This project is based on one by Jacque Williams. I loved her mini jam jar with mug cake DIY gift idea for these cute little jars. However, I made it festive using the Tiding & Trimmings Bundle for my Mid-Winter Christmas classes. We’re having a real cold snap here and since Christmas falls in our summer I thought it would be fun to have a little Christmas cheer in July.
The cute jam jar package contains a single serve of homemade chocolate mug cake and is ready in just a few minutes. Mug cake is a lovely treat for mid-afternoon or after dinner. With the small coordinating card you have all the elements of a lovely gift.
SMALL GIFT CARD
Based on the gift box sample on page 88 of the annual catalogue. As soon as I saw the Tidings & Trimmings bundle I loved the colours and the imagery in the set.
Soft Succulent is used for the card base that measures just 3” x 6”. I was pleased to find that the large star dies fit my card front perfectly. The gold detailed star in the centre is cut from the Gold Metallic Specialty Paper on page 135. It also comes in Rose Gold and has a lovely brushed metallic finish in both colours.
Inside the card I stamped 3 stars in Evening Evergreen and Soft Succulent just perfect for the size. The card fits in the 3”x3” envelopes on page 136.
MINI JAM JAR
Did you see these in the catalogue? They’re on page 137 along with some other cute packaging options.
Like Jacque I used the 2 ¼” circle die to cut the DSP to decorate the lid. I added the smaller star from the Tidings & Trimmings bundle, using the Gold Metallic paper again. I wrapped a 2cm (¾”) wide piece of the same DSP around the jar.
The Tidings of Christmas DSP is 6”x6” and I needed approx. 7” to go around the jar with an overlap. Therefore I joined a 2” piece to one end before wrapping it around, there are 2 joins, but they are not noticeable at the back.
I wanted to display the instructions for the last steps of the recipe in a star shape. I’m pleased with how it looks and the recipe lets you know what the gift is straight away. Handwriting also shows that it’s a handmade gift. Also it’s easy to read the instructions as you make your mug cake in the kitchen.
MUG CAKE RECIPE
How to Make a Mug Cake Mix: (courtesy of TableforTwoblog.com)
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- dash of salt
- 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- Fill any remaining space with chocolate chips or nuts.
You don’t want your layers to have the room to shift.
- Write out remaining instructions on a star shape.
Add 5 Tbsp milk and 2 Tbsp oil. Stir, pour into a large mug, and microwave around 70 seconds.
Of course I had to try the cake recipe for myself and it’s quite yummy with some whipped or pouring cream. I’d love to make a low carb version, so once I find a good recipe I’ll let you know.
I hope this post gives you inspiration for your DIY gift giving. There will be another project with these mini jam jars coming up soon and the Tidings & Trimmings bundle will be featured in my Christmas Sampler project later this year. July is a great time to start planning your Christmas projects so it’s not a big rush at the end of the year.
Click here for a complete supply list for the Jar Mug Cake DIY Gift. You can save, print, or shop (remove any items you don’t need). All page numbers quoted are from the Annual Catalogue 2021-2022.
Use my Host Code for purchases at my online store and qualify to receive a free tutorial bundle. You can always find the current host code on my specials page.
Vanessa x
