Jennuine

"Originality is nothing but judicious imitation.  The most original writers borrowed one from another." ~ Voltaire I always hoped  that someday I'd have the chance to quote Voltaire here at Rook No. 17.  I never thought, however, that it would be in a post about birthday candles.  Yet these personalized candles are in fact an imitation, although I'd like to think a judicious one.   Last Tuesday, one of my favorite creative bloggers, Carolyn of Homework , linked-up a post to "A Little Birdie Told Me..." where she shared several techniques for Embellished Spring Candles.   I was positively struck by the simple brilliance of her tissue paper transfer method.  Then, just yesterday, as I was browsing a loca l boutique looking for a birthday gift for a friend,  I spotted a pair of lovely candlesticks printed with the message, "Happy Birthday." I knew in an instant that I could use the technique I had learned from Carolyn to make my very...

  I'm delighted to be a guest of The Southern Institute today, where I'm sharing a very sweet idea for springtime ~ Mini Lemon Cupcakes with a coconut nest, packaged in an upcycled egg carton (with free printable labels).   Please stop by, enjoy the post, and check out some of the other creative inspirations at The Southern Institute ! Thank you! ------------------------------------------ This post has been shared with:  

S weet holiday breads are part of the Easter traditions in many countries around the world.  I think it's a wonderful way to learn about the way other cultures celebrate the season by delving in to these recipes, and getting a "taste" of the unique ways in which the people of different lands commemorate the religious "rising". So far, this year, my family and I have baked up  Colomba di Pasqua , the traditional Easter bread of Italy.  We created a version filled with candied orange and bits of semisweet chocolate.  Sliced, toasted and served with honey drizzled mascarpone, it was divine!   This past week, we enjoyed Hot Cross Buns, a tradition that hails from England, and subject of the popular nursery rhyme.  Our Hot-Cross Buns were filled with bits of dried apricot and were topped with a sweet cream-cheese cross. Today, I was thrilled to come across two new recipes that I'm eager to try: My paternal grandfathe...

Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! One a penny, two a penny, Hot cross buns! If you have no daughters, Give them to your sons One a penny, Two a penny, Hot Cross Buns! If you have, or have ever had a child in elementary school, the mention of "Hot Cross Buns" will likely conjure memories of the old folk tune piped off-key from a plastic recorder.  For many, Hot Cross Buns are also a traditional part of the Easter holiday.  These sweet buns, studded with raisins or currants are typically served on Good Friday and get their name from the symbolic cross baked into the top. This year, I decided to try my own twist on the traditional hot cross bun and came up with the Honey Almond Apricot Hot Cross Bun .  This delicious little sweet bun has pieces of dried apricot in place of the raisins.  The rich broiche-like dough has just a touch of almond flavor which nicely complements the tart apricots and the honey-glazed cream cheese cross.  As ...

Welcome to  "A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday! If you're here to share a craft, recipe or project post, you'll find the linky and the specifics on how to  join the party after the features below. ------------------------------------------------ This week, I have a little party favor for you ! Be sure to "Sign the Guestbook" And take a  Free Easter Scrap Sheet with you before you leave the party. Easter Scrap Sheet (if you have any trouble downloading the scrap sheet, send me a message and I'll email it to you directly) ------------------------------------------------ Last week's party was small, but splendid and the ode to spring continued with some newly hatched creations... ------------------------------------------------- Carolyn of Homework always delights me with her picture-perfect crafts and tutorials. She has an incredible sense of style, and I was so happy when ...

Have you read  "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes" by DuBose Heyward?   This charming Easter story was originally published in 1939 and has since become a classic with generations of children. It tells the tale of a mother rabbit (a single-parent raising twenty-one children) who dreams of becoming the next Easter Bunny. The book is beautifully illustrated and tells an empowering and inspiring tale of kindness and courage winning over brute strength and convention. Even when the odds are stacked against her, the humble mother bunny persists and sets an incredible example for her children and the readers.   I first heard the story when I was in elementary school and it's been one of my most favorite children's books ever since.  When my eldest daughter was in Kindergarten, I was delighted when I learned that part of her teacher's Easter celebration included a reading of "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes" .  So, wh...

Have you checked out the Spring Fling going on over at Mine For the Making ?  Each day Kara has shared her creative space with a different guest blogger and each and every project and recipe have been spectacular!  A few days ago I was fortunate to have the opportunity to share a new and original recipe with the Mine for the Making audience. If you'd like to see how to make these delicious and delightful chocolate truffles, just make like a robin and flap your wings over to the Spring Fling at Mine for the Making !.

When I was a child, my favorite thing about Easter was when my mom took me to a tiny little chocolate shop called "Hansel & Gretel".  There, I would marvel at all the beautiful handmade chocolate bunnies and exquisitely decorated eggs.  Every piece was a work of art (and I was certain that the Easter Bunny himself was busy working in the back).   There's certainly no shortage of commercially available Easter candy, but to me, some of the "magic" of Easter is lost in mass production.   So, I've made it a tradition, every spring, to make a little "magic" of my own -- recreating some of the Old World style chocolates of my childhood. This year I continued my tradition of making large chocolate eggs filled with whimsical little treats.  I also absconded with my friend Holly's vintage chocolate bunny mold, and whipped up a warren-ful of happy little hares!  Thanks Holly ! Making your own chocolate egg treasure boxes ...