Fondant Class

Sunday I took my first fondant class at Sweet Wise (first time I had been to the store....and will be NOWHERE close to the last). I had a blast - made me remember why I love designing and decorating cakes.

The cake is very simple. I made a pink bow and tried out a marbeling technique with brown. The brown is very light, so it doesn't really go with the pink. I was only after the technique, not the "wow" factor.

I had so much fun I signed up for Fondant 2, Fondant 3, and a Chocloate class to be taught by a chef at the Opryland Hotel.

Future Cake Decorator?

Alison decorated and cut her first cake. Very colorful and abstract!


Cake decorating may be in her future...


...however, serving the cake is a different story.

"Shear Anticipation"

The sheep are finished!!! I ran the pink sheep through the felting process four times, and it never quite felted up to my expectations. I absolutely loved the way the Cascade 220 felted up (the black sheep)! I take them to the store to be put on display tomorrow.

I had originally picked names for them, but thought of something a little more fun. Naming Contest!! I ran the idea by Meredith at MLYS (The Knaughty Knitter) and she loved it. So, until further notice, here are Sheep 1, Sheep 2, Sheep 3 and Sheep 4.

Sheep Pattern Information: Fiber Trends - A Felt Flock. Pattern Number 206X.













I was also contacted by a gentleman to repair his shirt. He dresses up in full Scottish attire and plays bagpipes at special events. I finally remembered to take some photos during the repair process. As for the after photos, can you tell where the machine stitches stop and mine start? Hope not!!

Finshed Jewelry Sets

Here are two jewelry sets I made as Christmas gifts.

This set was requested after seeing a picture in a magazine. I tweaked the design a little, but the overall product was very similar to the photograph.

This set was my own creation. A friend gave me the white pearl stones (a family heirloom) and wanted me to make a necklace from them. Here is the finished product.

Getting Ready For Christmas

Alison was really excited about Christmas this year. In this case, pictures are worth a thousand words, so here we go....

My Little Elves Putting Up The Tree





Hanging the Ornaments


Alison's Angel (she had to pick out an Angel tree topper)


Making Gingerbread Men








Class Christmas Activities and Program

Gingerbread House


Ryan, Alison, and Ms. Patsy (teacher)


Alison and Ms. Amy (teacher)


Alison and Aunt Lisa (a.k.a. Rudolph)


Ryan and Alison


Singing Christmas Caroles


Early Christmas Gift from Aunt Molly (yes, they are watching TV)


Cookie Maker and Taster Making Santa's Snack

Voila. Santa's Snack and "Sign"

Ok....this is to toot my and my "twin" sister's (a.k.a. Lisa) horns regarding a gift we made for a friend and co-worker. We were so proud of the finished product!

Thanksgiving at Nanny's

Mike and Alison went up to Kingsport over Thanksgiving while I stayed home and tried to get a few things OFF my To-Do list.

Here are some pictures of Alison with her Nanny and cousins.



Alison and Nanny



Tori, Alison, and Emily (Emmie)



Alison and Ethan (Little E)



Emmanuel and Alison



Alison and Matthew

I Have Powers!

Apparently Alison has some traits only her dad would have dreamed up....she can open doors with sheer will, make things disappear, can fly, and change personalities within a nano-second. Yup, she's a super hero. Needless to say "Daddy is SO proud!"

Her latest display of "power" consists of standing in front of sliding store doors, holding out both her hands and, with a forward motion to the doors, exclaiming (as they open)...."See, I have powers!"

With all the hidden talents being revealed, we thought it high time to concede to Alison's desire and invest in some appropriate attire. So, what did our little hero select? Super Girl...complete with dress, cape, and "boots".

The selection could not have happened at a better time! We had just completed the fitting when the distress call was received: "The neighborhood is under attack. Mass numbers of ninjas, storm troopers, zombie prom girls, werewolves were invading the area!" There was no time to waste! Alison put on her attire, I pulled her hair into pony tails, and Dad added the "pièce de résistance" - face paint.

The transformation was complete just in time. Some fellow heroes (Spider Man and Batman) stopped by to let us know they were in the neighborhood helping. Then we started seeing the "villains", no time to lose. Alison, er, Super Girl, grabbed hero support ("Titan Man") and headed for the door. She paused long enough for her mentor ("Queen Bee") to give her some final advice. With that, Super Girl was off.

I am glad to say, Super Girl and "Titan Man" made it back, not only unharmed, but bearing spoils from this latest mission to "save the neighborhood".


Getting "The Finishing Touch"



"I'm Ready. Let's Fly!"



"Last Minute Huddle"



"Off We Go!"



"Checking the Spoils for Contamination"

"What a Great Night!"