Makenzie's Creations

February Birchbox

2012-02-21T17:40:00.001-06:00

A new month means another mysterious Birchbox arrival.

I got some good stuff this month. I will have to wait until a night out on the town to try the EYE ROCK eye liner, not so sure I can pull it off at my cubical day job. Tonight I am trying the microfoliant FOR SURE! The heart shaped nail file is getting thrown in to my purse...never know when you will need a file.

colorescience pro - glow and go Travel Puff

Green River Ordinance digital download

Heart shaped nail file

dermalogica - Daily Microfoliant

EYE ROCK - Designer Liner

Jouer - Luminizing Moisture Tine

Project Distressed Shelves

2012-02-05T18:08:00.006-06:00

Since purchasing my home just over two years ago I've struggled with decorating an area that is connected to the living room. I didn't have the furniture for the area and and wasn't sure what to do with it. Based on the Before picture you can see the space needed some TLC.

Overcrowded table with pictures (I have two sisters and each had a baby in 2011 and one of them also got married. As you can expect my pictures doubled throughout the year)
Photo books under the table.
A basket full of newspapers
Over sized and unused elliptical machine
No wall hangings

I went to Lowe's and checked out some other stores for shelves I could hang on the wall. I didn't find anything I liked and they seemed pricey. I then decided to make the shelves myself and get the distressed look I like and goes with the rest of my house.

1. Purchased 3 1x10x4 pieces of wood.

2. Created stain by mixing apple cider vinegar and steel wool in an old jar and let it sit for a couple of days.

3. Painted all sides of the wood planks with white paint I had on hand from painting my kitchen cabinets. I basically slapped on one coat of paint since I was going to be sanding and staining in later steps.

4. Once the paint was dry I started beating the boards with s a hammer and screw driver on the edges and throughout the board. I even took some nails and staples and hammered their imprints in the board.

5. Once that is done sand the board. I sanded the edges down to no paint. Make sure to sand the entire board so the stain will stick.

6. Wipe the boards clean of any dust using a rag or old shirt. Then apply stain with a different rag or old shirt. Make sure and wear gloves you don't want the stain or the smell on your hands. Notice the white sticking out, it is because I didn't sand it good enough. When the stain was dry I re-sanded areas and wiped off any dust.

7. When dry maybe 30 minutes apply another coat of stain and repeat until desired color is achieved. I think I applied 3-4 coats. (picture below is after two coats of stain)

7. I then applied two coats of clear shellac. Wait until shellac is dry before applying additional coats, approximately 30 minutes. Notice all the dings that appear. I love the distressed look.

8. It was then time to hang the shelves. I couldn't decide how I want to hang them and then realized I need to arrange so the brackets would be attached to studs since I didn't have any anchors and I wanted to hang that night. I was too excited to wait! Tip: Cut painters tape the length of the wall and arrange on wall to see what boards will look like before drilling any holes in the wall.

Shelves are hung and decorated for Valentines Day. I am in LOVE with the shelves, but something is missing. The area is still to cluttered and the table and elliptical just aren't working for me.

Then the light bulb turned on, I MUST FIND a buffet table. So to Craigslist I went. I found a couple of different options, but still wasn't happy with the choices and heights of the buffets listed. I started looking at dressers. I found one listed and made the phone call it it was still available. The length was perfect. The depth was perfect. The height was perfect. Oh and the price...at $100 it was perfect too. I had planned on staining and distressing the dresser the same way I did the shelves, but the color works and I don't need to make any changes except for the hardware. Not sure what I'll do with the large matching mirror that came with it.

Project Cost:

3 Boards: $16

6 Arc Brackets: $32

White Paint: Free

Homemade Stain: $3

Shellac: $10

Dresser/Buffet: $100

What happened to the elliptical? I sold it on Craigslist within 24 hours of posting.

Painted Wood Blocks

2012-02-05T14:15:00.006-06:00

Another quick and easy project that can easily be modified with the materials you may have on hand is painted wood blocks.

1. Start with scrap pieces of wood. I used 2x4 blocks in varying lengths. Sand any rough edges and wipe off dust with rag.

2. Apply a couple of coats of spray paint over entire block. I found that rustoleum spray works best.

3. Then apply stickers and apply one coat of spray paint in a different color. (Sorry I don't have picture)

4. Once paint is dry peal of stickers and roughly sand around edges and all over block until you get the desired look.

5. Finished product. Cute, fast, and easy homemade holiday blocks.

Paper Mache Letters

2012-02-04T13:30:00.001-06:00

This is any fast, easy, and fairly inexpensive project that can be translated to any holiday.

Paper mache letters were purchased from Hobby Lobby for $2.50 each. I choose these because of the solid finish and sturdy one inch width that would allow letters to be freestanding. Wood letters would be an alternative and can be purchase for $.99 at Hobby Lobby.

2. Use rustoleum spray paint to apply two coats of paint on each letter.

3. Finished product.

Glue Yarn Balls

2012-02-03T12:30:00.001-06:00

If you are not already signed up for Pinterest, you must get signed up. There are so many great ideas and Pinterest is a way to share and save all the ideas you come across while browsing the web. I followed the instructions in this pin for making glue yarn balls. This is a perfect outside project because it is extremely messy.

Materials needed: yarn, balloons, glue and water. All you do is wrap yarn around a balloon that has been soaked in the glue/water mixture. Let sit over night or until dry. Then pop and remove the balloons and you are done. Time to start decorating.

January Birchbox

2012-01-10T19:30:00.007-06:00

I have anxiously been waiting for a little box of goodness and it finally arrived today. My January Birchbox was waiting for me in my mailbox.

January’s box focuses on clarity. I received some night cream, eye serum, fragrance sample and nail polish. I am excited to try the Befine night cream which is for improved skin tones. I also like the grayish-purple nail polish so much I already have it on.

LARABAR – Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

VMV Hypoallergenics – Re-Everything: Eye Serum

Befine – Night Cream

Zoya – Nail Polish in Megan

Juicy Couture fragrance sample

Project: Bathroom Organization

2012-01-08T18:51:00.002-06:00

I'm pretty sure I completed a similar bathroom organization within the last year, yet once again it is out of control. I'm going to make another vow to keep the space organized.

This is the messy space before. Filled with items I use, don't use, and that belong somewhere else.

Step 1: Acknowledge there is a problem. (Check!)

Step 2: Pull everything out and begin to organize and throw away. (Check!)

Step 3: Add the newly organized containers back in. (Check!)

Step 4: Admire finished product and keep it organized. (Check!)

Easy project that took under an hour and was free. I already had the baskets (which were only $1 from the dollar store).

Just in time for the holidays

2011-11-29T22:54:00.000-06:00

What can you make from all of the cute holiday fabrics like these?

Really cute custom applique onesies/shirts like these.

My favorite is the onesie with the attached skirt.

Turkey Time

2011-10-23T19:31:00.000-05:00

Applique turkey shirts and onesies in a variety of sizes. Pictured above are 3 months to 4T, but can be made any size.

Birthday Cakes

2011-10-23T19:24:00.000-05:00

I haven't kept up with posting because I have been busy making cakes. Below are birthday cakes I have made over the past month.

Mountain Scene

Beer Mug

Dora the Explorer

Sweet 16 Hot Pink & Zebra

Farm Cake

Hot Pink Zebra and Feathers

Wedding and a 21st Birthday

2011-09-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

I did this wedding cake a couple of weeks ago and was very excited to use one of my cake stands I purchased a few months ago. The cake is made of 6, 10 and 14 inch offset squares. Cake flavors include red velvet/cream cheese filling, chocolate cake/strawberry filling, marble cake/caramel cream cheese filling all iced in cream cheese frosting. The base of each layer is wrapped with ribbon. Buttercream dots are above each ribbon base. The florist added beautiful red roses on each tier of the cake.

When I first made this cake I knew I'd get a request to make it again. This cake is made of three tiers of strawberry cake and is iced in vanilla buttercream. I emptied the beer cans and cut them in half. I then pushed the cans down in the cake. Around the cans are sugar ice cubes and the base of the cake is crushed graham crackers.

Sugar ice cubes are very simple to make. Melt 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup of corn syrup. Poor into ice cube trays and let set for about an hour. I always spray the ice cube trays with cooking spray and they pop right out.

Reese's Lady Bug Birthday

2011-09-07T16:32:00.000-05:00

8 inch and 10 inch strawberry cake filled with buttercream and covered in fondant. The lady bug is made from one half of the 3D ball pan. The head is solid fondant. The little lady bugs and leaves were made the day before by hand out of fondant. Flowers and circles were cut using cookie cutters out of fondant. Fondant ball borders surround the bottom of each tier.

Bows

2011-08-18T19:20:00.000-05:00

Bows the newest items for sale! Just in time for the fall craft shows.

Davis Wedding

2011-08-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Jeremy Davis & Brandi Ventura.

Thank you for allowing me to be a special part of your day.

4-tier (6,8,10,12 inch) white and chocolate cake tiers covered in brown colored marshmallow fondant. Finished with non-edible raffia, flowers, and cake topper decorations.

Chiefs grooms cake double half sheet of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

Woody, Frog Pond, Pink 1st Birthday

2011-07-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Half sheet chocolate cake covered in vanilla and peanut butter frosting. I printed off a picture of Woody from the internet and traced around the body and then free handed the rest.

Full sheet cake that is half chocolate and half vanilla. The frosting is vanilla buttercream icing. To make the bank is chocolate cupcakes covered in frosting. The pebbles are made of tootsie rolls and so is the dock. The fish are Swedish fish candies. Frogs are non-edible.

Ayana has the most carefree mom in the world. She didn't care what flavor of cake was used or the decoration of the cakes. Heck she didn't even care if it was cakes or cupcakes. She did send me the plates and napkins that would be used at the party so that is what the decorations are based off of. The "1" is a strawberry cake and the cupcakes are yellow chocolate cookie dough cakes with chocolate and vanilla frosting.

Waddle It Be?

2011-07-26T20:14:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of playing a large part in my sister Whitney and her husband Brian's baby reveal celebration. I had came up with the idea of them finding out the sex of their baby with friends and family instead of in the doctor's office.

I looked to the internet for some inspiration and found the "Waddle It Be" them. They mailed me the sealed envelope with the baby's gender and for a whole week I knew what they were having. It was a little secret between me and the doctor. And for the record this cake maker can keep a secret.

Their favorite cake is carrot so the bottom cake is a three layers of the most delicious and moist carrot cake covered in cream cheese frosting. The duck was vanilla cake dyed BLUE and covered in vanilla buttercream frosting.

If you didn't catch it....the baby is a BOY.

Grooms Golf Cake, Spiderman Cake

2011-07-05T18:46:00.001-05:00

Three tiered golf themed grooms cake.

Half of a 3D ball, 6 inch and 8 inch tier. Cake is frosted in vanilla buttercream and has some fondant accents.

Half sheet spiderman cake. Half vanilla/half chocolate with vanilla buttercream frosting.

No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk…

2011-06-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

This is what the mother of the bride told me this weekend after informing her that her daughter’s wedding cake had fallen over during transport. Yes, you read that sentence correctly. A beautiful four tiered wedding cake toppled in the back of my Honda Pilot less than a half mile from the final destination. All we had to go was 4.4 miles and the cake did not make it.

I was completely devastated and EXTREMELY pissed that my 30+ hours of work came crashing down in a matter of seconds. The cake was salvageable and turned into a three tiered cake with roses cascading down both sides instead of the original plan of a four tiered cake with roses cascading down one side. Probably only 6 servings were lost and you almost couldn’t tell from the front that the back had some issues. If I were a guy I probably would have punched a wall or thrown the cake on the ground…but I’m a girl so I shed some frustration tears and came home and drank a whole bottle of wine.

The next day I called the bride to apologize repeatedly. She informed me she wasn’t a bridezilla and not to worry about it. I still fill guilty but, luckily, I (with some help from the groom’s mother) was able to salvage the cake for pictures. Plus the cake was still edible even if it didn’t look like the original.

In all honesty, I have been waiting for disaster to strike on a wedding cake for some time. They are by far the most stressful part of cake making. They also result in the most satisfaction once delivered in one piece. I just love seeing the pictures of the bride and groom sharing a special moment with one of my cakes.

Cupcakes, Hello Kitty, Zebra, & Spine

2011-06-15T21:49:00.000-05:00

Some cupcakes to celebrate the last day of school. So far Hayden has been busy fishing this summer while his big sister plays softball.

My best friend Audra's daughter turned 4 on June 1st. Her dad didn't get is wish with a NASCAR cake. Good thing mom took over! Addison got a hello kitty cake. It was a vanilla cake that I colored 4 different colors so when you cut in you saw a rainbow of colors. Perfect for any 4 year old. Happy Birthday Addison!!!

Adorable Kenley turned 1 year old. Talk about a little diva! This zebra striped cake matched the adorable tutu/onesie/headband that she wore for her party and 1st birthday pictures. A matching purple smash cake with a zebra striped "1" complimented this cake.

My cousin Anna...well now Dr. Anna McCoy...recently graduated from chiropractic college. She joined her father in his business and asked me to make a cake for her open house.

Congratulations Anna! Best wishes on a successful career.

Old Crayons...What to do? What to do?

2011-06-10T18:21:00.000-05:00

So what do you do when you have hundreds of old crayons and aren't 8 years old anymore?

You take all of the wrappers off the crayons.

Break them into smaller pieces.

Melt the crayons in shaped cookie pans.

Look at these cool shapes. Perfect gifts for any young girl or boy.

Elmo, Donkey Kong, Mario and Beer Bucket Cakes

2011-05-23T19:33:00.000-05:00

Three 10 inch cakes Elmo, Donkey Kong and Mario. Cakes were strawberry, vanilla and chocolate and were covered in buttercream icing.

21st Birthday Party Cake for my Cousin Cara

The bucket is made of 4 layers of 8 inch red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting in between. I mad sugar ice cubes and empty three beer cans and then cut in half.

Graduation Cakes

2011-05-22T19:05:00.000-05:00

8 inch lemon cakes with cream cheese filling

125 graduation cupcakes

chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting topped with white chocolate

Cookies and Cream cupcakes with vanilla frosting topped with peanut butter cups and Godiva chocolate graduation caps

Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

Spice cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and a cinnamon and sugar sprinkle

Lemon cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate "VF"

Full sheet cake flavors include strawberry/vanilla swirl, caramel and lemon covered in cream cheese frosting

Half sheet chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream

Half sheet camo cakes. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream and spice

Vanilla quarter sheet with strawberry had carved Converse shoe. Cake is iced in vanilla buttercream and shoe is covered in fondant.

Congratulations Class of 2011!

Boustier Cake

2011-05-15T19:28:00.000-05:00

My friends Jeremy and Vickie married May 14 and the night before their wedding I was asked to make this cake for the bride and bridesmaids to share. The cake was lemon and filled with raspberry filling and covered in cream cheese frosting. Congratulations Mrs. Heinen!

Aubrey's 4th Birthday

2011-05-09T18:42:00.000-05:00

For her 4th birthday my niece Aubrey requested a purple jeep cake. Last year I made a slug bug cake and really didn't think she needed 2 car cakes in a row. So I showed her a picture of a really cool candy cake. She loved and and was satisfied with having a candy cake. I booked another large cake order the same week and Aubrey's cake got the shaft. She was happy as can be with it and I think everyone would agree it tasted great. The decorating was a little week. Sorry Aubrey. Next year I'll make your cake the number one priority.

Eating her cake and ice cream. Dominic taught her what a brain freeze was. So after every bite she was having a brain freeze and this was the pose.

Blue Zebra Cake

2011-05-08T18:39:00.000-05:00

8, 10 & 12 inch chocolate/vanilla marble cake.

Covered in buttercream frosting and fondant accents.

Graduation T-Shirt Blanket

2011-05-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

Are you sitting there thinking that this time next year you will have a senior who will be graduating? It will most likely be a bitter sweet day for both child and parent. Send them off to college with a blanket that will remind them of home. I make custom t-shirt blankets for all. My most recent order happens to be for a high school senior that will be graduating in a few weeks.

Congratulations on completing this chapter of you life and good luck in your future endeavors.

Spring Time - Spring Wedding

2011-05-02T22:12:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Spring!

I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

International Harvester grooms cake.

6, 8, 10 inch cake iced in white wedding buttercream with

black piping and fake deep purple lilies

(Colors looked much better in person. One of the many signs that I need a new camera.)

The New Creator

2011-04-17T20:23:00.000-05:00

This is my niece and she LOVES to come to my house and decorate cakes with me.

Here is the master at work.

She even got to wear an apron.

Don't worry she isn't on the payroll yet!

Bridal Shower Weekend

2011-04-17T20:08:00.000-05:00

Amanda Bisnett is getting married this summer I have the pleasure of making her bridal shower cake and wedding cake come June. The cake above is made of 8 and 12 inch cakes. Both cakes are vanilla one has cookies and cream filling and the other vanilla buttercream. Cakes are accented with satin ribbon, fondant dots and fresh lilies.

I wish I had gotten a picture of the cakes and cupcakes together as they were a packaged deal...but it's too late now. For the future Mrs. Warner's bridal shower I made a quarter chocolate sheet cake and marble cupcakes both with vanilla buttercream. The cake also has satin ribbon and the cupcakes edible pearls.

Congratulations on your upcoming weddings!

Hesston turned 2!

2011-04-12T20:04:00.000-05:00

Little Hesston celebrated his 2nd birthday. For the party he got a farm themed birthday cake. I used a two 10 inch rounds to make the base cake and then a house shaped pan to make the barn. The hay bales are rice krispies and the farm animals are non-edible toys. All cakes frosted in vanilla buttercream.

Dear Cupcake, I want to eat you!

2011-04-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

New flavor that is definitely a keeper!

Apple Spice Cupcake with Cream Cheese Caramel Drizzled Frosting

Cookies & Cream

Banana Cream Filled Cupcake

These were the desserts for the bridal shower my older sister and I hosted for my our younger sister. Happy day for a happy future!

Banks' 1st Season

2011-04-10T14:08:00.000-05:00

Little Banks' arrived earlier than expected last year and he has grown into a happy healthy one year old who is celebrating his baseball themed birthday today. Happy 1st Birthday Banks!

Lego Star Wars & Wolverine

2011-04-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

Birthday boy Cole enjoys Lego Star Wars and that is what he wanted on his cake. His mom sent me the picture you see on the cake as an inspiration. Her comment was that it looked the easiest. What? Easy? My suggestion was I just put that picture on the cake because it would be cheaper for her and easier for me and in the end would look much better than if I were to draw the characters on the cake with frosting.

Cole decided on Wolverine cookies to take to his daycare and school birthday parties. I was a little nervous making the cookies, but his Dad told me he recognized them right away and loved them.

Happy Birthday Cole!

Baby Feet Tiered Cake

2011-04-02T12:42:00.000-05:00

I made this cake for a baby shower for a mother that is expecting a baby boy. The cake is made from 6 inch and 8 inch round marble cakes and is covered in fondant with buttercream filling. I hand carved the baby feet and bottom out of fondant.

Congratulations on your baby boy!

Heartland Sheet Cake, Beatles Guitar & Hello Kitty

2011-03-27T21:40:00.000-05:00

Heartland Crop Insurance celebrated its 11th Anniversary. What party isn't complete with a birthday cake? This cake is a full sheet vanilla cake with mint chocolate chip filling and buttercream frosting.

Happy Birthday to a huge Beatles fan!

Shaylee turned 2 and celebrated with a kitty cake. This cake was made by 8 inch round and square marble cakes with buttercream frosting.

Happy 60th Birthday!

2011-03-20T19:59:00.001-05:00

A simple sheet cake for a lady who loves to garden and was turning 60. Hope you had a great surprise birthday party Gerianne!

Nook Covers

2011-03-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

His and her nook covers for my Grandparents.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-14T19:24:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all those that ordered Valentine's Day cupcakes from me!

Cali's Birthday

2011-02-13T17:15:00.000-06:00

This is the cake the night before delivery. It looks great, right? Well when I woke up the next morning there was a small problem. The frosting dots had kinda melted. Not bad because there were still dots, but there was now colored streaks that had dripped from the dots. I was HORRIFIED and didn't know how I would deliver this cake to the customer with no time to remake it. The birthday girl was a trooper and said "It doesn't look that bad and we are just going to eat it anyway." She was right the flavors would still taste the same and now the cake was cheaper than the original quoted price.

As much as we cake decorators try to be perfect we do have our mishaps and appreciate customers like Cali that "go with the flow". Thanks and hope you had a great birthday!

Order Your Valentine's Day Cupcakes

2011-02-05T10:43:00.001-06:00

Lady Bug Birthday

2011-02-01T20:15:00.000-06:00

Happy 1st Birthday Ella! Hope you had fun digging into your lady bug!

I Sailed Away...

2011-01-28T22:42:00.000-06:00

Do you know where this picture was taken?

If you guessed Cozumel then you are correct.

I just got back from the most wonderful vacation with 9 of my favorite people that included both friends and family. We went on a cruise that left Miami and went to Key West and Cozumel. This picture was taken outside of Fat Tuesday (one of my favorite places for adult beverages) before we got back on our ship. Me in a cake...of course I had to pose so everyone knew why I was out of commission and turning down orders.

3-D Golf Ball

2011-01-16T11:14:00.000-06:00

This was created using Wilton's 3-D ball cake pan and then the back of a table spoon to make the dents. Happy Birthday Michael hope you enjoyed your surprise!

Time For a New Hobby? I Think So!

2011-01-10T16:10:00.000-06:00

Time to start Couponing! I'm exciting because this hobby means organization and lists. A couple of my favorite things. I'll let you know how it goes!

Tie Onesies

2011-01-10T15:48:00.000-06:00

You have probably gone to craft shows and have seen all sorts of items for baby girls. They get to wear cute hair bows and flowers, tutus, etc. Well now here is the perfect gift for the little man in your life. A onesie with an applique tie. The tie can be in any fabric pattern, which means it can be a sports, holiday, or generic pattern. Onesies come in many sizes and both long sleeve and short sleeve. Order one today!

Everything turns to shit after 40

2011-01-10T15:38:00.000-06:00

Bill turned 40 and his loving wife had this cake made for his birthday. They had a great gathering of friends and family and their hometown bar and this was one of the center pieces. This is a 3 layer chocolate cake with buttercream icing. I made the lid from two 12 inch cake boards with dowel rods in between the two boards that were anchored into the cake.

Paige's Sweet 16

2011-01-10T15:27:00.000-06:00

Paige's mom told me that she had a "prissy daughter" who loved pink and zebra print. Paige had picked out a cake online that was big, fancy and had feathers and would have cost her mother a future. This is my version of an affordable sweet 16 cake. I met mom Angie and a truck full of teenagers so they could transport the cake 30 miles back home. Hope it made it back to the birthday girl!

This is an 8 inch vanilla cake and a 10 inch vanilla cake with Bavarian cream filling. Both layers are covered in vanilla buttercream frosting and fondant accents. The feathers are not edible and were purchased from the flower section at Hobby Lobby.

Minnie Mouse

2011-01-08T15:35:00.000-06:00

This is a shaped cake that was made by using pans that I already own. Minnie's head is 10 inch pan and ears are 2 6 inch pans. After carving a little off of the smaller cakes the pieces fit together like a puzzle. The cake was marble and the frosting that is black is chocolate and the other frosting colors were vanilla buttercream. Happy 2nd Birthday Shelby!

Dora The Explorer

2011-01-07T20:23:00.000-06:00

This is a 10 inch chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. I printed the picture from the Internet and laminated it (the edible image didn't get to the store on time). I like the idea of printing the picture giving the customer the opportunity to choose the picture that is used and save some money.

Crayon Rolls

2011-01-03T14:35:00.000-06:00

I just love these things. They made great Christmas stocking stuffers this year...keep them in mind for next year. These Crayon Rolls will hold 8 crayons and are the perfect size for throwing in a diaper bag, purse, etc. as you are heading out the door. Keep your little ones entertained while at an appointment, restaurant, church etc.

Two sizes available. Crayon holder as in picture below only holds crayons. I also make a version with a slot for 3 x 5 inch paper pad.

Heat Resistant Covers

2011-01-01T15:32:00.000-06:00

When I travel or am getting ready to leave the house one of the last things I do before leaving is my hair. Then I am faced with the dilemma of what to do with my flat iron since it is still hot. I

have created the perfect solution. I now place my hot flat iron (or curling iron) in a heat resistant cover like the ones pictured below and throw it right in my suitcase. The heat resistant fabric keeps the heat locked inside and it is safe to pack with the rest of your items. And if you are going to get a stylish flat iron cover why not get a coordinating makeup bag too.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-12-29T21:39:00.000-06:00

Are you in the hunt for the PERFECT chocolate cookie recipe? Well I have it! No longer will you have flat cookies that are hard as a rock. This recipe produces the perfect plump cookie that maintains its shape and is delicious when dipped in milk.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yields 4 ½ dozen

2/3 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening

2/3 Cup Butter, softened

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Brown Sugar

2 Eggs

1 TBS Vanilla

3 ½ Cups Flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees.

Next cream together the shortening, butter, white sugar, brown sugar until smooth.

Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Stir in the vanilla.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

Then stir into the creamed mixture.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Use a measuring tablespoon to round dough balls. Don’t roll just make rounded. Place onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until centers are set and very lightly browned. Don’t over bake.

Cook 2-3 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.

Recent Cakes

2010-12-20T23:23:00.000-06:00

The past month has been extremely busy with multiple craft shows, many cake orders and other craft orders. Plus the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays. Here are pictures of the cakes that I have made in the past month.

Kendall State Bank asked me to make cupcakes for their own cake decorator Kristina's 40th Birthday. I made chocolate and French vanilla cupcakes and topped with a vanilla/cream cheese swirl frosting.

Little Miss Lillian Brown turned just turned one. The smash cake was decorated to match the owl theme of her party. Then each French Vanilla cupcake was topped with pink cream cheese frosting or white vanilla butter cream frosting swirls.

Dozens of different flavored cupcakes were prepared and sold at the Rossville Craft Show.

I was asked to make asked to make four dozen cupcakes for a customer. One dozen was for them to keep and three dozen was going to a bake sale benefit for a man who is recovering from a car accident.

It's Hayden's Birthday and this year the little man wanted an airplane cake that he could take to his birthday party at the airport. The airplane was created out of rice cereal and fondant. The fluffy clouds are made of frosting.

Can you believe it? Kaycin is already 1 year old. A friend from high school asked me to make this girlie cake and coordinating smash cake for her daughter's 1st Birthday.

I love referrals and that is how I was asked to complete this anniversary cake. Wishing you many more years of happiness and marriage.

This year my Grandma's (or as we call her Nanny) Birthday fell on the same day as Thanksgiving. A chocolate birthday cake is what every family needs to eat after a big Thanksgiving meal. My niece helped with the decorations and informed me that "everyone likes sprinkles".

Moms Are the Best!

2010-11-12T18:32:00.000-06:00

What would a girl do without her mom? I would have been completely stressed and up all night if it weren't for my mom. She already had the day off work and kindly volunteered to help me for the day (The Fall Bazaar that is). She told me I was the boss and she would do whatever work I needed her to. We spent the morning in the kitchen making about 10 batches of cupcakes and 4 batches of frosting. Then we left the kitchen and headed to the craft room. She helped in every way with the exception of running the sewing machine because that is where my focus was. Her help will lead to a successful day tomorrow. Thank You Mom! You are the Best!

Time Management

2010-11-08T17:53:00.000-06:00

I had an absolutely crazy week. I played/worked multiple volleyball games throughout the week plus I had three cakes to make. Time management was very important this week. How did I do managing my time? Horrible. I ended up working through the night to get the monstrous 80th Birthday cakes completed. I finished it in time to deliver and the client loved it.

14th Birthday volleyball cake

Baby Shower Cake

80th Birthday Party Cakes

Old Shit

2010-10-31T18:11:00.000-05:00

Old as shit cake.

Congratulations on Your Nightmare!

2010-10-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

This was a cake for a different kind of baby shower. This customer was having a Halloween themed baby shower and wanted a Nightmare Before Christmas themed cake. I made a 14 inch chocolate sheet cake with buttercream frosting.

Busy Life

2010-10-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

Six months ago on any given week night you could find me doing homework in effort to complete my MBA or relaxing on the couch watching some TV. Well times have changed I now have my master’s degree and am putting my education to use in the craft room and on the volleyball court. You are probably wondering what crafts and volleyball have to do with a master’s degree and the answer is NOTHING! I just enjoy making things and getting a little exercise.

My schedule has been completely crazy for the last month or so. I have been playing volleyball three nights a week in different recreation leagues, scorekeeping Washburn University volleyball 1-2 nights per week, fulfilling cake orders, plus leisure activities like KU football games, NASCAR at Kansas Speedway, going to a comedy club, PBR this weekend and crafting in any spare time.

I have many new ideas and projects that are in the works and I am excited to start posting pictures. I guess I should add blogging to my schedule too, so it gets done.

Polka Dots & Zebra Print

2010-10-10T14:35:00.000-05:00

Today I got to make a birthday cake for a 12 year old. She knew exactly what she wanted for her cake and here it is. A two tiered red velvet and vanilla cake covered in marshmallow fondant. Happy Birthday Reagan!

Fall Bazaar

2010-10-07T22:17:00.000-05:00

Makenzie's Creations will have a craft booth at the Valley Falls Fall Bazaar Saturday, November 13 9am-3pm. Come visit my booth. Fresh cupcakes will be available for $1. I will also have a variety of items for sale that will make perfect Christmas gifts! Continue to visit this blog to see items that will be for sale.

Grasshopper Falls Day

2010-09-23T19:47:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I had a booth at Grasshopper Falls Day in Valley Falls. My main focus was selling cupcakes for $1. Customers got to choose the cupcake they wanted and the frosting and I made their cupcakes on the spot. Cake flavors ranged from Snickerdoodle to Lemon to No Bake Cookie. Frosting options were your basic chocolate and cream cheese to the more unique cookies and cream and raspberry cream.

I also promoted the t-shirt blankets that I make by displaying some samples of my work. Tutus, bean bags and purses were also for sale. There are a few other local events coming up this fall and I look forward to participating in them too.