I love every season, but autumn definitely has a special place in my heart.
I think it is because of the rustic-look that fits right in to that particular season.
Obviously I'm gearing up for the season with apples......and all the rustic-ness of this set has me super excited!
Apples, apples, apples. 🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏
There's something about a pile full of apples in a basket or bucket that just screams FALL to me. I've attempted this shape year after year because I just can't get enough of this look.
The gift cutter from Sugarbelle's ShapeShifters set is the perfect shape for a basket or bucket full of apples.
To give the metal bucket a more 3D feel, cut out a thinner duplicate, cut off the top of the "bucket" using the curved edger also found in the Shapeshifters set, and lay it on top of the bottom full shaped layer. Roll small "apple" balls and press them firmly into the top of the bucket. (see photo below)
For the basket, first cut out a plain full gift shape. Then using the molded dough method (shown in this blog post), mold thinner dough with a basketweave mat and cut out the same shape, but cut off the top of the "basket" using the curved edger found in the Shapeshifters set, and lay it over the original plain gift shape. Roll small "apple" balls and press them firmly into the top of the basket. (see photo below)
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, brush the molded basket portion with dry golden leaf dust.
Next brush the baskets with dry caramel and/or deep brown dusts to give it a richer hue.
Make a mixture of red rose dust and vodka (or clear extra, i.e. almond) and paint the apples.
[You can also use cut kiwi dust to make green apples, but I disliked the wrinkly-look that was emphasized with that color. It reminded me of brussel sprouts! haha]
For the metal buckets, outline and flood the bucket portion with gray glaze.
[I apologize that I failed to take photos of these steps.]
After at least 30 minutes, add the bucket handle.
Allow it to dry overnight.
Paint the bucket surface with a mixture of nu silver dust and vodka (or clear extract; i.e. almond).
Add stems and leaves to the "apples" in the baskets and buckets.
Since I disliked the painted green apples, I covered the dough balls with green glaze.
After drying them overnight, I dusted the apples with dry caramel dust.
Also, once the silver dust has dried, dust the bucket portion with dry turkish black dust.
Candied apples......I can still remember as a child when they would appear in the grocery store and the excitement that built knowing that autumn was just around the corner.
Nowadays candied apples have taken on a whole new dessert category with all the gourmet flavors you can imagine. It sure was fun to "spice up" these candied apple cookies and add all kind of yummy treats to them.
To make these cookies, it is important to remove any stem on these apple cookies since you're going to put a stick in place of the stem. As seen below, trim the stems off the cookies before baking and carefully push a food grade stick into the top of each apple cookie.
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, make a mixture of red dust (and/or green dust, if desired) and vodka (or clear extract, i.e. almond) to paint on the tops of the apples as shown below.
For caramel apple cookies, outline and flood most of the apple shape with golden brown glaze as shown below. While the glaze is still wet, cover the top with desired topping and shake off the excess. Possible toppings include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, and coconut.
For shiny red candied apples, outline and flood the apple with red glaze as shown below.
After the glaze has dried for several hours (or overnight), paint over the red glaze with a mixture of red "poppy" dust and corn syrup.
It's time to start prepping for back-to-school time.
A couple of years ago I did an "Old School" Cookie Collection that contained a milk carton.
I found the shape on Ecrandal's site and decided it should be featured in this year's collection.
To emphasize dimension on the milk cartons, do each segment separately.
Changing up the colors in each adjoining segment will make them "pop" even more.
(see photo below)
Dry the cookies overnight.
Use a black food color marker and red food color marker to add some details to the cartons.
(see photo below)
Recognizing our blessings......it's what Thanksgiving is all about.
I am truly blessed.....and today, I'm counting my blessings.
Psalm 146:2-6 sums it up well:
I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
I hope this special holiday season affords you time to reflect and dwell on the things for which you are most thankful.
