Corvid Boxes- Magpie and Raven

A flock of magpies is called all sorts of things, but I always liked "charm". A charm of magpies!
Here's a couple boxes that use some of my photos. I hope you enjoy them. 300 dpi, click on the images for the full sized versions and print them on card stock.

If you have a favorite template that I use for boxes, a favorite size or type, I'd love comments. I tend to use this template a lot because I love the space available for designs. 

Book Review- Zombie Cupcakes

Zombie Cupcakes : From the Grave to the Table with 16 Cupcake Corpses by Zilly Rosen. The title just makes you think "disturbingly cute idea" does it?
My daughter and I were both enthused over this cookbook. 16 cupcakes with decorating instructions to make them fit for a horror themed party, Halloween or just grossing out her dad.
So first, the decoration. Instructions are given for all the little disgusting details, which include rats, crows and eyeballs. The instructions are clear enough that even if you aren't a master sculptor you should be able to make all the projects. Some may need a little practice like artery detail on the eyeballs. The author uses some clever techniques and simple tools for a lot of the effects. The decorations use purchased, ready to use ingredients along with food coloring. Amounts are specified.
The recipes are fantastic. Because if people can get past the "EEEW!" factor, you want the cupcake to be the reward right? It starts with 4 frosting recipes, and lots of cupcake recipes, all made from scratch.Gingerbread, pumpkin, chocolate, devil's food, vanilla, there is a cupcake recipe for every occasion. All well explained and easy to bake.
As far as kids go, my teenage daughter thinks this is the coolest cupcake book ever. I have a bunch of cupcake books but the gore combined with the recipes appeals to her. My husband picked it up and glanced through it, then set it down quickly and said "I didn't want to see that." I asked "What?" and he shuddered and said "The eyeballs."
I promised not to try and feed him those, but didn't say a word about The Crows cupcake with it's fine detail of shiny raspberry jam "blood" under fondant "skin".
Recommended absolutely if you're a fan of zombies, cupcakes or have teens who love the gore. Great way to inspire kids to cook.

You can get this book from the publisher, Andrews McMeel Publishing You can get more information about my review policy here.

Rabbit box in black and white

I actually have a bunch of bunny themed boxes, so if you want something cuter, check out the bunny tagged posts.
I hope you like this one as well. Because it's black and white, you can print it on pastel colored card stock for different colors, or even bring it to a copy place and copy it on different colors of card stock, or color it and add glue on flowers to decorate it.

Ravens and wolves and llamas oh my!

Some recent photos that I hope you'll enjoy. I took these Saturday. The wolf and llama were both at our local zoo. The raven is one I spotted outside on a tree that stayed in place long enough for me to get some great shots. I will be putting the raven on a box soon.
Taken with my HS10. Click on the images to see them larger. I uploaded them at 50% of the original size.

Then just because it made me smile, this is what the Turnip did Sunday after Michael grilled turkey burgers for dinner.