Co-op Craft

On Monday I led our small co-op in creating this Tiffany style art project.  I was efficient enough to gather all the materials, but unfortunately not so with-it that I brought my camera.  Thus, there are no pictures of the process or any finished artwork besides Rebecca's.

 

 I followed the instructions on Kids and Glitter--visit there for the details.  The children drew simple designs on cardboard and glued yarn onto the outlines.  The yarn was covered with foil, then colored with permanent markers and outlined with black Sharpies.  If the cardboard is cut to the suggested 6 1/2" x 9" it can be attached to colored cardstock to frame the picture.

We followed the suggested Lenten theme, but this technique can be used to make all sorts of beautiful images.  Enjoy!

Today's Motto

From today's morning prayer:

Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments,
but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.

 This year's Christmas puzzle

Comment Change

Previously, a commenter here needed to have a Google account.  I've changed my settings so that is no longer necessary.  I'm moderating though (to keep spam out), so your comment won't show up immediately.

Anniversary Cake

For Lauren's roommate/bridesmaid's parents' 25th . . . a surprise party!

Inside:  almond cake and raspberry jam

Outside:  French buttercream with chocolate ganache

Baker's details:

• The tiers are 6", 8", and 10" in diameter.
• In previous cakes, my 8" layers have been noticeably shorter than the others.  I put in the recommended amount of batter, but it wasn't right.  This time I calculated pan volumes and scaled back the batter for the 6" and 10" pans.  I'd say the overall proportion is the best I've made.
• The Cornelli lace design is simple (learned from a Wilton yearbook ages ago):  randomly squiggle the icing without letting it cross over itself.  (That doesn't mean it's quick to do--just simple!)
• I've used the lace in color to accent cakes before, but this is only the second time I've piped it with ganache.  I love the look--sophisticated and elegant.  Last time I used it just on the side of a cake, but I love how beautiful the lace looks when it drapes over the top edge.
• Lace bonus:  the under-icing doesn't need to be perfectly smooth.  Of course, mine is . . . cough-cough.
• A and I had planned to set a picture on top, but once all the chocolate was installed, the cake really needed a pop of color.  Spray roses to the rescue!

 Before:  elegant, yes, but don't you agree it needed the roses?