Pig Cake Fondant Tutorial

I was asked for tips on making a pig cake--so since I thought more could benefit, I thought I'd give the information I used to create Lydia's cake with fondant.  Lydia's birthday cake was my first attempt, and although I thought it was rather easy, there are a few things I wish someone would have told me :)

The picture I found online as inspiration.

Since Lydia was in love with Charlotte's Web--I decided to make her a pig cake.  I searched for "pig cakes" and ideas and found this pictures online.  I actually pinned it to my board on Pinterest when searching for the "perfect" pig cake.  Since I thought this one was the cutest (and easiest looking), I began to research fondant.

Now--I've always thought that fondant tasted.....well....pretty nasty.  I've always disliked it on cakes, so after doing a search for "fondant that tastes good" I found recommendations for marshmallow fondant and a pre-made product called Satin Ice (That's the stuff the Cake Boss uses!).

After pricing the Satin Ice at the party store, I decided to call my friend Tonya who had worked with fondant.  "Use marshmallow fondant" was her reply--"You can do it."  So I took her advice :)  Thanks Tonya!

FIRST-- The recipe
I found this Fondant Recipe  online and followed it, almost.  I used the marshmallows and used 1 tblsp water and one tablespoon caro syrup (I probably read that as an alternative somewhere--but 2 tblsp water would be fine too, I'm sure).  I would not use more than 2 tablespoons liquid though!

After mixing in 3/4 of the bag of powdered sugar--it is STICKY! and gooey, and almost crumbly.  Keep mixing!  Keep greasing your hands with crisco and pouring in the extra 1/4 of the bag of sugar.  It will get to the right consistency.  **It was around this point that I had the thought..."I guess I will be going to the party store in the morning to buy the expensive Satin Ice!...I'm glad I didn't!  I'm too stubborn to not complete my task!

When it appeared to not be sticky anymore, I began to roll it out.  It quickly became sticky again ARGH!!  Just keep adding more and more powdered sugar and kneading it.  I also poured the sugar out on the surface (which happened to be my kitchen table--because our counters are tile and not smooth).  After continually stretching, adding more sugar, and stretching, etc.  I rolled it out without it sticking.

APPLYING the fondant to the cake:
Definitely watch this video:  You Tube Video--Fondant application

You can see we are no professionals here! I used regular rolling  pin (not special fondant one) and used a measuring tape to size out the fondant :)

No need to re-invent the wheel :)   Make sure you have the right size diameter of rolled fondant and follow her instructions on the video.  It worked like a charm!  (Of course, the video advertises the "mat" which I obviously didn't use, nor need for my little experiment--but her tips on putting the fondant on the cake are awesome!)  *The fondant will stretch out when applying.  You can see in the above picture I had a lot of excess, but my rolled out fondant was only 2" greater than my diameter, originally.

DETAILS of the pig cake:
1.  I used 2 9 inch pans and 1 5 inch pan.  I used a 10" round cardboard bottom.  I wished the store had 11" but the 10 worked.
2.  I used this recipe using a cake mix which was perfect for all 3 pans.  The bottom was 2 layers (hence the 2 pans) and the top 5 inch was one big layer.
3.  Make sure you leave out a little fondant for the white eyes and the black pupils.  Best way to make eyes is to roll fondant into an egg shaped "ball" and then flatten it out.  I tried to cut out the circles at first, and they were imperfect, but later did the ball "smashing" and it was better.
4.  The nose is 2 rice crispy treats mushed and molded into the right size, covered in frosting and then covered in fondant.  The nostrils are made using the tip at end of a wooden spoon.  **DON'T do like I did and punched the nostrils before cleaning the end.  I really don't use wooden spoons (but we all have them) and it had dust on the end.  I actually had to redo the nose because he was dirty.  I didn't want our pig to be dirty ;)

My kitchen table mess.  Of course, this cake was just for my family--so it was acceptable ;)

5.  The tail was just rolled up fondant and the ears were rolled out and cut into a triangular shape.  You can add a tad bit of water to get them to stick in the right place. And mouth was rolled black fondant.
6.  For the cheek color I just took a little bit of the coloring on my finger and rubbed into cheeks mixed with a little water.
7.  I just used random cheesecake buttercream icing recipe to cover cake and to fill 2 layers at bottom. Of course chocolate or any other icing could be used.  I would use a decorators recipe though, because it firms up nicely.  Do not use store bought icing.
8.  Apply fondant to each layer separately.  Use icing as "glue" to hold layers together and to hold nose on top.
9.  I may have had too much icing on the cake because my pig got "pudgy" the next day when the icing began to come out between the layers.

Overall, it was really easy and so much fun!  And I think Lydia liked it!  Would I do it again....hmmm....probably :)

My finished cake.  I used red ribbon to go with the farm scene.  Soo cute!!

Welcome Spring!!

Yesterday, we went to Mrs. Heather's strawberry patch in Albany (near Hammond).  We met a few other moms of toddlers.  I'm so glad Lydia is getting older and able to enjoy trips and activities like this.  She picked and ate and ate strawberries!!  Her little white shirt was covered in strawberry juice by the end of the day!

In addition to picking strawberries, there are all kinds of activities for children.  It's rather awesome if I say so myself!! There were 7 school buses there when we arrived, and they left shortly after, so the entire "farm" was ours :)  I even jumped on the big jumping blob thing with Lydia!

She loved the "slide" and all of the farm animals too!

They have chickens, a pony, baby cows, small pigs, rabbits, etc. etc.  She had a blast!!

She was so tired by the end of the day!  I love this little girl--and I love spring--and the newness it brings!

Happy Spring--I pray you find something NEW in this season of your life!

A legacy

Today we celebrated the long, well-lived life of Brett's father who passed away on March 1st at 88 years old.  He was definitely a devoted man! He served his country in WWII, Korea, and he lived to serve his wife and children.

Everyone will leave a legacy. . . but the question is--what kind of legacy will you leave?  That question definite poses a challenge for me--in all areas of my life!  I loved Mr. Bob.  He will always have a special place in my heart.  I am only sad that Lydia will not remember him :(

During the memorial service, we placed a slide show of pictures of him and his family throughout his life.  Here it is:

Sew Happy!

Many people have asked me what I will do with my "free" time now that I'm not in school.  Well--I have found plenty of things to do!  I've been sewing, baking, making Valentine's, clearing off stacks of "stuff" etc. etc. And I'm still making jewelry/selling in my etsy shop.

One of the best things I did was clean out my sewing space! I went through all of my fabrics, folded neatly the ones I think could turn into creations for Lydia, and stuck all the winter corduroys in the attic (all the ones I brought down last fall--and never got around to sewing--boooo)

I have always loved the Mallory Pattern but for some reason was thinking it would be a time consuming pattern, and never bought it.  Of course--a 10 button placket on the back is time consuming.  Well.....I LOVE the pattern.  I've already made one (out of not so favorite fabric) to test the size, and have another cut out that I can't wait to make!!

Even better, now that my mother has retired, she is getting "bored" and is asking to help me sew!  Woo hoo! Can't wait to show you our finished products!!

"TWO!"

How old are you, Lydia?  "Two!" stated boldly with confidence (never mind the full hand of fingers that are in the air!).

Yes, my little girl has turned 2!!  I can't believe how time has flown.

We are so happy to have you in our lives.  You are bold, confident, love laughter, and stuffed animals.  You sleep with many, many, many stuffed animals in your crib (even though I swore I wouldn't let them in my house due to dust, etc.)  You jump, "hop," and love love love to sing!  You  love being outside at any chance you can sneak out of the door or beg someone to take you :)  You eat and eat and eat--sometimes as much as I do. You are so friendly--waving to truck drivers and paramedics (who never see you) and strangers in stores. You enjoy baths, coloring, painting, and playing with my button stash.  I can hardly ever take videos of you--because you want to see yourself on the other side of the camera :)  We have started visiting the library because we needed more books.  You can sit and look through 5-6 books at a time, uninterrupted taking in everything on the pages.

The joy you find in the simple things of life--like airplanes, ants, bird chirps, and butterflies--has renewed my sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around me--and I thank you for that gift!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl!  I love you!

  Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven

Hogs and Kisses!

I am so thankful for my family! We were all home today as a family and I thoroughly enjoyed it (even though my child is ill, cranky, needy, and took 2 loooong hours to fall asleep today for a nap).  Alas, it was still a wonderful day!

Last week I made the Valentine's cards for Lydia's class.  In keeping with our "pig" theme for her birthday--I saw this idea on Pinterest and made little cards.  I bought a big "bag of buttons" at Hancock's one day, and can you believe it had over 16 pink, two holed buttons.  I was sooo excited! (By the way--we just LOVE Broadmoor Methodist Learning Center.  Love it!  I would highly recommend anyone to go there.)

 I've always wanted to decorate cookies.  So I tried it.  Honestly, It wasn't too much fun! LOL  I'm too impatient to allow the colors to dry and layer them properly.  Although, I felt I was getting the hang of finding the right consistency, I'm not sure how often I want to do this.
I was inspired by this blog.  Oh my!!! Can you say cookie ART!  This gal is fantastic.  You must, must, look at her blog!  Sweet Adventures of Sugar Belle

 We decided at the last minute to go out for a quick dinner tonight.  Brett's mother met us at the restaurant.  Lydia is holding my valentine monkey :)  I'm most certain that when Daddy bought it for me--he ultimately knew who would take over it :)  and I'm ok with that.

 She's getting so big.  Guess who is going to turn 2 tomorrow!

Our Sweet Valentine's!!  I actually made Brett's card (the one in the front).  I just couldn't bear spending $5 on a card.  I prefer to think I'm not cheap--but that I'm just thoughtful.

I want everyday to be like today--a celebration of the people in my life--the people who mean the most to me :) Every day really should be "Valentine's Day" where we honor those we love--by actually taking time and showing it!

I hope your day was as great as ours!

Pressing Memories

I love having free time!  During Christmas, I found a cookie press used to make "spritz" cookies (never knew they were called that) in the clearance aisle at Wal-Mart.  I've always wanted one--and at such a great price, I couldn't pass it up.

My remember my mother always making spritz cookies, especially at Christmas.  I "found" this picture of a vintage cookie press--and I believe that is the same one my mother had!  It's amazing how certain memories years and years later never leave your head.  There was always little green Christmas "tree" cookies.  I loved them. 

So tonight, with my little helper at my side, we made Valentine's cookies!

I used one of my favorite antique bowls from my grandmother.  It's perfect for baking.  We made several different styles, but my favorite were the pink heart cookies :)

Before baking . . .

And after. . .  Now, I will have to distribute them to several places, because I cannot keep 8 dozen cookies in my house :)

Now--go do something you enjoy :)

Photo Update

Happy Thanksgiving

Merrryyyyy Christmas!

Happy New year!

Ok--now that all of that is covered, I am glad to give PHOTO UPDATE to recap a few highlights over the last few months......including.....my GRADUATION!! Woo hooo!

Lydia cheering on LSU! Although we don't really watch any football, Uncle Gee has taught Lydia to love "futball" For a while, she would wake up in the morning and request "futball" Thanks Uncle Gee! (I was actually suprised that on ESPN--you could find some type of football playing --reviews, etc. --almost any time of the day ;)

I ordered this adorable hat from an etsy seller http://www.etsy.com/shop/VioletandSassafras  It is awesome, and Lydia loves her "hoo hoo" hat.  It matches everything from Carter's and Gymboree, so we have been wearing it a lot (except for those Louisiana January days where it's 75 degrees!)

GRADUATION!!  I graduated from the University of South Alabama with my MSN.  I also took and passed boards--so I am now officially a licensed nurse practitioner.  It's such a relief--and kind of scary ;)

My mother took the trip to Mobile with us to celebrate the end of a long 2 1/2 years!!  Thanks Brett--it was definitely a team effort!!!

To celebrate--we went to Mexico on a cruise--child free :) Lydia was with awesome friends!! I don't even think she missed us since she had so much attention!  It was a great getaway--although I'm not sure I want to "cruise" again!

Our attempt at a family Christmas photo!  I never sent out cards--hopefully next year!

So that's the recap of the last few months.  Lydia is turning 2 next month!!  I can't believe how fast she has grown!!

Customer Appreciation

I recently had a special request for a wedding bouquet "charm."  After many "conversations" online through Etsy, this customer and I came up with an idea.  She kind of left the final decisions to me, and I decided to make a necklace instead of just a charm--so the recipient could wear it as well.

Comment from recipient: She absolutely LOVED her necklace. She said it was more precious to her than her diamond engagement ring!

The charm included the phrase "yours mine & ours" along with the names of "their" 6 children.  The necklace was placed in the bride's bouquet!  The customer sent this beautiful photograph. 

This is part of the reason I love doing what I do.  It is a creative way to create special memories for others.  I feel honored to have a part in this wedding.  That photo made my day :)

May the Lord bless this union, and this family!

Forest Park Summer FUN!

So we met friends at Forest Park today.  This is a great, new park in Baton Rouge with a playground and splash pad--all on turf!!  Yeah--no sand and no wood chips (although wood chips are good with me--but I avoid all parks with sand!).

 Lydia normally doesn't get into the water--but she did this time!!  I was so happy to catch some water pics!  How FUN!

 Sammy pushing Lydia!  Soo sweet.  Not sure how she feels about it though.  She was a little pooped out at this point.  I love taking Lydia in the morning time before her nap, then I give her to Brett in the afternoon while I go somewhere to study.  It's a great plan.  He did yard work this morning, and we played.  Not a bad exchange!

Mellowing out in dry clothes

 We attempted the pacifier removal in July.  It lasted 2 weeks--2 weeks of sleepless nights and miserable car rides!  Lydia only uses it in the bed, and in the car when she is tired.  She now calls it her "neenga, neenga, neenga" (repeat that fast over and over).  Not sure how it got this name, but hey, it works!  I never wanted to give the pacifier a name, I guess to avoid attention to it--so she named it that.

We are looking forward to temps in the upper 80s and low 90s at the end of the week!  That sounds crazy, but these 99 degree days keep us from enjoying the outdoors.  I can't wait to get the jogging stroller back out!

Love my blankee!

Little Monet

Well--I haven't quit yet! But that is why no one has seen much of me since the spring time!  I am still in school, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Graduation is December 17th!!! Woo hoo!

My first finger painting experience

I've come to the conclusion that NO time is a PERFECT time :)  If you keep waiting for the perfect time to do things in life--it will never get done.  Just like my blog :)  So--here is a quickie post--because I keep putting off. . . waiting for that perfect time.

What "perfect" moment have you been waiting for?  Don't wait any longer!

the MASTERPIECE ;)

This summer we went to the beach (a VERY short trip--pics later) and we visited grandparents, went to parks and more parks, painted, played with play-doh, went to the aquarium, and just hung out around the house.  I was very busy in school, but we managed to find time for some fun activities--in spite of the Heat!  Yikes--I can't wait for fall!

Lydia is in to SMELLING everything. . . evidence is on her face!

Quitting is not an option

It's late, and I'm up studying.  Well, sort of :)  Listening to Pandora Radio online (some great instrumental piano by Jon Schmidt and others) and thinking.

This semester has been a challenge for many reasons.  This is not a post just about school, so hang with me :)  I've wanted to quit MULTIPLE times, and have spent many nights crying with exhaustion and frustration.

Situations are not always what they seem

One of the most frustrating situations for me this semester was finding a pediatric preceptor.  I have been turned down by multiple contacts, and I felt as though I would never find a preceptor.  Actually, I DID have a preceptor that I even arranged last semester that fell through (long story). And I found another pediatrician to take me, but the organization she worked for required certain paperwork.

That  paperwork was the center of my demise.  To make it short--I turned this paper into the university and waited for it to be returned.  As the weeks went by, I lost my 2nd preceptor. Sigh.  Frustration. I wanted to quit!  Obtaining the required paperwork was a major obstacle and felt like an impossibility!

(a point is coming--so keep reading)

One day, I finally called the office manager to inquire about these nebulous requirements, and her response:  "You work . . .where?"  "Oh, you don't need to fill out those papers!!"  Oh my!!  How ironic.  I was saddened at the time I wasted worrying.

Here I had struggled, wanted to quit (almost did), cried, worried, etc. about these papers and all along--I didn't even need them!  Within 2 days, I had all of my required paperwork done and had arranged my first day with my pediatric preceptor.

This situation reminded me of a story a dear friend shared with me.  Her son, who adores sports (and dislikes reading), was reading a story of the Mannings (think football).  As he read this biography, he informed his mother that Archie Manning Sr. had committed suicide when Archie Jr. was only 19.  My friend read and discovered that this man--who was depressed by looking at his poverty circumstances, committed suicide as a "way out" of his demise.  The irony of it all--his son, and his 3 grandsons (Eli, Peyton, Cooper) and played college football and well, if you know a little, know that Peyton and Eli--play for the NFL.  They aren't exactly living in poverty!  What irony!

This story has never left my mind since she shared it with me.  How focused we can become on our current situation, that we want to quit, give up, or even take our own lives--when what we "see" with our own eyes is far from what is really happening--and far from what God sees for our lives.

So--if you are feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and feel like you want to quit--remember this story. . . and remember my story.  Sometimes we have to "see" with eyes of faith--and not focus on the here and now, because sometimes what we "see" is not what is real at all.

And remember that . . . quitting is not an option!

A stroll down Talley Lane

Well--weeks have passed by. . .  what have we been doing?

1.  Well, our sweet Lydia turned one this week!  Can you believe--I have a one year old??!?  She is as active as ever and oh so sweet.

 2.  School has been overwhelming (nothing new :)

3.  My etsy store has really been blessed.  I am very thankful, because it may be a necessary income if I drop my hours at work (which I will have to do to survive school!).  It's something I can do a little at a time at home while my little energizer bunny runs all over the house :)

4.  My credit card got hacked.  I've never experienced that before, thankfully.  I Tunes.  They used it at ITunes.  Interesting.

5.  Lydia threw up all night the night of her birthday.  And NO it's not because she ate too much cake (she didn't have any! Haha)  A nasty little virus.  My poor sweet girl.  I took her to the doctor for illness for the first time because I was concerned she was getting dehydrated.  She also had an ear infection and pink eye.  She is getting better now :)

6.  My husband is wonderful and very supportive through our chaotic life and my studying.  But that's not new :)

7.  I started my OB Gyn rounds for school.  I'll spare those details of my experiences :)

8.  I love being a mother-- and I CAN'T wait to start doing craft, art, sewing, cooking etc. etc. projects with Lydia!!  I had to restrain from buying colors and paints the other day.  I know she's not quite ready.  Although--I have given her a big fat highlighter to attempt to get her used to drawing :)  Brett says I'm like the child. But it's sooo much fun.