Gumdrop Topiary

Are you looking for a fun children's party centerpiece?  

I must warn you that it is quite time consuming but so worth the little girls reactions to the colorful "candy art".  

I had my heart set on a pink vase of some sort...I ended up with a metal pot with handles but knew a little paint and time would transform a metal container into the perfect piece.

Several coats of paint did the trick and then how to create a filler to hold the dowel in place.  First used the idea of spray foam but that just didn't work well.  So then the idea of pieces of 2x4 cut to fit interior of bucket (which is slanted/sloped) was attempted, with holes in the middle of each piece for the dowel to fit snuggly into.  Perfecto!!!  The husband pulled through once again, while shaking his head and smiling...only you honey would fuss with something like this.  He did a great job and the project continued...

I painted the dowel and then made a small indentation in the round styrofoam ball...then applied a small amount of hot glue into the hole and inserted the dowel.  When the glue was dry I inserted the dowel into the wood pieces.  

Now ready for the time consuming part...

I cut round toothpicks in half and placed a gumdrop into the blunt end and then starting at the top of the ball inserted the combo into the foam ball securely (the pointed end goes into ball).  It takes a lot of gumdrops, toothpicks and time to complete but so worth it!

I filled the finished bucket with colored tissue paper that co-ordinated with the theme of the event.  Then tied various ribbons around the base of gumdrop ball.

If you decide to make this, please know it will be showstopper!!!

Enjoy~

Candyland!!!!!

 This is truly a sweet feast, a sugar fest for sure!

 How exciting to be a part of the Daddy Daughter Dance at Maggie's Preschool!!!

 So many fun sweets for the girls and their Daddies!!!

 The floral arrangement was spectacular and I wish I would have taken photo's before the strobe light was on...trust me, it was absolutely gorgeous!!!  Victoria's Floral of Benzonia, MI created the masterpiece...she is so talented and always ready to create!

 Decorations were worked on for many days and they looked beautiful...many thanks to everyone that assisted!

 Empty toilet tissue tubes were saved, covered with tissue and tied with ribbon...then strung to create festive table decoration.

 There was a gum drop topiary on the serving table and I will attempt to guide you through making one yourself...at a later date...please stay tuned!!!

Enjoy the spring day~

Ice Cream Cone Wafer Cookies

Are you searching for a fun little treat that can be used at a little girls birthday party or other special occasion?

This may fit the bill and you can whip them up in no time.

 The decorating possibilities are endless but I was was going for particular colors and believe me, the "ice cream cones" vanished instantly!!!

If you decide to make them, allow yourself time to gather fun sprinkles, etc.

Ice Cream Cone Wafer Cookies:

Cream Wafer Cookies, I purchased just plain vanilla but the multi-pack would be cute with strawberry and chocolate

Sprinkles

White Chocolate, or you could use chocolate

Working with one cookie at a time, cut each side from about the middle down to create a tip at the bottom.  At the top I cut off a small wedge on each side so that the top would be rather rounded (trying to resemble an ice cream cone)

I melted the white chocolate in the microwave at 15-20 second intervals until smooth and "satiny".

I used a table knife to spread the chocolate on one cookie at a time, covering evenly on the cookies surface and top surfaces.

Immediately apply the sprinkles and top with a fun round candy.  I used pear candy beads in fun colors.

Honestly, this looks so cute on a dessert table~

Take care and enjoy this day~~~