Creative Crafts

The Magic Of Rainbows, Unicorns And Turning 4!

The pure joy and excitement in my granddaughter’s sweet little face as she named off some of her favorite things (rainbows, unicorns, donuts, pizza, balloons, bubblegum and family) is enough to make any heart melt!

Stylish, Simple, Time savers. 30 ways to use Paper Eskimo baking cups – By Joanna Palmer

I love the start of a new year.  It's kind of like you get another chance to redo goals and start fresh again.

It is also a time to reflect and think about time itself.  Because it certainly gets away from us pretty darn fast. 

Really, who doesn’t want to do things that can save time and simplify our life's. Especially when it comes to entertaining, for some entertaining can be overwhelming for many reasons.

Our friends at Paper Eskimo have some great ideas to keep it simple and stylish.  One of our favorites this past festive season was their 30 uses for Paper Eskimo baking cups. 

Why gift cards are a GREAT gifts - By Joanna Palmer @ Creative Packaging

Ahhhh it’s time to start thinking about your naughty or nice Christmas shopping list. The truth is, most of us can get a little stressed about finding the perfect gift. So why not eliminate copious trips to the mall and choose a well suited gift card? You know, gift cards can also be a necessity gift. As gift cards for gas, groceries, or drugstore purchases can be gifts that have HUGE value for anyone living on a tight budget. Here’s a stat that might change your mind about endless hours of shopping. A retail study done in 2014 showed that three out of four Americans won’t like the Christmas gift they receive (wow, really!) If your worried that a gift card isn’t special enough or that it may make you look lazy, then think about what that person likes to do, where they like to eat, or what they do for fun, just put some thought into where the gift card comes from. And don’t just stuff the gift card in an envelope. Try some of Creative Packaging wrapping tips. They are simple and easy. We promise that even those on your naughty list will feel the love!

Black & White is just right for Halloween!

Try to say that 10 times!   Seriously though, Black & White is so right for Halloween when you use it as a base.  Check out these GREAT photos by Paper Eskimo.

White is like starting with a blank canvas.  Then you add in touches of Lime Green, dark Purple and Black and you’ve just created an amazing Halloween setting.  You can also kick it up a notch by adding in a variety of patterns in Black & White.  This is really quick and easy to do.  Mix and match spooky, scary, edgy with that great White pumpkin. 

Enjoy your long weekend with these refreshingly delicious MOCKTAIL/COCKTAILS

(Recipes and photos courtesy of Paper Eskimo)

Friends, how does a Watermelon Mojito, Banana Pina Colada, or a Raspberry Mint Fizz sound right about now?  

Trust me , they are all amazing and so refreshing! I had to try all three, they are super quick & easy & beyond YUMMY!  My favorite was Banana Pina Colada, my husbands was Watermelon Mojito.  Just one sip brought us straight to the TROPICS!  

Take time this labor day weekend to enjoy one.  The recipes are available here. Or, check them out on our Facebook, or Blog.  I’ll be curious to hear about your favorites, so please share on our social media. 

Note: straws, napkins, cups, plates, and all party supplies are available online at www.creativepackaging.ca   

Have a fantastic, funfilled, fabulous, Labor Day weekend,

From your friends at Creative Packaging

RASPBERRY MINT FIZZ – Serves 6

(Recipes and photos courtesy of Paper Eskimo)

BANANNA PINA COLADA – Serves 6

(Recipes and photos courtesy of Paper Eskimo)

WATERMELON MOJITO – Serves 6

(Recipes and photos courtesy of Paper Eskimo)

Ingredients

• 6 cups watermelon
• Juice of 1 lime
• 3 tsp sugar
• Mint Leaves
• Soda Water
• Ginger Ale
• Ice

Obsession with Chocolate and how to GIFT IT

Did you know that our obsession with chocolate is over 4000 years old? First it was a drink of the gods, then it was used as a medicine, and now it’s enjoyed all throughout the world as a treat. And, this 4000 year old obsession has made chocolate the favorite gift item in the world today! So why the obsession? Is it because we have heard that chocolate (specifically dark) is an antioxidant and may provide health benefits? Or is it because chocolate comes in creamy milk, delectable dark, or velvety white? Maybe it’s because we can melt it, and then dip our favorite things in it? Since it’s an all time favorite gift, here’s a master recipe designed for you to DIY (dip - it- yourself) , dry it, then, just wrap it, and gift it. Whether it’s sweet, chewy, fruity, crunchy, or even meaty , yes you can dip it all and gift it all. It really is that simple for you to create a world famous, favorite gift. Here’s how to dip it, dry it, and then just wrap it!

Reindeer Brownies Gifted in Treat Bags

We've kept the best till last. The fudgiest, deepest, darkest, most intense chocolate brownies EVER! From scratch, pantry staples, just one bowl, no mixer needed. Add some holiday cheer by turning them into reindeers!  

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red Candy Balls for the nose
• Pretzels to make the ears
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)