Happy First Birthday, Gabe

I know I haven't blogged in a while, so it is time to play catch up. My cupcake business seems to be taking off. A college friend hired me to make treats for her son's first birthday. There really wasn't a theme for the party, so I tried matching the cupcakes to the invitation, which had candles all over it.

This is what I came up with. I made individual candles out of royal icing to top the cupcakes, which were chocolate and strawberry. They look a little creepy on the wax paper, but looked cute on the cupcakes.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the cupcakes, especially the kids. It was neat to see the candles dye their tongues blue, green and red. But most important, the birthday boy had a great time playing with the frosting and cake.

Happy 1st birthday, Gabe! And thank you for letting me be a part of the celebration, Isabel.

Give a Hoot, Heather Is Having A Baby Shower!

My good friend, Heather, is pregnant. She is expecting a beautiful baby girl in the next few weeks. Over the weekend, a baby shower was held for her. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it. I did, however, send my love to the mom-to-be in the form of cupcakes. 

Anyone who knows Heather, knows how much she loves owls. So I used that, plus the fact that the nursery is decorated in pink and brown, to create these adorable cupcake wrappers. 

As for the cupcakes, I went pink. Strawberry cake with pink cream cheese frosting.

I had no idea what the other decorations would be at the shower, but as you can see my creation fit in beautifully.

I also channeled my inner craft diva to create a gift for Heather and baby Avery. I wanted to do something personal that would last throughout her childhood. So I made her a quilt.

Here is the fabric I used. Notice the owl theme carried over into this project too.

Here are some of the inner squares I put together for the quilt.

And here is the finished product!

From what I have been told, Heather loves the quilt. And it matches the sheets in her bassinet, which makes me very happy! I was worried because the colors were so far off the nursery design.

Guests were also asked to bring a book for baby Avery and to sign the inside. My book selection was prompted by one of my favorite quotes, which I included in my inscription. 

Quote written inside: 

"Promise me you'll always remember...

You are braver than you believe,

and stronger than you seem,

and smarter than you think."

~Christopher Robin to Winnie-The-Pooh

I hope Heather had a wonderful baby shower full of love, family and good friends. I am excited to meet baby Avery. There is no doubt in my mind Heather will make a wonderful mother. Congratulations Heather and Ryan!