tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34198020115970624062024-02-18T18:13:23.301-08:00:: kraftykym ::a bit of this, a bit of that. . .kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.comBlogger1565125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-53463391434070048122018-05-01T21:47:00.001-07:002018-05-01T21:51:48.515-07:00Cookie Number Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cookie Number Cakes are all over Pinterest and Instagram. This was my first attempt. I used two batches of a classic chocolate sugar cookie recipe. It worked best to roll the dough out on parchment paper to transfer to the baking sheet. </div>
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Topped with <a href="https://www.target.com/p/raspberry-vanilla-cr-232-me-cookies-11-6oz-market-pantry-153/-/A-13282448">Target Raspberry cookies</a>, sugar wafers, extra chocolate star cookies, <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wilton-Rosanna-Pansino-Silicone-Gem-Candy-Mold-12-Cavity/788621475?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227089357940&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=219774405358&wl4=pla-385167265844&wl5=9026808&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=788621475&wl13=&veh=sem">Chocolate gems</a>, Chocolate candy animals (made from custom molds), Happy Birthday chocolates, Whoppers, Pink Sixlets and bright licorice bits. The frosting was two batches of classic butter cream. </div>
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Assembly, a few blobs of frosting under the bottom layer to secure it to the base. I used a <a href="https://www.wilton.com/1-round-piping-tip/418-1.html">Wilton #1 tip </a>to make large dollops of frosting. Then I let the frosting set for about a half hour before adding the next cookie layer. Placed the second cookie on the set frosting. Then repeated the frosting dollop technique. Again, I let it set for half hour before placing on the toppings. </div>
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We didn't even eat the cookie cake. I brought it to work. We had more than enough extra cookies from all my experiments. It's my birthday, all I wanted to do was successfully make this cake. Mission accomplished! </div>
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<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-69322213871893228302016-08-28T17:36:00.000-07:002016-08-28T17:37:01.091-07:001000 Paper Cranes<br />
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It is said that if you make 1,000 <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="t_nihongo_kanji" lang="ja">千羽鶴 </span></span>Origami
Paper cranes are you granted a wish by the Gods. Still other stories
believe you are granted eternal good luck, instead of just one wish,
such as long life or recover from illness or injury. Either way, I am
going for it. It's soothing and a bit meditative. <br />
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In Japan, the crane is one of the mystical
or holy creatures and is said to live for a thousand years. In some
stories it is believed that the 1000 cranes must be completed within one
year and they must all be made by the person who is to make the wish at
the end.<br />
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The 1000 Origami cranes were popularized through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who was 24 months old when she was exposed to the radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during WWII. At the age of 12, Sadako developed leukemia. After spending significant time in the hospital, Sadako began folding cranes with the legend in mind. She folded only 644 before she became to weak to fold anymore. In her honor, her classmates folded the rest for her. There is another version of the story, that she did in fact fold nearly 1,400 cranes. In 1958, a statue of Sadako holding a golden crane was unveiled. Every year on Obon Day, people leave paper cranes to remember the departed spirit's of one's ancestors. kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-21098938462099167002016-01-02T12:12:00.003-08:002016-01-02T12:12:48.660-08:00Big Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"By completely absorbing our attention for a short and magical spell, it can relieve us temporarily from the dreadful burden of being who we are. Best of all, at the end of your creative adventure, you have a souvenir–something that you made, something to remind you forever of your brief but transformative encounter with inspiration.<br />
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Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful priviledge. - Elizabeth Gilbert"<br />
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I loved this book. When reading, it felt like Elizabeth was just sitting with me on my couch chatting about life. It was a quick read and something that I will reference on days when my designer magic is running low.<br />
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<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-44777533180649969362015-12-26T12:18:00.000-08:002016-01-02T12:19:55.015-08:00Winky Pillow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally made time to finish up many pillows for the kid's basement hangout. The Minnesota Principal Hot Dishes by Regions is a kitchen towel turned into a pillow (<a href="http://keepthefaye.com/">keeping the faye</a>). The black<span style="color: #0000ee;"> & </span>khaki Minnesota pillow was previously a tote bag that I purchased at Target. And the winky circle pillow was an all new creation–just a little something that has been stirring in my mind.<br />
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kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-11594146827338126782015-12-23T12:28:00.000-08:002016-01-02T12:28:21.741-08:00Frosted Sugar Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every holiday season, I made plates of my Great Grandma Marie's Famous Frosted Sugar Cookies to sell to friends, families and fans. This year, I sold 45 plates of Frosted Sugar cookies! OMG. Every year I get a bit faster at making them. And this year I pulled in the Dala horse as the new house favorite. I need to shake up the routine. </div>
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Dala horse cookies are my new holiday favorite!</div>
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Custom Hanukkah cookies for a good friend. </div>
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<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-64113764237494295502015-12-18T13:14:00.000-08:002016-01-02T13:16:54.861-08:00PS4 Controller Custom Cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I made custom<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_IzUkSSEsh/?taken-by=bestbuy"> PS4 Controller Frosted Cookie for Best Buy</a>. Here is my little how to.<br />
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There was much improvising that happened and many attempts that did not fully work. Above is the best version and below is how to make your own. <br />
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<b>Tools needed:</b><br />
Sugar Cookie dough (homemade or store bought)<br />
Black frosting (homemade or store bought) <br />
PS4 template (I traced a controller and hand cut out the cookies)<br />
Black Fondant (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cake-Boss-Ultimate-Black-Fondant/dp/B00PUEX1HA">Cake Boss brand</a> works well) rolled to 1/4 thickness<br />
Tootsie Crows Licorice Gumdrops (found some at <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/tootsie-crows-licorice-flavored-gumdrops/ID=prod5633844-product">Walgreens</a>)<br />
Rolling pin<br />
Medicine cup (to cut out the buttons)<br />
Pen cap (to cut out the buttons)<br />
Elmers or any gluestick brand cap (to cut out the buttons) <br />
Toothpick (to make the textured dots)<br />
Frosting for the symbols (pink, red, light blue and green) <br />
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1. Roll out your cookie dough, cut the cookies and then bake them according to the directions<br />
2. Once the cookie is cool, frost it with the black frosting<br />
3. Cut out the controller buttons<br />
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<b>Controller parts from left to right:</b><br />
<b>Left:</b><br />
Cut one medicine cup circle in the black fondant + hand cut arrows. "glue" them with the black frosting. <br />
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<b>Middle top:</b><br />
Cut one rectangle roughly 2" wide by 1.25" tall in the black fondant. Poke with toothpick to achieve the texture.<br />
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<b>Middle bottom:</b><br />
Cut two circles cut with the glue stick cap in the black fondant, place two Tootsie Crow Licorice Gumdrops on top. I sliced the Gumdrop in half so they were not too tall. For the middle button, cut one of the green pen caps in the black fondant. Again use the black frosting as "glue".<br />
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<b>Right:</b><br />
Cut one medicine cup circle in the black fondant. Cut four circles with the green pen cap in the black fondant. Use the black frosting as "glue" to assemble. Then use pink, green, red and light blue frosting to draw the symbols on the small circles.<br />
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Allow the cookie to air dry for a few hours before sealing in a container. This will allow the frosting to "set". <br />
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I'll be honest, they are a lot of work. But I already figured out how to make it come together. Now it's just effort that will make it happen!<br />
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If you made it to the bottom of this post, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_IzUkSSEsh/?taken-by=bestbuy">click this link</a> and go "like" the custom PS4 Cookie I made for Best Buy!kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-25377766132371740092015-11-25T12:43:00.000-08:002016-01-02T16:38:52.396-08:00Spicy Mexican Chocolate Pumpkin Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I found this recipe in Better Homes & Gardens but I gave it a bit of spin after a few rounds of making it. The texture of the chocolate pumpkin layer has a French Silk Pie texture. And the heat from the chili powder and cayenne pepper gives it a nice bit of zing. It's my new favorite. Cold pie spicy chocolate pie with some hot coffee, yes please!<br />
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<b>Spicy Mexican Pumpkin Pie:</b><br />
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1 Frozen Deep dish Pie Crust<br />
1 3.1 oz disc of Mexican Chocolate (I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nestle-Abuelita-Mexican-Chocolate-19-oz/dp/B0000GH6UQ">Nestle Abuelita Mexican Chocolate</a> at Cub Foods)<br />
2 TBSP butter<br />
3/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp mild chili powder (I use 1/2 tsp regular chili powder)<br />
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (I use 1/4)<br />
1 15 oz can pumpkin<br />
4 eggs, lightly beaten<br />
1 cup half and half<br />
1 recipe for Chocolate Ganache (see below)<br />
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Prepare the piecrust, set aside to cool.<br />
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Preheat over to 350. In a small saucepan heat the chocolate disc and butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, just until melted. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl combine brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir in pumpkin and eggs until combined. Gradually stir in half-and-half until combined.<br />
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Stir 1 1/2 cups of the pumpkin mixture into the cooled chocolate mixture. Pour into the piecrust. Then pour the remaining pumpkin mixture over the chocolate layer. Cover the edges with foil. Bake 60 minutes or until edges are puffed and the center appears set. Cool on wire rack. Chill within 2 hours.<br />
Spoon Chocolate Ganache over top.<br />
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<b>Chocolate Ganache: </b><br />
3.1 oz chopped semisweet chocolate and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. In a small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup whipping cream to simmering, pour over chocolate. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.<br />
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When ready to serve top with shaved chocolate and chili powder to your liking.<br />
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<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-47313083290471774972015-11-17T20:50:00.000-08:002015-11-17T20:50:04.310-08:00show me, don't tell me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoHRF_ZbfrYMLr_qAFF58EAyby4da8RMoFCucd23LKt0qjay7QKlFV7r4Df6gHdmF707mtOykCCAcu7jGqc7zTPszJpvHm2EDbapXFa7VW7DubBySD-LZjVPQnVYBaVQcEEX4GpgAnAo/s1600/mackidart_nicepeople_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoHRF_ZbfrYMLr_qAFF58EAyby4da8RMoFCucd23LKt0qjay7QKlFV7r4Df6gHdmF707mtOykCCAcu7jGqc7zTPszJpvHm2EDbapXFa7VW7DubBySD-LZjVPQnVYBaVQcEEX4GpgAnAo/s320/mackidart_nicepeople_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The pretty pink lady is my Grandma Marvel. She was the kindest person I ever knew. She didn't say one bad thing about my Grandpa except once... "He thinks he is so smart, but sometimes he isn't". All around the world, times have been very trying. It makes me wonder what she would have to say about all of this. I like to think she say "The world is filled with nice people, if you can't find one, be one".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqo0cEMO_pYV6X665cYOi8orjR6Mvz_WU0nf1m_Fo-Q5u8rM1PZfRVARBdntD3ttEXlO5STvCcugx8ZPhDKhdu7RC8URChxL1SUtbN3aCefp8LW_op9d3nFdAJIh_c7KRpP_Zjdx6M_A/s1600/mackidart_own+who+you+are.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqo0cEMO_pYV6X665cYOi8orjR6Mvz_WU0nf1m_Fo-Q5u8rM1PZfRVARBdntD3ttEXlO5STvCcugx8ZPhDKhdu7RC8URChxL1SUtbN3aCefp8LW_op9d3nFdAJIh_c7KRpP_Zjdx6M_A/s320/mackidart_own+who+you+are.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Nothing better than the 1980s Halloween costumes. I don't know why they haven't been reissued. Of course I had the Princess costume in previous photos! <br />
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Wonder where this all started from? <a href="http://kraftykym.blogspot.com/2014/08/show-me-dont-tell-me.html">click here.</a> I was asked by a few folks if I sell these images. I just started up a Society6. <a href="http://society6.com/kraftykym">Check it out</a> if you might be interested in a print or two. kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-53924368477833514582015-09-09T17:17:00.002-07:002015-09-09T17:17:30.237-07:00Banana Egg Pancakes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbFNTytVu2fg18DQsY-PWEwhLjVCb9sBFrmlcmGr8IQsHAiw_hv3TrBitxTcLMEo99tmR3La2fduQSlU8es48y_MUzxzgbv8T0yCa5NRXE3XNZh-B_mEcI_oZY8sUybekQhLHIyzFi9E/s1600/kraftykym_egg_pancakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbFNTytVu2fg18DQsY-PWEwhLjVCb9sBFrmlcmGr8IQsHAiw_hv3TrBitxTcLMEo99tmR3La2fduQSlU8es48y_MUzxzgbv8T0yCa5NRXE3XNZh-B_mEcI_oZY8sUybekQhLHIyzFi9E/s400/kraftykym_egg_pancakes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Banana Egg Pancakes. (Gluten Free, Whole30 Compliant, Paleo and delicious)<br />
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2 eggs<br />
1 banana<br />
1/2 tsp Baking Powder<br />
1/2 tsp Cinnamon<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
Peel the banana, slice it then smash the banana down to a puree like texture. Crack two eggs into another bowl, whip them up nicely. Combine egg with banana, then add the baking soda and cinnamon. Heat up coconut oil in a small frying pan on medium heat. Pour approximately 1/3 cup pancake mixture per pancake. It makes 3-4 pancakes. kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-35643462812291674112015-08-27T20:01:00.001-07:002015-08-27T20:01:39.352-07:00Baked Donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3YuRtpFGdPOXGndoL2m6CBkVPmsCuPptq1bJ-P7FHWIAcUkq7RjeWrv7yZ_KH7SZVNOgGS4TgzEvnwfE0j0IzdST8hmiJP-4uMpB-_FSYY-GCVtM3iuFjNI4j2YY1qDe_h_zJyYrEQk/s1600/kraftykym_baked+donuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3YuRtpFGdPOXGndoL2m6CBkVPmsCuPptq1bJ-P7FHWIAcUkq7RjeWrv7yZ_KH7SZVNOgGS4TgzEvnwfE0j0IzdST8hmiJP-4uMpB-_FSYY-GCVtM3iuFjNI4j2YY1qDe_h_zJyYrEQk/s400/kraftykym_baked+donuts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
For years, I have intended to make baked donuts. Finally, this week I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Nonstick-12-Cavity-Mini-Donut/dp/B004CYELQ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440729824&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+donut+pan">mini donut pan</a> at TJMaxx and went for it. They are freaking awesome. So easy to make and the kids loved them. The chocolate donuts were fantastic. Next up Apple Cinnamon and then maybe Green Tea with toasted coconut. <br />
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<b>Chocolate Donuts</b> (Makes 12 donuts- I would just double the recipe if you have kids in the house)<br />
combine in a medium bowl<br />
1 cup flour (you could easily use GF flour)<br />
1/2 sugar<br />
1/4 cup cocoa powder<br />
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
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combine in small bowl<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 egg<br />
6 TBS sour cream<br />
1/4 cup milk<br />
1/4 vegetable oil (or coconut oil)<br />
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Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients in a small bowl, then add the wet ingredients to the dry. Grease the donut pan, then evenly fill the pan. Bake for 8 minutes or until the tops spring back upon touch.<br />
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Let the donuts cool in the pan a bit before removing. Meanwhile make the chocolate glaze.<br />
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<b>Chocolate Glaze</b> (enough for 24 donuts, so you should just double the donut recipe!)<br />
1/3 cup unsalted butter<br />
1/4 cup whole milk, warmed<br />
1 TBS light corn syrup<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped<br />
2 cups powdered sugar (I don't bother sifting, but it's probably a good idea)<br />
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Combine the butter, milk, corn syrup and vanilla in a medium sauce pan or medium heat until the butter has melted. Decrease the heat to low, add the chocolate and whisk till melted. Turn off heat, add the powdered sugar and whisk till smooth. Place the mixture over a bowl of warm water and dip the tops of the donuts immediately. Take one donut at a time and carefully submerge the top, lift out of the glaze, flip over and allow to cool on waxed paper or a wire rack. Allow the glaze to set for 30 minutes before serving. I love sprinkles, so of course I add sprinkles before the glaze sets.<br />
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<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-24004381061872995092015-08-18T19:17:00.000-07:002015-08-18T19:25:42.717-07:00GF Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wHQCtyYOSIt2yhsmdSAprIBrmvUG54qAbxsuJo5lThrGW5NHSas2EoJnKtjLxS-Q6kEB0k1IXtpRRnbwCV43gQinBsMsaiMvLW7-RlvieBOAfeohTecShWKeMA0RowN6d9gLXG86EHw/s1600/kraftykym_GF_CarrotCake_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wHQCtyYOSIt2yhsmdSAprIBrmvUG54qAbxsuJo5lThrGW5NHSas2EoJnKtjLxS-Q6kEB0k1IXtpRRnbwCV43gQinBsMsaiMvLW7-RlvieBOAfeohTecShWKeMA0RowN6d9gLXG86EHw/s400/kraftykym_GF_CarrotCake_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I cannot get enough of this Gluten Free Carrot Cake with homemade Cream Cheese frosting. </div>
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It takes a bit of work to make but it is worth the effort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjV_5gSB23cL761elXOA7CBY601BEjzchGbRUJCgIQ34CN2O1maBapMDaruYsMSTQ_blZzKw1odTk-QaCJLLCfzVreeFE63j-Q3M70VWmuEZxZa9dL-gSw3MKwylVFBL8Ww0Hfocf_1w/s1600/kraftykym_GF_CarrotCake_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjV_5gSB23cL761elXOA7CBY601BEjzchGbRUJCgIQ34CN2O1maBapMDaruYsMSTQ_blZzKw1odTk-QaCJLLCfzVreeFE63j-Q3M70VWmuEZxZa9dL-gSw3MKwylVFBL8Ww0Hfocf_1w/s400/kraftykym_GF_CarrotCake_02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have had a few requests for the recipe, so it's time to share. </div>
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<b>Gluten Free Carrot Cake</b></div>
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2 eggs (room temperature)</div>
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1/2 cup brown sugar</div>
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1/2 raw sugar (I used coconut sugar)</div>
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1/2 cup butter (melted)</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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zest of one orange</div>
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<b>combine then add to the mix:</b></div>
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1 1/2 All purpose Gluten Free flour (I like Trader Joe's best)</div>
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1 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp ground ginger</div>
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1/2 tsp nutmeg</div>
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1/4 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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<b>combine then add to the mix: </b></div>
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2 cups shredded carrots</div>
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1 peeled and grated apple</div>
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1/2 cup chopped green grapes</div>
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juice of one orange</div>
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<b>Stir in:</b></div>
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts (my kids are allergic to all nuts. So this can't happen at our house)</div>
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Grease and flour cake pans. Makes two thin layers. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. </div>
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<b>Frosting:</b></div>
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16 oz cream cheese (softened)</div>
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8 Tbsp butter (softened)</div>
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1 cup powdered sugar (I went without this and it's great)</div>
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1 Tbsp vanilla </div>
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Garnish with more orange zest!</div>
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If you make mini cupcakes bake 10 minutes. For regular sized cupcakes, bake 18-20 minutes. </div>
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<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-58710112543830331752015-08-16T19:37:00.000-07:002015-08-18T19:37:54.375-07:00DIY Rice Bag Wall Hanging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEcEs3zyIrNoQ43Ob8W-4jOopB6v174ry80ValHRCihXxEw1KN0N5ESKmbc7SFbIUduRktL99T-lppufWRwPiZ0gU3YhCMLdQiZ4mlaW8FkJje_w_NdNot7p3TpchAzhzY537lTFBIvs/s1600/kraftykym_ricebag_wall_hanging.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEcEs3zyIrNoQ43Ob8W-4jOopB6v174ry80ValHRCihXxEw1KN0N5ESKmbc7SFbIUduRktL99T-lppufWRwPiZ0gU3YhCMLdQiZ4mlaW8FkJje_w_NdNot7p3TpchAzhzY537lTFBIvs/s400/kraftykym_ricebag_wall_hanging.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
My Grandparents owned an International grocery store on Nicollet Island, Minnesota in the 1960 through the early 1980's. It was called International House of Foods. They had the first Fortune Cookie Machine west of the Mississippi. How sweet is that story? I remember helping to make fortune cookies and riding the big freight elevator.<br />
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My mom was cleaning out her house about a year ago. We found a few of my Grandma Marvel's branded rice bags. I was going to make them into pillows but decided I would rather have some wall hangings. I sewed a little channel for the dowels (from Michaels). I painted them with <a href="http://www.target.com/p/hand-made-modern-2oz-acrylic-paintglow-in-the-dark/-/A-16748311#prodSlot=dlp_medium_2_2&term=hand%2Bmade%2Bmodern">Hand Made Modern Glow-in-the-dark paint in Clementine.</a> Then added a few neon pom poms for flair.<br />
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I am hanging up this sassy rice bag near a giant poster with some neon orange lettering. I am still working on styling up this room. Maybe some photos later?kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-20021478440779509672015-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:002015-08-10T19:46:37.468-07:00Watermelon Rice Kripies <div style="text-align: center;">
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Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats. I promise this is easy. The pretty treats above were created by seventh graders.<br />
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<b>You will need:</b><br />
Rice Krispies<br />
Butter<br />
Mini marshmallows<br />
Vanilla extract<br />
Red food coloring<br />
Green food coloring<br />
Mini chocolate chips<br />
Small circular cake pan<br />
Slightly larger circular cake pan <br />
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<b>Recipe for Rice Krispies:</b><br />
3 TBLS of butter<br />
4 cups of mini marshmallows<br />
5-6 cups of Rice Krispies (I lean toward 5, to ensure there is enough marshmallow goodness)<br />
1 tsp of vanilla extract (I add this, the classic recipes does not have this) <br />
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We ended up making two watermelons and a bit extra of just plain green Rice Krispie bars (they would make great <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/261842165810565880/">Minecraft Creeper Treats</a>). For the first batch of Rice Krispies, melt the butter, marshmallows completely, then add the red food coloring. Next add the Rice Krispies. Let this mixture cool a tiny bit, then press into a small cake pan. Be sure that the pan is coated nicely with some butter. I find it easiest to really butter up your hands and press the treats in the pan. <br />
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While the red Rice Krispies are cooling a bit, mix up the green Rice Krispies. Butter two slightly larger cake pans, flip the red Rice Krispies into this larger pan. Then add the green Rice Krispies around the red Rice Krispies. Let it cool a bit more, then add the mini chocolate chips. If the treats are too hot the mini chocolate chips will melt, so be patient.<br />
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We are thinking of making oranges, lemons and limes next!<br />
<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-60262396409598182132015-07-20T09:41:00.000-07:002015-07-24T14:02:19.377-07:00Swim Ribbon Display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have three kids in competitive swimming. Soon we will be wrapping our third year of schlepping kids to pools nearly everyday, driving carpools, writing swim events on arms with Sharpies, Goggle management, sitting through four+ hour long swim meets, long-term screaming parents (not me, they can't hear us- trust me, I asked) and fun foods like Walking Tacos and Giant Dill Pickles from Costco. We get two weeks off around December and in March. The month of August is also a swim team free zone. Otherwise we go all year long. Most friends think we are insane.<br />
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"OMG- I swear you are pool-bound every weekend"<br />
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The kids need swimming. When they don't swim the month of August, they are climbing the walls, getting in trouble and breaking things. Yes, they are generally good kids. Kids are kids, they have a ton of energy. Swimming is the perfect thing for them. I love the sport because it is a team thing (Relays) and an individual thing (Personal Best times). There are swimming brackets based on age. So the kids need to learn to focus in order to achieve goals before they age up. Swimming is something you can do till you are in your 90s. At a recent swim meet, a Master Swimmer in her 90s swam at the meet. (I am totally serious). <br />
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And the best part? RIBBONS and MEDALS.<br />
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"OMG- How many ribbons do you have at your house? You should do a Project Runway inspired dress made from those ribbons"<br />
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"You could make a quilt from all of those ribbons" <br />
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So each kid had their own ribbon bin under their bed. The bins were filling up and I wanted to create something to hang them on the wall. I found a few ideas on Pinterest and on Etsy, but I wanted something that held MORE RIBBONS.<br />
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I bought the boards at Home Depot (approximately 48" x 12"), we painted them white (Semi-gloss), added 30+ white coffee cup hooks (again from Home Depot), then hand-painted the lettering. I wanted one saying to go across all three boards. I designed the saying on my computer, printed it out on letter sized paper, spliced it together and then traced it on the wood (pressing hard with a ball-point pen), then painted the words with a gray paint. This hand-painting took a while. It was a pain, so if you go for it be patient.<br />
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We placed the Ribbon Displays in the stairwell on the way to the kids Basement-zone. Now, after a meet they run down there to proudly hang up their ribbons. At the top, is my Daughter's ribbon display. She currently has the most ribbons. The middle child is catching up with her. And rounding out the bottom, is my little guy's ribbon board. He has only been swimming for a year. </div>
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12 year old kid to give a sense of scale. <br />
<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-90520697617258170502015-06-20T22:02:00.000-07:002015-06-27T22:03:32.787-07:00Fruit Cake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For weeks and weeks I was pinning Fruit Cakes on Pinterest. And now, here it is! Layers of watermelon, with melon cubes in between and topped with kiwi, peaches, blueberries. I added kabob skewers to hold everything together. This fruit cake puppy went for car ride to a friends' party and everything was just fine.<br />
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I wanted to try the version with coconut cream frosting slathered with sliced almonds. That will happen. Stay tuned. kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-10246565922860306172015-06-05T22:24:00.000-07:002015-06-27T22:24:37.160-07:00National Donut Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlDb5GqSnxkrvqLfJANN1s9vBcvn_5KiWrtRwtsR3fMv4yR0QEo6UWjEjI7rGVn4p4bVq0pU1gAoq_eO2VN4xUnsVBjwC5lRshMjzQFu1nJ627SfjqA5lDgSMnGhYsSQo1GbBtO9W_so/s1600/kraftykym_donut+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlDb5GqSnxkrvqLfJANN1s9vBcvn_5KiWrtRwtsR3fMv4yR0QEo6UWjEjI7rGVn4p4bVq0pU1gAoq_eO2VN4xUnsVBjwC5lRshMjzQFu1nJ627SfjqA5lDgSMnGhYsSQo1GbBtO9W_so/s320/kraftykym_donut+day.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
Hello Donuts! National Donut Day is the First Friday in June. A clever gent at our office wrangled this gathering of donuts from around town. <a href="http://www.wuollet.com/">Woulette</a>, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/old-fashioned-donut-shoppe-minneapolis">Old Fashioned Donut Shoppe</a>, <a href="https://www.kowalskis.com/">Kowalskis</a>, <a href="https://lundsandbyerlys.com/">Lunds&Byerlys</a>, Doughnette, Saloman, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-bakers-wife-minneapolis">A Baker's Wife,</a> <a href="http://www.meloglazebakery.com/">Meloglaze</a>, <a href="http://sarahjanesbakery.com/OurBakedGoods.aspx?Type=1">Sarah Jane</a>, <a href="http://www.glamdolldonuts.com/">Glam Doll</a>, <a href="http://yoyodonuts.com/">Yoyo Donuts</a> and <a href="http://www.bogartsdoughnutco.com/">Bogarts</a>!<br />
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I counted 22 boxes of donuts and one lucky summer guest!kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-74841597989521620902015-05-31T22:39:00.000-07:002015-06-27T22:39:58.405-07:00Floral Crown (made from money)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So this summer I am shaking up the Graduate Gift situation. I saw this clever Money Necklace on <a href="http://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2014/06/money-necklace-diy.html/">theHouseThatLarsBuilt.</a> I decided to give it a crown twist. The hardest part was finding dollar bills. I never have cash!<br />
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Then gather up some light gauge wire, tissues paper and ribbon (for a bit of flare). Click the link to follow Lars tutorial (and video). <br />
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#makingwithLarskraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-750347702004202622015-05-30T22:08:00.000-07:002015-06-27T22:09:50.048-07:00DQ sassy cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My eldest turned 12 years old. She is not one to savor simple obvious things. So of course, we could not have a simple cake that said "Happy Birthday". I love that about her. She is shaping up to be one amazing human. kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-83572253687687986302015-05-16T18:53:00.001-07:002015-05-16T18:55:00.127-07:00Peter Pan <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For most of the 1980's my Grandparents had Season tickets to the <a href="http://www.childrenstheatre.org/tickets/subscribe?gclid=Cj0KEQjw1duqBRDPlLKsuJCUiuABEiQAxgHwJ9fPbDKkOEliqrRDB3yHAemI7ESHfzYmAJgGcH3iNwoaAtE08P8HAQ">Minneapolis Children's Theater Company</a>. I loved getting dressed all fancy, driving downtown and walking up the stairs across the red carpet to see a show. The hours I spent absorbing those amazing shows most definitely set me on my path as a designer and creative soul. I graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, which is next door to the Children's Theater Company. Amazingly, our graduation ceremony took place on the Children's Theater Stage! The same stage that set my creativity on fire marked my journey into my design career. Now, I take my own kids to plays. I love to see how they react and what they love. I am inspired again and grateful that this tradition continues.<br />
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The images above show the cool bus stop marketing for Peter Pan. Obviously, we could not get a shot of both the boys "flying". They were too busy chasing each other in most of the shots. We are going to see Peter Pan soon. My middle son's classmate is one of the Lost Boys. How cool is that a fourth grader! <br />
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They have a great <span id="goog_45312932"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">$10 ticket program<span id="goog_45312933"></span></a> if you are not ready for a season ticket membership. Just get on over there! <br />
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#CTC_PETERPANkraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-67621863376589897602015-05-11T17:11:00.001-07:002015-05-11T17:14:14.634-07:00Sugar Cream Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sugar Cream Pie is heavenly, a bit like creme brulee. I found a few recipes online and made a new tweaked version. My first attempt looked terrible but tasted fantastic. I altered a few of the details make the beauty above. <br />
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<b>Makes One 9" pie</b>:<br />
<a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/products/pie-crust/pet-ritz-deep-dish-pie-crust">1 Deep Dish Frozen Pie Crust </a><br />
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar<br />
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar<br />
2 TBS Flour<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
2 cups Heavy Cream<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
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1. Bake the pie crust according to the directions. Set aside, to cool a bit.<br />
<i>pre-heat oven to 375˚F</i><br />
2. In a medium mixing bowl combine, the sugars, flour, and salt.<br />
3. Gently stir in the heavy cream with a spatula. Do not overmix or the pie will not set properly<br />
4. Stir in the vanilla extract in the mixture<br />
5. Place your baked Pie Crust on a tin-foil lined baking sheet. (do not skip this step)<br />
6. Slowly pour in the mixture into the baked Pie Crust. <br />
7. Bake for 20 minutes, rotate 180˚ then bake another 20-25 minutes. Large bubbles should cover the surface of the pie. The pie will not set when it comes out of the oven.<br />
8. Cool to room temp, then chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving. <br />
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This pie tastes best, cold with a hot cup of coffee. <br />
<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-23406871296673397122015-05-10T20:37:00.000-07:002015-05-11T21:08:58.314-07:00Chalk Globe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfpetBF5J96SY-8gRlvgE7Q30FJ31zNSLhvMx4uasZ6kPX-Yoxv80AnErVo2T7B-FdozEqq3aK6Ngq6_PtIsGNoLSkkgmwenXyKQHU6Amx7BPJOCGy1En4podce7ENbRlkaS47NsS7ws/s1600/kraftykym_chalk+globe+scooter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfpetBF5J96SY-8gRlvgE7Q30FJ31zNSLhvMx4uasZ6kPX-Yoxv80AnErVo2T7B-FdozEqq3aK6Ngq6_PtIsGNoLSkkgmwenXyKQHU6Amx7BPJOCGy1En4podce7ENbRlkaS47NsS7ws/s400/kraftykym_chalk+globe+scooter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim95z7NOGzPez7FwCYNUZX5YMWSLFGAmftdJCBdydV_w_q6MDHOJBN51zSCtq5tjt31NtrXqBVBvz6vrDAW4Oj2lsjiI5fJ77yZUvIOIOrFBk5_GMUsJ7SQUaRQAjLxzgXSNtmFftOztE/s1600/kraftykym_chalk+globe+panda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim95z7NOGzPez7FwCYNUZX5YMWSLFGAmftdJCBdydV_w_q6MDHOJBN51zSCtq5tjt31NtrXqBVBvz6vrDAW4Oj2lsjiI5fJ77yZUvIOIOrFBk5_GMUsJ7SQUaRQAjLxzgXSNtmFftOztE/s400/kraftykym_chalk+globe+panda.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Around the world with chalky hands! My youngest son got the classroom Panda (Pang Pang) for the weekend. He wanted to do something EPIC with Pang Pang. He wanted to draw the world on the driveway. We used a hula hoop to start the globe. I lightly traced the hula hoop one time. Then lined up the hula hoop near the traced circle to get a bigger circle– making a dash, then connecting all the dashes.<br />
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Now, it's time for photos. I drag out the ladder and prop it up on the angled driveway, climb way up and attempt to direct the placement of kids. Cars drive by during this process and people stare. For once, I was not wearing a dress. We even had a few people pull their cars over, get out and come see what we were working on. <br />
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While we were taking these photos, my little guy dropped Pang Pang on the edge of the ocean. POOF, blue chalk all over one of his perfectly white cheek. I did my best to POOF it off, then vacuum with no result. We tried: Shout, carpet cleaner, laundry detergent, cold water, hot water, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and washing it in the washer. I was going to do bleach, but I read online that sometimes it turns white things, yellow.<br />
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My kids go to a Chinese immersion school. Their faces turned white, eyes big… you are in so much trouble with the teacher. I must have spent no less than six hours trying to clean Pang Pang. I am not joking. Yeah, this is exactly how I wanted to spend my weekend. I waited all week for this fun. I texted my aunt, my dad and a few moms asking for help. I dug around on the internet. I tried everything to get that freaking Panda clean. <br />
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By Monday morning, I gave up. My hands were a bit raw. You could still tell there was so blue chalk but it was not nearly as bad. My daughter, said "It's fine. You will be okay". I was not okay, not at all. Around 3pm, the email went out from the teacher. She basically said that parents should not wash Pang Pang with colored things. Really? Come on.<br />
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That was not what happened! I am not that stupid. She knew we had Pang Pang, just talk to me about the blue cheek. I found out that she asked each student "Is it blue? Is it BLUE?" What kid is going to say no. I guess one kid did say it didn't look blue. I asked how that went over. My little guy said, not well.<br />
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Of course, I sent the teacher a note. I am a Tiger Mom myself. I can handle a Tiger Teacher. Another mom took Pang Pang home because her husband works at a dry cleaners. I guess Pang Pang got red stuff on him before (maybe lipstick?). The red stuff came out, but the blue chalk never did. Pang Pang is still blue and teacher… still not happy. But we have this really awesome globe photo!<br />
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Maybe, just maybe a white stuffed animal is not the best choice for a first grader to keep clean? I found out the year before the students had to keep the panda in a plastic bag. I am guessing next year, that Pang Pang will be back in that plastic bag. It will be awesome, like sitting on your Grandma's plastic-covered couches. Kids love to cuddle with a plastic-covered Panda. Our family ruined it for everyone. Stupid blue chalk. <br />
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This summer, that same teacher is asking different families to watch her dog in exchange for some Chinese lessons. A fellow parents wants me to volunteer to watch the dog, so I can dye it blue. The teacher never even asked us. I am guessing we are on the not-to-be-trusted list. Oh well, we tried. Next year we get "Da Da" the hand puppet. I really hate him. I might put him in a plastic bag for good measure. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEWMwCFRLDMDGJ4fp1hACWFCf2QGNX786sP0qQNUWdBNtDLCrJZw3g6y23tRVcdTns2TkO7sW-6qz-ggZG8iOqUfxHcLfbXRlwtrWx1s4l39Y07HDhbc7S4V5j7asIKRrDQfVBizBwv0/s1600/kraftykym_chalk+globe.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEWMwCFRLDMDGJ4fp1hACWFCf2QGNX786sP0qQNUWdBNtDLCrJZw3g6y23tRVcdTns2TkO7sW-6qz-ggZG8iOqUfxHcLfbXRlwtrWx1s4l39Y07HDhbc7S4V5j7asIKRrDQfVBizBwv0/s400/kraftykym_chalk+globe.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-28634362011689147592015-05-06T17:38:00.000-07:002015-05-06T17:38:23.616-07:00S'mores Cakepop Truffles with Graham Cracker Crumbles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVg4Uxw8JeTeghSy1xDGU-H3mTUEeLvR30ZmGvQBEzPgXNvO3cZEcQb4H91-XkyWdVp51Zn4pYkFKY25UdcusEj59i0Gss4Tm7JHLQKmoAi0BNYe-eQxWW8R4f4IGEjtEvlADAMrjw_c/s1600/kraftykym_smore+cakepop+truffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVg4Uxw8JeTeghSy1xDGU-H3mTUEeLvR30ZmGvQBEzPgXNvO3cZEcQb4H91-XkyWdVp51Zn4pYkFKY25UdcusEj59i0Gss4Tm7JHLQKmoAi0BNYe-eQxWW8R4f4IGEjtEvlADAMrjw_c/s1600/kraftykym_smore+cakepop+truffles.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
OMG. So good, Chocolate S'more cakepop truffles with graham cracker
crumbles. I made a basic chocolate cakepop truffle, dipped it in
chocolate candy melts. Then I drizzled Wilton's S'mores Candy melts on
top and sprinkled a bit of crumbled graham crackers for texture.<br />
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I can't find the S'more Candy Melts online. I bought them at my local Michael's Arts and Crafts (Minnesota).kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-53759965988899504562015-05-04T17:42:00.000-07:002015-05-06T17:42:34.289-07:00Painted Globe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReNioAgNu4xs6N9lHmx_lwe7CUnfx5PfjtQFpVTo5MKIIZgwTVQHfQgDpGH2pOFt4H4x7n-7YM0fZ2CE1hf4Fb7ZGVg40V2V7BDMRpObh1qQzA_SsL8DnLgY322v9GVrgFYeEGyHjWYA/s1600/kraftykym_globe_HMM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReNioAgNu4xs6N9lHmx_lwe7CUnfx5PfjtQFpVTo5MKIIZgwTVQHfQgDpGH2pOFt4H4x7n-7YM0fZ2CE1hf4Fb7ZGVg40V2V7BDMRpObh1qQzA_SsL8DnLgY322v9GVrgFYeEGyHjWYA/s1600/kraftykym_globe_HMM.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
I found a globe that I wanted, but it was $30. Then I found this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-desktop-globe-w-gold-base/-/A-15023389#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=threshold+globe">Threshold Globe at Target for $14.99.</a> I wanted a pop of color, so I picked up this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/hand-made-modern-2oz-acrylic-paint-satin/-/A-16748255#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=hand+made+modern+paint">Hand Made Modern paint (also at Target) in Goldenrod Satin</a>. Two coats and done! One of a kind and all mine. <br />
<br />kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-18401420590499137362015-04-06T22:43:00.000-07:002015-04-08T22:51:40.027-07:00show me, don't tell me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN97FHgfsR0pjB2Eu39TB4NfmYPDFhFkZG1JeAE7GdElcnG3fAcFx0EWuj5Pdj-6do2hjLuxV3zgL5Jhew0W_OMiRa_XRsfKZruLakNoh9OKSFxdfwJVzxgCQ8mLlYXNk0oI3eVIq-rRk/s1600/mackidart_be+all+in_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN97FHgfsR0pjB2Eu39TB4NfmYPDFhFkZG1JeAE7GdElcnG3fAcFx0EWuj5Pdj-6do2hjLuxV3zgL5Jhew0W_OMiRa_XRsfKZruLakNoh9OKSFxdfwJVzxgCQ8mLlYXNk0oI3eVIq-rRk/s1600/mackidart_be+all+in_sm.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Be all in or get out all out. There is no half way. My mom in a Easter basket in the 1940's in Minneapolis. She was an 1980's Tiger Mom. She was the kind of Mom that made kids' parents sign a legal form saying it wasn't her fault if they got hurt on our playground. She was also the same Mom that would come outside to that playground on a very hot summer day with popsicles. "Hey, you kids want a nice popsicle? Yes? Okay, well here's a bag... fill it up with weeds and then you can have one". Insert eye roll from offspring and the downward stare of shame.<br />
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"Kym, your mom is so weird"<br />
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Now that I am a mom, I think that weed trick was freaking brilliant. And the legal form, also a good plan. Her fashion sense was still a bit off, but no one is perfect. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU6e-gvYe-_0ZfbOwTZyYKIQxs8mwMOkEytnV7M2ohQ26_haSGRXkE-jf7APW8PL1bSlmkHpDFdFfLVH9za3tmTJIGQctuAxSk2B4nUPSVPeyWYbudMfDFoI7eZ7yO7pIjbXitk88nsY/s1600/mackidart_be+curious_sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU6e-gvYe-_0ZfbOwTZyYKIQxs8mwMOkEytnV7M2ohQ26_haSGRXkE-jf7APW8PL1bSlmkHpDFdFfLVH9za3tmTJIGQctuAxSk2B4nUPSVPeyWYbudMfDFoI7eZ7yO7pIjbXitk88nsY/s1600/mackidart_be+curious_sm2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Be curious not judgmental. Easter with a really creepy bunny 1980's style. I still have that dress. I can't get anyone to fess up who made it. I love the knee high socks and black shoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CEbwJIlPPg74XCaKA25WNCR5sfQ7rAple2OlK6fGiPmK_SSSR2Co8bpXIRLhl-K2mTzPRrDF-b8Hu0MnJNM5QC2QfQ7srp4O8Ext6S47YjBzy2M2hzniv6NrXZVmY9-TpJJzeNrrlaM/s1600/mackidart_dont+cry_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CEbwJIlPPg74XCaKA25WNCR5sfQ7rAple2OlK6fGiPmK_SSSR2Co8bpXIRLhl-K2mTzPRrDF-b8Hu0MnJNM5QC2QfQ7srp4O8Ext6S47YjBzy2M2hzniv6NrXZVmY9-TpJJzeNrrlaM/s1600/mackidart_dont+cry_sm.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. Well this bunny is certainly more creepy than the previous bunny! I asked my Mom about this one. She can't remember when or where it happened. I told her it looks like outside a parking lot. Why did they let us sit with this bunny? He or she had to be a bit hot? Clearly I am okay with allowing my sister to get close but I won't have any of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqoZ-J7UH_fljR8oI2G6smdLrAUX2-ne2wY-snla7Q-gUnu48eJVWXTr5DJ0kSAKifWztzeeiilEtxgwlf8b2WpuV6QmpG24bILilSS07PGesYt3LbtWTWWVyoxF4S_-C0UwQQT7-PXQ/s1600/mackidart_effort+is+attractive_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqoZ-J7UH_fljR8oI2G6smdLrAUX2-ne2wY-snla7Q-gUnu48eJVWXTr5DJ0kSAKifWztzeeiilEtxgwlf8b2WpuV6QmpG24bILilSS07PGesYt3LbtWTWWVyoxF4S_-C0UwQQT7-PXQ/s1600/mackidart_effort+is+attractive_sm.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Effort is attractive. I remember this day. We didn't have baskets for some reason, so my Grandma Marvel gave me her hair scarf and pulled out a plastic bag from her purse for my sister. Grandma always saved plastic bags. She would fold them up neatly, keeping a few in her purse and the rest in one kitchen drawer. They also had a paper cup filled with the rubber bands from the newspapers. Who reads a newspaper these days? I think the last time we had one delivered to our house was 2004.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R5xvhS6SU-gxLvxo3N3xmNnbnv8tECFItOk8p6H1L3ID1gIhC04Q0jiv6NKlqHo0ZQO6_6LyGUCi3NMVFfdyauA7R_uIhAl3wmAvrrDEK-Bg7rOwlkMn3-4-SMfg8dPCXmlzf8q88rU/s1600/mackidart_go+find+yourself_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R5xvhS6SU-gxLvxo3N3xmNnbnv8tECFItOk8p6H1L3ID1gIhC04Q0jiv6NKlqHo0ZQO6_6LyGUCi3NMVFfdyauA7R_uIhAl3wmAvrrDEK-Bg7rOwlkMn3-4-SMfg8dPCXmlzf8q88rU/s1600/mackidart_go+find+yourself_sm.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
You go and find who you really are, and do not let anyone stop you. It's me and my wild hair in the early 1980s. I am outside my Grandparents Towers Condo near Hennepin and 1st St South (Minneapolis, MN). You can see the Grain Belt Beer sign in the distance. That sign is still there. <br />
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You must know what you want, to find what you want. My mom in the 1940's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaFkfGLICao1mHhyphenhyphen1lHZy6GFNj5TyAfkgMBbEVFv0vNz3k71fjkwrLFqLWZIcUeULV-8KQCqyJXqlRM5Dj9eZOUGrI3ZHMufkF6Aj5OIsnkzHbeHY5SJFvGnQtzLhhPS-CzWOKjbmRi4/s1600/mackidart_love+leave+memories_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaFkfGLICao1mHhyphenhyphen1lHZy6GFNj5TyAfkgMBbEVFv0vNz3k71fjkwrLFqLWZIcUeULV-8KQCqyJXqlRM5Dj9eZOUGrI3ZHMufkF6Aj5OIsnkzHbeHY5SJFvGnQtzLhhPS-CzWOKjbmRi4/s1600/mackidart_love+leave+memories_sm.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Death leaves a hurt no one can heal. Love leaves memories no one can steal. 12 years ago my Grandpa Bill passed away. He is the fella holding the baby (my Dad). My Grandma Winnie and Bill would bicker up a storm. I should have video taped them. They would have made some killer Vine clips. Grandpa Bill died a little over a month before my first child and his first Great-Grandchild was born. It's hard to believe that time has gone by this fast. I am grateful for the time I had with my Grandparents. They were a big part of my life and I still miss them very much. </div>
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Wonder where this all started from? <a href="http://kraftykym.blogspot.com/2014/08/show-me-dont-tell-me.html">click here.</a> I was asked by a few folks if I sell these images. I just started up a Society6. <a href="http://society6.com/kraftykym">Check it out</a> if you might be interested in a print or two. kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3419802011597062406.post-65270563042931317522015-04-06T20:46:00.000-07:002015-04-08T21:40:02.397-07:00Pom Pom Berries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kqQ-qpWEp-EHrdH1a9QHR3s3-eAaS8lxdFoft8Gjua-6nusrPBudlrQTuZyELprLErhB4xs1PsSDVWYOMHGt_l9Cakrp1xsc7fXhA92EgURwdcF2GjYg9TWqHy9MvoY3qp3ibeR-IT4/s1600/kraftykym_pompom_berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kqQ-qpWEp-EHrdH1a9QHR3s3-eAaS8lxdFoft8Gjua-6nusrPBudlrQTuZyELprLErhB4xs1PsSDVWYOMHGt_l9Cakrp1xsc7fXhA92EgURwdcF2GjYg9TWqHy9MvoY3qp3ibeR-IT4/s1600/kraftykym_pompom_berries.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
So cute, little pom pom berries. I have so many ideas. This is just the beginning. At first I made my own fork version of a pom pom maker, then I tried using my hands, then we just bought the <a href="http://www.michaels.com/clover-pom-pom-makers/10458201.html">Clover pom pom makers at Michaels</a>. Of course, we bought them one at a time and used our 40% coupon! Forget what people say, just go buy the Clover Pom Pom makers. It's way easier for the kids and is worth the investment. We bought four different Pom Pom Makers for a total of $8.40. <br />
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Over the summer, my Dad found a giant bag full of yarn from my junior high crafting days. I took the yarn beast home knowing that I would find something to do with it. Then, it was Spring Break for my kids without fun traveling plans… I knew it was time to tame the yarn beast.<br />
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I found this awesome strawberry pom pom tutorial on <a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/pom-pom-fruit/">mrprintables.com </a><br />
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The first one we did, is the pink berry. The second one is the red berry. The third one is not currently pictured. My daughter didn't use enough yarn and it's a berry hot mess.<br />
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We have lots of ideas now, and want to try a lemon or orange! Even my six year old is loving this pom pom business! Be sure you have sharp scissors to snip the yarn.kraftykymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266348554251117181noreply@blogger.com0