130: my new guy (and other randomness)

I have a new plan for Christmas.  A plan of cuteness.  I'm challenging myself to make/buy a super-cute "being" each year.  Last year I got these.

And this year I have a new fella.

 

Please, someone come up with a good name for him.  I'm terrible at that kind of thing.

He's handmade from a pattern by Aimee Ray in her etsy shop (I don't see it right now, but I'm sure it will be back).  I had plans to make a bunch of mini ones (he's 8" tall) as ornaments, but it's clear that's not going to happen this year.

 

In other randomness, there were requests for pictures of me dressed up with the bag from last post.  I wish I could say we got some good shots, but we snapped a few on the way out the door in only 2 minutes, and this is the best.  

 

Finally I made an over-the-top cake I wanted to share. (seen both partially frosted and complete)

  

Now it wasn't the richest cake in existance, but I'm calling it "over-the-top" because of all the steps involved.  Not my usual cake-from-a-box with frosting-from-a-can.  Now I usually only do that, because that's what I LIKE and I love to bake so I was up to this challenge.  

It was based on some specific requests from my 4-year-old niece.  

Here's the breakdown with the recipe links:

2-layer yellow cake - Duncan Hines from a box

Chocolate mousse filling - SO good you could eat it by itself

Martha's chocolate ganache covering the whole thing - I think this may have helped with the stability since the filling was mousse. (This isn't the exact recipe, there was no corn syrup)

Whipped buttercream frosting - I loved this and I don't really like whipped cream type frostings.  I prefer the sweeter buttercreams.  This was like 1/2 way in between.

Overall, it can be summed up in one word:  YUM!

JT

Comments

[Hannah]

yum yum yum indeed!!!!!!!!!!!! i am salivating just looking at it hehe

LOVE the little santa knome too, i think "Noel" is a good name for him :)

[Angelina]

yo look lovely with the clutch, the cake is positively scrumptious looking (but alas Gluten-free cakes lose the luster in duplication) and the lil' knomey is FABULOUS!

[Kristen]

I love your little gnome, great job! You might also like this felt Santa to go with him - http://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/Felted-Santa-from-Styrofoam-Brand-Foam

Also wanted to let you know that I used your Scrappy Summer Belt tutorial in a recent blog post.

See it here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/how-to-diy-christmas-gifts-for-teens/

Happy Holidays,

Kristen
Editor
FaveCrafts.com

[Doris]

I love your gnome, I think he looks like a Norman.

Lovely dress!

[Sarah]

The little guy is so cute! I need to get back to making that kind of stuff again. My time's been so limited lately :-(
That cake is amazing! I am impressed

[jessica]

holy cow that looks great, I will be making it tomorrow, yum!

[SewLindaAnn]

Thanks for the Etsy shop, I ordered the pattern from her.

[Barefoot]

Wonderful. Thanks for the picture. I like to live vicariously through people who actually have a life. You look wonderful.

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[Melissa]

I LOVE this gnome! WOW!! Excellent job!

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[Denise]

I'm sure you already named this adorable little guy but he looks like Gerome the Gnome to me. :O) Would love the patter for him so I can make one up for my tree this year! :o)

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