Butterfly Cupcakes

Are you going to an Easter gathering this weekend? 

I made these fun 3-D butterfly cupcakes for my mother-in-law's birthday in March, but I thought they'd be fun for any spring or summer party.

I should start by saying that I am NOT a fan of cake decorating. 

I almost always order my kids' birthday cakes, unless we do something super-easy like these.

So forgive the messiness of these. They were really fun, though, and not difficult at all for a cake-novice like myself.

Here's how I decorated my butterfly cupcakes:

1. Melt a package of chocolate-flavored melting pieces and transfer to a plastic baggie with the corner snipped or piping bag.

2. On wax paper, pipe disconnected butterfly wings like the picture above. It would probably be helpful to trace your wings on a piece of paper and place under the wax paper for a uniform guide. (You'll notice that I also piped antennae, but didn't end up using them.)

3. Refrigerate. Meanwhile, melt a package of orange melting pieces (or use white with orange food coloring-- I used the gel for a rich color). Transfer to a plastic baggie or piping bag.

4. Fill in the middles of your wings with the melted orange candy.

5. Refrigerate. Meanwhile, pipe frosting on your cupcakes.

6. After the wings are chilled, pipe white dots on top. Then, push the wings into the frosting at 45 degree angles, creating the "body" of the butterfly with the frosting in between the wings.


Linked to: Tatertots and Jello, I Heart Naptime

Cuddly Easter Bunny Softies

My boys will each get a little baby bunny 

in their Easter baskets on Sunday morning.

No, not real, live rabbits! Are you crazy, girl?!

I have enough mouths to feed and bottoms to clean around here.

But I couldn't resist these simple little bunnies. I found the free pattern here at Wee Wonderfuls.

I used soft flannels and miniature buttons for eyes.

The cutting took only a couple of minutes and the stitching took a couple of minutes more. 

You still have time-- whip some up for Easter morning and your kids will have a keepsake to cherish.

Linked to: Tatertots and Jello, The Creative Crate

Peanut Butter Crunchy Nests and {My Sisters}

My mama used to make these for my sisters and me when we were little.

Last week when my husband was out of town, I felt very nostalgic making them with my 4-year-old. It sent me into a series of flashbacks, standing on a chair in the kitchen from my childhood.

And I hope that my boys will always share the bonds of tradition and family and familiarity that I share with my sisters.

So, here's to my lovely baby seesters. You're some of my favorite people.

And here's to our wonderful mama, too.

Peanut Butter Crunchies (Nests)

1/2 c. corn syrup
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. peanut butter
2 cups puffed rice cereal
miniature chocolate egg-shaped candies (Robin's Eggs)

Bring syrup and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and add cereal. Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper. Push the candies into the center to create little nests.


Linked to: Tatertots and Jello

Easter Egg Hunt Invitations {Free Printable}

(and because I love any excuse to get a pinata and throw a party).

Right click and save. For personal use only, please.

Linked to: Blue Cricket Design, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Finding Fabulous, Tatertots and Jello

Tutorial: Pretty Pocket Tissue Holders

I created this pattern, thinking that I'd make one 

pretty pocket tissue holder to give to my mom on her birthday.

**a little something extra to go along with our pedicures and lunch out**

--And here we are, three pretty pocket tissue holders later.--

They're just so fun to make.

my little heart pitter- patter

Make a stack and give them out for Easter or just because. 

Materials:
2 pieces of felt

sewing machine

miscellaneous scraps of fabric and buttons for embellishing
scissors (pinking shears optional)
needle and thread for hand-sewing embellishments

1. Cut each piece of felt into a rectangle 6-1/4" x 7-1/4".

2. Optional: Trim your edges with pinking shears by cutting right along the edge. I trimmed mine slightly shorter on the top piece.

3. Lay your felt rectangles on top of each other and place a travel pack of tissues (with plastic removed) in the center.

4. Fold the left side on top, then the right side. Hold in place with your finger.

5. Pin the top layers together on both sides. You don't need to pin to the bottom layers.

6. Remove your tissues and sew the sides together (top and bottom layers) with 1/2" seams.

7. Embellish however you like. You might want to embellish the top layer before sewing the sides together. I did both ways-- it's a personal-preference thing.

For personal use only, please.

If you liked this tutorial, it would make my day if you'd become a follower or subscriber.

{Hugs to you!}

Linked to: Fingerprints on the Fridge, Tatertots and Jello, The Creative Crate, Under the Table and Dreaming, I Heart Naptime