1 thawed sheet of frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce box)1 beaten egg½ teaspoon paprika¼ teaspoon kosher salt1¼ cups finely grated Manchego cheese (about 5 ounces)
12 cinnamon sticks6 pieces star anise1 tablespoon whole allspice berries1 tablespoon whole cloves6 spice bags
Divide the cinnamon, star anise, allspice, and cloves among the bags. Keep at room temperature for up to six months.
Hardback journalSet of alphabet stampsStamp padRubber bandLarge binder clipAcid-free paperRulerPencilAdhesive, such as Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive
12 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate2½ cups mixed nuts
2 flea-market sugar bowls1 1-pound bag of soy waxMicrowave-safe container with pouring spoutDyeCandle-fragrance oilScissorsWickingWick tabsWood skewers or chopsticks
1 liter of vodkaFlavorings such as 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks, 4 vanilla beans, or 3 halved and seeded jalapeñosGlass bottles with tight seals
3 glass bud vases of different shapesGold-leaf kitScissors2 small, soft paintbrushes
Ornate picture frame (3 by 5 inches or 4 by 6 inches; prowl your thrift shop for options)Needlepoint fabricEmbroidery hoopFabric penNeedleFestive metallic threadScissorsYour own best line
Ceramic bowl (at least 3 inches deep and 5 inches wide)Small pebblesDishwashing gloves (to keep fingers nimble and offer some protection)Soup spoonCactus potting soil5 or 7 small cactus and succulent plants of different heights and shapes (an odd number will look better; the festive plant with the red top, shown here, is a ruby ball cactus). All supplies are available at your local garden center or Home Depot
Unlined journalRecipe cards (the more sauce-splattered, the better)Wine or Champagne labelsPhotos from family mealsAdhesivePhoto cornersRulerShimmery alphabet stickers (available at crafts stores)Ribbon
Glass jars with a lid (think mason jars or cork-top bottles)Salts (one salt per bottle; kosher and Epsom salts are available at supermarkets)Essential oils (available at a health-food store)3 one-gallon plastic resealable bagsMeasuring cupSmall funnelWatercolor paperWatercolor paint and brushRulerScissorsMetallic penMetallic cord
1½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)1½ teaspoons baking powder½ cup granulated sugar¼ cup light brown sugar½ teaspoon kosher salt1 7-ounce package sweetened shredded coconut (2 2/3 cups)¾ cup pecans (chopped)
A great picture A brightly colored frame (use an 8-by-10-inch frame for a 5-by-7-inch shot, or a 5-by-7-inch frame for a 4-by-6-inch shot) Textured but thin fabric (a remnant from a sewing store is perfect, as long as it is a couple of inches bigger than the frame) Scissors Fabric glue Archival photo tape
2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder¾ cup sugar8 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate
In a bowl, combine the cocoa, sugar, and chocolate. Store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to four months.
