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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Fast and Foolproof Holiday Fudge!

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is fudge. I love fudge. LOVE IT. But let's be honest--who has time (and a fancy candy thermometer) to stand around the kitchen making fudge all day, hoping it will set after all that hard work?

I don't. Just ask my daughter. She's already mad at me for not spending enough time with a crayon in my hand.

So here's a very quick and easy holiday fudge you can whip up and pass out to friends and neighbors! You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry/cupboard.



Foolproof Holiday Fudge
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
Dash of salt
3/4 cup crushed up candy canes (more or less--it's up to you)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine chocolate chips, salt and condensed milk and microwave on HIGH for 2 1/2 minutes, or until the chips are melted. Check on the mixture and stir after about a minute and a half.

Add the vanilla extract and crushed candy canes (save a little to sprinkle on top) and dump the fudgy goodness into a wax paper-lined 9x9 pan. Spread evenly, sprinkle the remaining candy cane bits on top and pop in the fridge for about 2 hours. Once it has set, cut it into cute little fudge squares, arrange it on a holiday plate or platter and pretend it required more effort!

You can mix up the ingredients a bit by adding nuts, toffee bits, etc. instead of candy canes. You can also change it up with milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips, mint chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips. Have fun and be creative!

Enjoy all those Christmas treats, friends; and feel free to share your favorite holiday recipes with us!

Snacking Merrily,

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Announcing: Our 12 Days Giveaway Winners!!!

Woohoo! Our first ever 12 Days Giveaway is officially over and it's time to announce the winners! Are you one of the lucky 12? Check below to find out!

Day 1: Set of 2 Holiday Hair Clips
Winner: Ms. Muffin!

Day 2: Birds of a Feather Ornaments
Winner: Life at the Laneys!

Day 3: PEACE, JOY, FAITH Banners
Winner: Jaime Packham Boyce!

Day 4: TicTac Snowman Favors
Winner: Jen H!

Day 5: Ribbon Bracelets
Winner: Amy ("I like SP on FB")!

Day 6: JOY TO THE WORLD Banner
Winner: Shannon!

Day 7: Teeny Tiny Felt Cookies
Winner: Lee!

Day 8: MERRY Banner
Winner: The Peterson Life!

Day 9: Baby Cap and Clips
Winner: Mallory!

Day 10: "Elf Notes" Mini Cards
Winner: Eileen Giuliacci!

Day 11: Fabulous Crocheted Scarf
Winner: M.M.M.!

Day 12: SEASON'S GREETINGS Canvas
Winner: Whitaker Family!

Congrats, winners, and thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! The Sassy Pepper loves you all! We'll be posting this on FB too for all you FB entries. If you didn't win, don't worry--we'll have regular giveaways in the future. 2011 is going to be one fun, crafty year!

If you are one of our lucky winners, please email us by Friday, Dec. 17th at thesassypepper@gmail.com with your address so we can ship your loot ASAP!

Merry Christmas, Sassy Pepper lovers!


Monday, December 13, 2010

On the 12th Day of Christmas...


FYI:
YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT DECEMBER 13th TO ENTER ONE, TWO, OR EVEN ALL OF OUR GIVEAWAYS if you've just found us! The winners will be announced December 14th. (That's tomorrow!)

On the 12th day of Christmas, the Sassy Pepper gave to me a fabulously festive SEASON'S GREETINGS canvas wall hanging!


This giveaway is for a 12x12 canvas, hung on a red ribbon. So chic and festive! The canvas says "season's greetings" on top of a sparkling white snowflake. The canvas has been finished off with a layer of Mod Podge to protect it and keep it pretty for years to come!



Enter to win this wall hanging by completing one of the following options:

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that day's giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted tomorrow, December 14th,
so tell your friends and get those entries in pronto!

Anxiously waiting to announce our winners!


Sunday, December 12, 2010

On the 11th Day of Christmas...

In case some of you are confused...
YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT DECEMBER 13th TO ENTER ONE, TWO, OR EVEN ALL OF OUR GIVEAWAYS! The winners will be announced the 14th.

Having said that,
On the 11th day of Christmas Pepper donated a scarf that she bought at a Christmas boutique just yesterday! Don't you love supporting fellow crafters? I will also have you know that the proceeds of this scarf have gone to help a Mother and Child shelter. I have always wanted to learn to knit or crochet, but this is even better.

Made with lovely homespun yarn in black with brown and cream specks.
You will be cozy warm and stylish!



Cheers,



To enter to win this scarf, please do one (or more) of the following:

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that day's giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted on December 14th,
Please come back for more and be sure to tell your friends!


Saturday, December 11, 2010

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

Day 10 already?! That means there are only 3 days left to enter our 12 Days Giveaway before we announce all our winners and ship out the goodies, so hurry and get your entries in!


Today's giveaway was donated by a very loyal Sassy Pepper reader, Christy. Thanks Christy! And just in time for Christmas, too. Take a look at these great handstamped and hand-pieced "Elf Notes" made by Bunco Betty!




Write your Christmas wishes on these babies and tuck them in with gifts and treats. So festive and just the right size! 


This giveaway is for a set of 6 mini gift cards and envelopes. To enter to win the set, please do one of the following:



1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that day's giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted on December 14th,
so please come back for more and be sure to tell your friends.

Happy winning!


Friday, December 10, 2010

On the 9th Day of Christmas...

For Day number 9 in our 12 days Giveaway, I have crafted up a teeny tiny newborn hat with clip accessories! If you win this giveaway you will receive one super soft newborn beanie and 2 clips to accessorize it with!

Extra plus: When your baby's noggin reaches capacity for the hat, you can still use the clips! (You can even use the clips yourself on sweaters, scarves, or your own fabulous hair).


Simply slide the clip wight into the weave on the hat!

Change the look in 2 seconds...


If you don't have a tiny baby, or an expectant bump, you can still enter!
This makes a more than perfect gift.

Don't forget the rules:

You can enter to win this hat and 2 clips by doing one or more of the following:

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that day's giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted on December 14th,
so please come back for more and be sure to tell your friends.

Cheers,




Thursday, December 9, 2010

On the 8th Day of Christmas...

Yesterday's giveaway marked our 100th post on The Sassy Pepper! Just thought I'd point that out; it's kind of a big deal. We basically rock. WOOHOO!

That said, today you can celebrate with us by entering to win a MERRY banner to spruce up your holiday home decor! This festive banner was handmade with premium cardstock and hangs on 4' of happy, shimmering tinsel.



You can enter to win this banner by doing one or more of the following:

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that day's giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted on December 14th, so come back for more and be sure to tell your friends.

Happy Holidays and good luck!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

On the 7th Day of Christmas...

On the 7th Day of Christmas The Sassy Pepper crafted some teeny tiny tea party cookies!
Enter this giveaway and you could win your own! This entry is for 5 vanilla and 5 chocolate sprinkled cookies! Perfect for birthdays, holiday, or any day!

Itty Bitty Tea Party Cookies

WARNING *** Play food is used best when your child is old enough to understand that it is play food and they won't put it in their mouth. You know your child best but usually it is around 3+ years. ***

Enter to win these cookies by doing one or more of the following:

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that day's giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted on December 14th!

Happy (hopeful) Winning!

Cheers,

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

On the 6th Day of Christmas...

Day 6 of our 12 Days Giveaway brings you this fabulous handmade JOY TO THE WORLD banner! Hang it on your door, fireplace mantle, above a nativity set or even on the Christmas tree!


This joyful banner is made of premium cardstock and is attached to a 4' length of sparkly silver/gold tinsel. 





Enter to win this banner by doing one or more of the following:

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that day's giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted on December 14th!

Good luck, readers! Be sure to come back every day for more chances to win great festive prizes. And remember to tell your friends! The more, the merrier!

Loving this sunny December day,



Monday, December 6, 2010

On the 5th Day of Christmas...


On the 5th Day of Christmas The Silver Loft Jewelry gave Sassy Pepper these adorable ribbon bracelets to giveaway! Tied in a bow and ready to slide on like a bangle, and you can un-tie and re-tie them to the perfect fit!

One Cream ribbon bracelet with Holiday gold open circle beads...

One Ruby Red Ribbon bracelet with sparkling acrylic beads!

Are you in the mood to win something this Holiday?
Remember...

You can enter to win these bracelets by doing one or more of the following...

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that days' giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

All winners will be posted on December 14th!

Cheers,


Sunday, December 5, 2010

On the 4th Day of Christmas

Sorry for the delayed post today, crafters! Technical difficulties, crazy schedule, lack of sleep, etc. But let's jump into it!

On the 4th Day of Christmas a loyal Sassy Pepper friend donated these fun Christmas favors to our 12 Days Giveaway! This giveaway is for a lot of five (5) refreshing Tic Tac-tummied handcrafted cardstock snowman favors. That was a long and comma-free description.

They make great gifts for teachers, neighbors, the mailman and especially people with bad breath. Oh! Or your dentist! He's always breathing a little too closely to your nose...


Each little favor includes a pack of Freshmints flavor Tic Tacs and ties closed on the side with a festive green ribbon. Attach a little tag or write a note on the inside flap and these gifts are ready for giving!



You can enter to win these tiny tic-tac gift favors by doing one or more of the following...

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that days' giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

Check back tomorrow morning for the next surprise in our 12 Days Giveaway! Remember, the winners won't be posted until the day following our final giveaway post, so come back every day and enter to win!

Back my Christmas crafting,

Saturday, December 4, 2010

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

ATTENTION: First, I need to let you know that ALL WINNERS will be announced on December 14th following the giveaway... so continue to enter each giveaway! If there are specific items that you REALLY want to enter to win we will know by the comments you leave! Otherwise, if you are a blog or facebook follower you will be entered automatically once in each drawing.

Day number 3 has some holiday banners in store for you!
Hang them anywhere and everywhere!
3 in total reading P-E-A-C-E, J-O-Y, and F-A-I-T-H.

You can enter to win these banners by doing one or more of the following...

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that days' giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

Cheers,

Friday, December 3, 2010

On the 2nd Day of Christmas

On the 2nd Day of Christmas The Sassy Pepper gave to me...

Some ornaments for cute my tree!

I like to call these "birds of a feather stick together" ornaments because 2 of them are fluffy and two are covered in feathers! Each ornament has a ribbon attached, ready to hang and is about the size of a tennis ball. You will receive 2 feathered and 2 fluffy ornaments!




You can enter to win these ornaments by doing one or more of the following...

1) Leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that days' giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

Come back tomorrow for more fun, and to see if you may have won!

Cheers,




Thursday, December 2, 2010

On the 1st Day of Christmas

Merry Christmas from The Sassy Pepper!!!
We happen to love the Christmas season and have decided it truly is better to give than to receive. So kicking off our first ever 12 Days Giveaway is this set of two way-too-cute handmade holiday hair clips!

One gingerbread man and one snowman to throw a pop of holiday spirit into one lucky little girl's hair-drobe. Yeah, I just made that word up. But stick with me and look at these adorable clips!


Each hair clip is approx. 2" tall and made of acrylic felt on a ribbon-clad alligator clip, with miscellaneous other bits glued and sewn on for added cuteness. (You know you love the googly eyes.)

These pics will give you a good idea of the sizing:



Enter to win these hair clips for a daughter, niece, friend, neighbor, etc. I guess you could even stick them on your dog, but...no, just don't. Don't do that.

You can enter to win these clips by doing one or more of the following:

1) leave a comment
2) "like" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so, then "like" or comment on the FB post for that days' giveaway
3) Become a follower of the Sassy Pepper blog (if not already)
4) Post our giveaway on your blog and send us an email with a link to your post

Good luck, all your blog lovers!
Let the winning begin!


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

12 Days of Christmas GIVEAWAY...

On the first day of Christmas...

Since today is December 1st, 2010, Sassy and I would like to take the opportunity to let you know about The Sassy Pepper 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

Starting tomorrow, December 2nd, and each day after for 12 continuous days we will be giving something away to YOU! All you have to do is come back each day and enter to win what is featured. You can enter for each giveaway, and you can even enter in all of 4 ways, although we are limiting it to one winning per person.

You can enter by: 1) leaving a comment
2) "liking" our Facebook page if you haven't already done so
3) Following Sassy Pepper blog if not already
4) posting our giveaway on your blog

Just a small sampling of what could be coming your way...
Hair Clips
Mod Podge Canvas
Ornaments for your Tree
Tags for your gifts
embellished J-O-Y letters
hats
scarves
Much more!

Please come back tomorrow at 8:00 am for the 1st giveaway!

Cheers,

Monday, November 29, 2010

Cyber Monday

Everything is on sale today, so what are the good sales for crafters like us???

You have to check out Oh My Crafts. I think that they might have to absolute best deal on Cricut Cartridges I have ever seen. You can choose from a long list, 4 different cartridges for $89!

Hurry and snatch up your favorite cartridge that you have had you eye on.

Cheers,



Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Treasury

Have you ever looked through Etsy treasury feature? It is so much fun to shop through. A treasury is a page of items put together by sellers for sellers. A fun way to advertise. It reminds me of the Sesame Street song, "which of these things is not like the other..." except most of the time all items have something in common like a color or theme. When they get enough clicks they end up on the front page!

Check out The Sassy Pepper in a tea party themed treasury here!

Cheers,


P.S. The Sassy Pepper Etsy Shop will be carrying DIY kits for your convenience and much more in January, so don't go away.

P.P.S. a GIVEAWAY BONANZA may be coming your way soon as well! Get ready to enter!


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Mod Podge Photo Questions and Answers

First, I updated a few steps on the Mod Podge Photo Canvas tutorial to sound less confusing. Please send any more questions to thesassypepper@gmail.com.

Question 1: What kind of photo paper did you use?

I had my photo's printed through Costco Photo. You can actually upload them online and pick them up the same day! Fast and convenient. Any professional photo printing will do. You might even try some online sites like Snapfish or Shutterfly.

ATTENTION: Do not try to use photo's printed from home. The ink doesn't set enough and the colors will run. Also, make sure the print size is equal to or larger than your canvas size if you want the canvas fully covered with a darling photo. For the 12 x 12 canvas I printed in size 12 x 18 inches.

Question 2: What is the wax paper for?
In Sassy's original tutorial, she used was paper for placing the image on to dry face down overnight . This prevents bubbling and the canvas won't stick to the wax paper.

In my tutorial I simply used it for applying Mod Podge to the back of the photo. I just tore off a sheet of regular wax paper and used it like a painters cloth under my project. I didn't want the photo to get damaged, or to get Mod Podge all over. You can use a paper towel or just paper if you prefer.

Keep the questions coming!
Also, keep checking back. Sassy and I have some exciting news for a GINORMOUS giveaway project we will be hosting early December.

Cheers,



Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Mod Podge Photos {On Canvas}


This is what your finished product can look like!
Darling of course, and the perfect gift for those Grandmas and Grandpas, or even yourself!



Mod Podge Photo Tutorial:
Part I

You can also look back to Sassy's mod podge tutorial for the original instructions.

What you will need:
Pre-stretched canvas
Paper cutter or scissors
Cute paper pre-cut to fit the sides of your canvas
Cute photo's
Two (2) - Paint Brushes or Sponge Brushes
Wax Paper
towel
Acrylic/Craft Paint


Step 1: Apply a thin coat of mod podge to your entire canvas, sides included.


Step 2: Have your strips ready? If not, cut them to fit on each canvas side while the Mod Podge is drying. My strips were 1/8 of a inch smaller that my measured sides.


Once Mod Podge is Dry, you will re-paint an additional thin layer on one side of your canvas.


I wanted to make sure that my edges would stick, and stick well. So you have an optional step of applying a thin layer of Mod Podge to each strip.


Step 3: Place your strip of paper along the edge of your canvas. Smooth it over with your fingers several times making sure no bubbles form. Repeat step 3 with all sides.


Your edges don't have to meet up exactly together.
You can cover the exposed canvas with paint in a few more steps.


Step 4: Photo Application
If you didn't already tear off a large piece of wax paper, DO IT NOW! Good job.
You will use the wax paper again in a few steps.

I also pre-cut my photo 1/8 inch on each size so that there was no edge overlap.


Place the photo down onto wax paper and apply a good amount of mod podge to the back of your photo. The photo paper is thick enough that it won't pucker or bubble at all.


Step 5: Turn the photo over and smooth it onto your canvas.
You can cover the image with a soft towel to do the smoothing. It is easier to smooth a photo onto the canvas with something on top to keep front jerky movements.
Wait about 20 minutes for Mod Podge to dry.


Step 6: Mod Podge the front of the photo. It will look milky white, but remember it dries clear.


The photo on the left is almost dry, the photo on the right was just Mod Podged.
It will take about 20 minutes again for Mod Podge to dry.


Step 7: Dry Brush (or sponge) Paint Application.
You can use any dry brush or sponge. Make sure the brush or sponge is DRY to get that vintage look. Dip the brush in a small amount of paint, and before you start to apply, wipe your sponge/brush on a paper plate or paper towel so you use a minimal amount. Then dab your sponge/brush along the edge repeatedly until it is as dark as you want.

Voila!





After your photo's look complete, you will want them to dry fully over night.  Place your photo canvases face down on your wax paper onto a flat surface.  I also like to cover the back of my canvas with heavy books that will press my photo to the canvas even more overnight, this will helps minimize any bubbles or puckering.


Done!  You did great!  But wait...there's more. ;)

Mod Podge Photo's on Canvas
Part II

What you will need:
Mod Podged Photo's on Canvas

Step 1: Put your canvases in order the way you want them to look on your wall. Also, decide how far apart you want them to be {1 inch, 2 inches...etc}. Multiply that number by 4. Measure your ribbon out to that length. Cut as many as you need for holding up canvases below. For three Canvases you will need four ribbons in this length.

Step 2: Get your ribbon ready to staple.
I like to fold my ribbon with about 1 inch overlap. The double strand will give the ribbon more strength when holding up another photo canvas below.


Step 3: Staple your ribbon to your canvas.
I stapled my ribbon 1 inch in from the edge of my canvas.
I used two Staples on top and on bottom for additional strength. Repeat as needed.


Step 4: The Top
I unraveled my ribbon first to "eyeball" how long I wanted it to be.
Then I cut double that length again for extra strength. Hey, that rhymes!


Stretch your ribbon flat, and then fold it over the the other side.
Again, I wanted my ribbon 1 inch from the edge.


Step 5: Staple your ribbon.
I used two staples on each side because I am paranoid.

Now you can hang your finished product! All you need is one cute hook or nail!


Who will you be giving your photo canvas gift to?

Cheers,