droolicious : homemade

Personalize Your Stationery with More Than Just a Signature

Erin Behan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:09:00 GMT

It's no secret that I love a good set of stationery. And it's a love I acquired as a child. After all, if you have to write thank-you notes to every last relative, you might as well do it on cool stationery. The book Handmade Hellos by Hello Lucky is definitely one that would excite adults and kids, as it gives ideas, templates and instructions on making creative cards, with help in screen printing, binding, stamping, stenciling, etc. And it's from the tasteful designers at Hello Lucky. Find it for $20.95 at Fred Flare.

Etsy Alert! Homemade Watercolors For Your Little Picasso

SunnyChanel — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:33:00 GMT

I always loved the romantic/clichéd idea of an artist creating a work of genius wearing a beret, sporting a goatee and of course an artist palette in hand. Your kid probably isn’t old enough for facial hair, may not want to wear the beret but they’ll totally go for the Homemade Watercolors – 10 Color Artist Palette by Busy Little Elf on Etsy.

This kid’s watercolor set is “made entirely with ingredients out of the pantry!” Although the maker does warn that the paints can be a bit powdery, they claim they are a safe alternative to the kind you pick up at the local five and dime. It also comes with three paint brushes. All for the low, low price of $8. Now that’s a pretty good deal for the ingredients for a future masterpiece.

Crunchy or Creamy? This Peanut Butter Machine Goes Both Ways

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Yeah, so the food processor's generally worked well enough up to this point when we need fresh peanut butter in a jiffy (sorry, couldn't resist), but c'mon: Just look at this Peanut Butter Machine from Vintage Electrics and tell me you wouldn't clear counter space for it.

The real reasons it's got us drooling, of course, aren't just aesthetic: Besides its potential to pay for itself after a few weeks' worth of DIY grinding, the machine -- whose two-cup hopper also accepts macadamias, cashews, sunflowers and a handful of other nuts and seeds -- pumps out warm, fresh nut butter in creamy or crunchy form. It doesn't start shipping until Sept. 29, though, so preorder now and start hoarding nuts in the meantime.

$49.98 from The Lighter Side Co.

Calling All Aspiring Baby Food Chefs

Lisa Mulcahy — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:58:00 GMT

There’s a new French import in town and it just might change your mind about preparing baby food at home. Again, I’m going to file this under, “Why does all the really cool stuff launch in Europe?”

Now at Williams-Sonoma, you can get the Beaba Babycook, $139.95. Not just another kitchen gadget, this one has the goods to deliver. It multitasks as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster. First it steam cooks vegetables, fruits, meat and fish in less than 15 minutes, then purees or blends them to the desired consistency. You can also use it to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. Sign me up for Baby Food Making 101, this seems easy.