Cupcake Party Board

Cupcake Baking Cups (Bake it Pretty)
Cupake Invitations (Etsy)
Individual Cupcake Stands (Hello Hanna)
Cupcake Cookie Cutter (Bake it Pretty)
Cupcake Candles (Amazon)
Cupcake Pops (Bakerella)
Cupcake Play Set (Melissa and Doug)
Cupcake Dress (Amazon)
Cupcake Banner (Etsy)
Cupcake Plates (Amazon)

The Sketchbook Challenge

In yesterday's post I mentioned an art challenge that the author of Drawing Lab (see previous post) is involved in. The project is called The Sketchbook Challenge and will begin in January 2011. Artists (or anyone who would like to keep a sketchbook) is invited to participate in monthly challenges to get your creativity flowing. I'm planning on participating just for fun - you can find their badge on my sidebar. Check out the blog for more information!

I also mentioned a "silly art class" taught online by Carla Sonheim, the author of Drawing Lab. The class begins January 5th. Each day, class participants will receive a worksheet with prompts to inspire creativity. You can find out more information about the class here.

Drawing Lab

etsy.com

I got this book (Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists by Carla Sonheim) as an early Christmas present and I just have to say that it is the best art book I have ever used. In the workbook you can find "52 creative exercises to make drawing fun." Even if you don't usually enjoy art, I'd recommend picking up a copy of this book for some rainy day fun. I've been doing several activities a day (such as "100 Faces" and "Your Inner Dr. Seuss") . You'll only need a couple supplies (Sharpies, markers, pencils, or anything else you have on hand), and if you don't have the supplies, I'm guessing the author would encourage you to improvise. I, being a perfectionist, have found the book useful in helping me to relax while I draw. Discover the creativity you never thought you possessed and have fun in the process!

I'll be posting more about a cool challenge that the author is participating in starting in January, plus a "silly art" class that is available online!

Merry Christmas

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year. I love gift giving, spending time with family, the magic of the season. But recently, I have become aware of the fact that Christmas is so much more than that. Ever since I was little, I have been told the story of Christmas - Jesus being born into this world as a helpless baby who would someday save the world. However, the true reason we celebrate still slips so easily from my grasp. This year, I want to celebrate filled with the joy I have in Jesus, my Savior. In Luke 2:11, an angel rejoicing at Jesus' birth declares, "Fear not: Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, unto you is born this day a Savior which is Christ the Lord." In Jesus, my fear is transformed into faith. He fills my heart with indescribable joy. It is a joy that does not come from giving presents or decorating a tree or baking cookies. It is so much more than that. It is the reason why I want my Christmas this year to be a time of rejoicing in the gift of life through Jesus and a time to give from the overflow of joy He has given me. My prayer this Christmas is that you may have that same precious joy that came in the form of a tiny baby two thousand Decembers ago. Merry Christmas.

Cherry Blueberry Pie Recipe

allrecipes.com/Cherry-Blueberry Pie

I made this Cherry-Blueberry pie recipe from All Recipes yesterday. I didn't know how it was going to turn out, but it is so good! I don't make pie that often, but I think I will be making this again soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Press one of the pie crusts into a 9 inch pie plate. In a large bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Stir in the cherry pie filling and blueberries. Spoon into the pie crust. Top with the second crust, and press the edges to seal. Flute edges, or press with the tines of a fork. In a cup, whisk together the egg white and water with a fork. Brush over the top of the pie, then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of sugar.
3. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes in the preheated oven, or until crust is golden brown. Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil if they appear to be getting too dark. Cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before serving.

Giveaway on Laura Winslow Photography!

Wanna enter a super fabulous giveaway? Check out what's happening at Laura Winslow Photography. So many amazing vendors!