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Labor Day Desert Recipe - Coconut Cake with Berries and Cream!

With Labor Day Weekend approaching, we at Roberts Crafts wanted to give you a delicious recipe for a very popular desert to serve to your guests at this weekend's BBQ!

Here is what you'll need: 

stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pan

6 large eggs, separated

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup flaked unsweetened coconut, toasted and finely ground

1 cup all-purpose flour, divided

2 cups heavy cream, divided

1 can (13.75 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

3 cups mixed fresh berries (about 12 ounces), for serving

  Directions:

Step 1 : 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch glass baking pan. Whisk together egg whites, baking soda, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment on medium speed, until soft peaks form, 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Add egg yolks to egg-white mixture, and whisk until completely combined. Gradually add sugar, and whisk until combined. Fold in butter and coconut with a rubber spatula.

Step 3: 

Sift 1/4 cup flour onto mixture; fold to combine. Repeat with remaining flour, folding in 1/4 cup at a time. Pour batter into pan; bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 4:

Meanwhile, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, the coconut milk, and condensed milk. As soon as cake is removed from oven, pour cream mixture over cake. Let cake cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cover cake with plastic wrap, and refrigerator at least 5 hours and up to 8 hours.

Step 5: 

Just before serving, whisk remaining cup heavy cream until soft peaks form, and spread over cake. Serve with mixed berries.

Now all you need to do is sit back and enjoy this delicious desert! From all at Roberts Crafts, have a great Labor Day Weekend! 

*Thank you to our friends at Martha Stewart for this recipe!

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Step by Step Guide for a Basic yet Adorable Scarf Pattern!

Knit your way into Fall this year with the perfect basic scarf pattern! For all you knitaholics out there, we at Roberts Crafts are giving you a step by step guide to create the perfect Scarf this season.

Materials:

Roberts Crafts Yarn (any color) approximately 600 yards, or three 100-gram ball.

Size-9 knitting needles

Safety pin

Notebook

Tape measure

Steps:

  STEP 1

Work this series of stitches when directed to in the pattern.

Row 1: (right side) k32 Row 2: (wrong side) k32 Row 3: k32 Row 4: k4, p24, k4 Row 5: k32 Row 6: k32

STEP 2

Loosely cast on 32 stitches.

  STEP 3

k32: Knit each stitch across the row for 8 rows. Tally the rows in your notebook. There should be 4 ridges on each side of the work.

STEP 4

k4, p24, k4: Knit the first 4 sts. Purl the next 24 sts, remembering to bring the yarn in front of the project. Move the yarn to the back again, and knit the last 4 sts.

STEP 5

k32: Mark this side by placing a safety pin in the middle of the knitting so you always know when you are working a right-hand-side row. This side should be facing you when the knitting is in your left hand ready for you to knit a right-side row.

STEP 6

Repeat rows 9 and 10 until the knitting measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge. End after working a row 9. To measure, place the knitting on a flat surface, place the measuring tape under the needle, and measure down to the cast-on edge.

STEP 7

Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. These are the rows that form the ridges at each end of the scarf. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until the knitting measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge. End after working a row 9.

STEP 8

Work the 6 rows of the Pattern Stitch. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until scarf measures 53 inches from the cast-on row. End after working row 9. Rows 9 and 10 can be repeated for as long as you like. Any adjustments to length should be made while working these rows. If you’re adjusting the scarf to a certain length, keep in mind that 7 inches will be added after this point.

STEP 9

Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until scarf measures 56 inches from the cast-on row. End after working a row 9.

STEP 10

Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. Repeat Rows 9 and 10 until the scarf is 59 inches.

STEP 11

Knit next 8 rows. Cast off. Weave in yarn ends.

STEP 12

Block the scarf by spraying with water and smoothing it with your hands. If necessary, pin the scarf to a towel to keep the edges from rolling, and allow it to dry flat overnight; or place a damp towel over the scarf, and press flat with a steam iron.

  We at Roberts Crafts would love to see your creations and different patterns for your scarves so upload them here or on our facebook page! From all at Roberts Crafts...Happy Crafting!! 

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Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Monthy with this Homemade Silk Screen Printer and Instructions!

August is American Artist Appreciation Month and we've found a great project for you that can start an artistic trend with you and your children. Andy Worhol, a famous American artist, specialized in multiple forms of art including silk screening. In this week's post we show you how to make your own screen printer and which kinds of crafts you can make with it. Thanks to One Golden Apple for this week's idea!

Supplies Needed:

- Foam core

- Contact paper (shelf liner)

- Sharpie pen

- Craft knife

- 12xx silk screen fabric

- Screen printing inks

- Squeegee

- Stapler

- Masking tape

- Plastic spoon or tongue depressor

Instructions:

1. Cut a frame out of a piece of foam core. You can make this any size, just be sure that your squeegee can fit. Staple screen printing fabric so it is really tight.

2. Draw a simple image onto the paper side of the contact paper. Cut it out with a craft knife.

3. Peel the paper backing off the contact paper and carefully stick it to the underside of the screen (that would be the flat side facing the table) positioning it so it is centered in the window. Smooth out any bubbles and be sure that it is flat against the screen, especially by the design cuts. This will keep the ink where it is supposed to be.

On the inking side (the side with the foam core frame on top) tape the window with masking tape so no ink can escape out the sides.

4. Now you are ready to print. Gather t-shirts, blank cards, paper and whatever you want to print onto. You can make about 20 prints before the contact paper wants to start peeling away. If you are using t-shirts, put a piece of cardboard or paper between the layers because the ink will bleed through.

5. Put a couple spoonfuls of ink on one side of the image and then pull the ink across the screen with the squeegee.  Be sure that the ink went into all the design spaces.  You can pull the ink across a couple times, but don't do it too many times or the image will look a little blurry, not crisp.

6. Lift the screen off the print and hang print to dry. Repeat process over and over again. Make stationary, posters, napkins, place mats, shirts, flags, etc. When done with image, remove from the screen, wash the ink off the screen thoroughly and save for another time.

We hope you enjoy this week's idea. Good luck and happy crafting from Roberts Crafts!

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Make It Out to the Beach One Last Time with This Handmade Bag!

Even though the summer is winding down, there is still time to get out to the beach! While there, you can show off your handmade t-shirt bag that's perfect for carrying your beach essentials. Thanks to our friends at Buttons and Paint for sharing this great idea!

Materials Needed:

1. Old t-shirt

2. Rotary cutter or scissors

3. Sewing materials

Instructions:

1. Find an old t-shirt, turn it inside out, and fold in half. Mark out and cut a bag shape.

2. Open out, pin and sew all the way around the edge with a seam allowance.

3. Still with your T-shirt inside out, cut some slits through both layers.

4. You will need to stop cutting your slits approx 10cm from the top so that you can shape the top of the bag and cut a handle.

5. Turn it back out and now you have yourself a new bag!

This bag would also be great for other times of the year. It's lightweight and casual for many different kinds of ocassions. From Roberts Crafts, happy crafting and enjoy the rest of your summer!

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Indulge Yourself with Homemade Lemon Zest Body Scrub!

Having a stressful week? Indulge yourself or treat a friend with this easy, all-natural and inexpensive body scrub! You're just 4 ingredients away from complete relaxation!

Materials:

Body oil

Epsom salt, sea salt, or organic cane sugar

12 oz. jar with cap

Lemon zest

Instructions:

Mix together 1 cup of body oil and 2 cups of Epsom or sea salts or organic cane sugar.

Add Lemon zest for color and fragrance.

Package salt in jars.

A big thank you to MarthaStewart.com for this great project idea!

Don't forget about our 20% Off Back to School Sale! From all at Roberts Crafts, Happy Relaxing!

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Get Yourself Ready for Back to School with these DIY Page Corner Bookmarks! And Enjoy 20% Off Your Order Now Through August 7th!

It's every child's worst nightmare, but you can make Back to School time more fun for your children with these do-it-yourself page corner bookmarks! Whether it's a textbook, an assigned book, or something for nighttime reading, these bookmarks will add some fun flair to your books. To sweeten this project, Robert's Crafts is offering 20% off your order now through August 7th! Thanks to our friends at tallytreasury.com for this great idea!

These are the materials you'll need to make these cute page keepers.

pretty paper of cardstock weight OR a combination of plain cardstock and pretty, decorated lighter weight paper

scissors

ruler

mechanical pencil

glue stick

[optional] other decorating tools, such as crayons, markers, stamps, stickers, ink pads, embossing powder, etc.

page corner monster bookmark template  number 3. under “Paper patterns and templates” (or you can make your own using the instructions below)

Next, follow these steps to complete your bookmarks.

1. On a piece of plain scrap paper, draw a square. Use your ruler so its sides are perfectly straight. Don’t make it too big – mine measured 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches, though you could go larger than that. Draw a second square exactly the same size on the right side of the first square (so they share a side) and a third square exactly the same size on the top of the first square. You should end up with 3 squares that compose an L shape.

2. Using your ruler, draw a diagonal line across the uppermost square, from its top right corner to its bottom left corner. Scribble out the upper left half (now a triangle) of the square, as you won’t be using that part.

Next, draw a diagonal line across the bottom right square, from its top right corner to its bottom left corner. Scribble out the lower right half (now a triangle) of this square.

3. Cut out all parts of the entire shape that have not been scribbled out. This should be a square with two triangles attached to it, one on the top and one on the right. This is your template.

4. Trace your template onto your pretty piece of cardstock (or onto the plain piece of cardstock that you intend to decorate), and cut the shape out.

5. Using your ruler and the tip of your mechanical pencil with no lead showing, score a line (make an indent) along the edges of the square that connect to the two triangles.

[Optional] Cut a square of pretty paper slightly smaller than the one you used for your template and glue it onto the square portion of your shape. I generally do this if the paper I’m using is quite plain.

6. Fold one triangle inwards, so it covers the upper half of the square.

7. Apply glue to the underside (the side still facing up) of the second triangle, and fold it over onto the first triangle. [Optional] As in step 5, if you’ve used plain cardstock and want to glue fancy paper on top of it, cut out a triangle of the fancy paper that’s slightly smaller than the folded-over triangles of the bookmark. Glue the smaller triangle on top of the larger, folded-over ones.

8. Add any decorations or illustrations you wish. Use by slipping over the corner of the page you wish to mark, like a pocket.

Take advantage of this crafty project before August 7th to get 20% off! Happy crafting from Robert's Crafts and we hope you're ready for the school year!

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Cross "Picnic in the Park" Off Your Summer Bucket List!

Here at Roberts Crafts we have a long list of activities, crafts and recipes to try this summer. At the top of our list is a relaxing picnic in the park!

If a picnic is on your summer bucket list, you'll want to keep this portable dessert idea in mind.

Spiced Apple Pear Pie in a Jar:

Ingredients:

1 cup of diced, pealed apples

1 cup of diced pears (skin on)

2 tbsp of flour

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

pinch of salt

2 tbsp of butter (to be divided between jars)

1 prepared pie crust dough (or your favorite homemade recipe!)

4 1/2 pint mason jars

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350. 

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together apples, pears, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Toss until the fruit is fully coated.

Step 3: Roll out your pie crust and use the top of the mason jar to cut out circles for the top crust. 

Step 4: Use the leftover dough to line the mason jars until they are completely covered in dough.

Step 5: Fill mason jars with fruit mixture and top with dots of butter. Lay the crusts on top and poke with fork to vent.

Step 6: Place the mason jars on a cookie sheet with a 1/2 an inch of water on the bottom. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the crust is light brown. (You may need to cover the tops with foil to prevent the crust from burning.)

Step 7: Enjoy!

Thank you to YoungMarriedChic.com for this cute recipe idea! Don't forget to visit our Facebook page for more summer bucket list tips and ideas! What's on your summer bucket list?

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Make an Adorable Dog Tote Bag for your Two-Footed Friends!

We all have that one friend. You know who I'm talking about... the one who treats her dog like a prince or princess. Your friend dresses the dog up in costumes for holidays and speaks in that annoying-but-kinda-cute baby voice. You should accept that you'll never be able to convince her to tone it down a bit, embrace the truth, and give your friend a gift he or she loves! All those dog treats, extra water bottles, and dog toys can really be tough for your friend to carry on her own. That's why this week we have an adorable dog-printed tote bag to keep her hands free while enjoying the day outside with man's best friend! Courtesy of Martha Stewart, this tote bag goes where the two of them go throughout the day.

Just pick up all your supplies from Robert's Crafts and follow the instructions below!

Materials

1. Photograph of Dog's Profile

2. Ultrasuede Fabric

3. Fabric Pen

4. Fabric Scissors

5. Craft Glue

6. Natural Canvas Tote Bag

7. Twill Tape

Instructions

1. Photocopy picture, enlarging so that dog is about two-thirds the height of the bag; cut out along dog's outline.

2. Lay photo cutout, face up, on front of fabric, and trace with fabric pen. Cut out. Flip fabric silhouette.

3. Trace opposite side of dog with fabric pen. Cut out. Flip fabric silhouette.

4. Apply glue to dog's head. Position silhouette, glue side down, on bag; press to adhere.

5. Apply glue to the rest of the back of the silhouette in sections, pressing and smoothing out as you work.

6. Cut a length of twill tape slightly longer than needed to form a collar and leash. Apply glue to 1 side of twill tape in sections.

7. Position tape on dog, starting with the back of the dog's neck and curving the tape to mimic a collar.

8. At front of dog's neck, tuck tape slightly under the fabric. This will make it easier to pivot the tape upward for the leash. Continue gluing and positioning tape for leash. Let dry.

We hope your two-legged friends love this gift idea! Be sure to share your photos with us and happy crafting!