Bridal Shower Table Covers

I recently was in charge of covering the tables at my sister-in-law's bridal shower.  I was quite happy with the end result.  I decided on a bright pink gauze-like fabric for the tablecloths and a zebra print runner. 

Custom made tablecloths and table runners can be ordered on my website here.  You can pick your own colors and scheme!

Adding Bodice Support with Boning

Recently I was asked to create a wedding gown for a beach wedding.  The bride wanted a short strapless gown with built in boning.  This was my first time ever working with boning, so I decided to create a tutorial as I learned.


1.  After sewing the seams of the bodice, I pressed them open.










2.  I then measured and cut the boning to the length of the seam, being sure to take off the appropriate amounts for the seam allowance.

















3.  Once that was complete, I removed the boning from the fabric casing and sewed the casing directly over the seam.  I closed 1 end, leaving the other open to reinsert the boning.  (The boning can be soaked in hot water and molded as desired, or heating the boning with an iron will also allow for reshaping.)

4.  Using a nail file, smooth the edges of the plastic boning.  Otherwise it will poke and cause discomfort.  This will also ensure the sharp edges will not cut thru the fabric.















5.  Insert the reshaped boning back into the casing and sew the open end of the casing closed.




Repeat these steps for all seams on the bodice and once complete, you have a perfectly boned bodice!










Linked to:  Sugar And Dots, Ginger Snap Crafts

Chocolate Glaze

For the church pot luck yesterday, I made dessert.....yummy vanilla cake with chocolate glaze.

Chocolate glaze:
2 oz unsweetened chocolate
2 T butter
1 C sifted powdered sugar
2 T boiling water

Step 1:  Melt together butter and chocolate.  I use my Wilton Melting Pot, which I love!

Add sifted powdered sugar and boiling water; beat until smooth.

Drizzle over cake or cookies!  

Serve and enjoy!

Linked to:  Mess Hall to Bistro, Mandy's Recipe Box

Gift Buckets Galore

I recently was asked by my husband to create something that he could gift to members of his team at work.  After some thought and consideration, I decided to go with a gift basket, but using a bucket instead, thinking this was a more "manly" choice.

I dipped pretzel rods in milk chocolate and added a variety of toppings (nuts, white chocolate chips, coconut, white chocolate drizzle, etc).

I then made home made caramel popcorn and sealed that first in plastic bags which were then placed into burlap bags I had sewn together and tied shut with a fabric remnant.

The biggest and most time consuming undertaking was the homemade caramels dipped in chocolate.  However, they were definitely worth the work!  They were a huge hit.

Aunt Emily's Soft Caramels
2 c sugar
1 c packed brown sugar
1 c softened butter
1 c milk
1 c whipping cream
1 c light corn syrup
1 t vanilla

Directions:  In a 4 qt saucepan combine all ingredients except vanilla.  Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted (20-25 minutes).  Contineu cooking without stirring until candy thermometer reaches 248 degrees or a small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a firm ball (about 2 hours).  Note:  Usually I have to go a good bit longer than 2 hours to reach 248.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, pour into buttered 13x9 pan (I used glass) and cool completely.  Cut into small squares.

I added various items to each bucket as well as personalized it with a wooden monogram.

It was a huge success!  The guys loved it (especially the chocolate!)

The finished product:

Linked to:  Making Monday Marvelous, Meet Me Monday