Thumbprint Trading Cards | Third Friday Art Opening

Thumbprint Trading Cards had so much fun being off-line last week that we're doing it again at this week's Third Friday Art Opening in Phinney Ridge, Seattle! On Friday, November 21st from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM I will be joined by Seattle-area Crafters and Musicians at Art on the Ridge's Holiday Craft Fair.

Art on the Ridge is a gallery for Northwest Artists. They host new shows the third Friday of each month featuring different artists with a common theme. Art on the Ridge continues to make the art available for purchase in the gallery and on-linw for the month following the show.

We hope to see you there!

3rd Friday Art Opening is held at Phinney Neighborhood Association - 6532 Phinney Avenue North
Art on the Ridge Gallery is located at 9050 Phinney Avenue North

A Festive Affair

Our off-line debut was a festive affair! What could be better than being in the company of other local artists, fantastic patrons and live musicians all in an award winning store? Thank you for hosting us, Festivities!

Thumbprint Trading Cards | In-Store Event

Mark your calendar for Friday, November 14th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM!

Thumbprint Trading Cards is participating in our first ever in-store shopping event and trunk show at Festivities in Edmonds, Washington. Festivities, known for their home furnishings, antiques, home accessories and fine gifts, has been voted among the top five places to shop in Western Washington by King 5 News & Evening Magazine. Congratulations, Ladies!

In anticipation of our off-line debut, I have expanded our assortment of Playdate Appointment Cards to include limited edition note cards and appointment cards focused on making sure your next meal is topped off with a healthy does of friendship. Also available will be our charming holiday gift sets containing a Gift Certificate, one set of 18 Appointment or Note Cards and one Felt Key fob Cardholder.

Between the live jazz, wine, champagne and food [not to mention the award winning store, amazing artists and vendors], this is sure to be a terrific way to unwind.

Now doesn't that sound like a great mix of fun, shopping and socializing? It's right up our alley!

[Festivities is located at 111 Main Street, #101, Edmonds, WA 98020. For additional questions about the event, you may contact the store at 425.712.0342.]

Happy Halloween!

Apple Pie

Just a few miles from Downtown Seattle is South 47 Farms. Their big draw on the weekend before Halloween is an offering of carving and cooking pumpkins. We went to the farm for another fall item, though - apples. From their modest apple orchard we were fortunate enough to pick to our hearts' content and gathered enough to bake one pie and then some.

Refrigerated pastry dough and apples in hand, I asked my Mother-in-law for her apple pie filling recipe. Thanks to the hard work of my husband and Father-in-law, we ate the most delicious apple pie I've ever tasted. It was so delectable, in fact, that I am sharing the filling recipe with you.

Happy baking and bon apple-tite!

Apple Pie

Ingredients:
• About 7 cups of apples, peeled, cored, quartered, and sliced into 1/4" pieces (enough to make a big mound in your pie tin)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to taste
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (any more would be overpowering)
• Good pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (leave this out if you use very tart apples, like Gold Rush or Northern Spy)
• 2 tablespoons of butter, cubed
• Pre-made two-piece pie crust, so you'll have a top crust (or you can make your own crust if you like. Show-off.)

Tools:
• Pie tin or pie plate
• Measuring cup and measuring spoons
• Very large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (to go on the lower rack of the oven to catch any drips from the pie)

Preparation:
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and put the baking sheet on the bottom rack.
• Place the sliced apples in the pie plate to check that you have enough for a good mound.
• Transfer the apples to the mixing bowl and toss them with everything except the butter and the crust.
• Arrange one of the two crust pieces into the bottom of the pie plate, starting from the center and then pressing down so that it makes it evenly to the corners.
• Pour the filling into the crust-lined pie plate.
• Sprinkle the cubed butter all over the top of the filling.
• Arrange the other crust piece on top of the filling, crimp the pastry together around the edge, and cut a bunch of little vents in the top crust.
• Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 45 – 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
• IMPORTANT - let cool to room temperature for 4 hours. I know. If you don't, though, all the juice will run out and the pie will fall apart. If you wait, though, the filling will reabsorb the juices, and you'll get beautiful solid slices. Your patience will be rewarded.

Product Review | Cool Mom Picks

Our latest product review comes from Cool Mom Picks Associate Editor Julie Marsh.

"Much more than mere mommy cards, these two-inch square cards incorporate custom photos along with contact information--ideal for those of us who need a visual memory cue now and then. Designer/mom Chris Guillot consults extensively with each client to lovingly custom design cards that reflect exactly what you want--you, your kids, or even your business. The result: elegant calling cards that make a fabulous impression…"

To read the full product review, please visit Cool Mom Picks.

Product Review | Superdumb Supervillain

Our latest product review comes from superdumb supervillain.

"Thumbprint Trading Cards are a great conversation starter, for sure. Chris Guillot started the company after her son was born and she realized she needed to make mom friends. Thumbprint Trading Cards are sort of like mommy cards, but they have a unique 2" x 2" square format with rounded edges and a glossy, varnished look that set them apart from traditional business cards. You personalize them with your own photo and text, so they work as calling cards, business cards, gift tags, whatever you need them to be! Chris is more than happy to work with you to create something you will be thrilled to hand out."

Read the full product review at superdumb supervillain and enter to win a free set of Playdate Appointment Cards and a Key fob Cardholder in Black.