special treat...

Hello everyone! 

In honor of Easter being tomorrow, I thought I would break from the traditional painting techniques to share a tradition that has been in my family since my grandparents... Traditionally, we do this around Halloween with orange flavored chocolate (that stuff is good!). However, since I have taken over the part of candy maker, I find excuses to make them all year round. =)

These make a really fun gift or party favor!

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

What you need:
Chocolate candy melts (I find them in craft stores with cake stuff,)
Microwave safe bowl
Spoon
Toothpicks
Marshmallows (I like the small ones best)
Styrofoam brick
Sprinkles/decorating sugars/chopped nuts (optional)

Step 1: Put candy melts in a microwave safe bowl.

Step 2: Slowly melt your chocolate. The key to this is SLOWLY!  Chocolate burns easily.  I usually do 30 second intervals on half power. Stir in between each interval.

Step 3: Stick your marshmallows onto toothpicks

Step 4: dip into melted chocolate, and pull out... you may need to spin it a little to help extra chocolate drip off.

*Optional step 5: Immediately after removing the marshmallow from the chocolate, dip in sprinkles, sugar, or chopped nuts

Step 6: stick your dipped marshmallows into your styrofoam brick to harden. They should harden at room temperature, but if you want to speed it up, stick them in the freezer for a few minutes. It doesn't take long.

*tip: keep the styrofoam brick... It can be used over and over! It is also great for holding painted brads while they are drying!

Step 7: Remove marshmallows for the toothpicks and enjoy!

now comes the part where I use the Creative Inspirations Paint. =)

to make the tag:

1. Stamp your favorite holiday image with Versamark.
2. Cover with black embossing powder and heat.
3. Paint image with CI paints. These paints are a quick and easy way to add amazing color to your projects! I love the extra festiveness the sparkle of the paint adds. It also matches the shimmer of the sugar coated marshmallows. =)
*I used: Green Olive, Fuchsia, Sky Blue, Tutu Pink, Light Purple, Mellow Yellow, Mango*
4. Die cut your image and a mat.
5. Ink the edges.
6. Glue together.
7. Use an eyelet to make attaching your tag a breeze!

Put your chocolate dipped marshmallows in a decorative container or bag, and attach your tag.

I hope you enjoy this little treat!  Have a wonderful and safe Easter!
~Kassi