Never Enough Time

Easter Table with Panoramic Eggs

2011-03-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of an Easter table that I made to display panoramic eggs.

The eggs were a workshop that I taught for my mini club. I found a bead that was the right size for the egg.

Then I made a mold of a half-egg. I formed a front and back egg from polymer clay. The base is a jewelry finding. I glued the egg together and put the bunny inside on some polymer clay grass. I added a clay bow and rosette. After baking and cooling, I "sugared" the egg with glitter and then the "icing" was piped on the egg.

This egg has a little chick inside along with some jelly beans.

This Easter table was made by my friend Jeannette. She did such a wonderful job!

Chocolate Cabinet Finished

2010-11-27T21:14:00.000-08:00

This Chocolate cabinet kit is by Lisa Engler of Lisa's Little Things.

She doesn't have all of her kits on her website.

If you e-mail her, she can e-mail you brochures of kits that she has available.

Her kits are exquisite. I did bash this kit a little by adding some of my own items.

The chocolates I made from polymer clay.

The tulips were a gift from Maurice from my miniature club.

I made the bunny teapot from polymer clay.

The little glass jars are filled with sweets.

Have a chocolate and enjoy!

Mini hugs,

Donna

Le Coeur de la Maison Roombox

2010-10-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

This picture is of the original Whitledge Burgess room box that our workshop was modeled after.

The class was held in Glendale, Wisconsin. There were 10 students in the class. Here is a photo of the box when I was installing the ceiling.

The floor was 300 cut pieces of textured wallpaper that I individually painted to look like Terra cotta flooring. The wood was all faux finished with burnt umber oil paint and liquin on book board.
The rectangle holes in the wall will have two 144th scale room boxes installed....room boxes for my room box.

The cabinets are being installed. We built all of the cabinets, stove, refrigerator, etc....The marble counter top and back splash are wallpaper that I gave a high gloss glaze shine.

This is the back of the box for access to the lighting. In the large space, I am building a greenhouse that you will be able to see from the french doors.

The kitchen is looking good. At the end of the class, I still have most of the upper trim and crown molding to install. Ray and Scott are wonderful teachers. The students learn so many techniques and skills.

I look forward to showing you more photos as I progress with the finishing details.

Mini hugs,

Donna

Halloween treat Giveaway Winners

2010-10-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winners of my Halloween treats platter and candy corn dish.

This morning, before school, my daughter drew the two winners names.

Karin F

http://orrlakemusings.blogspot.com/

and

Fab Shabby Rose
http://fabshabbyroses.blogspot.com/

Please stop by and congratulate them!

Mini hugs,
Donna

Halloween Treats GIVEAWAY

2010-09-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Halloween, I am having TWO "Halloween treat Giveaways".

Both platters offer pecan topped fudge brownies, cinnamon sugar powdered donuts, caramel and candied apples along with an assortment of candies.

Each tray comes with a bowl or dish of delicious candy corn!

For a chance to win one of these Halloween treat trays and candy corn bowl,

please leave a comment on my blog answering the following question.

If you were to dress up for a Halloween party this year, what would your costume be?

Two winners with be announced on October 8th.

Good Luck!

Donna

Gifts From my New Friend

2010-09-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

I would like to share with you a pictures of these beautiful gifts from my new friend, Jeanette.

She e-mailed me with a question about a workshop that I had taken. After e-mailing back and forth a few times, we realized that we only lived about 20 minutes away from each other!

Now, what are the chances of that!

And to makes it even more ironic, she is a teddy bear artist like myself!

How thrilled I was to make a friend that lives so close to me with so much in common .

Please stop by her blog for a visit

http://jrbcreations.blogspot.com/

Donna

More progress on Fair Rosemond's Bower

2010-09-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Painting the stone and brickwork was a fun but tedious task.

In this photo I am starting to work on the many shingles on the roof.
They are made of paperclay.

Now that the painting is done, I will finish the roof and then tackle the landscaping and

add the water under the bridge.

Rik Pierce is teaching another wonderful class at the Chicago International in April 2011.

I highly recommend his classes. You learn a great deal and have fun too.

Donna

New Purchases for my Roomboxes

2010-05-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this crate of grapes from Tiny Towne Hawaii at the Chicago International.

They look perfect in my wine cellar.
The tray of cheese, wine and grapes were from Janet at Tiny Towne Hawaii also.
She was so kind to add more of the purple grapes on the platter while I waited.

These exquisite desserts are from The English Kitchen. If I buy two or three of her desserts a year, my patisserie should be filled ......eventually!

My favorite is the center cake which has a chocolate grand piano on top.

Enjoy,

Donna

Taste of Chocolate kit finished

2010-04-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

I finally finished a kit from the wonderful Lisa Engler of Lisa's Little Things.

This kit is called "Taste of Chocolate".

The display is placed in my patisserie.

Lisa's kits are wonderful. I might be her biggest fan.

I just received a package in the mail today with a few more of her kits for another bakery room box that I am currently working on.

Here is a closeup of the pretty chocolates that are displayed in the heart candy box.

MMMMMmmmm. Have a chocolate and enjoy!

Mini hugs,

Donna

Chicago workshop with Rik Pierce

2010-04-27T10:42:00.001-07:00

"Fair Rosemond's Bower" is the name of the workshop that I took at the Chicago International.

Rik Pierce is a kind, down-to-earth man and a great teacher.

I learned so much in the class that I feel it was well worth the price of the workshop.

We worked from 8 o'clock in the morning until late at night for four days.

In class, I completed some of the paper clay on the exterior of the structure. Here at home, I am working on finishing the stone work. After I complete applying all of the paper clay, pressing in individual stone shapes, and cleaning the grout lines, I will be ready to give the stone a watered down wash of black and dark burnt umber paint to tone down the white of the paper clay. Then I will start to add washes of color to the stones.

Rik supplied everything for the class. He gave us all of the paper clay, the tools, and even the board, tile and a piece of plastic pipe to roll the paper clay to the right thickness.

This photo is of the ground floor interior that I finished in class. The base of the structure is just foam core board and surprisingly lightweight. I still have to add the flooring.

This photo is of the upper level. We learned to distress the timbers in class with a make-shift saw blade. We also leaned to make the stained glass windows. One of my favorite techniques is the plaster covering some of the brickwork.

I will keep posting photos as I make progress. When it is finished, the house will sit in a wood base supplied by Rik.

If you ever get a chance to take one of his workshops, jump at the chance!

Have a great day,

Donna

Finished Old Shoe House

2010-04-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

These are photos of the Old Shoe House that I completed. It is a Quarter scale house kit from Suzanne and Andrews Miniatures. They make wonderful kits in quarter scale.

The third floor is the dormitory and bathroom for all of the Old woman's children.

The second floor is the living room. The kitchen is in the shoe part. You can barely see in there unless you have a flashlight but I put a stove and dry sink in there anyhow.

The landscaping was so much fun. I added grass, a brick path, hollyhocks, vines and even made some trees from twisted wire.

Now that I have finished this project, I am working on the Pickett Hill in Quarter

Scale from Suzanne and Andrews Miniatures and Fair Rosemond's Bower from a workshop that I just took with Rik Pierce. I will be posting photos of my progress soon.

Old Shoe Quarter Scale House in Progress

2010-02-18T07:28:00.001-08:00

This is my first attempt working in quarter scale. What a joy!

I have had so much fun making this Old Shoe House from a kit by Suzanne and Andrews Miniatures. www.andrewsmini.com

I still have quite a bit to do.
There are trees and shrubs, more flowers and yard furniture to add.

For the brick work I used a quarter scale brick mold and spackling paste.

This is glued over a foam core base. Then I added lots of moss, grass and dirt.

Some of the interior is completed but not enough to show yet.

I will post photos when I finish.

If you haven't tried quarter scale....it is fun!

The best part is that you can fit several houses on one shelf!

My Perfect Vintage

2009-12-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

Here are photos of my Perfect Vintage room box. I made this in November at a Whitelege-Burgess class in Wisconsin. I still need to go pick up the mat board to complete the frame.

This class was non-stop work from 8am - 5pm for three days. It was a blast!
I wanted to give it a french country feel. The class learned to age the walls and woodwork. This was done mainly with washes of acrylic paints and burnt umber oil paint and liquin.
We also learned to add subtle layers of paint to give the floor tiles an aged cut tile look. The floor "tiles" are wallpaper.

I love this stairway that goes to nowhere!

This is the wine cellar room. I still have to fill it with more wine bottles. I need to purchase a picture portrait light to light the picture over the bar area.

This is the tasting room area. I am waiting on the matching bespaq chair and I am still looking for a cabinet that will look better in this room than the one I have displayed. I painted and antiqued the bespaq sideboard. The curtains and curtain rod were fun to make and hang.

The window is lit from behind with a scene of a fountain.

The wine bottle holder is from J Getzan. I printed the pictures from the Internet and re sized them to fit in the painted frames.

There are many little details to finish and accessories to add, but I just wanted to share what I have finished so far.

Enjoy,

Donna

2009-12-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

Here are photos that I wanted to share of my patisserie decorated for the Holidays.

This beautiful assortment of cookies in a striped box is from Wee Little West.
Decorating for Christmas, I brought out presents, Christmas cakes and candies and Gingerbread houses.

In my kitchen, a red velvet cake by Kim's Minis is displayed. I made the cupcake progress board.

This doll is named "Annie' from Pat Melvin. My husband surprised me with her on Christmas morning. He also gave me money to take a Whitledge/Burgess large room box class in the fall.

I just love the patisserie decorated for Christmas.

Come in and enjoy!

Donna

Christmas Gift Exchange from Reisl

2009-12-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

How thrilled I was to open my gift from the Christmas mini swap.

My gifts were packaged creatively in a Ball jar.

I wondered why the wrapped box was so heavy!

Look at these adorable acorn birdhouses. The top of the jar was wrapped with mini mushrooms on wire.

Inside the jar were more gifts. This wonderful snowman stole my heart.

Look at the tiny bunny!

Also, I received an aged pot filled with tiny mushrooms.
There was also a silver tray and gold jingle bells.

Thank you so much Reisl for the wonderful gifts!
I am very impressed with your talent.
Mini hugs,
Donna

Candy Christmas Tree

2009-12-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

For years I have been collecting candy themed ornaments for my Christmas tree.

Each ornament has something to do with food or candy.

There are a few exceptions of hand-made ornaments that my children made in school.

My daughter helped me decorate it this year. We usually hang "real" candy canes on it but this year we strung ribbon candy for the tree. The kids just come up and break off a piece when they want a sweet!

Happy Holidays to you!

Christmas Cupcakes in Progress

2009-12-04T06:42:00.001-08:00

Here is a photo of my Christmas cupcake preperation board.

I used Christel's molds to make the cupcakes and then topped them with candy

that I made.

Enjoy!

Miniature club workshop for October

2009-10-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

This month at the miniature club that I am a member, I got to teach my first workshop.

For October, I chose Halloween goodies.

There were 18 club members in attendance. Everyone was enthusiastic and did a great job making their goodies.

These photos are of my samples I used for the workshop.

Trick or Treat!

A Tin of Christmas Candy

2009-10-07T14:38:00.001-07:00

This tin of Christmas candy was a kit that I assembled.

All of the candies came in canes and I just had to slice and arrange them.

The box is painted, trimmed and decorated.

This is getting me in the mood for Christmas already.

Mini Hugs,

Donna

Chocolate Decadence

2009-10-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

These tray of gourmet desserts are from the Chocolate Decadence workshop that I took at the NAME convention. This class was taught by Carl Bronsdon.

We didn't get everything finished in the class, so I had to finish some desserts and assemble everything at home.
We made black and white cookies, checkerboard cookies, cream puffs, pears in chocolate cups, layered desserts, white chocolate rose topped cupcakes, and brownies on this tray.

Here is the tiered assortment of gourmet desserts displayed in my patisserie.

This class was so much fun and I did learn quite a bit of information.

Enjoy!

Donna

Tray of Sweet Treats

2009-09-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I worked on this kit of sweet treats.

I recieved this kit from Carl Bronsdon at a theme luncheon during the NAME convention.

All of the treats were pre-made by Carl. I just had to arrange everything in a pleasing manner.

This tray is now displayed in my shabby chic bakery.

If you are going to the Tom Bishop Chicago International in April next year, the workshops are now listed on their site, http://www.tombishop.com/.

I signed up for the Rik Pierce workshop, "Fair Rosemond's Bower".

Can't wait!

Have a great day,

Donna

Birthday Presents

2009-08-30T13:37:00.001-07:00

For my birthday my husband to me to the Chicago miniature show yesterday.

For his first show, he handled it suprisingly well.

My first present is this doll made by Pat Melvin.

When I saw her I knew she would be perfect for my shabby bakery.

The cake stand in the center is from J. Getzan.

I put two cakes on it that were made by Miniatures by Rachel.

My presents...and husband are the best!

Enjoy your day!

Donna

Bunny teapot and treats

2009-08-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was busy making this bunny teapot. She is holding a rose which is the spout.

The head comes off and the teapot is hollow inside.
Here is the teapot displayed in my patisserie.
It is actually a little big, measuring just over 1" tall.
The next one I need to make a "hare" smaller.

Grab a pastry and have a cup of tea!

Tommorow my husband is taking me to a miniature show in Chicago.
For my birthday, he agreed to take me a buy me a present at the show.
I will post my birthday present soon.
Mini hugs,
Donna

Pumpkin and Bunny teapots

2009-08-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of little teapots that I have been making the past few days.

The pumpkin teapot was fun to make.
I intended the bunny to be peaking out of a tree stump but I don't think I have quite captured that image. Perhaps it looks more like a acorn?
But this is my first teapot that opens and is hollow...so that is a plus.
Painting the face was quite a challange.
Anyway, have a cup of tea and enjoy!
Donna

Scenes From My Patisserie

2009-08-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I would share some scenes from my patisserie.

This photo is a view out of the window onto the garden. The ruffled wedding cake is displayed on a pedestal.
This scene shows the birdhouse teapot that I made last week next to a tea box that I received at the NAME convention. This was one of my favorite exchanges I returned home with.
The tea box is filled with individual tea packets. The top of the box is laser cut with the names of the tea. Until I make my tea shop room box, the teapots and tea box will be displayed in my patisserie.

This scene is of a truffle tower that I made about a month ago. There are dark chocolate and hazelnut truffles with red rose accents. A small box of luxury chocolates sits nearby.

I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Donna

For the Birds

2009-08-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was supposed to be cleaning house and getting ready for a cookout but I got sidetracked creating this little birdhouse teapot.

I am so pleased with how cute it turned out.

I should have put a dime next to it so you can see how tiny it is at only 5/8" tall.

Now....off to make another one!

Donna

Still playing with clay...little witch and her kitty

2009-08-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

This is a little witch doll holding her kitty that I made a few days ago.

As you can see, I still need more practice. But I have come a long way.

She stands just over 1" tall.

I almost have my 20 Valentines dolls completed. Since the Mini club party is this weekend, I better get the final two done.

I took this photo with my NEW camera! I was using a simple Kodak pocket camera and my close-up shots were mostly blurry. This camera is awsome.

I asked Kim at Its a Wonderful Life, what camera that she used because her pictures are great.

I bought a Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 and I am very satisfied with the macro shots.

Plus it is a super cool camera!!!!

Donna

Photo challenge from Marsha

2009-08-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, I was asked to go to my picture file, pick file number 4 and photo number 4 in that file. This is the picture that I found. Then I have to explain a little about it.

Lucky that I got a good photo! Many of them are not in focus.

Her name is "English Rose". I created her from dusty rose colored mohair. I listed her on Ebay and she was adopted and went to live in Belgium.

Now, I will send the challenge to four more.......

I apoligize if you have already been challenged.

Teresa at MiniMadWoman

Shannon at Shannons Mini Blog

Marlies at Marlies en Minies

Eva at Evas miniatyrer

thanks!

Dahlias in Bloom

2009-08-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share another interest besides miniatures that I love.

Last year I started growing dahlias. Ideally I craved a rose garden but where we live in rural Indiana, the Japanese beetle destroys the blooms as quick as they come.

They still bother the dahlias but not as bad.

I started the tubers indoors for an earlier bloom.

This dahlia is called "Miss Delilah" from Swan Island Dahlias.

My dahlia garden in bloom.

Here are some smaller dahlias mixed with petunias.

At 4' tall, this "Tempest" dahlia is one of my favorites.

Another great thing about dahlias is that in the late fall I can dig them up and store them for next year.

I just thought I would share these photos with you.

Donna

Trick or Treat Halloween Table

2009-07-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

These are photos of my Aadams Family Reunion Table that I made at a class taught by Carl Bronsdon at the NAME convention.

The first day we assembled the table and made all of the paper party decorations. There are paper masks, cones filled with candy, party poppers, and the Halloween banner.
The second day we worked with fimo and created all of the goodies.
The table is filled with donuts, candy and carmel apples (complete with the worm), brownies, suckers, stick candy, candy corn, pumpkin topped cupcakes, popcorn balls, a fancy spiderweb topped cake, and a bowl full of candies.

I learned a wealth of imformation in this class. Carl is a very good teacher. The fimo candies and food were all suprisingly easy to create. It is just knowing the methods and taking it step-by-step.

We even made the candles! The most important thing that I learned is to just have fun with it and not drive myself crazy trying to make each item perfect. There are many items on the table that I didn't labor over, but it looks great as a whole.

Have a goodie and welcome to the party!

Donna

Playing with dolls

2009-07-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

For my miniature club exchange gift I have been making little polymer clay dolls.

The theme of the exchange is Valentine's Day so I gave them little red dresses, aprons, pink hats trimmed with ribbons and flowers. Each one is just over 1" tall.

This picture shows the dresses and hats a little better.

I have 7 made so far....only 13 more to go!

Here are two other little 1" dolls that I made.
They are the perfect size for my quarter scale house. I also use them as "dolls" in my 1" scale scenes.
They are fun to make.

Not Miniature....but worthwhile

2009-07-11T13:03:00.001-07:00

I created this One of a Kind Goth Fairy. He is not miniature but I was inspired to create him from some of the blogs that I follow like Tiny Treasures, Witches and Wizards, Whittakers Miniatures, etc.

Since following these blogs I have become increasingly interested in the "magical" side of miniatures and plan to create a scene.

I am a big fan of "Twilight" and can't wait for the "New Moon" to release in theaters.

So I named my creation, "Twilight". He adopted in a few minutes and is going to be traveling to his new home in Pennsylvania!

I just thought I would share.

Enjoy!

Donna

My Tiny Teapots

2009-07-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

At the Name National Convention banquet, we get to exchange table favors.

For my exchange I decided to try my hand at Christel Jensen's mouse teapot tutorial on you tube.

This photo shows my first attempt (pathetic), second (better, eyes a little buggy) and third.

Number four and five (still trying to improve)

six and seven (I thought I would add a flower on the teapot spout)
Not bad. Having so much fun!
eight and nine (let's turn the mice into little girls....add a fancy hat...make the teapot spout look like a bouquet of flowers) they remind me of Precious Moments figurines. Cute.

Ten and Eleven ( how about teddy bears...noses too big as well as the watering cans....will have to work on those) They have bows and flowers on their heads.

Twelve and Thirteen (back to little girls...I curved the hats up and added ribbon, and flowers.)

I actually like these.

I need to work on the scale. These measure about 1" tall.

My progression of teapots.

What a challange. I can't wait to make more! I guess I should design a room box around my teapots...maybe a tea shop.

Please leave a comment telling me your favorite one.

Mini Hugs,

Donna

A Whole Lot of Cupcakes!

2009-07-02T14:13:00.001-07:00

The NAME National Convention is coming up in a few weeks.

For the miniature swap I made 21 plates of devils food cupcakes topped with whipped cream icing and fresh strawberry slices.

I accented each plate of cupcakes with a leaf, strawberry slice and a chocolate stick.

In this photo cupcakes are in progess.

Here are 16 of the plates....only 5 to go!
Today I found out that I can participate in a swap at the banquet too.
I only need to make 10 of something for that swap.
I am thinking a teapot, cup and more cupcakes!
Have a great day!
Donna

Chocolate Fix

2009-07-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

I took my daughter and her friends camping last week. While they were running around I found some quiet time to work on some chocolate box kits that I ordered from Craft Pak company.

http://www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk/
The filled bag of chocolates found a home in my patisserie. Also shown in the picture are a couple of new Bespaq pieces. I put the mahogany sideboard under the bakery case glass. The etargere is in the alcove. I am filling them up with goodies.
Have a great day!
Donna

Ruffles and Roses Wedding Cake

2009-06-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

For this pretty wedding cake, I made cream ruffles and pink roses

on a fondant covered cream cake.
I was thinking about listing some of my cakes on ETSY but I am not sure if I am ready yet. Maybe I will just keep decorating them to display in my mini bakery for now.
Have a great day.
Donna

The White House....in miniature

2009-05-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I went with a few members of my miniature guild to Grand Rapids, Michigan to see the White House in miniature.
It was massive at 60 feet long including the east and west wings.

The gardens were even represented.

I believe the room in this photo is the State Dining Room. The tables were all set and the candleabra lit.

The Oval Office

The rooms were impressive with lit fireplaces, computers and televisions that appeared to be "on", and photographs of past presidents.

The display is a traveling display and now it moves on to a new location.

If you get a chance, it is worth seeing.

There is also a book available.

The Perfect Vintage...A glass of wine anyone?

2009-05-22T05:54:00.001-07:00

These photos are of "The Perfect Vintage". It is a Whitledge-Burgess class that I am taking in November.
" The Tasting Room"
Even though I like the furniture they have shown, I am shopping for different pieces to decorate my room.
I have been waiting for a reason the purchase the country french bespaq table and chairs.

The Wine Cellar
This side of the roombox is a wine cellar filled with crates and bottles of wine.

A glass of Merlot anyone?

The class is being held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 6-8th.
There still might be openings in the class!

My Shabby Chic Bakery

2009-05-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

I spent some time rearranging my little pink cake shop yesterday.

Here is a front view looking into the shop. The shop is made by Sid Cooke Dollhouses. I like this design because it hinges and opens from the front.

Sometime in the near future I would like to change the store sign, add some window boxes and make a brick sidewalk.

The shelves and filled with cakes with room for more.

After tidying....it looks a little bare. I need to add more "stuff".

This side of the cake shop is a baking table made by Kim Saulter and
a small table to enjoy a slice or two of the delicious cakes.
The green and white dog bed I made in my Miniatures club last week.
My little Wee-Chon (Westie/Bichon mix) welcomes guests.

Filling up my patisserie

2009-05-18T09:37:00.001-07:00

My "Le Petite Patisserie" is put together and I have started to fill it with desserts.

I put an elegant frame, matting, and glass on the room box. I think that the framing makes the room box look more like a piece of art behind glass.

On the display side, I painted the Bespaq counters the same color as the trim.

I just love the scene out of the window and door.

I have just started to fill the kitchen.

It will take me a while to fill it up but I am in no hurry.

The paper towel holder was a gift from my friend Sharon. She took the class with me.

I pleated the fabric for under the sink.

This Whitledge-Burgess class was so much fun. I am so pleased with the patisserie and look forward to filling it up!

Peach and Strawberrry shortcakes

2009-04-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent quite a bit of time trying to make these shortcakes.

I had a few questions and if anyone would offer some advice, I would really appreciate it.

My question is in working with the "frosting". I used silicone and piped it on between the layers and around the fruit toppings.

It was a little tricky because I can't bake the silicone so instead of making a glaze for the fruit from tls, I had to use sculpy glossy mixed with artist chalk. Can anyone think of a better way to accomplish this?

Also, I wanted to grate some chalk for "powdered sugar" and "cinnamon" on the top. Once again, I can't bake it so how do I adhere it to the topping?

I would appreciate any suggestions.

For the cakes, I textured them with a variety of items to get a shortcake look. I used crumpled aluminum foil, them a toothbrush and finally sandpaper.

The peaches were fun to make. I rolled the clay and flattened it on one side on my ceramic tile. Then I popped it in the freezer to firm up a bit. I dusted the top with grated artist chalk in the red color. Then I slices the length into peach slices. With a toothpick, I made a tiny indent in the peach were the "pit" would have been.

The strawberries were just a cane that I sliced.....easy.

Enjoy!

Working on "Le Petit Patisserie" in class

2009-04-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have nothing but good things to say about the Whitledge-Burgess class that I took in Chicago last week. Ray and Scott were wonderful teachers and I learned so much.

First, we built the walls outside of the main box. Some of the walls we wallpapered and some we covered with fabric. The print above is a quality quilting fabric.
This is the box that we installed the finished walls. It was already partially wired and we competed all of the wiring in class. I believe there were 18 recessed lights in the ceilings and display cabinets. There is one main light above the stove and another behind the door and window to light up the outside view.

The floors were fun to make. We used strip wood and wallpaper in a faux finished design.

The salesroom floor is also faux finished wallpaper in a marbled design. Just cut squares and glue down leaving grout lines in between. Finish with a high gloss acrylic spray for shine.

The stove and refrigerator was made from self-adhesive aluminum contact paper (shelving paper). The stove and oven knobs are earring backs!

The recessed ceiling lights were just grommets glued in place.

Almost done! We installed the finished walls inside the box against the ceiling and flooring to fit together like a puzzle. At this point, I still had trim to complete.

This was a four day class. We worked from 8am to 5pm every day to complete the room box.

More pictures to come!

Look What Came in the Mail

2009-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Take a look at my newest purchases. I ordered these cakes from Kim.

http://kimsminiatures.blogspot.com/

Look at the texture of the cakes. Even upclose, I am impressed by the detail.

There is a four layered carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, a pumpkin spiced bundt cake with glaze, a bowl of shredded carrots, a freshly baked cake, a bowl of cream cheese frosting, and more.
I set the yummy cakes on a table for a baking scene.
Mmmmm.....a slice of dessert anyone?

And a gift too! Thank so much Kim!

Getting ready for Easter

2009-02-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

This adorable Easter basket just arrived in the mail today!

I ordered it from Jennifer Tuttle at Miniholiday on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6838993

The quality basket is filled with a solid chocolate bunny, a bag of M&M's, a Hershey bar,

chick peeps, jelly beans, a lollipop, a sugar coated decorated egg, foil covered chocolates and a bunny topped candy dispenser. The basket is trimmed and topped with a bow of silk ribbon.

I also had to have the perfect frosted egg sugar cookies.

I plan to use these goodies in an Easter holiday display in my bakery.

Miniature swap

2009-02-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

Look at the tiny details in this fantastic aquarium! I just love it!

Rhonda contacted me after seeing some of my cakes on my blog. We decided to do a swap. She made this adorable aquarium and sent it to me.

In return, I made her two beautiful cakes. One is dark chocolate with white chocolate accents. The second is a sweetheart rose cake.

Enjoy Rhonda!

Chocolate Temptation

2009-02-09T09:35:00.001-08:00

This is a scene from my little bakery. The chocolate wedding cake was a special order from Blue Kitty Miniatures. I just had to have an all-chocolate wedding cake in my bakery.

The plate of candies and Valentine cookies I ordered from Sue's Little Things on Ebay. She makes such wonderful and detailed miniatures.

http://stores.ebay.com/sues-little-things

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5725162

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Bake Table

2009-02-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

This is a bake table that I made for my bakery for Valentine's Day.

For the last week, I have been playing with polymer clay making little cupcakes, candies and tarts. It is all trial and error for me. I threw away quite a few little cupcakes as I was having trouble frosting them without getting the frosting all over the bottom of the cupcake.

This dark chocolate heart shaped cake is topped with pretty roses. The candy in the dish is just little pieces of leftover clay.

I made the pretty white cake topped with roses yesterday. I tried to blend the clay to give the petals of the roses a variagated look.
I am having so much fun working on my bakery that I have been neglecting my actual "job" of making bears!

Le Petit Patisserie

2009-01-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Here are two photos of a Whitledge-Burgess class that I am taking after the Chicago International in April. The name of the double room box is "Le Petit Patisserie".

The retail shop features a faux marble floor, a large shop window and ample sales counter and wall shelves for the display of the delicacies created in the kitchen. The kitchen features a floor of faux marble tiles inset in a dark stained wood grid as well as a ceiling with heavy beams.

I just love the Country french decorating theme.

This gives me the perfect "excuse" for buying and making more cakes and desserts!

A view inside my bakery

2009-01-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

The details are better on this little cake.

I made pink roses and tiny lavender flowers with petal and round cutters.

Here is a view into my bakery from the street.

"Little Lulu" was born

2009-01-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

What a sweetheart!

"Little Lulu" is the lastest of my creations. I finished her up last night in-between housework, dinner and working on another miniature cake.

She is made from mohair that I hand-dyed rosy pink and spring green.

Her pretty colors remind me of spring. I am in serious need of some warmer weather!

My second wedding cake...just finished!

2009-01-20T10:22:00.001-08:00

I chose pink and white for this Valentine's day wedding cake.

This is only my second wedding cake and I still need more practice perfecting the details.

I used to decorate wedding cakes many years ago. I prefer making these tiny ones for my Le Petit Bakery so much more....less mess.

The separator pillars are Dum Dum sucker sticks. Most of the work was done with my tiny round, flower and heart cutters. For the lace, I pressed a piece of lace into the clay. I need to work on that technique more.

Until I make my next cake, this one will go in the front window of my bakery.

Some of my favorite cakes are from Blue Kitty Miniatures on Etsy, Miniatures by Rachel on Etsy, and Kim's Miniatures.

A view into my Le Petit Bakery

2009-01-20T09:54:00.001-08:00

The color theme in Le Petit Bakery is pink and chocolate. In this scene there is a baking table by Kim's miniatures.

I added the wedding cake that is in progress. This was my first attempt at a wedding cake and I am getting better as I practice more.

I love all of the little details that Kim added to this baking table. There is even a recipe and spatula in the drawer.

My teddy bear and doll room box

2009-01-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Tiny teddy bears and dolls fill the shelves and toy box in this little girl's room.

Through the window you can see a rose garden in full bloom.

I have added two photos of my children when they were little as well as a tiny seashell that my daughter found for me.

The quilt was scanned and printed on fabric. Then I lined and backed it. It drapes out of the toy box.

This room box incorporates so many of the things that I love, teddy bears, dolls, my children of course, roses, quilts, and pretty things. I guess I need to put a picture of my husband in there somewhere!