|
Valentine's
Day Baking
Heart
Macaroons
.jpg)
These little heart-shaped macaroons are an ideal gift
for a loved one this Valentine’s Day. Once made, package
them up in tissue paper and a pretty box for a
thoughtful gift that’s so much better than a bunch of
flowers!
You will need
·
SK Instant Macaroon Mix
·
SK Rose Professional Dust Food Colour
·
Savoy piping bag
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 130°C, 260°F
or gas mark ½. Stack two
baking trays on top of one other and line with a
non-stick liner.
2. Add a little Rose dust food colour to the SK Macaroon
Mix and mix it according to the instructions on the
packet.
3. Place the mixture into a large savoy piping bag fitted
with a plain nozzle. Pipe hearts on the baking tray,
half curving to the right and half to the left.
4. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes. Cool on the baking tray then
sandwich two halves together with buttercream.
This recipe and many others feature in the 2012 edition
of Inspired by Food, available now at
www.squires-shop.com
If you’re making cakes for a loved one this Valentine’s
Day, visit
www.squires-shop.com today for all your cake
accessories, decorations, sugarcraft supplies and more.
Keep up-to-date with what’s new at Squires Kitchen by
regularly visiting the ‘NEW – Just In' section on the
website.
The secret to amazing cakes
.jpg)
If you enjoy making and decorating cakes, then Cakes &
Sugarcraft is a must-read magazine which keeps you
up-to-date with trends, tips and techniques. This glossy
title comes out four times a year and is packed with
projects for all skill levels, from the absolute
beginner to the professional.
Each project is
beautifully photographed and comes complete with
easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for decorating
everything from wedding cakes to cupcakes.
Whether you bake for fun or for a living, Cakes &
Sugarcraft is an invaluable source of skills, expert
knowledge and the latest news in the world of cake
decorating and sugarcraft.
For delicious recipes and cake decorating ideas,
subscribe now P&P free at the great price of £19.96 (UK)
to have this fantastic glossy magazine delivered
straight to your door. Simply visit
www.squires-shop.com
or call 0845 61 71 810 (+44 (0)1252 260 260 from
overseas). Overseas subscriptions are also available:
Europe £28, rest of world £34.
If you enjoy cake decorating and sugarcraft and would
like to be kept up-to-date with all the latest
information, then sign up for the Squires Kitchen
e-newsletter! It’s easy and FREE to receive this monthly
newsletter packed with special offers, new products,
courses, events, hints and tips, features, news and
more. Simply visit
www.squires-shop.com to register.
Find more great ideas like this in the 2012 edition of
Inspired by Food.
.jpg)
If you enjoy baking and decorating cakes at home and
want to find out more about sugarcraft then make sure
you get your hands on the latest issue of Inspired by
Food. The ninth edition is in store now, packed with
great ideas to inspire you.
This glossy annual is the ultimate reference guide for
2012, offering a whole host of innovative ideas, food
and equipment to make yours a truly stunning
celebration.
What’s inside:
·
Gorgeous recipes
·
Chocolate decorations and coverings
·
Gift ideas for the kitchen
·
Cookery and cake decoration courses for 2012
·
Children’s projects
·
All your sugarcraft essentials
·
Ideas for weddings, including cakes,
cupcakes and
favours
·
Recommended reads
Inspired by Food complements
www.squires-shop.com and is
on sale at £5.95 in selected newsagents nationwide and
at
www.squires-shop.com now.
Learn a new skill!
If you would like to learn more, come and join Squires
Kitchen’s friendly courses held in the beautiful
Georgian town of Farnham, Surrey. Squires Kitchen’s
International School caters for all skill levels from
beginners to advanced students.
To find out more, visit the website at
www.squires-school.co.uk or call 0845 61 71 812 (UK) or
+44 (0)1252 260 262 (overseas).
www.squires-shop.com is an inspirational source for
anyone who loves to be creative in the kitchen.
Visit
squires-shop.com today and make your food look fabulous!
|
|
Valentine's Craft
Idea
Make a
Heart Box
.jpg)
Decorate this heart shaped mache box with flowers and
fill with your choice of Valentine's gift.
This easy to make crafts project has
been created by HobbyCraft.
You Will Need
·
Mache box - heart shape
·
Selection of floral stems and leaves
·
Hi-tack glue
·
Red acrylic craft paint
·
Jewellery cord - natural
·
Scrap card - pale green
·
Hole punch
How to Make the Heart Box
1.
Paint the mache box with red paint.
2. Remove the flower heads and snip
off the plastic fitting from each flower to
allow it to sit flat.
3. Arrange the
flowers and leaves on the box then glue into
place.
4. Write or
print your choice of message onto a slip of
paper, punch a hole and attach it to the box
with a many-looped bow of natural cord and a dot
of glue.
5. Fill with
Valentine's gifts.
For information about HobbyCraft projects visit the
website at
www.hobbycraft.co.uk
|
|
How Strong
is
Your Book Idea?
.jpg)
New services
from the Harry Potter books publisher are set to make
more book writing dreams come true.
Writing a book is the dream of millions of people - yet
it is a daunting prospect often doomed to failure. Less
than one per cent of books are ever published and, every
year, thousands of very good manuscripts are rejected.
The publisher behind the Harry Potter books is making
life easier by rolling-out a step-by-step online
guide to getting published. The new Writers and Artists
website from Bloomsbury clearly segments the writing
journey into four steps and offers expert advice to
propel new writers from initial idea through to finished
manuscript and ultimately, for the few, to fame.
The entry point product from Writers and Artists is an
initial review of the idea for a book by an editor and
an agent costing only £99.99 called ‘How Strong Is Your
Book Idea?’.
It is the first time that writers are being offered
professional feedback in the early stage of their
writing journey. By simply submitting a synopsis and a
sample chapter of their work on
www.writersandartists.co.uk
writers will have editorial and marketing experts
evaluate their book idea in just two weeks and provide
advice on whether the idea is strong enough to appeal to
a publisher or agent.
“We’ve responded to the needs of the market by creating
simple bespoke services to help and support creative
spirits from the early stages of the writing process
through to the publishing and promoting phase ” explains
Eela Devani, Writers’ & Artists’ Product Director.
“We have spent over 100 years supporting writers and
artists with our Yearbook and so this is a natural step
for us.”
“Writing a book can be a long and lonely process. A
clear steer at the beginning of the journey can be a
great boost, so being able to discuss your book idea
with people who understand how the business works is
invaluable,” said Man Booker shortlisted Bloomsbury
author Stephen Kelman.
How Strong Is Your Book Idea’ features in the first
stage of the writers’ journey outlined in the new
Writers and Artists website just launched.
For more information visit the website at
www.writersandartists.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
Valentine's
Sewing Project
Make these
Pretty DMC Crochet Hearts
.jpg)
Designed by Barbara Summers
Make these pretty
Crochet Hearts for Valentine's
Day. Hang them around your home
or give them as a romantic gift.
Please read all the instructions
and the pattern carefully before
starting to crochet the design.
Use the images as a guide when
making the design.
Difficulty: Easy
Stitches Used and Abbreviations:
·
[ ] work
instructions within brackets as
many times as directed
·
* repeat the instructions following the single
asterisk as
directed
·
approx
approximately
·
beg
begin/beginning
·
BL back loop
·
BO bobble
·
ch chain stitch
·
cm centimetres
·
cont continue
·
dc double crochet
in inches
·
pBO partial
bobble
·
rep repeat
·
rnd(s) round(s)
·
sl st slip stitch
·
st(s) stitch(es)
·
tr treble crochet
Bobble Stitch Explanation:
The bobble stitch in this
pattern is created from a series
of treble crochet stitches
joined at both the top and
bottom. This bobble is made from
three (3) incomplete treble
crochet stitches, joined by a
yarn over at the completion of
the stitch. The partial bobble
is made from two (2) incomplete
treble crochet stitches, joined
by a yarn over at the completion
of the stitch.
How to make a Bobble (3tr):- YO,
insert hook in next st, YO, pull
up a loop, YO, pull through 2 of
the 3 loops on your hook, [YO,
insert hook in same st, YO, pull
up a loop, YO, pull through 2
loops] 2 times, YO, and draw
through all 4 loops on hook.
How to make partial Bobble
(2tr):- YO, insert hook in next
st, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull
through 2 of the 3 loops on your
hook, [YO, insert hook in same
st, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull
through 2 loops], YO, and draw
through all 3 loops on hook.
Materials:
·
1 x 50gm ball DMC
Petra Size 5 "5209" and "53608"
·
Crochet Hook size
2mm
·
Yarn needle to
darn in ends
Measurements:
Petra Size 5 Hearts approx.
1.5in to 2.25in at widest point.
Instructions:
.jpg)
Small Heart
Rnd 1: Magic loop, Ch3, 14tr
into loop, tighten loop, join
with sl st in top of ch3. (14tr)
Rnd 2: Ch3, pBO in same st, ch2,
skip next st [BO in next st,
ch2] 3 times, skip next st, [BO,
ch3, BO] in next st, ch2, skip
next st, [BO in next st, ch2] 3
times, skip next st, pBO in next
st, ch3, sl st into same st as
pBO, sl st into next st.
Rnd 3: Work in BL of every st.
Ch1, dc in next and each st,
around to half way point, 3dc in
2nd ch of ch3 of heart point, dc
in each st to end, join with sl
st in both loops of ch1.
Finish, cut yarn and hide ends.
Medium Heart
.jpg)
Rnd 1: Magic loop, Ch3, 16tr
into loop, tighten loop, join
with sl st in top of ch3.
(16tr).
Rnd 2: Work in BL of every st.
Ch1, dc in BL of same st, *2dc
in next st, dc in next st, rep
from * to end, ending with 2dc
in last st, join with sl st in
both loops of ch1. (24sts)
Rnd 3: Ch3, pBO in same st, ch2,
skip next st, [BO in next st,
ch2] 3 times, skip next st, [BO
in next st, ch2, skip next st]
twice, [BO, ch3, BO] in next st,
ch2, skip next st, [BO in next
st, ch2, skip next st] twice,
[BO in next st, ch2] 3 times,
skip next st, pBO in next st,
ch3, sl st into same st as pBO,
sl st into next st.
Rnd 4: Work in BL of every st.
Ch1, dc in next and each st to
end, join with sl st in both
loops of ch1.
Finish, cut yarn and hide ends.
Adding Loops
.jpg)
In last rnd of heart motif,
after joining with sl st in both
loops of ch1, work relative
number of ch to achieve desired
length.
For example:
Small Pink/Lilac Heart: Ch40 and
join with sl st into same st.
Medium Pink/Lilac Heart: Ch50
and join with sl st into same st.
Large Pink/Lilac Heart: Ch60 and
join with sl st into same st.
Contrast Colour Change
.jpg)
Change to contrast colour in any
rnd, for example:
·
Change colour
each rnd.
·
Change colour
every two rnds
·
Change colour for
last rnd only
·
Always change
colour at "join with sl st"
stage.
This project has been created by
DMC Creative World Ltd.
For further information visit
the website at
www.dmccreative.co.uk |
|
Valentine's Craft Idea
Napkin Ring
.jpg)
Bring a
little romance to your dinner table on Valentine's Day
with this pretty two tone Napkin Ring.
This
easy to make crafts project has
been created
by HobbyCraft.
You Will Need
·
Card in two colour shades
·
Craft punch
·
Adhesive gem
·
Double sided tape
·
Scissors
How to Make the Napkin Ring
1. Cut
a strip of the darker coloured card to fit around your
napkin. Cut a strip of the lighter coloured card to the
same length but 1cm narrower than the darker colour.
2. Use
the craft punch to cut a shape centrally on the lighter
piece then assemble the napkin ring by layering the
papers and securing with tape.
3. Finally add the
adhesive gem.
For information about HobbyCraft projects visit the
website at
www.hobbycraft.co.uk
|
|
Valentine's Craft Idea
Twin Hearts
Card
.jpg)
Make this
stylish twin hearts card for your loved one for
Valentine's Day.
This
easy to make crafts project has
been created
by HobbyCraft.
You Will Need
·
Card blank
·
Mirror card
·
Ribbons
·
Sticky fixers
·
Double sided tape
·
Pencil
How to Make the Twin Hearts Card
1. Affix both ribbons to
the front of the card blank, concealing the ends on the
reverse using double sided tape.
2. Use a
pencil to emboss a pattern onto the mirror card.
3. Cut out two
matching hearts and stick them to the ribbons using the
sticking fixers.
For information about HobbyCraft projects visit the
website at
www.hobbycraft.co.uk
|
|
|
|
Sixtyplusurfers Competition
Win a
Beautiful Rose Cross Stitch
.jpg)
Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with the DMC Creative to offer
four lucky readers the chance to win a
beautiful Rose Cross Stitch.
This bright
and colourful cross stitch design is based on an
original painting by artist Wenda Webb. Stitched on 16
count Aida in DMC stranded cotton, the design measures 7
x 9” (18 x 23cm) when complete and will make a beautiful
addition to any room. Each kit includes DMC stranded
cotton threads, a colour chart and needle.
DMC are delighted to
introduce the brand new 2012 Creative World Collection
including new innovative products and ideas.
The collection includes new DMC cross stitch, crafts for
children and tapestry designs. Add to the mix some DMC
threads, Crochet threads, kit and patterns, Charles
Craft fabrics, Fillawant ribbons and trimmings, MYFBM™,
Prism Craft Threads, Colour Infusions Memory Thread and
accessories; the collection contains something for
everyone whether experienced stitchers and crafters or
beginners looking for something to get them started.
DMC have worked with renowned artists, sought after
licenses and expert designers to ensure the very best of
what’s new in 2012 for cross stitch. All kits contain
the UK’s favourite DMC stranded cotton thread, world
renowned for its colour, quality and sheen.
DMC offer a new range of bright and colourful floral
designs that are based on popular flowers. The four
designs by artist Wenda Webb are detailed and attractive
studies of four of the most popular flowers in the UK,
they will brighten up and be a focal point in any room.
The brand new Flowers of the Month design is a wonderful
project to work on and can be stitched in sections, each
one providing satisfying results.
.jpg)
Also new for 2012 are a range of four contemporary
samplers that include fun messaging with minimal
stitching for quick results. The designs cover a wide
variety of popular occasions utilising a bright and
colourful colour palette. A playful addition to the
modern home.
To find out more about the full range of DMC products
click on
www.dmccreative.co.uk
For Your Chance to Win
Tell us name of this well loved celebrity with a
fragrant rose?
.jpg)
a) Helen Mirren
b) Lorraine Kelly
c) Angela Rippon
d) Gloria Hunniford
To Enter the Competition
Tell us
the name of the well loved celebrity holding the rose
above? Then send in your answer
together, with your full name, postal address and
telephone number by clicking on the Sixtyplusurfers
link below
sixtypluscomp@hotmail.co.uk
* This competition is open to our
UK visitors only
|
|
Pancake Day Recipe
Berry Pancakes
.jpg)
These delicious pancakes
will make a lovely treat for Pancake Day on 21st
February. This easy to make recipe has been created by
Alpro soya.
Ingredients
·
2 eggs
·
150g self
raising flour
·
150ml Alpro
soya Original alternative to milk
·
1 tsp baking
powder
·
Couple of
handfuls of mixed berries
·
1 Alpro soya
alternative to yogurt
·
Drizzle
honey or maple syrup
Method
1. Beat
together 2 eggs, 150g self-raising flour, 150ml Alpro
soya Original and 1tsp baking powder.
2.
Heat 1 tbsp
of oil in a large frying pan and spoon in 2tbsp batter.
Cook on a high heat until bubbles rise to the surface.
3.
Turn and
cook until pale golden.
4.
Serve with
berries, a dollop of Alpro soya alternative to yogurt
and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Makes eight pancakes
For more information about Alpro soya click on
www.alprosoya.co.uk
|
|
New Year, New Hobby to Learn
.jpg)
If baking and cake
decorating are your new hobbies for 2012, then Squires
Kitchen's annual cake decorating, chocolate and
sugarcraft exhibition on 9th - 11th March is the place
to go for inspiration, expert guidance, all the latest
cake accessories and incredible cake displays.
Ticket holders will also be able to enjoy free
demonstrations from leading names in the industry who'll
share their specialist skills. Watch Peggy Porschen
create a raspberry rose dome cake, Alan Dunn make
tropical and exotic flowers, Mark Tilling make chocolate
decorations and much more.
.jpg)
For the first time ever, live wedding cake decoration
will take place each day. Top wedding cake designers
will create cakes on the themes of birds and
butterflies, vintage, and blossoms and blooms - a great
chance to see how one theme can be interpreted in
different ways and to pick up some great tips to apply
to your own cakes.
Whether you'd like to learn to make beautiful sugar
flowers or you simply want to know how to cover a cake,
come along to the show to discover more about this
amazing craft.
.jpg)
The exhibition will take place at the Farnham Maltings
on 9th, 10th and 11th of March 2012.
To buy tickets and to find out more, visit
www.squires-exhibition.co.uk
Early booking is recommended.
|
|
Spotty Hen Wall Quilt Kit
.jpg)
This gorgeous "Spotty Hen"
wall quilt kit from I Like Chickens is ideal for those
looking to learn the art of quilting.
The set includes appliqué, background, back and binding,
batting, buttons and embroidery floss. Finished Quilt
Size is 38cm height x 33cm width (approximately.) Price
is £17.95.
For details click on
www.ilikechickens.co.uk
|
|
.jpg)
February 2012 