Bunny Cakes

Turning 7 - The Big (Ugly) Plans

As you may know, I have a serious problem when it comes to the boys' birthday party and as a result things tend to get overdone (Exhibit A - Pirate Party & Exhibit B - Space Mission Party).  For almost an entire year I have had the boys 7th birthday party planned in the back of my mind, but just when I was about to start executing on these long-awaited plans there was a sudden change.  After going to two laser tag parties the boys lobbied hard to have a laser tag party of their own.  Since they have always had their party at home I thought they were due for a location change.  With the new venue in place we settled on a new theme...Uglydolls!  

The boys had recently rediscovered Uglydolls one days as I was browsing through our local Paper Source.  Not only were the boys attracted to the Uglydolls' funny looking facade, but also to the quirky personalities given to each doll by their witty creators, David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim.  Even the Obamas are fans of Uglydolls...check it out!

Since Uglydolls are (thankfully) not over commercialized I had to make my own ugly invitations using images found on the web.  The colors palette for the party will be slime green with a hint of red.  Here are the invites...more on the party to come.

-K

Origami Animation

The boys started Summer Camp on Monday.  Little did I know they would also be starting an Origami Club.  Needless to say for the past few nights we have been watching videos on how to make origami animals: fish, cranes, snakes, bats, bunnies, frogs...you name it.  One of the favorite videos I came across was this cool *Stop-motion Crane Animation* video by nariomaru.

-K

Rest in Peace, MJ.

This Buds for You!

This year for Father's Day I decided to get a little cheeky.  Poor Hubby had to work on his special day so while he was at work the boys and I made sure he would come home to his favorite comfort foods: Beer (he's Irish) & Brownies (he's human).   

I used my fabulous new Lotus Nesting Plates and cans of Bud Light (Hubby's fav) to create a two-tiered cake stand and loaded it up with brownies.  The mini-bundt cake brownies were crowned with chocolate frosting and sprinkles to make them extra special.  If this doesn't say "WE LOVE YOU, YOU'RE THE BEST", then I don't know what does.

In addition to the *Beer & Brownies* we made a bunch of "We Love You" signs and hid them all over the house.  The boys and I put a lot of thought into the places where we hid our *Notes of Affection*.  We wanted Hubby/Daddy to be reminded of our love when he least expected it.  Here's some of our hiding spots:

Happy Daddy's Day!

-K

P.S.  This would also make a great Valentine's Day surprise for your Main Squeeze.

Gift for Am M

Although I hate to admit it, life has changed over the past few years.  Celebrating close friends’ birthdays now means a nice dinner and perhaps a small thinking-of-you token gift (notable exceptions being spouse, parents, and nephews of course). Long gone are the days of trolling the local mall for “the” gift for your BFF.  These days I generally like to make most of my gifts (time and laziness permitting with heavy emphasis on the laziness).

Every now and then, life throws you a bone and you happen to stumble across the perfect gift. Such was the case for my very good friend Am M.  I was in an antique mall when I came across a set of vintage hankies (I am fortunate enough to not have allergies and am rarely sick, but I still have a deep seated obsession with vintage hankies.  It’s odd---I know). Well, sandwiched in this packet of hanky goodness were two really great hankies that were a perfect gift for Am.  I have to take a second and elaborate on great—one hankie was very much in the mid-century modern flavor (which is Am’s thing) and was monogrammed with her last name initial (if I was a cat, I would have used up one of my nine lives on this gift). The fact that there were 5 other hankies that I could add to my growing collection was also (admittedly) a bonus.

So, having found these great hankies, I was super excited, however, I had to do a little more.  It seemed a little odd to give just the hankies no matter how great they were.  I recognize that not everyone shares my deep seated affection for vintage hankies.  I decided to make a small little coin purse that Am could keep one the hankies and perhaps a lipstick in for the times when she was traveling light.

I sat down and started thinking about how this little purse should be.  After several failed prototypes, the final plans were decided (with almost no formal training, my sewing style is decidedly fly by the seat of your pants with a touch of just make it happen).  Finally, the fabric was picked, cut, and ready to go.  The happy flow of the project at this point took a turn for the worse as evidenced by the multitude of coin purses that now have permanent residence in the corners of my craft room.

True to my nature, I eventually managed to pull things together…just in time for Am’s birthday.

~A

Last Day of First Grade

As proof to how fast kids grow check out my now Second Graders on their last day of First Grade.

Just yesterday they looked like this...

Cherish the time.

-K

Personalized Alphabet Book

When the boys were much younger I had envisioned creating a personalized ABC book for the them.  The 'Letter A' page would have a picture of their Aunt Allie balancing an Apple on her head.  I had about a third of the letters mapped out in my head, but sadly I never executed on my vision.  Soooooo, today's post is here to encourage you to do so.  I haven't found any exact examples of my vision, but I have found some super great examples of personalized books for tots that will be sure to inspire you to create your own book(s).

The first example is from Erin Jang, a talented designer/illustrator from Seattle.  She made this sweet and clever board book for her nephew to celebrate his 100th day.  Her concept was to come up with words that rhymed with her nephew's nickname, Baloo.  Check out the final product below (more here)

The second example is from graphic designer Sara Hicks Malone of Party Perfect.  Her concept was a first word book with words and pictures that were familiar to her son.  Check out the fabulous results (more here)...

They grow up so fast...so get on it!  Happy Booking!

K

Birthday Wrap & Cards

I have recently changed my ways.  No longer do I store hundreds of wrapping paper rolls in an unsightly mess in the corner of my craft room.  I am proud to say that I have slowly whittled my way down to only a few select rolls.  The most universal is a big roll of *Plain Brown Craft Paper*.  This has become my staple for wrapping any gift from the boys.  With the myriad of birthday parties on the boys' social calender I now don't have to worry about keeping cute or gender-appropriate paper on hand, instead I simply reach for the big roll of craft paper and wrap away.  This, however, does not mean I have given up on making the gift look good.  The plainly wrapped gifts are given some appeal with a hand-stamped card tied on with coordinating ribbon.  

This past weekend the boys had a party on both Saturday and Sunday.  I found some free time before the parties and managed to stamp out some birthday turtle cards.  Two of the cards made their way onto the gifts, the rest are in my card stash ready for the next bash.

-K

P.S.  I also think you could totally get rid of your wrapping paper stash and just go with newspaper (but don't forget the ribbon & card).

Birthday-like Party

One of the my Mother's Day gifts this year was a coupon for a 'Birthday-like Party'.  When I asked the boys what they meant by this, they replied it would be a fun party with a theme and games.  I promised them when my roses were in full bloom I would cash in the coupon for a 'flower' party.  And so I did.  I am happy to say the party was a hit and the boys did a great job planning and executing.  For favors we made leis from flowers that we drew, scanned and then printed.  The boys were very impressed with my flower drawings and declared them the prettiest flowers they had ever seen.  Admittedly I was very tickled with their genuine flattery.  For treats we made flower shaped rice krispy treats (using a cookie cutter).  And finally, for our game we had a hunt to find flower buds (mini marshmallows) hidden around the house.  Here are some snaps...

-K

The Windy City and a New Invention

M and I just got back from Chicago and wow, is all I can say.  What an awesome city. Before we met, M was a cook in several restaurants in Chicago.  After years (and I mean years) of planning, he was finally able to make it back (with his wife in tow).  Our previous attempt was sadly postponed due to the death of our beloved kitty Boots (Aqui)---may she rest in kitty heaven.

Since it was my first time to Chicago, M and I did all the normal touristy stuff.  I won't bore you with the details, but highlights included the sea dragons at Shedd Aquarium (who knew such beautiful creatures existed in the wild---I could have spent all afternoon just watching them), the Thorne Miniature Rooms at The Art Institute, an Architectural tour, and who can forget, lovable Sue at the Field Museum.  Although our trip was only 4 days, we really packed it in---this of course does not include the food tour.

 

(Sue was one of the only exhibits that would stand still for me!)

For any foodie out there, we ate at Spring (M was on the opening cooking staff), Mindy's Hot Chocolate (those cookies were to die for!), and Publican (which was a little bit of a let down). Spring was really awesome and was nice for M since he got to catch up with his old chef and other cooks he worked with. Hot Chocolate was really tasty---the cookies were divine!  Publican was a bit expensive and a little bit of a disappointment, however, the night was not a complete loss as we were able to meet up with another cooking buddy of M's (who is now a bit of a celebrity having been on a national cooking show---it was a little surreal having people come up to the table for autographs--hers not mine hehe).There were a few other food adventures---Maxwell Street Market is a must for anyone who wants a fresh churro and authentic taco.

We certainly had a good time eating.  Which brings me to my idea. I was thinking about a line of pants that could be marketed towards chefs' wives (or people who like to gorge themselves).  The pants would have an "invisible" expandable front section (similar to pants for pregnant women, but not so obvious). One could be fashionable to dinner without the fear of taking someone's eye out from from a high velocity button after a hearty meal. I think it sounds like a winner idea. If one of you crafty readers invents it before me, just make sure to send me a couple pairs and we will call it even.

~A

Here are a couple of other photos (my camera died, and well, umm, I am terrible at taking pictures---M and I have almost none.  I am a bad person I know.)

 

Animals love M and this iguana was no exception!

 

The Chicago Bean---much cooler in person than it sounds.

Lotus Nesting Plates

I recently purchased these lovely *Lotus Nesting Plates* by Jardins En Fleur from One Kings Lane.  I can't wait to put them to good use.  If you haven't discovered One Kings Lane yet, then check it out!  They offer major discounts on items for your home (you will need to register your e-mail account first).  They only have 1-3 'Sales Events' going on at a time, so it is worth while to check back often.

Enjoy!

K

P.S.  I can't remember who tipped me off to One Kings Lane, but thanks to whomever it was!

Grandma's China (A Happy Surprise)

When M and I bought our house, my Mom offered to give me Grandma and Grandpa's furniture---the only catch was the I had to take a set of china with me.  Silly me, but I resisted the offer for a while.  I just could not fathom any more moving.  When I finally decided it was time, Mom kindly reminded me of the strings that were attached to the offer.  Mom recommended that I take her Mom's china as it was very simple and she thought it would suit our taste.  I did not realize at the time what a treasure Mom had offered me.  

A few days before the scheduled move, I went over to wrap up the china and clean out any items that were currently in the buffet.  I could not help but smile as I began to pull pieces of china out---the china was perfect---well, really beyond perfect.  I loved everything about the china, from the simplicity, line, and shape of the china.  I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

After the big furniture move, I could not help but smile again as I carefully put away my Grandma's china in her buffet.  See my Grandmother passed away when I was really little (I think that I was only 4).  My memories of my Grandma are from a very little kid's point of view.  I remember the smell of apples that she would cook for breakfast.  I remember watching her in the garden.  I remember flying with K on the airplane and I remember getting carsick on the way to my Grandparents house.  I have all these little sweet memories (well most of them---I do not recall the motion sickness being very pleasant) of my Grandma, however, I did not get to know her as a grown up.  Having this little piece of her in my home makes me feel like in a weird way I have finally met my Grandma as an adult (and I like her style!).

In this photo (which was taken by K--both photos were actually) you can see the buffet.  I really just heart it so badly. (I think it's okay for me to say that since I am not really complementing myself, but my good fortune).  In the upper hand corner you can see a snippet of the Japanese teacup collection that was from my other Grandmother.  Truth be told, my house, just like me, is made up of many pieces (a chair, a table, a bookcase, a painting) from my family.  Although I am (finally) at the point in my life where I could replace these items with things that I have picked out and purchased, I don't think that I would have it any other way.

~A

PS- There is a little mystery surrounding the china.  There are no marks anywhere that gives any indication on the who, what, or where the china was made.  Unfortunately, the sugar bowl and creamer did not survive their years in storage and I would love to find replacements.  Does anyone out there have any ideas or suggestions on where to look?  I borrowed a few books from the library and tried to do some online research and I have found nothing.

Soccer Treats - Dynamite Sticks

This season the boys soccer team is known as *The Destroyers*.  To accompany their end of season treats, the boys and I worked collectively to come up with a fitting team logo.  Mostly the boys just told me what they liked (and didn't like) and we kept refining the designs until we landed on the final one.  For me it was a ton of fun.  I like when the boys get involved in my creative process and I love to nourish their own creativity.  Usually I try to influence them (Mommies have their ways), but this time I let them have full control.  The final logos were printed and then tied to pretzel treat bags filled with Pirouette cookies and chocolate soccer balls.  Not only did the logo suit their team name, but the completed packages looked like little dynamite sticks or bazookas (depending on who you asked).

-K

P.S.  Here is a look at some of the other versions for the logo...

Eden Roses - I'm sooo in Love

In last year's rose post I mentioned the various kinds of roses I had planted around our house.  Well this year a *True Favorite* has emerged...the Eden rose.  I am so in love with this rose that I decided not to lump it in with my spring planting post.  The Eden rose also goes by the French name Pierre de Ronsard and is a beautiful climbing rose with a soft, cotton candy pink center that fades to creamy wide on the edges.  If  you want to know more about this award (and praise) winning rose check out this link.

I bought my roses from Heirloom Roses three years ago and planted two plants with the hope they would grow together and form an arch (it is almost there).  The first year they did not bloom, but the second year they bloomed two or so times.  They are now in their third year at our house and they couldn't be lovelier!  Take a look for yourself...

 

-K

Strawberry Fields

At the local farmer's market we spied our favorite pumpkin grower selling strawberries.  As soon as she mentioned her strawberry fields were ripe for picking we were on way to Wegmeyer Farms.  The actually picking part went pretty fast and soon enough we had a bucket full of ripe, juicy strawberries. The boys were very proud of their yummy loot and we have all been very content to eat it!

 

-K

Another Fabulous Wedding - Parisian Style

Please excuse my recent lack of creativity.  Lately I have been time and energy challenged and therefore have nothing of my own to share.  Instead I will share another beautiful wedding--this one, for Designer Kelly d'Halluin, was inspired by an 18th-century French Pastoral Festival.  Further details can be found in the May-June 2009 issue of Veranda or here.

The lovely reception table set for 300 guests is both rustic and sophisticated.  I love the fuzzy baby almonds and dove vignettes.  Check out some great details of the table below:

The fuzzy texture is again repeated in the velvet banded menu cards with a simple lamb's ear tucked under the ribbon.

-K

Favorite Martha Wedding

I can never get enough of weddings.  Eternal love, beautiful flowers, amazing cakes, fancy invitations and sweet favors...what is there not to love?  And because people get crazy creative when it comes to their wedding, I also find weddings to be a wonderful source of inspiration.  This favorite of mine from Martha's Weddings is no exception.  I am especially inspired by the incredible dessert buffet with the sumptuous moss table cloth (double drool)!  The bride did a wonderful job of incorporating a faux bois theme while still make the wedding very elegant and warm.  The silhouette artist provides a touch of whimsy and gives the guests a unique keepsake to enjoy.  Check out the pictures...

 

-K

The Long and Windy Road

I don’t know why, but when I think of the process of making a quilt or any other longer term project this song pops into my head.  Creating something that spans several days/weeks/months/possibly years is like a relationship---there is the excitement of something new, the getting to know you part, the ups and sometimes downs, and after you finish the relationship continues but in a slightly different (but hopefully good fashion) like marriage. 

This relationship feeling rings very true with my NY Beauty quilt.  My first notice of the NYB was one of great admiration---wow, what a beautiful quilt, but soooo out of my league.  There was a flirtation when I found out that perhaps it could be---maybe.  When I created my first square, I felt like the nerdy girl who was going to prom with the [hot] captain of the football team (to phrase it in a very American stereotypical fashion).  I couldn’t believe that NYB could be mine---it wasn’t possible. I was living in a crafting version of a John Hughes movie.

In the beginning of the relationship, we had a great time.  It was new and so exciting. I think back to the good times we had.  Watching the Olympics cutting out the fabric (I learned a great lesson about cutting fabric out on your lap ---my favorite PJs now have a scar).  I also, remember happy afternoons in my craft room quilting and falling in love again with Mason Jennings (it was funny when I went to see Mason in concert some of the songs he played gave me happy déjà vu of those afternoons). 

Like all relationships, we did have our issues---I hate to be wasteful and NYB is a fabric/thread/time hog.  I ran out of several of the fabrics and had to swap, search on line, and just replace a few things (a sometimes pricey endeavor).  Looking back, I seemed to be the one who caved on this issue, whatever Lola wants, Lola gets...

At times, our mostly happy relationship would suddenly shift---NYB’s cheery colors did not seem to suit my crafting palette.  I became bored and distant from my quilt.  Like an unfaithful lover, I spent my time with other fleeting projects.  What can I say?  I can be such a pig...but NYB would always graciously take me back.

(admittedly not the best shot, but it was what I could get).

~A

The Tale of Two Table Runners

We had a busy weekend this past Sat & Sun.  On Saturday we celebrated *Hubby's Birthday* with an informal (and very last minute) dinner.  The buffet table was set with a brown Greek key table runner, which was complemented by purple & white flower groupings and blue & white dishes.  I thought the overall look was masculine and celebratory enough (at least I would consider it to be masculine and there were no complaints from Hubby that it was too frilly).

Then on Sunday for our *Mother's Day Brunch* we changed the look a little by adding yellow to the color palette.  We replaced the brown Greek key table runner with a yellow-edged one and then added some yellow tulips to the bouquets.  The new look was the perfect backdrop to a wonderful Mother's Day.  

 

After back-to-back days of entertaining I was totally worn out and took full advantage of my 'Queen for the Day' title and lounged about carelessly.  Needless to say the day ended much to soon.

-K

When Divorce is not an Option

Ok, so this is not my best post title.  I was trying to come up with something appropriate that accurately reflects the topic while remaining friendly and did not contain any curse words. Other titles included: When good projects go bad (boring) or When Projects Drive You to the Brink of Insanity During the Holidays and Like a Weight Around Your Neck Drowns You in Misery (but that was a little wordy).

This post has been brewing in my head for several months now, but I guess I was mentally still making some amends (admittedly a bit of a grudge was formed on my end---no word from the quilt on if the grudge is reciprocated). Gentle readers be warned, this is not your typical happy, cupcakes and icing Bunny Cakes post.

So roughly about a year ago, on the eve of my MIL’s birthday, I decided that a quilt would be a really nice gift (one that my MIL would really appreciate). I decided that it was insanity to attempt a quilt in a single night and I deferred the gift until Christmas. (I am a little crazy, but not THAT crazy).  I had plenty of time to plan, plot, and create something that would reflect my very high opinion of my MIL.

The process begins...

I stumbled upon the perfect fabric with little effort.  My MIL is a cat person, more specifically a black cat person (her cat almost rivals my Diddy in personality, scheming, and deviousness).  I found a beautiful cat fabric that does not scream cat lady and all the negative connotations that cat lady brings to mind.  When I ordered the cat fabric, I also found a coordinating fabric on sale.  Thinking why not, I bought half a yard.  At the time I purchased the fabrics, I did not have a pattern in mind (big mistake on my part).  Buy the fabric and the pattern will come...was what I thought.

The project begins to turn bad...

The fabric that I had picked out was great, but it was also pretty busy and required the right pattern that would showcase it’s greatness.  After much mulling, I picked a pattern.  As soon as the pattern was selected, well the relationship started to sour.  I realized the maybe coordinating fabric that I had purchased was perfect, but everyone else thought it was perfect and there was no longer any available.  Ooookay. I begin to search for alternatives.  After buying two sets of alternatives (and after being burned I bought a LOT of each fabric) that did not work, I was right back almost at the starting point with the notable exceptions of now having fabric that I couldn’t (well, wouldn’t) use and a lot less  money in my pockets. Seeing the piles of un-needed and certainly unwanted fabric sitting on my craft table filled me angst. I finally broke down and went online (again---previous searches yielded nothing) and found one place that had the original sale coordinating fabric and paid an exorbitant amount of money for it.

Divorce with this project would have been the most logical and happy thing at this point.  Except, I couldn’t.  M was really pleased with the idea and had broadcasted the gift to several family members.  I had become a cornered animal---dangerous, unhinged, and really, really miserable.

I persisted.  I had no other choice.  The fabric came, cutting and then mis-cutting ensued.  The misery seemed to follow me through the project.  Crafting friends offered sympathy.  On and on it went. Finally, a week before Christmas, the long journey came to an end. I stuffed the quilt into a big gift bag and put it away.  We needed time apart.

The only saving grace for this project was how happy this quilt (of doom) made my MIL.  She really loved it.  I think my MIL’s happiness was the final truce---however, I doubt I would ever cuddle with it. 

I am not sure what the moral of this story/rant is, but I just needed to get this story off my chest. 

Has anyone else experienced crafting misery?

~A

PS- the angst of the project still lives on. I was looking through the pictures taken of the wretched beast, I mean quilt, and ALL the pictures were out of focus.  LOL, the quilt gets the last word!

Love Your Teachers

Here is a quick peek at the boys' *Teacher Appreciation Gift* for this year.  We went with (my favorite) heart-shaped brownies packaged in Martha's square cookie boxes (6 boxes for $7.79 @ Michael's--with a 40% off coupon).  The cards feature some of the boys' artwork.  I scanned their drawings and then combined them with an image I downloaded from Briar Press.  We also included a gift card...I was going to go with Panera, but the boys thought a gift card to the movies would be better.  A heart-shaped brad holds together the card with the image and the card with the gift card.  It is all tied together with some brown & white twine also from Martha (purcahsed at Michael's).

-K

P.S.  These would also make a great Mother's Day Gift.