Thursday, April 26, 2012

Hello Birdie! Hand Painted Mugs


Today I'm introducing you to one of my favorite crafts...hand-painted mugs!  Last weekend I finished an order of 25 mugs for a baby shower, and I just have to share this so you can try it too...

{Hand Painted Mugs}

Supplies:
-Ceramic or stone mug ($2-$3 at HomeGoods)
-Black & red ceramic paint (Porcelaine 150 brand recommended. Available at some Michaels, JoAnns, or on Etsy)
-Paint brush (or other tool with round edge)
First, use the black paint marker to create the main branch.  I try to create a wavy line that starts thick at the bottom of the mug and winds around the mug, getting thinner as it goes.
Next, create side branches that stem off the main branch.  {Troubleshooting} at the bottom has tips.
Now add a little birdie!  I'm horrible at drawing (no really, you should see me playing Draw Something!!!), so I appreciate how easy these birds are...oval body, two lines for the tail, two lines for the legs, and a little triangle beak.
Now the fun part!  Open a jar of red paint and dip the end of the paint brush.
Gently touch the paint against the branches to create tiny cherry blossoms.
Let the paint sit for 4 hours.  Then place the mug in the oven (turned off), close the oven, set to 350 degrees, and remove after 30 minutes.  This allows the mug to gradually heat up as the oven warms up.  Now you are free to microwave, wash in the dishwasher, and most importantly start the day of right, drinking from your custom mug! 

 These are so fun to personalize with a name, note, or favorite quote!
Perfect for your favorite LOVE BIRDS!
Or change it up and decorate a platter! 
If you try it please send me a picture...I would love to see your creative ideas :)

{Troubleshooting}
Good news: If you mess up, just use a damp paper towel to wipe off whatever you don't want, dry it, and start over!  Also, those pens can be feisty, especially at first! I keep a piece of scrap paper nearby to help with ink flow - feel free to shake/push down on the pen until you have the right consistency.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Say I Do... to Oreo Cake Pops!

Congratulations to Whitney & Collin Norrbom who tied the knot last weekend!  In addition to being an amazing, fun-loving couple, they sure know how to plan a party.  Let's just say my calves are still sore 3 days later from all of the dancing!  I had the privilege of accenting their classy & cheerful wedding with bright orange, pink, and green Oreo cake pops.  If you haven't tried making cake pops, check out the original recipe here.  Oreo pops are my favorite because they are a simple and sinfully delicious twist on the original!

If you're looking for a fun way to present cake pops for a wedding, party, or gift, I've got some good news for your wallet - all the supplies can be purchase at the dollar store! Just pick up jars or mugs, styrofoam, ribbon and shredded paper at the 99 cent store, Target, or craft store.  Cut the styrofoam so it just fits inside the jar or mug.  Stuff shredded paper or tissue paper around the styrofoam, and decorate with ribbon.  It's that simple!

I had a blast doing this project, and the guests seemed to be quite pleased... let's just say the cake pops were all gone before dinner ;)  Thanks to mom for helping with the prep & hubby for sampling, set up, and photography.


{Oreo Cake Pops}
Ingredients:
1 package Double-Stuff Oreos
1 package cream cheese, room temperature
1 package white chocolate candy pieces (14 oz)
25 Candy Sticks
Sprinkles
Vegetable Oil
Styrofoam block

1. Crush the Oreos with a food processor or blender.  Beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Mix in Oreos
2. Roll into small balls (approx. 1.5" diameter).  Melt 5 chocolates (30-45 seconds).  Dip 1/2" of stick in chocolate, then insert in Oreo ball (this helps it stick).  Place on wax-paper lined baking tray and freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Remove Oreo pops from freezer.  In a mug or tall glass, mix remaining chocolates with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and microwave in 30 second increments until melted.  Insert Oreo pop into chocolate.  Spin/tap on edge of glass to remove excess chocolate.  Immediately coat with sprinkles if desired.  Chill on styrofoam block.  Enjoy!
Click here for the recipe for original cake pops.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Weddings, Babies, and Birthdays - Oh My!

Spring is here, and that means lots of babies, birthdays, and of course weddings!  These past few weeks have jam-packed with fun projects.  Here's a taste of the latest crafts & eats...

Baby shower invites...

...and more baby shower invites

Saint Patty's Day cake pops - Chocolate & Guinness cake + Baily's Irish Cream coating

Poker Nigh cake pops -
didn't get a photo, but they were pretty awesome with these mini 1" cards from JoAnn's:



and my all-time favorite... Bachelorette Party cake pops!

I don't know where the month of March went, but it sure was fun!
April is already in full swing...more to come :)