For the Love of Cupcakes

My partner in the "For the Love of Cupcakes" swap on Craftster.org received her package and so did I, woohoo!

I went with a steampunk/vintage cupcake theme for my partner, sailorgirlbonk, based on her Wist.

My first cast resin piece ever! I used a miniature cookie cutter and packing tape to form a makeshift mold. Included in the resin is a silver metallic-finish piece of scrapbook paper, a brass stamping blank, and two brass cogs/gears. I used sandpaper to distress the pendant so some parts appear worn.

It is hard to read but this is my first stamped metal piece. The pendant says "C is for Cupcakes" and "Cogs" and "Captain" are stamped around one edge. It is joined by a cog and a polymer cupcake charm I bought on Etsy.

These are two domino and resin pendants I made. They both have the same phrasing but with different vintage images. My partner had one similar on her Wist.

I'm not sure what to call this. I thought that, if she dressed up, she could wear it on a vest or button-up shirt like one does a pocket watch on a chain or a sweater protector. It is brass gear wheels and a resin/Scrabble tile charm. 

I made two more decorated Scrabble tiles, but without backings this time so she could use as she wants to.

This is another Scrabble piece, this time on an adjustable ring.

Extras in the box included cupcake fabric and several cupcake-themed embellishments like ribbon and buttons.

Below are the goodies she sent me. My absolute favorite is the Dr. Who cupcake hoop and a close runner-up is the Scrabble and cupcake pillow!

Because fezzes and bow ties are cool.

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You

There is a lot on the crafty front just waiting to be written about, as soon as I have the time between working my day job and taking care of two small children and a not-so-small husband.

I didn't enjoy working with the shawl pattern I was using (see my previous post). I've been crocheting long enough to compensate for the poor directions but it sucked the fun and relaxation factor right out. So, I'm going to frog what I have completed so far and start on an entirely different pattern.

My "For the Love of Cupcakes" swap partner received so I can safely post what I crafter for her. Also, I received from her and can post those goodies as well.

I'm also working on more Web articles and a new crafty endeavor that may lead to an Etsy store in my near future!

More details to come...

In the Works

I am anxiously awaiting my For the Love of Cupcakes swap partner to receive. This is a bit nerve-wracking as I just mailed this morning. As soon as she has received I will post pictures and descriptions. I made some similar items for my sister-in-law and will post those once they have been received as well.

I am starting on a crocheted shawl for another swap, this time a round robin. The pattern is called Evening Shawl and I found it first on Ravelry.com but have since found it again on LionBrand.com using a different weight of yarn and called Elegant Shawl. I'm using I Love This Yarn Sportweight, available at Hobby Lobby, in black and an F/3.75mm hook. The yarn 100% acrylic, so it is washable, but this brand is very soft.

The instructions are not the best or easiest to follow, even though I've been crocheting a long time, but I think I have the pattern down and have high hopes it will turn out well. Thankfully, the swap has a really long crafting time, so I can try something else if it doesn't work out the way I would like.

Cupcakes in Disguise

Inspired by a picture in "What's New, Cupcake?" and the cover of Woman's Day magazine, I made cupcakes for our family Father's Day get-together. One dozen were red velvet cupcakes disguised as coals; one dozen were lemon cupcakes disguised as corn on the cob. I threw in crispy treats made to look like hamburger patties and some creative plating to complete the cook-out theme.

The "patties" are cocoa crispy treats formed with a circular cookie cutter. The marshmallow was dyed a dark pink for an authentic look.

The coals are red velvet cupcakes topped with vanilla icing, marshmallows cut to different heights, crushed chocolate wafers (Oreos without the cream), and red sugar sprinkles. They were displayed in cake tins and covered with small cooling racks and the faux burgers.

The corn cobs are lemon cupcakes topped with vanilla icing, lemon and toasted marshmallow jelly beans, and partially melted yellow Starburst candies. They were plated three in a row with corn-cob skewers poked into the ones on either end.

They were all three a big hit, but I must say I was surprised to discover that the cocoa crispy treats were the most popular. They are much sweeter than the plain variety of rice cereal treats and, I think, were a nice change for some of the adults that hadn't had this more child-friendly treat in a while.