MIckey and Friends Cupcake Toppers

I received an order for 20 Mickey Mouse and Friends Cupcake Toppers for a little girls second birthday.  I was excited to make these because it was the first time I used the Mickey and Friends Cartridge.  I am definitely pleased with the results even though the characters are very tedious and involve very small pieces.

Here they are!

Yes, Goofy is missing because the person that ordered these only wanted five characters and opted to omit Goofy.

She also wanted some Mickey and Minnie heads with the number two on them.  The number two is from the Mini Monograms cartridge which I am totally in love with again!



If I can get an actual picture of the toppers in cupcakes I will post it as well though it won't be until late September because that's when the party is! 

Also, if you are interested in Mickey Cupcake Toppers or other Disney Characters please email me at ktdesigns-katania@hotmail.com for more information and pricing.  I would love to make something custom for you!

~Katania

Shout out for Help/FYI

Well it's the calm before the storm here in CT and I am unsure as to how Hurricane Irene will affect us.  That being said, I am unsure if we will have power and access to the Internet.  If that is the case, I might be MIA for a little while but rest assured I will be back. 

Also, my usual posting schedule will probably change as well since I head back to school this coming week.  However, I hope to still post at least once a week to three times a week so I can share with you all my crafty fun.  Don't worry about my summer to do list because it's still summer even though schools are in session.  Let's see if I can complete the remaining items on my list!

Lastly, I need some help in the blogging department.  I created this blog in March of this year and have already used up the free space on Picasso Web Albums.  I don't mind buying more space but it might get a bit pricey considering it only took about 4 months to use up what I had.  Am I doing something wrong?  Are my files too big?  How do I change the size of my photos?  I appreciate any help you might be able to share with me.

~Katania

Tip of the Week #1

I have decided to create a new topic for my blog which will not only help me in my everyday craft troubles but will help you as well.  I will be on the look out for tips specifically related to crafts to include in my Tip of the Week Series.  What better way to start a new series off than to share a tip I stumbled upon just the other day.

Welcome to

TIP OF THE WEEK #1

Okay, so I know you are thinking, "she's just a bit crazy with her ice cube tray" but hear me out.  I kinda stumbled on this tip by accident because I was looking for small bowls to hold all those tiny pieces I cut out using my Cricut.  Normally, it really isn't a problems for me to keep everything organized but when you are cutting out 40+ shapes for an order of invitations, you need something to help out especially with those smaller pieces.  Well while looking in my cabinets I saw the ice cube tray and though it might just work.  Well, VOILA, it was perfect!  Each little ice cube section worked perfectly for the cut layers of the butterflies I was making.  Also I didn't get mixed up on which cut out was from what side of the butterfly because there is a difference (thanks so much Provo Craft!)  I really can't believe I didn't think of this sooner.  Sadly, I am sure my husband will want the ice cube tray back but until then it will be among my scrapbook things!  Here she is again, my very own little helper!

Do you have a tip that helps you in your crafty life? 

~Katania

Peach Freezer Jelly

I decided I would make some jelly for our family since my son is absolutely obsessed with pb&j and peaches.  So we went peach picking and brought home two huge bags of delicious peaches.

Here's my little helper picking some peaches!

I also picked up Ball Jelly Jars that were freezer safe.  I searched online and came across this recipe from Bunkycooks and figured I would give it a try.  By the way, aren't her pictures gorgeous.  YUM!  Thankfully my Stop and Shop actually carries all the jars and pectin needed to make jelly so I was able to pick up the Ball Instant Fruit Pectin.  This is much different than regular pectin so make sure you get the correct one.  I liked this recipe because it calls for much less sugar than other recipes and because it's a freezer jam it's so easy (no canning) and tastes so fresh.

I have to say that for my first attempt at making jelly,
it was a huge success!

Just look at that jelly, YUM!

As you can tell in the picture, I left my peaches a little bit chunkier just because I like it that way but you can puree yours if you prefer.  I also gave one jar to my parents and they absolutely loved it!

I can't wait to try strawberry and raspberry freezer jams! YUM!

~Katania

Necklaces with Flower Cabochons

I addition to the 20 rings I made using some fabulous flower cabochons (click HERE and HERE to check them out), I also made two necklaces with much larger flowers.  The first one I made I used this gorgeous garnet rose which instantly reminded me of romance and Twilight (yes... sadly it's true I am a HUGE Twilight fan).  I attached a bail to the back of the flower and then added a black cord and silver clasp.

Here she is in all her glory!

 

You can't even deny it!  It is the epitome of all things romantic.

The second necklace I made I used a bright blue carnation and once again attached a bail to the back.  This time I used a ball chain necklace.  I really think it gives it a summery and beachy look.  I was actually excited to wear this the other day with a gray ruched tee and my favorite capris.  It worked perfectly together.



What do you think?

~Katania

Summer To Do List: Flower Ring Part Two

Having just shared my rose collection with you (click HERE to see pictures) I was super excited to share my second collection of rings with you.

Introducing the Dahlia Collection!

So what do you think? Which one is your favorite?

Would you buy one and wear it?

~Katania

Renovations {Craft Room} Part Two

I am so excited because I took a bunch of pictures of my new craft room and it is soooooooo close to being finished!!!  To see part one of the renovations click HERE!  My husband and I have been working so hard to finish this room during nap times and when my mom is over to watch the little man.  My mom has definitely done more than her fair share of helping as well!!!  Thanks to my very talented father (he actually built my parent's house prior to meeting my mom) we were able to cut and hang most of the crown molding.  Let me just tell you this, I really, really, really, want to own a nail gun.  What a difference this thing makes!  So without further adieu here are some more pictures of the craft room.  Once again the blue paint is Frosty from Valspar and the tan color is Desert Fortress from Valspar.



Notice my pom pom flower in the corner.  Click HERE to see the post!

Love, love, love crown molding!



We covered the cement foundation with wainscoting and created a shelf on top.




Another view of the covered foundation.  Doesn't it look gorgeous!!!





Don't mind the cable cord, I still need to buy a new plate in white!




This is the little alcove by the back door.  The door will be painted white and the thermostat will actually be attached to the wall.  You can also see the stone work for around our wood stove.  Not my favorite and definitely not what I would have picked but oh well!




This side is still unfinished, we ran out of crown molding.




View of the color of the wall.  It really looks like a sand color.



Obviously my room is still a work in progress but it looks soooooooo much better than it did when we bought the house.  I am so pleased with how it looks and I am so excited about finishing it.  Then its decorating time!!!

What do you think so far?

~Katania

Summer To Do List: Flower Ring

Yes, I finally finished another craft on my to do list.  I have been eyeing these Lucite flower cabochon rings for a while now and realized I could make them.  So I searched online and found the flowers and the ring settings.  I also had some Lucite flowers I picked up at my local scrapbook store and used them as well.  I made 20 rings in all.  Yup, you read that correctly, 20!!!  Today I will be sharing with you my first collection of rings.

Introducing the Rose Collection!!!

(Can you hear the drum roll...)

Rose Collection: Romance Series

Rose Collection: Twilight Series



I absolutely love how vintage the last two rings look with the antique bronze rings.  I am super thrilled with how they all came out and I can't wait to show you the next collection: Dahlias.  Maybe, just maybe, I will open an etsy shop soon and have some rings for sale.  What do you think?  Would you buy one?

2 crafts down, 5 more to go!

~Katania

Summer To Do List: Pom Pom Tissue Paper Flowers

Summer To Do List: Pom Pom Tissue Paper Flowers - COMPLETED

well almost...

For those of you just coming to this blog feel free to check out my Summer To Do List HERE to understand what I am talking about.

Now I am sure you remember the photo I used in my list, from none other than Martha Stewart herself!!!

Of course, GORGEOUS!

Well, my flower is not as dramatic but just fine for what I am using it for.  Currently I only have one hanging up because I just finished painting but I plan to hang two more up in the corner of my craftroom.  Yes, it's not even finished and I am already decorating :)

So what do you think?

 Don't mind the fact that one part of the crown molding is not finished.  We have a very weird angle at the other end of the wall and are trying to figure out what to do with it.  Hence the unfinished molding.

 Just picture two more pom poms here in blue and pink.



I don't know about you but I love it! It looks so good in person and it makes the room fun and creative. I can't wait to hang the other two and share them with you.

One craft project down... 6 more to go!

~Katania