Everybody helps!!!

My sister was visiting this week for Christmas and was staying at my parents condo in BirchBay.  I think I've got her addicted!  She would try to go for a walk, and always find herself searching the beach for beachglass!  She sure found a lot for me!

Also, my sister-in-law and her family stayed on Orcas Island this week.  I told my 6 year old niece Lauren,  if she found beach glass for me I would make her something special.  So they came home from their trip with a bag of glass too!!  This is what everyone found for me!

I went through and cleaned them up and picked my favorites and this is what I got! I find that baby oil is the best way to shine them up.

I asked Lauren which one was her favorite piece and she said the lavender one.  It's not too tumbled, but I will make her something special with it!

So, when your at the beach keep a look out for that special piece, and I'd love to make you something!

Beach Glass CANDY!

I came across this recipe for Beach Glass Candy, and thought, I have to try this!  Being Christmas time I thought it would make some nice gifts.  Well, after throwing 3 batches in the garbage, I finally got it right the 4th time!
Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/4-1 tsp. flavoring oil (I used peppermint and raspberry extract, it takes more for extracts than oils)
• Powdered Sugar
• Food Coloring

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  Grease a cookie sheet or cake pan with butter.
  
  
  
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  Pour sugar, corn syrup and water into a medium saucepan.  Place over medium heat, stirring until sugar disolves.  Without stirring, boil the mixture until a candy thermometer reads between 300 and 310 degrees.The first batch I made I burned, so I lowered the heat on the next one, only to find out that it doesn't get up to 300 that way.  So, after doing some research I found out that you should slightly lower the heat as it gets toward the end, it will start to darken a little towards the end.
  
  
  

Drop a small amount into ice water, if it seperates into brittle strands that snap when you break them, it is ready.  I found out that this was the best way to find out if its ready, if it bends at all, it's not ready and will stick to your teeth!

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  Remove from heat.  Let boiling subside.
  
  
  
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  Add food coloring and candy flavor.  Blend with a wooden spoon.
  
  
  
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  Pour into greased cookie sheet or cake pan.  Let cool. It can be put into the fridge to cool faster.
  
  
  
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  Cover hardened candy with parchement paper and tap with a mallet (or I found the end of a rolling pin works well) to shatter into small pieces.
  
  
  
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  Place a small amount (it does not take much at all) of powdered sugar into a ziplock and toss small pieces to coat.  This will give it a frosted look, and also keep it from sticking.
  
  
  

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  Place into favor tins.  I lined the inside with cupcake liners. Place a ribbon and a label, and you've got a great gift. 
  
  
  

 

Enjoy!!

More than just necklaces...

Yes, I've got more than just necklaces.  Check out these fun wine glass tags. Pair them with a bottle of wine and you've got a great gift.

I've also got some fun bookmarks for $16, sorry no pictures at this time, a great gift for the reader in the family, or maybe your childs teacher.  Got any specific requests? Just let me know.