3

If you are familiar with my blog, then you know that I am almost as passionate about cooking as I am stamping.  I really enjoy being able to delight two senses at the same time, both in the visual presentation of the food and of course the taste.

Today's project began with THIS super-easy recipe I found on the Pillsbury website.  I thought it was SO adorable, and I want to be able to make them for my children to give their teacher's & friends at school for Valentine's Day this year. I haven't decided what type of fruit I will use yet, but I know they'll be yummy!

I will be using disposable tin tartlet pans, rather than the custard cup used in the recipe, to save on expense.  I found these Nesting Heart Cookie Cutters that ought to be able to add the beautiful heart detail in the crust.  I think these cut-outs add the perfect finishing touch to the pie, similar to the way a brad can be a perfect compliment to a paper crafting project.  (See how similar these to hobbies are?!?!? *wink*)

I also found an incredible circular set that includes scalloped edged cutters.  They should be perfect for cutting out the dough for the upper crust.  (Once again, it's all in the details!)

After I had established all these details about what I was going to use to make the pies, it occurred to me that I needed an equally impressive way to package them!  I did some measuring and found that the pies would fit perfectly in our small gable boxes (the boxes measure 4 x 3 inches).

I decided to use some of the images from our new punny valentine set.  What could be more appropriate than "Sweetie Pie"?  (This sentiment is courtesy of "karenannj" of SCS, another winner of our punny valentine contest!)The pie image is 2-step, with the pie separate from the plate.  I curved the "Sweetie Pie" sentiment slightly to follow the curve of the top of the pie (one of the many benefits of clear stamps!).  The tiny "xoxo" image underneath the pie is from the yet-to-be-released scrolled set used in my Reese's project HERE.

I did something a little unique for the pie plate in the project.  I stamped the pie plate image with versamark onto a scrap of the patterned paper used for the background of the project. 

I then heat-embossed it with clear powder.  (It is a little hard to see in this photo).

I easily cut the plate out and adhered it under the pie on my label.  The glossiness of the embossing really adds a nice touch.  I think that these little projects will communicate so well how much we love the special people in our lives!  And in the end, isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about?!?!?

and today's Papertrey Puzzler....

DAY 3: How many tutorials have I featured on this blog? (Not counting the ones presented during this countdown; just the ones linked on the left.)

SUPPLIES:

INK- Creamy Caramel & Taken with Teal Classic Inks SU!, Versamark, Corduroy Distress Ink from Ranger

STAMPS- Papertrey Ink

PAPER- Memories Floral Stripe paper from Bon Jour Collection/ Tres Jolie by My Mind's Eye

OTHER- Oval Nestabilities, Seam Binding Ribbon from Martha Stewart Crafts, silver brads from Paper Studio, small gable box from Papertrey Ink

Comments

[Alli Miles]

Oh this looks like such a sweet stamp set! Love your stories too Nichole and all the sharing you do.

[Steph]

As always, what a cute idea! Thank you for sharing all of your *many* talents with us... whether it's stamping or cooking! :) I can't wait for the 15th to see this Valentine's set... I have a feeling it's going to be my favorite! (P.S. I'm loving that font you used for "sweetie pie"!)

[diane mcvey]

Wow, what a beautiful mini pie! And I LOVE how you decorated the box...can't wait to see that stamp set!!! You are amazing, you just have creativity flowing out of your pores!!!
Hope you have a great week!:)

[Ketha]

Mercy...this is right up my alley. I just finished mini punkin' loaves for my bible study ladies... and now this for valentines.. Nicole, you're great. I absolutely love your ideas !!!

[Elizebeth]

Oh gosh darn it Nichole! Why do you have to go and make such AWESOME stuff? I thought the squirel did me in but then you had to make a cute little pie too?

*sigh*

I love it all

[Silvia (stampinsilvia)]

you are one naughty little minx tempting us like this right near Christmas time! All the previews I have seen are super dupper and I want them all! How could you do this to me!!! So many stamps, so little time!

[Victoria]

L-O-V-E I-T!!!!!! This is fabulous. I love when I can combine my two favorite pastimes. You have out done yourself! I want MORE!!!!

[Sue B]

Great set. Wonderful tutorial. Thoughtful gift. You are amazing. (How many times have I said that?)

[Christine Villacarlos]

oh so pretty!!!

[Melanie Muenchinger]

I HEART pie!!!!!!

[Kathie Tice]

Just beautiful, Nichole. You never cease to amaze me! My wallet is begging for mercy and the release isn't even here yet!

[Bluett]

love it, so cute

[Molly B]

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is PIT gift certificates. Nichole's stuff is so cute. Thank you, Molly B

I hope he gets my letter. I love that little pie!

[Karen (karenannj)]

I'm so excited you used the sweetie pie idea. I thought it would be too cute for valentine's day. Love the pie gift you made with it and the packaging of course really finishes it off. Love all your ideas Nichole!

[Michelle Wooderson]

Ohhhhhh Nichole, you have warmed my heart today! I love to combine baked goods with stamped packaging. Come to Kansas and we can bake and stamp!!!!!!!

[Elizabeth]

Ok, seriously, *everything* you do is so beautiful! And your attention to detail is absolutely wonderful! This is yet another wonderful project. Thank you *so* much for sharing with the creatively challenged like myself ;) !

[Carolyn King]

This is the cutest project! (Maybe I can have someone cook for me so I can make it!!!)

AWESOME..this set looks "sweet!"

[Lauren (mytime)]

Can I tell you I am DYING to see the punny set. It seems cutesy and I LOVE that!! Love the pie image-its so darling.

[Karen Sullivan]

ADORABLE pie image and sentiment - LOVE that one! FYI: at the Dollar Tree there are disposable foil tartlet containers in either heart and star shapes (package of 24 for $1).

[michelle endris]

You're right! It is an adorable gift. One I want to use for my kids teacher's gifts if you don't mind? I love all of the creative ideas you come up with. I feel inspired. I just loved your nuts box and it inspired me to create a bigger template for a larger gift I'm making. You're so great! Can't wait for what's to come.

[Lesa Rapp]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! This is too stinking cute! I love your ideas! They absolutely rock and so do you. Thanks you for sharing your incrdible talent with us!
Dang is Christmas over so I can go back to my bad spending habits? The kids really won't notice if they get nothing right? Maybe we could just make them pies!

[Geny]

Love this project and especially the little pie you shared. I might have to make some of these as well!! Can't wait for the reveal...2 more days!

[liannallama]

ohmigosh! you are AMAZING! This is an outstanding project! I want to have everything you make, LOL, and now I'm hungry for pie too! I am sure ready to start buying some of your stamps--I'm so glad I found your blog!

[Diane Lapointe]

OMG!!! You are sooo talented!! Those are amazing!!

[Krystie]

They are similiar hobbies! Except that my crafts make people happy and my cooking makes them ill. Hmmm. ;)

These are super cute and look easy enough even for me, thanks for sharing!