Inspiring Needlework and Art Kits

These inspiring art and needlework kits are fabulous to give as gifts to anyone you want. These will also make wonderful gifts to buy for yourself and do during the holidays. The kits come with everything you need to get started.

Collage and Paper: Calming Meditative Activities

Everyone in our family enjoyed taking part in doing the calming and interesting paper mosaic activity in Chiharu Rosenberg's Cut and Create Paper Mosaics kit. This craft mosaic-by-number artwork is done by cutting the numbered paper tiles which are printed on coloured and patterned paper, then gluing it to the card stock. 

Cake pops for any occasion

I used this cake pop kit from Bakerella that came with instructions and useful tools to make these delicious treats.  The cake pop kit includes a colourful booklet with instructions, a cake pop stand, cello bags to place each cake pop, cake pop sticks, gift tags and ribbons.  The kit is available on Amazon and in bookstores.  
This creative treat is a lot of fun to make and is the new trend :)  

My kids were super excited to help me make these cake pops.  It would be a lovely treat for any day, which can be served as dessert or at a party.  It would also be a good homemade gift to take to family and friends.


We need...
1 box cake mix
1 16 oz container frosting
candy melts (I used the Wilton brand)


Follow the instruction on the cake mix and bake the cake; don't forget to get some help from the little ones to make it.
When the cake is completely cool crumble the cake with clean hands in a big bowl and add 3/4 of the frosting from the container.
Mix the cake with the frosting and then make balls about 2" diameter.  Leave the cake ball on a baking sheet that is lined with wax paper, cover with plastic wrap and place in the freeze for 15 minutes or refrigerate the cake balls until it is firm.  We can also shape the cake balls into any shape we like and then place it in the fridge.
Make sure the cake pops are firm before coating with the candy melts.
Melt the candy coating in a small heatproof bowl in the microwave.  Make sure to choose a bowl that is about 3" deep, which makes it easy to dip.  Put in 30 second interval and stir in between.  Repeat this till the candy coating melts and is smooth.
Work with a few cake balls at a time and leave the rest in the fridge.  The candy melts harden pretty fast so if you want to add sprinkles or decoration do it soon :)

Dip the lollipop stick into the melted candy coating then insert into the bottom of the cake ball half way and then place it in the stand for it to dry.
Dip the entire cake pop into the candy coating.  Dip and remove in one motion without stirring.
If the coating is thick add few drops of vegetable oil to thin it, I didn't have to do this.


These cake pops can be stored in an airtight container or in the fridge.  Hope you get to try these fun cake pops with your family.

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