One of the benefits of being involved in this industry is the ability to feed off of the creativity exuded by my peers. I was speaking to Lisa Johnson the other day on the phone and she said, "Since the small heart tins have such a great height, I bet they would be great to bake mini loaves of bread in." After her statement, I knew it was just something I had to try for myself!
I found this Strawberry Muffin Mix at the grocery store yesterday. I knew that the flavor would lend itself to the strawberry image contained in our My Punny Valentine stamp set. I washed the small heart tins thoroughly with water and dried them with a soft towel. I then greased the inside of the tin to allow the muffin to slide out easily after it was done baking. I whipped up the mix quickly and filled each tin 2/3.
To bake the muffins, I simply arranged the tins on a cookie sheet so they would not tip over or fall in-between the spaces in my oven rack. The baked for exactly 15 minutes and turned out perfectly!
To add a little something special, I decided to create a coordinating tag. I started by stamping the strawberry image from My Punny Valentine.
Here is a little trick I like to do sometimes. I like to remind myself that I don't always have to center my images within the boundaries of a punch. I can also do them off-center, which can allow for more creative opportunities. (I used the small tag punch from SU! for this particular project)
After punching the tag, I added the sentiment. It helped to finish the tag nicely.
I placed the lid of the tins on the bottom, so the recipient can wash out the tin and re-use it. I put a tiny piece of tacky tape down the length of the bottom point of the heart and tied the tin with red gingham ribbon. The tape helps to keep the ribbon from sliding off the point. I added the tags as a last step. These are so adorable, and I know my friends & neighbors will appreciate the gesture so much!
Edited to Add: A few of you have emailed me with the concern of chemicals transferring from the tin into a muffin during the baking process. I don't have any solid resources that can confirm whether or not this could be true. In my opinion, if this is something that concerns you, one could easily line the tin with baking parchment paper. The barrier you create should prevent anything from transferring into your food, if it is even a risk. I hope this helps!
This is really, really adorable....how on earth do you think of these things??? I wish I had an even a fraction of your creativity!
Posted by: Carrie | January 31, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Berry cute!!!!
Posted by: Julie C. | January 31, 2008 at 09:41 AM
how cute (not to mention yummy)!
Posted by: Tracy Whitney | January 31, 2008 at 09:41 AM
You are SOOOO clever!!! What a great idea!!
Posted by: Julie Brooks | January 31, 2008 at 09:48 AM
How cute is that?!?!?!?!?!
Posted by: Tessa (aka shastess on SCS) | January 31, 2008 at 09:52 AM
These are so cute and yummy looking!
Posted by: laulief | January 31, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Get out!!! Those are just the stinkin' cutest things I have EVER seen! (And I had already decided I only needed the big heart tins and not the little ones . . . whatever!!)
Posted by: Wendy W. | January 31, 2008 at 10:19 AM
You never cease to amaze me!
Posted by: Clara Rubalcaba | January 31, 2008 at 10:20 AM
"THUD" my jaw just hit the floor!
You are truely amazzzzzzing!
Posted by: Vicki Callier | January 31, 2008 at 10:55 AM
What a sweet idea!!! Great for neighbors!!!
Posted by: Chris Mott | January 31, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Sweet lorraine! How DO you do it?! This is just to cute for words. Why haven't I ordered this stamp set and tins????
Posted by: Laura Holt | January 31, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Way too cute! I only wish I had ordered more of the tins! You are amazing and so kind to share with us. Thanks.
Posted by: Granna on the Go | January 31, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Holy cow! I've always known you are creative but seriously...this is over the top! What a neat idea!
Posted by: Lorie | January 31, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I bow down to you!!! Sooooooooo clever.
Posted by: Alli Miles | January 31, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Shut up! Oh my gosh! I am so glad I ordered some of these, but now you made me go an order some more! ;) This rocks girl!
Posted by: Lesa Rapp | January 31, 2008 at 11:30 AM
That is just the cutest idea I have ever seen for Valentine's Day! You are so creative!!!
Posted by: Beth D | January 31, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Oh these turned out SO cool! I'm so glad you tried it!
They honestly look heartfelt...just lovely!
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | January 31, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Pure genius! This is amazing and I've found a new use for my new heart tins! Better Crocker, here I come!
Posted by: Kiim | January 31, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Super cute!
You could even use some pretty celophane to wrap them at the top and then tie your tag on that way.
Posted by: Lisa | January 31, 2008 at 11:51 AM
OM Gosh! You are just way too much. Too cute!
Posted by: Catherine | January 31, 2008 at 11:57 AM
AMAZING! How do you think of these things!?!?
Posted by: Tracey | January 31, 2008 at 11:57 AM
AWESOME! I am continually inspired by you!
Posted by: Cresta Woodruff | January 31, 2008 at 12:00 PM
You're incredible...I can't say anything more...really. WOW! :)
Posted by: tracey aka cuccicoo1002 | January 31, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Oh my goodness those are so so cute! I need to get some of those tins pronto! What a great idea Lisa had!
Posted by: Geny | January 31, 2008 at 12:18 PM
GREAT idea! And great work! I love it!
Posted by: Christina | January 31, 2008 at 12:21 PM