Scone Fail

When Tom and I were in the UK in the fall, we really enjoyed British scones. They were so delicious with clotted cream and jam!

For Tom's birthday (TODAY! He's 29!), I decided I'd try to make him some scones.

I cannot explain what an epic FAIL these scones were.

I dug up a recipe fairly easily on AllRecipes.com, and read through reviews. Multiple reviewers praised the recipe, saying they were the best scones they'd ever had. Sometimes reviewers post alterations they've made to recipes, but most people said they'd followed the recipe exactly-- the biggest change being to add a tablespoon more of sugar.

So I followed the recipe, step by step.

My results were HORRIBLE.

Dry, crumbly, floury... Probably one of the worst creations I've ever baked. This is a warning! Scones should NEVER look like this!

I don't know what I did wrong. I followed the recipe and I tried not to manhandle the dough too much.

Tom loyally took three to work with him this morning. I sincerely hope he threw them in the garbage. He claims that while they, "don't look so good, they taste good." Having tried a little myself, I'm skeptical of his claims.

Happy Birthday, my husband! Sorry my baking wasn't up to par!

Traffic Buildup

Progress is slow, but I think it's looking really good!

My favourite is the truck hauling hay in the top left corner.

Hopefully I'll be able to finish this up in the next couple of weeks, because the canvas has become a permanent fixture on our kitchen table.

The Devil is in the Details

Two weeks into the new year, and most of my spare time has been dedicated to painting a mural for my nephew, Dylan.

Dylan loves cars, trucks and construction equipment, so this Edward Miller mural is the basis for my painting.

Beep Street Mural

It has been a long time since I've pulled out all my painting supplies. About a year and a half ago we ran out of room on our condo walls, so the only things I've been painting are for other people. I'd forgotten how time consuming painting can be. One week ago, after about 8-9 hours of painting, I had finished the backdrop.

Layering paint and waiting for it to dry was the main problem. Also, the painting has a lot of straight edges on it, so I've been using the edge of a piece of cardboard to keep my hand steady.

Today I discovered how handy the edge of masking tape could be. I expect to start work on some actual cars tomorrow. So far, I'm loving how it's looking!

My plan is to add a few more construction vehicles than the original designe, and also a Firehall Station 23, the same number as the firehall my brother-in-law is currently stationed at.

Stay tuned for updates!