I've Fallen for Felted Wool Acorns

Aren't these felted wool acorns adorable!? While they are not my original idea, and really all that new of a concept, they are pretty darn cute, inexpensive, easy and timeless. Win, win, win!

There are two ways you can do this:
1.you can make the felted wool balls yourself and collect your own acorn caps....OR...
2.you can buy the wool balls and acorn caps from someone else and just assemble them.

I did a combination of the two. I collected my acorn caps and purchased the wool balls. You would think it would take quite a while to collect the caps but I was surprised how quickly they added up. Before I knew it I had about 300 - I hope my neighbor appreciates my cleaning up his yard for him!

Since I already have a few projects in the works, I figured I would purchase the wool balls from someone else, this time. Plus I was just dying to make acorns and I wanted to be quick about this project.

Assuming that you are using pre-made wool balls, there are really just a couple steps and a few supplies needed.

Supplies:

Felted wool balls - the 2cm (20mm) ones are about the right size for your average acorn caps.
Hot Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Acorn Caps

Handbehg Felts

Basically, you'll be putting a small amount of glue inside the acorn cap - enough to secure the wool ball well but not so much that it oozes out when you press the ball to the cap - use your best judgement.

You'll want to hold them in place for a few moments, just until the glue sets - it's won't take long at all!

Voila! That's it! Really, that's all you need to do - I told you it was an easy craft!

Of course, if you are using raw wool roving to make your own felted balls, then, yes, the process will be a bit longer - still quite easy, though!

there are a number of places you can purchase wool roving, felted wool balls, acorn caps and other supplies. Handbehg Felts has a nice assortment of colors and supplies in their Etsy shop .

Handbehg Felts

There are always folks on Etsy and eBay selling acorn caps. The ones I collected are your standard traditional style but I purchased some "hairy" or "fringed" ones from a lady on Etsy. This style comes from the Sawtooth Pak, I believe, and they are typically more southern. I'm pretty sure there are none in our Maine weather zone.

Right now, 'Honey Gone Nuts' on Etsy has some listings for purchase - and good prices, too! Click here to see!

Honey Gone Nuts - Etsy

If you're not really into crafting but are looking for a quick and easy project that will impress your other non-crafty friends, this could be it. I put 200 of these babies together one night while watching one of my favorite shows - Shark Tank.

Here's a photo of my finished ones -

Maybe, if time allows at some point, I'll make myself up one of these babies - a felted wool ball rug! Cool, huh!?

                                                               

felted wool ball rug - Etsy

 As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments - I would love to hear your thoughts!

                                         
Best Wishes for Happy Crafting,
Jennifer

Makin' Maine Whoopie...Pies that is!

It always amazes me just how many folks have never heard of Whoopie Pies. "Whoopie what!?" they say. "Whoopie Pies!" we say! (I think it's the word 'whoopie' that makes everyone giggle...lol!) Cakey chocolate cookies and delicious white frosting put together to make a sandwich, of sorts.

There seems to be a neverending back and forth disagreement as to where they first got their start - some say Maine, some say Amish Country in Pennsylvania. Who really knows? Who really cares as long as we get to eat them!?

I want to share with you the best Whoopie Pie recipe I've ever come across. there are MANY versions out there but I find this one to be the best. It is a recipe belonging to Maine chef Sandy Oliver. This is the only WP recipe we use at our bed and breakfast. Our guests always give two-thumbs-up!

Some recipes have the cookie being quite moist while others are on the drier side. I tend to like mine a bit drier. Some recipes have the frosting made with marshmallow fluff and others with egg whites, confectioner's sugar and shortening. I tend to prefer the latter. Just be careful not to overdo the shortening because you can end up with a bit of a greasy texture on your palate. The fluff recipe is just to sweet for me!

If you have ever visited any diner-style restaurants in Maine, it's likely you have witnessed just how ginormous some people make thier whoopie pies. Please do not do this. I repeat, please do not do this!
Size is, of course, a personal preference. I just find the WP is much more pleasing when  kept to a modest, tasteful size. The whoopies in the photo above are about 2 1/2" across, give or take. They are easier to eat, not so messy, taste better and are just plain cute!

The trouble I have with the gimundo (yes, that is a word) is that I lose interest after a couple of bites and the frosting oozes everywhere - and who wants to waste frosting!?

Now, without further adieu, here is the recipe. Our motto at our bed & breakfast happens to be "Indulge", so go ahead!


Sandy Oliver’s Whoopie Pie

Makes about 14 to 16 3-inch whoopie pies

2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 375 F. Sift together dry ingredients. Cream together shortening and sugar, beat in the egg and vanilla, then add the dry ingredients and milk alternately. You will have a fairly stiff cake batter. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet, leaving room for them to spread somewhat. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before removing them to a rack.

Whoopie Pie Filling
2 egg whites
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
Beat the egg whites until they are fluffy, gradually adding 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar. Then spoonful by spoonful add the shortening and the rest of the sugar to the egg white mixture until it is smooth and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla. When the cookies are cool enough to handle, make pairs of similarly sized ones and spread the filling on one half and top with the other half. Wrap in plastic wrap or put into an airtight container.