Gingers 2017

The older one took the macabre path on this one -- ginger eating the snowmen. Ugg. 

The little one wasn't feeling well...her ginger to come.   (second Ginger post Christmas...just in time for her birthday). 

She wanted ugly sweater for holiday, but local stores sold out...made her one. 

Wrapping day

For distribution to families ..very well initiated and organized by first responders. 

A heart full of delight matching up kid request to the toys donated. 

Stuffed Bear Lamp -- refurbished

A bit uneven in the spray paint application, but voila...a refurbished bear lamp revealed!

Found it "vintage" store, and thought it a good joke gift for my brother....one who wants to accumulate no such nonsense as this, but perhaps hark back to that Christmas movie with the leg lamp gift scene. 

This lamp had a music element to it, but I am not likely to figure out how to fix that up to working order. 

Crown 9 -- getting closer

Ok, not there yet, but closer.  Now for their signs and a flag or two.  Going to get a bit more animated!  Ceramics.

Edible Wreath

The top one .. 200 degrees F for about 1.5 hours, the lower one, 275 for an hour or so. 

Low and slow to get it white. The top one leaves got switched out to holly, to look a bit more seasonal. Pavlova, whipped cream, fruit.  Idea taken from British Baking Show.  New Zealander at party said I got it right in terms of constancy..and apparently the Pavlova originated in NZ...in honor of visiting ballerina.  

Guest Artist...Squirrel Play Area...for observation

A week or so ago, niece was observing squirrels with their acorn hiding. For birthday present, she made this squirrel play area ..complete with sunflower seeds (picked out of the birdseed bag) and dirt, as well as little strings and such to amuse.

In use...the string giving him a flea scratch more than too much of an annoyance.  

Buche de Noel...for birthday cake

Used whipped cream shaded with cocoa..so it didn't get too dark...wasn't intent, but didn't want to add food coloring, and wanted the lightness of the cream vs frosting. Made the mushrooms (too big, but)...meringue.