Obsessions

My husband had the temerity to point out I have an obsessive personality. He felt compelled to mention this, cursing, while he struggled to find some food in the freezer amidst all the Hanne Falkenberg yarn...I couldn't argue. It's so true! First there was needlework (needlepoint, cross-stitch, beading) and then there was knitting, and now there is baking. There were things before these, and I am not done with these yet, as anyone who has witnessed my growing yarn stash can attest to. The accroutrements of my obsessions are stockpiled throughout the house, tucked away in bins, boxes, drawers, shelves, bags, baskets and the freezer. He doesn't understand, but I love them all. I have more than enough things to keep me occupied this life and the next seven lives.

My latest interest in baking (more decorating of cookies or cakes, but one does need a vehicle for icing), is a natural extension of the playful painting and decoupage I used to do - but more practical and tasty, and less cluttering. And it comes with a whole host of new tools, materials, things, ideas! I am continually planning "what if" scenarios in my head about how to do something...I am nowhere near the skill level to be able to realize almost any of these grandiose plans but I am still going to have some fun trying!

To help me along, I've been taking courses at the Bonnie Gordon School which is just about the most fabulous places ever. It's like I go to another world when I go there. The instructors are fabulous, knowledgeable and friendly. The facilities and equipment are top-of-the-line, and it is a fantastic experience.



Last spring I took the Designer Cookies and Mini-Cakes courses. Both were taught by Sarah Bell, and I learned alot from her. The cookies tasted as good as they looked!





A couple of weeks ago I took the Baking & Buttercream course, and next week I will be taking a two-part course in mad piping skillz. Because I really suck at piping. But hopefully I won't by the end of the month! I don't think I'll be doing the Lambeth Method anytime soon, though. I never thought I would get so interested in this, but it's been surprisingly captivating. Next month I am going to the Peggy Porschen lecture and then taking a two-day course on making sugar flowers.

Amber - who as you know is already very talented in the cake arena - and I have this crazy little dream to maybe make this a sideline business. Who knows, maybe one day...



In the meantime, I will just have fun with baking and knitting! I made these martini cookies for Vilma's birthday in August.