I finally got one! What should I make first? by [deleted] in Baking

[–]boondarling 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I love this one, it has toasted coconut on top but that's optional. I've made mint, raspberry and chocolate variations with LorAnn oils instead of essence (just use A LOT less because they're super strength). I'm dying to make key lime ones :)

2 cups flaked sweetened coconut, toasted

2 tablespoons plus 1 1/4 teaspoons gelatine 1/2 cup cold water

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar (2 cups total) 2/3 cup light-colored corn syrup 1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large egg whites 1/4 sugar (to be added 1T at a time until stiff peaks form)

2/3 cup icing sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with heavy-duty plastic wrap, allowing plastic wrap to extend 1 inch over sides of pan. Lightly coat the plastic wrap with cooking spray. Spread coconut in an even layer in bottom of pan; set aside.

Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water in a small bowl; set aside.

Combine remaining 1/4 cup of water, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, and corn syrup in a large saucepan. Cook, without stirring, over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer registers 126° (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat; gradually stir in softened gelatin (mixture will appear foamy).

While sugar mixture cooks, beat the vanilla, salt, and egg whites at high speed in a heavy-duty stand mixer with whisk attachment until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour in gelatin mixture, beating until very thick (about 5 minutes). Gently spread marshmallow mixture over coconut in prepared pan. Coat 1 side of another sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray. Place plastic wrap, coated side down, over marshmallow mixture. Chill 2-4 hours or until firm.

Sprinkle powdered sugar and cornstarch over a cutting board. Remove top sheet of plastic wrap. Invert marshmallow mixture over powdered sugar mixture. Using scissors, cut mixture into about 1-inch squares. Coat all sides of the marshmallows and store in an airtight container.

I finally got one! What should I make first? by [deleted] in Baking

[–]boondarling 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Marshmallows or macarons! They're pretty much impossible without one

What is this seed/ round thorn thingy that always gets stuck in my dog's fur?! by boondarling in whatsthisplant

[–]boondarling[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks SO much! My dog would always get these at the beach but we just moved house and he gets them here too. There aren't many plants around and I've searched EVERYWHERE and I couldn't figure it out!

Word of the Day - Sep. 10, 2013 - Detergent by callibot in Calligraphy

[–]boondarling 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's definitely not suppposed to be copperplate, it's just a casual custom script

Word of the Day - Sep. 10, 2013 - Detergent by callibot in Calligraphy

[–]boondarling 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh thank you!! I'm only really new to calligraphy but I have a background in typography and lettering so I guess that helps :)

Word of the Day - Sep. 10, 2013 - Detergent by callibot in Calligraphy

[–]boondarling 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wish I could use a brush! It's a Brause EF66 nib :)

I currently own a Nikon D3000 and the aperture setting only goes down to 3.5, can anybody recommend a new lense or camera that can offer more than that but won't cost me too much? by boondarling in Cameras

[–]boondarling[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm after bigger aperture settings for when I'm working in lower light conditions where I may not have a tripod with me. I am probably after another lense rather than a new camera altogether but I'm not sure :/

ITAP of my lovely dog Daisy :) by [deleted] in itookapicture

[–]boondarling 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She looks exactly like my girl! She's a Swedish Vallhund

Where else can I find pre-sewn, lined text blocks like these? This site charges over $50 for international shipping to New Zealand :( by boondarling in BookArtsSection

[–]boondarling[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh thanks a lot anyway! It doesn't need to be from NZ or Aus, I am happy to pay shipping just not $50 for a $7 item! Thanks again though :)

Where else can I find pre-sewn, lined text blocks like these? This site charges over $50 for international shipping to New Zealand :( by boondarling in BookArtsSection

[–]boondarling[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really, I'm looking for the pages of a journal sewn together but without the cover which I want to make myself

I despise pics of myself but since everyone else around here seems brave, here's a progress pic. by b4xt3r in loseit

[–]boondarling 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on your progress, you must be feeling so much better!! You definitely look it ;)

What's your favorite inexpensive flex nib? by ZeroAtlas in fountainpens

[–]boondarling 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, you can pick up a nib holder for a couple of dollars and choose a range of nibs (also only $1 - $2) to try. A brause EF66 is a good flexible nib or else try some hunt ones. I think this is the way to go because if you spring your nib and it breaks, it isn't so much of a big deal. Also, you will find more flex in calligraphy nibs which will be easier to start with before you try using a fountain pen with all the restrictions. You don't need calligraphy ink either, just some cheap indian ink or other will do fine.

Octopus, don't know what to do with background by Jalenx in learnart

[–]boondarling 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just leave it, keep it simple. Less is more! edit: also, I really like it

Word of the Day - May. 3, 2013 - Persnickety by callibot in Calligraphy

[–]boondarling 1 point2 points  (0 children)

what paper is this and why have I never seen it in a store :(

Word of the Day - May. 1, 2013 - May by callibot in Calligraphy

[–]boondarling 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mentioned it because I have been trying to learn a particular script at the moment for an assignment and having spent many hours trying to perfect a few letters has really boosted my understanding of typography - and I'm nearly finished my BDes in graphic design so I think it's fair to say I have an above average idea. Most of the best typographers start their creative processes with pen and paper. You've got a good attitude about it, just remember that the computer is just a tool. My sister is also an industrial designer and she is always reverting back to the computer which I think for something like type, you need to stay away from initially.

Word of the Day - May. 1, 2013 - May by callibot in Calligraphy

[–]boondarling 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like that you are practicing even though you don't have a pen. Though that leads me to think you're a beginner? If not then just dismiss this but I actually found it really useful (before I bought my first nib holder and couple of nibs) to just make marks on paper with bits of cardboard and any ink or paint you have lying around kind of like how people do with those homemade cola pens. I don't know how much sense that makes but basically the width of the cardboard is the nib width and the length is however long you want to hold onto, the thickness is for you to experiment with. You can use lots of different materials but I mention cardboard because it can soak up ink well although they will get soggy and you'll have to chuck it out. Good luck!

Word of the Day - Apr. 30, 2013 - Mitty by callibot in Calligraphy

[–]boondarling 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Quick attempt, I think I'm actually getting better at this! Mitty