Valentines Day, With Love.

As much as my hubby thinks Valentines day is nothing more than a cheesy money making fraud, it is what it is and I love Love. Having sons I use such an occasion to show them even more so that is it normal to show love for your love and that includes family. All my boys get a little something special from mum, ehem that's me. Other than the usual romantic evening dinner, hubby threw in a few things Ala 'love'. Practical but nonetheless, I received the cookie stamp I had my eye on, a lush warm gown for the penting winter season and a little love in the air with music. Thanks hun - mwah.





My middle son all of 6, loves 'love' and a really little charmer too. He had a long list of names to receive a little something. For his class mates, we made heart chocolates stuck on a heart shape card stock, decorated with a pink ribbon. We included all the boys too as a request for fairness by his school. His 4 teachers received a rose and a delicious home made chocolate cupcake. We made extra for the remaining staff. Being a special day, all the kiddies got to wear civvies so his 'mum's lil' valentines shirt was a hit. Teachers loved the gifts and showed much appreciation and thanks for all the efforts.



I believe strongly that as parents, it is important to show your children constant love and to teach love all year round. With the 5 love languages, it isn't hard as love is shown and received in many ways. Hope love was all around for you too.

Happy Baking
SunshineMac

Recycle Those Wax Crayons

I'm sure you have seen this somewhere on Pinterest. A brilliant way to recycle those messy and broken wax crayons. It would be very silly of you not to use a silicone mould. It sure makes for less mess and hassel. I like too how reshaping the crayons adds creativity with the element of fun to the boys crayon box.

I used a low heat setting to prevent burning. Once cooled it was an easy pop out and ready for the next lot of crayons. Plain or rainbow, my little one couldn't wait to try them out. Please do take caution with the heated wax. It can leave  nasty burn otherwise.

Keeping it simple and fun.
Happy Creating.

SunshineMac

Mr Grass-Head.

I can't remember when last we didn't have a grass head in our house. It's one of the things my boys really enjoy making as well as the excitement of watching the 'hair' grow then being creative with hair styles. Using a stocking, we tied a knot, filled it up with compost, squeezed in grass seeds on the side before tying it off creating the 2nd ear for Mr Grass-head. Glue on some wiggly eyes and a button of sorts for the nose. Using a glitter glue pen we finished with a smile. Happy on the kitchen shelf, in an old purity jar soaking up the sun and water - we wait for signs of growth. My 6 year old had fun creating this one.

Happy Creating :)

Simple Origami Fox

A picture tutorial of an origami fox. My little man comes up with all sorts mum must master with a dash of magic to produce. Thank you YouTube, you have been a mums best friend at such requests. Can you follow these simple steps? Give it a bash :)

Happy folding.

The Versatile Marie Biscuit

Bakers Man is just the best, I grew up munching on their biscuits like Eet-sum more, tennis biscuits and the good ol' Marie biscuit. The Marie biscuit is the most versatile biscuit ever and remains a constant in our pantry. Never a dull bakers day with a marie,. We have made clowns, snow men, various faces, smoores, candy pizzas and much much more. Grab the little ones, a bowl add royal icing or plain old icing and a splash of water - edible glue, Smarties, rasins, jelly tots, chocolate chips, 100's & 1000's, anything to decorate with. This keeps the little ones happy, content, having fun and getting creative for hours. My son made a turtle in this pic when we were at the Bakers Man promotional stall a few months back.

Happy Creative Baking & fantastic memories.

Cookie Stamps Using Edible Glitter.

I had to quickly cancel my order for this cookie stamp from my mum in the UK when I stumbled upon it at one of the baking supplies stores here. What a luck, I thought as it was one of the top 4 cookie stamps on my must have list.

I couldn't wait to get baking. I love edible glitter and use it often on my cakes and cupcakes, now to use it on cookies. I thought of mixing some into the cookie dough - mmmmmm! A sparkle here and there wasn't the result I wanted to achieve. Then I thought a cookie stamp stamped as we would ink to paper, my ink being edible glitter. This was the result and one I'm happy with. It adds that little something special to the cookie. I used shortbread cookie dough but anything goes when using a smooth cookie dough.

Happy Baking

Paper Gift Basket

I love this paper gift basket. Probably a 10 minite make max. I was out shopping at one of my favourite craft shops in Irene when I spotted this on display in the craft class.

I was drawn to it. I picked it up, took a long hard look and thought, I can make this. Back home I used plain square paper and played around until I figured it out. Basically, fold your square double print card stock into 3 equal colums, repeat the 3 colum fold vertically. Now you have 9 equal square folds . Fold each corner inwards forming a triange. Punch the triangle tips and thread ribbon through, tie a pretty bow and you're done. A second option is to continue to tighten the fold, tuck the flaps in, hold the 4 sides together with ribbon or glue and you have a box. As you can see in the bottom photo, I didn't glue it as I just wanted to give you the idea.

Happy Crafting.