sunshine and carousels

New Colors!!

2012-02-27T11:44:00.002-06:00

So hey guess what! I've been adding new color options on the SAC shop. We had a quick little photoshoot this weekend to get in some new spring/summer colors in there for you. I have just a handful more to add but you can take a look at the new pieces here. Still working on a a full collection of new designs which will be coming out in March. We're even working on a new stylized photo shoot which I'm kind of pumped for.

Hope you have a great day!

Love,
Erin

Caramel Cupcake Recipe

2012-02-25T00:17:00.000-06:00

So hi! I've been MIA for about a week. My disappearance was not on purpose, I actually have fallen extremely ill. :( Like, stuck-on-the-couch-for-five-days-ill. Bad bad bad. Have no fear, I'm making it through. I'm starting to feel slightly better and I sure hope I get better quick because I have a few DIY projects to share with you and we are about to photograph a ton of new color options for current accessories in the SAC shop. Being sick is just no fun and I am so thankful for a kind kind husband who has been extremely helpful with our little one and helping around the house. Very thankful. Before I came down with a no-good-sickness I made some sparkly cupcakes. I haven't shared a new cupcake recipe in a couple of months but I'm here today to share a recipe for Caramel Cupcakes with buttercream frosting. Wahoo!

Ingredients:

1 stick plus one tablespoon of butter- 1 1/3 cups of sugar - 1/4 cup of caramel syrup (store-bought or you can use my homemade recipe here) - 2 eggs- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon of flour - 2 teaspoons of baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon of salt - 1 cup of milk

Cream your butter and your sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs to your butter mixture one at a time until well blended. Now slowly beat in your caramel syrup. In a separate bowl sift your dry ingredients together. Add your milk and flour mixture to your butter and egg mixture alternating each addition. Mix to get a thick consistency.

Fill your cupcake liners 2/3's of the way full and bake at 375 degrees for 18-21 minutes. I frosted my cupcakes with a buttercream and decorated them with gold glitter sprinkles.

So how was your week?! I can only hope it was better than mine.

Love,
Erin

Living in Color - Golden Yellow

2012-02-16T21:09:00.002-06:00

Hi! I'm back again with my second 'Living in Color' post. It's really no secret that I quite adore golden yellow. I mean just click around a little on this blog and you'll see it shining bright. This is one of my easiest collections to gather together. I'll probably be able to do 3-4 yellow 'Living in Color' posts in the future because I have so many yellow things.

When I'm out thrifting I am always immediately drawn to yellow. I can't stop myself. I have so many yellow dishes and trinkets from antiquing it's fairly humorous. Besides my mustard yellow ruffle flats from Target way back when (who else has these shoes?!!) some of my favorite yellow pieces are my pyrex, salt and pepper shakers and my gingham tin. I also looooove my yellow mittens and they have been worn so many times this winter. I want to give one little shout out to the handmade artist (and my friend) Christine Sharpe Crowe from Weather and Noise who is the maker of my bee hive tea towel. I love her work. Hope you liked this little peek into my life and my color collections. I'll try to continue sharing them every month.

What's your favorite color to collect?

Love,
Erin

Behind the Scenes: Inspiration

2012-02-15T17:02:00.001-06:00

I feel like I've been quiet with my actual writing here on this blog. I've been posting (mostly projects and recipes) but not actually sitting down to write a bit and let you know what's been going on behind the scenes. I have been working for awhile now on a new spring/summer collection for the SAC shop which I've mentioned previously but today I thought I'd give you some actual peeks at what was happening. The last couple of weeks I have been diligently working on sending out all of your fun sale orders. I was so blown away by the support of blogging/handmade business friends via blogging and twitter who passed on the good word. It was so heartwarming to see such support from everyone and I feel so blessed to have such kind virtual friends. :) So thank you! Now on to the upcoming new collection and behind the scenes projects.

After releasing the last collection 'Merry Fete' I realized how much you guys like to see more of how it all comes together behind the scenes and how I am inspired to create each collection. I thought I would share some bits about my creative process with my shop and each seasonal collection. I will admit that right after I am finished posting every single item online and sharing the collection through this blog I immediately start thinking about the future. I keep a sketch book and I start drawing designs and thinking about textures and color stories. I browse my local vintage and antique stores and rummage through clothing racks and pick up every single vintage hat or fascinator I see. I think about how each new piece I'm dreaming up will look with different hair styles. The one important thing is that I always think about this event (which I usually make up in my own imagination) where women dressed in pretty dresses and wearing my hair accessories. I think about what kind of dresses they'd be wearing, what the theme of the party is ...etc. This helps me narrow down a specific feeling for each collection. Last season I was specifically stuck on this very retro tea party feel. This season I'm still very into this retro tea party feel and I want take my original inspiration one step further. I can't wait to show you it all. I will say that this season I'm very inspired by color...if you couldn't tell by these behind the scenes photos already.

It's been so rewarding thinking about the future of the SAC shop and working on the new collection. I can only thank Mr. Starbucks for helping through some late nights. It's all worth it and I'm really looking forward to sharing all the new things with you. We have photo shoots scheduled as early as two weeks from now and photo shoots are my favorite part of having a handmade business. So fun.

Hope you're having a great week. Tomorrow I'm sharing a new 'Living in Color' post. Can't wait.

Love,
Erin

You and You and You...Happy Valentine's Day!!

2012-02-14T12:31:00.000-06:00

I do I do...I love you and you and all of you. Happy Valentine's Day! Hope it's all mushy and stuff.

Love,
Erin

Truffle Week - Mint Chocolate Truffle Recipe

2012-02-14T12:25:00.000-06:00

Last truffle recipe for the Truffle Week fun! This is a quick and easy way to make mint chocolate truffles. Recipe below...

Ingredients : 1 1/3 cup of chopped milk chocolate - 1/3 cup of heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla - 1/2 cup of andes mint chocolate baking bits or regular andes mints (crushed or chopped) - milk chocolate candy coating (or almond bark)

Heat your heavy cream to a rolling boil. While waiting for your heavy cream to heat place your chopped chocolate and andes mint baking bits into a medium bowl and add your vanilla. Once your heavy cream has come to a boil pour over your chocolate and mint and let it sit for 30 seconds. Now stir until your chocolate and cream are thick and blended well. Refrigerate this mixture for an hour. Remove from the refrigerator and scoop one inch clumps and roll until smooth and shaped like a ball.

Dip these into melted milk chocolate candy coating (follow your chocolate coating directions) and top with extra andes mint chocolate bits (optional). Let these set on wax paper until cooled. Recipe makes around 10-12 truffles.

A couple of tips for making truffles is to decorate your truffles just a little bit to help show what's inside the truffle or so that you know what's inside each truffle. When making mint truffles know that a strong minty flavor may spread it's minty-ness to the rest of your truffles if left in a box together too long. I would package your truffles right before delivering or gift your mint truffles separately.

Hope you guys liked these fun recipes and use them all year long (not just for the coveted chocolate holiday). :) I enjoyed putting together these recipes and I'm now looking into some fun spring and lighter flavored truffle recipes.

Love,
Erin

Fancy Friday

2012-02-10T23:45:00.000-06:00

I think these fancy scalloped doilies are such a sweet little way to to say 'I love you' for the upcoming holiday.

These shoes are to die for fancy. I need you in my life. Come on.

I fancy this art print.

This is some fancy macaron making. Oh my!

I fancy the neckline on this beautiful red dress.

Hope your Friday (and weekend) are all fancy-like.

Love,
Erin

Truffle Week - Toffee Nut Truffle Recipe

2012-02-10T23:09:00.000-06:00

Toffee Nut Truffle Recipe

Ingredients : 1 1/3 cup of chopped milk chocolate - 1/3 cup of heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla - 1/3 cup of toffee candy bits - chopped nuts (I used walnuts) and I think pecans would be a great choice as well - milk chocolate candy coating (or almond bark)

Heat your heavy cream to a rolling boil. While waiting for your heavy cream to heat place your chopped chocolate into a medium bowl and add your vanilla. Once your heavy cream has come to a boil pour over your chocolate and let it sit for 30 seconds. Now stir until your chocolate and cream are thick and blended well. Now add your toffee bits (and chopped nuts if you would like) and stir until mixed well. Refrigerate this mixture for an hour. Remove from the refrigerator and scoop one inch clumps and roll until smooth and shaped like a ball.

Dip these into melted milk chocolate candy coating (follow your chocolate coating directions) and top with nuts (optional). Let these set on wax paper until cooled. Recipe makes around 10-12 truffles.

Enjoy!

Love,
Erin

Truffle Week - DIY Chocolate Box

2012-02-08T15:19:00.001-06:00

Supplies - Poster board (I used a gold colored poster board) - scissors - hot glue - tacky glue - glitter - pen - paint brush - brown paint - hot glue gun - a paper pattern ( I used kraft paper)

1. Cut out a heart shaped pattern from your kraft paper.

2. Cut out two heart shapes from your poster board using your heart pattern and then cut two strips (long) of poster board about 1 3/4 wide and two more strips measuring 1 1/2 inches wide (see photo of example).

3. Cut your heart pattern 1/2 an inch smaller all the way around and trace this heart pattern to the inside of one of your hearts. Then, cut the heart pattern just 1/4 of an inch smaller and trace this to the inside of the other poster board heart.

4. Using your hot glue gun trace the drawn hearts on the inside of your poster board with hot glue and then press one side of your 1 3/4 strips perpendicular to your flat heart shape right into your hot glue making this strip stand straight up (see photo for example). Repeat on your second heart shape with the 1 1/2 inch strip poster board.

5. Now trim any excess paper from your strip and use a small stream of glue to glue the joints of your hearts together.

6. Paint the inside of your heart brown (this is optional but I think it gives it a more finished look).

7. While your bottom half of your heart box is drying using your tacky glue create a design on the front of your box.

8. Cover your design quickly with glitter. Let this set for just a few minutes and then shake off any excess glitter.

9. Once your box is completely dry you are all finished. I waited about an hour before filling them with chocolates.

More ideas - You can use spray paint to paint the entire box a solid color to paint quicker. Paint with colorful paints instead of just glitter to have a more unique look. Don't make your heart box too large because the poster board may not be sturdy for a huge box! I made a medium size box and it worked out just fine.

Isn't this so fun?! I had a lot of fun making this (gifted to Josh and Penelope for Valentine's week) and already want to make 10 more. I filled my box up with chocolates that had been placed in small brown cupcake liners (found in my local craft store) to help keep my chocolates in place. It's hard to see in the photos because they are the same color as the box. I think this would also be really fun to fill with miniature cupcakes or cookies as well. I hope you guys try to make it because it's really easy, send me pictures if you do!

Love,
Erin

P.S. Don't foret I'm sharing truffle recipes all week (scroll down below or click recipes on the left hand column to see more truffle recipes).

Truffle Week - Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Recipe

2012-02-08T15:01:00.000-06:00

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles :

Ingredients: 1 cup of chopped dark bittersweet chocolate - 1/3 a cup of room temperature cream cheese - 1/2 a teaspoon of raspberry flavor (extract) - 1 cup of powdered sugar - 1 heaping teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam - chocolate candy coating (or almond bark) - white chocolate candy coating (optional)

Place your room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl and beat on high until smooth and then mix in your raspberry extract. Melt your 1 cup of bitter sweet chocolate and slowly mix your chocolate in with your cream cheese mixture until there are no more streaks and your mixture is thick and well blended. Last mix in your raspberry jam and blend well. Refrigerate this mixture (covered) for one hour. Remove from the refrigerator and scoop teaspoon size clumps and roll those into smooth ball shapes and place onto wax paper.

Remove your bowl from the refrigerator and scoop teaspoon size clumps and roll them into smooth balls. Dip into dark chocolate candy coating and place them on wax paper until they have completely hardened. Next melt a little white chocolate (optional) and drizzle right on top. You can also top with fresh raspberries, sprinkles, etc. This recipe made about 10-12 truffles.

This recipe is very similar to the chocolate cream recipe I shared yesterday but I'm showing a couple of extra mix-ins. My husband tried these truffles and was exceptionally surprised by how yummy they were. Have fun making them!

Love,
Erin

Truffle Week - Chocolate Cream Truffle Recipe

2012-02-07T12:39:00.000-06:00

All week long I'll be sharing recipes for sweet treats to make for your loved ones this week...I call this week 'Truffle Week.' Today I'm sharing a basic chocolate cream truffle recipe and fun coating ideas. Recipe below...

Chocolate Cream Truffles:

Ingredients: 1 cup of chopped bittersweet chocolate - 1/3 a cup of room temperature cream cheese - 1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla - 1 cup of powdered sugar - cocoa powder or chocolate candy coating (or almond bark)

Place your room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl and beat on high until smooth and then mix in your vanilla. Melt your 1 cup of bitter sweet chocolate and slowly mix your chocolate in with your cream cheese mixture until there are no more streaks and your mixture is thick and well blended. Refrigerate this mixture (covered) for one hour. Remove from the refrigerator and scoop teaspoon size clumps and roll those into smooth ball shapes and place onto wax paper.

You can either roll the chocolate balls into cocoa powder, cover them with a chocolate candy coating (found on your baking aisle or local crafts stores baking aisle), roll them into finely chopped nuts, sprinkles or finely chopped candy coatings. So many things you can do with this basic chocolate recipe. This can be doubled if needed. This recipe made about 10-12 truffles.

Hope you liked this quick and easy way to make yummy homemade truffles. There are tons of recipes to come all week long. Enjoy!

Love,
Erin

Truffle Week and a Giveaway Winner!

2012-02-07T10:49:00.000-06:00

Really quick I have two fun updates for you.

First of all, I have finally finished up a really fun small series for the week leading up to Valentine's Day. I wanted to show you how to make truffles, fun DIY projects and more to get you in the spirit. I personally don't believe that Valentine's Day is just for a dating, engaged or married couple. I think Valentine's Day can be for anyone who wants to show someone else that they love them. Growing up I remember my mom always doing something really sweet for us kiddos. I am the oldest of four siblings and my mom would always go to the fancy candy shop and put together a cute little bag of our favorite treats and have them setting at our place at the dining table at our house on Valentine's Day. My dad would sometimes bring all the girls home a single flower and my mom a bouquet. It was just a small little gesture but it was so fun and I really loved these kinds of things growing up. Made us feel really special and loved. I just wanted to show some fun little ideas for you to make for your loved ones.

Secondly, I have the group sponsor giveaway winner and it is....

(commenter number 15)

PeaceMama said...

our family will eat some chocolate and each write something we love about one another on a heart to hang on our tree (a branch stuck in a vase).

Email me at sunshineandcarousels (at) hotmail (dot) com

Congrats!

I can't wait to get started with truffle week. Be back later with my first truffle recipe.

Love,

Erin

Fancy Friday

2012-02-03T22:56:00.000-06:00

Fridays are for fancy things and things I fancy.

I really love huge earrings...especially in yellow and gold. These earrings are pretty fancy if I say so myself.

I fancy this art print by Going Danish.

Hello fancy dreams shoes. I need you in my life.

I fancy her flawless style. <3

This bag from Modcloth is a spring/summer wardrobe must. Those stripes and yellow are faaaaanccy.

Have a fancy weekend!

Love,
Erin

January Sponsors

2012-02-03T02:09:00.000-06:00

Coming in a few days late with the January Sponsors Feature and Group Giveaway...been battling a flu-like week over here. Have no fear though...because the Sponsor info is here. I'm soo thankful for the Sunshine and Carousel's Sponsors who support this here blog and I love reading about what they do and make. Sponsors with shops have offered lovely giveaway packages for one lucky SAC reader. Let's read more about them...

Stephanie Lin Studio -

With the birth of my first child five years ago, I had an intense need to create. While always crafty, as a new mother, I was inspired to create amazing, heartfelt items. It began with sewing and eventually evolved into mixed media. Now with three little ones by my side, my inspiration and creation of original artwork continues to evolve.

Stephanie Lin Studio is offering a $20 shop credit to her shop for the group giveaway today (which is sooo adorable by the way) AND she is offering 20% off anything in the shop until the end of February using the discount code "20SUN" for all Sunshine and Carousel's readers.

Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry -

Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry encompasses 3 very distinct collections of jewelry made from semi precious stones and metals and vintage glass and found objects. In addition to my website, www.bellavitajewelry.net, I travel all over Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Missouri to sell my designs. I also teach classes at local bead stores when my schedule allows.

Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry is offering a $20 dollar store credit to their shop.

Good Natured By Dani -

My shop includes lots of fun jewelry, needle felted wool toys, and even some pottery. I love crafts in all forms!

Natured is offering a $20 shop credit to their Etsy shop.

After Nine to Five -

I believe there’s something more for everyone in life, it’s just a matter of searching it out. I love to take risks and do things that most find to be quite unconventional. I love to laugh and will stop at nothing to get a smile out of someone when they’re down.

Little Doe-Eyed Girl -

Welcome to my little shoppe full of winsome goods for girls of all ages from 0 to 90.

Little Doe-Eyed Girl is offering a $20 shop credit to one lucky winner!

A Happy Girl -

My daughter is 1 of about 5 in the world.

Earlier this year, February 1st to be exact, I learned that anything is possible when I gave birth to my miracle daughter. I wasn't supposed to live past 9 years old myself. I had a kidney transplant when I was 11. There are only a few other women in the world who haveCystinosis who have had successful pregnancies.

Rewind a little bit, I went to college for 4 years to earn my BS in Human Development and Family Studies with a Child Life emphasis. I was supposed to be a Child Life Specialist and help children and families cope with the stress of the hospital environment through play therapy, and many other techniques tailored to the child's developmental stage. I was never going to be a mom. Well, you know what they say about plans. ;)

I'm a mommy right now to our girl who is here against all odds and savoring every single second with her, my sweetheart and our dachshund Jack. Our daughter is proof that one should never say never.

Lexy Levin -

My name is Alexa (Lexy) and I live in Atlanta, GA. I love to read, cook, watch movies, go thrifting and play with my little kitten, Dexter.

DondaLee's -

Howdy! My name is Dondi and I’m the Southern gal behind, “DondaLee’s”. I love design, color and whimsy, and through “DondaLee’s”, I get to play with all three!

Big Thank You to all the SAC Sponsors and thank you for the fun giveaways Sponsor Shop Owners are offering. Here's how you can win the group sponsor giveaway:

Leave a comment on this post telling me what your Valentine's Day plans are...even if they are not celebrating Single's Awareness Day. I'm totally down for reading all plans, festive or not.

Good Luck! Will announce the winner this coming Monday!

Love,

Erin

Art Journal Makeover

2012-01-31T15:40:00.000-06:00

Early January I mentioned that I really wanted to complete a full art journal as part of my resolutions for the New Year. I finally had a free moment to sit down and star working on it but I really thought my art journal was so boring. I decided spruce it up a bit and did a pretty little makeover. Here's how you can makeover your own journal too.

Supplies:

Journal - Glitter- Scissors- Pen - Paint Brushes - Mod Podge - Poster-board (optional) - Fabric

1. Cut your fabric about 2 inches larger than your journal laying flat (all the way around).

2. Cut two small slits above and below the journal's binding.

3. Fold the two small binding fabric flaps inside and then adhere mod podge to the binding and press the fabric onto the books binding.

4. Next adhere mod podge to one side of the outside of your book and then press your fabric flat (pull and straighten wrinkles) and do the same thing to the other side of your book.

5. Make sure you have pulled your fabric nice and tight and then fold your fabric to the inside flap adhere another two inch border of mod podge and then pressing your fabric to the border of adhesive inside. Pull the corner fabric pieces up and then snip them off (see photo) and press everything flat and smooth.

6. Cut a piece of your poster board just slightly smaller than the inside flaps of your journal. Using mod podge and your paint brush again adhere mod modge to the inside of your book covering the fabric and then press your poster board rectangle to the inside. This seals your fabric in and help your book last and last.

7. Stand your book up so that the mod podge can dry evenly and smoothly.

8. Using a pen or marker draw out a picture or saying. I chose to use the word 'art' because it's simple and small and well...because it's an *art journal.*

9. Using a small paint brush, brush on mod podge to the insides of your shape and/or letters and cover with glitter. Shake off the excess glitter and let this dry completely.

10. If you choose to add a glitter shape or word then after you let the glitter shape completely dry add one more complete coat of mod podge to the outside of the glitter shape on the front of your book and then let it dry. This helps seal in the glitter and has less wear and tear.

All finished!! Now let's fill up our journals.

Can't wait to get to work...and show you something fun.

Love,
Erin

Valentine's Accessories

2012-01-30T22:47:00.001-06:00

So hey! I might be being biased but I'm fairly certain that the Sunshine and Carousel's shop has the perfect Valentine's Day accessories. We have accessories to make you feel perfectly pretty on your Valentine's date. If you want your ruby red accessory to arrive before Valentine's make sure and order quickly so we can ship them in time.

Also...when you're ordering your perfect Valentine's accessories don't forget we're having a big SALE! Everything is 30% off use the coupon code 'THIRTY' at the time of checkout to receive your discount.

Love,
Erin

Cotton Lane Giveaway Winner

2012-01-30T22:47:00.000-06:00

Just checking in with the Cotton Lane Giveaway Winner update:

The winner is commenter number 6... Rose!! Congrats...email me at sunshineandcarousels (at) hotmail (dot) com for the details.

Yay!

Love,
Erin

Sweetly Sour - A Magic Mocktail Recipe

2012-01-29T14:01:00.000-06:00

Magic Mocktails is one of my favorite monthly features to share here on this blog. It's one I look forward to all month. Today I'm share a recipe for a drink that is somewhat like an 'Amaretto Sour' but a family friendly version. I call this little drink *Sweetly Sour.* Here's how you make it....

Sweetly Sour:

You need - sweet and sour drink mix, lemonade, grenadine, ginger ale, 2 peaches (or apricots), almond flavoring and cherries.

First cut your peaches in half and squeeze all the juice out of them. You can use this method I shared here. Add 1/2 - 3/4 a teaspoon of almond flavoring or almond extract to your peach juice and then add this to a pitcher. Next add two cups of sweet and sour drink mix, one cup of lemonade and one cup of ginger ale to your pitcher. Stir your mixture well. Now add your ice to your glasses and fill them with the drink mixture. Add 1-2 teaspoons of grenadine depending on how sweet you would like it and garnish with a couple of cherries. You're all done! This recipe makes about 4 glasses and can easily be doubled or tripled if needed.

You can learn how to make these cute drink stirs by reading below or clicking here. Hope you enjoy this sweet little drink!

Love,
Erin

DIY Silver Drink Stirs

2012-01-28T17:04:00.000-06:00

Today I'm sharing one of the easiest and prettiest little tutorials for drink stirs. These can be used for parties, special celebrations and just for fun. Here's how you make 'em.

So easy huh?! I'll be sharing a recipe for the pretty drink in the first photo tomorrow. For now let's practice making drink stirs alright?

Love,
Erin

Fancy Friday

2012-01-27T17:04:00.001-06:00

I haven't shared a 'Fancy Friday' post since before Christmas because I was sharing so many holiday inspired posts. Now that we're back to a new year I'm ready for action. Here are a handful of things that are really *fancy* and that I really *fancy.* Enjoy!

I fancy this artist and this color combination.

This recycled letter press banner is perfectly fancy for the upcoming holiday.

What a fancy secretary dress. Love.

Play tennis? Then you seriously need this extra fancy tennis bag.

I fancy all of these fun prints.

My your Friday be extra Fancy!!

Love,
Erin

It was all yellow...

2012-01-26T14:22:00.001-06:00

I've been a quiet little worker bee here on the blog front because I've been working away in the studio. I had a lot of goals set for myself shop-wise this new year and it's already been so busy so far. All good things. Here's something that I've been working on for a couple of weeks now...new packaging. I'm having so much fun with it. In the past I've always done all I can to make sure I'm putting the most beautiful quality hair accessories out there and left some packaging goals set aside so that I could put so much effort into those things. It's been so rewarding to really see these goals fulfilled. We just sent off a lot of freshly packaged goodies to our favorite stores and some brand new stores. Online orders come packaged a little bit differently but equally as pretty!

Now that I'm done with tons of packaging projects I'm ready to work on some fun new crafty DIY's for the blog and all sorts of good stuff. I picked up the cutest vintage crafty books and magazines and they have me an abundance of inspiration. Already working on new projects coming this weekend.

Hope you liked this little peek behind the scenes of the SAC shop.

Love,
Erin

P.S. Don't forget about the BIG SALE happening right now in the Sunshine and Carousel's shop and I still have a few more sponsor spaces open...grab the while you can.

BIG SALE!!

2012-01-25T12:43:00.000-06:00

OHHH yes!! You read that right. We're hosting a BIG SALE in the shop as we get ready to bring in some new accessories. So get your favorite before it's gone and take advantage of this pretty awesome SALE because it doesn't happen very often. <3 <3

Check out the shop and receive 30% off....correct...30% off anything and everything in the shop by using the coupon code 'THIRTY' at the time of check out.

So excited to share some brand new designs with you in the future.

Love,
Erin

Cotton Lane - Featured Sponsor

2012-01-24T20:59:00.000-06:00

My name is Caroline and I am the crazy person behind the shop Cotton Lane and author of the blog Good Times Never Seem Sew Good. When I'm not blogging about my new life as a newlywed, DIYs, fashion (sort of), and other tid bits, I am either busy creating fresh goodies for my handmade shop or working non-stop at a local fabric store. In my free time, I love to curl up on the couch and read a good book and spend time with my wonderful husband, David. Oh, and if given the opportunity, I could eat Mexican food every single day of my life.

twitter: Facebook: shop: blog

Caroline has been so gracious to offer one lucky Sunshine and Carousel's reader a $25 shop credit to her handmade store Cotton Lane. Here's how you can win...

Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite item from the Cotton Lane shop.

Winner will be announced this Friday!

Good Luck and thank you Caroline.

Love,

Erin

Marshmallow Macaroons

2012-01-22T22:00:00.000-06:00

1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of almond flour (or one cup of finely ground blanched almonds with one teaspoon of flour)
3 large egg whites
pinch of salt
pinch of cream of tarter
1/4 cup of fine sugar
1/4 teaspoon of almond extract
1/3 cup of marshmallow fluff

1/3 cup of marshmallow icecream topping

Beat your eggs and salt (best at room temperature) until frothy, add cream of tarter and beat until white with soft peaks...slowly mix in fine sugar and beat until you have stick peaks. My mixer (kitchenaid mixer) I beat on high for 2-4 minutes checking the peaks often. Don't over beat because your meringue will not stick.

In a seperate bowl sift your almond flour and powdered sugar together. Add this mixture into your meringue and fold in with a spatula. The mixture will be grainy and paste-like. Add almond flavor and fold as well. Place all of your mixture into a large piping back or gallon size ziploc bag and cut one small corner. Pipe out quarter size rounds onto a baking pan covered in parchment paper. Let this sit for 20-25 minutes and heat your oven to 375 degrees.

Once your macarons have set place them in the oven and turn your oven to 325 degrees. Bake for 10 minutes rotating your pan halfway through. For each additional pan be sure to turn your oven back up to 375 degrees.

Combine your two marshmallow (the topping and the fluff) stir until nice and blended. This is what I used as the filling. You can also try just the marshmallow ice cream topping if you want. I think that work just fine if you don't want to buy both.

Let your macaron disks cool slightly then remove from parchment paper and place on cooling racks. Choose two like sized macaroon disks and fill with a marshmallow filling then sandwich together.

Enjoy!!

Love,

Erin

Living in Color

2012-01-19T16:09:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that I live and love a very colorful world. Quite often I will become *obsessed* with certain colors and start collecting. I cannot stop myself...I just really love color. All colors. I wanted to share a fun series throughout this brand new year focused on color collections. This may be from my home, from my studio, from the Sunshine and Carousel's shop...whatever it may be I thought we could all celebrate in color. One of my lovely color collections from home is this very pretty minty green color. I keep a lot of it in my studio and my kitchen and I quite adore it's freshness. It's very 1950's to me and I love it.

My most recent, and probably going to be on the top of my list for my most beloved thrifted finds, is this gorgeous Philco Twin Speaker Radio. They just don't make things like this anymore and it's quite a shame because it's really such a beauty. I must also add a note about my pretty frame and print by Abby Try Again. Met her at Renegade Austin and I love love love her work. I have a couple of her prints hanging in my kitchen.

A couple more of my loved little mint green treasures is this pretty mirror I purchased from Retro Pops on etsy. I also love my cupcake pin cushion from my Grandma. Penelope likes it too, she actually things it's hers.

I can't wait to share more color collections with you through out the year. I'm also looking forward to sharing some fun new blog series all throughout this shiny new year.

Love,
Erin

February Sponsors

2012-01-17T16:11:00.000-06:00

I have just opened up the February Sponsorship packages for the month of February! You can check out all the rates and package sizes here. February will be a great month as I'm getting ready to launch a new look for the blog, have tons of DIY projects on the way and of course many many sweet things to come. Can't wait to have you!

Love,
Erin

What's in my bag?

2012-01-13T15:40:00.000-06:00

I haven't done a 'what's in my bag' post since last summer! That's awhile ago and because we're all so nosy (I mean I love to see what's in YOUR bag) I thought it was time to share again. That and the January Photo A Day prompt is a 'what's in your bag' photo...which ended up being perfect timing. I've been using my Jo Totes camera bag as my main bag for over a year now. It still looks almost perfect, it's sooo roomy and it goes with everything. I should also mention I love to carry a ton of stuff with me even when I'm not toting around my DSLR.

So what's all that fun stuff in my bag?

1. I almost always have some sort of work supplies in my bag. Today it was a sample for new headband packaging, I've been working on creating a pattern and logo for headband packaging. I also had a small bit of fabric in my bag that I was using for a color comparison for a new project. It's actually amazing that those were the only two work related items in my bag.
2. Downy wrinkle releaser...because you never know when you might get wrinkly. Plus, I think that downy stuff smells amazing. I may occasionally spray it in my car to make it smell better. Occasionally.
3. Pens, I'm a pen snob. I only use that kind.
4. A write it all, list maker, planner book that I picked up from Urban Outfitters before Christmas.
5. I've been using the same wallet for two, almost three, years now. It's Liberty of London for Target from way back when. It's made with oil cloth so it pretty much holds up through a hurricane...which sometimes happens in my bag.
6. iPhone with my pretty Kate Spade phone cover. Love that case.
7. Make-up bag. I don't normally tote my entire make-up bag around unless I'm running behind and I do my make-up in the car. Which happens sometimes. Sorry Tulsa drivers!
8. My holga and some film. I promised myself I'd do better at taking film photos this year so if I tote it around with me it will surely happen. Right?
9. Nail polish. Essie (the best) nail polish because lately I've been into that. Penelope and I currently have matching nails, twinsees.

Well there you have it, you nosy little bunch, all the crazy stuff in my bag. I may also add that I just left the enormous pile of receipts and change inside the bag. I thought you didn't care much for that.

Sooo what's your must-have bag item? Well, besides your wallet and keys...what else can you not travel without? Cause I'm nosy like that and I want to know.

Love,
Erin

Nutella Puff Pastry Treats

2012-01-12T22:05:00.002-06:00

Last month I shared a quick and easy college friendly recipe on One Sheepish Girl's blog for Apple Pie Cheesecakes. Ever since I made that quick treat I had been thinking of some fun easy ways to fix up some puff pastry. I decided to try a little Nutella puff pastry combos and I think they turned out pretty great so I wanted to share my little puff pastry combos for you.

Using one sheet of puff pastry (thawed and cut into 9 squares) I added a teaspoon of Nutella and sliced bananas into a square, folded the square over to make a triangle and closed the openings with a fork. I then brushed the tops with a little egg white wash and a sprinkle of sugar and baked at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes.

I also tried a few of them with Nutella, peanut butter and banana...those were superb as well. Just a few quick ideas for a lazy winter evening. Enjoy!!

Love,
Erin

P.S. The December Sponsor Giveaway Winner is Mandy (commenter number 6) who says:

Mandy said...

One of my resolutions is to learn french with my husband.

Mandy email me at sunshineandcarousels(at)hotmail(dot)com to claim your winnings!! Congrats.

Small Business Puns

2012-01-11T16:28:00.000-06:00

Now that's its a brand new year I've been working on completing a lot of goals I've had set for the shop these last few months. First things first, we finally started putting tags inside our headbands. It's my new favorite things to do. I'm just putting tags on everything and I can't stop. While working on tagging, I'm also working on fun new packaging. I got a new computer, printer, sewing machine...and all sorts of *new* things for this *new* year and I'm ready for business. Pun intended. I think I may be a small business nerd but it's so fun to work on these kinds of things.

I'm currently in the process of finishing up spring sketches and even some new fall 2012 designs as well. We're ordering fabrics and supplies and it gives me an overwhelmingly hopeful and positive attitude for things to come. I hope to share more behind the scenes of my small business world!

Love,
Erin

The Simple Life

2012-01-10T23:15:00.000-06:00

I've been taking part of the January 'Photo a Day' challenge on instagram. I'm not sure who started it (I'd love to link them if anyone knows) but I'm glad I'm taking part. I don't normally do things like this but I thought 'hey, it's a new year and I should challenge myself.' They aren't the prettiest photos, they're just real life and I like that.

So here's what they are:

Day 1 and Day 2 (because I was late to the game) - Photo of myself and breakfast
Day 3 Something I adore - which is my studio, because I'm in there all the time and it's where I create
Day 4 Letter Box - which is supposed to be a mailbox but that's boring so I took a photo of a box filled with letters from my husband...which is a 'letterbox.'
Day 5 Something I wore - pretty vintage earrings that I got for Christmas
Day 6 Makes me smile - pretty sure that's obvious
Day 7 Favorite - My kitchen shelves because they are so cheery and colorful
Day 8 My sky - pretty obvious but that is the window right outside my studio and I love it
Day 9 Daily Routine - makeup of some sorts but I don't normally wear every color of the rainbow, usually just the brown shades
Day 10 Childhood- Oh yes, that's me...super smile and all

I thought this would be fun to share for those of you who don't follow me on instagram. I have loved this challenge because it has helped me see what other tidbits of life that are beautiful and simple. Sounds a little corny but I really think it's true. Sometimes just the simple everyday things are just wonderful and it's real life you know.

Hope you have a great day!

Love,
Erin

Raspberry Pastry Cake Pops

2012-01-09T18:00:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

One box of french vanilla cake mix
3 eggs
1 1/3 cup of water
1/3 cup of oil
cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
raspberry jam
1 package of white almond bark

Bake your cake as directed on the box, adding eggs, water and oil. Add your almond extract to your cake batter after mixed. Then bake in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan and follow heating and time cook as directed. Let your cake cool completely after baking.

Crumble your cake and add 3/4 cup of cream cheese frosting (recipe below) and your raspberry jam. Mix all of these in a large bowl using a large sturdy spoon to mash the ingredients together. Scoop out 1 1/2 inch rounds onto a baking pan covered in parchment paper. Freeze for over one hour. After your scoops set for over an hour roll each ball between your hands until smooth. Freeze again for an hour.

Melt your package of almond bark as the package directs. Dip your pop sticks into the almond bark and poke them into your cake balls. Let these cool for a minute and then dip and cover all cake balls (see photo) then let them rest and cool back on your parchment paper.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 package of cream cheese
two tablespoons of butter
2-3 cups of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Cream your cream cheese and butter until smooth, slowly add in your powdered sugar (I used 1/2 cup part additions) after about 1 cup addition I added in my vanilla. Add the rest of your powdered sugar until you reach desired consistency. This recipe can be easily doubled if you wish.

2011 Blog Finds

2012-01-04T15:39:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share a handful of my very favorite blog finds from 2011. These are all blogs I started reading in the last year that absolutely inspire me. I think you'll find them all very colorful indeed.

I have to mention One Sheepish Girl first because I have absolutely fallen in love (like friend love...jeez) with Meredith over this last year. I was first struck by her blog because she mentions being a bit shy, which I really relate to (don't be fooled by the blog). I'm quite shy when I meet new people, even tweeting and sometimes blogging I can get really shy about. So when I read Meredith's blogging for confidence series I knew we were blogging soul-mates. I love that she gets out there and tries new things and shares them on her blog. Not only do I love her openness about being shy but I dig her style as well and her photos are always so beautiful.

Kaylah from The Dainty Squid...makes me want to be a better photographer. I found her blog much earlier this year and when I see her posts pop up in my reader I always know they're going to be amazing. I love how much she loves nature and her cats...she makes me want to go camping and collect my favorite finds in nature. Her flawless style is incredibly inspiring and her hair...oh her hair. So good.

Oh I just adore Erin and Stephanie from Oh So Lovely Vintage...I found them through instagram and was immediately awestruck with their style. Not only are they just adorable but they are extremely hard working women who started their own Mobile Vintage Shop with their camper Olive but even more recently opened up their own vintage boutique 'Rhymes with Orange.' They make me want to plan my next vacation in Winnepeg just so I can go visit their store. I love their ambition and their vintage style.

Rebekah from A Bit of Sunshine...really is some sunshine. I have truly enjoyed reading her blog, especially love her DIY projects. I feel like we could be best crafting buddies IRL. I also love to read bits about her children and her life and I love all her photos.

I found Abi's blog Vanilla and Lace really early January or so in 2011 and it was one of those blogs I just wanted to spend the evening reading all the way to the beginning. Her photos are so dreamy and I loved reading her DIY projects and throughout the year I've watched her start her own small business designing and sewing dresses that are adorable. Abi has been gracious enough to guest post for me a few times this year and I just love what she comes up with.

This is my most recent blog find...actually December and I was immediately drawn in with Alex's style. Her blog is called Blue Feather Style and I *adore* her style...she is the kind of gal I WANT to design for. When I found her blog my eyes turned all sparkly because I love the personality she gives to each outfit and I started imagining and designing new pieces for my shop in my head all because of her powerful colors and vintage style. I can't wait to see more from her.

If you don't already read these blogs you should go by and say hi! I think you'll like them all, no really, you will. I'd love to find some more blog reads for this new year...what are you're favorite blogs to read? I follow all sorts of creative blogs... cooking blogs, fashion blogs, lifestyle blogs, art blogs and of course craft blogs. Leave me a comment with some blog links...I'd love to know.

Love,
Erin

And a Happy Year it Was.

2012-01-02T12:52:00.001-06:00

2011 was one roller coaster of a year for me. I think I can safely say it was the busiest one I've ever had...all in a good way though. I don't share too many personal troubles here on this blog because I prefer to keep it a positive and encouraging place so I know that you don't know what I mean when I say roller coaster. Outside of working on the Sunshine and Carousel's shop and blogging fun projects and recipes I had to deal with a tragic family death and family member illness that took a much larger toll on my life than I would have thought if someone would have told me before-hand that I would have to deal with these sorts of things. There were a few months in there that I was just so sad for these things happening but I somehow ended up doing my best to put a positive foot forward. One thing that I do love, and has also given me such a positive light in my life, is the growth of my small business and blogging especially. I find creating inspiring posts, teaching projects and recipes to be one of the most fulfilling and therapeutic things in my life. When I reminisce about this year I feel nothing but joy for the immense growth in all areas of my life...especially growth with my love for blogging and growing as a business owner and designer. I know those of you who run a handmade business of your own know it's not always easy but it's so fulfilling in the end.

So here's some of the fun I've had through blogging and business during 2011.

I started off the year with fun DIY's including one of my favorite projects...turning old empty frames into chalkboards with hang lines for instant photos and now postalpix's Instagram photos.

Josh and I went on vacation to Portland Oregon for our 5 year wedding anniversary. It was the best time ever. I want to go back sooo bad.

One of my favorite blogging projects was the Spring Fling collaboration series which included fun spring inspired project and recipe series to get us going for those warmer days.

I had the pleasure of decorating pastries for Ok Sweetheart's music video for Home. One of the most fun projects to take part in.

I participated in so many craft shows this year including Renegade Austin, Etsy Dallas' Spring Bash and Indie Emporium. All so fun, especially because I get to go shopping at the shows too!

I finally got to move into a larger studio space when we moved into our new home, which I had the pleasure of decorating and organizing to my liking...and even more recently made-over to make room for my favorite studio helper Sarah. I also made the room more functional as I learned to work in a larger space and made it cozier because I realized how much time I spent in there. I just had to make it a little more *magical.*

During the summer I worked a small series about reacting to those inspirational moments. Instead of always wondering and pondering the 'what if' or 'that's a great idea' I challenged you to just simply *act* upon those goals and inspired moments in your life.

I can't talk about this past year without talking about baking...jeez. Above was a recipe that sooo many bloggers let me know they made and loved ...Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes with Nutella for frosting.

Here are some more popular recipes from this past year:

Unicorn Cakes (in a jar)

Berry Lemonade Cupcakes

August was a great month for the Sunshine and Carousel's shop. If you've been reading for awhile then you know that I love to create new collections for each season. I spent a great deal of time from March-August working on taking SAC in a new direction and I did my best to create a new look and collection that best represented my personal taste and started designing pieces that challenged me and were inspired by my favorite things (vintage fashion...especially pillbox hats!!). It was a long time coming and I owe a big thanks to Indie Business for the abundance of knowledge and the push to really take my business to a place that represents me all around. In August I shared a new look, shop and blog makeover and it was one of the most exciting and nerve wrecking times for me. The Merry Fete collection has been just the beginning of a new turn and twist for my business and I could not be more thankful.

Fall was a great time for me, not just because it's my favorite time of the year, but it was a pleasant time in my personal life for quality family time and creative projects. I even shared some fun painting projects and a little peek into my personal home (more to come in 2012 I promise). I shared how obsessed I am with fall ...so obsessed that mine (and Josh's room) is completely geeked out with fall colors and decor.

Late November we released the Holiday/Winter collection for Sunshine and Carousels and oh my lucky stars...was Christmas so grand and wonderful sending off hundreds of holiday packages to SAC customers for Christmas. This was hands-down one of the most joyous occasions for the SAC shop. I hadn't mentioned this to you yet but the Miss Joan headband almost made it on an episode of the Today Show the week right before Christmas. I was so honored to have been asked and I owe a big thanks to Etsy for asking me. It was a crazy busy...but good time of year.

I threw a Mermaid Birthday Party for Penelope and she thought it was pure magic. I love that girl.

This is oh-so-fresh on our minds but I ended up the year with a fun Make-it-Yourself Christmas series full of projects from myself and some very talented guest bloggers too! I also had the best, no seriously, the best Christmas I've ever had with my family this year. I feel sooo very blessed, actually too blessed, brings me to tears how supportive and loving our families (both mind and Josh's) are to us. That is the honest truth.

Most importantly...I'm just thankful. I'm thankful to be alive most days, sounds weird but that's very important you know. I'm so thankful that I have friends, blogging buddies and readers out there that have supported what I do. All of you that read this blog daily, sent me encouraging tweets and emails, sent me photos of projects and recipes you've tried...I'm really really really thankful for you. Like, really really thankful. I can't help but get teary-eyed as I finish writing this post. I'm so thankful for those of you that send me cute pictures of you wearing SAC accessories and all of you that have blogged and shared my work with others. I look back at where I was a year ago, even three years ago when I found a *blog* for the first time, read about someone who started their own handmade business and I only dreamed about doing that one day. It was other bloggers who inspired me most, in-fact every single blogger and handmade business owner/artist that I admire and who inspired me to start blogging and start my own handmade business has either blogged about my work or owns a SAC accessory themselves and that, to me, is the most encouraging thing in the world. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for those who encourage and inspire me too. I hope that those of you that are reading and have ever wanted to go off and be creative, support yourself with a creative job, start a blog...whatever it is...that you will. I really hope you to do, this is a new year and I think if you have a desire for it, you can accomplish anything.

2011 was a wonderful turning point in my life and if I can predict anything about 2012...I think it'll be pretty darn good as well. So happy New Year!

Love,
Erin

Sunshine and Carousel's Sponsor Giveaway

2012-01-02T00:38:00.002-06:00

One lucky winner can win these two super fun giveaways!!

Please Note is offering one item of choice from their incredible shop. Oh my stars sooo cute!

Dondalee is offering a $30 shop credit to her pretty shop.

Here's how you can win!

Leave a comment telling me one of your New Year's Resolutions!

I'll pick a winner via Random Number Generator and announce the winner Monday January 4th.

Good luck.

Love,
Erin

Carousel December Sponsors

2012-01-02T00:38:00.000-06:00

Oh Honey Child - My name is Brittini. I love sewing, thrifting, working outside, taking pictures, music, attending festivals and sooo much more. I live in Oklahoma. I am married to my best friend, he has a neat beard. All my children have four legs. Thank you so much for stopping by, lets be pals.

Blog - Facebook - Shop

Damsel of Dainty is my line of nature and folktale inspired jewelry. I create necklaces, bracelets and earrings that reflect some of the magic and mystery found in both. The Renaissance is also a big influence and I love to incorporate lace, pearls and cameo’s in a contemporary way.

Blog - Shop

I'm Ana, project manager and blogger. I live in Toronto where I share my life with my husband and beautiful baby boy! I love all things beautiful, lovely, delicious, real, inspiring and I always have an opinion. Life is amazing and I love to share it.

Blog - Twitter

Well, I'm a fun lovin' gal who enjoys making unique creations! Color makes me very happy. =) I'm just getting started with my "design" business and I'm learning alot and having a blast along the way.

Blog - Shop

Hi! I'm Dani. I live in Missouri with my husband, our two dogs, three cats and two chickens. I love to make things--all kinds of things! I love to sew, build pottery, paint and draw, and garden. I also love to travel, and I get a lot of inspiration from our different adventures.

Shop - Facebook

Shop - Blog

Shop - Blog - Facebook

My Year of Growth

2011-12-29T23:34:00.000-06:00

That week between Christmas and New Year's is always the week of reflection, goal making, organizing and breath catching in my life. I'm really am a fan of New Year's Resolutions (love or hate em), so many good things have happened in my life because of goals I've made at the beginning of the year. I don't know what it is, there's no real magic power or anything but somehow the goals I make at the beginning of the year stick with me much better and longer than any other goals I make through out the year. So I've been thinking about the new goals I want to make for my personal life and even my small business and blog since about November-ish. I have to admit to you that since I started the SAC shop I have been swept up in a whirl-wind of (mostly all good) madness of making as many accessories as the day will let me and everything else that goes into running a small business. I have passed up some good quality family time, sleep, visits with friends and other things that I really yearn to do while taking care of business related needs. This is a good thing, trust me, I'm saying that with all thankfulness and excitement. It's just that, as I reflect back through the last couple of years I feel a little twinge of panic that I've been missing out on other good things in my life as well. I've been thinking now for almost two months about what new goals I want to try to reach for this next year and I want to make sure they are thoughtful and help me find that perfect balance between family/social and work. This past year has been such a huge year of growth for me between my growth as a person, business woman, designer, mother, wife and even blogger. I can definitely title the year 2011 as my 'Year of Growth,' all in a good way and I'm really proud and happy about that. I just hope that 2012 can be titled my 'Year of Balance' by the end.

I'm working on a few year-in-review type posts for you for the next week and I hope to hit 2012 with some new blogging content, shop news, projects, recipes and I mostly hope that I can let all inhibitions go and share some really creative and inspiring things with you this year.

By the way, if you could give the year 2011 a title from your own life what would it be?

Love,
Erin

Featured Sponsor - Etsify

2011-12-29T23:09:00.001-06:00

Hi, my name is Kailey and I am an Etsy-holic!

I have an addiction and obsession with beautifully handmade, unique items. Etsify was born out of my own frustrations trying to shop for fashionable apparel and accessories on Etsy. I wanted to create a site where I could partner with the best handmade shops to create a unique online boutique shopping experience. I hope you like the items that you see here. I work very hard to continually update and add new items so I hope you find your way back here again!

I am so thankful that I get to do something that I love and appreciate you stopping by. So nice to meet you!

Kailey

www.etsify.com

Home for Christmas

2011-12-27T13:36:00.000-06:00

I hope your holiday weekend was just perfect. We spent the weekend, just the three of us, at our little home. After the previous week's travels I decided to keep it low-key and do a little cooking as possible. We had snacks all day on Christmas Eve as we prepared for Santa's arrival. We watched Christmas movies, set out Santa's cookies and then after the little red-head went to sleep we hurriedly wrapped gifts and did our best Santa-ing. Seriously one of my favorite things to do as a parent.

My Grandma gave us a ton of large elves from the 80's. I remember them when I was a kid, they are mechanic and move around and everything. Probably very creepy to most but for some reason I can't stop staring at them. We set them out Christmas Eve just for fun.

Santa came and went and left little Penelope every Lalaloopsy doll you can think of as well as a new (to her) vintage dress which she loves more than any other dress because it 'twirls' better.

I guess I was a good girl too because Santa brought me some pretty vintage jewelry. Wahoo! We had a great, very low-key, weekend and rested and played with new toys. It was so great. I feel energized and ready to get back to work in the studio. We still have one more Christmas stop with my in-laws in a few days. That's what I love about the holidays...weeks of nothing but family love. Before we head off I have some fun projects to finish up in the studio and work on some New Year's Resolutions (one of my favorite things ever).

So how was your Christmas Holiday?

Love,
Erin

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T15:24:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas from Josh, Penelope and Me. Wishing you a cozy, dreamy and wonderful holiday weekend.

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Gift Wrap Ideas

2011-12-22T16:32:00.000-06:00

It's that time again .. last minute gift wrapping, frantically cutting paper, taping, tying or when all else fails...toss it in a gift bag. Here are a few last minute ideas for your gift wrapping adventures.

Just a few gift wrapping tips and ideas:

Crepe paper ribbons
Fringe wrapping from tissue paper and gift wrap
Tissue strips to create pretty poms and bows
Paper Butterflies
Silk flowers and leaves
Glitter tags (you can use glue, glitter and card stock)

Wrapping gifts is one of my favorite activities during Christmastime. I look forward to it every year.

So how many gifts do you still need to wrap?

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Chocolate Mint Cake Pops

2011-12-21T10:54:00.000-06:00

I think this recipe is the perfect party treat and you can even make them to put in cute gift baskets for family and neighbors for this Christmas season. Recipe and instructions are below and I used cute paper straws from Hey YoYo on etsy.

Ingredients:

1 cup cocoa powder
2 cups boiling water
1 cup of butter (two sticks)
2-1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup of andes mint baking bits

In one bowl mix boiling water and cocoa and set aside. In another bowl mix your dry ingredients together (except sugar). In a mixing bowl cream your butter and sugar, add your eggs one at a time. Mix in your cocoa mixture alternating with your flour mixture. Lastly stir in your vanilla and mint chocolate baking bits.

Pour into a 9x13 greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 22-27 minutes.

Finish making your cake pops using these directions but cutting pretty straws in half and dipping them in chocolate almond bark and pressing into the center of your cake balls. Then cover your entire cake ball with chocolate almond bark, sprinkle with extra mint baking bits. Place your cake pops on parchment or wax paper to cool and harden before serving. You can wrap small cellophane bags around the cake part and wrap with ribbon for the perfect little gifts for your neighbors.

Have fun making them!

Love,
Erin

Christmas is looking so cozy in our home.

2011-12-20T18:17:00.000-06:00

I'm way down south Texas visiting family for a few days this week but before I left I snapped a handful of photos of our Christmas home. We don't have a ton of decor or places to really display it. Every Christmas I always think I'll get around to figuring out how to decorate more for the season but I end up getting so busy with the shop that those wishful dreams get put on the back burner. I did make a lot of fun stuff for the Make Christmas series for our tree so I loved that. Here's a little of what our home is like at Christmastime.

My favorite ornament made by my Grandma back in the 70's.

Gift wrap messes.

A portion of my gingerbread house collection.

The tree and all it's trimmings. My grandparents gifted us with this huge tree that had had forever when Josh and I got married. We actually took a few layers out of the bottom so it would fit into our living room. It's massively awesome and I love that it came from my grandparents.

It feels cozy and sweet all around our home. I'm obviously obsessed with red this season. I never really use a ton of red all throughout the year or in my Christmas' past but this year I can't stop with the red. I love it. My little Christmas 'thing' is my gingerbread house collection. I also really love elves and reindeer. I have quite a few of those too. I think having a child helps me embrace that inner Christmas magic and re-learn my love for the sweet treasures of the season.

What are your favorite things to collect for Christmas?

Hope you are all having a great time this season.

Love,
Erin

Calling all January Sponsors!!

2011-12-19T11:12:00.001-06:00

I have opened up sponsor spaces for January. Had a handful of you asking when they would be available and they are now up. January through March were amazing months for growth and readership last year here on my personal blog and for the Sunshine and Carousel's shop. It's a great time of year to advertise for both your shop and blog. I already have so many things planned for the SAC blog for 2012 and I can't wait to promote you. You can read more details and reserve your sponsor space right here.

Love,
Erin

Toffee Gingerbread Cookies

2011-12-19T08:30:00.000-06:00

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup molasses
3/4 cup of toffee bits (found in the baking isle of your local grocery store)

Sift your dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Cream your butter and sugar together, beat in your egg and stir in water and molasses. Roll dough balls (about 1-1 1/4 inches wide) and flatten onto a baking pan covered in parchment paper. Top off with toffee bits (I pressed mine in a little). Bake at 375 degrees for about 5-10 minutes.

Making Christmas - Painted Christmas Trees

2011-12-17T11:53:00.000-06:00

You've probably noticed the painted Christmas tree in the Making Christmas Series photo. I wanted to talk a little bit about this very easy and artful project. I used three cardboard cones found at my local craft store and painted them with acrylic paint. I used my vintage ornaments as inspiration for the details on my trees. I love to mix these in with my bottle brush trees. I think the difference between the soft and hard edges are pretty.

I free hand-painted everything but I would recommend practicing some little details on paper before you paint your trees so you don't have to paint twice.

The look just perfect on our mantel. Which reminds me...I need to take actual Christmas decor photos soon.

Love,
Erin

Cranberry White Hot Chocolate Recipe

2011-12-16T13:48:00.000-06:00

Cranberries and white chocolate are extremely common flavors to combine and hot chocolate is a winter favorite. So I put these cold weather flavors together and created a lovely winter treat for you...Cranberry White Hot Chocolate.

Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1 cup of fresh cranberries
3 cups of milk
3/4 cup of chopped white chocolate
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/4 cup of cranberry jelly (the canned kind)

Boil your water and add your cranberries. Let your cranberries boil for 10-15 minutes or until they pop. Strain your cranberry juice in a strainer with a cheesecloth to remove bits and the skins of the berries.

Take 1/5 cup of cranberry juice and 1/4 cup of cranberry jelly and whisk in a bowl together to create cranberry like syrup. You can add one teaspoon of sugar and heat in a pan if you want to make it smoother. I put my mixture in a small ziploc bag to pipe with for the hot chocolate topping. This part is optional but I think it really added some extra cranberry flavor.

In a fresh clean pot add your milk and 3/4 cup of cranberry juice and bring to a boil. Only let it boil for 1 minute, no longer than that. While your milk is coming to a boil add your chopped white chocolate and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to a blender. Once your milk has boiled add your hot milk right to the blender and blend until smooth. This will melt and blend your hot chocolate at the same time. Pour into your mugs and top with whipped cream and your cranberry topping.

I thought the cranberry flavor was very subtle so the topping was a nice touch. If you love cranberries then you'll love this combination. I also think this white chocolate recipes would be great with the raspberry flavor I added to my Hot Chocolate - 3 Ways post a couple of weeks ago. Hope you enjoy!

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Three Ways to Use a Hand-Carved Stamp

2011-12-15T13:15:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I did a post about stamp carving. I was making a large stamp to create a scalloped print for Penelope's birthday party invitations. I ended up really loving stamp carving and I wanted to do one more quick little stamp for the holidays. You guys have probably seen this plate here or there on different blog posts lately but I'm obsessed with the atomic snowflake print on the plate (found at an antique store). I did some doodling for different atomic starbursts and ended up still really wanting to do the atomic snowflake. I posted a ton of tips on this post for stamp carving but for this specific stamp I just drew (with a pen) my snowflake onto the block and carve out around it. Easy enough, I didn't want to bore you with all the photos of me carving because I figure you get this picture right?

So here is the stamp that I carved (above) and below are three fun things you can do with your own carved stamp.

Create your own Christmas cards by using blank stationary sets found at your local craft store.

Using your stamp to make gift tags on presents.

Stamping on plain wrapping paper or kraft paper to wrap gifts. You can stamp before or after you wrap your gifts.

I love that I made this stamp because I want to use it on everything. I have a feeling that a whole lot of my gifts will be stamped with my pretty atomic snowflake all over the place. ha.

Apparently I'm also addicted to gingham right now.

I'm not really sorry about it either.

Happy Stamping!!

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Painted Ornaments

2011-12-14T16:22:00.002-06:00

Around Christmastime for the past few years I have been trying to find vintage ornaments that flow with our decor. It always happens that I end up getting way to busy to really do a good search for what I want. I thought this year I would take a few elements from some vintage ornaments I already own and paint those details on some regular store bought glass ornaments. I picked up a couple of different package of ornaments used acrylic paint and glitter to paint stripes, tear drops, atomic figures and starbursts and whatever else I wanted. I love that they have a slightly vintage feel but are obviously modern. They flow nicely with the rest of our ornaments and I can't wait to make more.

You can see a pretty pink vintage ornament in the back there that has the tear drops that I love so much. That is where I got a lot of my inspiration for my ornament paintings. I think this project is even great for those who have little children, toddlers and babies who only use plastic baubles on their tree. You can easily paint on the plastic ones to give them a vintage feel. It's very easy and quick I promise!

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - DIY Kissing Ball by A Bit of Sunshine

2011-12-14T13:57:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone! My name is Rebekah and I blog over at A Bit of Sunshine. I am honored to be here today to share in Erin's Making Christmas series!!

We always have our mistletoe up during the holiday season it's one of my favorite traditions so I thought it was high time to create something a bit more special. Something that I could pull out year after year and enjoy. Today I am sharing a simple tutorial for a kissing ball or mistletoe ball that's easy, festive and fun!

I chose bright felt wool balls to create my kissing ball. There are tons of tutorials online on how to create your own felt balls but I ended up buying mine HERE. Either way your going to need close to 100 2cm size balls to create this size.

Supplies:

- 100 or so felt balls (mine are the 2cm size)

- 4" styrofoam ball form

- fabritac glue or glue of choice

- two eye hooks

- ribbon or bow and coordinating ribbon for the loop at the top

The first thing you need to do is to put a dab of glue on your eye hook and twist it into the top of the styrofoam ball. Do the same with the second one at the bottom of the ball.

Then just start gluing the felt balls all over the styrofoam as snugly as possible. It will take a little time but just keep gluing.

When the entire thing is covered let your kissing ball dry completely. Then glue on your bow and add the coordinating ribbon at the top. The eye hook at the bottom will be almost completely hidden but it's there so that you can hang a piece of real mistletoe from the bottom. This part is completely optional but makes it a little more versatile.

All that's left to do now is hang it up and grab your sweetie for a little kiss under the kissing ball (wink)!

I had tons of fun creating this project a huge thanks to Erin for inviting me to be here today! Come visit me over at A Bit of Sunshine you guys I love making new friends!

Hope your holidays are full of lots of joy and love!

xo Rebekah

Making Christmas - Ribbon Candy Ornaments

2011-12-13T17:41:00.000-06:00

I shared a really fun and easy ribbon candy tutorial over on Mollie's blog Wild Olive. She is hosting an Ornament Rnamentation series on her blog. Click here to see the full tutorial.

Love,
Erin

SAC Christmas Shopping - And Happenings

2011-12-13T12:22:00.000-06:00

It's time! That last time crunch before the holidays, the final moments for online Christmas shopping. In the Sunshine and Carousel's shop we are leaving the shop open for Christmas orders until December 16th (this Friday). So if you have had your eye on something and you think it will be the perfect gift for your best friend, your sister, your cousin...etc, now is the time to order.

Speaking of the Sunshine and Carousel's shop...a lot of really exciting things have been happening. Recently I showed you a tour of the newly made-over studio. Well it's been put to good use. We have had so many exciting opportunities come up in the last month that have been keeping us so busy. Here are a few fun things:

We sent out our first order to a store in Paris!! That was pretty exciting.

SAC was featured in the Prairie Hive online magazine's gift guide. Looking so pretty in the bottom left-hand corner there. You can check out all of their pretty online magazine here.

Another adorable store that you can find some SAC accessories at is the Double Dutch Boutique (brick and mortar store) in Baltimore Maryland. They also have an adorable online shop that I was browsing through, lots of great Christmas gift ideas and they are all independently made and designed. Love that.

Here's another fun thing for local friends. This coming Saturday we are setting up at the Alliday craft show here in Tulsa. Sarah will be running the booth so if you want to come meet her and do a little in-person shopping come to the show.

Lastly, I have some super duper exciting news (that has to do with the shop) but I can't tell you yet because I want to wait a few more days to see if things have finalized. It's pretty fun though and if it all works out it'll be exciting to see. I promise I'll tell you by the weekend so you can all tune in to see it. (wink)

Don't forget to do your SAC shopping soon ...all orders after December 16th are not guaranteed Christmas Eve arrival. Happy Christmas shopping!

Love,
Erin

Raspberry Cream Cheese French Macarons

2011-12-12T19:36:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I took part in a cookie exchange competition. Not sure what I was thinking signing up to make 12 dozen cookies during the busiest season of the year. I have not died of exhaustion yet and I did make 12 dozen cookies for the competition. It was really fun and challenging. I ended up choosing to make Raspberry Cream Cheese French Macarons. I got second place for best taste in the competition. Yay! So I thought I would share the recipe with you.

Raspberry Cream Cheese French Macarons

1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of almond flour (or one cup of finely ground blanched almonds with one teaspoon of flour)
3 large egg whites
pinch of salt
pinch of cream of tarter
1/4 cup of fine sugar

1/4 teaspoon of raspberry extract

1/3 cup of raspberry jam

1/3 cup of cream cheese frosting (recipe at bottom)

Beat your eggs and salt (best at room temperature) until frothy, add cream of tarter and salt and beat until white with soft peaks...slowly mix in fine sugar and beat until you have stiff peaks. My mixer (kitchenaid mixer) I beat on high for 2-4 minutes checking the peaks often. Don't over beat because your meringue will not take.

In a seperate bowl sift your almond flour and powdered sugar together. Add this mixture into your meringue and fold in with a spatula. The mixture will be grainy and paste-like, do your best not to over fold or stir your mixture. Add raspberry extract and fold as well (I also added 3 drops of red food coloring and 2 drops of blue to create a purple pink like raspberry color). Place all of your mixture into a large piping back or gallon size ziploc bag and cut one small corner. Pipe out 1 1/4 inch rounds onto a baking pan covered in parchment paper. Let this sit for 20-25 minutes or until your rounds have a matte-like film over top and heat your oven to 375 degrees.

Once your macarons have set place them in the oven and turn your oven to 325 degrees. Bake for 10 minutes rotating your pan halfway through. For each additional pan be sure to turn your oven back up to 375 degrees. Sometimes I bake mine for 9 minutes if I notice the bottoms turning slightly golden. They should be all one even color and form 'legs or raise up' when baked.

Let your macaron disks cool slightly then remove from parchment paper and place on cooling racks. Choose two like sized macaroon and add a drop of cream cheese to one side and raspberry jam to the other. Now sandwich your two halves together.

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 package of cream cheese
two tablespoons of butter
2-3 cups of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Cream your cream cheese and butter until smooth, slowly add in your powdered sugar (I used 1/2 cup part additions) after about 1 cup addition I added in my vanilla. Add the rest of your powdered sugar until you reach desired consistency. This recipe can be easily doubled if you wish.

I packaged them up with cute mini-boxes and pretty sparkly snowflakes. I wish I had time to make several dozen more and send them your way. Hopefully you'll give them a try because they are so yummy.

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Whimsical Terrarium Ornament by Vanilla and Lace

2011-12-12T16:14:00.000-06:00

Hello! I'm abi and I run a blog called Vanilla & Lace. I love Christmas (who doesn't??) so I'm extra excited Erin asked me to contribute to this making christmas series. I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season! And that you can find the time to make this whimsical ornament!

You'll need:
- A clear glass ornament (found at most craft stores)
- Moss
- Small bottle brush tree or plastic deer

Method:
I could only find green bottle brush trees so I bleached mine. So easy! Fill a small glass jar with bleach, drop in your trees and let sit for about an hour or until completely white. Place trees on a towel to dry.

When dry, gently stuff the moss through the ornament opening. Use tweezers to move the moss where you want it. Now push your tree through the opening, Be careful though! Some of those glass ornaments are pretty thin and this part can crack them, Again, use the tweezers to place the tree/deer where desired. And there you have it! It's definitely not rocket science but the result is gorgeous! (P.s. it'd make a great gift too!)

Thanks Erin for inviting me to be a part of making christmas!

Making Christmas - Salted Caramel Sauce Jar Gifts

2011-12-09T15:19:00.000-06:00

Here's a sweet treat to give those constant bakers, sweet treat lovers and all others. Salted Caramel Sauce in a sweet little glass jar. Here's the recipe for Salted Caramel Sauce:

2 cups of sugar
3-4 tablespoons of water
4 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon plus one pinch of sea salt
1 1/2 cups of heavy cream

Place your sugar and water a medium size pot and heat while stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved heat on medium and don't touch or stir it. Your sugar mixture will start to boil and turn a deep amber color (about 6-7 minutes maybe longer depending on your heat). Once it has turned a rich deep amber color mix in your butter until melted. Immediately after your butter has melted remove from heat and whisk in your heavy cream. Now stir in your salt and you are done. Serve immediately or place in small kerr canning jars and top off with some cute fabric and ribbon. You can even tie a little tag around the top with the recipe.

This is a perfect treat to stick in a little gift basket. Can't wait to give mine jars away. You can use salted caramel sauce to bake with, for your coffee or hot chocolate, ice cream toppings, milk shake making and so much more.

Love,
Erin

Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites Recipe

2011-12-08T21:32:00.000-06:00

I shared a quick and easy (college girl) friendly recipe on Merideth's blog One Sheepish Girl while she's taking her college finals. Perfect for these chilly winter days and oh so easy to make. Check it my Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites recipe here.

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Embroidered Gift Tags with Craftyminx

2011-12-08T12:21:00.000-06:00

Hello! I'm Dana Beach from craftyminx, where I blog about my many crafting adventures and life with my husband, Sheldon and our two dogs, Dewey and Dash. We love making Christmas in our household and one of the ways I like to share the handmade element is with our Christmas wrapping. I use brown kraft paper for our gifts all year round. It doesn’t take up as much space as numerous tubes of wrapping paper and a big roll will last years and only costs about thirty dollars. Last year, I dressed up simple packages with yarn and handmade yarn flowers and I purchased tags from Gingiber.

While perusing my fabric stash I came across some pink and green vintage velvet that I bought at an estate sale a few years ago and decided it would make really cute tags for our presents this year.

Here are the supplies I used:

Vintage Velvet (Felt would work great as well)
A coordinating fabric for the back.
Embroidery floss in a couple of coordinating colors
A sharp embroidery needle
An Embroidery Hoop
Scissors and pinking shears if you have them
A pencil
A piece of cardstock cut into the size tag you want – This will be your template

Step 1:

Trace the tag template onto your Velvet with a pencil. Then, write the name of the recipient in the middle. Remember to make it large enough to stitch.

Step 2:

Place your embroidery hoop on the velvet fabric and stitch the name only. I used three strands of embroidery floss and the backstitch. If you’re new to embroidery you can find a great tutorial for this stitch at Early Bird Special.

Step 3:

Add your coordinating fabric to the back of the piece and re-attach the hoop.

Step 4:

Embroider around the tag going through both fabrics. This will sandwich them together and hide the back of your work with the name. I used the back stitch again. But I think a running stitch or even a bunch of French knots would be really cute as well. You could also do this step on your sewing machine.

Step 5:

I cut around my tags with pinking shears for a decorative border and added some floss to tie on the tag with.

I wrapped my gift with kraft paper and yarn. I use yarn a lot with gifts because it is one craft supply I always have an abundance of. I crocheted a cute little bow hair-clip for this gift since it is going to my niece and clipped the hair bow and the tag onto the gift. Wrapping presents this way is my way of showing I went that extra step to make a gift extra special.

Thanks for having me Erin! I’m excited to see all of the other ways people “make Christmas.”

Making Christmas - Handmade Shopping Guide (for Him for Her)

2011-12-08T01:41:00.001-06:00

I think it goes without saying that I'm a huge supporter of handmade business'. Being an small business owner myself I know the importance of supporting other handmade artist, especially during the holidays. Not only that but I think it's so fun to tell the gift reciever 'hey this was handmade by someone really cool.' Here are some pretty neat handmade gift ideas for Him and Her.

For Him:

I love these cufflinks...so simple and beautiful.

Stunning gingham tie for those dapper men in your life.

I think any man would be lucky to own a pair of Tumbleweed's Wooden Sunglasses. Yes please!

For Her:

I'm so selfishly posting about this gorgeous locket because I want it sooo bad. (hint hint Mr. Wilson) So lovely.

Tea towels or the ladies who love to cook. Perfect.

For the women who carry everything they can in their bag. Or for those who just want a gorgeous one.

Handmade is best. It really really is.

Happy Handmade Holiday Shopping!!

Love,
Erin

Mermaid Party

2011-12-07T12:57:00.000-06:00

I look forward to throwing Penelope's birthday party all year long. I have it set in my mind that I will try to make her each and every birthday as special as I possibly can. Josh and I aren't sure if we'll be able to have more children so I try to cherish each birthday (and every moment of course) and celebrate as grand as we can, within reason. This year was the first year she actually picked out her own theme. She is obsessed with The Little Mermaid, because ' Ariel has red hair like me' she says. So she told me she wanted a mermaid party with a *real sea.* I knew the task ahead of me but still couldn't let my artistic eye let me break down and head to party city and fill my basket with trite Disney party decor. I just had to make a non-cheesy mermaid party that wouldn't make me cringe but would still be approved by the ultimate decider, Penelope.

I decided to take the pretty route with her party but still have those enchanting touches and a couple of quirky (very *me*) details. The biggest thing was that she kept asking us for a *real sea.* We obviously knew sand, water and real fish would be out of the question. We may be willing to do a lot for her but not crazy things like bringing in sand into the house. ha. We decided to create a 'sea like' experience by hanging tons of green and blue crepe paper streamers like waves from our living room ceiling and then hang dangling gold glitter fish and starfish in between the waves. This way it felt like you were actually *in the sea.* We made a huge tissue paper mermaid scale wall behind the dessert table and filled the house with pearl white balloons (or bubbles if you will).

Her dress is from this cute etsy shop. I'm completely in love with it and so is Penelope.

I guess it was every mermaid-loving-girl's dream because she was so happy.

I wish I could throw parties every weekend. That would be the life.

"Under the sea,
Under the sea,
Darlin' it's better,
Down where it's wetter,
Take it from me..."
(Sebastian from The Little Mermaid)

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Snowflake Garland with One Sheepish Girl

2011-12-07T09:39:00.001-06:00

Hello Sunshine and Carousels readers!! My name is Meredith and I blog over at One Sheepish Girl. I was so excited when Erin asked me to join in her Making Christmas series. I hope you enjoy making this crochet snowflake garland to decorate your home and gifts this season.

Materials:

For the snowflakes:

White worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Yarn - Vanna’s Choice)

Size H/8 (5.00 mm) crochet hook

Tapestry needle

For the braided garland:

Any three colors of worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Yarn - Vanna’s Choice)

Size H/8 hook

Tapestry needle

Snowflake Pattern:

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

dc – double crochet

sl st - slip stitch

sp(s) – space(s)

cl (cluster) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

beginning cl (beginning cluster) – Ch 2, dc in indicated stitch or space.

With the white yarn, ch 6 and join with a sl st to form a ring.

Round 1: Work beginning cl in ring, ch 2, [cl in ring, ch2] 5 times; join with sl st in top of beginning cl – 6 cl and 6 ch-2 sps.

Round 2: (Sl st, beginning cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, *(cl, ch2, cl) in next ch-2 sp, ch 2; repeat from * around; join with sl st in top of beginning cl – 12 cl and 12 ch-2 sps.

Round 3: (Sl st, beginning cl, ch 3, cl) in next ch-2 sp, *ch 3, sl st in next ch-2 sp, ch3**, (cl, ch 3, cl) in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **; join with sl st in top of beginning cl – 12 cl, 6 sc, and 18 ch-3 sp.

Fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to attach the snowflake to the braided garland.

Repeat this motif as many times as you want for your garland

Braided Garland:

Take one of the three colors you will use and ch as many stitches as you want for the desired length. Fasten off.

Repeat for the next color, but instead of binding off right away, sl st your last stitch into the last stitch on the previous string. Fasten off.

Repeat for the last color. Sl st through the last stitch on the previous two strings. Bind off.

Braid the colors together and tie off securely at the end.

Place the snowflakes an equal distance apart on the garland. Use the loose ends on your snowflakes to attach them to the braid. Fasten any loose ends and the garland is ready to hang!

You can also attach the snowflakes to your gifts to make them extra special!

I hope you enjoy decorating your home with this snowy garland. I bet it is the warmest snow you will see all season. ;-)

Thanks again for having me Erin. Merry Christmas!

**Thanks so much Meredith! I absolutely love this project, especially because it's something you can leave hanging up all through winter. Thanks again! Be sure to check out Meredith at One Sheepish Girl or take a peek at her adorable etsy shop. Love, Erin

Penelope Lane in all her 4-year-old Glory

2011-12-06T23:51:00.001-06:00

I don't have enough words to tell you how full this little girl fills my heart. She makes my world go round and round. Today we celebrated her fourth birthday. We got birthday donuts (our tradition instead of cake), blew bubbles in the house (gasp), had Mcdonalds for lunch (her fav..my least fav) and saw The Muppets movie (which I believe is a toddler dream day). I loved on her as much as I could because I know the days where she depends on me so much will soon be gone. I can't even begin to explain how much I adore her.

Here's a fun little peek into our upcoming Christmas card. This photo just melts my heart.

Such a happy happy day today.

Love,
Erin

Sugar and Spice - Online Recipe Book

2011-12-06T16:54:00.001-06:00

Finally! A day late, but it's here. Sugar and Spice a Holiday and Winter online recipe book. Here's how it works...

I have created an online recipe book filled with all sorts of holiday and cold weather recipes, quick treat tricks, mocktail recipes and even fun and crafty packaging tips for gift giving. The online book will include weekly updated recipes from now until December 31st. When you sign up for the online recipe book you will be emailed the information within 24 hours, this will include your first set of recipes, crafty tips, baking tips and one hot drink recipe. Every week following I will be adding several recipes until the end of this month. So it's like a fun surprise each week to see what I'll be adding. I'm sharing family recipes and baking secrets just for you.

If you're anything like me then I know you have parties to attend, parties to throw and gifts to give. I wanted to create a guide and collection of recipes to get you through the holidays and even some fun winter recipes to keep you warm. I personally attend holiday parties almost every weekend in December as well as gift out baked gifts to family friends and relatives. Sometimes I don't always know what to get my great uncle for Christmas or know what my daughter's teacher would like but I do know that sending out a box full of sweet treats works perfectly for everyone. In this online recipe book I will share some quick and easy treats for gift giving as well as the perfect dessert to bring to your holiday party. I hope you all love it!

Here are a few ideas of what you'll find:

Chocolate Toffee Cupcakes
Cranberry White Hot Chocolate
Coconut Mallow French Macarons
Gingerbread Toffee Cookies
The best ever...Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies (seriously)
Almond White Chocolate French Macarons
Family Recipe for Pistachio Cake (it's our must have cake for Christmas)
Mint Chocolate Cake Pops

and sooo many more.

THIS IS NOW CLOSED FOR PURCHASE!!

Once you purchase your online recipe book you will be emailed instructions and the book information within 24 hours. Each week I will update the online recipe guide and will be available for any of your baking needs and questions. Happy baking!!

Making Christmas - DIY Gingerbread Men Ornaments

2011-12-05T13:23:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things to collect at Christmas are gingerbread houses. I have all sorts all over our home, big ones that light up, gingerbread house music boxes, salt and pepper shakers...you name it. It's cool, I fully embrace my inner child at all times. I like it that way. So with my mixture of pretty vintage decor I have a ton of reindeer and gingerbread houses. I love it. Today I'm going to share a really easy and pretty stinkin' fun gingerbread men ornament tutorial with polymer clay.

Here's what you need:

Polymer Clay (oven bake clay found in your local craft store)
Gingerbread men cookie cutter (I used a pretty small one)
E-6000
Floral Wire
Clay tools (you can use household items too)

1. Roll your clay into a ball, you'll need to fold it and stretch it until it's soft and pliable first.
2. Flatten your ball and roll it completely flat and even with a rolling pin or small clay tool roller.
3. Cut out your gingerbread men shape with your cookie cutter.

4. Take small bits of white clay and roll it out on your plate till its thin like a piece of yarn.

5. Cut small strips of your clay piece and place it on the feet of your gingerbread men, can be used on the arms and neck too. Do the same for the eyes and mouth using tiny pieces of clay.

6. Decorate as you please. I made bow ties cut out from clay, aprons and the most cute thing were the little buttons I made by rolling out tiny little balls of clay, flattening them with my finger and poking tiny holes with toothpicks.

7. Cut a 3-4 inch piece of floral wire and poke both ends into the top of your gingerbread men's head then remove the wire.
8. Bake all of your clay men at 260 degrees for 20-25 minutes or as your clay packages direct.
9. Once baked let them cool and use your E-6000 to glue your floral wire back into the holes you made at the tops of the gingerbread men ornaments. Let it dry as directed before hanging.

I think it would quite adorable to bake some gingerbread men cookies, package them up cute and top them off with a sweet ornament to give to your neighbors as a gift. I would be pretty stoked if that happened to me.

Just saying.

Hope you love this as much as I do. I love making playful type handmade goods at Christmastime.

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Ornamented Felt Ornaments with Wild Olive

2011-12-04T20:47:00.000-06:00

For the Making Christmas Blog Series this holiday season I have asked my favorite bloggers and blogging friends to contribute fun tutorials and projects for Christmas. Up first is Mollie Johanson from Wild Olive, she has designed something really sweet just for you today. Mollie also has a cute etsy shop full printable embroidery patterns that would be great to use for Christmas gift making too. Mollie's holiday tutorial follows below... (love, Erin)

Hello, friends of Sunshine and Carousels! I'm so happy to be Making Christmas with all of you! On my blog, Wild Olive, I'm sharing three weeks of Christmas Ornamentation, and so I made a special set ornaments just for you! Well, actually, you'll have to make them, but you get the idea. I've been making this style of embroidered ornament for years, but have never shared the how-to. I love these so much because they are easy to make just about any kind of design!

Here's what you need:

Wool or wool blend felt

Embroidery floss

Tracing paper

Needle

Scissors

Craft glue

Embroidery pattern (use these freshly drawn up designs, or choose your own!)

Trace your pattern onto the tracing paper, then stitch through the paper and felt at the same time. When you've finished stitching, use the guide around the pattern to cut the outer shape. It's best to cut an extra layer at the same time to ensure they are both the same size/shape.

Carefully tear away the tracing paper, making sure that you don't tug at the stitches.

Apply craft glue to the back of the embroidery. Spreading it across the whole backside will help keep the ornament flat when it's dry. Just don't get too close to the edge. Place the second piece of felt over the glue and smooth it out to keep it flat.

Thread a length of embroidery floss through the top, and tie a knot. This makes a simple hanger.

Make one ornament, or make a bunch!

A Teeny Update and a Giveaway Winner

2011-12-04T17:31:00.000-06:00

Penelope Lane turns 4-years-old this coming Tuesday and so this past weekend we celebrated by throwing her a mermaid birthday party (as per her request). We had a blast and she was completely filled with sugar and spoiled to the bone. I can't wait to share some photos from the party later on this week.

I wanted tell you guys that the Sugar and Spice online-recipe book for the holidays and winter-time is coming up tomorrow. I look forward to sharing it with you. This will be a plethera of recipes, mocktail recipes, quick and easy baked gifts and a handful of crafty tips and tricks for packaging if you want to give some away as hostess/host gifts, neighbors and such. I specifically created recipes that would be perfect for cold weather and sparkly holidays. The final details will be shared here on the blog tomorrow.

One more thing! The winner of the November Sponsor Giveaway was Marin D who said her favorite thing about the holiday's is...

Me too Marin! Congrats and email me at sunshineandcarousels (at) hotmail (dot) com to claim your giveaway winnings.

I hope you had a pleasant weekend and I'll be back later with a making Christmas project for you and many more in the upcoming weeks.

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Atomic Starburst Ornament Tutorial

2011-12-02T14:16:00.001-06:00

This tutorial is one of my favorite tutorials this season. I feel like I'm doing summer camp crafts but they turn out looking so elegant at the same time. I have told you guys in the past that I love mixing graphic prints/items with florals and pretty things. It's kinds of my 'thing' around the house and even in my personal wardrobe. Our Christmas decor is no different. I like mixing some mid-century modern graphic accents in with my girly vintage decor (thanks to my husband for letting me do as I please in this area). I picked up a vintage atomic snowflake bowl and plate from one of my favorite antique stores awhile back and I've been so inspired by this plate set ever since. I wanted to create some ornaments that have a little of that brassy-golden vibe from the plates and this is what I came up with.

Atomic Starburst Ornaments -

You'll need

Gold spray paint
Golden Polymer Clay
Tooth Picks
Floral Wire
Small Circle Mirrors
E-6000 adhesive

1. Take a portion of your polymer clay and form a ball. You'll need to squeeze and stretch and warm your clay to soften it.
2. Flatten your ball so that it resembles more of a cylinder shape, you can roll the sides back and forth to make them stand up straighter. I used my mirror as a pattern to keep it's roundness making sure that the cylinder is just slightly wider than the mirror.
3. Stick your tooth picks in the sides of the clay very gently, you don't want the clay to loose it's shape. I just three rows of toothpicks and arranged them so that I could fit several toothpicks all around the cylendar.
4. Take a 4-5 inch long piece of your floral wire and stick both ends into a gap between your tooth picks (see photo for example). This is what you'll use to hang the ornament onto the tree.
5. Remove all of your toothpicks and floral wire from your base piece. If you want to re-shape or smooth out your sides do this while the toothpicks are still inside the clay because you don't want your base to lose it's shape. You'll need to stick your toothpicks back in later. Now bake your clay at around 260 degrees for 25-30 minutes (see your polymer clay package for directions).
6. Once your clay has baked and cooled use E-6000 adhesive to glue the ends of your toothpicks back into their holes. Do this with your floral wire as well.
7. Once the glue has dried spray paint the entire ornament gold and let it dry completely.
8. Lastly, use a dab of E-6000 to glue your mirrors to your base centers.

All done!

Now hang it up next to your red velvet flocked reindeer and don't give a care. Pshh.

In all seriousness though, I think these are so pretty and I kind of want to hang them all over my house...all year long.

Happy toothpick crafting y'all.

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Advent Calendar Garland

2011-12-01T17:49:00.000-06:00

Advent Calanders were one of my favorite things at Christmastime. I used to have a little one when I was a kid that had a little teddy bear that would move from pocket to pocket as the days went by. We have one quilted-like advent calander that my grandma made for Penelope. It has teeny tiny little pockets that are just big enough for a quarter or a hershey kiss. I wanted to make another advent calander that was bigger and had large pockets so that I could fit little crafty supplies and tiny projects in there for Penelope for the count down for Christmas. I decided to make a calander garland style so I could easily hang it or drape it anywhere in our house. I was recently gifted with a box full or ornaments from my grandma (see photo above). She made all of these felt ornaments back in the 70's and I remember then quite well from my childhood. They were one of my favorite things. She also made me a stocking that coordinates with these ornaments (as far as felted covered in sequins) that is one of my favorite things ever and I can't wait till my mom passes it down to me. I wanted to make some pretty Christmas decor that reminded me of these pretty ornaments but still had a slightly simple touch. So this is why I chose the styling and textiles that I did.

If you want to make something similar to my advent calander here is what I used:

Gold trim, small gold ribbon, sequins, embroidery thread, felt, scissors, needles

Cut your felt (which I used quality felt from the bolt not the little squares at the craft store) into 4 1/2 by 3 inch rectangles so that all your shapes are close to the same size. Then cut your favorite winter or holiday shapes into your felt. I chose mittens, stockings and hats because I thought they had 'great pocket appeal.' Which I just made that up. ha. Then take one side and free hand embroider like I did or draw out some of your favorite holiday shapes and embroider over top. I used sequins to spell out the numbers and to add a few details but you can use beads, buttons ...anything you can sew on there. When I was done embroidering I put the two pieces back together and sewed around the edges. Once your pieces are all done stitch some ribbon to the sides and loop it through your trim. This is the kind of project you can pop in a good movie or two and craft for hours.

I filled up our calendar with some craft supplies for Penelope to work with each day. Can't wait to see what she makes.

Happy Holidays!! Let's make something.

Love,
Erin

Making Christmas - Hot Chocolate 3 Ways

2011-11-30T17:25:00.000-06:00

I've been saving my monthly '3-Ways' feature till the very very end of November here. Just because I wanted to share something extra-fun and Christmas-like for you. I recently announced the 'Making Christmas' blog series that will be going on from now until Christmas here on the SAC blog. It's all about things you can make...for Christmas. Not to difficult to wrap your head around or anything. Up first I have three different ways you can make your hot chocolate a little fancy.

The basic hot chocolate recipe is this:

3 cups of milk
3/4 cup of chopped chocolate (think candy bar, fine chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips) whichever you may think is best, the better the chocolate ...the better the drink
3/4 teaspoon of vanilla

Heat up your milk to a boil. While your milk is heating place your chocolate and vanilla in a blender. As soon as your milk starts to boil pour it into your blender and mix until your chocolate is melted and your hot chocolate is nice and frothy. Top off with some home-made whipped cream.

Whipped Cream

1 cup of heavy cream
3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Whisk your heavy cream until it is thick and has stiff peaks. Add your vanilla and sugar and blend well. Be sure not to over whisk because your whipped cream will turn butter like. Refrigerate after use.

For Mint Hot Chocolate -

Replace half of the basic hot chocolate recipe (up above) with half of these Andes Mint Chips, top with whipped cream and sprinkle a few for garnish.

Raspberry Hot Chocolate

Replace your vanilla from the basic hot chocolate recipe (up above) with raspberry extract. Top with fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of raspberry syrup.

I made raspberry syrup by heating 2 tablespoons of raspberry (seedless) jam and 1/2 a teaspoon of water until it is smooth and thin.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Simply add 1/2 -3/4 a teaspoon of cinnamon to your basic hot chocolate recipe and sprinkle a little for garnish if you would like. Just depends on how cinnamon-y you like your hot chocolate.

There you have it folks, fancy hot chocolate. It's all home-made too. You can brag to your Christmas party guests about how awesome you are for making it from scratch. I mean, I do that sometimes.

Let the Christmas festivities begin.

Love,
Erin