tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44430825534911017142024-03-07T02:20:38.383-06:00Finding Pins and NeedlesMy journey from a beginner seamstress and craftster.Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-81870073502419260112022-05-11T14:05:00.008-05:002022-05-11T14:35:19.588-05:005 Tools for Accurate Quilting<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIlFIdkEHAiEbmjPGvc5tAookCWTIZAPvjNg5BqJHG-qBdTRukE3AyaxYVLiG8JvDLut4Tut1emmeIdhCNfW0GHJhyh3iPEftXNpSO-T9bLapQ-rVncoXQoC6wEOCriRMcYSCykYoZpNAiQJKvaASp3DKuVOyQ99D5-6F-5NBX9VYbpOaJP4EgdaW/s2448/5-Tools-for-Accurate-Quilting.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIlFIdkEHAiEbmjPGvc5tAookCWTIZAPvjNg5BqJHG-qBdTRukE3AyaxYVLiG8JvDLut4Tut1emmeIdhCNfW0GHJhyh3iPEftXNpSO-T9bLapQ-rVncoXQoC6wEOCriRMcYSCykYoZpNAiQJKvaASp3DKuVOyQ99D5-6F-5NBX9VYbpOaJP4EgdaW/w640-h640/5-Tools-for-Accurate-Quilting.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </b><b>1. Spray Starch</b></h2><p>I won't sew without this...<br />Everyone needs a good spray starch when piecing blocks. Using fabric when it's stiff makes a world of difference when running it under the needle, you'll have so much more control and accuracy.</p><p>I use Marry Ellen's Best Press. I literally buy it by the <a href="https://amzn.to/3st3eAb">gallon</a>*.</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0018N8B0E&asins=B0018N8B0E&linkId=1eaca21d2675ef31e2e0ebe71bd1efa1&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Wool Mat</b></h2><p>Wool Pressing Mats are all the rage, and you'll know why when you get one! These babies retain heat, which allows you to iron both sides of the fabric at the same time, plus, provides a stiff pressing surface to not distort your fabric. You also might want a <a href="https://amzn.to/3w4JJ36">small one*</a> paired with your <a href="https://amzn.to/3su6R92">mini iron*</a> next to your machine!</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07Y2LNM7H&asins=B07Y2LNM7H&linkId=6387252620d1ed4717bf01990c479b47&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>3. PILOT FriXion Pens & Markers</b></h2><p>This has been a game-changer for me! These are great for using to trace templates, mark your half square triangles and mark your quilting lines. I love that they come in multiple colors, so they are versatile on different colored fabrics. I do use the <a href="https://amzn.to/3FFtM6z">marker version*</a> on my fabrics too, they write quicker, but aren't as fine!</p><p>A few pointers, these markers and pens erase with heat, so you can use a hot iron or even a blow dryer to remove the marks, but know that sometimes the marks will return in extreme cold. You can avoid this by washing your quilt or cross-stitch with a <a href="https://amzn.to/3NaJ9Gz">light detergent*</a>. I've had no problems.</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07D9Z7GYL&asins=B07D9Z7GYL&linkId=a3ed1d5ae91a78688614bc3607783551&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>4. Hot Iron</b></h2><p>This may seem like a no-brainer, but a good quality iron can save hours of pressing. I happen to adore my Panasonic cordless for a few reasons. It gets hot, quickly, it has a pointed front and matching back, so I can use both ends to press seams, and of course it's cordless. I can grab it and take it to my smaller pressing boards across the room as needed.</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00440EEIG&asins=B00440EEIG&linkId=3b0905d522ee46858e2842b311363276&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>5. Quarter Inch Guided Pressure Foot</b></h2><p>I don't piece without this! The 1/4" guide keeps me on track with consistent seam allowances. Make sure you find one that fits your machine!</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07PXQ9QK8&asins=B07PXQ9QK8&linkId=b444503e59d5f340ad1568ae33937a4b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2014/08/staying-sharp-5-ways-to-sharpen-your.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVXbQZ43o65TqNJwnDtTgieWT8SwZ70t-GEFs-NgRI2WeqoN6RDgV47daUMo7lj6-zwFnj-BtSnRx9s-mBcfk4lt6lyllumxS8vBzuObzZfOwZPHzgJ0KUg8zaC8Xs67OSChKMBkbNI1bk-3FrdIOMq9CbEC_5zXzgJIxFIVtQ7v6aOqDEDzobxZ_/s320/Sharp.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>And remember, accurate <i>cutting</i> goes a long way for accurate quilting, check out my <a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2014/08/staying-sharp-5-ways-to-sharpen-your.html">blog post on keeping your tools sharp!</a></p><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This site does incorporate paid advertising and affiliate links. Finding Pins & Needles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com</span><br />Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-30209922265264181782022-04-10T11:30:00.000-05:002022-04-10T11:30:00.476-05:00Little Mermaid Cake<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOMBlFVLc_EPY1yeo7eej__Rp6vuqAengOhN1P3qTaej2r1hzKcCzq7D8apfFzkNl-gzxkl9f_e8rbcaDiYhSiMb-dNE3wWZnC5IY358GkKy_b7Gk44-TqAxiQgVdagPmld3L5Qm6BZnLbV6pqLtkvXHVWAKii9UoyUHIpFpoeh8i3FuaiNUCSJyX/w480-h640/Mermaid-Cake.jpg" width="480" /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Here's a throwback to one of my favorite cakes I did for my daughter, and it was seriously easy with a few supplies. Besides your typical cake supplies, I've listed some basic decorating supplies for this cake.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Supplies:</b><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/29uBFkJ" target="_blank">Ariel Topper</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/37cDqRg" target="_blank">Sea Life Silicone Mold</a> (shells and coral)<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/29Yfdw9" target="_blank">Circle Cutters</a> (scales)<br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3LXpM3t">Alphabet Cutters</a> (for the name)<div>
Luster Dust (pick up in cake isle, paint on scales)<br />
Fondant (purple, greens)<br />
Brown Sugar (sand!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B007E8NE54&asins=B007E8NE54&linkId=18f3e5c8bedac47f4ad087d0b6be2836&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEANX63_ligxVvpC_4jwrudecYIIUsaZyNzzdMlhnYI7MKTJA9fZ12790duQb4yoTCpHRbQpNB8gc28UJv71BNp-2X4Qho0fbBE0Jvlljh9EWKe8b1bwxXgynCfqCNUBKNwoQshIIPF-oOQZNoD7pvdBESk9XkVAuh6n_ZUs5O10h1CxlTQvrJq6SD/s2000/Mermaid-Cake2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEANX63_ligxVvpC_4jwrudecYIIUsaZyNzzdMlhnYI7MKTJA9fZ12790duQb4yoTCpHRbQpNB8gc28UJv71BNp-2X4Qho0fbBE0Jvlljh9EWKe8b1bwxXgynCfqCNUBKNwoQshIIPF-oOQZNoD7pvdBESk9XkVAuh6n_ZUs5O10h1CxlTQvrJq6SD/w640-h480/Mermaid-Cake2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-70536307394394174892020-01-26T14:26:00.001-06:002020-01-26T14:28:20.452-06:00EASY Butterfly CakePossibly my easiest cake ever? If you don't consider yourself a cake-decorator, even YOU can do this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3xeWCk9UTLhf-qqz2spC9bYLupjis3SA2ML6FuGMKhDcLrFZ7VP34zr0Z33bT35U0BvEZFesjB_AJG3RHVCkOeYaRD2J58Un_ndlXPelRTVIMhFKrD5k8K4i6LeFx_1xKSDfAq82HJM/s1600/Buttefly-Cake3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3xeWCk9UTLhf-qqz2spC9bYLupjis3SA2ML6FuGMKhDcLrFZ7VP34zr0Z33bT35U0BvEZFesjB_AJG3RHVCkOeYaRD2J58Un_ndlXPelRTVIMhFKrD5k8K4i6LeFx_1xKSDfAq82HJM/s640/Buttefly-Cake3.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0021C8H64&asins=B0021C8H64&linkId=6cc336807e11b33d2e5b1bbd04bc870b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00TM6VNVS&asins=B00TM6VNVS&linkId=bb93e7428f9dd980e012a672087c512c&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Once you've iced your cake, you'll want to roll out your <a href="https://amzn.to/2tIzdBq" target="_blank">fondant</a> with a rolling pin. Next, take your <a href="https://amzn.to/2tIzdBq" target="_blank">Butterfly Plungers</a> and cut out a variety of sizes and colors. To give your butterflies a 3D look, take a cereal box or other cardboard and fold it like an accordion. Take your butterflies and press them into the accordion crevices to let them dry. Allow plenty of time for the butterflies to dry and stiffen. Once dry, knock yourself out decorating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHjj9BUAYLFbq7IalllqY73iT151UPuvirnwPzFQGMhBINy0lHCHBqcuHcl9KhTYrx91uy-ca267VXcNBHBLZmY1wJ-n5anRvyFaVUAprRgSMrgCJJjWJUVtD1gA1LYWlU7rxD9V0Ypk/s1600/Buttefly-Cake2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHjj9BUAYLFbq7IalllqY73iT151UPuvirnwPzFQGMhBINy0lHCHBqcuHcl9KhTYrx91uy-ca267VXcNBHBLZmY1wJ-n5anRvyFaVUAprRgSMrgCJJjWJUVtD1gA1LYWlU7rxD9V0Ypk/s400/Buttefly-Cake2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hhKeYPOnqScqQz025pchllupJe2KjgYxeBePeavDaAC7kyaQQKqe2XrDaWnwL0qEZLw5y3NKuWgrLivLWOhm0lbACI7vZi0Kk0o2zLro1V_TOppJQPAypemJF5PAv2CitnxcAYO9lhM/s1600/Buttefly-Cake1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hhKeYPOnqScqQz025pchllupJe2KjgYxeBePeavDaAC7kyaQQKqe2XrDaWnwL0qEZLw5y3NKuWgrLivLWOhm0lbACI7vZi0Kk0o2zLro1V_TOppJQPAypemJF5PAv2CitnxcAYO9lhM/s400/Buttefly-Cake1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3aG3phb" target="_blank">Find the letter cutters here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hhKeYPOnqScqQz025pchllupJe2KjgYxeBePeavDaAC7kyaQQKqe2XrDaWnwL0qEZLw5y3NKuWgrLivLWOhm0lbACI7vZi0Kk0o2zLro1V_TOppJQPAypemJF5PAv2CitnxcAYO9lhM/s1600/Buttefly-Cake1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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If you're looking for party supplies to match, we used these:<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00E761NZY&asins=B00E761NZY&linkId=f95126e8616fb86fb01dd1dc99fc4520&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00E761RD2&asins=B00E761RD2&linkId=8da8112367272b11eda61307d8b3df5a&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00E1RPKF8&asins=B00E1RPKF8&linkId=bea4e71ffb2a3480e7c9fee3a1dba514&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-27384632356195033152020-01-26T13:18:00.000-06:002020-01-26T13:19:47.779-06:00Frozen CakeWith Frozen 2 hitting the theaters recently, I thought I'd post pics of the Frozen cake I made a few years ago. It was labor-intensive & pricey, but one of the coolest cakes I've done to date.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9qU5fnX7W-8QndK-7xtCETWeqooyJbzcy7ZHahXlLHEIwWJDCn7IMVK2QxPNI_GZknrFzjc2UYMePyjdqf0bYcI5j1aguwLVNeepiyNtQI0ixFPiqJI1vGpubDfA4xArmLDP7ZtrLxQ/s1600/Frozen1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9qU5fnX7W-8QndK-7xtCETWeqooyJbzcy7ZHahXlLHEIwWJDCn7IMVK2QxPNI_GZknrFzjc2UYMePyjdqf0bYcI5j1aguwLVNeepiyNtQI0ixFPiqJI1vGpubDfA4xArmLDP7ZtrLxQ/s400/Frozen1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Decorating Supplies:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2t18aRo" target="_blank">Isomalt</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2GpRE08" target="_blank">Food Coloring</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/36tccQ5" target="_blank">Candy Thermometer</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RQ963q" target="_blank">Snowflake Mold</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/37w8y9q" target="_blank">Gem Mold</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RKrcnm" target="_blank">Silicone Mat</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RrNA68" target="_blank">Cake Topper/Toy</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2t1aw2G" target="_blank">Silicone Baking Mat</a> (for Letters & Numbers)<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/36rE33h" target="_blank">Hexagon Cake Pans</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tutorials</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.chicaandjo.com/make-hard-candy-jewels/" target="_blank">Isomelt & Jewel Tutorial</a><br />
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<a href="http://paysdecandice.canalblog.com/archives/2015/05/02/31980888.html#&ui-state=dialog" target="_blank">Isomalt Shard Tutorial</a><br />
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<b>Isomalt Letters Tutorial</b><br />
To get custom letters and numbers out of Isomalt, I chose a font I liked and printed the name and numbers from my computer. After I cut out the letters and numbers from the paper, I used an <a href="https://amzn.to/3aHoXdd" target="_blank">x-acto knife</a> and cut into a <a href="https://amzn.to/2t1aw2G" target="_blank">Silicone Baking Mat</a> to create a custom mold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_UhyHdSeJaNwqXsjcGzDi0mnR8F9ueZUn551I3U2dom0zt-j_-Fo3yJalQ9xVG4TtosXaumJARFHzo144xxcGYpnXm9sDvHuqI1Qo8OwSzGvtuMlQZ-62mIdPXHp1f8Czy-1QW8PRog/s1600/Frozen-Cake-Letters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_UhyHdSeJaNwqXsjcGzDi0mnR8F9ueZUn551I3U2dom0zt-j_-Fo3yJalQ9xVG4TtosXaumJARFHzo144xxcGYpnXm9sDvHuqI1Qo8OwSzGvtuMlQZ-62mIdPXHp1f8Czy-1QW8PRog/s400/Frozen-Cake-Letters.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I poured Isomalt into the molds and the letters cooled, I dropped a dot of Isomalt on the base of each letter and attached a toothpick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UThyphenhyphenaiKZJIZym6Y2EbsBhyUs8OxxMUFCYe05CBGbreoDTSKH-yz5wPWL4gesNy7qvMhnDGKAg2omrfrGGA6sd1_hZH7rx0_72I-wIYkVBISnsWTxY_CGDavKsAxa0FA85wY2yXJDaIU/s1600/Frozen3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UThyphenhyphenaiKZJIZym6Y2EbsBhyUs8OxxMUFCYe05CBGbreoDTSKH-yz5wPWL4gesNy7qvMhnDGKAg2omrfrGGA6sd1_hZH7rx0_72I-wIYkVBISnsWTxY_CGDavKsAxa0FA85wY2yXJDaIU/s400/Frozen3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">"<span style="font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Some people are worth melting for" -Olaf</span></span></b></h3>
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Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-86619262106276790572020-01-25T12:24:00.000-06:002020-01-25T12:39:45.490-06:00Teaching your Child to SewMy 6 year old daughter has spent many evenings perched on my craft room counter watching me piece, quilt and create. What she didn't know, is that I was slowly brainwashing her! All along, I've been using sewing terms, teaching her about the machine's parts and apparently inspiring her own creativity. Last year I asked her multiple times if she wanted to learn, and I always got a resounding "no!", I think she was scared. So I was <i>ecstatic</i> when she came to me a few weeks ago and asked me to teach her to sew! I immediately went online and found an <a href="http://amzn.to/29G7gg5" target="_blank">AMAZING book</a> to help guide the process and I went through my stash of sewing tools (and my old machine) that I had set aside for her over the years. So here is our adventure...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKZPQM3YuSsmrpRRnhUGArcJkfuUwBlijaSgJ4wTlXrkLeBRDJWL0SD7vVYBu_LhRWHbzlXCUFbFIuaqDPIwOsczQF2D8IVhZsDnhcxaMRMpIRK1Nofa5SyZ78G5BZVTLKCuUv5o0MnY/s1600/Learntosew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKZPQM3YuSsmrpRRnhUGArcJkfuUwBlijaSgJ4wTlXrkLeBRDJWL0SD7vVYBu_LhRWHbzlXCUFbFIuaqDPIwOsczQF2D8IVhZsDnhcxaMRMpIRK1Nofa5SyZ78G5BZVTLKCuUv5o0MnY/s400/Learntosew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had her bookmark her first 3 projects in <a href="http://amzn.to/29r8CIS" target="_blank">My First Sewing Machine</a> book so we could build her skills. Here's how it went...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w8U11LRfP2erT9xJR5GLGzZJw7qM8vj0YpaGnWRoHG4-r3hnPBFebupAVa95jzFAZDVEgrCLE36kzyrGOiyHfx6b0CaGSuYrxVdqoZY88o2ZOpFFzJgL-wRHUfLeBvQcmNAR84u-y4A/s1600/Project1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w8U11LRfP2erT9xJR5GLGzZJw7qM8vj0YpaGnWRoHG4-r3hnPBFebupAVa95jzFAZDVEgrCLE36kzyrGOiyHfx6b0CaGSuYrxVdqoZY88o2ZOpFFzJgL-wRHUfLeBvQcmNAR84u-y4A/s400/Project1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Project #1 (pg.60)</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">-</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><b style="font-size: small;">Felt Garland</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREiiEbCx5aUj7L4wkciYSUKpnXAMcGBKEryikN-ZSzjV3mpFZBNMaZsyssuyPScpVSnuFPHmPLr8X_9JSQd4lRNm_un4cMuTipQkQuDPdS8Jlf1NyrO8evUAe1VsE-eVYhtXVTmUurjk/s1600/Project2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREiiEbCx5aUj7L4wkciYSUKpnXAMcGBKEryikN-ZSzjV3mpFZBNMaZsyssuyPScpVSnuFPHmPLr8X_9JSQd4lRNm_un4cMuTipQkQuDPdS8Jlf1NyrO8evUAe1VsE-eVYhtXVTmUurjk/s400/Project2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Project #2 (pg.80)</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">-</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><b style="font-size: small;">Fabric Basket</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to hold her sewing notions.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Project #3 (pg.28) - Child sized <b>Apron</b></span></td></tr>
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You can get the book here:</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1782491015/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=87913dfceb8ef6539b400f7e232b5e66&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1782491015&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetespeti-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=1782491015" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-50683838227987974022016-07-08T21:03:00.000-05:002016-07-08T21:03:52.673-05:00What's Cookin' Dolly?Inspired by the fabric, I just <i>had</i> to do an <span style="color: red;"><b>apron</b> </span>for dolly. The pattern I used for the apron is from <a href="http://amzn.to/29psKLj" target="_blank">Simplicity Sewing Pattern 2761 </a>.<br />
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As for the <b>adorable</b> retro baking fabric, I picked it up in a local fabric shop, it's <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Paddington's Party, "<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Baking Ingredients on light blue". </span></span>The yellow and white dot fabric is part of<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">"Isn't Christmas Jolly"</span><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-center;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; text-align: -webkit-center;">by Mary Engelbreit.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; text-align: -webkit-center;">I wonder what Kit will cook up in her new kitchen getup...</span></span><br />
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Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-83931686856526065672016-07-07T21:03:00.001-05:002016-07-07T21:42:20.466-05:00Designing Quilt BlocksLately I've been inspired by basic 9-patch blocks and the endless possibilities they hold. Although I usually design my quilts in Adobe Illustrator, sometimes it's fun to be hands on. Thus, the creation of my quilt blocks... literal <i>blocks</i>.<br />
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/29CEqxa" target="_blank">Sharpies</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/29md1wA" target="_blank">Wooden Cubes</a> (they cost a whopping $2)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdk2wEL44eLgtykRKfpfMpCNONneQbpxbPIOR2bIyKLRbOX048n2hicPSQrkyjSL6YSqSndqjg2zIKLxh3imMfwPjlGScvQtfzekYvWMtNaWwsS_RYy_R01bni9nd68y-YzRi2tIjkEw/s1600/Quilt-Blocks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdk2wEL44eLgtykRKfpfMpCNONneQbpxbPIOR2bIyKLRbOX048n2hicPSQrkyjSL6YSqSndqjg2zIKLxh3imMfwPjlGScvQtfzekYvWMtNaWwsS_RYy_R01bni9nd68y-YzRi2tIjkEw/s400/Quilt-Blocks.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Design:</b><br />
Nine patch blocks are comprised of nine units, laid out in three rows of three patches. Put together, you can make plenty of traditional block designs, or you can go with something more contemporary. Simply color the design with a Sharpie marker onto the sides of the wooden cubes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">There are plenty of other design options for your cube's sides besides the ones above, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">get creative and start designing your own quilt!</span></div>
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Happy Quilting!</div>
Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-178889459882850422015-01-04T18:00:00.000-06:002015-01-04T18:07:36.426-06:003...2...1...Mario Kart Cake3...2...1... Happy Birthday!<br />
My son loves Mario Kart, specifically Waluigi. So for his 7th birthday, we did a MK themed party where he dressed in his purple suspendered Waluigi costume. The kids and adults had a blast playing MK on the wii. Here's how the cake turned out...<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009D51ZBG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009D51ZBG&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=OZAIEIKFZFGYWDAI" target="_blank">Super Mario Figure Play Set</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL93nXfGFfSkhdZnZkPX5VOZWRZ2OwdwsP12wBMXchkYTfqJTsRlDVyDRKa6WfeCHyus82vdLMwDrEgi5obQVCpFC2SGi_hlheNLgIsUaa3D3vIgx94peg3eh2PGbyI2PWiEYdy85pZA/s1600/mario_kart_cake5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL93nXfGFfSkhdZnZkPX5VOZWRZ2OwdwsP12wBMXchkYTfqJTsRlDVyDRKa6WfeCHyus82vdLMwDrEgi5obQVCpFC2SGi_hlheNLgIsUaa3D3vIgx94peg3eh2PGbyI2PWiEYdy85pZA/s1600/mario_kart_cake5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc19K3j9KfPNVN_l2gBSg4OZbad0bKAo6KjS9OoQF4EMCKN3xrXtNmMEWB1xe0aLmrqRQNVShU9VTW29nvaOo9yKimIcnU6dk0LC2-2UBrHZX46LtQbevKKe8S-0khuBRii7iLgXs_TBc/s1600/mario_kart_cake7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc19K3j9KfPNVN_l2gBSg4OZbad0bKAo6KjS9OoQF4EMCKN3xrXtNmMEWB1xe0aLmrqRQNVShU9VTW29nvaOo9yKimIcnU6dk0LC2-2UBrHZX46LtQbevKKe8S-0khuBRii7iLgXs_TBc/s1600/mario_kart_cake7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Mario Kart </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00355LOZM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00355LOZM&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=IDJJJXLD3PWKRDSO" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Mini Karts</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnEecOQ8A0PKLfg-BbgJ7vyn61tbZeu_eJNwNhyphenhyphenWbwKXw3vjBwrtrxYBjhz3pOYTvDm2j20deuujbQ10zw_j5rBLL-qWpeJbHj9UkBTo71dvXDE74A5DcLqJyW-O4SfTCJLQGIstePbQ/s1600/mario_kart_cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnEecOQ8A0PKLfg-BbgJ7vyn61tbZeu_eJNwNhyphenhyphenWbwKXw3vjBwrtrxYBjhz3pOYTvDm2j20deuujbQ10zw_j5rBLL-qWpeJbHj9UkBTo71dvXDE74A5DcLqJyW-O4SfTCJLQGIstePbQ/s1600/mario_kart_cake2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">The inside of the cake was checkered like a racing flag, <br />find the very easy tutorial </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ra0sNKjFjI" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">. Mine didn't turn out perfect,<br /> but it was fun and pretty simple to do.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000VM49O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000VM49O&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=6VQPGDQCBIOFBRTM" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Icing Tip</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"> for grass</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLETB60CdCA_qTdj-VDfM1mVHGarSVJCr35V7e72NW37yylLSR-CtEpRW-h8xSIP6oHTqjjK0DRcUAVjDlwQIjC7VGohyphenhyphenQACiLWTRo7KgmJZvLFffza6ONmrgfKDIKcnLFHtzcQHwH1_w/s1600/mario_kart_cake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLETB60CdCA_qTdj-VDfM1mVHGarSVJCr35V7e72NW37yylLSR-CtEpRW-h8xSIP6oHTqjjK0DRcUAVjDlwQIjC7VGohyphenhyphenQACiLWTRo7KgmJZvLFffza6ONmrgfKDIKcnLFHtzcQHwH1_w/s1600/mario_kart_cake6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">The #7 was done by cutting same size squares from black <br />and white fondant, assembling the check pattern and <br />then using a Wilton </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASV27Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001ASV27Q&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=GFTUCXAIYHL6MDKX" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Number & Alphabet Cookie Cutter</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">. <br />I applied it on top of white fondant 7 to give it more strength.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqCpbLs3a5MynUBdvqUK5SwMZLFuv4VMl6aI1kvXUN4WDkzD4gPfW4ewAyDQgvJu_QR1Txn2Fb9KXBVDJO1RwMjl8q9bYWbDi-6tlc5u48DM_5XeZTQ4UfL4hQA4Yy1invahsRusDFII/s1600/mario_kart_cake9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqCpbLs3a5MynUBdvqUK5SwMZLFuv4VMl6aI1kvXUN4WDkzD4gPfW4ewAyDQgvJu_QR1Txn2Fb9KXBVDJO1RwMjl8q9bYWbDi-6tlc5u48DM_5XeZTQ4UfL4hQA4Yy1invahsRusDFII/s1600/mario_kart_cake9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">The "Happy Birthday" sign was made using this </span><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><a href="http://pokemon-diamond.deviantart.com/art/Mario-Kart-FONT-TWO-F2-491860878" target="_blank">font</a></b><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">.</span></td></tr>
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Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-85328342830640152012014-08-11T13:57:00.000-05:002019-02-10T13:10:46.722-06:00Staying Sharp: 5 Ways to Sharpen Your Sewing Tools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmxYQn_eXIO0h8xEmL5EdL3FQiyjY1VJEiiU0b1ucybHhtFanh0emvqeghyphenhyphenUkIZo24e0T7qDMx7g1nPaUrwwPd4_nY06kcdtmiVIkenjAfuhmTWPrZv1e1HyNOx1jbiyjCaxNBeeKNRs/s1600/Sharp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmxYQn_eXIO0h8xEmL5EdL3FQiyjY1VJEiiU0b1ucybHhtFanh0emvqeghyphenhyphenUkIZo24e0T7qDMx7g1nPaUrwwPd4_nY06kcdtmiVIkenjAfuhmTWPrZv1e1HyNOx1jbiyjCaxNBeeKNRs/s1600/Sharp.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">1.</span> I'm willing to bet <i>most </i>of you have this first item and don't even know its true potential! Did you know ever notice that silly little <span style="color: red;">strawberry </span>hanging off your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GJFP14/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GJFP14&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">tomato pin cushion</a>? It isn't there just for looks (LOL), Mr. Strawberry is filled with something called "emery sand". I'm sure you have a few emery boards around the house or at the bottom of your purse to file your fingernails. Emery is also used to <b>sharpen pins and needles</b> and keep them free of burrs that will snag your fabric.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GJFP14/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GJFP14&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000GJFP14&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetespeti-20" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">2.</span> I'm going to be honest, my tomato pin cushion is hidden in the back of a drawer. Call me judgmental, but tomatoes are for my sandwich, not my sewing room. With a quick search of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=pin%20cushions" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> you can find some amazingly cute ideas for diy pin cushions. Check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethany_lois/put-a-pin-in-it/" target="_blank">pin cushion Pinterest board</a> for a start. Most cushions call for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006I04VLU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006I04VLU&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Fiber Fill</a>, which is great, but for a <i>sharper </i>solution...fill your <b>custom cushions</b> with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ADPI4TQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ADPI4TQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">emery </a>to sharpen your<b> </b>pins and needles. You can purchase it by the pound and vwalla, you've got a cute <i>and </i>sharp solution.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ADPI4TQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ADPI4TQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00ADPI4TQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetespeti-20" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">3. </span>Earlier this year, I was getting very frustrated while using my <b>scissors</b>, every snip I'd take, there was a thread that would be missed. I noticed a notch in my scissors, someone had used them for something other than fabric and took a chunk out of the metal. I'm <i>SUUURE </i>it wasn't me, I never get lazy and forget to grab my paper scissors. *clears throat*. I was ready to toss them and get a new pair, but quality scissors are expensive. That's when I found this <a href="https://amzn.to/2URDSIZ" target="_blank">Sharpener</a>. My scissors are restored and this can be used with knives and other scissors for years to come. A very small investment, with a huge return!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Zulay-Kitchen-Stainless-Sharpener-Straight/dp/B01M4IM5PY/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1549825608&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=scissors+sharpener&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=f08e3f3957042b8295f43cb4ad9e143c&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01M4IM5PY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetespeti-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B01M4IM5PY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">4. </span>One of the most important tools in your sewing room is your<b> rotary cutter</b>. You'll find yourself working way harder than necessary<span style="font-family: inherit;"> if you have a dull blade, and replacement blades can be pricey!! If you are like me, I have more than one size rotary cutter too. Instead of replacements, check out this handy </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RCHG9A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004RCHG9A&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Power Rotary Blade Sharpener</a>. It is<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">for use with 28m, 45mm, and 60mm blades! This is a great investment that will save you a lot down the line.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RCHG9A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004RCHG9A&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004RCHG9A&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetespeti-20" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">5.</span> </span>Keep your<b> marking tools sharp</b>. For accuracy reasons, your marking pencils need to have fine tips. Clover has an adorable solution, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2tgwhrB" target="_blank">Clover Pencil Sharpener</a> made just for sewing. It will out-perform your dollar store plastic sharpener and additionally it's a decorative piece to beautify your space. It has an<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">ntique design that sharpens pencils to a suitable length for sewing and quilting.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clover-Novelty-Thimble-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B007L5L0HE/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1549825791&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=clover+pencil+sharpener&linkCode=li2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=ed91bae2a7a0b71a5920e45f896c2240&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007L5L0HE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetespeti-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetespeti-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B007L5L0HE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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P.S. I would suggest watching <a href="http://youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> tutorials on these products before using them, technique is everything.</div>
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Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-65946570797536706632014-07-27T16:41:00.002-05:002022-04-10T10:58:42.344-05:00Dick & Jane Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYLnNKR_lySZVq_G6EJBOAGfTLsI6t-nfD4q7-P0iDrn4mghlem7kZz7tgfpOboR44oo7DaROjDKhIBkJKxcqUhG__HvBPmG7kmWNvQZmg8bjDL-B2qudtpl2Wx8ClZ65AktHPn88h8U/s1600/dickjane2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYLnNKR_lySZVq_G6EJBOAGfTLsI6t-nfD4q7-P0iDrn4mghlem7kZz7tgfpOboR44oo7DaROjDKhIBkJKxcqUhG__HvBPmG7kmWNvQZmg8bjDL-B2qudtpl2Wx8ClZ65AktHPn88h8U/s1600/dickjane2.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<br /><div><br /></div><div>I was so excited to do this Dick & Jane Baby Quilt (<a href="http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Michael Miller's</a> Dick & Jane fabric). Believe it or not, this was a stash quilt! The only thing I had to purchase was the batting. I have made a number of projects with this fabric over the years. Now that my kids are getting older, I'm finding fewer uses. It's pretty much used up now, and I had a ton of fun doing it!<br />
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A few of my previous Dick & Jane projects are a book caddy for my son's bed and a stuffed monkey doll that was kind of a fail. She's in the first picture, she's coming unstuffed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR-8yL-RXZHRclj-Dra1vTECnbE28ePdX8fI5ncebbtgR_lIoLRm9BaJ4w7xm4pIsM9oDEDOn9etpl6LrkBnWZr7N95RO10H5vpL2IzQhGLaxHHoF1GYsE9NT9SJl5BFQql5PaM-U-qc/s1600/dickjane3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR-8yL-RXZHRclj-Dra1vTECnbE28ePdX8fI5ncebbtgR_lIoLRm9BaJ4w7xm4pIsM9oDEDOn9etpl6LrkBnWZr7N95RO10H5vpL2IzQhGLaxHHoF1GYsE9NT9SJl5BFQql5PaM-U-qc/s1600/dickjane3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A book caddy for the top bunk.</td></tr>
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This was my third quilt, I thought I'd share a few tips I've learned a long the way. All the instructional videos I've been watching on Craftsy & YouTube have made a HUGE difference in the quality of this quilt compared to the <a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2014/07/herringbone-baby-quilt.html" target="_blank">last</a> therefore making it that much more fun to sew.<br />
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<b>A few tips & tutorials</b><br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3uASTUt" target="_blank"><b>Spray "starch"</b></a> has changed my life! Having fabric blocks stiffer makes life much easier.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the quilt.</td></tr>
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<br />The technique of pressing your <b>seam allowances</b> opposite ways to "nest" them when joining blocks is a neat trick! Youtube has some great tutorials on seam-nesting.<br />
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My <b>binding</b> was 100% better due to this amazing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vCWpxBRs20" target="_blank">binding tutorial by Missouri Star Quilt Co</a>.! While you're at it, subscribe, this lady is pretty great. I enjoy her wisdom paired with her quick pace. Along with technique, I'll share a product that makes this job sooo much easier. I'm a fan of Clover products, but their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZKPX8A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004ZKPX8A&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=GWVODT3CXNQLAXSA" target="_blank">Wonder Clips</a> are one of my all time favorites.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMgj295glOf33Ww5vTBx1W4H5ii1MHxRH-YmrhtdekzfZBo-oLG8tgvpWdPPmB8Lp0bNpINvOOGCjEQaCMpoCVqR0jH4tiUa7P_pe4D7ake0dl2M2E-qjujPTVOlxmwRazODX0cMiQJ0/s1600/dickjane6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMgj295glOf33Ww5vTBx1W4H5ii1MHxRH-YmrhtdekzfZBo-oLG8tgvpWdPPmB8Lp0bNpINvOOGCjEQaCMpoCVqR0jH4tiUa7P_pe4D7ake0dl2M2E-qjujPTVOlxmwRazODX0cMiQJ0/s1600/dickjane6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZKPX8A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004ZKPX8A&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=GWVODT3CXNQLAXSA">wonder clips</a>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This binding is hand stitched, much improved from my last quilt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back.</td></tr>
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</div>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-66172423636187653822014-07-09T18:30:00.001-05:002020-01-25T11:56:23.017-06:00Herringbone Baby QuiltIt's taken me a long time to take this step.... my first quilt!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>confession</b></span>...</span><br />
This was NOT my first quilt. Below is photo evidence circa 1996, a school project. *wince*. Yes I made the <i>matching </i>dress too. Everyone needs apparel to match their quilt.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVING ON.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I. Learned. A. Lot.</span></b><br />
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You'll get much more valuable tips from other blogs and sites, I won't pretend to be an expert after 1... ok, 2 quilts. I will tell you though, I learned I didn't understand <b>triangles, bias cutting, and fabric stretch</b>. If you're a newbie, my suggestion is to look this up before endeavoring on your first triangle quilt. Also, learn the triangle <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM2jHjci64w" target="_blank">trick</a> (at least I think it's a trick).<br />
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I thought I was choosing a pattern that would be easy, but it turned out that the fabrics I chose led to... a lot of math. <b> Don't try to create your own pattern if you're a newbie</b>, too much unnecessary stress!<br />
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**I used to have a link to the original pattern by Riley Blake, but they have since removed it. The only record I have of this pattern is the following picture:<br />
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<b>Precision is important</b>. This is not my strong suit, so it's great practice for me to take things a bit slower.<br />
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<b>Get organized!</b> Label your stacks & label your quilt axes.<br />
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I used the pattern system G1-G-4 (gray fabrics) and B1-B4 (blue fabrics), letters for my vertical axis, and numbers for my horizontal axis. Do what is comfortable for you. My first two columns created the pattern that repeated throughout to make 5 sets of 2 columns=10 columns across. My columns were 12 squares high. If math is your thing, that's 120 of those suckers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's so easy to nit-pick, but I won't, it was a learning experience!</td></tr>
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<b>AFTER </b>the fact, I watched this gem: <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/piece-patch-quilt-quiltmaking-skills/369?_ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-qbb&_ctp=369,3" target="_blank">Bluprint has a <b>free </b>quilting basics class online</a>. AMAZING! In a way I may have learned more watching after I made all my mistakes, because it was easier to apply the knowledge, but I do suggest watching it BEFORE. ;)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My Materials:</span></b><br />
1/4 yard of each of the 8 fabrics (this was cutting it close *pun intended*).<br />
1 1/4 yards for backing fabric<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YQKDE8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YQKDE8&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20&linkId=MDNHJMJTA6CCYINU" target="_blank">Batting </a>(baby quilt size in a bag)<br />
1/2 yard for binding<br />
2 spools of thread<br />
I got all my supplies at <a href="http://www.joann.com/" target="_blank">Jo-Ann Fabrics</a> with <span style="color: #3d85c6;">5</span> coupons. Score.<br />
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I cut 4.5" squares, once they are sewn into triangle pieced squares, they are 4" square (including seam allowance). My quilt's final size is 36" w x 43" h. Now to wrap it in tissue paper and give it away *sniffle sniffle*.<br />
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I stitched in the ditch with the walking foot. I'm excited to try something different next time. Did I say next time?<br />
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<br />Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-82446160273415700962014-03-27T12:27:00.003-05:002014-03-27T12:41:35.079-05:00Autism Awareness Facebook Cover (2014)In the spirit of April being <span style="color: #134f5c;">Autism Awareness month</span> and the CDC's release of the new autism rates today (3/27/14), I've created another Facebook cover to help spread awareness. Feel free to save, use and share on Facebook. Click the image below, then right click to save. Please don't edit the image without my permission.<br />
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Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-26824348514833126602014-02-15T15:52:00.000-06:002014-02-20T08:33:48.145-06:00Tea Party CakeTea anyone? When my daughter asked for a tea party theme for her 4th birthday, I immediately thought of a lovely table with tablecloth for a cake, set with sweets and tea. Luckily with this kind of detail, I can do them ahead of time out of fondant because it lasts, but I switched it up this time. Since I've been dabbling in clay lately, I decided to do the tea set and food in clay so she could play with them after the cake is gobbled up. The tablecloth on down is fondant and edible goodness, here's how it turned out.<br />
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This cake was labor intensive, at least the clay bits, but it was worth it, it will last and boy is this food tiny! Here's how it went...<br />
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"SOPHIA" was cut out using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BVFYY0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BVFYY0&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Ateco Alphabet Letter Set</a>.</div>
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To give you an idea of scale... (and I have tiny hands)<br />
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<br />Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-37886421718827065012013-11-20T15:15:00.000-06:002013-11-20T15:19:06.306-06:00Mini Clay Garden Figurines Part II<b><a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2013/11/mini-clay-garden-figurines-part-i.html" target="_blank">If you missed it, click here for Part I</a></b><br />
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<b>Succulent Garden Gifts</b><br />
<a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2013/11/palette-planter.html" target="_blank">See my tutorial here</a> to create the garden.<br />
The glass vases came from the Dollar Store and the adorable chalkboard buckets came from my house....they were left there and hidden in a cabinet by the previous owner. So thanks to her! Please comment below if you know where to find these!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kN11s421uRIgoODIH6A2PYOjAqOM41-5Vz1oQ2ZVxAvkTpwsJaC1Szku6N8V1X8pviZTkaQMiac4ZEIcC-VSOmIVXrG4B_kq6btbqfaJ8jCmUo1cggxh4ASQ_JIdJucxMfzIySIQrC0/s1600/clay_fig17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kN11s421uRIgoODIH6A2PYOjAqOM41-5Vz1oQ2ZVxAvkTpwsJaC1Szku6N8V1X8pviZTkaQMiac4ZEIcC-VSOmIVXrG4B_kq6btbqfaJ8jCmUo1cggxh4ASQ_JIdJucxMfzIySIQrC0/s400/clay_fig17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at a cupcake. There is room for improvement!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeWIvT37LieaZSbkcD4WJzwfTwhtri36nASID5Tntnoqyp00jJK621dlek5e1NfMwOr8uhDSwAy0APUlVxfX_96RQuQfYZPjvZfVfLOrL2mGE5q7pCmakcJaaMB0jnLkC4UAlkSS9EeY/s1600/clay_fig11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeWIvT37LieaZSbkcD4WJzwfTwhtri36nASID5Tntnoqyp00jJK621dlek5e1NfMwOr8uhDSwAy0APUlVxfX_96RQuQfYZPjvZfVfLOrL2mGE5q7pCmakcJaaMB0jnLkC4UAlkSS9EeY/s400/clay_fig11.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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The puggy is my favorite. Who doesn't love the face of a <span style="color: #783f04;">pug</span>?? His friend is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. No surprise, this gift is going to someone with both types of dogs... and if you're reading this, you know who you are... forget you ever saw it! It's a surprise!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> stop sign</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> is perfect for bus drivers or crossing guards! Here is a </span><a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/06/wheels-on-bus-bus-driver-gift.html" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">free stop sign printable card</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> from another bus driver gift of mine.</span></td></tr>
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<b>Teacher Gifts</b><br />
The following gardens in the red buckets with chalk boards are teachers gifts. The apples and crayon and I used may have given that away! I have a whole slew of other <a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/search?q=teacher+gift&max-results=20&by-date=true" target="_blank">teacher gift ideas</a> too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite. Love the tiny apple!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNJLcAaiM547GpvaEjV0xT1DKcXv77BDdG3fWlT6LxlwhInkpmiEG8pVVtqbIcIUdFuYKN36mPnsqUzJ4wTQmd0TBr7EfvCM2XDBV_YRyDd66rc__oyPUArxnYm54K8yWJOaIoNcxF7o/s1600/clay_fig15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNJLcAaiM547GpvaEjV0xT1DKcXv77BDdG3fWlT6LxlwhInkpmiEG8pVVtqbIcIUdFuYKN36mPnsqUzJ4wTQmd0TBr7EfvCM2XDBV_YRyDd66rc__oyPUArxnYm54K8yWJOaIoNcxF7o/s400/clay_fig15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'm so excited to further explore clay! Expect to see more soon!</span><br />
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<script data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-27327410295130364712013-11-20T11:37:00.000-06:002013-11-20T15:25:11.444-06:00Mini Clay Garden Figurines Part IToday's post very much falls under the category of "other crafty things." I've never touched clay a day in my life until this project. I have been increasingly enjoying working with fondant on my cakes and was curious to see how this measured up. Clay is AWESOME! Sorry to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethany_lois/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> followers, I've been bombarding them with <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethany_lois/i-clay/" target="_blank">clay pins</a>!
My first application with clay are these mini clay garden figurines. For Christmas I'm giving a slew of people <b><a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2013/11/palette-planter.html" target="_blank">succulent gardens</a></b>, and I wanted to make them personalized, so I ventured into clay. It is simple enough that I can show you how I did it! I'm a novice, so by all means, take my advice with a grain of salt!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tools and Supplies </b> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016N6CMU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0016N6CMU&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">Sculpey Polymer Clay</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HKSYKM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004HKSYKM&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">Polyform Sculpey Glaze</a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATJSDHE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ATJSDHE&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Acrylic Paints</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YQLUFE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YQLUFE&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Greening Pins</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GSJOII/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002GSJOII&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Paint Brushes</a><br />
Oven or Toaster Oven<br />
Fine Sand Paper<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BZSX9I/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001BZSX9I&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Pottery Tools</a> & I also used Duff Fondant Tools, similar to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00175RMF8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00175RMF8&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Wilton's</a> (optional but highly recommended)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWISUS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VWISUS&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Smooth Foam</a> (optional)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028FIQ60/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0028FIQ60&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Paint Tray</a> (optional)<br />
Wire (optional)<br />
Wire Cutters (optional)<br />
Needle-nose pliers (optional)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_2x-Y7JAl8iF7WR_h4JfhQpu1CLUiKbmZ-g6iy2Z7rqCSqkZoeGDHjFHTvTrr3J3SH7Vq3ngH9_u9ZwMlN_2yLLq7XM3-WqWIR7iJOMP5ANF2VVuSvB2bkA8_8G77hA_pIyRwhkYYMg/s1600/clay_fig4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_2x-Y7JAl8iF7WR_h4JfhQpu1CLUiKbmZ-g6iy2Z7rqCSqkZoeGDHjFHTvTrr3J3SH7Vq3ngH9_u9ZwMlN_2yLLq7XM3-WqWIR7iJOMP5ANF2VVuSvB2bkA8_8G77hA_pIyRwhkYYMg/s400/clay_fig4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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I was surprised how EASY it was (for me) to work with clay compared to gum paste and fondant. Clay is so forgiving, and I love that you can sand it to get a better finish. So here's how it went... sculpt, bake, sand, paint, glaze, admire. It really is simple, and the baking instructions are on the clay box, whichever brand you choose. Here is how it turned out and a few tips...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPmUuNBDDBN0HmSczBuCx6Lmb15heeiB9CMY821CHmG4D7Ps44lFk9HsmwJ1KFn4xUZAlm1lM4hVL64ItBfi6lTPfk7Q2SlhS-Qrz8ZWiS6bNNBIbPrK6i_2J_YDhIorSw0W-JjcVZeU/s1600/clay_fig8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPmUuNBDDBN0HmSczBuCx6Lmb15heeiB9CMY821CHmG4D7Ps44lFk9HsmwJ1KFn4xUZAlm1lM4hVL64ItBfi6lTPfk7Q2SlhS-Qrz8ZWiS6bNNBIbPrK6i_2J_YDhIorSw0W-JjcVZeU/s640/clay_fig8.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">To fit the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YQLUFE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YQLUFE&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Greening Pins</a><span style="text-align: start;"> in some of my smaller clay figurines, I had to use a needle-nose pliers to bend the top. The jag at the top of the greening pins are great for keeping the wire in the clay.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW1RWT3JrbIFRer2RwP7D6OvumA5nbvNBJQ7NvJ9C9OG-nZjQzUJ7o2uSnGiKyLPjF9I61zd4SD7Tjlj7d1ftoEQo46XYOgdOeXFNZWxUH9hGcD5mfAX91BqcfcYanq1ry3OkHbz3aJA/s1600/clay_fig7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW1RWT3JrbIFRer2RwP7D6OvumA5nbvNBJQ7NvJ9C9OG-nZjQzUJ7o2uSnGiKyLPjF9I61zd4SD7Tjlj7d1ftoEQo46XYOgdOeXFNZWxUH9hGcD5mfAX91BqcfcYanq1ry3OkHbz3aJA/s400/clay_fig7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">For the circles on these adorable </span><span style="color: #38761d; text-align: start;">mushrooms </span><span style="text-align: start;">and </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">ladybug (see below)</span><span style="text-align: start;">, I disassembled a pen and pressed it into the clay. It created a great little detail and the ring around it made it very easy to paint.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyD1DqbpMmi0h5ZFMybERN8xP_40ytoMgKPcSQDfZOnHYMDwHIP4HNf_41FZI3d4c5iwvO_Ac2Z9iRRKpulJw8cSXRY3yrISOZU-4iN4u_JwlXZmevt8qnQD6eSqL_XOLSh9LyfKbMLw/s1600/clay_fig9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyD1DqbpMmi0h5ZFMybERN8xP_40ytoMgKPcSQDfZOnHYMDwHIP4HNf_41FZI3d4c5iwvO_Ac2Z9iRRKpulJw8cSXRY3yrISOZU-4iN4u_JwlXZmevt8qnQD6eSqL_XOLSh9LyfKbMLw/s400/clay_fig9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRXtx379uxeeJ6z7AfUn73FYPFg-1zTvGMiwVHSLNBVJwsYVy_nSbsW0Zaq_65hyphenhyphenBlGbBlggR39hxdBAwKuVmfhgkzD17ML2iEJLywmRwsWuvtxpCWHSUOkWGwB0AYJc4lMhVcS3UpoM/s1600/clay_fig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRXtx379uxeeJ6z7AfUn73FYPFg-1zTvGMiwVHSLNBVJwsYVy_nSbsW0Zaq_65hyphenhyphenBlGbBlggR39hxdBAwKuVmfhgkzD17ML2iEJLywmRwsWuvtxpCWHSUOkWGwB0AYJc4lMhVcS3UpoM/s400/clay_fig2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I accordion folded a piece paper to keep my figurines from rolling around or possibly getting a flat edge during baking.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK81FLxp0FIE-LetaEiR0kMNjzxCm2fto64FBqWBL0ufbfhxi6Zia6jt0xERegpyIAED0u53mgM-PyZrc966DEwwBpxaJevOGwVX9IJ3PJy8X3LPQXp8RvwARoOoIYr2J3qiaSXir6yI/s1600/clay_fig1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK81FLxp0FIE-LetaEiR0kMNjzxCm2fto64FBqWBL0ufbfhxi6Zia6jt0xERegpyIAED0u53mgM-PyZrc966DEwwBpxaJevOGwVX9IJ3PJy8X3LPQXp8RvwARoOoIYr2J3qiaSXir6yI/s640/clay_fig1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxpi9b1aoIdDqX5hcc_n10pzQhbkZJPpRddNpP6O8Ns_8744KQQsgGBu2IMrs0jJYHa1ovwSGceTLF-DLYzMcdXIDBmePIb4ho1So-Uru6LpVc_TOKUSwh6o3I5Et8KlInHlXBXrOZ6Q/s1600/clay_fig5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxpi9b1aoIdDqX5hcc_n10pzQhbkZJPpRddNpP6O8Ns_8744KQQsgGBu2IMrs0jJYHa1ovwSGceTLF-DLYzMcdXIDBmePIb4ho1So-Uru6LpVc_TOKUSwh6o3I5Et8KlInHlXBXrOZ6Q/s400/clay_fig5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtqfdnoqZYNhDEBnhEZRalOGo2VTGPF7A7uQEAVTZKPg2u2hAj_hhjZWj1gqypT12swzEEe4F2nvqC2_VMD-6xJyOq9nfmcs86DwBbD7soBCfBxVtXfD1WzY5QrBrLUejlxfoNJW7yHQ/s1600/clay_fig6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtqfdnoqZYNhDEBnhEZRalOGo2VTGPF7A7uQEAVTZKPg2u2hAj_hhjZWj1gqypT12swzEEe4F2nvqC2_VMD-6xJyOq9nfmcs86DwBbD7soBCfBxVtXfD1WzY5QrBrLUejlxfoNJW7yHQ/s400/clay_fig6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This pug picture is before the glaze. That's my Pugalier (Pug/Cavalier Spaniel Mix), Jack.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippHUmGreGpL99_m65Kgy0sBdEa6eoXYjKOWKU0rdAdoal7I7vghRItdeRi3mQ0dbH7_uG0FbKhCMDQXn5OmX_rDjytlHY3JXPYMiG_vIVY8AY-_3q-2WVoknwd_dn9Izo76k0odJaaDM/s1600/clay_fig3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippHUmGreGpL99_m65Kgy0sBdEa6eoXYjKOWKU0rdAdoal7I7vghRItdeRi3mQ0dbH7_uG0FbKhCMDQXn5OmX_rDjytlHY3JXPYMiG_vIVY8AY-_3q-2WVoknwd_dn9Izo76k0odJaaDM/s400/clay_fig3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">To get the realistic look of an </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">apple</span><span style="text-align: start;">, take your red acrylic paint and split it into three. To one pile add white and to another add a bit of brown. By alternating these three colors, give your apple some highlights and shadows as well as mimic the look of a real apple. Use the brush strokes to your advantage.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IqwVBadAn-b9zySA1jC-07-fk23uifOPdXoA8TCANP9TgxSc1I13Gmy9HzFjVnVvzJrNpBqpahkcJ3vsjGPq2wR7ZQ8O7Q6dervTMEvTLZ5STkgZXXRMHqwNVOBTTmj3ZZ81AjaMP4I/s1600/clay_fig10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IqwVBadAn-b9zySA1jC-07-fk23uifOPdXoA8TCANP9TgxSc1I13Gmy9HzFjVnVvzJrNpBqpahkcJ3vsjGPq2wR7ZQ8O7Q6dervTMEvTLZ5STkgZXXRMHqwNVOBTTmj3ZZ81AjaMP4I/s640/clay_fig10.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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See them glazed and in action...well in planters, <a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2013/11/mini-clay-garden-figurines-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Mini Clay Garden Figurines Part II</a>.</span><script data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-55713386472292684642013-11-19T19:35:00.002-06:002013-11-19T19:40:51.288-06:00Palette Planter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_tyUAirHcj_1HCx_wbxIpTDRyXf1l2x8WEz4i6T062DFBe3wkLA3aXqg_wVuSjftL8g1dZS54d6uP6WVPgMNKUettGSZaa3YG46sJ1GswFmcjtxwnlArrjoQB9jkFVLyIDr__tfTReI/s1600/planter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_tyUAirHcj_1HCx_wbxIpTDRyXf1l2x8WEz4i6T062DFBe3wkLA3aXqg_wVuSjftL8g1dZS54d6uP6WVPgMNKUettGSZaa3YG46sJ1GswFmcjtxwnlArrjoQB9jkFVLyIDr__tfTReI/s400/planter4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have a wooden palette lying around? I've been seeing succulent gardens everywhere and I love the succulents outside in my yard, so it was time to bring the outside in. It is super easy to propagate most succulents. I have ground cover outside my house and if a piece gets broken off, it will root anywhere it lands. I was ordering succulents to make gifts and knew I'd have extra, so lucky hubby, I came up with a project.<br />
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Our project dimensions were 7 "wide x 20" long x 3" high. This was purely based on our table size. Make sure there is plenty of room for plates and drinks, so you won't have to move your planter if you don't want to.<br />
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Hubby <b>constructed </b>the box for me. He took the palette and pried off the boards, which happened to be roughly 3" wide. He used nails to assemble it (to give it a more rustic look) and calked the inside seams to keep the box from leaking. Once I got my hands on it, I sealed the inside using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNN11G/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000LNN11G&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Plasti-Dip</a>. Hubby picked up blue, but I linked to the clear version. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNN11G/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000LNN11G&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Plasti-Dip</a> is to further protect the wood. I found this as a suggestion on the internet somewhere... As you can see from the pictures, I taped off the box with painter's tape before I sprayed. This took about 4 coats. Leave plenty of time for the calk and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNN11G/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000LNN11G&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Plasti-Dip</a> to dry. It's also super smelly!<br />
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<b>Filling the box... </b>The bottom layer is rock, I actually used rock meant for fish tanks. The rock is to provide drainage for the plants. Next I layered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002566WY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0002566WY&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Activated Carbon</a>, you can also find this at your local pet store. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002566WY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0002566WY&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">Activated Carbon</a> keeps the icky plant odor away. Next came dirt, there are special succulent mixes available at your local nursery. The succulents came from Ebay, there are plenty of good vendors out there. Finally the top layer is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YJ4CNI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YJ4CNI&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank">river stones</a>. Easy peasy and beautiful (which I can say so myself because hubby did all the hard work). Sorry in advance for so many pictures, there were some beautiful moments!<br />
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Please comment and share any tips or link to your own Palette Planters!<br />
<br /><script data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-56077801278808854502013-11-09T17:44:00.000-06:002013-11-17T07:39:15.546-06:00Giveaway (OVER): "Sweetie Pie" Embroidery PatternTo celebrate the launch of my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FindingPinsAndNeedles" target="_blank">facebook page</a>, I'm giving away a copy of my <a href="http://etsy.me/18NK19h" target="_blank">"sweetie pie"</a> embroidery pattern collection from my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FindingPinsNeedles">Etsy shop</a>!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIN THIS! Enter below.</td></tr>
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You have 4 ways to enter! Good luck!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d44810/" id="rc-2d44810" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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Also, <a href="http://angelkisis.webs.com/bake%20freebie.pdf" target="_blank">here's a freebie</a> "bake" pattern from my <a href="http://etsy.me/18NK19h" target="_blank">"sweetie pie"</a> collection on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FindingPinsNeedles">Etsy</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFo4T2QxJNvTlpwpM0myDSjAsu-E3skBQ8GyeqOXoDRnIPB1UbzV2zIaMgYpcNMj18Qy3_mZecF1fzTmMC_f8LRq3H8XXnxvdwDwNhXLyyb4sIgiT0lazyR50OWTttnBCcFyDVWD6Yfbw/s1600/bake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFo4T2QxJNvTlpwpM0myDSjAsu-E3skBQ8GyeqOXoDRnIPB1UbzV2zIaMgYpcNMj18Qy3_mZecF1fzTmMC_f8LRq3H8XXnxvdwDwNhXLyyb4sIgiT0lazyR50OWTttnBCcFyDVWD6Yfbw/s400/bake1.jpg" width="400" /></a><script data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-25151035362046110992013-11-02T14:57:00.000-05:002013-11-12T07:36:27.509-06:00FREE "bake" Embroidery PatternTo celebrate the launch of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FindingPinsNeedles">Etsy shop</a>, that is now stocked with pdf embroidery patterns, <a href="http://angelkisis.webs.com/bake%20freebie.pdf" target="_blank">here's a freebie</a> from my <a href="http://etsy.me/18NK19h" target="_blank">"sweetie pie"</a> collection on Etsy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on this image to print or <a href="http://angelkisis.webs.com/bake%20freebie.pdf" target="_blank">click here to download the pdf</a> with multiple sizes or mirror images.</td></tr>
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<b>Want more? </b>Check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FindingPinsNeedles" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> for for embroidery patterns.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FindingPinsNeedles"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbiNrdDa0nNWtU3IU9SqbnqB1bPVGOz0envaslp8Q5VS8Xjl9ixJmRjr33agCj8viJSZQjJRXl66VZSKIQQSUEFKE80ttOUD08-UW648TV3cHgrg-lutvhD_UJjnk0Dj_jN4Okbo7Tug/s400/sweetie-pie1.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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I'd suggest using a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YQKMJO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thetespeti-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000YQKMJO">hot iron transfer pencil</a> to transfer the design onto fabric.</div>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.findingpinsandneedles.com%2F2013%2F11%2Ffree-bake-embroidery-pattern.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QiV9DwYiWYo%2FUnVALoZKNCI%2FAAAAAAAAA0c%2Fgk6ctuShbGs%2Fs400%2Fbake1.jpg&description=Finding%20Pins%20%26%20Needles%3A%20FREE%20%26quot%3Bbake%26quot%3B%20hand%20embroidery%20pattern"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></div><script type="text/javascript" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-64118360972351707162013-11-01T16:07:00.000-05:002013-11-12T07:37:03.161-06:00Dino Island Cake<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Volcano Cake:</b> made using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002V0CBWW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002V0CBWW&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">Giant Cupcake Cake Pan</a>. For details, see tutorial at the bottom of the page from My cupcake Addiction.<br />
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<b>Lava: </b>Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/316714/white-or-dark-chocolate-ganache">Chocolate Ganache recipe</a>. Use white chocolate and split into two batches, one red and one orange.<br />
<b>Dry Ice:</b> I found at our local grocery store, and I used a child's medicine plastic cup to hold the dry ice inside the volcano. I also used red food coloring in the cup, it can be seen the "reveal" video below.<br />
<b>Cake Toppers: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00362TR2Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00362TR2Q&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">Toy Dinos</a>, great party favors too!<br />
<b>Island Cake:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000VMF9S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000VMF9S&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">9x13 Cake Pan</a> then carve to make a more organic shape. I intentionally let the chocolate cake show through to make it look more like dirt.<br />
<b>Palm Trees:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C10OPW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001C10OPW&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">Leaf Cutters</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000VMAE8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000VMAE8&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">Wilton Gum Paste</a>, & Pretzel Sticks<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhnwvqKN50d7j6_TMdPhJqVkBZcHhECGOzgVOjNs4KDs9cwYjxXqI9ZWNnnTT84C2WsWtCmpGgmwl_3c7eJ7ei3xyXoYX9XCprzYWk6aBm7Dz-rlht3oCWxZ8Edr8Xpfl3hey86vkxNc/s1600/dino5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhnwvqKN50d7j6_TMdPhJqVkBZcHhECGOzgVOjNs4KDs9cwYjxXqI9ZWNnnTT84C2WsWtCmpGgmwl_3c7eJ7ei3xyXoYX9XCprzYWk6aBm7Dz-rlht3oCWxZ8Edr8Xpfl3hey86vkxNc/s400/dino5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use spoons to help shape palm trees as they dry.</td></tr>
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<b>Icing:</b> I used multiple colors of green, gray, blue & white. Wilton's <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Snow-White-Buttercream-Icing">Snow White Buttercream Icing</a> recipe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6f3z4hmjkPVc0-atGsJQjegVEmlOQ5OQ_MtryA-kpZQu6akgfDF-wWbmLoIzYyfLWhBqq6TXUieOaG3Enali7fYzJYBYTILfRPTE1E3r5vDr8DkW5gdop5GDEFr_p2eMohN2vu1X6Jk/s1600/dino6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6f3z4hmjkPVc0-atGsJQjegVEmlOQ5OQ_MtryA-kpZQu6akgfDF-wWbmLoIzYyfLWhBqq6TXUieOaG3Enali7fYzJYBYTILfRPTE1E3r5vDr8DkW5gdop5GDEFr_p2eMohN2vu1X6Jk/s400/dino6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the cake.</td></tr>
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<b>Here's how the reveal went:</b><br />
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<b>Tutorial: </b>by My Cupcake Addiction (see video below)<br />
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<br /></div><script type="text/javascript" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-68336342580335494032013-11-01T12:23:00.004-05:002013-11-12T07:37:13.701-06:00Buttercream & Bunting Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbTpESZbItn8j6BiQJdtLnf6eV5x6r8v5VgMu8z8tJznl7in19hRtRD8mHTwaygs20pN19r0SJN2dS8tl84r2AUI6xxr31EqrFmub12OSi-lqtvysG-aeNzWufGGmjCLmXhIclFWFuJg/s1600/taylin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbTpESZbItn8j6BiQJdtLnf6eV5x6r8v5VgMu8z8tJznl7in19hRtRD8mHTwaygs20pN19r0SJN2dS8tl84r2AUI6xxr31EqrFmub12OSi-lqtvysG-aeNzWufGGmjCLmXhIclFWFuJg/s400/taylin1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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There is something to be said for simplicity. Up until now, I've always decorated detailed and over the top cakes for my kiddos. But when my brother gave me free range on my niece's 1st birthday cake with the only direction of "<span style="color: #45818e;">teal</span>", I went for a little simplicity.<br />
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<b>The Cake</b><br />
I use and recommend Wilton's <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Snow-White-Buttercream-Icing">Snow White Buttercream Icing</a> recipe and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFMW9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000CFMW9&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">Wilton #104 Decorating Tip</a>. Other tips in that family would work as well.<br />
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The icing technique I used as reference can be found in this video by <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Rose Atwater.<br /></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cRGZOqAWKMA?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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The finished product looks difficult, but it's really quite simple. The only pointers<b> </b>I would give, <b>make enough icing</b>. I made 3 batches, and color matching is <i>NOT </i>fun. The other tip... allow time for your hand to rest. Between sifting cups of powdered sugar and putting pressure on the icing bag, my hands were DONE.<br />
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<b>The Bunting</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The adorable bunting fabric is City Block <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">by </span>Kitty Yoshida<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">for Benartex</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLlP8xFc-VchxG-QoYIN5x7e2gxuyrpVXxKPr6vE6yzO2alzx14JFbNt0eGBPnJuH1Fp2s970HtXW-X-V2YNbn_FlHKbG220IPuNnaY8mId5bSA67LXI-dmS7mwhxN2RIy_jGApOH3k4/s1600/taylin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLlP8xFc-VchxG-QoYIN5x7e2gxuyrpVXxKPr6vE6yzO2alzx14JFbNt0eGBPnJuH1Fp2s970HtXW-X-V2YNbn_FlHKbG220IPuNnaY8mId5bSA67LXI-dmS7mwhxN2RIy_jGApOH3k4/s400/taylin4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b>The bunting technique is simple.</b></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1. Fold your fabric in half.<br />2. Chalk on or draw a triangle, with the largest end on the crease of the fold<br />3. Cut out your triangle, cutting through both layers of fabric.<br /><span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">4. Your end result is a diamond that you'll wrap around your ribbon or string and sew.</span></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">You'll also need <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NKJXQE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005NKJXQE&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">wooden skewers</a>, these are commonly used for BBQ and are safe to put in the cake. I'd caution you not to use anything not made for food. I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K0T4WK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005K0T4WK&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">fabric markers</a> to write her name, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S10OZM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000S10OZM&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20">alphabet stamps could work also.</a></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.findingpinsandneedles.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fbuttercream-bunting-cake.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wdfDl2dJzuc%2FUnPiZf2JreI%2FAAAAAAAAAy8%2FWXHtS4xlkBQ%2Fs400%2Ftaylin1.jpg&description=Finding%20Pins%20%26%20Needles%3A%20Tutorial%20on%20the%20Buttercream%20%26%20Bunting%20Cake"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></span></span><script type="text/javascript" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-82939441977120020832013-05-12T13:39:00.000-05:002013-11-12T07:37:23.499-06:00Elegant Ombre Buttercream CakeI finally had a chance to make a cake for an adult! Whoohoo! We were celebrating two Birthdays of our female friends so Spider-man and <a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/10/exploding-transformers-cake.html">Transformers </a>were out of the question this time. I wanted to challenge myself with trying new techniques and coming up with something elegant.<br />
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I learned two new techniques with this cake. The <b>first </b>was<br />
<a name='more'></a> the buttercream ombre petal technique, something I learned thanks to <a href="http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/2012/04/blue-ombre-petal-cake-tutorial.html">The Hungry Housewife</a>. This technique is super easy (she has a video) and it covers a multitude of ugly cake sins. It is as simple as buttercream, piping bag and an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000VM56G/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0000VM56G&adid=11FQHZ0G2RMGNM3QQKY5">angled spatula</a>. I'll admit it, I cheated.. I didn't use icing tips. I didn't have identical tips for 4 color buttercreams and switching them out would be a hassle. I just cut identical sized holes in the bottoms of my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CFMLT/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0000CFMLT&adid=09FC4DQGY6NDVEATG1D8">piping bags</a> and it worked beautifully, plus less cleanup at the end, just chucked 'em in the garbage. It's as simple as putting a daub of icing on the cake and taking the spatula and swiping to the right, and...repeat. One tip I'd like to add to her tutorial: as a guide, I drew vertical lines on my crumb coat, and horizontal line would have been helpful too.<br />
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On a side note, I have recently discovered these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PBZHOS/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000PBZHOS&adid=06462HK6J8AKNSNFE4Q9">babies</a>, they are icing bag ties from Wilton. Ok, so they seem like an unnecessary extravagance. They aren't! They have made the process of icing less messy and less stressful. But I digress.<br />
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The <b>second </b>technique was the ruffle flower. I did a lot of research on different techniques, but I melded a few ideas in order to make my flowers. If you haven't worked with fondant before, this would be a great starter project.<br />
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<b>How-To Fondant Flowers</b><br />
1. Roll fondant very thin. Thin petals are more elegant and dry faster.<br />
2. Cut out varying sized circles. I used mason jar lids, medicine caps, and anything I found in the kitchen.<br />
3. I used my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00175RMF8/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00175RMF8&adid=07BX4GNTV8GXNRBPSJ48">Gumpaste tools</a> for the next part, in particular the modeling stick. I rolled it around the edges of the circle to create the ruffles.<br />
4. I took my ruffled circles and "glued" them together with buttercream, then placed them in little bowls. The bowls will give them the rounded shape until they dry. I used<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CD5T7Q/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B008CD5T7Q&adid=18SW69ZMTMNB82APV7DS"> glass ingredient bowls</a>. These things come in handy for <i>everything</i>.<br />
5. Use buttercream to make your center dots (I think I used a #3 tip), I alternated using two colors.<br />
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This cake was a bit time consuming, but not that difficult. Besides, it was a much needed departure from <a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/09/ladybug-cake.html">ladybugs</a> and castles.<script type="text/javascript" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-54933243152678407672013-04-03T15:47:00.003-05:002013-11-12T07:37:59.377-06:00Autism AwarenessLast year I wrote <a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/04/time-out-for-autism.html">this post</a> about Autism Awareness. Autism is close to my heart having two boys on the spectrum. Well, it's that time again. April is Autism Awareness month and I've updated the Facebook cover (below).<b> Please feel free to use it (click and save) and share it. </b>Take some time this month to learn a little more about Autism, the more you know, the more you can make a difference.<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-26818422182664901722012-11-09T15:12:00.000-06:002013-11-12T07:38:08.592-06:00Personalized Pencil Drink Sleeve<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's important that we show the teachers in our kid's lives that they are appreciated. I wanted to make something personalized for their </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas gifts</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> this year and thanks to</span><a href="http://craftystaci.com/2011/08/25/pencil-and-paper-drink-sleeve-and-mat/" style="font-family: inherit;"> Crafty Staci and her tutorial</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I was able to come up with something pretty cute.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3qku87Jold4JpmEvFO-nJrRxsF-bZzONw9BA3qpvoNuvTKYTsw4OD8tCJlbX1nTFYdgl315mS9ZSd5HEhvCdD4j1ZOD3W_74itdcIdoQGJ8isBeqBMCyIHrkcrOLK632mIGVnStAP1s/s1600/pencil4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3qku87Jold4JpmEvFO-nJrRxsF-bZzONw9BA3qpvoNuvTKYTsw4OD8tCJlbX1nTFYdgl315mS9ZSd5HEhvCdD4j1ZOD3W_74itdcIdoQGJ8isBeqBMCyIHrkcrOLK632mIGVnStAP1s/s400/pencil4.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKami5d6XTmUx0XeqeVAJe5wINpF29kAwISClDGNHG5slOEKQA5Z4eXiYWrKNnIb7QHObVygqzHv7m9GkXP3OI-yeMcYv-iUYajV13FibE12JkmRWbPld2mE3WJpWA674hbyuBCndNG1U/s1600/pencil6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKami5d6XTmUx0XeqeVAJe5wINpF29kAwISClDGNHG5slOEKQA5Z4eXiYWrKNnIb7QHObVygqzHv7m9GkXP3OI-yeMcYv-iUYajV13FibE12JkmRWbPld2mE3WJpWA674hbyuBCndNG1U/s400/pencil6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Name Personalization</span></b><br />
<b>UPDATE: I now have a personalized pdf pattern available on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/168748442/personalized-teacher-embroidery-pattern?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Etsy</a>! For a few dollars I can do the work for you and email you a pdf with <i>your </i>teacher's name on it. Check it out!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You do the personalization step right after you've constructed the pencil front, and right before you sew the back, front, and InsulBrite together. If you're brave you can hand write onto the fabric, but if you're handwriting challenged like me, h</span>ere's the cool <a href="http://www.fontspace.com/blue-vinyl/print-clearly">dashed print font </a>for free. I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S02Y6I/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B007S02Y6I&adid=10F638TAEK0V331EPBY3" target="_blank">Adobe Illustrator</a> to curve it and also created the three lines. This can be done pretty simply with most editing software. Print off the name and make sure to mirror the image. I traced the name on the paper with my favorite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00474E8C6/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00474E8C6&adid=0YQCV2ANSP2JVNE4T6MW">Sulky Iron-On Transfer Pens</a>. Here's what it looks like transferred onto the fabric:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97AFbFNjZILL26eYBIv09vdw7Zs7_UbdTJFPIeIxPX1aWWsKmkcm_hIeHXBUOTtQVeqnB4cMqljaRzqgOKpkXTrlweNCyyKLVA0TxjH0Yp2eTaNJPMCC9hniUQoPtooU70f3MLQoW2QU/s1600/pencil1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97AFbFNjZILL26eYBIv09vdw7Zs7_UbdTJFPIeIxPX1aWWsKmkcm_hIeHXBUOTtQVeqnB4cMqljaRzqgOKpkXTrlweNCyyKLVA0TxjH0Yp2eTaNJPMCC9hniUQoPtooU70f3MLQoW2QU/s400/pencil1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Next use embroidery thread in <span style="color: red;">red</span>, <span style="color: blue;">blue </span>and black. This only requires <u>very simple</u> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backstitch" style="text-align: start;">backstitch</a><span style="text-align: start;"> and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_stitch" style="text-align: start;">running stitch</a><span style="text-align: start;">. Good luck!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">Recognize this ABC lined fabric? I used it</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2011/10/teacher-tote.html" style="text-align: start;">here</a> on another teacher gift. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">You can still find it at <a href="http://www.joann.com/" target="_blank">JoAnn's</a>.</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And a thanks to </span><a href="http://craftgossip.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #8b8b8b; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">CraftGossip.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> for showcasing this post!</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thetespeti-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00474E8C6" style="height: 240px; text-align: center; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
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<b>I love my teacher gifts, you can see more here:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/06/wheels-on-bus-bus-driver-gift.html"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGanGTFP0bbn-0NeYFhNu0gJ3t4WaqlgamUbaR-k21wrZP_3rHMdBOVvZDqNI47Vjd96SiUOMAtvraxpmHshV04tFhof3TCwLA66LPwwwN97l0WEGinkSdRMmTgSf8V92K0paseksk4w/s200/bus4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2011/11/mrs-ds-pencil-pouch.html"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsjF2w5xidlqLQTsuC9NIHmHtvUdXjI9Bckw400JURC-uTcvExOSo7rl7ZthrPgVR_pOIzWSQerZJFrw4tu3m8BAGzuPZCnfCi3DvL1zippZZME_qtCs5fB-2HyIUb6HDMK-F0Z8t7IE/s200/pouch4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/01/warm-hands-warm-heart.html"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WzuQUfoITifSvPpT33o9hRsb3M4_xJ5KEj-bwKXBQO1oTAAwQ5r3eI7h83oYX9gDcp84qcHehJbpyyBJ2z84MK2VwSgxu6nkWWEsONnhH9VuzM_i5HNPY5jtP-vuIhhejUo62kpNHWM/s200/handwarmer1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2011/10/teacher-tote.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgkbWOgBL4K2syHv2VGXoFrdFxsxNzOWQMszF5BNkR3obogBBl1ryLANtBfK2fgjgc1kUOhbQbikiVugPfaGI51NpNiTNr4SkoaH9swzT2FL6Nqkfn42AvjhLmqu7k7N2E6BsSBTgiWg/s200/tote2.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/05/fabric-rosette-tutorial-showdown.html"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDPT0AlJ_bcsdEPIJVWVy5vOVMRdhsFNNl464H6EcV6IASx1D77xvSqBw9goSMbVSaRyPebC4Y7UNU0nTcdkjdBYm7AHq2bdOkPZvH1xyUHw2mTvVF4TAqficBR09YmBGC8tm4ZTkMZA/s200/rosetteshow1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-87198506908743410252012-10-21T18:40:00.000-05:002013-11-12T07:38:21.988-06:00Exploding Transformers Cake<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>How-to Secrets Revealed...</b></span><br />
When you spend as many hours as I did on something you plan to cut up and eat, you better believe I'm going to document it! My son is a HUGE Transformers fan and I wanted to make him an <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Optimus </span><span style="color: red;">Prime </span>cake for his seventh birthday. I'm really happy with how it turned out... and it wasn't as hard as it might look. <i>Shhh</i>... here are my secrets...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqUHp9LcNp8cG2wx5Xw1YawXi9DYFMXvEJlo02SkQFpH071Yy9sqkUOb8rMzpBZunnOWyAACG7aWYnGUNyviLXXG-iCdJb0OK_FdR9AGjqvZp-UvNCOkM1OmmJjxJFpTcQdTu8FCdX2g/s1600/transformers6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqUHp9LcNp8cG2wx5Xw1YawXi9DYFMXvEJlo02SkQFpH071Yy9sqkUOb8rMzpBZunnOWyAACG7aWYnGUNyviLXXG-iCdJb0OK_FdR9AGjqvZp-UvNCOkM1OmmJjxJFpTcQdTu8FCdX2g/s640/transformers6.jpg" width="505" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Exploding Cake </span></b><br />
A huge thanks to <a href="http://rosebakes.com/superman-bursting-out-of-the-cake-exploding-cake-tutorial-part-1/">Rose Bakes</a> for the exploding cake tutorial. It was really easy and I hope to be able to use this technique again sometime.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Spirals</span></b><br />
This is pretty simple, you'll need <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Duff-Cake-Wires-Twisted-pcs/dp/B009DQKCDM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350860713&sr=8-2&keywords=duff+cake+wires">Duff's Decorative Cake Wire Twists</a>. Take your fondant, roll it like a snake and wrap it around the spirals until it's covered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnOt05DqxxzK9bEC3pPdg-XfFBR5Fx5mUGmytjQEbq7vjPRB6b0A_Ykfq2RTc0yiwZnwd6OzW2w-hqamS9w8t4KVs4z9__QVHdoGTQKP61dBVEs6mk4gIdXjRyQstNv6EmRku8geTKmc/s1600/transformers5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnOt05DqxxzK9bEC3pPdg-XfFBR5Fx5mUGmytjQEbq7vjPRB6b0A_Ykfq2RTc0yiwZnwd6OzW2w-hqamS9w8t4KVs4z9__QVHdoGTQKP61dBVEs6mk4gIdXjRyQstNv6EmRku8geTKmc/s640/transformers5.jpg" width="495" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Cake Topper</span></b><br />
Transformers that don't transform are no fun at all, so I wasn't interested in getting a "cake topper". Here's the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XJE0W0/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B007XJE0W0&adid=08C6ET5ACJPJP2M61974">Optimus Prime</a> toy I used instead. He was a perfect size for the cake top. I jammed toothpicks into his feet/wheels to get him to stand in place. He was definitely the hit of the party, and one less gift I had to wrap!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPaYS4B0-QWuM7nDHpIyDVvBYHEm5nj13LR-JdO1YQ4wtbqtr6KTahv8j297bNoFLpMiiNGgP_F2E1YWlxK1RwosrYmMcgkcX3lK_6LrMdPSaFO4Vqz0nTjq_MgZeQ37xlxknX01JMPw/s1600/transformer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPaYS4B0-QWuM7nDHpIyDVvBYHEm5nj13LR-JdO1YQ4wtbqtr6KTahv8j297bNoFLpMiiNGgP_F2E1YWlxK1RwosrYmMcgkcX3lK_6LrMdPSaFO4Vqz0nTjq_MgZeQ37xlxknX01JMPw/s640/transformer.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Super cool Transformers and Autobot logo</span></b><br />
This looks hard to do huh? HA! Check out the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0048EKSME/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0048EKSME&adid=0V27EV8D2NYSH9QNBVMQ">Play-Doh Autobot Workshop</a>. I used fondant instead of Play-Doh and it worked perfectly! A dab of icing on the back and bam, perfectly shaped Transformers. This was the easiest part of the whole cake.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The Rubble</span></b><br />
The rubble at Optimus Prime's feet are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0082K4KHY/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0082K4KHY&adid=04TM5YRQQ140CMWH4A4X">red</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0082K7JIQ/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0082K7JIQ&adid=135MPQKET9D8WRDBW7ZG">blue</a> Sixlets. These are yummier than those hard silver decorative balls and much more colorful.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">TRANSFORMER Font</span></b><br />
I downloaded the <a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Transformers.htm">free Transformer font</a>, printed my sons name and age, and then used an exacto knife to poke through the paper into the fondant to transfer his name.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0a168PNNI60wEtfsRylg-XAIGtRlbsnsPaT3N6oZw90_fYrz7r8hT7qYEPjP8Ho-ha1Ha162S3B1K24GxFYMHn0Dk9pMhp4JKOCcx96FkiRbI7XAVKCuKEJAyJNUKSU4zMlclaBR0aE/s1600/transformers4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0a168PNNI60wEtfsRylg-XAIGtRlbsnsPaT3N6oZw90_fYrz7r8hT7qYEPjP8Ho-ha1Ha162S3B1K24GxFYMHn0Dk9pMhp4JKOCcx96FkiRbI7XAVKCuKEJAyJNUKSU4zMlclaBR0aE/s1600/transformers4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Please join our</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2054259@N24/" target="_blank">flick</a></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2054259@N24/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">r</span> group</a><span style="text-align: center;"> and upload pictures of your exploding cakes or any other Finding Pins and Needles projects. I'd love to see them!</span><br />
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<br /><script type="text/javascript" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Bethanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16034092533899750598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443082553491101714.post-52008616516693756332012-09-19T20:03:00.001-05:002013-11-12T07:38:34.427-06:00Ladybug Cake<i>Cake decorating, no needles but it's crafty, right?</i><br />
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In the past few years I've dabbled in cake decorating. With 3 kids, 3 birthday cakes a year, and a number of showers in between I don't have a lot of experience, but wanted to share the one I whipped up last week because it was seriously fun to make.<br />
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<a href="http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/08/my-jean-doll.html" target="_blank">As I mentioned</a>, my niece had a 1st birthday party and I was asked to make the cake with a ladybug theme. I did, but I surprised everyone by making the inside <span style="color: #cc0000;">p</span>o<span style="color: #cc0000;">l</span>k<span style="color: #cc0000;">a</span>-<span style="color: #cc0000;">d</span>o<span style="color: #cc0000;">t</span>t<span style="color: #cc0000;">e</span>d<span style="color: #cc0000;">!</span> Here's how it turned out...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hqanTLJR4lCv2CwNPbEv8oJCyCf3roxcrXY2r0z1-iL0eqsUIsvNfsdxGqB2up4a3rzNV3XRvdiCIl1SMi4glA-hiU8ztD5lQcN_4Qg7oww63-GFvQtHHlZpmJpnrGdb1BuA88C72j8/s1600/ladybug5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hqanTLJR4lCv2CwNPbEv8oJCyCf3roxcrXY2r0z1-iL0eqsUIsvNfsdxGqB2up4a3rzNV3XRvdiCIl1SMi4glA-hiU8ztD5lQcN_4Qg7oww63-GFvQtHHlZpmJpnrGdb1BuA88C72j8/s400/ladybug5.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHclxaiset-7Vsq_jqe9RPrsfNOaY4OWttkxSanQ_CeZ_XnsadN4RDGoQiNCPFMyeu7R9tHtr8UwHa8SU02E22tq9n9swgDRzs5JrwDbn8MSojtp2DZ6rkqEuqQHvJ7O3EVWhn1wfBes/s1600/ladybug4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHclxaiset-7Vsq_jqe9RPrsfNOaY4OWttkxSanQ_CeZ_XnsadN4RDGoQiNCPFMyeu7R9tHtr8UwHa8SU02E22tq9n9swgDRzs5JrwDbn8MSojtp2DZ6rkqEuqQHvJ7O3EVWhn1wfBes/s400/ladybug4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">It's crazy how easy this </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">p</span><span style="text-align: start;">o</span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">l</span><span style="text-align: start;">k</span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">a</span><span style="text-align: start;">-</span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">d</span><span style="text-align: start;">o</span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">t</span><span style="text-align: start;"> technique is. First, I used the</span><span style="color: red; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: start;">red velvet cake</span><span style="text-align: start;"> recipe that came with my </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050JRZR2/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0050JRZR2&adid=14JBRE2FNN9ZT2BFM9WD" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Babycakes Cake Pop Maker</a><span style="text-align: start;"> machine which I ordered from Amazon.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050JRZR2/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0050JRZR2&linkCode=as2&tag=thetespeti-20" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31fUMjpnxOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once the<b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">cake pop balls</span></b> were cool, I placed whole and half balls in the cake pans and poured the cake batter (white and <span style="color: #783f04;">chocolate</span>) over them. Bake. Surprisingly, they don't overcook being baked twice! So fun and I love the contrast of the <span style="color: #cc0000;">red</span>/<span style="background-color: white;">white </span>and <span style="color: #cc0000;">red</span>/<span style="color: #783f04;">chocolate</span>! Thanks <a href="http://once-upon-a-pedestal.blogspot.com/2012/05/polka-dot-cake-from-bake-pop-pan.html" target="_blank">Once Upon a Pedestal</a> and <a href="http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/2011/09/polka-dot-cake.html" target="_blank">Snowy Bliss</a> for the inspiration!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QM4uzM3dcZiXAWPYA0h1JDsFXdFqgG8h0O9mnMNfE_SkSHbBk0jU7uj4iNjJlQdEBLOUPe2gsefx2eYCNM27GLQxDKoLdChC7uaCL6KLMrQzyLktpHHmuEtUzi1CTx2OolQ9eEBB7MM/s1600/ladybug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QM4uzM3dcZiXAWPYA0h1JDsFXdFqgG8h0O9mnMNfE_SkSHbBk0jU7uj4iNjJlQdEBLOUPe2gsefx2eYCNM27GLQxDKoLdChC7uaCL6KLMrQzyLktpHHmuEtUzi1CTx2OolQ9eEBB7MM/s400/ladybug2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The<b> cake topper</b> was made using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000VMFGQ/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0000VMFGQ&adid=1R8D7XD571E8GJPKXMDV" target="_blank">Wilton Mini Ball Pan</a>. I used one ball and covered it with fondant. The head of the ladybug is a ball of black fondant and the face was cut from scraps. I cut the eyes out using a round Wilton icing tip, super easy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0WdWuESTlYtcZvOVo65QvCuaghjPSxGdhtdqPeG8QS3uXEuU6BoJ6fCopVnTkqxx-oPA1I_g0Pzi0Li1-IU-02xjxeqRUOihB1SqJAVpA56lzwwRSt1243hp3eykmQdNu8Ol7LFMn6c/s1600/ladybug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0WdWuESTlYtcZvOVo65QvCuaghjPSxGdhtdqPeG8QS3uXEuU6BoJ6fCopVnTkqxx-oPA1I_g0Pzi0Li1-IU-02xjxeqRUOihB1SqJAVpA56lzwwRSt1243hp3eykmQdNu8Ol7LFMn6c/s400/ladybug1.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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The<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <b>red polkadots</b></span> on the white layer believe it or not were cut out using a <u>beer bottle</u>. HA! It was the perfect size and gave the dots a nice rounded edge. Now <i>that </i>is being environmentally friendly... recycling, no... reusing. I'm so <span style="color: #38761d;">green</span>.<br />
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The great <b>flowers </b>on the <span style="color: #cc0000;">red </span>layer<b> </b>are easy to make using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VJS2YG/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000VJS2YG&adid=0KBD4P8VAFQDB2E2QYP0" target="_blank">PME Veined Sunflower, Gerbera & Daisy Cutters</a> with fondant. I used the small one on the cake and the large cutter for the "1". I've used these cutters on three cakes now. I highly recommend them!</div>
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<b>Cake Decorating Supplies</b></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EMYDFA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B007EMYDFA&adid=12X1AC2WX1DGN2GFBKZ4" target="_blank">Wilton Red Fondant</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00086IFLM/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00086IFLM&adid=0FQGXJ0F1Q28F444FVEE" target="_blank">Wilton White Fondant</a></li>
<li><a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/lady-bug-5-box-249995/" target="_blank">Ladybug sugar decorations from Hobby Lobby</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050JRZR2/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0050JRZR2&adid=14JBRE2FNN9ZT2BFM9WD" target="_blank">Babycakes Cake Pop Maker</a>
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000VMFGQ/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0000VMFGQ&adid=1R8D7XD571E8GJPKXMDV" target="_blank">Wilton Mini Ball Pan</a> (for the ladybug body on cake top)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000VMBQU/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0000VMBQU&adid=1TNBDD6SGV7PXAN12C4N" target="_blank">Fondant Smoother</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VJS2YG/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000VJS2YG&adid=0KBD4P8VAFQDB2E2QYP0" target="_blank">PME Veined Sunflower, Gerbera & Daisy Cutter</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009WC4G2/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thetespeti-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0009WC4G2&adid=01ZWR4345P3101C16GYP" target="_blank">Fondant Mat</a> (tape it down with masking tape)</li>
<li>Buttercream frosting</li>
<li>And other misc. baking supplies (like <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802463762&pid=NMG10951&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boncui.com%2Fnmg10951.html%3Fmr%3AtrackingCode%3D29E1299D-BFE8-E111-8FF3-001B21BCC0BC%26mr%3AreferralID%3DNA&usg=AFHzDLsT0HQtPfFyKXKwtRVo7kjPr2qYug&pubid=603369" rel="nofollow">pans</a>, and CAKE)</li>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">And a thanks to </span><a href="http://craftgossip.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #8b8b8b; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; text-decoration: initial;">CraftGossip.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> for showcasing this post!</span></i><br />
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