Thursday, February 7, 2013

Valentine's Day Baking Blitz

 
I made a 'few' Valentine's Day cherry tarts yesterday. When all was said and done, I had 39 of them. Had I known, I would have made at least one more!  These are easy and fun to do. A touch of Triple Thick glaze makes the filling shine.
 
 
Another project keeping me busy lately is making dollhouse dinner plates. Love the bird cage! The plate on the bottom left has a small bee on it. It will be for my bee themed kitchen room box.  The hearts plate (upper right) is the one I made for everyone in my Make a Cake class this past Monday.
Making plates is easier than I thought and rather addictive. The darkish looking one has strawberries on it; I am disappointed that it printed so dark. 
 
Hope you're having a fun and creative week! If you are in the path of winter storm Nemo, please take care. Be safe!  Toodles,
 
Cyndy
 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Mini Cake Making Class


 Last evening the Small Wonders Miniature Club of Cary had a miniature cake making class. And I was the instructor!  Can't begin to tell you how nervous I was!  I was especially nervous as Sydnie Wagner is a member of our club - she wrote a book on making mini food  (http://www.amazon.com/Petite-Eats-Treats-Fabulous-Foods/dp/0938685120)  .  I was able to provide everyone with enough materials to make three cakes. I also made sample cakes in advance to show them the 3 primary types of frosting I use on my cakes: fondant, TLS mix and homestyle (modeling paste).  I also had written instructions complete with photos of my making the sample cakes. I made the sample board in the photo below for a reference.    It seems like everyone had a great time. They all made such different cakes! It was fun to see all the different ideas come out. And not only did Sydnie compliment me on doing a great job, but she gave me an autographed copy of her mini book. How sweet!!

 
Lest you think that I've been taking it easy lately, I have made considerable progess on my bee themed kitchen roombox. Here are the table and benches. I made the bee and flower decals with TLS.
 
 
And I have installed shelves into the pantry. I made the shelf paper edging yesterday. It's going to look great! I also have my lighting in hand - chip LEDs. So I've added making lampshades to my to-do list. 
 
 
My husband loves going to the Habitat ReStore.  I still miss the one we used to frequent in GA - lots of books, clothes, etc.  Here in NC,  they don't get that domestic.  Tools, windows, toilets.  Pretty much boring.   But I recently accompanied my husband one rainy afternoon. Reluctantly, I'll admit. And look what I found!
 
 
 
 Okay, it's hard to tell but what you are looking at is one "The Heritage" dollhouse kit from Greenleaf.  It cost $10!!!  I just stood in the store with this dopey big grin when I spotted it.  Someone had started it - the base is done; there's some parts primed.  The instructions and all parts are there. Along with it I received several dollhouse carpets and sheets of wallpaper.  But I've made myself promise to finish my current projects before diving into this one.
 
 
This little hutch is a birthday gift for my friend, Frances.  I'm going to load it up with photos of her family, a cake, and some other little trinkets. Once I get the base done, it will be on its way to her. 
 
Hope you're all keeping safe and warm. Have a great week!
Toodles,
 
Cyndy