Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Kids cakes you can afford – Fake Cakes

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Pink Cake Box Cake

Most of us want to give our kids the best for their Birthdays and an OTT (Over The Top) Birthday cake has suddenly become the normal requirement.

Even if I could afford to buy a 4 tier OTT  $800 cake for my child’s first birthday does it really mean I want to ?

Heck NO !

I can think of many other things to spend the money on including a good bottle of  wine that I will need to drink after the 20+ kids run riot through my house.

So why not fake it and fool everyone that you are indeed a “time savvy organized rich mother “.

I must admit faking cakes is nothing new to me, many times I have had to put a fake base on a homemade creation just so it doesn’t topple over but that was more out of necessity them affordability.

So what about the real cake? Well you have 2 options – make 1 tier real (make sure you cut from this tier) or take the cake back into the kitchen and serve up a sheet cake.  Everyone will be none the wiser.

IMPORTANT  TIP: If your fake cake is colored e.g, blue, make sure the real cake that you a slicing from also has a sheet of the same icing otherwise your cover will be blown.

Here are some bases around $50 a set at Sugarcraft.

Here are a couple of videos to help you with techniques.

Mark Ballard has some great techniques http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT2pWtOlmEk

Donna shows us how to cover a polystyrene Dummy tiers with icing  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKILPEC3q3Y

Rather fake some cake pops? then check out this post of Faking them too.  Faking it doesn’t just start when you get married it can start at the reception too with this article about fake wedding cakes.

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Pocket Emotional Support Chickens

There is something wonderfully sweet about these little Pocket Emotional Support Chickens. They are tiny, soft, slightly silly in the best possible way, and exactly the sort of handmade project that makes people smile before they have even finished reading the pattern.

This free knitting pattern is perfect for anyone who loves small comfort makes, quick gift projects, or quirky little knits with personality. Each chicken is small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, making them ideal as pocket companions, desk buddies, care-package gifts, or thoughtful little “thinking of you” presents for friends and family.

I especially love the idea behind this project. Not every handmade gift needs to be large or complicated to feel meaningful. Sometimes a tiny knitted chicken, made with love and tucked into someone’s bag, coat pocket, or bedside table, can be just the thing to brighten a difficult day. These little comfort chicks have that lovely handmade charm that feels personal without being overly sentimental.

The finished chickens have a simple rounded shape, cute beaks, tiny combs, and bead-like eyes, giving them just enough detail to feel full of character. They would be adorable knitted in natural chicken colours like cream, brown, grey, and speckled yarns, but you could also have fun with bright scraps, variegated yarn, or leftover wool from other projects. This is a great stash-busting project, especially if you have small amounts of yarn you do not want to waste.

Because they are small, they would also make a lovely charity knitting idea, a craft market item, a classroom reward, or a sweet addition to handmade gift baskets. You could knit a whole flock and package them with a little note that says “Pocket Emotional Support Chicken” for extra charm.

Overall, this is a delightful free knitting pattern for anyone who enjoys quick, comforting, personality-filled projects. It is cute, giftable, inexpensive to make, and full of handmade heart. Whether you knit one chicken or an entire flock, these adorable little comfort chicks are sure to bring a smile.