No tricks.. just treats

When my mom and dad left on their mission I made them a pair of pillowcases for them to use while away (so they would have sweet dreams of their favorite daughter) They tell me they use them everyday and love them. I was afraid they might get worn out and they would need a replacement so I came up with an idea...

Recently I decided to send them a little care package and inside was a fun Halloween and Thanksgiving surprise....
Pillowcases! A set to use for October and a set to use for November.
But the surprises didn't stop there... I also found a panel for this adorable Halloween apron.
I just couldn't resist the cute skeleton on the front.
I wanted to jazz it up a bit from just the plain panel, so I backed it with orange fabric, added the ric-rac and then decided to try something I've never done before... I made yo yo flowersThese little guys were so much fun to make and I loved using the Halloween colors.Miranda even caught the yo yo bug and made several for herself.
Mom just loved the pillowcases and apron and can't wait to wear it when she hosts FHE in October.

Something Blue....and purple

My Niece is getting married in October and I've been helping a bit with some of the planning.
Her colors are beautiful gem toned purple and blue.
I went with her to pick out flowers for her bouquet and cake and I had the fever...

It's something I get once an idea, color, theme or whatever gets stuck on my brain.
Once embedded, I notice EVERYTHING that is associated with it.

So I was at Target and I was meandering down the candy isle (not uncommon for me)
and I spotted candy wrapped in purple and blue.
I was so excited... but then it got even better....
The candy was called "Bliss"
Perfect for a wedding!

So I brought it home and played around with a few ideas to make favors out of it.
Here's what I came up with...
Simple and sweet, just how a favor should be.
I designed the monogram with Photoshop Elements - I'm really learning to like that program. I'm making the cake and flowers for the wedding as well, so more Purple and Blue to come.

Baby Cake

So I've seen this idea floating around the internet craft sites and decided it would be a great gift to give for a baby shower I had coming, so thought I'd try it out.

It took a little longer than I had thought, as most prototypes do, but it was pretty simple and fun to make. The bear is holding a tube of Butt Paste (for diaper rash) Each "layer" is filled with diapers (80 total) and wrapped in blankets.
I created the little birds to match one of the blanket designs.
Of course it wouldn't be a "Ginger Gift" without a matching homemade card.
Everyone seemed to like it at the shower and I really enjoyed making it. I can't wait to try another one... anyone having a baby??

I HEART cookies

I've been a bit busy the last week making 300+ cookies and 300+ bite-size brownies for a wedding (whose colors are pink and black) The black cookies are actually very dark chocolate brown but they certainly look black. I started making these little cream cheese, chocolate dipped morsels about 5 years ago for my in-law's 50th anniversary. They have been a hit for many occasions since. I forgot to take pictures of the mass production of brownies, but I have some left over so I'll post a picture soon.

Little Dinner Party

Friday Night I co-hosted a Backyard BBQ with my friend Nicki. We provided the meat and Dutch oven Potatoes while everyone brought potluck sides and desserts. I took a few shots after setting up, but forgot to take any once everyone arrived. (typical of me)
The weather was PERFECT except for the little breeze keeping my candles blown out.
I gave all the guests a take home gift of chips and salsa. It was such a fun night of good food and friends.

Teacher Gift

I really do try to incorporate a little bit of homemade into end of the year gifts for teachers. This year I was a bit pressed for time, but managed to create an accordion fold card in a tin that held gift cards from different stores.
Since Mrs. Holloway loves Peanuts, I decorated the top of the tin with Snoopy. Once open, the top fold reads "Hope you find time to do all the things you enjoy this summer"Then each fold has a pocket with a gift card and a note saying... read a good book or enjoy a cool treat.
Then the final fold had a place for Parker to write a personal note to his teacher. It was super fun to make and might have to try it again for another occasion.

Let the Sunshine in!

Ok, so I haven't completely fallen off the edge of the crafting world... I'm still doing a few things here and there...
Just thought I'd share centerpieces I put together for Stake Seminary Graduation.I wanted to keep the colors neutral so it would work for boys and girls.
The colors looked great with the lemonade and lemon water. We served up ice cream and cookies ...simple, but delicious.