Make: Butterfly Cakes

I had a new cookery book for my birthday which inspired me to make lots of cakes this past weekend. On Sunday I made chocolate orange cupcakes and yesterday I made these yummy butterfly cakes, using a very simple technique! Just weigh 2 eggs, then add the same amount of self raising flour, butter and caster sugar. Mix well then add 3 tablespoons of milk and that's about it! This mixture seems to have worked a treat.. to make the buttercream use half the amount of butter to icing sugar, and make as much as you want (I made quite a lot cos it's so nice..)

Illustrator of the Week no.1: Laura McCafferty

I've decided to pick an illustrator each week whose work I enjoy, and find an inspiration. First up it's a Nottingham local, Laura McCafferty, who works as a textile designer. Laura gained a first class honours in Decorative Arts at Nottingham Trent and has since exhibited work in the UK, US, and Japan. Each piece captures an everyday scene in embroidery, which gives it an intimate feel.

(Top Image: Dancing on a Saturday Afternoon, Bottom: Charlie and Heidi buying Ice Cream)

Barcelona: Gaudi

Last week I took a trip to Barcelona and had a brilliant time exploring the city that has everything; mountains, beaches, bars and some fantastic museums. It's such a vibrant city - there are sculptures and examples of beautiful architecture on every turning. Of course, the city wouldn't be what is is without the influence of Antoni Gaudi. His pieces are found all over the city, from the famous Sagrada Familia to the Casa Batllo. This building has a very fluid, skeletal quality which I adore and I made sure to visit the interior while I was over. I love the way that nature influences the forms that Gaudi worked with.


Whilst in Barcelona, I learnt that sadly in 1926, Gaudi was hit by a tram. Because he was shabbily dressed cab drivers were apparently reluctant to pick him up in case he could not pay the fare. Nobody recognised the injured artist, until his friends found him the following day and he was taken to a pauper's hospital. He died three days later and his remains were buried in the Sagrada Familia. This building is still not complete and is due to be finished in around 2026.

Inspirations: Sublime Stitching

I really love the sweet embroidery on Sublime Stitching and I really want to try some out when I get chance. Check out these pretty designs. Things I am currently thinking of making/finishing include:

• Finishing Janna's cushion (I started making a cushion from scratch for little Janna over a year ago, it's terrible really! Just need to get the velcro fastening sewed on!)
• Make a customised bib for my friend's baby (Hopefully this won't take another year..)
• More collages, sketches and drawings! (Must buy a scanner!)
  

Inspirations: Packaging

I am really enjoying this sunny weather! Anyway on my way to the park this afternoon I nipped into a certain department store for a quick look through the Paperchase goodies and couldn't help wandering through the Benefit counter where there are all manner of beautiful items of make-up for sale. Now I rarely wear make-up (not even sure how to apply it properly) but I really wanted some of this just for its packaging! Is that wrong?* Especially love the record shaped concealer!
*girly post over!

Make: a Sock Monkey!

I finally finished making my first sock monkey, after following this handy tutorial.

And here he is! He's a little bit wonky but I think that just adds to his charm!