Special Request Cake - A Special Request for the Recipe

Hello!

I'm thinking that many people will wander this way from Pinterest.  If you do, Hi!  I saw this recipe on Facebook and because there wasn't a blog with the recipe I just decided to copy it from there to here.  I lose stuff on my Facebook all the time so having it in my Pinterest board is a HUGE help.  ^_^  

( Quoted Directly from the Facebook post here: LINK )

Special Request Cake (This is called special request because people will ask you to make it for every get together)
~Miss D

1 pkg. (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix
1 pkg. (4 oz.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1/4 cup butter
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1/2cup sugar
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
12 OREO Cookies, coarsely crushed

Make It

HEAT oven to 350ºF.

PREPARE cake batter and bake in 2 (9-inch) round pans as directed on package. Cool cakes in pans 10 min. Invert onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.

MICROWAVE chocolate and butter in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool 5 min. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gently stir in COOL WHIP and crushed cookies.

PLACE 1 cake layer on plate, spread with cream cheese mixture. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread top with chocolate glaze; let stand 10 min. or until firm. Keep refrigerated.


I hope this was as useful to you as it was me.  Thanks!

Trying to Collect Some Basic Information

Hello again everyone!  I've been really busy since the last time I posted anything.  I wasn't really sure what to share so I focused on work instead.  However, I have a few questions and I was hoping that those of you reading would take a few seconds to answer them.



Our crafting business has been growing and we're thrilled about it.  I'm always trying to figure out if there's more that we can do, so right now while I have a brief lull in between the rushes of cons, I thought I'd work out some of those new product ideas.  If you have the time, please click the link below and answer a few short questions to help me figure out what would be best to work on next.

Click Here for Rain's Survey

Thanks a bunch for your help.  I'm hoping to have some really cool ideas to share with everyone here as I put things together.

My Trip to Tennessee

Just this last weekend, I went up to Chattanooga for the first time.  We were hosting two panels at Anime Blast Chattanooga.  Like all well intentioned plans, there are always little hiccups along the way.  This time we were a bit late in arriving, but regardless, we managed to have a lot of fun at the con and looking around Chattanooga.

Sunday afternoon we went to Lookout Mountain.  Here's a few of the pictures that I took while we were there. 

The dorky one on the right is me with my rock candy.  XD

New Products in our Etsy Store

Within the next few weeks we hope to have several new products available in our etsy store.  These products will be available for immediate shipping so no waiting for custom products to be made.  Here is a sample of one of the products that we currently have up in our store. 

For fans of Kuroshitsuji, you'll recognize these replica glasses made for cosplaying Grell Sutcliff.  The chain is handmade with black beads and resin skull beads.  The glasses have the lenses removed, but you can also request the chain without the glasses. 


Grell Sutcliff Cosplay Glasses and Beaded Chain - on Etsy.com

If you like these or would be interested in something custom designed, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to answer your questions. 

My Favorite Doll From the Last Set of Commissions

It's really easy to guess which one is my favorite after you see this little guy.  I was asked to make a Sebastian Vael from Dragon Age.  Needless to say at first I was a bit overwhelmed.  All of the armor was not something that I could handle.  My partner (Miss Moony ^_~) knew exactly what to do.  So I supplied her with the doll and his base clothing, and she took care of the rest.

He is still wearing removable clothing, so if another outfit should ever be requested it would be possible to switch him out.  He was really very detailed and our customer loved him.  It was absolutely wonderful to know that everything we did was so well appreciated.

I'm filling up fast for holiday commissions, so now's a great time to claim your spot.  If you have questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me via email or Facebook.

I'll take cash for that Zydrate!

Over a year ago, I had the luck of working with a shadowcast of Repo! The Genetic Opera. I had a lot of fun doing this show. I had done more theater work when I was still in school and it was great going back to it. One of the shows we did, we were able to invite the creators of the show Terrance Zdunich and Darren Smith. These guys were really awesome people and it was really cool getting to talk with them about the show and just life in general.

It should be no surprise that when I was asked to make a Graverobber plushie, I jumped at the chance. We had made a 26" one while working with the cast as a raffle prize to help raise money for the show, but there weren't any pictures of it. We made up for it this time with our latest commission.

Commissions are still open for November and December.  Place your holiday orders early to guarantee delivery.  Contact me via etsy or facebook for more information.

Music Break

I've got a few artists that I rotate through while I'm sewing and getting work done.  I just thought I'd share this one with you because it's such a fun song.  It makes you want to get up and dance (or in my case sew XD).

GERONIMO!

I'm always excited to get a new commission request.  Sometimes it starts off simply.  "Can you make me...?"  I haven't been asked to make anything that I can't really make so far (knock on wood ^_~).  This time it was a request for a cuddly Matt Smith.  How in the world could I say no? 

He's all set and ready for a new adventure.  He's just missing River to trail behind him and call him "Sweetie".  ^_~ 

I'm still open for commissions through November and December.  Christmas orders should be placed early to guarantee delivery by the holiday.  Feel free to contact me through etsy or my facebook page for more information.

New Products and Finished Commissions Round-Up!

Good morning! 

I've got a lot of great stuff ready to show to everyone.  So my blog will be busy, busy, busy once more.  ^_^  In the last two months, I've finished my wholesale order of 30 Rocky Horror Plushies, completed eight new dolls, and worked on a lot of new products for us to sell at conventions now and in the future. 

So without further ado, I'll share some of my new dolls.  I'll start off with several classic and beloved dolls that are really popular. 

We had two 10th Doctor requests, each in a different colored suit.  It was a lot of fun getting to make them, especially since the Blue-Suited Doctor had requested his glasses.  They were so cute!!!!

  

Commissions are open for November and December.  If you are interested in ordering a doll or any of my other products for Christmas, I highly recommend that you place your orders early.  Contact me through my etsy store or on my facebook page for more information.

Been a long time coming...

Okay, after my big wholesale order I sort of fell off the edge of the world for a bit there.  I've been going through some changes and we had a lot of work to do in preparation for a convention we had an artist table at.  Needless to say, I'm painfully behind on all of my communications, so I hope to begin to correct that immediately. 

First of all, I'm still sewing up a storm.  I've got several new dolls to show off over the course of the next week or so.  I had a lot of orders last month and everything has just been sent out.  I've also got some interesting new ideas and products that I'm organizing as we speak into our online store.  We're going to be offering a lot of cosplay accessories, jewelry, hair accessories, and soon a new series of fleece hats for the cold months ahead. 

So while I get cracking on organizing myself and getting as much work completed as possible for everyone, here's a sneak peak at some of the things you'll get to enjoy within the next few days. 

My Other Crafting Projects

I'm putting together a wide selection of different products to sell at AWA, and my partner and I are also putting together some unique accessories and jewelry.  I enjoy making simple beaded earrings, so I've got a collection that will be coming with us.  I'm starting to branch out from there, but haven't finished anything at the moment.  So here's a sample of some of what I have at the moment. 

Back and Ready For Action!

Dragon*Con was great!  I had a lot of fun with friends and was able to make it to one of the TNG panels that weekend so that I could hear Gates McFadden talk.  I was sooooooo happy since the first question asked was about the work she did with Jim Hensen.  *_*  If you didn't know, she did a lot of choreography for the Muppets, including the ballroom scene in the Labyrinth.  I was a happy little fan girl after leaving the panel.  ^_^

The Rocky Horror Plushies went over great.  Lips Down on Dixie were thrilled and most of them have been sold before Dragon*Con was over.  I'm looking forward to taking their next order within the next few weeks.

The finished collection of Rocky Plushies. These can only be ordered through Lips Down on Dixie.

Now that my little vacation is over, it's time for me to get back to work.  I'm in the process of putting together several new styles of dolls.  This is the first time I'm going to be working on several completely original designs.  Wish me luck everyone.

I've also got several commissions lined up that are taking high priority on my to do list.  I'll have new pictures of a 10th Doctor, Graverobber and a Dragon Age plushie to name just a few.  It's going to be a good month for me.  If you're interested in a commission then please feel free to contact me ASAP to ensure that I don't fill up before you can place your order. 

Short break...

Dragon*Con is the biggest convention in my area and it starts at the end of the week. As a result, I've been working quite a bit to make my deadlines for the con. I've got personal costumes and a lot of dolls to make. My wholesale order is due on Thursday before the con, so you can imagine how much work this is all entailing.

Needless to say, having time to actually write for the next few days is going to be nearly nonexistent. Once the convention is over, I'll be back in the game and have a lot of new projects that I'll be taking on. Over the next month, I'll be putting together a lot of new ideas and projects in preparation for Anime Weekend Atlanta, where I'll be running Moony Couture Design's table in the Artist Alley.

Hope everyone has a great week and wish me luck!  ^_^

That's me in my Tegan costume (Classic Who). I'll have that on at some point during the con. Maybe you can spot me there. ^_^

Inspiration

I'm a big fan of EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) fashion.  I'm not particularly one who'd jump to wear it, but I find it extremely inspirational.  I look at pictures of the fashion and immediately I want to draw or make something.  I found this beautiful photo on livejournal. Their entire photoshoot was absolutely beautiful. I'm ready to get sewing now. ^_^

What inspires you to create? I'd love to see the photos, videos, music, etc that helps you create beautiful art.

Busy Little Worker Bee...

I've been really busy trying to finish my wholesale order by the deadline.  It's not the easiest task in the world with hundreds of distractions all around me.  However I do manage to get a good chunk of work done on a daily basis so I'm proud of myself.

With Dragon*Con right around the corner, I'm starting to pick up my books again.  I've decided to start my bi-annual re-read of the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey.  If you haven't heard of it, the story is beautiful and extremely well written.  There's a little bit of everything in it from political intrigue, to fantasy settings, to well...the dirty stuff.

I get teased quite a bit for reading these books because they have more than a little sex in them.  Specifically of an S&M variety.  Obviously if you can't handle that, then don't try to read it.  I'm not exactly the sort one would expect to read this sort of thing.  However, I find that it's not really a story about sex.  It's a deep story with roots in faith and spirituality.  Despite what you'd believe, each act is described with grace and depth that you might not expect from a regular trashy romance novel.  The act itself is most times glazed over while the main character describes the emotional and ritualistic nature of being with that person.

I highly recommend this series to anyone that has an interest in epic stories that stretch over large landscapes, danger and intrigue, and a touch of spice to tie it all together.

I'm almost finished with the first book in the trilogy, but I'm already planning ahead to what I'll read next.  What are your favorite books?  I'd love to hear a good recommendation on what would be good to read next.

A Little About Me

Here's a quick getting to know you list of interesting things about me. (I promise it's short and to the point. XD)

Where am I from? I was born in Rhode Island, that itty bitty state in New England that most people don't know exist.

How old am I?  I was born on the day that John Belushi died.  If you want to find that out then you'll know.  ^_~

When did you become a geek?  I don't know exactly what started it, but I've got a pretty good idea that I can point the finger at my mother.  She got me reading a lot at a young age, and we used to watch a lot of Star Trek:TNG.  It just spiraled from there.  I would wake up at 5 AM just to watch the next episode of Sailormoon on TV, even if I had already seen it hundreds of times.  I watched Star Wars and at age 13 did the silly thing of writing Mary Sue fanfiction.  The crafty part would come much later.

What was your first crafting passion? Cosplay.  I don't know why but I went to Otakon in 2000 and was amazed by all of the people in costume.  I vowed that I would do that too and it's been downhill ever since.  XD  I started out with closet cosplay and have been making my own costumes for the last 8 or so years.

Me as Gilderoy Lockhart several years ago. I had so much fun grinning like an idiot and signing autographs for everyone. :)

Why I Think You Should Buy Your Christmas Gifts From Crafty People

It's not even September, but ever where I look, people are preparing for Christmas and Christmas sales.  So I've starting thinking about what I'll be doing for my friends and family this holiday.  I've already started plotting a list of things to sew and/or knit for them.  ^_^

If you haven't started thinking about your holiday shopping, let me make a suggestion for you.  Buy your gifts from crafty people!

These are examples of the great plushies that we have to offer on my online store. We also offer custom costumes and fashion.

There are many reasons that ordering holiday gifts from crafty people is a great idea.  However, the most important one that I can think of is that you'll be supporting small business.  I won't pretend to be a financial guru or anything, but I know that with the way things have been in the States over the last few years, we could all use a little help.  Supporting a small business owner is a great way to help us build up what we've lost.  Many people have lost their jobs and some of those people have started new businesses in the wake of those loses.  Buying one item from a small business means that they have more sales, which means they can spend more.  Spending more helps you in your job (maybe the person will buy from your company or from someone else that will then spend the money with your company) and helps other businesses grow as well.  It's a REALLY amazingly simple way to help others and yourself. 

It may cost a little bit more, but being able to make a purchase from a small business will also provide you with something unique that you can't get anywhere else.  You'll certainly make your friends and family happy when you get them something thoughtful and unique. 

I hope that when it comes time to shop, you'll give me and all of the other amazing artists out there a chance.  I'd love it if you looked through my store and then head over to all of the other amazing artists on both Etsy and Zibbet.

How to Get Started - Part 3

Pattern Help

Now that I have supplies and I've got artwork to base my design on, it's time to move on to cutting out the doll.  This will be my last stage of prep work.

The pattern that I use regularly is no longer available so I can't share that with you, but this great post from Plushie-Database on DeviantArt will help point you in the right direction. 

Keep details in mind as you cut out your pieces.  Some items such as gloves or boots/stockings can be added to your body directly.  For example: Frank has thigh high fishnets.  These were sewn into the legs rather than adding them as a separate piece.  My Chibimoon plushie (seen above) had her boots sewn in and I added a ribbon trim afterwards to complete the effect.  Collars and other accessories may work better if they are added to the body directly.

Now it's time to get sewing.  Good luck!  If you have any projects that you complete, I'd love to see them.  Feel free to send them my way!

Commissions Are OPEN!

Many of the dolls that I make are commissions.  Often times its great to get something unique made from your favorite series.  I can create a doll that is completely unique to match your favorite outfit or even a full wardrobe.  Every doll I make is slightly different as they are made by hand and often times made with just the supplies I have on hand.

The dolls I currently offer can be either 15" tall or 26" tall.  They come with fully removable outfits and accessories.  Their faces are hand painted with acrylic paint.  The hair is felt.

15" dolls start at $45 based on difficulty and materials.
16" dolls start at $60 based on difficulty and materials.

You can order a commission directly from my Zibbet store or contact me via email for a quote.  It will take approximately two to three weeks to complete once payment is received.

Preparations for Dragon*Con

I'm busy sewing as much as possible in preparation for Dragon*Con (held in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend). This is more of a holiday for me than a convention. We've been going for years now and I'm really looking forward to it. We always have interesting costumes and generally just have a lot of fun. I'll be taking a lot of pictures while I'm there of my partner and our friends. I do a lot of the product photos for Moony Couture and we've got a lot of new costumes to showcase.

I do make some of my own costumes, so I thought I'd share the one I'll be working on next.  ^_^ 

I'm really not usually one to do girly costumes, in fact I mostly cosplay as male characters.  However, She-ra has been a childhood favorite of mine and I've been wanting to make this costume for years.  Well I'm finally going to do it.  My spouse even made a Shadow Weaver costume to go with me so I'll have someone to fight.  :)

I'll try to share some pictures as I get it put together.  I'm hoping that I won't look too ridiculous in the outfit.  If I can at least do her justice, I'll be happy.