I've finally managed to post latest baking adventure. I made some cookies to try out some techniques from a book I'm currently working on (more about that below), and found that I loved making them (dare I say even more than cupcakes!). Kneading the dough was a great stress buster, and I loved cutting out the shapes and watching them turn golden as they baked. But the best bit was decorating them - my skills aren't up to much, but with some simple icing and cute little silver decorations, they looked almost as good as they tasted. Check out my gallery for the evidence.
The book that inspired me to sift more flour is called Bake Me I'm Yours . . . Cookie, by one of my favourite sugarcrafting authors Lindy Smith - I didn't reaiise until I was involved that you could make and decorate gorgeous cookies for pretty much any occasion. The decorating ideas are so inspiring, and I can personally recommend the vanilla cookie recipe - yum! It's not out until October, but Bake Me I'm Yours . . . Cupcake is of available right now, and is every bit as scrummy.
I know cupcakes are really popular, but is anyone else baking cookies and biscuits, and what are your favourites? Is it possible that they're even better than cupcakes?!?!?!
Finally finished my first quilt, following a pattern called Spiral Strips in the fabulous Jelly Roll Quilts (David & Charles publications), out soon (see below)! Bear was very helpful in the final stages, as you can see, and inspired the quilt's name - Playtime for Bear.
It's a bit of a practice quilt as it's my first, and probably reads like a Top 10 of common patchwork and quilting mistakes (wonky seam allowances, innacurate cutting and hasty binding being just three).
However it still turned out better than I could ever have hoped, and having learnt from the mistakes and gained confidence from the whole experience, I'm ready to move onto a housewarming gift for my sister (the pineapple quilt from the same book). Also I love the subtle and modern Japanese Taupe quilt (will look nice with my new sofa!), Pandora's Box. I'll let you know how I get on. Jen xxx
After making all those cupcakes,I've been wondering whether to have a go at something a bit more elaborate and creative in the cake line. I've been looking round, and the best book out at the moment IMO is Cakes to Inspire & Desire, by sugarcrafter Lindy Smith. It has the most colorful and creative designs, and rave reviews. (The cover at the end of the first link is the wrong one - the book actually looks like the pic below!).
Have been drafted in for the bake sale on Friday 14th March at work to raise money for Sport Relief. I'm going to bake two dozen cupcakes, keeping it simple but fun. Thought I'd stick to plain sponge, then go to town a bit on the decoration, taking inspiration from the logo and theme of the day. Will have a look at Bake Me I'm Yours, Cupcake, for more decorating ideas, too.
Knowing what a sweet tooth everyone in the office has, we should have a successful day! I'll post pix of the cakes on Friday, and let you know how much was raised. Is anyone else doing anything?
Had my first shot at making jewellery, after a collection of buttons inspired me. I had a quick look at A Passion for Buttons, which was really inspiring and had simple techniques. I tried using thread, but found it a bit fiddly, so used wire instead (found some under the sink that was with some picture hanging stuff). Much easier as it holds its shape and doesn't slip out of your hand or the buttons, plus I didn't need a needle to thread it through the button holes. As I didn't have any jewellery findings, I went through my jewellery box and unearthed an old thong necklace with a lobster claw fastening - I don't wear it any more, but cut it in half and attached it to either end of the button-and-wire creation to make it into a necklace.
Might make some earrings next - it's pretty addictive!
