the rest of the crafts

This is the final post for the 2013 Fall Craft Party. A wrap-up, of sorts.

(*For links to all the craft projects please scroll to the bottom of the page)

The basket of fresh herbs was used to make bouquet garni.

Bouquet Garni is a bundle of herbs, tied together with string, and then used to prepare soup, stock, stews, and such.

The bouquet is cooked along with the other ingredients of a dish but is removed prior to serving.

We used bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and basil for our bouquets.

Here’s how to make BOUQUET GARNI:

1.  Gather the fresh herbs you wish to bundle –make sure they are fresh, not dried. Also, be sure that you have allowed them to completely dry after washing them. Do not bundle moist herbs—they will turn to mush or worse yet, mold!

2. Take a few stalks of each herb you wish to include in the bundle and only one bay leaf for each bundle.

3.  After gathering them together–use kitchen twine to wrap around {crisscrossing} and then tie in a knot at the end.

4. Allow your cute little bundles to sit out for a few days to dry—and then store in an airtight container until ready to gift as gifts or use for soups, stews, stocks, etc.

Kim was the most prolific bouquet garni maker – I think she may have gone home with a dozen. (I do not know why there is a pair of pliers in this photo -weird – you do not need pliers to make bouquet garni.)

It was requested by about half of the attendees that we once again make the burlap and fabric pumpkins. I happily obliged. Detailed instructions may be found HERE.

This table was one of the busiest places, all night long.

Dozens of beautiful pumpkins were created…

… by very ambitious and talented women.  I believe these four belong to my sister, Sloane. Pretty as can be!

The final craft was The Most Popular. Unfortunately, there were only 7 available. That is attributed to the fact that it is very difficult to wrangle up enough black feather boas to make a large number of wreaths.

This is where you’ll find the Black Boa & Glitter Wreath instructions.

I did change it up a bit from my original wreath. We used oval grapevine wreaths instead of styrofoam round wreaths.

I wanted the guests to get more of the look of Jen’s cool oval wreath rather than the less scary look of my tame round wreath.

Floral pins were not needed, the boas cling to the grapevine on their own. Glue guns were used to attach the skulls, spiders, skeletons, and such.

Here are two of the fabulous wreaths made that night.

Last week, when I talked about the food I served, I forgot to mention the drinks.

I set up a “Champagne & Cordials” station.

The cordials included; Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Poire Prisonniere Pear Brandy, Chambord Raspberry Liqueur, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Pomegranate Liqueur, and Original Gangster French Brandy.

Guests served themselves whatever concoction they wished. Of course, there was wine, soda, juices, and water too.

All in all, it was a fun and successful evening. I’m already planning and looking forward to the 2013 Christmas Craft Party!

2013 Craft Party Project Links

Burlap and Lace Flatware Sleeves

Velvet Pumpkins

Black Boa & Glitter Wreath

Mercury Glass Pedestal with Wire Cloche

Rustic Planter with Succulents

Urban Scarecrow Wreath

Bundt Pan Pumpkin