Cupcakes

Passion Fruit Chocolate Cupcakes

Saturday evening I had a few friends over for craft night, and being hostess, I put together a few treats… The Mermaid’s hummus recipe with carrots and celery; cupcakes; and hot chocolate with Baileys. I was going to make air-popped popcorn, too, but we walked to 7/11 for candy, instead.

Pre-bake

Back to the cupcakes – the important piece of the story. A few years ago my best friend shared her cake secret: a can of pop. Apparently it is a Weight Watcher’s recipe that lowers the calories because the pop substitutes in for oil, eggs, milk, etc. It has also resulted in some funky cupcake mixtures, including pomegranate (perfect for Persephone) and these, which used passion fruit pop.

I was really excited to use my new cupcake papers. I bought them from The Cupcake Baker on Etsy, but they have been sitting in my cupboard waiting for the right moment.

Post-bake

It had arrived.

I tried to follow Julia’s butter cream recipe, but it didn’t make sense and I didn’t have beaters so I free-lanced it and now it’s a bit too sweet, but whatever – the icing is the most delightful shade or pinky red. (See above photo.)

Taste verdict? Delish. And the red sugar crystals don’t hurt, either!

One more scarf!

All done! This scarf, that is. I finished it last weekend, actually. I seem to be losing my crochet drive. Perhaps it’s due to the sunshine outside. Perhaps its that I’m not adjusting well to the decreased heat in my apartment (16.5 C, a wee bit chilly). You’d think I’d want to wrap myself in yarn, wouldn’t you?

As I sit here watching Relocation Relocation (a British real estate show following people who want to buy new property in England), I realize I haven’t updated my blog in some time. Here’s a tiny glimpse into what’s new in Persephone’s world.

This scarf is made from reclaimed yarn from various projects, patiently crocheted using a size 5 hook. A total of 26 flowers, this scarf is designed to wrap at the throat for warmth and lay flat beneath your jacket or coat. A 26 flower scarf measures approx 58″ end to end, and approx. 3″ wide. At this time it is for sale in my Etsy Shop, but will soon be shipped out to With Love boutique in Wiarton, Ontario. If you want it now, go buy it! 25$ US.

Like the idea of this scarf but not the colours? If this is the case for you, you might consider designing your own colour combination for a custom-made flower scarf! Listing here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32435693

Where’s the Muse?

It may seem like things have been quiet on the creating front, but I can assure you that Persephone has been busy. There’s work, and there’s dance classes, the odd gym trip here and there. Friends and family (Thanks Grams for letting me use your washing machine, again!), journalling workshops, cooking delicious meals, and then there’s the orders.
That’s right – orders!
Over the past few months I have been crocheting up a storm for shops located across the country. First on my list: Rewind Consignment Clothing’s second order. This boutique in Calgary is my ideal place. Owner Krista carries handmade items by Canadian artisans, has a consignment service for people to sell their used designer clothing, and also offers perks like closet redos, shopping parties, and a variety of other great things. Sometimes I wish I lived in Calgary!

Button necklaces, two crochet flower scarves, and several flower pins for Rewind

Next on my list – a two-part order for With Love in Wiarton, Ontario. Owner Jaime is incredibly enthusiastic and fun to work with, and she placed a large consignment order for 25 brooches, 6 button necklaces, 4 slumber totes, and 6 crochet scarves. I shipped off Part One – the brooches and necklaces – yesterday, so she should receive them soon.

Button necklaces use vintage buttons, ribbons and silver wire; the flower pins use reclaimed yarn, and vintage buttons.

Next on the list of items to create? I need to finish the order for With Love; more button necklaces for Simple Creations; more scarves for Anna’s; and another consignment order for Propeller Clothing in Osooyoos, BC.

Persephone continues on her creative journey!

Persephone practices Yoga – for a cause

Happy Wednesday (and Happy Birthday to Kika!)

My news of the day: I’m participating in the 2010 Yogathon. It’s to raise money for Schizophrenia, but (and) I get to do a full day’s worth of Yoga, which is kind of cool. That’s a lot of yoga classes (and a lot of chocolate milk that I get to drink afterwards!)

We’re asked to raise a minimum of 75$ to participate and you can sign up too. For more information about the 2010 Chatham Yogathon, or to join us on Mar 20, 2010 9:30 AM, please visit www.yogathon.ca. Anyway, if you’re not interested in coming to do yoga but you don’t mind sponsoring me, you can do so at this link: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2470663 or in person (if you know me in person). Donations over 20$ get a tax receipt.
According to event details, we will be doing “a union of Karma and Hatha yoga to raise funds for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario’s youth education and outreach programs. SSO’s programs raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of psychosis, and enables them to better support families facing the early onset of psychosis or schizophrenia. This is invaluable to their efforts to increase early diagnosis, leading to better treatment and enhanced chances of recovery among young people. The Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO) is a non-profit organization offering a reason to hope and the means to cope for families and individuals affected by schizophrenia. SSO provides support, education, and advocacy on behalf of people and families affected by schizophrenia through its network of Chapters in communities across Ontario. Help provide a reason to hope and the means to cope and support me in this great fundraising cause!”

Me – I worked briefly in Mental Health and yep – I get that those affected by Schizophrenia need support, especially families of loved ones who have the diagnosis. But I also look forward to spending some time in a container of positive energy, stretching my muscles, pushing myself, and learning something new. I’m off to practice my Ommm.