Melted snowman biscuits

How to make melted snowman Christmas biscuits...

1. Make some Christmas biscuits...I'm a fan of the following recipe as it takes me back to my childhood and plus they are really easy to make thanks to the step by step picture guide!

2. Once the biscuits have cooled make some icing - I chose to make mine with icing sugar and water but you could opt for royal icing if you preferred . I made mine quite thick so it makes a even layer with the right amount of running off the edge.

3. The fun of these is that the icing doesn't have to be perfect, running over the side adds to the melted effect. Make sure the biscuits are on grease proof paper as it will make them easy to remove once the icing has set. 

4. The next step is to add the marshmallow heads. For this arrange the marshmallows on some grease proof paper and pop in the mircowave. The need no more than 5 seconds (depending on watts) as you want them to be firm on the outside but not running everywhere. Watch them closely they rise slightly and this is when you want to stop! 

5. While the icing is still sticky attach the melted marshmallow in one corner and squash down gently allowing the marshmallow to spread out.  

6. Allow the marshmallow and icing to set and then it's the fun part - decorating! You can be as creative as you want. I used shop bought icing pens to decorate mind and opted for festive red and green. 

7. Adding faces, bow ties or scarfs and some stick arms and buttons really brings them alive and makes them their own individual characters! 

 

8. Final  step - plate up and enjoy!

I sold mine at work in aid of charity and I am pleased to say there was none left at the end of the day...defiantly enjoyed!!

Inked Christmas Cards

Getting creative this year I've made my own hand drawn cards. Here's some more of my designs...the stocking is my favourite especially once personalised.

Vintage finds...

Today is about packing up Vintage cups, saucers, plates and tea pots.
My mum had a coffee morning earlier this year raising an impressive £904.89 for Claire House children's hospice. With the event now out of the way and the house taking shape for Christmas they are being stored away safely until they are needed again.
I am planning on moving into a new home come the New Year and I have bagsied some precious finds to take with me. Some mix and match pieces should go down a treat!

Denby Posies

Duchess Bramble Rose

Myott Staffordshire England

Queen Anne Bone China

Candy Cane Cakepops

These simple Christmas delights are easy peasy to make and are a fun edition to the traditional food offering at Christmas.

How to make candy cane cake pops

1. Make a plain sponge cake and let cool OR if you are like me and can't face the idea of making a cake to then blitz it into crumbs you can always cheat and buy one.
2. Blitz the cake into a bread crumb texture
3. Melt milk chocolate (I do this in a bowl over a pan of boiling water)
4. Remove the chocolate from the heat and mix the cake and chocolate together until all the cake is covered and has absorbed the chocolate
5. Then divide the mixture into small balls
6. Set them on grease proof paper so they are easy to remove once set
7. Before they set poke mini candy canes into the centre of the balls
8. Put aside in the fridge to set for approx 1h
9. Once the cakes are cooled remove from the fridge - you should be able to hold the candy cane with the cake ball still in place.
10. Melt some more chocolate white this time (creating the effect of snowballs)
11. Once melted dip the candy cake ball into the chocolate giving an even white coating all over
12. Allow the excess to drip off so not to create a chocolate puddle!
13. Before the chocolate sets dip or sprinkle with a topping of your choice.
14. Set aside on grease proof paper to set.
15. Once this has been done for all balls pop in the fridge again to have a final set.
16. Finally - eat and enjoy!!

I took my Candy Cane Cakepops to my work Christmas fuddle. Lots of smiles all round and lots of money made for charity too!!

Felt Snowman

A winters afternoon being creative and moments later there are some frosty felt snowmen. Super cute and easy to make, these felt friends are going to be perfect winter warmers as card gifts this year.

Frosty the Snowman made by @GlitteredPink

Jazzy Felt Gingerbread Men

Earlier this year I set about making some felt gingerbread men to give as gifts this Christmas (Don't mind me I'm a Gingerbread man) . To jazz these up a little (and partly because I have run out of red ribbon) these gingerbread men look ready to P A R T Y!!

Felt Gingerbread Men made by @GlitteredPink

Felt Reindeer - hands off he's mine!

I am a massive fan of making things from felt, and getting a head start this Christmas I was searching for new characters to make and create. Browsing the web I came across http://gnathalie2.wordpress.com/category/attempted-sewing/ the super cute blog with a fab reindeer felt template. 

Felt reindeer made by @GlitteredPink

This template was more complex than my normal 2 piece but I thought I would give it a go....I love love love this felt reindeer and I think he is too nice to part with so will be taking pride of place on my tree instead. 

Christmas Cat Cross Stitch

Another little cross stitch pattern completed...one more down in the run up to Christmas. I've done something I have always wanted to do but never been brave enough and plucked up courage this week to do this cross stitch on the tram on the way to work. Yes I got some funny, inquisitive looks but I don't care! I am embracing my skill as it is something to be proud of. I'm surprised you don't see more people doing it.

Christmas Cat Cross Stitch b @GlitteredPink

Christmassy Cat Cross Stitch

Christmas Cat Cross Stitch Pattern

My plan is to make this into a Christmas ornament which can be hung on the tree. I am going to give to my fiances mum with her Christmas card in honor of the new member of the family her new kitten Legolas. I'm not a massive fan of cats but this pic does make me go arrr...don't you agree.

Legolas

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In other news I have stumbled across a couple of new blogs today which I have been inspired by. Another craft item to add to the Christmas list is this Christmas pudding pinata, found on http://peasandneedles.blogspot.co.uk/ I think it will be great fun to do with friends and family this Christmas, as long as no one gets injured!

Snowman Cross Stitch

Take on snowman cross stitch kit, 1hr and 1/2 later and voila!! 

This took me about 1hr and 1/2 to do when I got home from work tonight in between having my tea and watching telly. It was the perfect break and down time to have on a Monday night before netball. I'm chuffed with the results and how quick it was to stitch. 

Snowman Cross Stitch Pattern

 

Snowman Cross Stitch

My plan is to do a couple of these between now and Christmas on my hour tram journey to and from work...I will not be embarrassed about sewing in public. It's a skill I need to be proud of and embrace with pride!

Christmas starts here!

'tis the season to be jolly!

Today was the Christmas light switch on in Sheffield city centre. The atmosphere was electric and people seemed happy to be out even though it was a cold and blustery evening! I love the twinkle that is Christmas and the smells coming from the eclectic Christmas market. 

I went home and snuggled up, ate popcorn and watched Home Alone! Home Alone is quite possibly the best Christmas film of all time! The countdown starts here...37 sleeps!

Movember challenge!

A good friend and colleague is showing her support by doing the 30 days Movember challenge. 
Helping with tash fun, I've created a little mobile tash especially for her...the only decision is which was to wear! Tashtastic!! 

http://uk.movember.com/

Poppy Appeal

Each year the nation expresses its support for The Royal British Legion's work through the Poppy Appeal.

Thinking and honoring of all who have served for our freedom.  

 

Christmas Cards

It's beginning to be feel a lot like Christmas..yay!

When buying a cup of tea earlier today the cashier wished me a 'Merry Christmas'... now hold up, stop right there we are in November! Now I love Christmas but that is too early for me! When I questioned this he replied saying 'well it's exactly six weeks today till boxing day', he had a point making it 48 sleeps till Christmas day...yipee! 

Filled with this Christmas cheer, I had a sudden urge when home to watch Home Alone (quite possibly one of the best Christmas films of all time), drink hot chocolate and to make Christmas cards. Well I ended up watching Gossip Girl instead (my favourite TV program) and I've run out of hot chocolate but I did make some Christmas cards. 

Sketched out in pencil first and then covered over in a gel pen, these cute little cards where simple and cheep to make and add a personalised touch to the festive season. 

Christmas Tree - Personalised Handmade Card @GlitteredPink

Star - Handmade Christmas Card @GlitteredPink

Nanas like you are a precious few

I can't express how much my Nana means to me. Growing up my parents separated when I was three and my Nana (my dad's mum) was a rock. She has always supported me and been there for me. Every Saturday my dad would pick me up and I used to enjoy going round to her house on a Saturday morning for peanut butter and butter on toast with a cup of very weak tea before my dad took me swimming or out for the day to the likes of Tatton Park.

She is the only grandparent I have really known. My Granddad (my mums dad) lived in Northern Ireland and unfortunately passed away while I was in my teens. My Nana's husband died before I was born and I have never met or will meet my mums mum, it's a long story. My Nana is the next closest thing to me after my fiancé and my parents. I don't know what I would do without her.

Living away I don't get to see her every Saturday like I used to. She is only ever a phone call away but the art of sending a letter is not one to be missed. This Sunday I am sending her a letter to update her on the exciting things happening and to also send her a little something to remind her how dear she is to me. I gave her one of these gifts when I was a child, unfortunately her house suffered from a burst water main and things where ruined. She expressed how she missed losing this so I decided to send her another.

The verse reads:

This is a very special gift

That you can never see

The reason it's so special

It's just to you from me

Whenever you are lonely

Or even feeling blue

You only have to hold this gift

And you know I think of you

You can never unwrap it

Please leave the ribbon tied

Just hold the box close to your heart

It's filled with love inside

Card made by Gilli Reeves www.adornmentuk.com

Send your Nana or grandparent a card today. Let them know how much they are loved.

Movember!!

Happy November or should I say Movember! In aid of Testicular Cancer, men will be showing their support this month by growing tash's. For those of us who can not sport a tash you can show your support in many other ways and thanks to the high street there are lots of pieces of moustache merchandise up for grabs, New Look in particular have loads!!
Here is a little something which I made earlier this year for a friend for her birthday, she is a major fan of the tash!!
Cute and simple don't you think?!

Think Pink Friday!

Today is Think Pink Friday in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Our office was awash with pink, with everyone taking part in its pink honour! The think pink friday fuddle with sweet treats and donations being made to a good course, had extra sparkle with people stepping up the baking creativity for all things pink!

These eye catching little fairy cakes were irresistible, and tasted scrummy!

Show your support!

Home Sweet Home

Home is where the heart is and this week we will be viewing properties in search of our first time home. I'm excited about finding my 'castle' our 'kingdom', something which we can call and make our own! Budget and pennies...that's what is important now!

In the mean time this little gift is for a dear friend and her new home. This hand stitched heart, with 'home sweet home' message and cute heart shape button on the centre back, is a thoughtful gift which I hope she will love.

FRONT: Home Sweet Home - Heart @GlitteredPink

BACK: Button Detail - Made by @GlitteredPink

All in a Bloom

I fell in love with these flowers when I went shopping on Saturday. The shades tie in perfectly with my decor in the flat (I love a splash of pink and lime green)!

Bought from an independent flower man at Sheffield market, these flowers where not only a bargain at £6 for 4 bunches but have definitely brightened up my weekend!   

Not normally a fan or carnations, these flowers have an extra wow with the paintly, tie dye look (a big trend for AW13) J'adore!