Monday, March 30, 2009

Fondant Finale

Here's the final fondant cake! It was a fun class but I'm glad that it's over- time to sleep in Saturday morning.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Spring Fever

While I do love the spring (I have even left the house without a coat- gasp!!!), apparently it does not love me. Hay fever has hit in a BIG way. Friday was a slightly sore throat and yesterday was full blown, can't breathe, can't swallow, no contacts, head exploding allergy attacks. Not cool... I've now dug out the allergy drugs- all sorts along with lots of tissues... Let's hope that whatever is blooming dies quickly.

I've continued to be crafty during the nice weather, though soon I may move my knitting sessions to a blanket outside- it's not that warm yet! Here are some "in progress" pics of the burp cloths that I'm knitting- there will be bibs also!


On the cake decorating front, we made gumpaste flowers in class on Sat- I love the daisy's and the "fantasy flower" though I'm calling it a poppy! There will be another cake next week!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

My First Foray with Fondant

I've finished my first fondant cake!!! I now realize why fondant cakes cost so much... The time, effort and expense are considerable... My arms and shoulders ache to prove it! Here are some pics- I went with a St. Patrick's Day theme for obvious reasons.


I've also finished the first sock of my first PERSONAL pair of socks. The other pairs I've knitted have all gone out as gifts but these I'm keeping!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Blankie Friends and Fondant Friends

I've had my first fondant course and it went well, I think. No pictures yet as all we did was cover a cake board but.... next week is our first cake and in honor of St. Patrick's day I think I'm going to do a shamrock theme! Stay tuned for updates...

I've also completed another knitting project- blankie friends! I remember how precious my blankie was to me and so I thought I'd make some special friends for some of my pregnant friends! Here are some quick pics...


Monday, March 2, 2009

Misc. Happenings

I've been plugging along on a few knitting projects lately- the orders for baby sweaters keep coming in so I'm trying to get those done. Here is a pic of the latest one for Sam's friends...

I'm also working on some socks (as always) and a hat.
I've been up to my usual baking and cooking- I made mini cupcakes- dangerous to just pop in the mouth!
I've also been inspired to take another Wilton Cake decorating class. I've already taken Course 1 and taught myself Course 2 so I thought Fondant would be interesting... Plus it is at a reasonable hour on Saturdays in March. Now, I've heard that the Wilton Fondant is both expensive and tastes absolutely horrible. I've decided to make my own... there are some very easy recipes on the web for "Marshmallow Fondant". It is basically adding two pounds of sugar to melted marshmallows. It tastes great and seems to be quite malleable from my playing around- Hopefully it will work fine for the class. Here are some pics of the process- imagine powdered sugar everywhere!

Finally, while I believe I've weathered the worst of the winter, it is still cold. Here are some pics of cars frozen to the ground with icicles from the parking lot...Burrrr....