In this blog post I have two very joyous things to share with you! Yee Haw!! One, is a fun tutorial on how to make whimsical, faux caramel apples for your Fall decorating! The photo of the caramel apples above looks so yummy…but they’re FAKE! Yup! They are! But they look so real! I know, right?!
Now of course the real thing is better (and tastier too! Hee hee!) but I wanted to make a batch to use as fall-themed props for my booth at Spring Creek Antique Mall (in Ozark, Missouri). The real thing would get too sticky and would probably end up with a few bites in them…probably from me! Hee hee! These on the other hand will create the fall-ish feel I’m after and last a lot longer!
Secondly, I’m so excited to re-launch my fall e-book…Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides!
Woo Hoo! I love getting a head start when it comes to preparing for a new season! I don’t want to miss a thing! Before you know it the scent of fall will be swirling through the air! Whether it’s the aroma of burning leaves or our favorite pumpkin pie scented candle!
Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides is a wagon-load of fall wonderfulness!
Take a lookie at my grand-babies Kade and Johnny…the two farm-boys on the front cover!
is everything I love about fall…
…the beauty!
The glory!
…the starry-eyed passion I have for gathering autumn goodness
to adorn my home and making my nest warm and cozy
before the blustery winds of winter chill the air…Brrrrr!
Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides is a celebration of God’s blessings and goodness to us! It’s jam-packed with 96 pages of dear and sweet blessings from the Lord that are meant to warm your heart…to make it swell with thankfulness & joy and put a sparkle in your eyes. My hope is that this e-book of fall wonderfulness would make you feel delightfully and joyfully domestic as you cozy-up your home so you and your family would wholeheartedly enjoy this delicious season!
Throughout the book I’ve sprinkled old time farmy photos and images…
what I call “vintage eye-candy”.
Images of the “good ol’ days” to remind us of the goodness of old fashioned fall fun…
…images that will hug your heart with the comforts of hearth and home!
Darlin’ it’s drippin’ with nostalgia like sweet golden honey
from a warm buttermilk biscuit or a hot apple pie fresh out of the oven!
“As mama hens, we love that feeling of being prepared, having all of our needful provisions stocked and ready in our snug homes. And when the icy frost sparkles on our windowpanes, we’ll be simmering hearty soups, and baking old family recipes; scrumptious cookies and delicious pies to bless and nourish your family and mine.” – Excerpt from Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides, by Aunt Ruthie
Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides is divided by chapters,
each focusing on a theme to get you down-right giddy
about celebrating this glorious time of year!
Get a sneak peak inside the book below…
I share tips for getting your home tidy and smelling sweet to welcome your family home…
…simple and delightful decorating ideas…
…ideas for preparing for Thanksgiving Day…
Oh, but there’s more!
I’ve included several recipes under “The Dinner Bell” chapter… yummy fall country fixin’s! There’s not a sweeter sound on the farm than the Dinner Bell a-ringin’! It means supper is on the table and its good ‘n hot! This collection of recipes is a “cream of the crop” sampling of my home cookin’ during this chilly fall season.
- hot ‘n’ savory artichoke dip
- mama’s warm-yer-tummy cold day soup
- thanksgiving cranberry salad
- sugared-pecan sweet potato bake
- granny’s secret apple pudding cake
( Granny’s Secret Apple Pudding Cake is pictured above. This dreamy recipe came from an old newspaper clipping. The day I made it, my daughter and I took a bite of the sweet-warm-gooeyness and together our eyes got big-as-saucers and our mouth’s squealed! Oh. My. Goodness! I think I know why Granny kept this a secret…it’s fabulous! It’s worth getting the book just for this recipe alone!)
Also included is my hubby’s Grandma’s Praline Pumpkin Pie …
I can’t wait for you to see all of the ideas I’ve gathered to bless your heart!
There’s lots of family fun ideas too!
Click here to get Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides!
The chapters “Harvesting Joy” and “Harvesting Comfort” were meant to hug your darlin’ heart. To open your beautiful eyes to see the love that God has for you! To see and cherish His blessings. To fill your heart with thankfulness…for that is the key to joy!
“May I encourage you Sugar Pie, in the midst of the flurry of your Thanksgiving celebration that you take a minute to step back and intentionally savor the moment. By that I mean, take a minute to stop and look around you…take note of your loved ones…their faces…their smiles…the sounds…the aromas…the blessings. Breathe in the beauty and the wonder of the moment. You know, each day is precious and life itself is a gift. So stop and smell the pumpkin pie…stop and listen to little girl giggles…stop and hug grandpa a little longer…stop and breathe in the sweetness of a newborn baby…stop and thank the Lord for His blessings. Let’s make sure these sweet moments of our lives don’t become just a blur when we look back, but will glimmer as treasures in our hearts.” – Excerpt from “Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides” by Aunt Ruthie, Sugar Pie Farmhouse
I think you’ll enjoy seeing several never-before-seen- photos of my family fall memories!
Get ready to giggle! I had some interesting HAIRDOS back in the day!! Oh dear!
Here’s what a couple of my dear friends said about Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides:
Cat from the Vintage Housewife said: “OH MY WORD!!!!!!!! I can’t hardly stand it…. This is like the biggest Christmas gift under the tree …it’s like blowin’ candles out on your Birthday cake…Good golly can you see me running all over the room clicking my heels?!!! Oh my word, could this book be any more adorable?! Um…NO! For sure it’s the most wonderful thing ever!
Melissa from Huckleberry Prairie said: “Oh my goodness, I pretty much lost my marbles for your Fall ebook. haha Literally. I am telling you, God has blessed you with such a beautiful gift and you are glorifying Him by sharing it with all of us. What a blessing you are! Shining like a big ol’ light on a hill… such refreshment for the soul. :) I cannot wait to blog about it, facebook, instagram, tweet… (haha!) because I think this is the very encouragement that homemakers need. In a world that likes to distract and scatter your attention every which way, minimizing the role of “homemaker” as just something you are when you aren’t busy being everything else…it is SO refreshing to be encouraged that our role as a homemaker IS important.That home is the foundation for security and comfort, love and memories…and we have the privelidge of facilitating this for our family. What an honor God has given us! Now, it certainly didn’t hurt that this ebook was full of pumpkins and pie (and pumpkin pie) and all of the goodness that Fall is. ;) All of your images alone made my soul as giddy as a schoolgirl! I really am looking forward to sharing it!”
Maryjane from The Beehive Cottage said: “Oh my, I am so excited! I am half way through reading it but had to stop for a moment to write you. I LOVE it to pieces! You never disappoint in making…being a woman, wife, mother, sister and a friend a blessing! Your uplifting words of wisdom just make ya want to be the best Mama/Grandma ever!!! Thanks for all your tips, recipes and praises to the Lord. Everything a gal needs in these times. The pictures are beautiful too!”
Lisa from Sycamore Creek Family Ranch said: “Thank you for sharing your delightful Fall book with me! I adore the precious autumn vignettes throughout the pages of “Pumpkin Pickin’ and Hayrides.” Love the “Home Sweet Harvest Home” vignette; the vintage tea-towel draped above the jars of beans with pumpkins on top; the clothespins hugging colorful leaves onto the line; the lantern, crow and pumpkin on the rustic table . . . and on and on. Your artwork, photos, recipes, quotes, and scripture references are absolutely charming. And, of course, I appreciate the endearing way you continue to refresh our souls with encouragement and inspiration to be better homemakers – and remind us of the significance of that essential role in our families. The warmth and coziness of this book made me want to crawl inside and live there!”
When you read Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides on your computer you’ll be able to view two pages at a time, just like a book. Each time you click the “down” arrow it will automatically switch to the next two pages.
You can also read it on your iPad or Kindle. You’ll see one page at a time but it will be crystal clear! You can also print it out if you prefer!
The best way to read Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides
is curled up in a cozy spot, in your comfiest jammies and your favorite yummy hot beverage to sip and savor!
My favorite for fall is Hot Spiced Cider!
Now that I’ve got you in the mood for fall…
let me show you how to make these fun faux caramel apples
so you’ll have them ready when you’re ready to decorate!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 fake apples
- 1 bottle of Gloss Mod Podge (I had the large size, but used only half)
- 2 bottles of caramel colored craft paint; the color I used was “Cinnamon”
- a round plastic bowl & plastic spoon to mix paint and Mod Podge
- wax paper
- glue gun
- flat-head screwdriver
- garden sheers (if using twigs)
- 6 twigs (I cut mine from my apple tree. You can use any kind of twigs, wooden dowels or large Popsicle sticks)
- faux leaves / optional
- corn cob bedding for the “nuts”. Pour some in a wide, shallow bowl and have a spoon handy to scoop and drizzle the “nuts” on the wet “caramel apple”
This is the corn cob bedding … you can order it online HERE. It’s a HUGE bag and will last you for pretty much the rest of your life! Lol! It’s cheap too! You might want to share with a hundred of your friends! Or you can buy a rabbit or a bird and just use the rest for the litter box. Hee hee! I’m just sayin’.
Okay here we go! Take the flat-head screwdriver and twist it back and forth to make a hole where the stem is to make room for your twig. Take out the stem.
With your glue gun, glue the twig in place.
Now mix up the Mod Podge (I used half of the large bottle/about 1 cup). It’s best to use the “Gloss” Mod Podge so the “caramel” will be shiny when it dries. Add the two bottles of caramel colored paint).
Stir until it resembles delicious caramel!
Now for the fun part! Dip the apple in the “caramel” and swirl like you would if you were making the real thing!
Be sure to let some of the apple skin to show at the top.
Now take the gooey “caramel’ covered apple and drizzle the “nuts’ (corn cob bedding nuggets) around the sides.
This is why you need a wide shallow bowl, so when you sprinkle the corn cob nuggets on the apple the extra will just fall back into the bowl. Less mess! Yeah, I learned the hard way the first time!
Twirl the apple as you drizzle the “nuts”.
Line a tray with wax paper and set your wet apples there to dry. They will need to dry overnight.
As you get down to the last few apples, tilt the bowl so the Mod Podge/ paint mixture will pool in one spot so you’ll have enough to cover the rest of the apples.
As I mentioned above, let the apples dry over night.
In the morning, lay the apples on the side to dry underneath.
You’ll have enough paint left over to touch up if you need to.
Okay so, I cut my twigs from my apple tree and I left some real leaves on. Unfortunately, after about a week the leaves turned crispy brown and crumbled. On my second batch I painted Glycerin on the fresh leaves to preserve them (Glycerin is a natural emollient used for dry skin and for preserving leaves). It did help a little but the leaves still got a little curly and slightly faded. So I thought since these caramel apples are fake anyway why not hot glue some fake leaves. I found a stem of berries at Michaels with realistic leaves and just cut them off to use on the twigs.
Here they are with the faux leaves. It’s totally up to you which way you prefer.
You can skip the leaves and add some bows made from Raffia or strips of torn gingham!
Either way, they’ll look cute sitting in your kitchen!
And that’s it! Easy Peasy! Right?
Ready or not Fall is on it’s way…let’s look forward to it with joy-bells ringing in our hearts!
So darlin’s are you ready to get in the mood for Fall?
Then you’re gonna love Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides!
To get your copy CLICK HERE Once you’ve purchased the eBook, you’ll receive an email with all the download instructions.
Just so there’s no confusion, I want all my Sugar Pie Sistas to know that this is a PDF document that you can download, view and print on your computer. This is NOT a printed book that you’ll be receiving by mail…Just sayin” :D
Happy (Almost) Fall Y’all!
Sugar and hugs!
Aunt Ruthie
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What a fun idea! I cannot wait for all the cozy comforts Fall brings! This makes me excited to transform our little nest in a few weeks. Great post as always!
I just bought the e-book and I can’t wait to settle down with my morning cup of coffee with it. Fall is my hands down favorite time of year and I know you’ll have some great ideas to celebrate the season. Wishing you blessings and success on your new e-book!
Way cool, Aunt Ruthie! They’re going to look so fine decorating your home and booth. If I find a way to purchase the eBook, I’d love to do so…no paypal account I’m afraid. Will look into it!
I have had ‘fall fever’ for several weeks & now I’ve really got it after reading your post! The faux caramel apples are adorable! I’m adding this to my ‘to do list for fall’.
Thank you Ruthie, you’re always an inspiration! I hope to visit your booth soon.
Smiles,
Carol
Those are the cutest things ever.. I do so love fall.. blessings to you and yours…
I absolutely LOVE your blog today!! This last few weeks of summer as it fades into fall are soo delicious, as I know it’s on the way, and all the goooood stuff that comes with autumn is right around the corner! Thank you for this glimpse into the ‘good stuff’!
I have to order your fall ebook this year, it looks too good to miss. And, thank you Ruthie for the very cute idea of the faux caramel apples, that looks so realistic, and fun! XXX OOO’s, blessings to you and yours, this season and always, and thank you for your enthusiasm and warmth in the charming art of being a woman who loves her home and family.
Thank you for posting the faux caramel apple tutorial. I’ve been looking forward to it since you posted a photo on Instagram. Thanks again!
Jennifer
Oh my ……. what a wonderful craft, I am so making these! I always think of you, Aunit Ruthie, when I put on my coconut oil every night as my moisturizer (since you told us about it, I have been using it with great results!).
I can’t wait to read the new book :):)
Blessing to you – and YES, BRING ON THE COOL WEATHER!!!!!
xxoo Diane
My goodness what a sweet post and love the faux apples very cute and so welcome for Fall :) Love Fall and am looking forward to checking out your new e-book! Hugs Sweet Aunt Ruthie :)
Oh my goodness, gracious! My mouth is watering for those delicious looking caramel apples! What a NEAT idea! Thank you so much for sharing this.
From one of those gals who has her fingers in her ears, singing, “la la la la…” You crack me up!
Blessings,
Regina
Thank you, Aunt Ruthie, for sharing this “sweet” craft idea!
xoxo
Kim
Hi Aunt Ruthie, i got a question……. I want to know who built your pantry? I love it so much. We are thinking of building a home and I think i want a pantry just like it. The old screen door reminds me of being a kid and letting the old screen door slam when running outside to play and grandma yelling at me for it. Lol
I’m not really good at crafts, but I am soooo trying this one!! It’s cute and looks easy too! I was just thinking about getting my Pumpkin Pickin and Hayrides out to get re-inspired..and I’m wanting to get out the Cider Lane candle from last year too. It smelled delicious! Maybe you will have a new candle scent recommendation this year? Thanks for the new post, it’s always fun to get ready for a new season with you! Blessings!
I can hardly wait for fall and all its goodness! Thanks for taking time to share how to make the cute carmel apples. Aunt Ruthie, visiting your site always brightens my day and inspires me to be creative! Thanks for the encouragement !
Ruthie, your book is gorgeous! I’m even more excited about fall than I was before. The beautiful photos, and wonderful ideas have me ready to get my home cleaned up and all warm and cozy for the season. Thank you! Hugs, Debi
Carmel apples with NO CALORIES! You’ve just got to love it! Thanks for showing us how.
Blessings,Becky
Oh my gosh! This faux Carmel apple tutorial is genius! They look so real. I hope I cam find time to give this project a whirl this fall. I think my kitchen island would enjoy that :)
Adorable blog!
Paid for the Fall e-book but I have NOT received the email with download. Of course, I am frustrated by this. I sent an email to the address you provided if a problem occurs. There seems to be a glitch somewhere… :(
I just love your E-Book, it has me in the mood for Fall! I also love your blog, I have a niece named Ruthie so I just love your name, and my brother works at Samaritan’s Purse (in Boone, NC) so I think it’s wonderful that part of your proceeds are going to this ministry! Thanks for the encouragement!
Hi Ruthie~~~~So happy to see your post today! I love my e-books~~~summer & fall~~~but fall is THE best of seasons to me :0). Can’t wait to make the caramel apples!! They are the cutest things evah! Blessings to you & your sweet family. All of you Sistah’s get your e-books! It’s adorable~~~:0).
XO, Linda, Chino Valley, AZ.
Thanks so much for the tutorial…those caramel apples look great!! Can’t wait to read through my copy of your Fall ebook!! I’m getting excited about Fall and decorating for the season…can’t wait to read all of your great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing.
Love these caramel apples! Definitely on my crafting to-do list! I got your fall e-book last year and can’t wait to re-read it! I so hope you’re working on a Christmas e-book :)
I tried yesterday and again today to buy your new fall ebook but
The link is not working for me. Can you help?
Just want to thank you for sharing your faux caramel apples! What a great idea. I am just going to have to make me up some to display this autumn. Thanks again!
Just wanted to comment again to say that I sat down last night when all my kiddos (and my hubby) went to sleep and read your Fall e-book. I just loved it so much!! It has truly inspired me and reminded me (again) of just how important our homes are to our families and how we (the mommas) have been given such an important part in creating a home for our families. I have been so saddened this week from watching several stories of horrible crimes on the news…this book really helped lift my spirits! Thank you so much!! I’ve been spending this day “feathering my nest” and thinking about all the tips you listed in your book. Thanks again for being such a blessing…it truly means a lot!
I made the caramel apples and cannot wait to put them in my kitchen this fall. Thank you for sharing this. My husband thought they were real and go so excited, he was so disappointed now I need to make the real thing.
Blessings to you.
Love the faux caramel apple tutorial! I have a shop on Etsy that you might like browsing….. littlebirdiebleu
Love, Love, Love finding your new posts in my inbox!
Thank you for sharing the tutorial for the carmel apples and all your inspiration. I just love your photos and creativity. I am enjoying your fall e-book this year. I will never forget that I downloaded it last year right before Superstorm Sandy, so fall was a blur for us. We pray that this year everyone can enjoy this beautiful season.
Thank you for sharing your craft. They look so real. My family and I are coming to Branson in November and I plan to go see your booth. I am just bubbling with excitement inside to come to Branson. I bought your fall e-book a while back and have read it a few times now. It is just so lovely. Thank you for all your hard work on your blog. I get so excited when I get an e-mail saying you have a new post. God has surely blessed you with a gift. As a side note my family and I are wanting to go to see the Dixie Stampede and go to Silver Dollar City for the lights. Any clues where to get coupons or reduced price tickets? Thank you again for always reminding us how important home and family are. You are a blessings.
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Hi there, constantly i used to check weblog posts here in the early hours in the break of day, as i love to find out more and more.
Just bought my copy! Yeah-hoo!! Such adorable pics and soulful writing.
Autumn blessings to you Ruthie Lou☼
~Linsey
The Farmhouse Porch
Blog & Etsy Shop
Hooray for Fall indeed!!!
Ruthie-made the ‘candied apples’ and they turned out GREAT!! Couldn’t find the corncob ‘nuts’ so used birdseed instead. So cute and so realistic. Thanks for your inspirations, always.
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I had to tell you I made a patch of those wonderful faux caramel apples and had a blast. They look so real!
My family knows they are faux but it’s fun to see visitors reactions.
Thank you for sharing Darlin,
Smiles,
Dolly
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Hi, Ruthie! I just love your blog and have enjoyed your insights and inspirations for caring for our families and honoring the past. I have your Watermelon and Fireflies e-book, and I would love to add your fall e-book as well. When I placed my order, it was no longer available. Will you make it available again this fall? Thank you for all that you do to inspire us to care for our homes and families!
Sincerely,
Amy
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My granddaughter says I can do this if I made real carmel apples for her. :)
Oh my sweet apples!! Such a cute idea for fall!! Thank you Miss Ruthie!!
Hi, thank you for this tutorial. I’ve looked online and found one tutorial that was great, but they used resin. Resin is quite pricey and you better have something else in mind to use the rest of the resin you don’t need. Your tutorial is awesome, more cost effective. My question is, if I wanted to use red paint, do you think it would have the same effect as the caramel?