FUN Easter Treats!

FUN Easter 

CUPCAKE BOUQUET 

and 

Bunny Lane Cake Decoration

This year Mom and I  decided to actually complete some of the cute Easter Ideas we saw in different magazines.  The flower cupcake bouquet is inspired  by an article from "Family Circle" and the Bunny Lane Cake Decoration is from "All You" 

If you're planning to make both desserts, we used 1 box of yellow cake mix and 1 can of Whipped Cream Icing.  Makes 12 Cupcakes and 1 thin cake (9x13)

FLOWER CUPCAKE BOUQUET

**Makes 24 cupcakes with entire box, I split the recipe in half)**

Ingredients:

1 yellow cake mix

1 can Whipped Cream Icing

1 10 oz bag Small Marshmallows

Sugar Crystal Sprinkles (variety of colors)

**NOTE if you buy PASTEL colors, Mix drops of food coloring in to create a greater variety of colors**

Steps:

-Use Easter Cupcake Liners

-Bake and ICE

FLOWER PETALS

-CUT marshmallows diagonally 

**ABOUT 25 per cupcake**

-Dip marshmallows in crystal sprinkles

LINE cupcakes with PETALS starting on the outside and working your way in.  It's a good Idea to alternate colors.  Ex) Light blue, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Dark Blue etc...

BUNNY LANE CAKE DECORATION

Ingredients:

1 yellow cake mix

1 can Whipped Cream Icing

Twinkies

Mint Life Savers

Edible, Decorative Pearls

Bunny Peeps

Traditional Peeps

Robin Egg Candy

Bag of Skittles (tropical)

Small Bag of Coconut

Edible Easter Grass (from Wal Mart)

Steps:

-Bake a yellow cake in 9x13 pan 

-Flip over onto platter

-ICE Cake

CREATE THE ROAD

-Use Toothpick to trace the pattern of the road

-Use Edible Pearls for the Outline

-Place the Skittles ('S' down) alternating colors to create a cobblestone effect

BUNNY CARS

-Unwrap 2 Twinkies

-Use Icing to attach the LifeSaver Wheels

-Fill in the center of wheels with icing, Attach the Edible Pearl to fill the hole

-Cut bottom of Bunny Peeps (to make them look like they're sitting)

-Attach the Bunnies (front seat and back seat) with toothpicks

GRASS

DYE COCONUT for 'grass'

-Place 1/2 coconut in plastic zip lock bag

-Add 2 Drops Green Food Coloring

-Shake

-Spread coconut around the road

BIRDS NEST

**If you can't locate edible Easter grass, use string licorice**

-Place Nest at the end of the road

-Fill with 3 Blue Robin Eggs (candy)

-Place Peep on top

Lastly place your cars on the road, post your photos in the COMMENTS Section and ENJOY!

DIY Candy Crush Costume

Anyone else as addicted to Candy Crush Saga as I am?!?  If you don't know what that is, it's a game app on your smart phone or facebook.  And I apologize for introducing it to you....you will get sucked in....But it's a fun way to pass the time and take a quick break from work!

I spent a little extra time creating this costume since last year Hurricane Sandy had her own Halloween plans....

Costume Parts:
Homemade Pink Circle Skirt with an exposed zipper 
Candy Crush Belt 
Pink Halter Top with Ribbons, Buttons and 'collar' 
Blonde Wig
Red Bow

Make your own circle Skirt
This was a lot easier than I expected it to be.  I purchased cheap cotton fabric that was $2 a yard

LINK TO EASY CIRCLE SKIRT INSTRUCTIONS

On my skirt, I used some leftover white fabric to line it.  It's several inches shorter than the base of the skirt so it gives it a nice, lifted look.  I cut the lining in the same way as the skirt, hemmed it and sewed both waistlines together.  The bottom flows freely underneath.

Then I added a waistband in the same fabric using Stitch Witchery and Binding.  I just cut a strip of fabric the length of my waist with an extra seam allowance and double the width that I wanted it.  On my skirt, I made it 1 1/2 inches, so I cut the width at 3 inches.  I ironed over both of the edges, placed the binding inside, and sealed it with Stitch Witchery.  I then hand sewed the waistband.  I love invisible seams.

I also used Stitch Witchery to make the hem look seamless on the pink fabric.

My zipper is exposed and I sewed it over the edges of the waistband.  I used purple with a gold zipper so it looked whimsical like the candy.  Also, I thought this would be a fun addition to my wardrobe for the summertime!

Candy Crush Belt

I googled an image of the game board and printed it a few times on photo paper.  Then I cut out the strips of the candy the length of my waistline.  I cut a piece of fabric the same length and used Stitch Witchery to iron them on.  I trimmed the excess fabric and just did loose stitches in 3 areas on the waistband so as to not ruin the skirt.  One in the center and one on either side of the zipper.

Pink Halter Top

I already owned this, so it was easy to embellish.  I had some peach scrap material.  I cut it in the shape of her collar and hand sewed the top to the neckline.  The rest of the fabric flows freely.  You can use any buttons but I covered mine with fabric that matched and sewed it on.  Then I took the magenta ribbon and make my crisscross pattern.  I pinned it while I was wearing it.  Sewed the edges down properly and then just did a few loose stitches throughout so that it stayed on.

Blonde Wig

I used a synthetic blonde wig that I borrowed from a friend.  She is a designer so she helped style it using hair rats inside the pigtails.  That gave it the puffed out look.  

Red Bow

This part is the most adorable in my opinion.  I may wear it after Halloween, lol, or possibly attach it to a bag.  I had a red bow tie laying around.  I separated the strap and used the bow.   Then I printed the candy crush logo on photo paper.  I used markers and puff paint to make the colors really pop.  When it dried, I cut it out and reinforced it by gluing it to a piece of white card stock and cut it out.   Then I folded several inches of red thread so it was in a group of three.  I lined the back of the logo with glue again, placed the thread on it and attached another piece of card stock; cut it out.  I used the thread to to loop through the center of the bow.  You can tie it off or sew it in.  Then I sewed the bow into the center of the wig.

I had pink tights and pink flats and was ready to celebrate!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/357191814167186992/

Get Creative in the Garden!

Get Creative in the Garden!

Find old furniture and turn it into planters.    In this case I used two dresser drawers, stack them and attach with wood glue, Drill drainage holes in the bottom, Fill with organic soil and enjoy!  (When it rains there will extra weight on the bottom of the drawer, you may want to place cinder blocks below to hold the weight.)  I also planted in antique watering cans and gave old wood a fresh can of paint using two tones of brown.  http://pinterest.com/goingrl/create/

Reupholster Dining Room Table Chairs

Reupholster Dining Room Table Chairs

I got this great table and chairs set on a craigslist sale for a great price, but for a year the stained cushions have been driving me crazy!  Finally, I set out to change that.  It's so easy I couldn't believe it.

Things you'll need:

1. Staple Gun $10 ( I went to Home Depot and purchased a 'light duty' staple gun)

2. Staples $3 (Ask for help if you're confused.  I had to make a return because I got the wrong kind)

3. Screw Driver

4. Fabric (Enough to have at least 1/2 inch go past the bottom of the chair)

I used the fabric from two decorative pillows. Use a seam ripper to remove the stuffing and separate the squares of fabric.  You have 4 pieces of fabric now. Remove chair cushion with a screw driver, use a staple gun to secure the fabric, screw the cushion back on and you have a beautiful chair! I used the left over stuffing to plum up the decorative pillows I currently use on my bed. No material was wasted.
http://pinterest.com/goingrl/create/