Learning new things :)

I've been taking a cake decoration class!

I have an insatiable desire to learn and do something new at all times.

The class is pretty interesting...

let's just say the teacher isn't teaching us how to pass health inspection laws, if you get my drift.

But anywho here's what we did tonight...

 

it's sideways, sorry for your luck, I'm tired :)

But we learned dimensional decorating! In person this cupcake would be jumping right off the cake!

gooood night!

holy Cupcakes!!!

Would you know it... I've never made cupcakes from scratch.

and I've never filled a cupcake,

or made my own frosting for them.

My mission today was to do all three! 

I spent a couple hours in the kitchen (I'm sure for all you advanced bakers- it woulda been easier)

I used a recipe from Java Cupcake's Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes!!  ( I didn't use their frosting recipe though, I used a combination of a few, then winged it the rest of the way!!)

first step is to cook strawberries down to a reduction.  It's like instant potpourri!!!



Then you mix half of this in with the batter. 

(Next time I make it, I think I'm going to add chunks of lemon so the flavor is a little stronger!) 

Beware!!  This recipe makes 24 regular size cupcakes, and about 30 mini cupcakes!!

They came out of the oven great!!!!

And then I attempted to fill them. A little sloppy...

but I made it work!!

Here's the final product!  Looks adorable! 

The frosting was a little bit more liquidy than I'd like, since I added a strawberry puree, so next time I might do a layer of this verison of frosting and a small dollop of cream cheese frosting!

They were DELICIOUS!!  The best thing about these delights is that they are light and fluffy, perfect for a hot summery day!!

yuuuuum

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

lions, tigers and PROJECTS oh my!!

I haven't had access to internet for awhile.  My computer's been faulty.

I mean, I can access it from my phone, but really, who wants to blog from a phone.

Not I.

Anywho, it's been a crazy summer so far.  I've had some life and work changes that have kept me busy busy!

I haven't crafted as much as I'd like to...but I have a few things under my belt.

I stained my potato hutch.  You're probably wondering what a potato hutch is, or why I wanted one.

Too bad, I'm not going to tell you!  jkkk.  mostly.

                        From this........................to this!

Anywho, I stained this sucker, and  let me share some things I learned.

1. Lighter is always better...once it's dark, you can't go back.  It might've (okay, definitely) come out darker than I wanted.

2.  If you plan to use a foam brush, have a spare (or 10 in my case) handy.  Foam isn't the best quality and they fall apart!

3.  About halfway in, I decided to use a technique I'm dubbing "soak and swipe"  Meaning I soaked the wood with the stain, let it sit for a second, and swiped a towel over it to pick up the excess.  Most successful part of this adventure.

Andddd finally...Always go with the grain.  I did- I swear! :)

Things I'd still like to get to this summer:

1.  Homeade cupcake.  I'm thinking a dark chocolate cupcake with a raspberry puree filling, topped with a buttercream frosting and chocolate covered raspberry to top.  Oh yes, you read that right!!  YUM!

2. DIY Headboard I just saw in a magazine made of random and eclectic dresser drawers.  Sounds weird right?  Well, I kind of like weird- so feel free to donate your old dresser drawers :)

3. Plan and coordinate a murder mystery party. I've recently become infatuated with Clue;and  I'm an excellent detective and I'd like to practice my skills :)

Oh, it's already the middle of July you say???  I'd better get on it then!