A cake for Daddy..:)

It was my husband's birthday last Saturday which gave me a reason to bake a cake! The other reason why I opted to make one (instead of buying a yummy ice cream cake from Coldstone) is that I need to practice because I have a cake order in May. 

It's been awhile since the last time I made Marshmallow Fondant and I saw this new recipe online that I just had to try. I also want to make sure how much cake batter I need to make a 10" round cake (2 layers) and 6" (2 layers).

I was looking for a moist, dense cake recipes because it works well for tiered cakes. For Greg's cake, I tried the butter cake recipe I saw on the Wilton website. I found it to be too sweet and turned a bit dry as well. So it's time to try some other recipes to find the best cake.:)

As for the design of Greg's cake, I still didn't have an idea of what to do until I covered the cake with fondant. At first I was going for the design I'm suppose to make for the cake order so that I can actually practice. But I felt that it's so unfair for the birthday boy if I give him a cake that won't actually represent him.

So after I covered the cake, a design came into my mind.

I thought of just making a figure of Greg with the things he likes....computer and his camera!

I'm not used to making sculptures so I'm so surprised that the the figure turned out ok.:))

The figure is made to look like it's lying on it's tummy because my father-in-law told me that this is Greg's favorite position when he was still a kid while he watches tv.:)

It's a simple cake but made special for our Daddy Greg. Happy Birthday again and we love you!

Crayon cannisters and Art box

So while I'm into organizing my crafting supplies I decided to organize my kid's art supplies too. Paolo and Lily are now fighting over crayons that I have to make 2 separate containers for them. With that I also made an art box for Paolo where he can put all his supplies in one container. It's time to pull my bag of recyclables and craft away!:)

For the crayon cannister I used empty milk cans, printed tissue papers (that was used to wrap some glass bottles I got from a craft store), assorted scrap paper, glue and ribbons.

I started by removing the label from the milk can. I tore pieces of tissue paper so it will be easier to glue it on the can. You can use decoupage glue or you can be "kuripot" (thrifty) like me and just use regular glue and water. I found these glue from the dollar store (2 pcs. for a $1) that I don't need to add water anymore and it has the right consistency. With that, I started gluing the tissue paper to the cans.

As soon as it's dry, I started decorating the cans and added the ribbon as handles.

After I was done with the crayon cannisters, I made an art box for Paolo. Still into recycling so I used a shoe box, more assorted scrap papers, box board, transparency and of course lots of glue. I designed a box that will have a frame on top of the lid that we can put some of Paolo's art work.

I glued assorted paper all over the box and used permanent marker for borders around the paper. It gives a modern look to the box. Instead of using glass for the frame on top of the box, I used transparency. There's an opening to one side of the frame where I can slid Paolo's art work. I added his name for a personal touch.

I liked how the box turned out and wanted one for myself and for Lily too. I need more shoe boxes! That gives me a reason to go shoe shopping.:))

Multi-Purpose Wall Art

Since I re-arranged my work area, the walls on that corner seems bland. I couldn't put shelves because I'm not sure if this area will become my permanent work space. I was thinking of a more practical use for the wall and still make it look like art. Here's what I came up with.

I used 4 clipboards that I got for a $1 each at Walmart and used small nails to hang them. Now I use these clipboards as frames and hang anything that I want that can inspire me to be more creative. Either my kid's latest art work, a project I'm working on, a magazine that I can get inspiration from or just a nice scrapbooking paper.

What I like about this wall art is that it doesn't restrict you to a certain look on your wall. It will even be nice if you can do a theme every month or during holidays. I just think it's so cool to have your own inspiration wall!:)

DIY Ribbon Holder

Since I re-arranged my work space I had to organize my craft supplies as well. We got my worksation unit from IKEA. It includes the desk and 2 cabinets. With a growing number of crafting supplies, the cabinets are not enough anymore. I even had to buy a plastic drawers that I can put under my table. I use this drawers to hold most of the supplies that I use often. I want a place where I can easily access those things. 

One of the supplies that I had to really organize are my spool of ribbons. When I started crafting I had a few of them but now I have more than a few. But then how can you resist buying $1 ribbons every time you visit a craft store?!;)

Now that I'm into recycling I wanted to make my own ribbon holder from materials I already have on hand. So I share with you an easy DIY project that you can easily do in less than an hour. :)

Materials you need are:

*old shoe box (the one I used was big enough

to hold 2 rows of ribbons)

*wooden dowel

*assorted scrapbooking or gift wrapping paper

*cutter or exacto knife

*scissors

*glue

*packing tape (optional)

First wrap the shoe box with any printed paper you like. With this project, I didn't wrap my shoe box anymore because I already like the color combination of it. I just covered 2 corners of the box to hide a manufacturer's sticker and to add a little design.

Like I mentioned, the box I used is big enough to hold 2 rows of ribbons so I laid down 2 spools as guide on the side of the box to estimate the distance of the dowels I will be using. Mark them and use an exacto knife or cutter to make a hole. 

Do the same thing on the other side of the box and just make sure that it's aligned to the 1st 2 holes you made on the other side. Pre-cut your dowel to the length of your box and slide it in the holes to fit.

Now the box needs an opening so you can pull through the ribbons. Put the lid on the box and measure it from the edge of the lid about 1/2" to 3/4" x the length of the box less 1/2" both sides. Hmmmm....confusing?!

For example the length of the box is 10", you need to measure and mark 9" leaving 1/2" on both edge of the box.

Cut the line you made to make a slit big enough for the ribbons to pass through. Cover the slits with a packing tape to make the edge smoother and for the ribbons to easily slide out. This part though is optional.

Put all the spool of ribbons that will fit the box and your ribbon holder is done!

This is a fun and easy project to make that will definitely help you organize all your ribbon supplies. One thing I realized though when I was done with this project, one box of ribbon holder is not enough to hold all the ribbons I have!;)

My Little Corner

I'm sure most crafters have their own craft room or area in their homes. Before my youngest was born, I used her room as a guest/craft room. I have a long table and lots of storage space in the cabinet to use. Now I had to downsize my space to a small corner in my kid's play area. I had to give up the room for Lilygirl and it's alot better to do all my crafting where my kids stays most of the day so it's easier for me to watch them.:)

Sometimes I still don't know how I get things done with a 12"x12" workspace. I work on a small area infront of my computer unless I'm sewing. Before I re-arranged my area, I used to sew in our dining table. With so many crafts I do, my table always gets crazy messy in just a few days.

Last week I decided to re-arrange and make the space more workable for me. I wanted to move my sewing machine in the same area so that I don't have to use our dining table. Although most of my paper supplies are still sharing a space in Lily's closet. Wish I could have all my supplies here but a small space won't do.

I couldn't add shelves on the walls because I'm not sure if this will become my permanent work space. Art work will be definitely added to the walls. For now, this area works well for me.

I'm looking forward to making more fun crafts in my little corner.:)

Memory Keepsake

Love for family and life + Love for other things that makes you happy (like crafts!) + Blog = Stored Memories for you to share :))

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."