Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ideas. Show all posts

2/17/26

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #13

Day 13 of 15 | Sketch 13

Welcome back!

Card #13 is based on Sketch 13, and this one really leans into clean structure with strong vertical lines. I’m still working from the Doodlebug “Snow Much Fun” 6x6 paper pad, and this sketch was perfect for showcasing multiple coordinating prints in one design.

The layout features alternating patterned panels that frame the center strip beautifully. I chose the snowman print for the middle to act as the visual anchor, then layered the sentiment circle directly over it to keep the eye focused front and center.

The “Thankful for you!” sentiment sits on a teal glitter circle, which adds contrast and just enough shimmer to elevate the card without overpowering the softer winter tones. The mint card base keeps everything fresh and cohesive.

To finish it off, I added a few enamel dots for light dimension and subtle texture — small details that make a big impact.

Because this sketch uses several narrow strips, clean adhesion really matters. I used my Tape Runner to secure each layer smoothly and evenly. If you’d like to try it yourself, head to www.taperunner.com and use code AMALIA10 for 10% off your order.

I appreciate how Sketch 13 demonstrates that repetition in pattern can create visual interest while still feeling organized and intentional.

We’re almost at the finish line of this challenge — two more cards to go!

What do you think of this layout? Would you rotate it horizontally or keep it vertical?

— Amalia

2/16/26

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #12

Day 12 of 15 | Sketch 12

Welcome back to my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series!

Today I’m sharing Card #12, inspired by Sketch #12. I’m still working through the same 6x6 patterned paper pack from Doodlebug, and I love seeing how many different designs you can create just by following the cutting guide and sketches.

For this card, I continued using the Doodlebug “Snow Much Fun” collection. The purple winter village background pairs perfectly with the soft blue tag panel. The snowman focal point adds such a sweet, playful touch — and that little “LOVE” banner makes it versatile for winter cards beyond just the holidays.

The tag element in this sketch really stands out. I layered the tag with coordinating cardstock, added dimension with foam adhesive, and finished it with a simple black twine bow at the top. The small accent strip in the upper corner helps balance the design while keeping the layout clean and true to the sketch.

As always, I assembled everything using my Tape Runner. It gives smooth, consistent adhesion and makes layering quick and easy — especially when working with multiple patterned paper pieces like this. If you’d like to try it, visit www.taperunner.com and use code AMALIA10 for 10% off your order.

I love how Sketch 12 allows the focal image to really shine while still showcasing the patterned paper. This challenge continues to prove how far you can stretch a single paper pad.

Stay tuned for Card #13 tomorrow!

Which sketch has been your favorite so far? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts!

— Amalia

2/9/26


 

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #7

Day #7 of 15 | Stretching 6 Sheets of Patterned Paper into 15 Cards

Welcome to Day #7 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series!

We are at the halfway point now and moving into the heart of the challenge. I am loving using the Snow Much Fun paper pad.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Catching up? Make sure to see how we handled the vibes of Card #6 before checking out today’s bright celebration card!

Card #7: Best Wishes, (Sketch 7)


This card is a fun example of winter-themed paper crafting. It balances soft lilacs and bold purples with a touch of magical illustration.

Design Layout & Style

I used a lavender card base with light lavender cardstock. The focal point is a watercolored stamp from Elizabeth Craft Designs against a background of stamped snowflakes and stars.

  • The Sentiment: A crisp white banner with the words "best wishes", popped up for dimension over the candle.

  • Geometric Contrast: The bottom-left corner is anchored by a diagonal collage of patterned paper including:

    • Bold purple and white stripes.

    • Multicolor snowflakes on a white background.

    • A soft lavender grid pattern.

    • Faint white stars on a cream base.

Crafting Detail

  • Fussy Cutting: The candle and banner have been precisely cut and adhered to the card face, using foam tape for a 3D effect.

  • Tone-on-Tone Stamping: The snowflakes on the background are stamped in a shade of purple just slightly darker than the cardstock, creating a subtle, textured look.

***Pro-Tip: Notice the small banner at the top right—it mirrors the patterns from the bottom corner, which is a great way to "tie" the composition together and lead the viewer's eye across the card.

Want to See All 15 Cards?

I’m sharing one card per day as part of this 15-card series using Kendra’s Card Challenge #21.

๐ŸŽฅ Learn more about the challenge here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654MpJDjP4U

๐Ÿงป Shop the patterned paper used throughout this series: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

๐Ÿงท Strong adhesive makes all the difference: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Shop Tape Runner at TapeRunner.com ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 to save 10%

✨ Join me tomorrow for Card #8 and we will be over halfway to the finish line!




2/6/26

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #6

Day #6 of 15 | Stretching 6 Sheets of Patterned Paper into 15 Cards

Welcome to Day #6 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series!

We are officially past the one-third mark and moving into the heart of the challenge. One of the best things about using a cohesive collection like the Snow Much Fun paper pad is that even when the patterns get bold—like the stripes and polka dots we're using today—they still work perfectly together.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Catching up? Make sure to see how we handled the cozy vibes of Card #5 before checking out today’s bright celebration card!

Card #6: Wish Big (Sketch #6)

For Sketch #6, I decided to turn up the energy! This layout is a fantastic way to use high-contrast patterns. The diagonal "rainbow" stripes provide a dynamic background that makes the bold blue polka-dot circles really pop.

The focal point is a charming birthday candle paired with a "Wish Big" sentiment. By layering these over a vellum-scalloped circle, I was able to create a soft "landing pad" that separates the focal image from the busy striped background.

Design Notes

  • Sketch orientation: vertical

  • Focal element: A purple birthday candle with a "wish big" die-cut sentiment

  • Color strategy: High-energy mix of bright blue, lime green, and purple

  • Embellishments: Scalloped vellum circles and subtle white enamal dot accents

When you have multiple circular elements overlapping a striped background, you want to make sure nothing shifts while you're finding the perfect placement. I used my pink Tape Runner from TapeRunner.com to secure the circles and the candle. It provides a strong, instant bond that's perfect for building up these layered "scenes."

๐Ÿ‘‰ Save 10% at TapeRunner.com with code Amalia10.

Products Used

  • Patterned Paper: Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad

  • Cardstock: White A2 card base + coordinating solid accents 

  • Adhesive: Tape Runner ๐Ÿ‘‰ TapeRunner.com ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 for 10% off

  • Dies / Embellishments: Scalloped circle dies & Vellum 

  • Sentiment: “wish big” — Die-cut sentiment

Why This Card Works

This card is all about repetition and contrast. The repeating circle shapes (the polka dots and the scalloped vellum) create a sense of rhythm, while the diagonal lines of the background add movement. It’s a cheerful, busy design that stays balanced because the purple of the candle grounds the whole composition.

Want to See All 15 Cards?

I’m sharing one card per day as part of this 15-card series using Kendra’s Card Challenge #21.

๐ŸŽฅ Learn more about the challenge here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654MpJDjP4U

๐Ÿงป Shop the patterned paper used throughout this series: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

๐Ÿงท Strong adhesive makes all the difference: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Shop Tape Runner at TapeRunner.com ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 to save 10%

✨ Join me tomorrow for Card #7—we're halfway to the finish line!



2/5/26

 

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #5

Day #5 of 15 | Stretching 6 Sheets of Patterned Paper into 15 Cards

Welcome to Day #5 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 journey!

We are officially one-third of the way through the series. By now, you can really see how the Snow Much Fun paper pack offers such a great variety of tones—from cool teals to sophisticated, cozy purples. Today’s card is all about lean, clean lines and a sentiment that perfectly captures the winter spirit.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Missed the start? Make sure to check out and the earlier posts to see how we're maximizing our supplies!

Card #5: It’s Hot Cocoa Time!

For Card #5, I leaned into a more structured, geometric look. This layout uses a grid-style patterned paper that adds a sense of order and modern flair. To keep the design from feeling too "square," I used a decorative corner punch on the matte layer, giving it a subtle ticket-shaped or vintage frame effect.

The focal point is a fun, tilted sentiment stack. Mixing font styles—like the script "Snow day" and the bold "IT'S HOT COCOA TIME!"—adds instant personality and visual interest to the top-left corner.

Design Notes

  • Sketch orientation: vertical

  • Focal element: Layered sentiment "Snow day / IT'S HOT COCOA TIME!"

  • Color strategy: Monochromatic purples with crisp white accents

  • Embellishments: Dark glitter enamel dots for a touch of "cocoa" sparkle

With these long, vertical strips and a slightly heavier sentiment piece, I needed an adhesive that wouldn't budge. My Tape Runner from TapeRunner.com made it easy to get perfectly straight alignment on those grid patterns while ensuring the tilted sentiment stayed exactly where I wanted it.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Save 10% at TapeRunner.com with code Amalia10.

Products Used

  • Patterned Paper: Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad S

    Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #5

    Day #5 of 15 | Stretching 6 Sheets of Patterned Paper into 15 Cards

    Welcome to Day #5 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 journey!

    We are officially one-third of the way through the series. By now, you can really see how the Snow Much Fun paper pack offers such a great variety of tones—from vibrant teals to these sophisticated, cozy purples. Today’s card is all about lean, clean lines and a sentiment that perfectly captures the winter spirit.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Missed the start? Make sure to check out [Link to Card #4] and the earlier posts to see how we're maximizing our supplies!

    Card #5: It’s Hot Cocoa Time!

    For Card #5, I leaned into a more structured, geometric look. This layout uses a grid-style patterned paper that adds a sense of order and modern flair. To keep the design from feeling too "square," I used a decorative corner punch on the matte layer, giving it a subtle ticket-shaped or vintage frame effect.

    The focal point is a fun, tilted sentiment stack. Mixing font styles—like the script "Snow day" and the bold "IT'S HOT COCOA TIME!"—adds instant personality and visual interest to the top-left corner.

    Design Notes

    • Sketch orientation: vertical

    • Focal element: Layered sentiment "Snow day / IT'S HOT COCOA TIME!"

    • Color strategy: Monochromatic purples with crisp white accents

    • Embellishments: Dark glitter enamel dots for a touch of "cocoa" sparkle

    With these long, vertical strips and a slightly heavier sentiment piece, I needed an adhesive that wouldn't budge. My Tape Runner from TapeRunner.com made it easy to get perfectly straight alignment on those grid patterns while ensuring the tilted sentiment stayed exactly where I wanted it.

    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Save 10% at TapeRunner.com with code Amalia10.

    Products Used

    • Patterned Paper: Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad Shop here

    • Cardstock: Purple A2 card base + light purple and white layers

    • Adhesive: Tape Runner ๐Ÿ‘‰ TapeRunner.com ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 for 10% off

    • Dies / Embellishments: Glitter enamel dots Shop here

    • Sentiment: "Snow day" & "IT'S HOT COCOA TIME!" — Cardstock stickers/die-cuts

    Why This Card Works

    This design is a masterclass in using "negative space." By keeping the bottom right relatively open—save for those three glittery dots—the eye is naturally drawn up to the sentiment. It’s a great reminder that you don't always have to fill every corner of a design to make a big impact.

    Want to See All 15 Cards?

    I’m sharing one card per day as part of this 15-card series using Kendra’s Card Challenge #21.

    ๐ŸŽฅ Learn more about the challenge here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654MpJDjP4U

    ๐Ÿงป Shop the patterned paper used throughout this series: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

    ๐Ÿงท Strong adhesive makes all the difference: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Shop Tape Runner at TapeRunner.com ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 to save 10%

    ✨ Stay tuned for Card #6 tomorrow—we're just getting started!

2/4/26

 

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #4

Day #4 of 15 | Stretching 6 Sheets of Patterned Paper into 15 Cards

Welcome to Day #4 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series!

We are moving right along in our mission to turn six 6x6 sheets of patterned paper into 15 beautiful A2 cards using Kendra’s ingenious cutting guide. Today we are tackling one of my favorite layouts in the bunch.

๐Ÿ‘‰ New here? Be sure to view the previous cards in this series before diving into today’s design to see how this 6x6 paper pack is transforming!

Card #4: Having Snow Much Fun (Sketch #4)

For Sketch #4, I wanted to play with layers and textures. This sketch uses several different patterned strips to create a "blocked" background, which is a fantastic way to showcase multiple patterns from the Snow Much Fun collection without them clashing.

The focal point features a vellum circle overlay. Vellum is a secret weapon in cardmaking—it softens the busy "newspaper" text pattern underneath just enough to let the sentiment banner take center stage without completely hiding the cute background detail.

Design Notes

  • Sketch orientation: horizontal

  • Focal element: Vellum circle with a "having snow much fun" sentiment banner

  • Color strategy: High-contrast purples, teals, and lime greens

  • Embellishments: White enamel dots (placed to look like falling snowballs!)

When working with multiple small strips and vellum, precision is everything. To keep my layers perfectly flat and ensure the vellum didn't shift while I was centering the banner, I used my Tape Runner from TapeRunner.com. It gives that professional, permanent bond that prevents the "warping" you sometimes get with liquid glues on thin vellum.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Save 10% at TapeRunner.com with code Amalia10.

Products Used

  • Patterned Paper: Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad Shop here

  • Cardstock: Purple A2 card base + coordinating solid cardstock

  • Adhesive: Tape Runner ๐Ÿ‘‰ TapeRunner.com ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 for 10% off

  • Dies / Embellishments: White enamel dots & Vellum Shop here

  • Sentiment: “having snow much fun” — Banner sentiment

Why This Card Works

This layout is a "pattern mixer's" dream. By framing the different patterned strips within a solid purple border, the card feels cohesive rather than cluttered. It proves that you can use four different patterns on one card as long as you have a strong focal point to anchor the design!

Want to See All 15 Cards?

I’m sharing one card per day as part of this 15-card series using Kendra’s Card Challenge #21.

๐ŸŽฅ Learn more about the challenge here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654MpJDjP4U

๐Ÿงป Shop the patterned paper used throughout this series: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

๐Ÿงท Strong adhesive makes all the difference: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Shop Tape Runner at TapeRunner.com ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 to save 10%

✨ Check back tomorrow for Card #5 as we continue our countdown to 15!



2/3/26

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #3

Day #3 of 15 | Stretching 6 Sheets of Patterned Paper into 15 Cards

Welcome to Day #3 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series!
This challenge is all about maximizing your patterned paper by using just six 6×6 sheets and Kendra’s cutting guide to create 15 A2 cards. Each day, I’m sharing one card along with design notes and product details to show how small changes can make each card feel fresh and unique.

If you’re joining the series partway through, I recommend checking out the earlier cards first so you can see how the same sketch evolves:
๐Ÿ‘‰ Be sure to view the previous cards in this series before diving into today’s design.

Card #3: Happy Birthday

For Card #3, I took a bold yet simple approach by letting clean lines do the heavy lifting. The diagonal strip immediately draws the eye across the card, while the subtle color palette keeps the design cheerful and versatile—perfect for a quick hello, happy mail, or thinking-of-you note.

I’m still working with the Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad by Doodlebug Designs, pulling coordinating patterns that feel playful without overwhelming the design.

Design Notes

  • Sketch orientation: vertical

  • Focal element: diagonal patterned paper strip

  • Color strategy: subtle coordination

  • Embellishments: silver glitter enamel dots

Because this card relies on crisp edges and strong alignment—especially along the diagonal—adhesive quality really matters. I used a Tape Runner from TapeRunner.com to get smooth, secure adhesion without warping or lifting.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Save 10% at TapeRunner.com with code Amalia10.

Products Used

Patterned Paper:
Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad
Shop here: https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

Cardstock:
White A2 card base + coordinating solid cardstock
Shop here: https://tidd.ly/4k6ZPAN

Adhesive:
Tape Runner
๐Ÿ‘‰ TapeRunner.com
๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 for 10% off

Dies / Embellishments:
Enamel dots
Shop here: https://tidd.ly/3NGAFwN

Sentiment:
“hello” — die-cut sentiment

Why This Card Works

This card shows how a single diagonal element can create a simple and elegant design. By keeping embellishments minimal and colors intentional, the patterned paper remains the star while still delivering a polished, finished look.

It’s also a great reminder that simple cards can be just as impactful—and faster to mass-produce when you’re building a card stash.

Want to See All 15 Cards?

I’m sharing one card per day as part of this 15-card series using Kendra’s Card Challenge #21.

๐ŸŽฅ Learn more about the challenge here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654MpJDjP4U

๐Ÿงป Shop the patterned paper used throughout this series:
๐Ÿ‘‰ Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6×6 Paper Pad
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

๐Ÿงท Strong adhesive makes all the difference:
๐Ÿ‘‰ Shop Tape Runner at TapeRunner.com
๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 to save 10%

✨ Check back daily as I continue sharing all 15 cards from this challenge!


 


2/2/26

 

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 – Card #2

Day #2 of 15 | Stretching 6 Sheets of Patterned Paper to make 15 cards

Welcome back to Day #2 of my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series!
If you’re following along, this challenge uses just six 6x6 sheets of patterned paper and Kendra’s cutting guide to create 15 A2 cards. Each day, I’m sharing a new card, along with the products and techniques I used, to show how flexible one sketch can be when you rotate it, flip it, or change the focal point.

If you missed the earlier cards in this series, be sure to check them out here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ [Link to Card #1 post]

Card #2: Thinking of You


Card #2 continues my Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 series, using the same cutting guide and sketch while making small design changes to create a fresh look.

For this card, I focused on dimension, letting the patterned paper guide the color palette and overall layout.

I’m still working with the Snow Much Fun 6x6 paper pad by Doodlebug Designs, pulling together multiple coordinating patterns to highlight how versatile this paper pack is throughout the challenge.

Design Notes:

  • Sketch orientation: original 

  • Focal element: layered shapes

  • Dimension: foam adhesive

Strong adhesive is especially important when working with layered patterned paper. I used Tape Runner adhesive from TapeRunner.com for a clean, secure hold that keeps everything flat and aligned.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Save 10% off your purchase at TapeRunner.com with code Amalia10.


Products Used

  • Patterned Paper:
    Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6x6 Paper Pad
    Shop here: https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

  • Cardstock:
    White A2 card base + coordinating solids
    Shop here: https://tidd.ly/4k6ZPAN

  • Adhesive:
    Tape Runner
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ TapeRunner.com
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 for 10% off

  • Dies / Embellishments:
    Snowflake dies, enamel dots
    Shop here: https://tidd.ly/3NGAFwN

  • Sentiment: “THINKING OF YOU”. This sentiment strip is cut directly from the Snow Much Fun paper pad, making it perfect for quick cardmaking.

This card is another great example of how small changes to a sketch can result in a completely different finished card while still keeping the process efficient and cohesive.

Want to See All 15 Cards?

Stop by here every day for the next card in the series of 15.

Kendra’s Card Challenge #21 is a fantastic way to stretch your patterned paper and build a card stash quickly.

๐ŸŽฅ Learn more about the challenge here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654MpJDjP4U

๐Ÿงป Shop the paper I used:
๐Ÿ‘‰ Doodlebug Designs Snow Much Fun 6x6 Paper Pad
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://tidd.ly/3Zd7WSC

๐Ÿงท Adhesive matters!
๐Ÿ‘‰ Shop Tape Runner at TapeRunner.com
๐Ÿ‘‰ Use code Amalia10 to save 10%

Check back daily as I continue sharing all 15 cards from this challenge!


6/26/23

  

Design Teams, What Are They?

For the paper crafting industry, a design team is a group of creators and artists that are contracted to create projects using a crafting company’s products. Companies use design teams to help with the promotion and sales of their products. Products can be stamps, dies, design paper, ink, tools, embellishments, etc.

What are the advantages of being on a design team?

Many crafters would say getting free stuff is the best part of it as new products are usually provided gratis and far in advance of release so they have ample time to time to work on their projects.  In addition, design team members are also usually offered a sizable discount on the company’s products during their design team term. Some companies also offer monetary compensation and/or affiliate credit for sales generated.

I have been on several design teams and I love the challenge of working with products I didn’t choose! I always have ideas for the things I buy but being sent something I may or may not love challenges me to think outside of my own ideas and work on design and technique and I end up loving everything!

What are the responsibilities of being on a design team?

Responsibilities will vary by design team and should be outlined at the start. Typically, you will be asked to create projects using what is sent to you. The number of projects needed, how the project is to be presented, (mailed in, YouTube video, shares on social media, etc.) the due date, and what, if any, other brands/products you will be allowed to use with what was sent to you. For example, if you are creating for a paper company that doesn’t sell anything but paper then you should be able to use other company stamps and dies to complete your project. If you are using stamps from one company, you might only be able to use dies and other products from that same company. All of these details will be communicated to you by the company once you have been accepted by a design team.

Keep in mind that a design team term can vary from being open-ended to being 6 months or a year.

How do I get on a design team?

Design team calls are done throughout the year. You can check company websites or check for design team calls on Facebook. You can also reach out directly to express your interest. Be sure to have examples of your work ready to submit with any application or inquiry and consider why you want to be on that company’s design team. They will surely ask this in the application process.

Design Teams not affiliated with a company

The paper crafting community has created challenges to inspire one another. There are crafty challenge groups on Facebook and crafty challenge blogs, as well as challenges and collabs on YouTube and Instagram. I ran a crafty goals collab for about 4 years on YouTube and I have been on the Show Us Your Sheetload Collab YouTube team since 2020. There are blogs with design teams, as well. The responsibilities for each type of non-company affiliated team will vary but the perceived stress is less due to the fact that you are doing it for the fun and fellowship of crafters. Some companies do provide products to challenge blogs and their design teams but it is considered a more relaxed assignment than company-affiliated design work.

 

 

 

 

6/20/23

Back in the Saddle with Gumpaste Lavender

It's been a while since I posted anything cake related so I thought I would share what did for a party this weekend. 

I made 24 gumpaste lavender stems last week and baked some chocolate chip cupcakes for a family party. It was the first in at least 6 years that I have done anything at this level. Working with gumpaste is very different than working with icing in a piping bag. Some would say it is easier because it doesn't require the same skill set. If I didn't have that skill set, I would agree. Since I do know my way around a piping bag, I think piping these out onto the cupcakes would have been faster, and therefore easier. 


I don't know why I didn't pipe these on instead of making them in gumpaste. These definitely give off a fancy vibe and while it was a family gathering, I wanted them to be extra special for this occasion. 


Each flower and leaf was painstakingly made by hand and assembled. I was glad I did it. I confirmed for myself that I've still got it!



I had all the supplies that I needed, I just needed some fresh gumpaste. Literally, everything else was in my stash, plus, plus, plus!

I will share a video on how I made them on my YouTube channel soon, so stay tuned for that.

10/24/09

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Cake Class

Once a year I offer a special project class in November, the week before the Thanksgiving Holiday. I call it a Cornucopia but is also know as a Horn of Plenty.

In this class we use a cupcake or a muffin as the base to create the horn shaped basket that holds the overflowing bounty of the fall harvest. I teach students how to make all the fruits and veg with buttercream icing. I love this project and I have made a number of these over the years.


It's a little old fashioned looking but that's exactly what I like about it!




I am offering the class on Sunday, November 22nd from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. That's just in time to serve for your Thanksgiving dessert.



Here is the supply list needed for the class, maybe I will see you there!

Supplies needed for Cornucopia Cake Project Class

- 1 large cupcake or muffin

- 1 10 inch round caked, iced and ready to decorate (optional)

- 2 Recipes decorating icing (recipe on previous page)

· Icing colored and separated as follows:

- ¼ cup of Red(tomatoes)

- ¾ cup of white(cauliflower)

- 1 ½ cups green (Cabbage, cauliflower, etc.)

- ¾ cup orange(carrots)

- ¾ cup golden yellow(corn)

- 2 cups Ivory

- Wax paper

- #7 flower nail

- Decorating turntable (optional but very useful)

- a tablespoon of cornstarch

- Cake Sparkles, white (optional but highly recommended)

- Small angled spatula and Flower lifter (or food safe scissors)

- Bath Towel and Paper towels

- Gallon size zip-lock bag

- Scotch tape

- A Show n Serve board or cake plate

- Small serrated knife

- Large disposable plastic cups

- You will need the following tips in the quantities listed:

- #21, #104, #233, #103, (3) #5, #349, #7, #14

- Additional tips if we have time for extra’s, #2 or #3

- Advanced preparation is important, please bring bags of icing filled and marked as follows:

- Clear disposable bag or 12 inch re-useable bag with ivory colored icing and tip #21

- 2 clear disposable bags each fitted w/a coupler with green icing

· one bag marked “green, tip #104 and tip #103

· one bag marked “green, tip #7, tip #14 and tip #349

- Clear disposable bag “yellow, tip #233” (or tip 3 if you cannot find #233)

- Clear disposable bags or 8 inch re-useable bags filled and marked as follows:

- Red, tip #5

- White, tip #5

- Orange, tip #5

Decorating icing (double batch recipe)

- 4 tablespoons water, milk or cream

- 2 teaspoon Wilton clear vanilla extract

- 2 teaspoon Wilton clear butter extract

- 2 teaspoon Wilton clear almond extract

- pinch of salt (optional) let salt dissolve with liquids before adding next ingredient

- 2 cup solid vegetable shortening

· Cream liquid and shortening on low speed until combined

- 2 lb. Sifted confectioner's sugar mixed with 6 tablespoons Wilton meringue powder

· Cover mixer with a kitchen towel and blend on low/medium speed with creamed shortening until fully combined, do not over mix.