The shot glass

I am currently solving two problems. Firstly, I need to make a waterproof lid for my pallet wood bird house. Secondly, I am not entirely sure how many birds are currently flying around England with the same size body as a shot glass. I need to make the hole smaller so Mr Fox can't shove his big face in the entrance and eat the baby birds. 

The stencil cutter

I love to make thinks but I also love to break things. Throwing plates against a wall or pulling up grass repetitively are some of my favourite things to do. I think I may just have discovered how to do both things (make and break) at once. Pyrography. I love the smell of the burnt wood and the concentration it takes to draw whilst fearful of the hot heat from the wood burning tool. 

The presentation

Next week I am competing in the Costa coffee 'Barista of the year' competition in Lincoln. I have to prove I can make 4 core drinks in 8 minutes (espresso, latte, cappuccino and flat white) to brand standard and I am required to give a two minute presentation introducing myself and something I am passionate about. Simple. My name is Libby and I like to sew. I am more terrified about making my drinks. 

[edit] I didn't win. 

The tick tock clock

Two months ago I perchased the mechanism required to make a clock. It took me a long time to decide how I wanted the clock to look but finally I made up my mind. I printed a picture from my favourite cartoon series and started cutting out the required pieces in fabric. Once I had sewn all my parts together I had to cut a hole in the wood to slot the clock mechanism inside. Then I stretched the fabric, put the hands in place, inserted a battery and voilà. 

The cookie cutter

I recently found a book in a charity shop that demonstrated beautifully unusual recipes and detailed methods for making and icing biscuits. This bible of sweet treats opened my eyes to the various ways of turning a simple sugar cookie into a work of art. For example, I would never have thought to cut a hole in the un cooked cookie that enabled me to make a lovely little hanging decoration. 

The ears

Today I had fun making a Minnie Mouse headband. I don't think I would be able to wear it out in the big wide world though. Firstly because I am a grown up, or at least pretend to be one in public and secondly they are rather heavy for a hair accessory. I lined the ears with the stuff you use for curtain tie backs to keep it stiff and I guess all the material combined is just too much. So, I have decided to throw a fancy dress party soon just so I can wear them for a reason. 

 

The wax candle

Today I made a cake for a guy that loves Pokémon. It was very difficult. I burnt the first attempt and couldn't get the cooked cake out the tins so I am glad this attempt turned out okay. I very much enjoyed using ready to roll icing for the first time. I did cheat slightly though because Betty Crocker helped me make the vanilla frosting for the jam filler bit.  I think I will attempt a My little pony cake next. That will be tonnes of glittery fun.