoop candle in the scent of your choice!!

It's that EASY! So what are you waiting for? Join the blog as a follower, and you will automatically be entered to win!

I look forward to seeing you on the blog, where I will be bringing you helpful tips, recipes, and other goodies, some of my favorite shops, blogs, and even graphics!

Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's and have a wonderful day!
Wendy

Bath Cookies Recipe

2010-06-12T16:28:00.001-04:00

Here is a wonderful recipe for Bath Cookies, Try it out and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:
2 cups sea salt fine grain
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 T fractionated coconut oil or hazelnut oil
2 eggs
6 drops essential oil

Instructions:
Mix ingredients well to form a dough. Roll out and cut with small cookie cutters. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Use 1-2 cookies per bath.

Facts about my candles....

2010-06-12T16:12:00.000-04:00

Product Facts
Why Burn Soy Candles?
Those who have burned soy already have seen the benefits of soy candles, both to both your health and the environment first hand. As with most soy wax candle websites, it's our pleasure to present the facts, myths, and benefits of soy candles.

What are Soy Candles?
Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax, made from soybeans, is renewable and cost effective. The soybean is one of the most versatile products used today. It has been a high protein source for millions of people for thousands of years. Soybean wax also seems to be the most promising natural wax available.

Natural waxes such as soy waxes are gaining in popularity but natural waxes are not new. Beeswax and tallow were used in colonial times to produce candles. Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but unfortunately, to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is cost prohibitive to use 100% beeswax in candles. Soy is in lots of things like body & skin care products, hair products, crayons, paint removers, and cleaning products. The production and burning of soy wax candles can greatly benefit the American agricultural economy. When soy wax replaces common paraffin wax, an estimated 60 million pounds of soy beans will be required for annual candle production. I predict we'll see some happy farmers!

Soy candles last three times longer than petroleum-based candles, have an incredible scent throw with virtually no black soot.

Clean Burning
One of the most famous benefits of soy candles is how clean they burn. Soy wax doesn't not produce the black soot like paraffin does. While some might say "no soot", it's actually "little soot". Everything that burns puts off smoke, and soy candles are no exception. However, the amount of smoke released from soy wax is so minimum, there are very few that notice it.

Are soy candles really "soot free"? Now, you may have read or heard other candle manufacturers claim that their all natural wax candles are "Soot Free". This is a big misconception. No candle can be "soot free", but natural wax candles do have less soot.
The only way a candle can be soot free is if the flame is completely blue (ie: propane torch), meaning there is 100% combustion. Unlike other soy candle manufacturers, we are not going to guarantee that our soybean wax is soot-free. To make a claim such as that would be misleading, and no wax can make that claim.

While soy wax its-self is all-natural and will not produce the thick black soot that you see on paraffin containers, it does produce soot - - a lighter, white soot! Anytime you have a flame and combustion you may have soot and anytime you add synthetics such as fragrance oils and dyes, you will have soot. Additionally, using too large of a wick or the incorrect wick can produce soot as well. Poor performing candles can create more fine particulate -- like in smog -- than diesel buses on a downtown street.

Soot can be a "white soot" that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Soy wax will produce little black soot---you will not see that thick black ring on the jars, nor will it do the black soot damage to homes, but it may produce white soot. No other manufacturer will tell you that.

Promoting American Farmers
Help the farmers and everyone benefits. Soy beans are grown in American fields, and processed into soy wax in the US as well. This is one of the most important benefits of soy candles! You don't have to be an economic major to know cheap paraffin candles made in other countries doesn't benefit anyone but the big business selling it. Support our farmers and our economy!

Cost Effective
A point which sometimes isn't included in many lists of the benefits of soy candles. You may be shocked by this point, but in many cases soy wax candles can be more cost effective than paraffin. Not only in quality, but in quantity too. Soy not only burns cleaner, but slower too. A soy candle can burn up to twice as long (sometimes even more!) than parafin, giving you twice the candle.

Wonderful Scent Throw
When it's said that a candle scent "throws well", this means it fills the room with a strong, lasting scent. Soy wax candles not only have a great scent throw, but also have a cleaner smell. It's been noted by many that paraffin wax will give them headaches. Of course it's not the scent itself, but the additional chemicals the paraffin is putting off. Because soy burns so clean, you'll get a cleaner scent as well.

Misconceptions about Fragrance Ingredients - Chemical Free?Honestly, this is an impossible claim to make. Water is a chemical, air is a chemical, essential oils are chemicals, and the world as we know it is a configuration of various carbon chains. Our fragrance chemists are committed to making smart, responsible raw material choices and, whenever possible, obtaining materials from renewable plant resources (also known as essential oils).

Our high quality fragrance oils contain no heavy metals (such as lead), are created just for us, using natural essential oils, aroma-chemicals, and are balanced perfectly to both optimize our blends and to create a clean burn!

Oxidation
Oxidation is a natural occurance. When using "all natural" and soy prodcuts, oxidation may occur due to elements in the enviornment. What does this mean? Any product candle or lotion that is made of soy wax and natural ingredients that is free of dyes and colors, may possible over time change from a white creamy color to a off white or beige tone due to the oxidation process. This is not a natural occurance that happens all the time, most the time, or even sometimes, it is just a random occurance due to the elements in the air.

What are the differences between soy candles and paraffin candles?

Some candle company's consider their candles to be "soy candles" even though they are "blended" with paraffin wax. Soy wax candles can be called soy candles even if they are as little as 25% soy or vegetable wax! We urge you to thoroughly read the label, and ask if your candles are a "blend".

Soy Candles are made from 100% all natural waxes, which are soy and vegetable waxes (palm plant wax is used for our pillars). Soy wax burns cleaner, lasts longer, holds more fragrance and supports American agriculture. It contains no toxic chemicals or carcinogenic compounds. Soy candles don’t put your health at risk. Soy candles do not release the toxins that paraffin candles emit.

Soy wax candles are crafted from soy beans. That part of your candle is absolutely all natural. Soy wax candles are not “all-natural” when you add dyes and fragrance oils. Once you add those two elements, your candle is no longer natural as they both contain chemicals.

Paraffin wax is a by-product of fuel refining - specifically, Paraffin is basically the "bottom of the barrel" even after asphalt is extracted. Paraffin is the final byproduct in the petroleum refining chain.

Even "food grade" paraffin contains several known carcinogens (cancer causing agents) identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - such as benzene and toulene, which are released into the air as a paraffin candle burns. Some other air contaminants in paraffin fumes include methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and naphthalene--substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers.

Research suggests breathing paraffin fumes from a burning paraffin candle in an enclosed environment, has much the same detrimental effect as inhaling significant second-hand tobacco smoke, or even the exhaust fumes of a small diesel engine! The state of California, under its Proposition 65 Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, has identified at least seven major toxins in paraffin wax.

Our soy candles are crafted out of 100% kosher, FDA certified organic soybean wax. Our soy wax has been specially blended and analyzed. It contains NO pesticides or herbicides and is NOT from genetically modified crops!

Our soy candles are eco-friendly, hand-crafted and biodegradable. Custom crafted with top-grade fragrance oils, we guarantee our soy candles to be the safest, most fragrant eco-candle you'll find!

Bath and Body Products
What is soap?
Not many people even know what soap really is. Several of the cleansing bars that you buy at the store, for example, are detergents, and not soaps at all. They are called syndet bars, or synthetic detergent bars. They are made from synthesized chemicals and are usually much harsher than soap. Detergents contain petroleum distillates rather than oil. On the other hand, true soap is made from natural oils (such as olive, coconut and palm) and is a gentle cleansing product more appropriate for use on skin than detergent and much more mild than detergents.

How is soap made?
Soap is made by adding water, oil and butters together, along with something to form them into soap (an alkali). That ingredient is Sodium Hydroxide which is lye. For liquid soaps, it is Potassium Hydroxide. The chemical reaction is called saponification. The soap maker must calculate the correct amount of lye for the specific oils used in each recipe. If too much lye is used, the bar may be hard and crumbly. If too little, the bar becomes soft and will become rancid faster, due to the natural oils & butters that are used in handmade soap.

What is saponification?
Saponification is a chemical reaction that takes place when oil is mixed with an alkali solution, such as sodium hydroxide (lye), water & oils or butters. In other words, the oil and lye combine to make soap. When the proper amounts are used at the proper temperatures, all of the lye and oil are consumed by the reaction and only the soap remains. Generally, slightly more oil is used resulting in a soap that is more moisturizing for the skin and ensuring that all of the lye is used up in the curing process.

Why does handmade soap need to cure, and how long does that take?
Handmade soap needs to slowly cure over time to harden. As the bars harden, they become more mild. Like a fine wine, the longer the handmade soap cures, the better it is. Optimally, handmade soap should cure for 4-6 weeks. Remember, the longer, the better. The completely cured bar will be much harder due to all the moisture being evaporated out, which makes the bar less soluble (it will last longer)

How should I take care of my handmade soap to make it last?
Handmade soap is a special product. Because it contains glycerin, it can retain more moisture than other soaps. To extend the life of your handcrafted soap, place it in a well-draining soap dish. (see our massage, salon & spa page to purchase proper soap dishes) Keep unused bars in a cool, dry place out of direct contact with water. A good soap is like a good wine, the longer it cures, the better and more mild it becomes.

What are the benefits of using handmade soap?
Evidence abounds of the healing properties of a handmade bar of soap. Those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as people that have sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic often find immediate relief by switching to handmade soap. Compared to store bought soap, handmade soap is very mild. They are often made from vegetable-based oils, such as olive, coconut, and palm and do not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional bar soap. One of the biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is glycerin. Glycerin is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is a key factor in keeping skin soft and healthy.

Are there Preservitives in the Products to lengthen Shelf Life?
Parabens are chemical preservatives added to personal care products for extending shelf life, and widely used in tens of thousand types of beauty products today. Four main parabens are in use: methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparabens; many products will have 2 or more of these chemicals as part of a preservative system.

Like any product on the market, there is a recommend shelf life of 6 months and no greater than a 1 year. Always stir products prior to using if the item has been sitting for any length of time.

Bath and Body Guarantee and Disclaimer
Please note that some people may have allergies to fragrance oils, essential oils or butters such as shea butter. Contact your health care professional if you are not sure if a product is safe for you. Discontinue use if irritation occurs, and all products are for external use only. Keep products out of the reach of children. We cannot make any claims to healing or other properties of ingredients in our products.

Care should be taken when using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. Contact your health care professional with any concerns you may have before using products.
Country Crafts and Candies will not be responsible for any injury, damages or loss of any kind due to your use of any product purchased from Country Crafts and Candies, and our maximum liability to you is the amount you paid for the product. Your purchase from Country Crafts and Candies indicates your acceptance of this information and policy.

Hand Sewn Bakery Items

2010-05-31T02:21:00.000-04:00

Okay, for all you faux food, zero calorie, bakery treat lovers! One of my NEWEST additions is the Bakery stichery line. Can you say "Yummy"?!? Each item is hand sewn, stained with a special secret brew, HIGHLY scented to match the item, and then topped with wonderful goodies! You just can not go wrong with these scentsational bakery treats!

I have an old primitive bakery hutch that I have these displayed on in my home. I have cookies in apothecary jars with lids, muffins in the old baker pans, Pies in the hutch, and everytime people come to visit they are amazed at how wicked cute and amazing these items smell! They have been a HUGE seller in my shoppes, and I know you will just fall in love with these at first sniff/sight!

You can find these items at the main bakery shoppe http://www.countrycraftsncandies.com/ under stichery items, and you can also find them in my etsy shoppe at http://countrycraftsncandie.etsy.com/

Below are just a few of the items, so check out the shoppes for the full product line! Oh, and did I mention you can get the Long John donuts in different toppings? How about Strawberry with sprinkles, Chocolate with Sprinkles?

Children's Bath Soap Sale

2010-05-30T08:30:00.000-04:00

Children's Bath Soaps on Special!!
http://countrycraftsncandie.etsy.com

In celebration of SUMMER and all the children soon to be out of school, We have a HUGE Children's Bath Sale!! Make sure you check out all our Special's along with specials on our Dessert candles as well!

You choose the colors, scent, and/or Mix and Match. If you would like 2 different soaps in the 2 for $5.00 special, please conversation me on etsy and I will set up a custom listing for you!

How to properly burn a cake or cupcake candle

2010-05-30T08:23:00.000-04:00

Never light a pillar candle with the intention of only burning for a short while. Candles have memories strangely enough and while only melt as far as the last melt pool. Light your wick and leave the candle to burn. As it nears the outer edges, gently push the soft wax towards the center slightly all the way round. This is what is called "hugging" in the candle trade. It will contain the wax and help your candle burn all the way to the bottom. Follow this handy tip and get the best from you wax pillar.

The following 2 video's will walk you through an instructional video of "Hugging" your "Free-Standing" candle so that you can ensure the longest burn time possible for your candles.

May Updates

2010-05-13T10:25:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone, Sorry for the delays in postings! Things have been extremely busy with not only the business but also the family.

This month lots of NEW items have been added to the Bakery Shoppe. Check out these amazing NEW items posted under the Stichery, Gift Baskets, and Children's Bath categories.

As many of you know I have relocated to Mass from Ohio in the past year. Back in Ohio, my family and I have worked very closely with a wonderful organization that helps to rescue abused and neglected horses. Sadly the laws in Ohio do not protect the safety of these beautiful creatures, but rather treat them as livestock which have no protection what so ever. What does this mean? It means that in order to rescue these beautiful animals, the rescue has to purchase the abused and neglected animal from their abusive owner. YES I said Purchase! Many times the rescue pays $1000's of dollars out of their pocket in order to provide a loving home for these animals.

Angels Haven Horse Rescue www.angelshavenhorserescue.org is a non profit organization that helps to rescue these animals, get them back to health, and then trys to place the horse with a loving and safe home. Visit their web page and see these beautiful animals and how much the rescue has helped nurse these animals back to health.

In efforts to help the rescue, I have created a NEW children's bath soap that may be found not only in my shoppe, but also through the rescue.

Giddey Up Suds

If you purchase this soap along with several other items listed in my shoppes, 50% of the purchase will be donated to Angels Haven Horse Rescue. If you mention the rescue in the additional comments when making your purchase, an additional 10% will be donated to the rescue. These soaps may be purchase from me, or directly from the rescue.

Help the rescue continue their remarkable efforts in providing safe and loving homes for these beautiful animals!

www.angelshavenhorserescue.org

Easter Goodie Basket Winner!

2010-03-28T10:39:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Connie Sutcha who was the winner of the Easter Goodie Basket Giveaway!! Thank You for everyone who participated, as I appreciate every one of my loyal and loving customers!

I will be posting shortly the: Mother's Day Giveaway Pamper Basket!

Easter Gift Basket Giveaway

2010-03-07T20:25:00.000-05:00

Well, Easter is just around the corner and it's time for my Easter Giveaway. With every purchase you will be entered in the giveaway for this fabulous Easter treat! You can keep it for yourself or give it away to somebunny special.

Included in your basket will be one of my handstitched Gilbert bunnies (pictured above), one of my adorable bunny basket candles, 5oz bar of Fresh Strawberry soap, 8oz Sweet Cream Milk Bath, 4oz French Vanilla Whipped Body Lotion, 8 oz Mason Jar candle scented in Chocolate Covered Strawberry, and 6 sugered strawberry tarts.

With a retail value of $45.00 how could you refuse? Stop by my Etsy shop or website and place an order today to be entered in the drawing. Deadline is March 28th and the winner will be drawn on March 29th. The winner will have their basket shipped to them priority mail just in time for Easter.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie Facial

2010-03-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

With the return of Spring in our corner of the world comes the return of fresh produce. Hot house fruits are OK, but nothing compares to spring and summer fruit for flavor and texture. While you are slicing up fruit salads and drinking smoothies, take some time to treat your skin as well. The following recipe can be used with almost any fresh fruit, mashed or pureed. This basic mixture of Honey, Oatmeal, Kaolin, and Almond Flour creates a cleansing, skin soothing base, perfect for a facial.

Facial Smoothie Base
1/8 cup Honey Powder
1/8 cup White Kaolin Clay
1/8 cup Almond Flour
1/4 Cup Coarse Oatmeal

Mix the dry ingredients together and store them in an airtight container. When you are ready to make a facial, puree about 1 tablespoon of fresh fruit and mix it with 2 tablespoons of the Facial Smoothie Base, and 1 tablespoon of Plain Yogurt. You may need to add a little more or less of each ingredient to achieve a nice texture, depending on the fruit you choose. To enhance your Facial, try adding a few drops of a corresponding Fruit or Berry Seed Oil. You can use the facial as a mask or a fresh scrub. Choose the fruit for your facial based on your skin type and the desired benefit. Here is a quick overview of some of my favorite fresh fruits to use in facials.

Banana
Banana is packed with skin loving nutrients including Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Vitamins A, B, E, and F. They can have a nourishing, and revitalizing effect on the skin, and are suitable for most skin types.

Mango
This tropical fruit contains a bounty of goodies for the skin, including a hefty dose of retinol. Retinol can help to increase skin's elasticity,making it great for anti-aging treatments. Retinol has a tendency to degrade when added to finished skin care products, making the use of a fresh ingredient, such as mango, a rare opportunity to enjoy the benefit of Retinol. Mango also includes plenty of Vitamin A, B, and C. Vitamin C is another nutrient that is great for the skin, and best used when fresh.

Strawberry
The potent alpha hydroxy acid contained in Strawberries make them an excellent cleanser. These acids help to remove dead skin cells gently, without intense scrubbing or scouring. Strawberry Facials can leave skin fresh and bright. They may even help to reduce puffiness and acne.

Peach
Peaches also contain alpha hydroxy acids, as well as a nice portion of Vitamins A and C. The juice and flesh from these fuzzy gems are great for toning and balancing the skin. Like Strawberries, they can help with acne, puffiness, and clogged pores.

Guava
An effective astringent, Guava can help to cleanse skin, dissolve sebum, and unclog pores. Guava contains Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as a good amount of potassium. This helps guava to tone, brighten, and enhance the look of the skin, making it a great facial ingredient.

Avocado
Deeply moisturizing and soothing, Avocados are perfect for dry, sensitive skin. Avocados contain healthy fats that are great for your body as well as your skin.

Apple Granola Face Mask

2010-03-07T20:10:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
One half of a fresh apple (chopped)
2 tablespoons Colloidal Oatmeal, Coarse
1 tablespoon Honey Powder
1 tablespoon Buttermilk Powder
1 tablespoon Oat Starch

Directions
Puree the apple in a blender or food processor. Add other ingredients and puree once more. The consistency should be that of a thick liquid.

Packaging & Usage
Apply one to two tablespoons of mixture to your face, avoiding eyes. Leave mask on for ten to fifteen minutes then rinse away. The extra mask can be stored and in an air tight container in the refrigerator for three to five days. As with all fresh recipes, keep an eye on your mask. If it changes color, odor, or texture, or if you simply suspect is has gone bad, please discard it immediately.

NEW and Exciting..........

2010-02-22T16:25:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone, as I mentioned previously I have been working very hard at adding new and exciting items to my handmade bath and body/ soap line. I hope you will take the time to check them out, and many more items are soon to be added. Also in the works are some NEW candles in which a few have been posted.

You may visit us on the web at www.countrycraftsncandies.com and please do not forget that we have over 2000 scents available and the majority of our items may be custom scented to your liking. As always, my candles are hand sculptured so please feel free to custom request as we are more than happy to create that special candle just for you!

May everyone have a blessed week!
Wendy

NEW Hand sculptured round cakes (Pictured is the 3" Raspberry cream single height cake. Also available is the 5" and 9", and all available in single or double height.)

Thank You.........

2010-02-22T16:21:00.000-05:00

First I want to apologize in posting a late Thank you. I have been extremely busy with floods of orders and updating the website with NEW and exciting items!

I want to Thank everyone for making last month and this month an exceptional one. You all have emailed with such wonderful comments, which always makes me feel like I'm continuing to provide a quality product!

For everyone who posted on the blog or emailed me directly for the giveaways! Your comments were all wonderful! It's great to hear what others think in order to continue to provide top quality products. Congradulations to both the winners and hope that everyone will participate in the next giveaway to come!!

Shop with me on Etsy....

2010-02-04T19:07:00.000-05:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
countrycraftsncandie.etsy.com

Old Candles?

2010-02-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

Have you ever bought candles from somewhere that do not burn all the way down, or have candle wax melted in the bottom of a candle plate or bowl from a pillar or votive? A simple idea with that wax is making cookie cutter floater candles.

Supplies:
`metal cookie cutters
`play dough or any inexpensive clay
`wick
`wax (you could recycle old candles for this project)
`tin can
`popsicle sticks or pencils

Cookie Cutter Floating CandlesInstructions:
1. Start by taking a tin can and squeezing the can in a little so you will form a spout to pour out the wax. Place in some chunks of wax, or some wax from a collection of used candles. Take a pot of water (just a little bit of water is needed), and then place the can in the pot of water and start melting until all the chunks are melted.

2. While you're waiting for the wax to melt, take the clay and roll it out flat, about a 1/2 inch thick and wide enough that you can place your cookie cutter in the middle.

3. Place a cookie cutter in the center of the clay. Press it in, so that indents the clay but doesn't go all the way throught it. Take a piece of wick and stick it in the middle of the cookie cutter so that the wick sticks in the clay a little. Now place the popsicle over the cookie cutter near the wick, so it will prop the wick up straight.

4. Pour the wax in the cookie cutter on top of the clay, almost to the top.

5. The hardest part now is to wait for the wax to set, which takes about 45 minutes. When set, remove the cookie cutter from the clay - the cool thing is it doesn't stick to the clay. Now get your glass bowl, fill with water, and enjoy your floating candles!

Caution: Wax is a flammable substance and, as such, should be handled with care. Do NOT reheat or melt wax if doing so poses a fire hazard for you. Never leave a child alone with a lit candle or hot melted wax. A lit candle is potentially very dangerous; never leave a lit candle unattended. We are not responsible for any accidents or mishaps that occur if you choose to do this craft. Please be alert, use common sense, and keep yourself and others safe from harm!

January FREE Giveaway!!

2010-01-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

Okay so here is our first Giveaway!! There are two giveaways, so make sure you read them both!

Giveaway #1
In order to be entered in this giveaway, you must be a member of the blog. You need to then visit our website: http://www.countrycraftsncandies.com/ . After visiting our website, respond to this posting and comment on an item that you liked on the website, please make sure to include your email addy at the bottom of your post so that I can put you into the drawing.

The deadline for this giveaway is February 10th, and the winner will be drawn on the 11th. Okay so what do you win? The winner will receive a package of the "For Love of Chocolate Votives" in your choice of scent and a package of our Homebaked Valentine Cookie Tarts!

Once the winner has been drawn, I will email you for your shipping information. It's just that easy! So what are you waiting for?

Giveaway #2
You may purchase our items on either Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrycraftsncandie or on our webpage http://www.countrycraftsncandies/. For each item you purchase, your name will be entered into the drawing. Example: If you purchase 3 different items, you will be entered 3 times.

The drawing will end on February 5th, and the winner will be drawn on the 6th. The winner will receive one of our "Valentine Goodie Boxes" that includes the following:

(3) 2 ounce bars of our cold processed soaps
(Raspberry Vanilla, Key-Lime, and Super Shea)
(1) 4 ounce Chocolate Exfoliating Scrub
(1) 4 ounce Whipped Body Butter - Scented in your choice of one of our many Chocolate, Vanilla or Valentine Scents!
(4) Bliss Bath Truffles
(2) Valentine Cookie Candle Tarts ~ Scented in Iced Cut Out Cookie
(1) Package Break Away Scented Candle Tarts ~ Scented in Chocolate Raspberry Drizzle
(2) For the Love of Chocolate Votives - Scented in your choice of one of our many Chocolate, Vanilla or Valentine Scents!
and.........
(1) 12 ounce Gooey Goodness Candle - Scented in either White Chocolate Truffle, Truffle, Chocolate Raspberry Drizzle, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Raspberry Cream, Cake Bake, or German Chocolate Cake!

*You may find all these individual items on our website*
So what are you waiting for.....................??

For the Love of Chocolate

2010-01-10T10:35:00.000-05:00

Although many of us have been hit hard with the snow, I can't stop to think about the warm summer months to come! I have NEW dessert treat candles soon!

With the thoughts of Valentines coming soon, You may now find our "For the Love of Chocolate" votives once again! These yummy votives are filled with lots of Rich Chocolate Wax Hershey Kisses, and then topped with any of our yummy chocolate and vanilla scents!

Have you tried our new scents yet?

Better than Sex Cake - German chocolate cake is blended with semi-sweet chocolate chips and laced with crunchy toffee bits in this decadent treat. Vanilla creme and butterscotch syrup create a luscious undertone, while hints of almond and coconut complete the yummy blend!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries - Hints of orange liquor accent the fresh fruity tones of this luscious confection. Ripe red strawberry is surrounded by creamy milk chocolate notes to create a decadent treat. Sweet vanilla creme and rich maple combine at the base of this scent.

Chocolate Raspberry Drizzle - A rich dark chocolate accord surrounds luscious ripe raspberry tones for the fragrance signature. Green stem notes create natural appeal for the fruit character while a generous base of velvet musk and sweet vanilla completes the yummy sensation.

They are only $3.50 per set and come packaged in a cute little plastic votive clamshell tied with homespun. You can find them on both our Etsy.com shop and our website!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37580829

http://www.countrycraftsncandies.com/

Welcome to my NEW Blog........

2010-01-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

I want to start by saying "Welcome". If you are not already a lover of our candles and creations, I know that you will soon be. My candle creations are made with soy wax, and have been admired and loved because of their incredible long lasting scent throw, lonnnnnnng burning times, creative and unique appearances, quality workmanship, and the ability to custom create your order! In addition to our beautiful candles, we also provide a wide variety of bath and body, prim stichery items, and our unique decorative breads.

I hope to continue to share lots with you about the company, my product, and myself. I know that you will become a long term lover of our candles and products, so grab a cup of coffee, sit back, read, share, and enjoy!

I love all items Prim! Especially Sheep, Crows, Annies, Primitive Dolls, you name it! Do you own a website? I love to shop, so post me your store link I would love to check out your items!