Introducing the empire….

I’ve this little cupcake inspired blog going for over 18 months and people always ask me if I would consider opening a store or becoming a baker. While the idea is romantic at times, I don’t think that’s the route for me (for now).

But I have wondered how I can turn this blog fueled obsession into a business and one day, a fellow Yelper said two magic words, Cupcake Cabana! Holy Cow! That’s it! I didn’t know what I would do with it, but I did know that was the name!

Now what to do with it? For Christmas, my dad (he’s very crafty) made me a logo as a surprise. That sparked the idea…why not hand crafted, homemade cupcake accessories? For the past few weeks, we (me and dad) have been busy little bees designing cupcake swag.

We’ve got a lot in the hopper, but I can’t wait till everything is PERFECT. I’m ready to jump right in and I want you to join me.

This if from what I’m calling the Roswell Series. These are designs inspired by the bright Wal-mart sized lights recently spotted over Texas. What do you think?

If you comment on this blog post, I will put your name into a drawing to receive a set of Cupcake Notes- Roswell Series featuring the UFO, Mars and Area 51 notecards. I’ll draw names at the end of the week…around February 2, 2008.

Want to see more?

Visit my standalone eStore at CupcakeCabana.net

Visit my Etsy store at CupcakeCabana.Etsy.com

African Kelli sent an invitation out this week for a $1 art class at the Mesa Arts Center. The workshop’s focus is on Latino culture and secondly this one showcased Frida Kahlo.

For me Frida’s work has always been so personal. I have art books with her collections showcased in them and I don’t put any of her replicas on my walls. For me, it seems too public for art work that feels so intimate.

But, there are so many things influenced by Frida and this workshop was a perfect way to have some fun with her image and learn new stamping techniques. Denise of HandsonPaper.com ran an informative workshop and we had a lot of fun with her.

I can’t wait to send these cards out to some girlfriends.  I can’t believe I made 5 different cards for only a DOLLA (holla).

I believe there will be a few more workshops running throughout the Spring. Let me know if you’re in the Phoenix area and would like to attend. I promise to dress appropriatly. Kinda…

$1 Make & Take. There’s this super cute stamp store in downtown Chandler called StampWorks and on Saturday mornings Nikki hosts a $1 Make & Take. She creates a one of a kind card and for a dollar she gives you all the supplies and the space to recreate it.

With the weather cooling off a bit in Arizona (that means that it’s below 100, but still above 90), this morning I woke up with a mission! I was going to dust off my beach cruiser, ride towards downtown Chandler, grab breakfast and make a card.

I love bike lanes. Woot!