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

 

Halloween is just 12 days away!

 

 

My craft room has been reorganized and rearranged!!  My dear husband ripped out the old, icky carpet and laid down a new floor. He built me a new shelf unit. I have gone through everything and sorted or discarded as needed. The result is a better space to work in and I know where everything is!  I even labeled all the totes, boxes and bins.  I'm still working on it but it looks so much better. 

 

 Here's a little witch I created over Labor Day weekend:

 

I've named her Hazel.

 

Toodles,  Cyndy

Busy in Real Life and Minis!

Things have been particularly busy for me this year workwise.  I also do open houses almost every Sunday afternoon.  It's a good thing but it sure does interfere with my mini life.

 

A mini friend from the Cary NC "Small Wonders" club just completed her roombox vignette with a Raggedy Ann & Andy theme and asked me to do a cake for her. Here's what I came up with:

 

 

 

A back view of the "hair":

 

 

I recently bought a Makins Clay Extruder. That's how I was able to make the "hair".  I delivered the cake yesterday. To say she was pleased is an understatement. :) 

 

Next up is a photo of my creations during the Small Wonders Sept. meeting. BJ was kind enough to bring all the supplies and let us go!  The pumpkin 'bag' started out as part of a string of Halloween lights. BJ has the mini 'eye'.

 

My husband, daughter and I will be participating in the annual Arts Fest at our UU fellowship in two short weeks.  I've been busy crocheting, sprucing up my mini inventory and creating new items.  This year I will be offering cake slice earrings. These have been fun to make.

 

Back in September, my daughter and I attended the mini show in High Point, NC.  It was a quick trip as we both had to work that afternoon.  I picked up a few goodies including this doll kit:

 

"He" is going to become the witch proprietor in my planned Witch's Bakery.  This is a Sherry Colvin doll - she has amazing kits and I hope I can do it justice with my final product.

I attended my first NAME State Day event last weekend. We're working on a revised alcove project and it will eventually be a library room box. My husband cut the kits for my daughter and I. I'm excited to see it coming together. Still in progress is my kitchen roombox with a bumblebee theme. Meghan is going with a sunflower theme. I need to get busy and finish something! 

Have a fantastic weekend. If you're in Raleigh NC stop by my office in Brier Creek tomorrow - we're having a client appreciation event with free pumpkins, a bouncy house, free food and lots of great prizes to raffle off.

Toodles,

Cyndy

 

My Mini Baker has been working hard

Just some of the little pastries I've been making lately. The chocolate glazed choux buns are approximately 1/4" in diameter.

It's the haunting season, so why not an appropriate cake! The bones and skull glow in the dark too.

I love these little pans! It's an empty eyeshadow tin - perfect for a mini 9" square pan.
This is just a sampling of the mini baking I got done over the weekend.
More to come soon!