Design*Sponge Book Signing - Atlanta

So this is where you see me gush... no, really, GUSH.  Last night I attended Grace Bonney's Design*Sponge event at West Elm in Atlanta.  Not only did I go to my first book signing party, I also participated in a craft class that preluded the party.

Ok, so my skills will never match some of those crafty ladies, and surely never the design queen herself, but I had so much fun chugging along with other happy crafters.

If you follow Design*Sponge as closely as I do, I was patiently awaiting an Atlanta event announcement for quite some time.  Limited seating- hands on session instructed by Grace Bonney- signed copy of the new book- party to preclude with a photobooth and yummy goodness!?  SIGN ME UP! I managed to snag a spot along with 24 other lucky individuals to participate in the craft session pre-book fest.

Here are some photos of the event:

Shiny new copy of Design*Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney.

The craft tables. Project: Freezer Paper Monogrammed Handkerchiefs.  Lesson learned: Cutting small objects with an exact-o knife is not necessarily a strong point for me.

Does this make me a creep-o?!  No shame, people!  It was my first signing!

Even the banners are full of fun.  My iPhone picture taking performance... not so much.





























This is the one I'm most sorry about.  They had mini grown-up, handmade poptarts from a local bakery with fresh fruit.  Delicious does not even touch this stuff.





























The sweet photobooth back drop.  I went alone so didn't feel the need to get my mug snapped.  Ok, this note was not included to induce sympathy.  No tears, people!  I had a blast!

All and all, it was fabulous.  And despite her strenuous tour, Grace managed to keep the energy up and help all of us out that just didn't seem to get it.  Did I mention that she's also like the cutest little lady ever?! I'm happy to see her succeed and can't wait to dive into my book for some inspiration.  

If you have a chance, take a peek... and then buy the thing, duh.

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Cupcakes and Crafts for My Friends

I've discussed books.  I've discussed long walks in secluded places.  I've discussed craft projects that I wanted to share.  But I haven't really discussed baking.

And it's partially due to the fact that I kind of got burned out on baking, or the the whole cupcake frenzy, anyway.  I started making candy.  And apple pie.  And pumpkin pie.  And apple cheddar scones.

However, my three best friends and I get together every holiday for a huge gift exchange and fancy appetizer feast.  With fear that disappointment could quickly have me ousted out of this lovely little circle (in jest, of course), I have never made the mistake of not baking tasty little individual cakes for my beautiful friends.

This year I kicked it up a notch.  I apologize as I didn't take the time to create a step-by-step instruction guide; I feel that the pictures, alone, are self-explanatory.  Next time you're making tasty treats, you can add a dash of individualism and brighten someone's day.

This recipe was a Devil's Food cake found in a Williams-Sonoma cupcake recipe book and a white buttercream (new recipe for me) found on eHow.com (oddly enough).
I simply added Wilson's gel food coloring to three evenly divided bowls of the buttercream icing and mixed until I reached a desired hue.

In order to create variation in the icing, and the swirling effect, I added one part of each color into the pastry bag, leaving room to add another color for blending.  Pastry bags that contained blue and purple inadvertently produced an iridescent shade.

To add a little cheer, I cut brown paper bags into small flags, attached paper flowers of a mixed variety with colored brads and attached them to a toothpick.  It's really easy to do and makes the miniature cakes look so much more fun.

Adds a little pop without being a huge hassle.  I was excited that they looked so nice and tasted so good! 

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DIY: Holiday Gift Tag Craft Project

A couple of days ago, while rummaging through the kitchen storage drawer, I noticed that we had quite a number of brown paper bags from shopping excursions hidden behind the foil. Let me mention that I've recently developed distrust for the craft paper sold at major craft stores, but I've always loved that brown bag design feel. So I thought why not actually, I don't know, use a brown paper bag to create little tags for the gifts under my tree.

So, this is where you'll need to begin:

Step One.

Search high and low for a brown paper bag--you must have one somewhere!  Mine, pictured here, has already gone through one round of tag making.  

Step Two.

Cut blocks of paper out.  This can be done with whatever shape you is appropriate for your gift.  

Step Three.

Apply adhesive to the bottom of the strips and set. I use adhesive rolls, but double-sided tape or a glue stick would work. This reinforces the paper and makes it a little heavier so that you may decorate your pieces without fear of the paper deteriorating.

Step Four.

After the two sides have been glued together, cut small pieces of scrap paper to fit the brown paper back piece. I use scrap craft paper (the same paper so detested!), measuring and cutting accordingly.  

Step Five.  

Apply the scrap layer to the brown paper base so that you have a nice, little border.  Use a hole punch to allow you to thread ribbon or attach twine to the tag.

Step Six.

Use a marker or rubber stamp to personalize the tag.

Step Seven.

Thread ribbon through hole and attach to the gift.  Twine is also perfect for a more rustic, organic feel.

Done!  

Here's to a simple tag fix that's much more personalized than anything you could buy at the store!

Feel free to share your unique wrapping/tagging ideas!  

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DIY: Holiday Gift Swap Craft Project

As I've said again and again, I really wanted to start to incorporate some of my other interests into this blog, namely: crafting and baking.  And I'm really hoping that bookworms following me enjoy the non-literary content, and might share their own adventures in creativity.

By the way, this post isn't completely non-bookish information; I started this particular project for the Book Swap Holiday Party with the informal reading group I host in Atlanta.

Last night, five of us met at my wonderful friend C's home and brought yummy treats, sipped on some wine and exchanged used books.  Since we had no idea who we'd be swapping with until we arrived and drew names out of a hat; I decided to create pretty, little name cards to add some spice! So, if you happen to be hosting a gift swap/ white elephant party and want a crafty idea-- here you go:

(Let me note that my craft table does look like the scattered mess that appears in the background of these photos.  Also, I'm trying really hard to use things around the house that I already have and should be using.


Step One.


Index Cards. Yep. I found an entire stack while emptying a storage box of old college work.  I didn't want to throw them away, and some weren't packaged any longer, so I thought they'd be perfect for this project. Scrap paper, cardboard and old bags can be substituted here.

Step Two.

Fold index cards in half.  Choose your favorite marker/pen (or rubbers stamps) to scribble party members' names into the inside of the card.

Step Three.

Decorate the inside of the card with a little something extra if you're feeling really creative.  I chose to use rubber stamps and an embossing gun (two of my most favorite friends).  

Step Four.

Use a hole punching device (preferably a pair that creates two parallel incisions) to create a place to seal the card, half-an-inch or less, close to the bottom.  

Step Five.

With thin ribbon laced through the openings tie a decorative bow to seal the card.

Step 6.  

Once you've finished your cards, find something to place them in that will make the project more unique and fun. I used a basket and some spare fabric I had lying around.  Flower pots, glass jars and ceramic jugs are all great ideas, too!  

Done!

All-in-all the process was super easy, and lots of fun!  Sure, the party would have been great without the  flair, but it was nice doing something a little extra!  

Oh, and did I mention that I baked some peppermint cupcakes, also? Yum!

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Craft Lust

Can I just say that I have recently fallen in love with this site: Little Birdie Secrets. If you love crafting, and beautiful pictures that accompany the process, you have to check it out. 

Seriously, how wonderful is this project?  I know.  I'm jealous too.

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Another Lazy Sunday Edition

And so Christmas crafting begins.

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Thanks for Family and Friends

Happy Thanksgiving, bookworms!

I'm excited to announce that I'm finally completely absorbed in a novel: Lorrie Moore's A Gate at the Stairs.  Last week I mentioned that I had started The School of Essential Ingredients, and I really love Bauermeister's savory description of the food her protagonist delicately handles. However, the title just happens to be the reading selection of the month for my reading group; so, I can't really get too ahead of myself.  Perfect reading during a time of year when Americans celebrate family, relationships, giving and great food.

A Gate at the Stairs offers a refreshing perspective from a somewhat demented protagonist Tassie Keltjin.  So far, I've only completed around 30 pages, but I've found that I don't want to put it down. I'm looking forward to posting a thorough review of this unique novel upon completion.

I can't wait to spend the weekend crafting, reading and editing photos from tomorrow's festivities.  Tomorrow will be the first Thanksgiving that my brother and I do almost ALL of the cooking, and we couldn't be more excited. Nothing beats beautiful falls leaves in the North Georgia mountains, heartfelt laughter with your family and warm food atop your table. I'll be sure to snap shots throughout the process and share all recipes utilized. 

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?  Doing any reading to get you in the spirit?



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Challenges Abound

Initially I came here, once again, to note that my hectic schedule has really prevented me from finishing a single novel I've started.  Right now I'm struggling to conquer Thirteen Moons, Russian Winter and dare I say it, Great House! I know.

Let me just say that these titles haven't been finished because I don't enjoy them, because I think all are entertaining and beautifully written.  I really haven't been deeply drawn into any of the three, and feel that I'll finish them... eventually.  Furthemore, there are so many dishes to be baked and crafts to be constructed, that, in all honesty, I haven't had much time to sit down and read. 

So in the hopes of preventing these types of pitfalls again, I will swear to participate in challenges that I must finish.  Yes, must finish.

AND these CHALLENGES will produce results I can prove here.  So you know I'm actually doing it. 

Challenege One:

In the coming weeks I'll be introducing a weekly craft feature.  Whether it's something I've created entirely with own two little hands or a Martha Stewart production, I'll be posting some great ideas to spread some creative energy cheer.

My growing interest in distressed furniture has recently hit an all-time high.  And, I just happen to have several pieces of old furniture that I could experiment on, including, one lovely dresser.  Realizing recently that this is something I could totally do myself; my first challenge is to transform my own hideous white monster into something more breezy and cool looking.  (Like what you see above)

Challenge Two:

I found this challenege while reading Literary Musings, a book blog that I really enjoy.  This, in-turn, led me to Sarah Reads Too Much, who's hosting the challenge, which is also great.  So, I decided that if all the book blogger's I adored were doing it, then I should be doing it too!

The goals to complete:

1. A Banned Book
2. A Book with a Wartime Setting (can be any war)
3. A Pulitzer Prize (Fiction) Winner or Runner Up
4. A Children's/Young Adult Classic
5. 19th Century Classic
6. 20th Century Classic
7. A Book you think should be considered a 21st Century Classic
8. Re-Read a book from your High School/College Classes

Classics Challenge begins in January, the same time as my book club for the Feminist Women's Health Center (which I created informational packets for last night), along with my current informal book club with the Atlanta ladies.  That being said, this decision is going to be a real challenge, and I'm looking foward to it.

 

What challenges have you set for yourself?  Want some more inspiration?  Here are a few sites that I love, featuring people participating in other challenges, or just doing things they love:

 
Style/Wardrobe/ Clothing- Multiple Factors (Mandy's styles is awesome AND she's crafty.)
 
Crafts/ Recycling- Creative Leftovers (I can't wait to try making my own rubber stamps using her instructions.)
 
Inspirational/ Photography- Reading My Tea Leaves (What can I say? I just love this one.)
 
BTW: I cheated. I started Erica Bauermeister's The School of Essential Ingredients last night and already enamored.

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Candy and Family: A Halloween Edition

Happy Halloween, bookworms!  Okay, so I'm a little late, but I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I did mine!

A bookish update: I'll be meeting with my reading group this coming Tuesday for our second, and last, discussion of Chris Cleave's Little Bee.  So far, it's been an exceptional title, and I'm really looking forward to finishing it up and discussing my overall views with the ladies in Atlanta.  Sadly, yesterday was the last day of National Reading Group Month, and I'm hoping that my previous post of helpful hints inspired you to organize your own! Furthermore, I'm excited to announce that I've taken the opportunity to create and co-lead a reading group for the Feminist Women's Health Center in Atlanta, Georgia.  The reading group will be tackling, both, fiction and nonfiction titles, with a primary focus on women's issues in literature, and the world around us.  This endeavor will no doubt present a welcome challenge, and provide valuable learning experiences for myself and participants in the community.  Details for those living in the Atlanta area to come!

Now before I move on and present some delicious homemade Halloween treats, let me first offer a little background to put the whole event in perspective...

Every year, around this time, my sweetheart, J, meets his family in their home state of Illinois. They get together with warm embraces, side-splitting stories, delicious food and smiling faces.  Last year, I had the opportunity to join in on such a jaunty occasion (and meet all 40+ members at one time)!  This year  we celebrated J's Granddad's 90th birthday, and I experienced my first inclusion on their annual trip to the university he attended some years ago: Notre Dame.  I may not be a football fan, but the whole experience was almost too sublime to put into words. I enjoyed every minute of it, and can't wait to do it again next year!

Since we wouldn't be celebrating Halloween at home, and I really wanted to excite some Halloween cheer, I decided to take little goodie bags with homemade candy bark to the family.

I must say, I was mighty proud of the outcome, and thought it cruel not to share with all my lovely readers.  I improvised with this Epicurious recipe, and, that's ok; why shouldn't you be able to customize your own homemade candy bark? So, I figured I'd tempt you with some photos that would  encourage you to make your own!



Note: I made one batch on a baking sheet lined with foil so that I got traditional looking bark.  For the second batch, I used foil cupcake/muffin liners to make candy that resembled peanut butter cups.

Final Product:  

I'd like to take just a moment to share marvelous book I received from a Goodreads GIVEAWAY: Russian Winter. Yes, I won my first giveaway!  It also happened to be a title I was really anticipating.  Don't worry, I'll be sharing real soon.  Promise.

Let me know what you think!  How did you spend your Halloween holiday?  Any spooky reads or recipes you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear!

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