Easter Cupcakes

I made these adorable cupcakes for my neighbors the other day.

I got the idea from Bakerella and I made them out of homemade sour cream chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting. I used a giant french tip for the green frosting and sprinkled them with big sugar. They were a big hit with the neighbors!

Wishing you a very Happy Easter!

The picture is from Bakerella's blog. Mine were similar but I forgot to take pictures. I was too excited to deliver them to my friends!

Mary Poppins Party

My talented photographer friend, Jennifer Wilson, posted pictures from the Mary Poppins party that I hosted a few weeks ago.

Check out her blog to see more!

She also happens to be Children's Photographer of the Year!

Custom Lettering Transfer

You don't have to be a trained artist to get a custom painted look.

I'm making signs for my Mad Hatter Tea party and I thought I would pass along my technique for custom signs.

First, I pick a font on my computer and print it out. Sometimes I have to enlarge it on my copier machine to get the right size I need.

I turn the copy over and hold it on a window (must be done during the day) to see the lettering and I use a #2 pencil and trace the letters and fill them in with a lot of graphite. I do realize that I can use graphite paper or a light box, but this is cheaper.
Then, I flip the paper over to the right side and tape it on my already painted sign.

Next, I trace over the lettering again so the pressure from the pencil transfers the markings on the back of the paper onto my wood.
Unfortunately, I didn't use a very sharp pencil so the transfer turned out a bit fainter than I like but you get the idea.

Instead of using a paint brush, I use a paint pen. It is a lot easier to control and it's like outlining and coloring when you were a child.

I highlighted it with some white and dark pink paint pens as well.

Now, I just have to seal it and attach it to a post. More on that later!

I used the same technique to create this sign for my Princess party!

Sneak Preview

I've been working VERY hard on putting together my Mad Hatter Tea Party.

I am creating a flamingo croquet set out of 1/4" plywood. I had a local artist draw some images for me and then I jigsawed them out.
Then I enlisted the help of my teenage son to sand the edges.

The Cheshire Cat is my FAVE!

Since I need instant gratification, I sort-of set up the figures I had so far and had the kids give it a little demo. I found stuffed flamingos and I made the balls out of styrofoam balls and covered them with ripped up paper grocery bags and Mod Podge to look like the hedgehog balls.

It worked out really well and the kids had fun!

I need to make more cards and a Tweedle Dee/Tweedle Dum one.

I can't wait to see them when they are painted!

Life is Hard

Life is hard and sometimes you need a little help. My friend Tami is a wife and mother to 5 great kids. She found out 2 weeks ago that her mom had terminal liver cancer and blood clots in her lungs. Her mom died on Monday. To lighten her load, some friends decided to arrange meals for her and her family. Thursday was my turn and I decided to make a Taco Bar.
I made the complete spread...seasoned ground beef, Santa Fe rice, refried beans and Sweet Corn Cake-YUM!

There were even brownies for dessert.

I put all of the "big stuff" in containers I got at Smart n' Final.
I made labels for each item with a cute sombrero.

I also bought the pre-made taco shells and some flowers.

I didn't want her to clean anything up or remember to return something to me.
I supplied disposable tablecloth, plates, napkins, forks and cups. Even the flowers were in festive red plastic cups so there are no vases to clean and return.

I got this cute divided tray at the 99 cent store for Tami to keep.
When I delivered the meal, I set the table for her. Her youngest daughter Kylee, age 5, immediately marked her territory by writing her name on her cup and napkin. I told her that she could do the same for the rest of her family and be my "party helper". She giggled with excitement. I was so glad I could lighten the load for my friend.

Do you know some one who could use your help?
Someone who is recovering from an illness?
Lost their job? Lost a loved one? Lost their home?

The best feeling in the world is to make a difference in someone's life
and we could all use some help.

Farewell to Stella!

Stella has been visiting here in Southern California since the beginning of March. I'm so glad that she was here to welcome Spring. As a farewell gift, I made Stella a bed (sleeping bag and pillow) so that she will be more comfortable traveling.
She loved my neighbors pink flowers.

She even played a game of hide-and-seek.
Can you see her?

She loved the smell of my Wisteria!

And my Meyer Lemon Tree blossoms!

I gave Stella that purple party hat because I am "The Party Queen" :)

Stella's next stop is OKLAHOMA! Sing it with me...

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A...Oklaho--MA!

Visit her on Darlene's blog.

I hope Stella had a good time even though I had to quarantine her when I was sick.

Childhood Crush

I love this!!! When I was 8 years old (1973) I saw Davy Jones as the Artful Dodger on stage at the Dorothy Chandler in "Oliver". I loved him on The Monkees and this was my first introduction to live theatre. Of course, I'm a big Brady Bunch fan. I wanted to be Marcia probably because she was on the "Entertaining committee" for the prom---so me!