Em's Origami, Baking & stuff

Mini Christmas Pudding Chocolate Cakes

2011-11-25T12:04:00.005Z

Mini Christmas Pudding Chocolate Cakes all packaged, a photo by emtysoe on Flickr.

Today is Tysoe School's Christmas Fete....... so last night I made some "Christmas Puddings"

Here's how I made them .......

First, I made a chocolate cake mix

150g caster sugar
150g butter
3 eggs
120g self raising flour
30g cocoa powder
vanilla essence - proper stuff
chocolate essence - only found in waitrose

Butter Icing
some butter, icing sugar & vanilla essence - I don't really measure

I have this lovely 8 mini dome / semi sphere silicone bakeware (Tefal) which is great for making round cakes (used it to make mini angry birds) - I can't find it anymore bought it a few years ago however found something similar on internet

once cooled I cut the dome so they were level, scooped out a little bit and added the butter icing ....

I joined them together using "cake pop" mix I made using the off cut cake & butter icing

I then covered them in chocolate flavoured fondant .... very tricky

I did "cheat" and had to add some fondant on the bottom and blend the joins

To make the "sauce" I used a round cookie cutter and hand shaped with a sharp knife

added some sparkle the "sauce"

Now making the Holly Berries & Leaves

I bought some special Beau Flowerpaste which happened to be "holly green". I use a holly leaf cutter but you could easily just cut the shape with a template & knife.

The holy berries was just some red fondant icing which I added some "Christmas Red" colouring to do make them more red. I added them to the leaves and used a leftover apple packaging from Sainsburys to shape the leaves in to the dome shape..... (I made these first and left them to dry while I made the cakes)

Once I'd made the cakes I added the holly to the top using a bit of icing & water mix .....

To make them nice for the fete, I placed them on 4" silver bases and bagged & tagged

I buy most of the my baking supplies from Craft Company
The clear bags are from LakeLand 50 for £2.99
The cute labels are from PaperGlitter

PayPal Personalities

2011-10-26T21:57:00.002+01:00

Back in Easter I logged on to PayPal to pay for something I'd got on eBay and there was a banner saying "would you like to be a PayPal Personalitiy" . I thought I'd enter mainly as a bit of fun, thinking they've never pick me and a few weeks later I had a call saying I'd been short listed and wanted to know about my origami and how I use the PayPal Invoice system.

Photographers were amazing and made me laugh loads

So I got through to the finals and headed down to PayPal's head office in Richmond, London at the end of May.

I had an amazing day and met loads of wonderful people, including Ashlee, Pauline & Reed

To be honest I don't like some of my photos, maybe because I don't wear make up so not used to seeing myself with it on or what.

I do like the photo of me holding the origami strawberry :)

no idea why they put Swansea :)

I baked a load of cupcakes to take with me to PayPal
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=225965464080421&set=a.169676453042656.41553.167465479930420&type=3&theater

iPhone 4S Cake

2011-10-17T20:44:00.001+01:00

iOS5 Icons - see below for the close ups

iPhone 4S Cake, a photo by emtysoe on Flickr.

For the iPhone 4S launch - Friday 14th October 8am, I made a cake for my work mates at the O2 store in Leamington Spa.

I hand drew all the icons with various edible ink markers. I used the screen shot from the display stand (see below) which shows the new iOS5 icons. It took me about 3.5 hours to make the icons and in total took about 5 hours to make. As it was quite late in the night I had to make a "quick" chrome band with buttons, etc... and the background was black as it would have been too fiddly to try and copy/create the default iPhone background.

I asked Siri if it would like some cake, unfortunately it didn't understand the question and told me it could only search for business in the USA

Thanks to @O2 for tweeting my image on http://twitpic.com/700zis - currently has 1,692 views

Me at work (O2 Leamington Spa)

Cake on the iPhone Stand

I started work at 7am on the launch day and worked until about 6pm, with just the odd 2 min break here and there to grab a bite to eat as we were super busy as you can imagine. We had a total of 97 iPhone 4S that day and the second guy in the queue was Seb he got there at 3am. We didn't sell out until very late in the afternoon.

I'm very lucky that I work with an amazing bunch and had the most exciting and tiring day ever :)

Looking forward to the next iPhone launch whenever that may be

Edible iPhone Icons

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We've only just cut the cake today, as it was "too nice" to eat :)

Finally cut the cake :)

Did I design a Smart Phone not a PDA?

2011-09-12T12:02:00.001+01:00

My PDA design - smart phone, a photo by emtysoe on Flickr.

I studied BSc Product Design at university and realised that I didn't design a PDA but a Smart Phone !
also I called it the Em Pad :)

Project : New Product Design and Development

Brief : Generate a new product in one of the following fields:

A Leisure product.
A Home domestic product.
A Business product.
A DIY / Maintenance product.
Also the term used to describe this type of development is Blue Sky Design, because this type of product does not exist.

Personal Note

I found this product difficult at first, trying to think of product that doesn't exisit isn't easy! I decided to choose a business product but it can be used as a home product. As we were designing for the future it was slightly easier to design as there weren't many constraints. I searched the internet for insperation and I came across Philips Vision of the Future Web Page which I found amazing and very helpful. I decided to design a PDA for the future. It's voice activated but also has a small pen which can be used instead and for short note taking. It has a built in camera so it can br used for taking pictures or video conferencing. It comes with all the software you need for word processing, e-mailing, surfing the internet, etc... It's similar to PDAs on the market now but it's more sophisticated and has advanced materials, microchip, etc... A full size model was made for the project and I like the natural look so wanted a wood look finish.

Via Flickr:
Designed this on my degree course back in 1995-6
My old website is still on Wayback Machinewith my other University designs.

RAF Royal Air Force Dress Uniform

2011-06-25T01:28:00.003+01:00

Very rare that the groom's outfit takes longer to make than the bride's ! #RAF #Uniform, a photo by emtysoe on Flickr.

Been copying loads of wedding outfits and this one has to be my favourite.

I've never been so busy with wedding outfit copying and hope to find time to write a book on how I make these replicas.

Also after being made redundant from Vodafone in April, I've just been making my origami but I'm pleased to announce that I've got a new job :)

I'll be working at an O2 store however it does mean I won't be able work on my origami orders as much.

My Birthday Cake - R2D2

2011-03-02T15:10:00.004Z

R2D2 Cake - front
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

It was my Birthday on Monday and had no idea what cake I wanted.
After watching an episode of "Ace of Cakes" making a R2D2 cake I knew straight away that's what I wanted. I don't have the skills to make a full size, working R2D2 cake like Duff and his team but it didn't stop me having a go!

I went to my local cake suppliers and got some polystyrene cake dummies. I used a 6" round one for the bottom - I could have used cake but only had one 6" tin and didn't have time to bake a second cake. I also bought a 6" square one so I could cut it and make the legs.

I used a CAD program to draw out a rough shape for the legs.

For the dome I used the Wilton Sports Ball Pan, which is 6" round too.

I made a basic vanilla sponge and put some butter icing inside the dome.

Covered in white fondant and decorated using coloured fondant and used my cutters.

Some of the detailing is just random as just wanted a simple yet recognisable look

I took it to work and it was enjoyed by everyone :o)

For info on making your own Star Wars cake checkout - http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Make-A-Star-Wars-Cake

Le Creuset Window Display

2011-02-03T21:35:00.002Z

Le Creuset Window Display
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I was asked by a PR Company (Lucy Bloomfield) to create 200 hearts & roses for Le Creuset Window Display
See previous blog post

I went to Bicester Village on Wednesday to see my origami on display and the purple colour matched brilliantly.

I was very happy and pleased to see the final result

Thanks again to Rich and Deborah for helping me with this project

3D Angry Bird Cake

2011-01-31T16:26:00.003Z

Now who's going to eat it?
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

My oven broke just before Christmas and with the help of family and friends, I bought a new one from Ikea last weekend.

I'd been planning on making an Angry Bird cake after seeing @bobbiealice 's amazing cupcakes on PocketLint, I thought I must make my idea of a 3D round cake and thought what better way to test my new oven :o)

I used the Wilton sports ball cake pan for the big one and used silicone semi dome tray to make the mini ones. I decided to go a bit crazy with the insides and make what in USA call funfetti basically it's basic vanilla sponge with sugar strands

Covering them was very tricky as the fondant kinda pleated itself at the bottom. I managed to "hide" the messy bits the beige tummy.

The beak and feathers are attached with cocktail sticks

I've decided to take the Big Angry Bird to work for them to eat and I made some mini ones for my husband, best friend & a special black on for my son as it's his favourite one!

I'm hoping to post a mini to @roviomobile if they let me know their address asap as they won't fly that far

Update: The cake arrived at Rovio and they loved it. Pockelint wrote an article about my cake and my local cake suppliers Craft Company also sell the Wilton Sport Ball Tin.

All of the cakes with plushies ...

The insides .......

Origami ideas for Weddings

2011-01-07T23:14:00.001Z

Origami ideas for weddings cake boxes favour cones gift bags serving bowls
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I'm trying to think what other origami I can do, so had a look in my books for ideas for Weddings.

I found a few lovely designs...

Cones to put sweeties/candy in and I can add ribbon to them with wedding info printed on them

Cake / Favour Boxes
The big cake box uses no glue it's held together by the little square on top and this can be modified

These models are folded using pearlised paper but can be made in any colour and even have a design printed on them

Feel free to contact me for a quote

200 origami 3D hearts & Roses made for Le Creuset

2011-01-07T22:57:00.004Z

Yeah it's a New Year and a new start for me :o)

I'm being made redundant from my part time job at Vodafone (at the end of April) so I've decided to give it a go and move my origami hobby business to a proper business!

So far things are looking good as my first order for the year and it was to make 200 items for Le Creuset (though Lucy Bloomfield) for their shop window (see blog post) to promote their Cassis Range

When I droppped the order off this morning at their HQ in Andover I popped into their factory store and treated myself to a lovely mug

Let me know if you'd like any origami for your shop / store window display

Japanese Wedding Outfits

2010-12-19T15:39:00.001Z

Japanese wedding outfits #origami #anniversary
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

Yeah after many years of copying wedding outfits for first wedding anniversaries, I've finally had a request to make Japanese Wedding Kimonos :o)

I loved making this copy as it's all my favourite things origami and Japanese culture.

I hope one day to visit Japan and meet my lovely friend Kayoko and her family.

kekkon kinen-bi omedetou gozaimasu
結婚記念日おめでとうございます

Paper Gifts Webpage Re-Design

2010-12-14T21:40:00.001Z

Paper Gifts Webpage
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I've re-designed my website to look like a scrapbook. What do you think?

My sister who is a graphic designer / childrens book illustrator said she'd make it look better once she's back from her holiday.

I've also started advertising my business more as I've decided to do it full time when I'm made redundant from Vodafone.

I'm now listed here ..
http://www.facebook.com/papergifts
http://www.freeindex.co.uk/profile%28smart-paper%29_7833.htm
http://www.folksy.com/shops/PaperGifts
http://papergifts.misi.co.uk

Busy Busy and learning new techniques

2010-12-14T21:30:00.001Z

Finished #origami #paperanniversary Indian wedding outfits 3d framed
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I've never been so busy!
This time of year it's normally quiet but I'm still getting requests to make orders :o)

I've also been learning new ways to make outfits. The Indian styles are very complex and tricky. My latest copy I used a design program to draw the pattern and then used my light box to trace the pattern.

I'm still hoping to find time to write how I make my outfits and mini bouquets :o)

So Busy !!!

2010-08-21T02:14:00.003+01:00

Wow in all the time I've been making & selling origami I've never been so busy! I've had to say NO to loads of people & been shipping worldwide to USA & Dubai!

I'm almost getting no sleep while I juggle working part time ( working until 10pm Mon-Wed), looking after Will and illness with folding.
Most week I don't sleep Thursday nights and this week I've not slept since getting home from work on Wednesday.

I love my hobby business copying these amazing outfits, though the dresses are getting more tricky and have done my first lot of Indian outfits. Also made lots of kilts which are really tricky as I hand make a mini sporon & colour matching tartan not easy!

I'm listening to dance tunes - Scott Mills Friday Floor Fillers & Matt Darey to keep me going and living off Raw Pepsi & chocolate krispies squares!

If & when (already got request for October) Wedding season dies down I'll be taking a long earned rest and will be writing a book on how I make the outfits & mini bouquets.

I'm currently the only one in the world that copies wedding outfits, if you want me to teach you let me know :o)

Not a good week!

2010-07-27T13:34:00.001+01:00

Its only a small cut but its causing so many problems. Even hurts to type! Will try that spray on plaster
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

This week I've got tons of orders and I work on my own so having cut BOTH my thumbs whilst doing the washing up was not great and also I now have a tummy bug (I'm seem to be getting loads atm)
My thumbs are finally ok to work with thou have to re-do some orders and the wounds re-opened and I bled on my origami :o(

Note to self - let the dishwasher do it !

iphone 4 cake for Alex

2010-07-02T16:56:00.002+01:00

iphone 4 cake
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

My lovely friend Alex at work loves his gadgets same as me, we're often told we talk too much geek at work :o)
So I thought for his birthday I'd make him an iphone 3 cake. Alex then took 3 weeks off work and by then had got himself a shiny new iphone 4.
I sneakily managed to get him to send me a screen shot of his mobile so I could copy it exactly :o)
I was a bit rushed for time today and only had 3 hours sleep as was working on origami orders. I used rainbow dust edible pens to hand draw the icon my copy wasn't that great but it is my first attempt.

I didn't get time to line up the icon nicely and also didn't get chance to add the red band around the side. Alex like me is a lefty and has that "holding it in the wrong hand" problem and as listed on Lifehacker Alex has been using his Vodafone VIP bracelet

Also got Alex some little birthday gifts :o) A screen protector, a lovely papercraft iphone /ipod stand and my never fail gift for a bloke LEGO ! a lego spaceman keyring to be precise there were loads to choose from at LegoLand so decided to go old school :o)

Baking for School Fete

2010-06-19T04:41:00.001+01:00

my stall at school fete
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

Had a busy morning and with the help of my husband made ....
48 mini cupcakes with butterflies, bees & ladybirds on
20 flower cookie lollies
ickle people biscuits
and a giant cupcake.

I think we made about £40 for the school :o)

and of course it rained.

I'm hoping to get my kitchen sorted so I can sell my cookies
http://www.cookie.me.uk/

I've taken photos with a proper camera hope to upload soon

Made a Giant CupCake for my ops manager

2010-06-11T18:02:00.001+01:00

Giant CupCake & mini cupcakes
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

My oven heating element broke the other week luckily I can fix myself thou had to wait for the part to arrive from eSpares.co.uk if you want to order from they please feel free to use my recommend a Friend Code is E6WHEF4P

I fixed my oven for £15 and found a lovely silicone giant cupcake mould on eBay and made this very yummy cupcake.

My ops manager at work is leaving for another department so made him a giant cupcake :o)

It's chocolate sponge on the botttom then white chocolate sponge on the top covered in white chocolate icing - the mini cupcakes are the same

Laptop died so used my digital photo frame

2010-04-01T18:22:00.001+01:00

Origami wedding outfits
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

My laptop which I need to work on my origami died. After a lot of phone calls Dell took it for repair.
I used a friends pc to get the photos and save on sd card and used my ickle digital photo frame so that I could look at for reference.

I'm pleased that it came out ok

Origami First Wedding Anniversary Gifts

2010-02-10T14:25:00.001Z

Origami Wedding Outifts - with Bridesmaids & Best Men
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I've been slowly getting back to my origami. I'm still suffering from headache but I've seen a specialist and starting treatment next month :o)

I loved making this order, my first group!

Mumswhobake.com cupcake class

2009-09-27T21:28:00.001+01:00

Woody with his cake we made at mumswhobake.com
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

Last weekend Woody & I went to Milton Keynes to meet Vicki (www.mumswhobake.com) and to have some fun decorating cupcakes we had a lovely few hours there and bought some stuff too.

We learnt how make the lovely butter icing swirls and even got to play with glitter & lusture and even hand coloured our fondant which did mean very colourful hands, mine were bright pink for a few days.

You can find out about the courses here http://www.mumswhobake.co.uk/shop/category.php?id_category=45
and hopefully there will be more advanced courses next year

Sackboy Cake

2009-08-16T23:04:00.001+01:00

Finished sackboy cake
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

Sackboy is a cute character from a Playstation 3 game called Little Big Planet made by Media Molecule - (http://www.mediamolecule.com/)
My best mate Ben loves this game (he specially bought a PS3 & new TV so he could play this game) and I made this cake for his birthday.

I have a cake company local to me and I bought some Belgian Chocolate Paste - 2.5kg Ref: 01950 - http://www.craftcompany.co.uk/acatalog/Sugarpaste_For_covering_Cakes.html and covered the cake with that 6mm thick !!

The cake itself is chocolate sponge using 50g to 1 egg ratio with cocoa powder some vanilla essence and some chocolate essence (from USA but available in Waitrose) and chocolate butter icing using the cocoa, vanilla & chocolate essence again.
there are a few skewers and chopsticks in him and I had to put the head on just before taking photo as it was too heavy for the body to cope!
The zip is black fondant with silver dusting paste hand sculpted

It tasted it very yummy as the fondant is like fudge !

Getting my orders done

2009-06-26T15:17:00.001+01:00

Origami Wedding Outfit
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I have loads of work to do and my headaches aren't getting any better !

I love the mini bouquet !

Will wanting to be as high as the clouds

2009-05-30T00:06:00.001+01:00

Will climbing
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I've not been feeling well and my new medications makes me very sleepy as in staying in bed/sofa until lunchtime!
I was really good today and made myself get up at 9am to take Will to Hatton. We got there nice and early and Will got to play on the new JCB ride for ages before anyone else arrived.

I love this photo of him wanting to reach the clouds :o)

Wedding Season is in the air

2009-05-15T22:15:00.001+01:00

Wedding Outfits
Originally uploaded by emtysoe

I've just made another order. I love the complexity of this dress. I also got a new punch to make gerbera from tescos.