Where do the days go?

Once upon a time... there was enough time... Who am I kidding?
These days it seems there aren't enough hours in the day.  I've been trying to fill each day with as much as I can, but it never seems to be enough.  I guess it must be summertime.  They days are lighter longer but I still can't seem to get a blog post done.  I have started many, stopped, saved them for later, then deleted them.  I have never been one to go back and re-work things.  It used to drive my art teachers in college quite mad.  Well, at least I've been having fun!

After a brief trip to Maine with the family I jumped back into action!


1. Make cupcakes for my dear friend Katie's Mom's Retirement Party!  These were so much fun!  She had a couple of desserts but realized last minute that there weren't quite enough to go around.  So, knowing I always have a few cake mixes  and pie crusts around the house, I happily jumped in!  I really do love making cupcakes!  Last year for Mother's Day my husband bought me a cute frosting tip set and I absolutely love using them.  Katie even mentioned "that special janie frosting touch?" I feel so special to get requests for deserts; maybe someday I'll open a real shop and sell cupcakes along with other homemade goodies.

2. Orders! Orders! Orders!  No rest for the wicked I guess!  I am not complaining! I have had so many orders over the past two months that I have spent every extra minute of the day making lanterns, toys, or bedding sets that I haven't had a chance to make my neices birthday presents yet!  May seemed to soar by, 20 orders in one month.  I have to admit I got a bit behind so I didn't get a chance to blog at all.  I didn't even get a chance to clean up my messes.  As soon as I got one order boxed up another came in.  The workers at the post office think I'm hilarious.  I walk in carrying as many boxes as I can, then head back to get another load.  At least they know what to expect and we get things done as efficiently as possible.  One woman even said she appreciated me and that at least I know what I wanted, I think she was having a rough day.  I can relate, at least I love this job.  I am my own boss and I set my own rules and regulations.  I do have to admit that sometimes the boss is a bit much.  Someone should talk to her.

Now it's time to keep moving!  I have a few things to share and hopefully I will find the time to get to them.  I have some giveaways and reviews comming up as well as a few new designs!  I can't wait to share them with you!  As alwasy thanks for checking in, I'll try to work on getting back into the swing of things.

Happy Summer!

Happy Valentines Day!

A little later than expected but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Last week I made this little spread to share with my playgroup in celebration of the day.  As everyone knows I love making cupcakes and sharing the things I make with others.  Valentine's day is the perfect day to share what you make with others.

Since playgroups consists of those under 18 months the treats included toddler friendly food, along with a few adult treats, the menu included:

Peeps Strawberry Hearts

Chocolate Cupcakes with Classic White Frosting

Diced Strawberries

Ella's Puree Pouches in Red of Course

Graham Crackers

Animal Crackers

These treats kept us going and gave us energy to play.  I hope you shared something with someone today!

Halloween Re-Hash

So, If you hadn't guessed Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  Today I took down the last of the decorations.  We hosted a small get together on Halloween.  I didn't get pictures of the entire set up, but I thought I would share some fun things I found.  
Lets start with the Tricks!  Decorations!

 I had a lot of fun with some old ideas!  I made a Happy Halloween Banner, similar to the one I made for my son's first birthday, it was so quick and easy.  Then i found a few sheets of black construction paper and cut bats of all different sizes.  I just taped them all over, the different sizes had the perfect effect.  I hung one of my Balloon Mobiles in the corner, it blended in well with the hanging fans i found at the party store when I was looking for a witches hat for my costume. 

 

My favorite decorations where these pre-printed adhesive stickers I found.  These were so simple, I had some Ball jars that I use for storing applesauce and jams during the winter.  Paired with some bottles from the recycling bin and I had perfect and easy decorations.  Another of my favorites is straight from my childhood.  I purchased dumdums as treats, and just like my first grade teacher taught me, I rapped them in tissue and drew faces.  Add some ribbon and ghosties flew thought the air.

Now it's time for treats!

Growing up my mom went all out for Halloween!  Why would my house be different.  We had selections of toys and candy, I'm a bit of a traditionalists, so Hershey's bars and Reese's Peanut butter cups were paired with bags of Domino's and playdoh.  It was so fun to see kids trying to pick what they wanted! 

I even had a few extra toys for the kids at the party, however I think some of the dads had more fun with these goodies.

No party would be complete without cupcakes.  This year I took all the glop from the pumpkins and turned them into Pumpkin Cupcakes, paired with No-Bake Spiderweb cheesecakes.  The party was a success.

I can't wait till next year!

 

Birthday Party Success!

Many of you know that my son turned 1 last week.  I can't believe time has gone by so fast.  I had a lot of fun making a whimsical environment for his 1st birthday.  I call Max my little Monster, he's the most lovable monster you could ever meet, and he's mine.  Since this might be the only time I get to plan his birthday party, I chose a Monsters theme.

I started projects a few weeks ago while filling orders, what a great way to stay inspired and motivated.  Fill an order and make a party favor, such fun!

First: Invitations

Since Max was turning one I chose to make one eyeball invitations.  Just as if a monster with one eye were looking at you, the theme continued as you will see.

 Second: Give Aways

We used these little guys as giveaway items, since most of the guests where babies we thought these where a great idea.  Everyone got to pick their own and everyone enjoyed them.  Notice they only have one eye!  Another set is available on my Etsy Shop!

Third: Tablecloth and Banner

I figured if I made one banner and tablecloth I could use them over and over again.  I kept them light and simple, just using three colors which I can reuse for future parties. 

 Fourth: Cupcake Toppers

Everyone knows I'm a little obsessed with Cupcakes.  I had never made a topper before.  So, I took smaller versions of the eyeballs I made for the invitations and made them into cupcake toppers.  Funny side note: I was walking thru Michael's yesterday and found similar items for sale for Halloween.  I paired them with some blue polka dot liners from Michael's and they tied everything together.  The pairing of the yellow and white polka dots on the table cloth was a funny coincidence.  I had asked my husband to pick up blue liners and these where what he found!

 Fifth: Food, Food, Food!

It was so fun to think of food for kids and adults.  Ages ranged from 6months to 50+ and I thing everyone had their fill. Everything served is a staple in the Alexander Family, lets just say there weren't very many leftovers. 

We used kiddie spoons and forks, it was fun to see adults using crayola spoons, everyone giggled at them. 

Food was safe enough for toddlers and filling enough for adults.  For tips I've included my food ideas below.

Here's the menu:

Drinks:

Iced Tea, Juice Boxes, Milk Boxes

Sandwiches: without the crusts

Peanut Butter

Cucumber and Cheddar

Sides:

Mac N Cheese

Hummus

Yogurt

Goldfish

Fruit Salad

Mashups

Dessert:

Jello

Blueberry Nutragrain Bars

Monster Cookies

Lemon Cupcakes

The House with the Purple Doors

 

Did you know that sometimes inspiration can come from the simplest thing.  I spent the last week visiting my mother in law.  She is a delightful and very bright woman who spends her summer in the House with the Purple Doors.  Upon our arrival my mother in law decided that the doors looked a little sad and needed some work.  I jumped at the chance to do a little house painting.  After a few hours scrapping and a few coats of paint she had 3 beautiful, bright and cheery doors again.  I got so involved in the house work that I painted her hallway wall Blue as well. 

Once my tasks were over I couldn't stop thinking of the Purple Doors and how sweet and caring they looked.  I have never been a fan of Purple, I rarely use it, or wear it for that matter.  I found myself thinking of these purple doors and so I decided to knit a hat.  I thought that Cupcakes are sweet and that pairing them with some Violets might just work.  I have also started 2 more hats that have flower motifs.  Photos coming soon. 

Oh, and lets just say that I found a purple yarn that looks like it jumped off my mother in laws door and landed on a hat!  Hooray for inspiration!

Hats and patterns available this fall.  Check back, or check out: http://www.janiegirlcrafts.etsy.com/

janiegirl, interrupted

So, janiegirlcrafts is going on hold... I wish I was headed on an amazing vacation I could share with everyone.  No Vacation here, just full time work ahead.

For the past four years I have worked for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas on the Green in downtown New Haven.  There are free events on the Green, food tastings, tours, plays, productions and more.  Check out the site:
http://www.artidea.org/

Unfortunately, this also means that I will be on the Green from 8am-10pm most days.  I will have a few days off, to go to a wedding, but pretty  much you can find me on the Green.  I'm not really complaining, I get to hear lots of great music, work with great people, and still share art with the masses.  Actually a lot more people will participate in the Festival than will check out this website.

After this post janiegirlcrafts is going on hold.  Etsy Store and blog will reopen in July, so don't fret.  This is not a goodbye, just a, I'll see you soon.

Oh, since I won't have the chance to bake for a while I made Lemon Cupcakes yesterday.

Stay Sweet while I'm away.

I Can't Stop Baking!

 In honor of Family... Lila, Nell, and Abby are coming today!  We get to experience Lila's first sleepover!  TO Celebrate I made Raspberry filled Dark Chocolate Cupcakes!  I had to play with frosting too!  I need to get a Cupcake nail to help with my frosting... but I'm learning and loving it!

         

In Honor of Valentine's Day

I made Yummy Raspberry Cupcakes!

The Store is Open!

http://janiegirlcrafts.etsy.com/

I have finally after months of trying to find the time, opened my ETSY store. I started with a few custom orders; thank you ladies!

I have two more hats in progress along with 2 quilts and Baby Sets to follow.

As Always Custom Orders Always Welcome!

So Much to Catch up with

Now that Christmas is over I'm safe to finally share all of the wonderful things I made! I had such good fun this year. I am enjoying taking this time at home with Max; he is such an inspiration to me. This year for Christmas I made everyone a little something homemade. My Mother In Law calls them Happy Hands at Home. Here is just a taste of what I made: Knitting Projects will have posts to come including patterns:

Knitting Fun:

Make a Place...Mat:

Fun With Names:

Use of Scraps: