Well I didn't actually make all five things on Friday but I'm sharing five things I have made over the past week or so, today, which happens to be Friday because I'm joining in with Five on Friday... shall I just get on with it...
1. A Cushion
You may recall I was making a sample of "Posh Pebble" fabric using Alex Waylett's excellent instructions in Stitch magazine. To be honest I wasn't very happy with it for many reasons but especially the colours. So I decided to have another go and this time I liked the sample so much I turned it into a cushion. A totally impractical cushion but pretty!
2. A Book Cover
Still the same technique but I was on a roll and as the cover to my diary was falling apart I made myself a new book jacket. I do rather like it!
3. Marmalade
I just can't resist the lure of Seville oranges at this time of year so ended up making several jars of rather beautiful marmalade... sunshine in a jar! I know none of you will be rude enough to mention the five jars left in the cupboard from last year... and possibly even some from several years ago. Of course this also required the annual ritual of marmalade cake... this year I varied it by making a marmalade drizzle cake... it was very good! (I've just realised that by telling you about the cake I've shared six things I've made but maybe no one will notice)
4. Aprons
It is my intention that I will create a link between my baking and my sewing by making baking related items and homewares for sale, an idea I have been toying with for ages, and so I have started to make more aprons. They might make it as far as my Etsy shop if I get organised. Don't hold your breath
5. A Birthday Cake
I was commissioned to make a birthday cake and apart from it having to be vanilla and small I could do what I liked. It was a vanilla sponge with vanilla buttercream and although only 15cm across it was about 15cm tall so not actually that small. But it meant I got to experiment with ombre effect icing. I kept it fairly subtle for my first attempt but I might be braver next time and use a darker colour at the bottom.
So that's my five for this week, joining in with Amy for Five on Friday.
I'm off to Missenden Abbey for a weekend of teaching but no doubt I will be back next week.
Your five -six - makes are all totally wonderful. I especially like your book cover, so effective. I must have a look at the instructions and have a go. x
ReplyDeleteOnce more I'm full of admiration. What a wonderful place to spend a weekend of more creativity! I'm sure you'll enjoy being there.
ReplyDeleteFive spectacular things all if which I could happily live with. Enjoy your week in Missenden. Looking forward to seeing the results of your students' work.
ReplyDeleteGreat Five on Friday, love the cushion and the pink cake looks fab!
ReplyDeleteYou have been super productive this week all of your makes are wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have had a very productive week! All look so fab!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous makes and bakes as usual Gina. I especially like the aprons :)
ReplyDeleteI love making aprons. I"m getting quite the collection. Gorgeous cake! Great job :) I hope you can stop by:
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Colletta
Gina, your five on Friday have me feeling like a right old lazybones!
ReplyDeleteThe embroidery reminds me of a luxurious candy box, and looks perfect for a certain upcoming holiday.
I am so lucky to have a New York City friend who makes delicious marmalade. I might ask her if she's ever made a marmalade drizzle cake. It's a grand Idea. Just sweet enough.
Your aprons are definitely a natural companion to your baking. Again, I applaud your creativity!
Now I got out my little metric ruler to measure 15 cm and now realize just what a special cake you have made. I don't think I've ever seen ombre icing before, and like the results you achieved, anchored by the rosette ring at the cake's base. Beautiful!
Have fun at the Abbey. I'm back to work this weekend, so will try to make the most of today's freedom.
xo
All the things you have made are lovely. I especially like the cushion and the book cover. I must make some marmalade this year:)
ReplyDeleteLove your Friday Five! The cake looks lovely. I did three colour ombre icing on my girl's wedding cakes.
ReplyDeleteHow do you manage to cram it all in?
ReplyDeleteI do remember the pebble stitching you made and rather liked it but WOW WOW WOW, the cushion and book cover are fantastic. Like the ide of joining in the sewing and baking theme, that could really work well.. Love this 5 or should I say 6 of yours today x
ReplyDeleteOh my, that marmalade is beautiful and that cake...amazing. You have talent. Love the design of those aprons, too. Lots of great eye candy here today...
ReplyDeleteYou made some really great things!! I love the book cover and the aprons are fantastic aren't they! I am sure they will be best sellers! Thank you for joining Five On Friday, happy weekend with your teaching! xx
ReplyDeleteGreat group of five, may I test your cake for you? Lol
ReplyDeleteThey all look stunning, even the marmalade - and I don't even like marmalade! X
ReplyDeleteSix is fine Gina, if the sixth one is cake!!!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteWonderful birthday cake and I love all the stitching, goodness isn't marmalade just the most amazing colour!
V x
The marmalade does look beautiful when you have the light shining through. My great aunt had cherries left in jars from 1946 when we cleared out her house, so I wouldn't worry too much about the few jars from last year!
ReplyDeleteLove the technique for your cushion and journal cover. A nice rich texture. And I also like the idea of your sewing/baking line, and I hope you have time to work on that. I think the sewn items would sell great! The aprons are so cute :)
Have a great weekend Gina!
Wendy
Absolutely love the book cover, particularly the deep rich colours. We must be on the same wavelength, as I have used last weeks marmalade into a cake. Have you tried the Marmalde cake/ pudding in Nigellas kitchen book...amazing. Have a good weekend. Barbara X
ReplyDeleteYou and I could be great friends! I ADORE your five - sewing, baking, aprons and jam-making. Things I love! You've had a very productive week and everything seemed to turn out so well. I'm going to look up that sewing tutorial. The finished "art" is gorgeous! Have a wonderful weekend!
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PS I am your newest Bloglovin follower!
I love your work and the photos that go alongside them really reflect how great they are.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the preamble in this post. It made me chuckle. Lovely work all 'round. Aprons are a good idea.
ReplyDeleteMeant to add that I love marmalade. No one else in this house eats it so it's all mine. Right now my favourite is ginger stem marmalade.
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