Storage

I've been asked alot lately about where I keep all my cake stands and footed bowls. Well here it is, sitting pretty in our family room. I purchased it from Coco Republic a few years back (display stock, so got it for a song).

This is about 70% of my stash. Yes I have a problem, but no I will not be seeking any treatment for my affliction.

1. Donna Hay Cake Pedestals (two were being used when I took the photo). I don't think these are available anymore.

2. Mosser Milk Glass Cake Stands in white

3. Collection of pitchers

4. Martha Stewart Round Cake Pedestals

5. Martha Stewart Square Cake Pedestals and Footed Bowls

6. Vintage collection of hobnail Milk Glass

7. Rosanna Footed Bowl

8. More vintage hobnail Milk Glass

9. Vintage Hull Pottery

10. Mosser Cake Stands in Crown Tuscan (pink)

11. Vintage Jennette Shell Pink Footed Compotes

12. Glass Pearl Edge Cake Stand and side plates

13. Jadite Milk Glass collection of cake stands, butter dish, salt and pepper shakers and cream & sugar set

14. Mosser Bonnie Blue Cake Stands

15. Mosser Black Raspberry Cake Stands

16. Nigella Black Cake Stand

Beautiful backdrop made of candy

I've been wanting to make a backdrop from candy or lollies for a long time now. When the girls at Paper Eskimo sent me some samples of their new cupcake topper range I knew exactly what I wanted to create.

Here's how I constructed it:

1. Paint a piece of mdf in your choosen colour (I selected a whisper pink)

2. Once paint is dry, sketch out the design you want to create onto the mdf. I chose a heart for Valentine's Day.

3. Using pre-prepared royal icing begin sticking the choc beans (or other lolly) to the board. This is not a difficult job, but it is time consuming. I did this while watching the Men's Australian Open final.

The cupcakes I baked were really easy to decorate. I piped buttercream using a large round tip and then turned the cupcake upside down and covered it in shredded coconut. This gave the cupcake a gorgeous texture. Top it off with a sweet little cupcake pick from Paper Eskimo and bobs your uncle (actually I do have an Uncle named Bob!) The cupcake liners are also from Paper Eskimo. I love them more than I love my salad spinner.

I have a few of the pink milk glass cake stands left in the shop. Available here. Baking cups available here.

Photography Life in Bloom Photography

Styling Sharnel Dollar

Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day

If you've always wanted to have a go at making your own beautifully decorated sugar cookies, then head on over to Adore Magazine and read through the easy tutorial. You too can make beautiful cookies just by following these easy steps.

Photography by Life in Bloom Photography

Cookies by Glazed Bakehouse

Styling by Sharnel Dollar

Winner Announced

Firstly thank you to the 66 readers that entered our Amy Atlas book giveaway.

I'm quietly chuffed that the person who won (via random number generator) did. She is a fellow Brisbane party blogger, customer of mine, super talented and even more lovely than she is talented. So without further adieu ........ drum roll please ........ the winner is

A big congratulations to you Tina. I already know your address so as soon as Amy's book is released and she signs your copy I will send it on to you!

Red Velvet Cupcake-in-a-jar

The second Valentine's Day activity I styled for Adore were these delicious, velvety cupcakes in a jar.

Head on over and read how to make your own at home.

Photography by Life in Bloom Photography

Styling Sharnel Dollar Designs

Valentine's Teabag wrapper

Adore Magazine has some fabulous Valentine's day projects going on in the Feb/Mar 2012 edition. I had alot of fun working with Maureen from Life in Bloom Photography on this shoot.

To make Adore's lovely Valentine's teabag wrappers for your love, co-workers or girlfriends simply click here to download your free template to print.

Instructions on how to make are in the Feb/Mar edition. Thank you Loni for asking me to be apart of your latest edition.

Image Life in Bloom Photography

Giveaway - Personalised signed copy of Amy Atlas' new book

Yes you read correctly, we are giving away a personalised signed copy of Amy's new book (due for release in April 2012) Sweet Designs.

Amy has kindly offered to personally sign a copy of her book for you, my very very special blog readers.

As you know Amy was the inspiration behind my business. She took time out of her busy schedule back in July 2009 to write to me and give me much needed business advice. Thank you for being my mentor Amy and helping me on my own creative journey.

All you have to do to win is leave a comment here on this blog post telling me how Amy has inspired you in your life. I'm sure Amy will love reading all your stories (as will I).

Please note that the winner will most likely receive their signed copy in April/June 2012.

One entry per person. Entries will close Sunday, 5th February 2012 and the winner will be announced here on the blog.

Goodluck each and everyone of you! And if you would like to pro-order a copy you can do here at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

First dessert table of the year

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a great New Year whatever you did. We had some friends over for a BBQ, the kids swam and we were all in bed by 10pm.

As you may have heard I've decided to close down the retail side of my business to concentrate on styling and my family. I just can't do it all, I'm certainly not a superwoman. So the shop drew the short straw. I absolutely loved sourcing all the products for my shop and really loved seeing how my customers used them in their own parties and celebrations. Yes I'm a little sad but I'm also excited about what lies ahead this year. I have some fabulous jobs on the horizon and can't wait to share them with you.

Today I created this all white dessert table for Julie and Dean's wedding held at The Strand at Rugby Quay. Dean is a dentist so Julie requested that we incorporate lolly teeth into the design.

A huge thank you to all the vendors that worked with me on this.

The Lemony Cupcake - Coconut Stacks, Chocolates, Marshmallow Pops, Choc Pretzels.

Authentic French Macarons - Macarons

Cakes by Simone - Cupcakes and cake

Style Me Gorgeous - all artwork for labels and chocolate bar wraps

Sharnel Dollar Designs - Styling, design and photography

Have a fabulous New Year

Photo Sharnel Dollar Designs

How we celebrated Christmas Day

Here is a little peek into how we celebrated Christmas this year. It was just the four of us so we opted for casual fun!

The kids woke at 5.45am and managed to play with Santa's presents until 7am then we all gathered around the tree and exchanged gifts.

Our lunch was very relaxed. Ham, moreton bay bugs and salads. Dessert was so delicious, a simple banoffee trifle.

How did you celebrate the day?