Piece of Cake Part 3: Breaking The Mold

[Note to Pengy: Please put the second photo as the default on the WB post so Mr. Lab won't know what it is! Thanks!]

So I finally found someone to do our groom's cake at a price that didn't include an arm, leg, soul, or firstborn child! I'm working with Sonja of Art Cake Company in Savannah and can't wait to show you the finished cake! But since I can't share the cake with you quite yet, I figured I'd at least share a couple details about it not mentioned in previous episodes of my cake saga.

Mr. Lab: With only single digits left until the big day, I think you're more than capable of refraining from clicking on the link below! :)

First off, the cake flavor! How does bourbon chocolate with a Kahlua filling sound? Delish? Yeah, I thought so! ;)

Okay, here's the part I REALLY wanted to share! Remember the cake topper I wanted?

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Well, I loved it, but it was obviously missing something. I'm not sure if you've noticed it or not, but I don't exactly have the same skin complexion as that cookie cutter cake topper. I searched high and low for something similar to it but featuring an interracial couple, and came up empty handed. The closest I got were some custom toppers that cost a fortune. So I decided to take matters into my own hands. I bought the cake topper and painted it!

I grabbed some leftover paint from other projects and started with the shoes. I figured they would be the easiest fix if something went wrong.


It didn't take long for me to get the hang of it and learn the best techniques. But as I was taking photos for this post, I realized something was still missing:


It was the red sole on my shoes!


But I didn't have any red paint laying around the house and I really didn't want to go out and buy a whole tube just for those tiny, Barbie-sized heels. *cue light bulb over head* RED NAIL POLISH! If nail polish good enough for Mr. Louboutin's first red-soled shoes, it's good enough for my cake topper!


This wedding planning business has really helped me become more creative AND resourceful!


And here's the finished topper! It's not perfect, but the flaws won't be noticeable in the dim reception lights. Not to mention it looks a LOT more like us now! :D


Have you had to customize any "cookie cutter" pre-made wedding items to better reflect you or your fiance?

Manaz...Manza...Pretty Branches With Votives Hanging From Them!

Yeah, I've been engaged for nearly 11 months and still can't remember how to pronounce that "m" word for these:

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But I really didn't care about pronouncing them as long as I could make my own decorative displays using them. And thus, I set to work!

I ordered my manzanita branches (12-13" tall), plaster of paris, and river rocks from Save on Crafts. The tin cans were purchased at an A.C. Moore on sale for $2 each! And the votives were from Crate & Barrel for $11.40 for a set of 12.

This project is pretty self-explanatory, so I'll let the pictures do the talking!

All of my supplies. I didn't even realize that my Halloween decoration sort of reflects my current project until I looked at the photos!

I followed the mixing directions on the plaster of paris bucket and made sure to use disposable containers. I also did this on my (nasty-doggy dirty) floors to make clean up easy.

Start of the mixing...still chunky!

Finally smooth! (Btw, that's an old blender mixer that I used to stir it!)

Carefully pouring to keep splatter to a minimum.

I quickly placed my branches into the pots then propped them against a wall.

It literally took less than 15 minutes for the plaster to set. I'm glad I was moving fast because I had NO idea it would set so quick!

I used leftover paint from other projects to paint the plaster.

I wiped excess plaster splatter away with a damp paper towel.

Then I filled the pot with the river rocks (I may get some more at Wally World just to fill it out more).

I did a quick trial with hanging the votives using leftover floral wire before Mr. Lab offered up some of his clear fishing line.

Some of the votives with the fishing line. We're hanging 6 per pot. We also tested out the candles (using tea lights we already have) to make sure they didn't get too hot and melt the line.

I forgot to get a photo of the final product, but you'll see the real deal in action soon enough! I'm using them as decor on the guest book/gift tables. Total cost of this project? $40.99 for two full displays! :D

Here are some useful links I used that I figure will help someone else!

Securing Manzanita Branches With Plaster
How To Make Hanging Votives

Are you incorporating man...manza...pretty branches with votives on them at your wedding?