U Rock: DIY Pet Rock Valentine Cards

I have been seeing a ton of adorable diy Valentine's this year in the blogosphere, that I will likely show you soon. But my kindergartner's party is Friday, so I had to go ahead and make something for his class now.
 

So we headed to Micheal's to check out their V-Day offerings. They have tons of cute stamps on sale for 49 cents. We originally got a cute robot holding hearts, and a hedgehog that said "I'm stuck on you".. but the "U Rock" stamp caught my eye. So after going down aisle by aisle, I wasn't really seeing anything that was a) affordable and b) not too girly or c) had enough for each child... and I *almost* resorted to forgetting the diy thing and getting a store bought boxed set, (no offense to those who do, I still love the Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony ones I got as a kid), I was just determined to do something crafty. When I saw these bags of rocks, the "U Rock" stamp entered my mind and I thought, Pet Rock Valentines! Don't kids love rocks? My son was sold on the idea.

So, you need a few pieces of scrapbook paper, ink pad and a stamp (or just write the message out), hot glue and glue gun, rocks, paintbrushes and paint. I had most all of these supplies, so it was pretty easy and inexpensive to do. I tested my permanent markers on a rock, and they didn't show up well enough, so I settled for paint.

Stamp on the two outer/parallel edges of paper, then cut the paper in half. You can get about 12 cards from one large square piece of scrapbook paper. Once they are all cut out, fold in half and hot glue your rock above the stamp, and write your message inside. Perfect, original and cute for non-candy Valentines.

But...  on the rest of the Valentines, I accidentally folded the paper wrong and had already written on the backs, so I had to get creative with that extra flap.. I hot glued the Starburst on both sides and stuffed it in there for a little pocket. Just enough glue to keep it in place, so the kids will be able to still get to the candy quite easily. The rocks can be peeled off pretty easily too.

Not as cute in my opinion, but hey, they are for little kids who are going to be on the hunt for candy anyways, right?

My girl rocks have little hearts on the cheek, and my boy rocks have eyebrows. If you know the kids well though, it would be cute to make them more original with eye and hair color, glasses, freckles, or even go silly with mustaches, pirate patches, eyelashes and that sort of craziness... The two below are the ones I made for my kiddos.

If you make a Pet Rock Valentine, I'd love to see it! Happy crafting :)

 

Sweet Treats: Chocoley Chocolate And Candied Apples

 
I love chocolate, but don't know a thing about using it. So, when Chocoley sent this amazing kit in exchange for a review, I was totally delighted. It came with tons of goodies I can't wait to try, but here are some of my favorites for now. They also sent me tons of information on how to actually use it. I can tell you, I typically burn chocolate while melting, but this melted so smooth and was very easy to use, and it was a rich, gourmet flavor and texture, unlike other brands of melted chocolate I have used. My readers will receive a discount and a free candy making course, so keep reading for details.

They have so many chocolate products, but I love their dark chocolate (great for snacking when no one is looking). Also, their drizzle Cocoa Lava is amazing too, and they give lots of fun ideas on how to use it.

 My first ever chocolate confectioneries.... so easy and delicious.

First, I used their Caramel Cream Center (and kosher dairy) and Vanilla Cream Center (and kosher dairy) to make these candies. I just rolled them up, dipped them in melted Bada Bing Bada Boom Dark Chocolate Candy Melts (which are also celiac safe/egg free and peanut/tree nut free). After I dipped them, I laid them on wax paper to dry. Then, I melted their Drizzle and Design White Chocolate and drizzled it on. On some pieces, I dabbed a cute little sprinkle polka dot.

Then, I made these candy apples. I have never made candy apples before. It was relatively easy with their directions. I just melted the caramel (about 1/2 lb for 45 seconds) and dipped my cleaned/dried apples. After the caramel hardened, I dipped in melted chocolate and added sprinkles, walnuts and drizzled white chocolate. I so wanted to add mini marshmallows, but I was out. Wouldn't they make super cute Mother's Day gifts... or party favors?

Little Lovables readers get a 15% discount on your first order (excluding tempering machines, shipping, airbrush equipment and sale/clearance items.) Enter coupon code LITTLELOVABLES15 and it expires 5/20/2011.

Also, you can sign up for a free 7 day email chocolate candy molding course, information here.

Be sure to join the community, they have tons of videos, recipes and tutorials, like this chocolate bark and cookie dough balls.

chocoley.com 
facebook.com/bestchocolate
twitter.com/chocolatesupply

*Linked up to Sweet as Sugar Cookies Saturday Sweets Linky.
*Linked to Little Brick Ranch's Foodie Friday.
*Linked to Remodelaholic's Recipe Sundays.

Colorfully Delicious Halloween

monster cupcakes, the bonjour family

trick or treat topiaries, tutorial, craft sisters

halloween hot chocolate recipe, the farm girl

monster brownies amanda's cookin

glitter spider art, ameroonie designs

crow art, made with love and glue

More adorable ideas at Tator Tots and Jello, and in my old posts here and here.

 

Sweet Treats: A Mad Tea Party

I've followed the white rabbit to join in A Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party of 2010.

Please have a cup of marshmallow topped hot chocolate, and a
cherry topped confetti filled cupcake or two.

No matter if you are late to the party, there's plenty to see and join in next year! Dress up in your shabbiest rhinestones, grab a chunky, rusty key and join a magical party filled with sugary sparkles...

 

 ...then make a wish on your magical teapot... saying, "friendship warms the heart"...

 

...and feel yourself be whisked away to the little Wonderland party of sweets...

...where candied cherries are the sweetest you've ever tasted,

and only the the most magical of jellybeans makes it to the table.

Here's a little tiara for you to try on...

...or you can tuck a sweet pink rose in your wild hair.

Now who broke my clock? It doesn't matter, chocolate covered, sprinkled 

pretzels makes all of those worries go away for now.

 

So, that is where that key went! What a lucky cupcake!

Marshmallows for tasting, or soft enough for throwing.

Sparkles everywhere you turn! 

Which is your favorite, the candies, cakes... or the jewels?

Even the glittery pink cake had a fun time dressing up in some sparkly, vintage jewels.

Crystal chandelier prisms hung from the cake stand adds a whimsical touch.

Well, at least the teapot dressed in a rhinestone necklace for the party.

I wonder where the other rhinestone earring has gone? 

 

Who needs earrings, when you can have crystal prisms!

Sweet peaches... for those needing a natural sugar treat.

Hold on to the key and it will take you back home.

Farewell, friends! I hope you had fun with the party!
I will update the grand list of parties to visit once they are all compiled.

But for now, it's time to be magically whisked back to reality and get some rest.

If interested, my handmade Alice inspired jewelry and the vintage dress seen in this post is available
for sale at my Jeweled Ambrosia shop in my Alice Section!