Every few years, my mother's very large extended family gets together to make applebutter the old-fashioned way, in huge copper kettles over an open fire, using long wooden paddles to stir the apples as they cook. It's a two-day process, and takes about thirty to forty people altogether. The end product is worth the effort, and the family tradition is priceless. Plus we all leave with plenty to share. A jar of "secret family recipe" homemade applebutter is one of my favorite hostess gifts.

For my project, I've taken a plain jar of applebutter and packaged it up all nice and pretty. I first covered a small chipboard box with some pretty Melissa Frances designer paper, then I prettied up the jar itself (details below), and last I added some wide striped ribbon and a maple leaf-shaped tag bearing the Romans 12:13 Plain Jane and a butterfly from Enjoy.

For the tag, I cut a piece of ivory card stock into the leaf shape using one of the new Spellbinders Nested Maple Leaf dies. With the die still in place, I sponged on Ranger Distress ink in various shades of browns (Antique Linen, Tea Dye, and Vintage Photo). I removed the die, then stamped the Romans 12:13 Plain Jane in Ranger Walnut Stain Distress Ink. The butterfly shadow is stamped in Vintage Photo ink, and the butterfly outline image is paper pieced and popped up.
Here's a closer look at the jar top:

I layered classic and scalloped circle Nestabilities for the jar top, then added the stamped "Enjoy" sentiment and two butterflies from the Enjoy set. (The butterflies are done the same way as the one on the leaf tag). Last I added some ivory trim to the band. Before I tied the ribbon on, I used a few dimensional glue dots to secure the jar to the inside of the box so that it won't slip around. I almost don't recognize my plain little canning jar anymore. As they say, presentation is everything!
That's it for me! I hope you can play along in our Project Parade. Just make a project or card that fits with our Happiness for Hostesses theme. Verve stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em, we love to see 'em. Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in DAY ONE's POST before 8PM Mountain September 12. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. We've also hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post! Have fun and good luck!
Wow! this is stunning! Love all the details and that maple leaf is perfect!! Gorgeous ribbon to go around a yummy treat!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome tradition, and an amazing project! I love apple butter... please come over any time! ;)
ReplyDeleteI luv this, these are my kinda of colors and the dp is stunning...what a perfect gift...great job Amy!
ReplyDeleteenjoy *~*
Oh Amy, this is wonderful! What a great tradition for future generations! Your packaging is perfect!
ReplyDeleteThat apple butter sounds delicious!! Love the wide ribbon to tie it all together as well as the wonderful fall colours. Wonderful project.
ReplyDeleteamy...this is absolutely stunning! love the chocolate/vanilla combo...so striking! amazing job!
ReplyDeleteSimply stunning, Amy! Wondering about the ribbon??
ReplyDeleteI love the vintage look and color choices for this project ... beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWOW! WOW! WOW! enough said!!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous. I like Apple Butter too. TFS
ReplyDeleteWow...just lovely. The colours are perfect.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I haven't had apple butter since I was a kid. It sounds like you all have a great time making it as a family!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice gift! I like the leaf shape for the tag and the way you decorated the jar.
I truly love everything about this! I love the way the butterflies turned out and the sentiment on the new leaf nestie. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful family tradition! Thanks for sharing this great project. I like the sponging under the sentiment of the tag.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely precious! What a beautiful presentation! Love the warm colours you chose and that lace is the perfect addition. The tag is so appropriate and the sentiment is, can I say again...perfect!
ReplyDeleteYour project is incredibly elegant - the bow is amazing too! Such a wonderful fall feel - love it!!
ReplyDeleteHey, now this is a great idea! I can jam each year, peach and raspberry. I could totally do this!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I'm sure the recipient will love it!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and what a lucky Hostess to receive such a special gift. Thank you for all the details on how to create this
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and I love apple butter. This will be my first year of making it. I will use this inspiration when I give it away as teacher gifts. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I love this idea. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Absolutely stunning! The ribbon is perfect for this set.
ReplyDeleteFabulous projects!! Looks like I will need the leaf nestie! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is really amazing. I love those butterflies and the colors are so elegant.
ReplyDeleteMy mouth is watering thinking about the taste of this apple butter. I love it made from store bought applesauce. I can't imagine how it would taste from scratch! Your packaging is amazing as usual and makes this jar of apple butter fit for a king. Yum
ReplyDeleteWow, fabulous project! I love the colors and I bet that apple butter is
ReplyDeletetasty!
What a yummy treat and your delightful and lovely packaging makes it even more special. We love Apple Butter too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely creation and so many wonderful details. I love the tag and how special it would be to receive a gift like this.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous project!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful gorgeous gift that anyone would feel special receiving! Fabulous project Amy!
ReplyDeleteWow Gorgeous, Amy!!! Wonderful designs and I love the warm tones!!! Beautifully done!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your leaf and great set. The butterfly is stunning as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good life!
Terri E.
This has been so much fun ... can't wait to see what still is in store. And nothing says fall like apple butter - one of my favorite things to make once we go to applejack days in Nebraska City.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!! Love all the detail you added!! :)
ReplyDeleteWOW....this is amazing...love every detail!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift set. I can see adapting it for Christmas as well. Thanks for the inspiration...
ReplyDeleteLove the leaf. Makes me so ready for autumn.
ReplyDeletewow, these are beautiful! love the tag and popped up butterflies :D
ReplyDeleteWe will never forget. 9.11.01
Amy, this is absolutely GORGEOUS!! Especially love your ribbon and leaf tag with the sponging!
ReplyDelete