Another Yummy!

Do you have ANY idea how long it's taken me to find a Chocolate Chip recipe that is actually GOOD?! FOREVER! That's how long. Hm! Seriously though, even as a little girl, I didn't like my mom's chocolate chip cookies because they just never turned out plump or gooey or soft. I've tried every package recipe... every different kind of pan... every type of butter or margarine... you NAME it!

So this is it! Finally! I found this recipe on the package of the Land O Lakes Butter. I hope you enjoy them as much as my sweet little cookie monsters do!

Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies

4.1/4 C all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1tsp baking soda
1.1/2 C Land O Lakes Butter, softened
1.1/4 C sugar
1.1/4 C firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 TBsp vanilla
1 pkg (2C) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (I use MILK Chocolate.)

Oven at 375 (mine is hot so it goes on 350.) Combine first three. Set aside. Combine next five in seperate bowl. Mix with first three. Add chips. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls, 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheet (I make mine a bit smaller and I use the Airbake sheets.) Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or golden brown.

Makes about 4 dozen.

Virtually Yummy!

Yes, this was VERY VERY yummy! Let me just tell you why I had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day... my little sweetheart of daughter was sick so we had to miss celebrating with my family like we always do... and I came down with a migraine. Ya.

But wait! (There's always more, huh?) Dean had planned to cook a rotisserie chicken (he makes the BEST) and I had planned to make all the "fixin's." We had decided we would just have our very first Thanksgiving at home and enjoy being together.

That was... until my migraine came. O... M... it was a bad one. I tried everything I usally do to get them to at least settle where I can just "handle it." This one was determined to stick around. When this happens (which isn't very often since I've learned how to control them,) I am usually out of commission until the next day. So you can imagine my disappointment having gotten it so early in the day.

And this is why my Thanksgiving Day was so wonderful... my dearest and most amazing husband jumped in and started making our Thanksgiving dinner. AAAAAAND... he took a break (well, okay... I actually begged because I was on the verge of calling 911) to massage my arm (which is one of the ways I have learned to control my migraines.)

He had no idea how to alter my Aunt Imagene's (Imie, that is) recipe for Stuffing Casserole. Would you believe he looked at her recipe (for an army, BTW. you know how good-ole country cookin' is) and created HIS OWN. Can you believe it?!!! Ya. Me neither. He really is an amazing guy. And it was so delicious!

It's been awhile since I've shared a recipe on my blog so I thought I would wrap up the Virtual Workshop with some yummies. (My migraine actually was GONE by 6:00... just in time to help finish up dinner and feast... well, okay... PIG OUT.) Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!


Dean's Version of Imie's Stuffing Casserole

2 chicken quarters
1 can cream of chicken
1 can golden mushroom
1 box of chicken flavored Stove Top Stuffing
2 stalks of celery, sliced
minced onion
butter

Boil chicken pieces. Saute celery and minced onion in butter. After chicken has boiled, pull from bone. Save broth for later. Mix chickent and sauteed veggies with soups and stuffing. Now is when you might want to add some of the broth to give moistness. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or golden brown.

Keepsake Calendar Album

I saved the best for last. I LOVE this KEEPSAKE CALENDAR ALBUM! It is fairly quick to put together and is super duper easy. I said "fairly quick" because, let's face it, IT'S A TWELVE TO FOURTEEN PAGE ALBUM you're putting together. The finished product is oh-so-cute and keepable. Your loved ones will cherish this gift for years to come.

As you can see I've bound mine but they work great in 6x6 albums as well. Any office supply store will bind them for very little expense. I used a home binding tool such as the Zutter Bind It All.

You can request the CALENDAR KIT by emailing me with your order. Keep in mind there will be no orders for kits taken after THIS SUNDAY, November 30th. When you email me, just ask for the CALENDAR KIT. You can make a request for specific Designer Series Paper (find these on pages 168-171 of the Idea Book and Catalog.) I have several DSPs but if I do not have the one you request I will ask for your second choice. These Keepsake Calendar Kits are only $15. Everything in the kit will be precut for you.

If you'd like to just jump in and start making these calendars now... here are some instructions to help you along. THE ENTIRE CALENDAR USES ONLY ONE PIECE OF DSP! Isn't that fantastic?! And with the calendar itself only costing $2 from Wal M, you can save a bundle on Christmas gifts!



Keepsake Calendar Album

Supplies:
Designer Series Paper
Coordinating 12x12 Card Stock (2 of one color and 1ea of 2 other colors, ie. red, red, blue, and green)
12x12 Cutter (a MUST for this project!)
Ribbon and Embellishments (will vary depending on how much you wish to decorate.)
6x6 store bought calendar

Optional...
as I said, you can have your calendar bound and hole punched at your local office supply store. OR, you can use a home binding tool and the Cropadile (to hole punch the hanging area.)

1. Remove staples from 6x6 calendar. Cut pages in half.

2. The first cut is at 6". Set one 6 x 12 piece aside.

3. Trim this piece to 5.1/2 x 6. Set the 6 x 6.1/2 piece aside. Trim 1/2" off of the 5.1/2 x 6 and save for later.

4. With 5.1/2 x 5.1/2 piece in cutter, CUT OUT center leaving a 1" border.

5. With the piece that was cut out, cut it corner to corner. Set aside.

6. Going back to the 6 x 6.1/2, cut it at 2.1/2 x 6.

7. Tear the 2.1/2 x 6 piece down the center.

8. Cut remaining piece to create a 4 x 4 piece and a 2 x 4 piece.

9. Cut the 2 x 4 piece into 1" squares and set aside. Cut the 4 x 4 piece into 2" squares and cut them corner to corner.

10. Going back the other piece of 6 x 12, repeat step 3, 4, and 5.

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11. With the remaining 6 x 6.1/2, make three more cuts... one at 2.1/2, one at 2, and one at one. (I apologize. My picture only shows two cuts at this point. You will need the extra piece so please follow the written instructions. From #11 you should end up with one 2.1/2 x 6 piece, one 2 x 6 piece, and two 1 x 6 pieces.)

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12. Cut all colored card stock pieces to 6x6. Now you are ready to assemble and decorate. This is up to your personal preference. My Virtual Workshop will end my posts for this years blogging.

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If I have time, I plan to post picture of my own personal Keepsake Calendars which I plan to give as gifts. So check back from time to time if you need inspiration on how to decorate your pages.

Bookmark Cards

This card can actually be found on page 56 of the Idea Book and Catalog. In the catty (catalog) it is made with the "Always" stamp set. (loooooove that set! really neeeeeeed that set! he.) These little paper clip bookmarks make great gifts and this is the perfect card to showcase the bookmark. It's always fun to give books as Christmas gifts (especially those "treasured Christmas stories" type of books) and to accompany the gift book, you will want to give a cherished bookmark.

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These BOOKMARK CARDS come in kits with all supplies needed (except adhesive... you will want to be sure you have Stampin' Dimensionals for this project) to create 5 Bookmark Cards. The cost of these kits is only $10. Remember I will only take orders for the Virtual Workshop Kits THROUGH SUNDAY.

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Check out another version of this card seen below. I love showering my childrens' teachers with little gifts all year long. (No, I'm not kissing up. he. I just REALLY like to stamp. You know THAT is true, huh?!) Most teachers love to read so this would be a great little thank you card.

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OH! And did I mention I used the stamp set "Holiday Blitz?" Well, I did... because... it's the perfect set for these adorable little bookmarks. I really like the idea of the "tie" image in the set and create a card with it for good ole DAD.

Here are your super easy instructions for making this cute little bookmark card. Enjoy! Our VIRTUAL WORKSHOP is almost over.

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Bookmark Card

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Supplies:

Card Stock (several coordinating colors)

Ribbon (about 12")

Scallop Circle Punch

1.1/4 and 1.3/8 Circle Punches

(other circle punches if you have smaller image as seen in my samples)

Dimensionals (these are a MUST for this project!)

Hobby Blade

Jumbo Paper Clips (can be found at any variety store)

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I also used my Crafter's Tool Kit to punch tiny holes around my scallop. This is a great look but not neccessary to recreate.

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1. Start with a regular size card (5.1/2 x 8.1/2)

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2. Stamp front of card with a decorative background. (I used Baroque Motif... it goes with ANYTHING.)

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3. Punch all circles needed for your card. (see photo of how mine lay out for this sample.)

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4. Apply Dimensionals to BOTH SIDES of paper clip.

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5. Press focal image of bookmark to paper clip. Press remaining scallop to the back of the focal image.

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6. The mat for your bookmark measures (color #1) 2 x 4.3/4 and (color #2) 2.1/4 x 5. Layer these.

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7. Using 12x12 cutter or a ruler and hobby blade, cut a slit in the mat big enough to nestle bookmark.

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8. Apply Dimensionals to mat.

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9. Tie ribbon around mat and bookmark.

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10.Adhere to card.

Triangle Box

This is a classic gift box. I learned how to make it years ago... forgot all about it... saw it last weekend... and fell in love with it all over again. That is what's so great about rubber stamping; the ideas are ENDLESS.

Kits for this project are available with all supplies needed (except adhesive) to create TEN boxes for just $10. When ordering these adorable boxes, be sure to ask for the TRIANGLE BOXES. Again, this is another project that goes beyond Christmas. It's perfect for teacher once school is back in session or gift to someone who's already given you the prefect gift.

And remember... when you place a Stampin' Up! order of $50 OR request $50 in Vritual Workshop Kits, you can pick any kit you like for FREE as my thank you.

Some of the things I like most about this box is the size. (Two can be made from only one sheet of 8.1/2 x 11.) And there is NO ADHESIVE holding the box together. Isn't that cool?! Saves us a bit in the tape department. wink. Well, let's get on with the instructions.

Triangle Box

Supplies:
Card Stock (one sheet of 8.1/2 x 11 and scraps of two other colors)
Ribbon (about 15")
12x12 Cutter and score tool
1/8" Hole Punch

My favorite way to decorate these boxes is to use the Stampin' Up! wheels on them. Wheels make projects super duper fast and easy. On this box, I used the "Snowflake" wheel. For the focal image, I used the stamp set "Holiday Blitz." This set is so perfect for gift giving because the images can be punched with any of the circle punches. Again, this makes for a fast project to put together.

1. Trim card stock to 4 x 10.
2. Wheel over entire card stock (one side.)
3. Score center at 5".
4. Pencil mark both ends at the center (2".)
5. Score from pencil mark to each side of scored center line. (see photo of how this will end up looking. I traced with a pencil over all of my scored areas so you can better see how the finished scoring will look.
6. Fold at center scored line, bringing outside scored areas together.
7. Using the Hole Punch, punch each side of box. To do this, bring the sides together and punch BOTH at the same time. (see photo)
8. Thread ribbon through all four punched holes.
9. Decorate as desired.

I also used the "Full of Life" stamp set and cut it out with my Coluzzle. You can see this in the photos as well. I then used the 3/4" Circle Punch to punch out little snowflakes from "Holiday Blitz."

Fancy Candy Wrapper

This fancy little candy bar wrapper is so adorable! And by now you probably have guessed I love giving (and getting) gift cards. So the more ideas I have for dressing up my gift cards, the better! This wrapper is perfect for including a little green or plastic.

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Kits for this project contain all supplies needed (except adhesive) to create 6 wrappers. When you email to order these kits be sure to ask for the CANDY WRAPPER Kits. You pay only $10 per kit.

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Have I mentioned that when you purchase $50 in Stampin' Up! catalog product OR $50 in my Virtual Workshop Kits, you can choose any VW Kit for FREE? Ya! FREE!

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Check out how easy this adorable wrapper is to create...

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Fancy Candy Wrapper

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Supplies:

Designer Series Paper

Coordinating Card Stock (measuring 2 x 5.1/2)

Neutral Card Stock (Whisper White, Very Vanilla, etc.)

Ribbon (about 12")

Sticky Strip

Paper Crimper

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2 Hershey Candy Bars (one for you to eat while you're stamping, he)

1. Apply Sticky Strip to three side of the wrapper (two shorter sides and one of the longer.)

2. Wrap around candy bar with the shorter sides to the ENDS of the candy bar.

3. Crimp both ends of the wrapper.

4. Crimp coordinating card stock. Wrap around candy bar and adhere.

5. Decorate as desired.

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NOTE: I used the "Cute and Curly" stamp set. I also used the coordinating punch. For the center oval piece, I used the MIDDLE SIZE OVAL PUNCH. The ends stick out from the curly punched piece and I think that is oh-so-cute.

Cream Container

This container is perfect for little trinket items and/or candy. Again, another super easy project. Trust me, I avoided this one FOREVER when I first started stamping. I never could figure it out on my own. Once someone showed me how to make it... just try and stop me now, he.

Kits are available for this project. To order, just email me and ask for the CREAM CONTAINER Kits. Each kit contians everything you need (except adhesive) to create 10 containers. You pay only $10 per kit.

I used the "Cute and Curly" stamp set along with the "Snowflake" wheel. I trimmed the oval center of my focal image but used the Curly Punch directly over my Cute and Curly image. I just love how this punch not only coordinates with this set but with so many other images in the catalog. Just WAIT til you see what SU! has for you coming this Valentine's Day! Hmmm... punches perhaps?

In my instructions for this project, some photos include the project stamped and some unstamped. I hope this doesn't confuse anyone. I simply began taking pictures before I remembered to FIRST stamp my vellum card stock. Remember, as with any of the projects you see here during my VIRTUAL WORKSHOP, you can email me if you have questions regarding the "how to's." I am here to serve you.


Cream Container
Supplies:
Vellum CARD STOCK (not paper)
Neutrals Card Stock (Whisper White, Very Vanilla, that sort of color)
Ribbon (about 12")
Paper Crimper
1/8 Hole Punch
Sticky Strip

1. Cut Vellum into quarters (4.1/4 x 5.1/2 each)
2. Wheel one entire quarter of vellum with choice of Stampin' Up! wheel. Allow to dry.
3. Apply Sticky Strip to one of the longer side and one of the shorter sides (NOT all four sides.)
4. Create a circular tube by bringing both 5.1/2 sides together and adhere.
5. Pinch the end with Sticky Strip to seal.
6. Run this end through the paper crimper but only about 1/2".
7. Fill container with gift and/or goodies.
8. Pinch opposite end in opposite direction but DO NOT USE ADHESIVE. This way the container can be opened with ripping thus to be used for a future gift.
9. Run this end through the paper crimper.
10. Punch center of THIS end with the hole punch.
11.Run ribbon through hole and tie. If using a greeting tag, be sure to add tag before you tie ribbon.

Fold- Out Pop-Up Card

This card is sure to "wow" your recipient and make them feel so special. Every time I see one of these cards I can't help but think "oh, that's so cute!" It works great with photos in place of the stamped images... a great gift for family members. And what I like most about it is it can double as a gift card holder. Ya! check out the photos below to see how I tucked the gift card inside. Simply secure the card with paper clips on each side to keep the gift card snug inside. I used little red ones on my card.

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This card is so stinkin' easy, I actually thought about not putting pictures with my tutorial. It really is that easy! But pics are always helpful so here ya go...

When you order these kits, be sure to ask for the FOLD-OUT POP-UP CARD Kits. Your kit will include all supplies needed to create FIVE cards. Kit cost is only $10. Just email me to place your order. Check out my "Kit Specials" and "Purchasing Promos" on the right hand side of my blog.

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Fold-Out Pop-Up Card

Supplies:

Designer Series Paper

Coordinating Card Stock (one sheet of 8.1/2 x 11 and one or two other colors)

Neutrals Card Stock (Whisper White, Very Vanilla, that sort of color)

On Board Essentials or On Boar Simon Upper Chipboard (for the heart)

Craft Ink (to color chipboard)

12 x 12 cutter and score tool

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1. Trim 8.1/2 x 11 sheet to 4.1/4 x 11.

2. Score at 1.1/2, 3, 5.1/2, and 8.

3. Trim three different patterns of DSP to 1.1/4 x 4, 2.1/4 x 4, and 2.3/4 x 4.

4. Place each of these pieces in the appropriate area of card.

5. Color chipboard heart by laying it onto the craft ink and press lightly with tweezers. (Classic ink can be used but I have found Craft works much better for color and quickness.) Allow to dry.

6. Stamp focal image and color as desired.

7. Apply heart and images to card.

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For this card, I used the stamp set "Loads of Love." Valentine's Day will be here sooner than you know it. Wouldn't this make the greatest Valentine card?!

Stay tuned or check back often for more VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ideas. Thanks for looking!