Crafty Projects

I have been seriously enjoying testing all the crafty projects that Joni has been coming up with for her upcoming book. I love crafting and have a serious amount of scrapbooking supplies up in my spare bedroom so most of the time I have what I need on hand. These projects may look a little complicated but trust me they are easy to make (with Joni's instructions at least) and so beautiful! People will be fighting over who gets to keep them and you won't want to let them go. Around here Mac has been trying to lay claim on them but so far I've managed to keep them for myself. I also have been loving Joni's "in a jar recipes" because while they are great for gifting, they are also great for my pantry! I mixed up a bunch of them and then when I want something most of the work is already done which makes meals so much easier!

Double Sided Accordion Cookbook
I couldn't figure out how to get a picture of it all
opened up and all but you can put some recipes
in it to give as a gift and can use both sides

Recipe Treasure Box
The kind where you stash those index
cards with all the recipes you use all the time

Same box different angle

L-R Chipotle Ranch Dressing, Hearty Pasta Soup with Chickn',
Curried Rice Pilaf and Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Strawberry Pineapple Orange Cake Mix

This is the Hearty Pasta Soup with Chickn' once it was all cooked
and it was soooo delicious!

Cranberry Muffin in homemade parchment baking cups

More Crafty Treats from Testing for Joni

Here are a few more projects I have made for Joni Marie Newman's upcoming crafty vegan book.

A fold your own Truffle Box

Opened up but no treats yet!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls have found their home!

(These were a big hit and super easy to make!)

Reusable Felt (100% Recycled Plastic bottle felt) Gift Bag 

hanging out with my Candied Citrus Peels

(which are now my making supper snacks)

My First Projects for Joni's Next Book

Confession time...I am a super craft nerd. I literally have a dresser in my room dedicated to holding all my crafting gear (please read this sentence like Rob Lowe's character on Parks and Rec because that is how I am thinking it). I have a crap ton of scrapbook paper, stamps, fabric, stickers, punches, glitter and as much as I love a kitchen gadget, I love my crafting gadgets too. Provo Craft has way too much of my money to prove that!

I never really thought my crafting and cooking loves would collide but that all changed when I saw a tweet from Joni Marie Newman looking for a few crafty vegans to help test for her newest book project. I don't think I could have typed up my email any faster to get in on this one. This book is so perfectly up my alley! So far, I don't know much, the working title is Vegan Food Gifts: Spread the Vegan Love DIY-Style with 100 Inspired Recipes for Homemade Edible Gifts, Baked Goods, Preserves and More so that gives you a general idea of what to expect. I know I would buy it just from the title. There is going to be all kinds of recipes as well as ways to package them up to give as gifts so you can give them to family and friends. I made up two of the projects so far and wanted to share a peek at them. I will keep posting as I make them and by the end I know you will be just as excited about this book as I am! 

The two small mason jars are filled with Italian Spiced Parm-y Sprinkles (super yummy noochy/nutty parm) that I covered with some Amy Butler Midwest Modern fabric (for the quilt I was definitely going to make and then didn't know how to actually make). The two bags are actually made with the same technique, one with cellophane and one with brown kraft paper. They are tape and glue free yet hold together and you can stuff them full of all kinds of tasty treats.

I'm excited to see what else Joni has in store for this book...I think she is even working on a couple of themed baskets and you even make the basket! Love it!