Custom Cuts: Graduation Day!… But for Me, More School

I know, it’s been weeks.  I’ve missed you too.

I could go on and on about what I’ve been doing, where I’ve been.  But the long and short is I’ve completed 3/4 of a semester in 3 short weeks.  I’ve learned new words, new strategies, new acronyms (turns out the education profession LOVES them), new people.  You get the point.

So, my writing has been devoted to papers and presentations lately.  Would you like to know about the benefits of using a student think aloud as an informal assessment?  Well, I can tell you.

But I’ve already upset you with my lack of communication.  So I should just get to what the people want…

Cookies!

In the midst of all this crazy school, I did find time to finish an order for a lovely lady who graduated from high school.  Can you guess her school colors? 

Why, blue and gold, of course!  Luckily they made their way to New Jersey in one piece and, from what I understand, were a huge hit.

Hats off to all the 2011 graduates.  (To think, I’ll be one in 2012… yikes!).

Custom Cuts: Baseball and Blooms

Not to state the obvious, but I was asked to make some cookies.  This time, the client wanted to send them to her in-laws (no pressure there!).  Color?  Shape?  Design?  All up to me.

So, where to begin.  Well, she did mention her in-laws love the Cubs.  As in the Chicago Cubs.  Okay, good start.

She also said flowers would do.

Well then, it was settled!  I thought the combo of a little bit baseball and a little bit spring flower, all in red, white and blue would be fun and different.

Plus, I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to use the title “Baseball and Blooms.”  Can you blame me?

Custom Cuts: Gone Fishin’

My best friend (and former roomie) Kate needed a hostess gift a few weeks ago.  She was heading to Annapolis for the opening of rockfish season.  She figured food would be a nice touch.

Who am I to disagree with her?  After all, food is great.  For all occasions. 

So we put our heads together and decided on some sugar cookies.  Fish perhaps?

Now, I do not claim to be a fish expert.  In fact, I eat the little guys, I don’t catch ’em.  So, at the risk of offending my fishing friends, I went simple with the fish shapes.  Really simple.

I think they are pretty cute, though.  A little reminiscent of those little cheesy crackers from days long gone.  

And, if the fish aren’t biting, at least you have a cute, cheerful (and delicious, if I may say so myself) cookie to eat!

Custom Cuts: Barnyard Birthday

I was so excited when AJ contacted to me help out with her Godson’s first birthday.

But then she sent me the invite… and then I was nervous.  She wanted the cookies to match the adorable barnyard invites.  

Eek!  Farm animals?  I managed the birds, but could I do horses, cows, pigs and sheep?  I really wasn’t sure.

So I worked on a game plan.  Okay, it involved breaking down the animals into simple shapes.  Turns out that one art class I took when I was nine did come in handy!

The final product?  Not too shabby.  And I have to say, pretty close to the little animal’s on Mikey’s invite.  

But you’ll have to trust me on this?  Why you ask.

Well, you know, since my computer decided to freeze last night (ensue PANIC) and today it had to be completely deleted and reset.  So that means, I no longer have said invites.  Guess that just means you have to trust me.

Does the sympathy make them even a little cuter?  Perhaps.

Custom Cuts: 30th Birthday Boy

Yesterday, I focused on the fact that I turned 30 this weekend.  I have details and food and a few DIY projects to show you, but I’m still easing into this whole “I’m 30!  Yay!” thing. 

You know what’s a lot easier?  Talking about other people who are 30!

So let’s start with these cookies, a 30th birthday surprise.

I had a lot of freedom when it came to color and design.  I settled on a modern masculine color palette (or at least that’s what I think blues and oranges are) and some traditional birthday icons – candles, balloons, cakes.  You know all those things that just made your 5th birthday.

And, the way I see it, these same items should make your 30th birthday great.  Because 30 is certainly not too old for balloons and candle.  Really, is any age?