Gooseberry Patch

99-Cent Pies eBook...Now thru Sunday!

The eBook version of our Classic cookbook,
Pies, is now available for just 99 cents! 

Just in case you missed the announcement on Facebook, we didn't want you to miss out on the deal! Click the book below to visit our landing page, select your eBook reader and download it in seconds!

Hurry and download yours before it's too late!

It's currently available at this special price for
Kindle, Nook, Apple iDevices and Sony eReader.

Just click this link and select your reader.

Don't have an eReader?
That's okay...you can still get this cookbook!

 Download the free reading app from Amazon or Barnes & Noble and it's like having an eBook reader right in your computer. There are even versions for your phone, so you'll always have a speedy supper at your fingertips.

Special notes: When you visit our landing page, you will also find links to the Kobo version. Unfortunately, their price is not adjusted to the promotional price. If you have a Kobo, we'd recommend downloading one of the Kindle or Barnes & Noble apps mentioned above so you can take advantage of the savings!

Also, if you are a fan outside of the US, we'd recommend the Kindle app to you too. Unlike Apple and Barnes & Noble, there are no geographic limitations (that we know of) on Amazon.

 

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Be sure to tell your friends about this great deal!

Full-Size Book for Less than a Buck!

Since it's not quite FREE, we're calling this week's goodie
a Link We Love...but it is NEARLY free and we want
to make sure YOU get yours!

Earlier this week, we announced that our full-size cookbook,
Dinners on a Dime, would be available as a 99-cent eBook
for a limited time only!

Just in case you missed the link on our Page on Facebook
or in Wednesday's Recipe Round-Up, click the book below!

We don't want to sound like a broken record (remember those?)
but we DO want to make sure as many of you get
the incredible savings...go download yours before it's too late!

Don't have an eReader? That's okay...you can still get a copy!
Download one of the free reading apps from Amazon
or Barnes & Noble and it's like having an eBook reader
right in your computer!

 

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Be sure to tell your friends about this great deal!

Meet the Cookie Queen!

We first discovered today's Link We Love when a Facebook fan posted a link to her  Candy-Corn Cookies...they're so adorable!

No cookie cutter required for these either! 

Just a few posts later, we were HOOKED on the unbelievable creativity showcased on this baking blog. Brimming with beautiful cookies, inspiration & encouragement by the bucket and even some helpful instruction, we're tickled to feature...

The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle!

Self-described as obsessed with decorating cookies, sweet Callye's bubbly personality makes it extra fun to read about her latest adventures in the kitchen.

The works of art she pipes onto sugar cookies are nothing short of amazing and her step-by-step photos make us feel like, hey...we could do that! 

In addition to sharing her perfect cookies, her blog features recipes (of course!), TONS of helpful tutorials, tips for decorating, tips for color, and even a few video tutorials.

Sweet Sugarbelle is a rich resource for all your
cookie-decorating dreams...we know we'll be back for more!

Drop in for a visit today!

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Want to share this cookie queen with a friend? Click the buttons below!

A Cute Kitchen Helper!

We recently ran across a sweet little project that we just had to share. Marie at Make and Takes is always crafting up some fun...have you visited her blog yet? Click below to go!

So much great inspiration to be found there! 

What's the project, you ask?
Well, it's right up our alley and we think you'll like it too...

Isn't that a darling recipe card holder?

Visit Make and Takes for complete instructions on making your own. It only takes a few supplies and you could easily whip it out in under an hour.

These would make a great handcrafted surprise for a new bride or for a housewarming, wouldn't they? Print out our recipe cards and add a few of your family favorites for a thoughtful gift.

Download our cards below!

Gooseberry Patch Recipe Cards

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Craft Some Pretty Pots!

We were so inspired by today's Link We Love, we knew we just had to share it with you! Part crafty idea, part simple tutorial, the link to these pretty pots is one you'll definitely want to keep handy.  

Pretty Pots

Dreamed up by super-creative blogger, Christine Chitnis, they're just so darn cheery! With some terra cotta pots from the garden store, some of your favorite fabric scraps and a little Mod Podge, you'll be on your way. Click over to visit Christine for more complete instructions.

Wouldn't these be sweet for gift-giving or as a bridal shower favor?
You could even cover a few and use them to keep your desk organized!

It's just one of the lovely ideas you'll find at Christine's blog...click HERE and HERE to see a few more of our favorites. Where she REALLY shines is her photography. We really felt like we were visiting the lake along with her in this recent post...here's a sneak peek.

Beautiful...and from the coast of Michigan, not a tropical island!

 

 

 

We were so excited to see that she's published a book filled with even more inspiration!

Click here to get a sneak peek
on her blog.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

 

 

Next time you have some time to dream, be sure to
pay Christine a visit...we know you'll enjoy your stay.

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Top Your Table this Friday!

This week's Link We Love is just ONE of the amazing ideas you can find on Dana's blog...we had to go back and check our archives because we were SURE that we'd already shared her blog with you. You're going to want to add this one to your regularly visited spots to be inspired...we have!

Say hello to...

made!

The writer/photographer/maker behind this blog is Dana, a mom of two little cuties. She makes all sorts of goodies for them - adorable! - but her handmade gift ideas are what really hooked us. So much goodness!

She's also clued us in on some sewing techniques that have come in handy...make your own bias tape anyone? Pick up her patterns or follow her easy tutorials to make something yourself!

Today we're sharing a link to an easy sewing project that we think is perfect for summertime...it's picnic weather out there and everyone loves a cute table, even when you're gathering in the backyard!

Check out these Table Toppers!

Created with just four simple seams and your favorite fabric, if you can cut and sew a straight line, you're in business! We love layering a colorful fabric over a white or solid color one...one of our favorite table-topping trick is to layer a quilt over a tablecloth but Dana's idea is a fun (and easy!) summertime twist.

We couldn't resist linking to one more project that you'll see in the Table Topper post above...

Wallflowers!


These tissue paper flowers are easy to make and, whether you hang them on the wall or use them as a whimsical centerpiece, you'll love 'em. Click here to see how to make your own.

We know you'll find no shortage of creative inspiration at made. Thanks for all you provide, Dana...we'll certainly be back for more!

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Share this link with a friend...they'll LOVE it!

Using Vintage Goodness This Friday!

Remember those wooden spools from Grandma's sewing basket? If you're anything like us, you probably still have some rolling around your own sewing room...this week's Link We Love is a great project to get them out where you can see them!

Vintage Wooden Spool Cork Board

In this tutorial, you can see how easy it is to turn a ho-hum corkboard into a fun addition to your sewing or craft room...
what a thoughtful gift for a creative soul too!

Thanks so much to The Silly Pearl for this fun tutorial!

Steph is the mom behind this crafty blog, where you'll find great tutorials on everything from handmade jewelry to goodies she made for her adorable twin girls and even some decorating ideas for all year round.

Once you're there, you'll probably want to pick up her button...

Find The Silly Pearl on Facebook too!

 

Thanks for sharing such great ideas, Steph...
we can't wait to see what you come up with next!

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Share this easy idea and super-crafty blog with a friend!

Fifty Recipes! (Yes, that's 5-0.)

Since Mom's Favorite Recipes is our Cookbook of the Week, it seemed like a good(e) time to remind you that Cris of Goodeness Gracious is cooking her way through this very book!

Say hello to this week's Link We Love!

At our last count, Cris has made (and blogged!) 50 recipes from Mom's Favorite Recipes...click here to view the index of them all or just click the big button above.

\With a list like that, we're guessing you can find SOMETHING to make for dinner, dessert or just to snack on this weekend. If you try one of these, stop back and let us know!

Thanks again, Cris, for coming up with this challenge...we love hearing about how these recipes gathered from all over the country have found a home in your kitchen and on your table. Keep on cookin'!

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Share this Link We Love with someone YOU love today!

Take a Tour of Bloggers!

With Springtime in full swing in most places and Easter coming up in a few days, we thought it'd be fun to take a little tour of some of our past Featured Friday bloggers and see what they're up to these days. Here's to finding inspiration wherever you look...enjoy!

 

 

Want to fix something special for breakfast? Try Anna's caramel rolls...they're a Gooseberry Patch recipe!

 

 

 

If you're more in the mood for a savory breakfast on Easter Sunday, give Leah's make-ahead breakfast scramble a try and you can just pop it in the oven in the morning!

 

 

 

Tina's Bunny Buns would be a fun treat for little folks Easter morning! These little treats were the inspiration behind this post. Thanks Tina!

 

 

 

Traditional Easter dinner at Carmen's house always includes Ham and Popeye...puffy little noodle-dumplin's sounds good to us!

 

 

 

 

Kristin whipped up this marinated veggie salad and we think it'd be a great side dish.

 

 

 

Mix up Cris's quick & easy baked beans...they'd be just right alongside your ham!

 

 

 

 

Tina also shared her recipe for classic deviled eggs! It's just not Easter dinner without these, right?

 

 

 

 

Looking for a must-share appetizer to serve? Jen posted that she'll be whipping up some of our quick Reuben Dip...yum!

 

 

 

Gail recently posted Claudia's Famous Wing Dip and we think it'd be a great addition too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jackie has created a whole page of Easter dinner deliciousness on her blog, including some sweet little Easter basket cupcakes!

 

 

 

 

For the dessert table, there are so many goodies out there...Cora's cookies capture so much of the meaning behind this special day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carmen's Resurrection Rolls do too...bonus photos of cute helpers in this post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kim is sharing her recipe for Luscious Lime Cheesecake...cool and refreshing!

 

 

 

 

She also whipped up this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie that you could serve this weekend. Looks like a magazine, doesn't it?

 

 

 

Try Carrie's Easy Homemade Cherry Jelly or Jewish Sweet Challah Bread and add something really special to your celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of cherries, we don't think anyone would say no to this classic cherry cobbler Jodi posted recently. It's from our cookbook, Quick & Easy Autumn!

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this cute idea that Susie's sharing...Easter in a Jar! Note to other bloggers: this is a blog hop so be sure to link up too.

 

 

 

 

Oh, and if you happen to have some ham left over, Leah's ham sandwiches look amazing...we're really looking forward to trying these!

 

 

 

 

Tina found some beautiful marble eggs...you can't eat 'em but she'll enjoy them year after year. Aren't they pretty?

 

 

 

We hope you found something yummy to try here or some inspiration as we head into a weekend filled with celebration. Enjoy every moment...and if you're making something tasty, share a link in the comments! We'd love to hear about it.

Meet Some Real Farmwives this Friday!

If you know one thing about Gooseberry Patch,
it's that we LOVE building community.

You can see it here on our blog, on our Page on Facebook...heck, take a look at the cookbooks we've been creating for the last 20 years or so and you can see the love we have for hometown cooks on every page. Whether it's your tried & true recipes, clever tips & ideas or just everyday stories from your hometowns, we love bringing all of you together to share.

This week's Link We Love was formed with the same idea in mind and, in case you missed our  announcement earlier this week, allow us to introduce you to...

The Real Farmwives of America & Friends!

Their mission? Connecting "moms with the many faces that grow the food on their table." They're "bringing over a dozen farm women together online and making them accessible to moms everywhere."

What a great idea, right?

Here's how they describe themselves:
RFOA & Friends is a growing group of women across the nation who blog about life on and off the farm. Our members either currently live on family farms, grew up on the farm and/or work in the farming community. Our blogs focus on many different topics from humor to life to recipes to DIY projects to our families.

So where does Gooseberry Patch come in?
Well, we're glad you asked...check this out!

That's right...we're teaming up with RFOA to
bring you lots of farm-fresh goodness!

Starting next week, one of these lovely ladies - Heather from 3 Kids & Lots of Pigs - will kick off the fun. She'll be asking you to pick from a few Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and then, when the votes are tallied, she'll cook and share TEN recipes from that book!

It's a great way to get a peek inside these books and to discover some fun bloggers in the process. Plus, free recipes...who doesn't love that? At the risk of sounding a little like an infomercial...

But wait - there's more!

Not only will each blogger be cooking up some delicious recipes - and there are 18 signed up to take part so far! - she'll also have a copy of the cookbook to give away. YOU could be the lucky winner!

Click over to Real Farmwives of America & Friends website and follow them however you like...they're on Facebook too! No matter how you connect, just make sure you're in the loop...we wouldn't want you to miss any of the fun.

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Share the good news...it's easy!

An Irresistible Treat this Friday

Okay, this is somewhere between a Link We Love and a Free Goodie but since you can't actual EAT this post, we're calling it a Link We Love and we found it at...

 

We're new to Picky Palate but we love it already! Jenny is the voice behind this blog and the recipes she creates for her two picky (but cute!) eaters are pretty amazing.

With really delicious flavor combinations - cheesy bacon biscuit pull-aparts anyone? - her blog is easy to find your way around and we're sure you'll find something you want to try out soon.

 

First on our list of recipes to try?
(And the reason we're featuring Picky Palate today!)

Brownie-Stuffed Chocolate-Chip Cookies!

It's a treat INSIDE another treat and we can't wait* to try these in person! Thanks to Jenny for the recipe and all the other yummy inspiration found on Picky Palate. Check it out today!

*Well, most of us can't wait. Jo Ann's on the fence since she's not a sweet-lover...she'd rather have something savory instead.

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Share this decadent treat with someone who has a sweet tooth!

Think Spring this Friday!

Today's Link We Love will take you to one of those blogs we can always count on. Cathe draws us in with creative projects that are so clever but not SO crafty that they seem like they'd take all day. Below, we're sharing links to two of our favorite projects but WOW you can find a ton at...

Just Something I Made!

Written by the lovely & talented Cathe Holden, it's one of those destinations that you'll want to keep handy when you're running low on inspiration and need a kickstart.

The end of winter sometimes feels like that, doesn't it?

If you think so too, you're in luck because both projects we're linking to from Just Something I Made are full of cheer...just what we need at the end of February!

First up is Cathe's ingenious homemade pennant roller!

She crafted this adorable rubber stamp from supplies picked up from the hardware store and a rubber band found in her junk drawer...can you believe it? When it's done, you can roll happy little pennants across envelopes, packages, invitations, you name it! Get the complete instructions here.

The next project (because we couldn't pick just one!)
is this simple, pretty egg holder!

 

You won't believe how she made it...it's SO simple but what you end up with is really pretty. Holding fresh-cut flowers or greenery, it would be perfect for any Spring get-together and a natural fit for your Easter table. Click over to Just Something I Made for all the details and whip one up yourself!

Feeling inspired yet?
We are too and maybe that means Spring can't be too far way!

Thanks, Cathe, for inspiring us every time we visit Just Something I Made...you're amazing and we're glad to have found your blog full of goodies.

Share these goodies with someone special...just click the buttons below.

Welcome Back, Links We Love!

You may remember the Links We Love series that started last summer. Well, we loved sharing these great finds so much, we're bringing it back for one Friday each month, starting today!

First up is one of our favorite sources of inspiration...

How About Orange!

Jessica Jones is the voice behind this super-creative blog. In her non-blogging hours, she works as a designer and makes really neat fabric and ribbon.

The link we're sharing today is just in time for Valentine's decorating...we LOVE this pretty heart garland!

 

Simply cut hearts from fabric in graduated sizes, spray with fabric stiffener and sew together to make your own sweet hearts. Jess features more complete instructions...so clever!

 

 

 

 

Jess recommends running thread through the back heart to make the garland...we think they'd look pretty strung on ribbon too, using a dab of fabric glue to secure.

 

Well, we have OUR weekend project! Want to make one too? Be sure to come back and share a link. We'd love to see 'em!

While you're at it, add How About Orange to your list of blogs to visit often. Jess always has something cute and clever going on!

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Have a great link you've found - whether a blog or another website?
Send it our way or post it in the comments below.
We'd love to hear what strikes your fancy!

 

Pass on this Link We Love...it's too good not to share!

Get Crafty for New Year's Eve!

If you're planning on toasting the new year
a few days from now, these painted glasses
are an easy way to add a touch of creativity
to your get-together!

This crafty idea appears in our cookbook,
Seasons for Sharing...a title that's just
bursting with ideas for celebrating all
year 'round.

Colorful Painted Stemware

Create an instant party atmosphere when you
set the table with these beautiful painted glasses.

newspaper
drinking glasses
star-shaped stickers
wooden craft stick
etching cream
gold or silver paint pens
2 pkgs. craft jewels
super-strength glue

Spread newspaper over work surface. Wash and dry glasses thoroughly; arrange on newspaper. Apply stickers to prevent etching cream from reaching glass and to create a star design. Use craft stick to apply etching cream to glass; let dry 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Remove stickers and outline star shapes with paint pens. Using a dab of glue, apply jewels inside each star. Glasses should be washed by hand.

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Want an idea that's so easy, even the kids can help?
Check out this tutorial for festive New Year's Eve poppers
shared by Marie at Make & Takes!

Super fun and quick to make too!

Email, Facebook, Twitter or just print to keep...it's easy with the button below.

Crafty Christmas Links this Friday!

Looking for a little inspiration this Friday? We were too, so we turned to
our handy list of Links We Love to see what they had going on!

Little Birdie Secrets shows you how to make a wreath of stars
from scrapbook paper...so clever!

 

Over at the Purl Bee, they're sharing how to craft this pretty garland from felt...
wouldn't it be pretty in place of ribbon on a package?

 

Rachel of Small Notebook shows how the simplest decorations are just as festive!

Marie at Make & Takes hosted Little Birdie Secrets and they shared
another great idea...so pretty and keeps the cards from falling off the mantel too!

Jessica at Running with Scissors posted an amazing shortcut to make
those scrappy stockings we love.

A little felt, a few stitches...simple ornaments so easy, the kids can help.
Thanks, Sew Mama Sew!

Want to make something yummy to celebrate? Callie at Make It Do has
an easy treat that's just right for giving and snacking too!

 

With her Nana's recipe for Nuts and Bolts, Shannon at Luvin the Mommyhood
has a new spin on a traditional favorite.

 

Also from Make & Takes, Hot Chocolate on a Stick. We're not sure
they'd ever make it out of our kitchens to GIVE, but just in case
you have more willpower than we do, give 'em a try.

Vanessa of Little Big Girl Studio whipped up this little tote for giving...
any kiddo on your list would love it!

Make a more grown-up tote bag with this easy idea posted by Christy
of ...from gltter to gumdrops. Love it!

 

Still looking for inspiration?

Check out the entire handmade gift collection at
Skip to My Lou...Cindy is amazing.

 

Special thanks to ALL of our Links We Love. Whenever we're looking for
a little inspiration to spark our creativity, you're where we start!

Pass our crafty Christmas links on to a friend with the handy button below!

Speaking of Cookies...

After yesterday's call for cookies, we were overwhelmed by how MANY of you shared your recipes. Hundreds upon HUNDREDS of recipes poured in from all over the country and beyond!

For a company who loves creating cookbooks from recipes from folks just like you, it was an exciting day. The recipes continue to come in today and we're loving it...THANK YOU to eveyone who shared with us!

It's not too late to send us your recipe either.
Click this link to share it in minutes!

As another way to say thanks, we couldn't resist passing on this ADORABLE cookie decorating idea from the blog, aptly named, the decorated cookie.

Click the picture above to visit!

Meaghan is an absolute cookie genius and her Mr. Melty tutorial gives you step-by-step instructions for making this clever melting snowman cookie...it's one of the most original ideas we've seen!

Oh no, I'm melting...

You're sure to find a ton of cookie inspiration (and a hefty dose of humor!) at the decorated cookie...we really love her Santa's Belly Cookie Pops and this whole collection of winter & Christmas cookies too. Visit today and let us know what YOU find!

Want to share Mr. Melty or other cookie goodness with a friend? There are lots of options when you use the button below!

This Friday's Link We Love!

You know how sometimes, you're just clicking around looking for a little inspiration and, all of a sudden, with just one click, you find yourself swimming in a sea of good stuff? Isn't that the best?!

That's exactly how we felt when we stumbled upon today's Link We Love. We're so excited to feature...

Make it Do!

Written by Calli, whose fresh & friendly voice we really enjoy, it's all about "turning lemons into lemonade."

And, like so many of our Links We Love, Make it Do is much more than a blog. Think of it as a destination for recipes, crafty ideas, party inspiration, cleaning tips...you name it.

The helpful tabs across the top will help you get around while you're there...click on cook it for yummy recipes like Lip Smackin' Peanut Butter Bars, pictured at right.

Or, a recipe from her husband, Drew's World Famous Chili. It's a tradition around this time of year...we'd eat a bowl anytime!

Click sew it or make it for projects like this easy-to-make Rise and Shine Dishtowel.

Calli's kids do section includes easy ideas for the little people in your life and her make it a party section provides great economical ideas for celebrating special days.

There's a whole selection of helpful tutorials too...like this one for a pretty ribbon flower, shown at left!

So much goodness squeezed into one spot on the web...bookmark this one ASAP.

Calli, your creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness are all inspiring...thanks so much for sharing your great ideas with us.

Visit Make it Do today and see how YOU can make do too!

(Grab a button while you're at it!)

A Sweet Link for You!

Warning: this week's Link We Love could lead to spending more time blog-reading than you planned. Maybe it's just us, but we absolutely got LOST looking at all of Jessie's photos, projects, ideas and just plain ol' inspiration!

If you're not already acquainted, let us introduce you to...

Sweet Jessie!

We were drawn in by this post about turning scraps into tiny pennants and cupcake flags...

...but then, there were the printable goodies, the tutorials, the vintage embroidery transfers (like this one, this one and this one) and that doesn't even begin to cover the goodness!

There's a step-by-step project for making a clever inspiration board from some fabric, an embroidery hoop, cork and some well-placed glue...

 

...and her easy instructions for making a sweet scalloped garland like this one!

It's no wonder this work-at-home momma has been tapped to contribute to these awesome crafty books! If all these links don't convince you to visit ASAP, maybe her shop full of cuteness will do the trick.

Thanks, Jessie, for such a bright and playful place to visit...and stay awhile. Your love for what you do (besides the dishes) really shows!

Spend some time with Sweet Jessie...we know you'll enjoy it!

Just Try and Resist the Cuteness!

When we found this week's Link We Love, it was all we could do to wait until Friday to share it. It's from a blog called ...from glitter to gumdrops written by a super-creative kitchen whiz and crafty gal, Christy Robbins. 

Even though Christy is a self-proclaimed cupcake-a-holic, her idea that we're sharing today is a different kind of sweet treat...

Mini Caramel Apples!

Made using a melon baller, some good old Granny Smith apples and some pretzels, it's one of the cutest ideas we've seen in a long time. Click here for complete instructions!

Plus, it fits right in with our Secret Ingredient recipe contest!

Check out all the other great recipes from her week of apples...homemade applesauce, toffee apple dip, apple-cinnamon muffins and another take on caramel apples using, you guessed it, cupcakes!

Great blog, Christy! We haven't even scratched the surface of ...from glitter to gumdrops and we're SO looking forward to finding more goodies.

Let us know what YOU find over there to inspire you or tempt your sweet tooth!

How about these?

Something Every Kitchen Needs!

This week's Link We Love comes from a newly discovered blog,
Little Big Girl Studio!

Vanessa is the voice behind this crafty blog and she's come a long way from "dabbling in sewing back in high school." Take a look at the project we're featuring today...

With a spot for everything you need in the kitchen, you could use this organizer for so much more than menus. Fill yours with coupons, grocery lists, school schedules, recipe cards, cards to send...need we go on?

There are even magnets on the back so it can live on your fridge, right where you need it!

Ready to make your own? Vanessa gives complete instructions and shows you how to make one with her step-by-step photos.

Wouldn't it make a thoughtful housewarming or bridal shower gift? Love it.

Thanks for such an inspiring idea, Vanessa. We can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Spend some time clicking around LBG Studio and visit her shop on Etsy for even more goodies...find her on Facebook too!