Buttercream Cupcakes

Today, let's talk about cakes. There's a current cake trend that I am absolutely head over heels in love with. They're made of buttercream flowers. Here, take a look:

via Nana Cake

via The Cake Blog

via bossacafez

Aren't these breathtaking? Who would not love to receive a cake like this? I wanted to try my hand at making these, perhaps in a smaller scale using cupcakes.

I made some frosting, tinted it with some food color, and piped different kinds of flowers (on a square of parchment paper). You'll find lots of tutorials on making buttercream flowers like here and here. Then I put the tray of flowers in the freezer to help set them up and makes them easier to handle. 

Then I put them on top of cupcakes (the cupcakes had a thin layer of white frosting). Because the flowers came from the freezer, I just peeled off the parchment square and gently placed each flower on the cupcake. I used a spatula to help me. Then I piped some leaves in the empty spaces.

It was my first attempt and I'm quite pleased with the results. It's a lot of work! But this style of frosting turns any cake or cupcake from blah to TADA!

Forever Blooms

Just as the flowers are starting to bloom, I've plotted an evil way to preserve them. I apologize for the villainous thoughts, but reminders of spring are what I want to hold on to when the winter months roll around.

Here are some flowers, pressed in between newspaper and weighted with books. I like how the colors remain vibrant!

Adding them to trimmed cardstock allows these dried beauties to shine. Just attach them with glue and let dry for a few hours.

They make nice gift tags or a little surprise tucked inside a book or lunch box, left on a desk or computer monitor. TADA!

I hope you'll get to spread (and receive) some love this week!

Treats for Sharing

I love to bake! I'll bake something whenever I have the chance or if some bananas need rescuing.

I'm always up for trying a new banana bread recipe.

And the one I made is from this book. A healthier alternative is a good option, don't you think? 

The white sugar is reduced in favor of overly ripe bananas. They give a deep, caramel flavor. Each bite was moist and the walnuts added the right crunch.

What's the use of baking if it isn't shared?

With the help of some paper bags...

And some hand-stamped labels...

Slices of banana bread became ready for gifting.

Don't forget to write what's inside.

I bet these will turn my friends' day from blah to TADA!

Decorating a Shelf

Hello there lovelies!

I'm in the process of spring cleaning and re-decorating. And if like me, you live in an apartment, every inch of space is precious.

Little nooks like the space above a door are prime real estate. It's a good place to add a shelf! 

I have a lot of books. They are useful references and add soul to a home.

If you'll notice, I have a travel theme going on here.

On each end are framed postcards from two of my favorite cities, Paris and London. The vase, I think has so much character on its own.

Creating a space for objects that hold a lot of meaning, I think that's blah to TADA!

Happy Easter

What a beautiful day for new beginnings! I received an Easter greeting in the mail and I just have to share it with you:

Isn't it lovely? This thoughtful card came from same family who gave me this. 

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! 

Hunny Bunny Easter Treat

Today, a little Easter craft that doubles as a token to share.

We're not making cookies! I took out these cookie cutters to use as a pattern. 

I trace the body of the gingerbread boy onto paper.

I'll replace the boy's head with a bunny face.

Now we have a bunny! TADA!

Of course, as an alternative, you can draw one freehand or download a stencil from the web.

Time to personalize with paint.

Add a chocolate egg to the center. Secure it with double-sided tape. 

Fold the bunny's arms and attach these to the edges of the chocolate egg with more tape or hot glue. 

It's like the bunny is hugging the chocolate.

And he's ready to give it to you! TADA!

Have a Happy Easter!

Easter Cupcakes

Easter is coming up on March 27. And I thought it proper to share a seasonally-appropriate craft, 'no? 

Let's turn these cupcakes from blah to TADA!

I'm using these candy eggs and vanilla frosting to decorate the cupcakes.

The vanilla frosting is tinted in a light shade of green using food color. I'm using decorating tip #233 to give a grass effect.

Once the grass has been piped, just top with the eggs.

I like the pastel speckles on the eggs!

Another version uses flowers made of royal icing.

A small yellow accent to herald spring.

These cupcakes are ready to party!