Sunday, August 30, 2009

Probably the third most beautiful thing I've made

Of course the 2 most beautiful things I've ever made are the Monkey and the Bird, and they are tied for first. But they count as 2 entries. And also, I can't take all the credit for them. Another guy was involved. I won't get into it. You're welcome. But after this weekend, I'm thinking that these butterfly cupcakes MAY come in as the third most beautiful thing I've ever made. And they only took slightly less time and effort than birthing a child.
You see, I've found a wonderful new hobby: CUPCAKES! I used my b-day money to buy 2 new cupcake books, which I will blog about more extensively very soon. When I saw these monarch butterflies in Hello, Cupcake!, I knew I was going to attempt them for the next family celebration, which turned out to be my sis-in-law Michelle's b-day party today. (The family was appropriately complimentary, and I wasn't shy about the fact that I was hoping for that enthusiastic response!)
The wings are made from melting candy wafers, which you pipe in the shape of wings, use a pulling technique to get the designs in the colors, and then attach them to the cupcake when the wings and antennae are set. That is a one sentence description for something that is actually quite complicated and time-consuming, but I figure if you are really dying of curiosity, you'll ask me or buy the book. I made plenty of mistakes, which I am forcing myself not to point out to you.

Here's a close-up of the wing prep.
I chose orange for Michelle, since she's the ultimate OSU Beavers fan, but I definitely think I'll do these again for another special occasion and try other colors. I learned from my mistakes and am sure I can do it again. But right now, I'm just basking in the beauty!

20 comments:

Lisa P said...

Yep! Totally amazed! Bask away!

Becky said...

So pretty! My b-day in Oct. Ha! Ha! You did way more than I would ever do! On Hannah's b-day this month I realized her's was the first cake I had made for one of my kid's b-days EVER! And it was from a box...

Stephanie said...

I'm VERY impressed! Those look fantastic, Jen!

Steph said...

Girl! They turned out awesome!!! So, I'll be waiting for my carrot and cabbage cupcakes on my birthday. Because you said you needed a reason to make them. :) No! The monsters! The monsters!

johnsonandjohnson said...

I am completely impressed.....those are beautiful and awesome!

Kristi said...

GORGEOUS! Please fedex me one tomorrow! :)

Rachel said...

so stinkin' impressed. may help that i have a special affinity towards butterflies...but then again, I think you are just crazy talented. well done.

Diane Davis said...

you are my martha. i bow, i bow...

Lyn said...

Beautiful! I am impressed, too! Quite amazing!

The Paudlers said...

You've inspired me. My new goals for the year - learn Italian, learn how to cook a few Italian meals, and just added - learn how to make cupcakes! :-)

Jo B. said...

I see a cupcake blog in the future! They're stunning, Jen! Does it make you want to say, "Just look, don't actually eat them."

Unknown said...

Amazing. What do I need to do to get some made for me?

Becky said...

GORGEOUS! I just knew it would be cupcakes, but seriously...these are like works of art! You totally get the title of cupcake queen!

Kathi said...

Wow! Those are great!

Jess said...

I had the privilege of seeing them up close (Not eating them...boo lactose intolerance!) and they were AMAZING! Jen, I'm still impressed :)

Carrie said...

That page is bookmarked in my Hello Cupcake, but I've had no occasion for them yet. You are brave and fabulous! They are stunning!

The Brandt Clan said...

Wow! Seriously? Bring those books tomorrow with you! Can't wait to see you!

The Shea's said...

Oh my gosh AMAZING!!! I already copied the cupcakes that you made for my daughter's birthdday and now I must copy you again!!! I am going to try and make hamburger cupcakes- it's a cupcake with a brownie in the middle that looks like little burgers!! Can't wait to see more.

Emily said...

Wanna come to Gilbert and make some for Claire's Butterfly Brunch birthday party?

They're amazing!

sarah said...

OH my goodness! I just saw these! They look so professional. You SHOULD be proud of these beauties!