The Droplet...

It has rained a lot here in the Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand.

But...

in between showers...

when the sun attempts to shine...

the light is especially amazing!

I thought I would share a recent photograph that captures a tiny water droplet.

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#newzealandphotographer #photography #nature #raindrop

French Map & Cacti Pots...❥

Ok - I admit I really do have 'a thing' for cacti.
Let's blame my Grandad.
He had a vast collection in pots, and as a child I would watch him tend them with so much love!

For this project I painted some small terracotta pots with with chalk paint.
Then left them a day to dry.

Next steps require Mod Podge.
(In new Zealand this is available at most craft outlets.)

And some decoupage paper.
Though you could use fancy serviettes if preferred.
If you use serviettes, take of the back layer of paper.

I'm loving this cool map design...

Measure the paper to size, brush wrong side with Mod Podge and manipulate it on to the pot.
You'll need to pleat it to fit the curves.

 Leave to dry.
Once dry, seal with a layer of clear sealer that will tolerate outdoor conditions.

 Once sealed, leave to dry for a week.

 Then, plant the desired plants using a suitable potting medium.
Which, in my case, is cacti.
But you could plant an annual flower like a pansy.

I'm planting baby cacti.
But you could plant an annual flower like a pansy.

And don't these sweet French Map pots look fab on this railing top on my covered deck?
❥

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#decoupage #maps #cactus #cacti #paintedpots #diy

Ghost Cake & Icecream Cone Toppers...

Spooky cute seems to be the thing for my Halloween preparations this year.

With more little ghosts.

These ones are the edible kind.

Made from meringue, 

these guys are perfect as a cake topper or ice cream cone topper.

They really are not difficult to make.

You will need meringue.

For the printable meringue recipe click HERE.

Note: cooking time differs from what's stated in the recipe.

The Ghosts need to be baked at 100 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes.

Once the meringue is whipped up, 

 onto a baking paper lined tray, 

pipe spirals - large to small with a peak.

You decide the size.

Ice cream topper = smaller

Cake topper = bigger

No icing tip is needed. 

Just a plastic bag filled with meringue that has had the corner cut off.

Once baked and cold.

Pipe dots for eyes using black icing.

Store in an airtight container until needed.

Top your favourite cake, or your cone of ice cream with a spooky cute meringue ghost.

Or pop them on a cake stand and eat as is.

MORE HALLOWEEN IDEAS & PRINTABLES HERE

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#halloween #baking #caketopper #meringue #ghosts