who? JJ!

my recent post of little baby birds popping out of shells got my cousin-in-law Kati thinking about an upcoming baby shower for her friend's little boy JJ.  (Kati married into my dad's side of the family, so before i departed from my maiden name, there were 2 of us, minus an E.  i wonder how many old friends of mine looked for me and thought i moved to Milwaukee?)

her idea was little owls, since the mother to be has a thing for them, and in blue and brown, and with the name JJ in there somewhere.  what i came up with were owls in a half shell, in 2 kinds of blue and tan.  "JJ" became the little bow tied around each egg.  i got the baby-owl shape by actually using an Easter shape of a marshmallow bunny peep in a half shell, but i pressed the ears together to make the head, then pinched the corners to make their little horns--instant owls!  their little bewildered owly eyes were detailed with edible marker, and a dust of white pearl dust gave them some glamor.  a big welcome to you, little JJ!
and that brings me current again, so everyone start thinking about Valentine's Day.  :)

lil chickies

Monica ordered cookies for baby Daniel's arrival and left it up to me.  i found an intended-for-Easter shape and diverged from the yellow chick and decorated egg look and made little blue birdie babies hatching out of some wild eggs.  some quick lines with the edible marker made them smile and flap.  i may have flapped a little myself--i like cute birdies.  :)
and speaking of kids and cookies, in lieu of any employment opportunities, i'm still eager to do large projects; if you're a mom, teacher, student, or fellow baker and you think that your school/organization ought to have a bake sale, i'm down with helping out.  and/or if a Great American Bake Sale for Share Our Strength sounds good, call me.  Christmas is coming, and i like spreading joy...

better than jelly beans

Eldra's April installment of her year of cookies was delivered Easter Sunday. i'm super pleased with the fluffy sheep and colorful egg, but the camera just couldn't capture the shimmery ivory color of the cross. trust me, it was lovely. back to the sheep, it's the same technique i use for clouds. time consuming, but worth it--dontcha just want to pet them? stay tuned, her final installment was for May and just might be my favorite.