Happy New Year!!! I hope that everyone had a fabulous holiday. Personally, I am very excited for the coming year. I have lots of fun projects already underway and I am looking forward to a very colorful and creative 2010!
As I mentioned in my last post, I will be starting a new weekly feature on party planning. Parties are truly one of my favorite things...planning them, designing them, researching them, and putting them all together. So, I thought that it was only fitting that I devote more time to them here at Such Pretty Things.
Today, I am going to show you a quick and easy way to make your own custom-colored sprinkles.
In case you didn't know, I am kinda crazy for sprinkles. I actually collect them from all over the world and even have an entire cabinet in my kitchen devoted to them. Seriously. :-) But, one of my major pet peeves is that it is extremely difficult to find sprinkles in pretty colors. I find that the selection - even at professional baking supply stores - is very limited. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own. It's a super easy process and I promise you, that before you know it, you'll be making sprinkles in every color of the rainbow.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
In case you didn't know, I am kinda crazy for sprinkles. I actually collect them from all over the world and even have an entire cabinet in my kitchen devoted to them. Seriously. :-) But, one of my major pet peeves is that it is extremely difficult to find sprinkles in pretty colors. I find that the selection - even at professional baking supply stores - is very limited. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own. It's a super easy process and I promise you, that before you know it, you'll be making sprinkles in every color of the rainbow.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
* white sprinkles (jimmies) or non-pareils
* powdered food coloring or petal dust
* small plastic bags
* toothpicks
* glass jars for storage
I bought my sprinkles by the pound from a local cake decorating shop. This is a very economical way to buy them - especially since you will find that you will want to make lots and lots of pretty colors.
To begin, place some sprinkles in a small ziploc bag and, using a toothpick, add a very small amount of your powdered food coloring or petal dust.
Keep in mind that a little of this stuff goes a long way.
You can always add more, but you don't need very much to get a pretty amazing effect. For very pale tints, add just a little. For brighter shades, add more. Close up you bag and shake it gently - evenly distributing the color. In just a few seconds, you will have beautiful colored sprinkles!
I went a little crazy and made a ton of colors...
I like to store mine in glass spice jars.
And the wonderful thing about making your own custom-colored sprinkles is that you can use them to coordinate with the specific colors of your party or wedding. Need Hydrangea Blue, but can't find it at the store? Just make it yourself!
You can even make your own "rainbow" mix...
You really have to try this - it's so much fun and the results are fantastic!
XOXO
Jessica
I Love the beautiful sprinkles you made. I cannot wait to try some out myself. I am looking forward to seeing all of the lovely tips you share with us this year. Thanks so much. Have a lovely day.
Valarie
Posted by: Valarie Kraft | January 04, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Well that's just genius ! Would you believe I have a friend in Australia who can't get the fun "holiday" type sprinkles ? She sends me money so I can send them back to her by the box ! Sprinkles are a way of life ! LOL
Posted by: Patty | January 04, 2010 at 11:54 AM
I love this idea!! Years ago I made some large Easter Egg cookies but had to tint everything to match the limited jimmie colours. I prefer it the other way around. Thanks for showing me how!!
Love our visits - I'm always enlightened :-)
Posted by: Heather | January 04, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Nice! Such pretty pictures.
Posted by: Molly | January 04, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Such pretty colors! I've never heard of powdered food coloring before. Do you think it would work to color powdered sugar? I've been looking for a way to do that.
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | January 04, 2010 at 01:01 PM
Love it! I as well feel the same way about sprinkles and can't wait to try this!
PS: Love your blog!
Posted by: Heidi | January 04, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Fabulous!! Love this idea and so easy. Who knew. Love your blog. :-) LindaSonia
Posted by: LindaSonia | January 04, 2010 at 01:49 PM
Oh Jessica, A craft that I can handle. I just figured out how to do this with sugar and gel food colorings. Sprinkles are even more wonderful. I was wondering where you do happen to find this petal dust as well as the bottles? Also, I would love to see a picture of your crazy sprinkle filled cupboards. Please forgive all the questions but I am truly interested!
Posted by: Cherie | January 04, 2010 at 02:14 PM
Such a great idea! I'm with you...I have tons of sprinkles in a rainbow of colors and also the the little round balls in different colors and even silver, gold and other metalic colors. Love them!
I'm going to try this. I've never done this before. I have tons of colors I can I use to color them.
Thanks. Looking forward to your party ideas. I'm a party girl myself.
Hugs,
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Kennedy | January 04, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Happy New Year Jessica....!
MAde me smile to leave your lovely post this morning...I'll be thinking of 'sprinkles' at work today for sure...!
Cheers from Australia,
Tamarah :o)
Posted by: Tamarah Charter | January 04, 2010 at 02:42 PM
That is a fantastic idea. So simple and yet such a beautiful result.
Thank you for sharing.
Cari B.
Posted by: luckygirlgifts | January 04, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Those are so pretty! This has my wheels spinning for Easter confections!
Posted by: Jessica | January 04, 2010 at 03:09 PM
You always have wonderful ideas, but this one is just spectacular!
Karla
Posted by: Karla Nathan | January 04, 2010 at 05:36 PM
What a wonderful idea!!! They are beautiful! I enjoy your blog very much, and am always happy to what you have posted! Thanks for all of the inspiration!!!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | January 04, 2010 at 07:38 PM
What a fantastic idea, I see way too many sprinkles in my future! Thanks for sharing. :)
Posted by: Amanda | January 04, 2010 at 10:13 PM
could you be any cooler? i LOVE this!!!
i have done something similar to color noodles to use as beads with my boys and their pals. very fun but this is way prettier!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | January 04, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Jessica
Now how didn't I think of that?? Thanks so much for sharing! I use the same color to tint powdered sugar! Comes out great. Also Be, Bath and Beyond sells empty spice jars too! Keep those great ideas coming!!!! Lori
Posted by: Lori | January 04, 2010 at 11:49 PM
Oh my goodness...this has to be the tip of the decade...I am so going to do this. Your colours are amazing. Where do you get the die..I have never seen it before. Your images amaze me..I think I could stare at them all day long.
Posted by: koralee | January 05, 2010 at 12:46 AM
This is so awesome. I bet this would work with nonpareils too.
Posted by: Tracy | January 05, 2010 at 01:12 AM
i love love love love your blog!!!!!
i am SO going to feature you on my blog when i get more followers so more people can be inspired!! i just started my blog and im doing a really nice give away.. i want your website to be open so i can buy your lovely items!
Posted by: keren | January 05, 2010 at 02:41 AM
wow so creative and what a good idea! The pictures are so pretty xxxx
Posted by: Polly R | January 05, 2010 at 06:08 AM
This post makes me ridiculously happy and goes under the "why didn't I think of that?" category of my life. AWESOME!
Posted by: Jen | January 05, 2010 at 06:56 AM
ooh, now I like that idea. I have no idea if I can get hold of powdered food colouring, but I'm going to have a dashed good try. I've already seen a superb Betty Crocker cupcake idea that I love, and these would finish them off a treat. Wonderful!
:O)
Posted by: sadie | January 05, 2010 at 12:56 PM
LOVE!!!!!
Posted by: Heather - Speckled Egg | January 05, 2010 at 01:17 PM
What a great idea! I love all the colors you made! I'll have to try this!
Posted by: Cindy~My Romantic Home | January 05, 2010 at 05:33 PM
Wow! Those are so pretty! I didn't even know they made powdered food colouring. I'm going to have to keep that in mind next time I'm doing cupcakes with my daughter. Thank you for posting this!
Posted by: Charmaine | January 05, 2010 at 07:35 PM
You are so creative! I just love coming to your blog..you always inspire me. I love doing parties as well. My dream is to have my own party planning business but I am not sure it would do too well because of where I live. Well, have a nice day!
Daisy
Posted by: Daisy | January 06, 2010 at 12:29 PM
What a fabulous idea Jessica! I believe they have powdered food coloring in baking supply catalogs.
Try this one:
http://www.countrykitchensa.com/catalog/mini.aspx?T=1&ShopId=38&CatId=535&SubCatId=1054
Posted by: DreamGirlLisa | January 06, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Thanks so much for sharing this idea. I am on the lookout for powdered food coloring now. These sweet little bottles would look so adorable by my baking station. Can't wait to try it! Thanks for helping to make my pantry beautiful!
Kate
Posted by: kate | January 08, 2010 at 12:49 AM
What cute ideas. OMG, where did you get all of these ideas? Kudos, what a cute blog. Thanks for sharing all of your party ideas.
Posted by: Austin Party Planner | January 10, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Where can you get powdered food coloring? The nearest craft store where I live (JoAnne Fabrics) only has gel food coloring in their food craft department.
Posted by: Holly Brooke | March 08, 2010 at 10:03 AM
I don't think I can thank you enough for this post! I've been searching everywhere for light blue Jimmies and I just can't find them. After reading this I went right to work and OMG I now have LIGHT BLUE JIMMIES! Thank YOU, ThAnK yOu, THANK YOU!
Colored dust: search the web-
luster dust * sparkle dust * petal dust
Posted by: Brownie PoPs | July 29, 2010 at 12:58 AM
This is such a great idea. Thank you for being genenrous enough to share it. :)
Posted by: Val | January 06, 2011 at 03:44 PM
BRILLIANT!!
Posted by: paula @ frog prince paperie | January 11, 2011 at 11:19 AM
What a magnificent idea! I'm so glad Frog Prince Paperie lead me to you.
Posted by: Nicole @ Tradewind Tiaras | January 11, 2011 at 12:21 PM
I'm curious would these bleed onto white icing?
Posted by: Danyiel Johnson | January 11, 2011 at 02:00 PM
this is such a fantastic idea!!!! thank you so much for this easy tutorial.
Posted by: christine | January 12, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Since you are a sprinkle expert I have a question. I am looking for sprinkles that are shaped like a house. Any idea where I could find something like this?
Thanks in advanced Carissa
Posted by: Carissa Acker | April 27, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Wouldn't the powdered food coloring also color the frosting that you put the sprinkles on? Just wondering.
Posted by: Cindy | January 20, 2012 at 07:25 AM
Have you ever put these in a cake? Like the funfetti cake. I am interested to see if you were able to do this without the color running.
Posted by: Cathy | May 06, 2012 at 05:41 PM