Remember when Clara was queen of the jellyfish? Good times. The girl definitely has fun with pretend play, and we like to make things for her, especially on occasions like birthdays and Christmas (like this play kitchen, this dollhouse, this latch board, this figurine cubby, this patterned doll cradle, this colorful quilt, this cuckoo clock and this beanbag pouf) so with yesterday being her fourth birthday (HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?!) I thought some pretend pastries would be fun.
I know, it sounds like a cruel joke. “Happy birthday! Here are delicious sugary things you can’t eat because – surprise! – they’re made of wood!” But lately she has been loving tea parties (here she is having one with Nonna the night before her brother was born). She loves pretending to add lemon and honey to her tea, stirring everything up, and then repeating that about five times since she doesn’t have many other tea-related things to do beyond that…. hence the idea for some teatime treats.
I liked the thought of making these for her because it meant I could use her favorite colors and include references to specific treats she likes, so they’d be personalized. I’d seen a few pre-made wooden pastry sets you can buy, like this one and this one – and after staring at a few small scrap pieces of wood on the floor in the garage I thought I might be able to use them to make some of mine.
Here are the materials I started with: a bunch of scrap pieces of wood from the floor of the garage (those are the rectangular shapes) along with some wooden spheres with flat bottoms (those were from JoAnn in the craft wood section for around $5). I grabbed those because they looked like little truffles or bon-bons.
I used craft paint and a small brush to paint them and then brushed on a few thin coats of Safecoat Acrylacq to add a nice glossy finish and more durability (it’s non-toxic in case they touch Clara’s mouth during fake-eating). It only took one Clara-nap to complete all of the painting, and I did it with my man Teddy right next to me. There was one nursing break in there and a little bit of burping and rocking, but he was pretty chill for the most part. Maybe he’ll grow up to be a painter. Or a professional pastry eater.
Here they are all laid out so you can see some of the random patterns and designs I had fun with. They’re definitely not hyper-realistic, but they’re full of bright pink (Clara always calls the pinkest donut or bonbon in the store) and I added in some stripes, swirls, zigzags, crisscrosses, and “sprinkles” (those were just dots I made with the back of my paintbrush).
I also made the stand using two plates (a big one and one smaller one) along with a small bowl and an ice cream cup holder thing (all plastic, and all from Target).
I turned bowl upside down to make the base, glued that to the larger plate, then glued the ice cream cup on top of the plate in the center, and glued the smaller plate on top of that.
In short: it was a fun little while-the-baby-sleeps project and I’m so glad that big girl of mine loves them. She even got to give them a spin with Nonna thanks to her being in town for her birthday. I cried like a baby when she said “You did such a good job painting them mom… BRAVO!” When are these crazy hormones going to level out?!
Clara’s birthday was also full of a bunch of edible treats – like these four pink and purple pancakes that she requested for breakfast. In case you’re wondering, she said the purple one tasted the best.
Now I’m off to feed this baby of mine (he’s ten pounds already!) and to try to squeeze in some party prep for Clara’s bash here this weekend (I have about thirty pounds of laundry to do along with a pretty chaotic house to clean). Oh who am I kidding, I’ll probably just end up cuddling the baby.
Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint color we used? Just click on this button:
Kay says
Those are gorgeous, Sherry! My children’s librarian heart is warmed by the fact that you guys are so encouraging of her love of imaginative/pretend play. It’s great for encouraging language skills, social skills, and problem-solving skills!
Meghan says
So cute! You want to know something crazy? My daughter, Claire, has the same birthday as your daughter, only 2 years later. And I didn’t follow your blog then so it’s a total coincidence that we’d have similarly named babies with the same birthday. I’m very impressed with what you can pull off for a birthday. We got lucky that we were able to get a cupcake with 2 candles in it, let alone dinner made! Happy birthday Clara!
YoungHouseLove says
SO funny! Happy birthday to your daughter!
xo
s
Vanessa says
Such a cute idea. She is going treasure these gifts when she older. They can be passed down to your grandkids! Love the pics of your kiddos, they are adorable!
Jackie says
Ahh I hate to say it since I love this premise and that you’re giving your daughter a handmade gift that is uniquely hers but… there’s two or three pieces that I think you should redo or add a little to (Sorry!!).
I love that they are whimsical and slightly imperfect (since that’s how real dessert is!) so I love that you didn’t use tape and made sure it had that handpainted touch. My favorites are the pink cupcakes with icing and round sprinkles and the rainbow cakes. They are so freaking cute – kudos to you.
I think the two swirly ones might look better with the swirl on top or maybe as cupcakes with the other type of sprinkles (the little sticks vs. little dots). Other ideas include decorating one like a hostess cupcake with the little white icing swirls across it, or making one of those little snowball cakes using metallic paint and lots of little lines to give the effect of shredded coconut. I also think making one of the square cakes into a lemon bar (with a little lemon slice on top of white icing for garnish- do I sound like a huge a weirdo now or what) or adding a cherry and mint leaf to the top of that one big swirly flat cake would be super cute and fun too.
Okay done with obsessing over play food and submitting this ridiculous feedback. Thanks so much for sharing this project!
Best,
Jackie
YoungHouseLove says
Really cute ideas!
xo
s
Melissa says
How FUN! This looks like such a great project to make for a little girl! I’ll have to bookmark this for the future!
Paula M. says
Got 4 words for those lovely, painted treats: “A.dor.a.bul.”
Seriously: cute, cute cute! Love ’em!!! Now I want to have a Mad Hatter party with items like that.
And I echo other folks’ comments about Nonna’s arms! :) Dang. Maybe your mom should have a regular guest post about her fitness regime! :) … (I say, while pulling my own sleeves down over my arms) …
lori says
So cute! So cute! (why didnt I think of that!) darn. My daughter just turned 6…and we just now built her own “market” in her room. Made with those white plumbing pipe things…an awning and a closetmaid cubicles for the register to sit on. Anyway…im telling you this…because she graduated from having tea time with me…and now sells me her cupcakes and danishes…lol…too cute. Right before i check out…she says..”oh wait! I have a coupon for you!” Wish i can make these years last forever….
YoungHouseLove says
That’s adorable!
xo
s
Meg says
Always LOVE seeing what you come up with for her homemade play things! You did an awesome job (especially as a sleep-deprived mama — more power to ya, sister)!!
And I feel horrible that I’m SO looking forward to see how Clara’s party goes, knowing that y’all would be within your rights to have a low-key, no-decoration family get-together. *guilt sweat drops* No matter what you do, I’m sure she’ll love it.
Jacqueline says
Cuddle the baby, let the birthday guests hide in piles of laundry, and enjoy colored pancakes – they grow up quickly! My first baby turns nineteen on Monday, and it seems like she was sitting on my lap just a few months ago.
Jess says
I love these! I’m always impressed with your ability to see something out of nothing. I think they are beautiful- I especially love the tall striped ones! And that picture of Clara with the pancakes- what a sweet photo! Happy Birthday, Clara!
Nicole says
Sherry, What a beautiful job you did and Clara loves them. Your a fantastic Mom and how special Nonna got to spend tea time with Clara!! Happy 4th birthday Clara! I hope your day is filled with joy, family, friends, loves, hugs and of course lots of presents.
Mrs. A says
Happy Birthday Clara! I found that age 4 was when I realized my son was no longer a little baby. :( But, 4 is super fun!
Such a super cute project – you are so talented, Sherrie! Have you thought of doing finger sandwiches?
YoungHouseLove says
That would be so much fun! I could do little triangles!
xo
s
Lea says
Those fake pastries are super cute! And I just wanted to mention that I’m loving the slowed pace of the blog. The atmosphere (if that’s possible in the web world) feels a little more intimate and cozy. :) Your family is precious!
katz says
Love how appreciative Clara is of every little thing. You are doing something right when you raise a thankful child!
Alison says
Am I the only one wondering about Clara’s dress? Its so cute!!! Obviously I adore the rest of the post, and can’t wait to try something similar for my almost 3 year old :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Alison! It’s from Old Navy, maybe three weeks ago?
xo
s
Jasmin M says
So I was reading Domino’s top 25 blogs to watch and at the bottom they said “We want to hear from you! E-mail [email protected] with your blog or a blog that you think we should start following today”
Since you weren’t mentioned I responded YOUNG HOUSE LOVE, and this is the reply I got, just thought you might like to hear the nice things, I was kinda shocked they responded.
“Yes! They were actually on our list but, since they have a lot going on (baby) they actually weren’t able to respond to my request. And I didn’t feel comfortable posting their photo without permission. We love Young House Love.
Totally a fave!
thanks,
Krissy
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jasmin! We’re so buried in email thanks to this little nugget of mine ;)
xo
s
Nelle says
Great job! Wish I had done that instead of spending a fortune on pre done ones! Happy 4th birthday Clara!!! Can’t wait to see the party plan, by the way Sherry how hot is your mum!! She looks way too young to be a Nanna!
Jenny says
Those look amazing and far better than any you could purchase!! Love the idea! Thanks for sharing!!
Kate says
Oh, hormones! I’m 14 weeks along right now and I just burst into tears reading The Little Engine that Could to my 18-month old!
The bonbons look great!!
Sarah says
I’ve been a faithful reader of your blog for about two years and I think this is my first comment! I just wanted to say that I love your family and your blog. I’ve learned a ton and I’m always getting new ideas from you two! It’s incredible that you can both do this for a living. This project is awesome. Sherry, you’re so creative! …. You, too, John! Love you guys! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love you right back Sarah!
xo
s
Lynne says
I can’t seem to find the source for the gray polka dotted curtains in Clara’s room. Could you tell me where you found them? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
They’re from ikea a while back but they don’t sell them anymore.
xo
s
Nancy B says
These are so sweet! I’ll bet that she will remember her Mom making them for her when she grows up.
Yalanda says
I just love your hand made gift tradition. I’ve been reading for a few years now and I love the creativity and sentimentality that goes into them! Claira will love them for years and years to come and they’re extra special because you made them! I hope to do the same someday with my own little ones, when they come along:)
Julianne says
So cute & creative! :O) Happy belated Birthday, Clara!!
Wes says
I am so loving the last two weeks of posts!! Of course they are always wonderful, but wanted to let you know I’ve loved the more relaxed vibe in the last two weeks.
Wendy Verdon says
Those are too cute! I love making cake stands, but I mostly use candlesticks. I am going to do them with some bowls too, I love that and love the cakeballs and cakes. Very cute!
Cassie says
I love these!
I love how people are commenting about Clara still napping- my oldest stopped at 3 and my 2 1/2 year old is in the process of stopping (I hate this transition more than potty training!)
Question- I am a beginning runner, and was just wondering if John could consider doing more posts about running? I’m having a hard time finding a blog about running that isn’t super hardcore run-a-10k-every-weekend blog.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the suggestion Cassie! It has been way too long since my last run, but I’d love to get back to it. Maybe once Teddy’s on a more regular sleep schedule..
-John
Melisa says
I love this idea! We have a soon to be 4 year old too, who also LOVES tea parties. I’m pretty sure she would love these too! Plus, I love a nice wooden toy!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
You just keep cuddling that baby! They grow up way way way too fast!
I’m with Clara… Bravo mumma!
Laura B. says
Very cute. I am always amazed at peoples’ creativity.
stacey says
Happy Birthday to Clara! So funny, I noticed Nonna’s muscular arm too! :) Love the clever idea of painting the wood for food. I’m amazed you are awake and creative enough to take on such detailed work with little Teddy. Bravo!
Love your site. It’s the first one I look for each morning and click on….then I can move onto others! :)
Hope the party is a memorable one!
Melissa says
Those are amazing! You really did do a great job painting them.
I’m going to Homearama Sunday and I can’t wait!
Amanda K. says
WOW! is it just me or is your mom totally ripped? she looks great!!
Holly Minutaglio says
Do I spy a door hanger also getting painted? Potentially a “you wake it, you take it” please-for-the-love-of-GAWD don’t ring my door bell sign? I’m 8 months pregnant and grabbed the same one from Joann’s last week! :D
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, exactly!
xo
s
Jill says
Hi! I never really write a comment, but I had a suggestion. I am totally for you guys skipping Friday posts so you can spend more time with your family, but is there any way to post the four interesting Friday Forum topics in lieu of a post? I always find those so interesting and I have been missing them. Of course, I don’t really know how much work goes into posting those 4 topics, so if it’s too much, I understand. Thanks for all you do!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the suggestion Jill! We’ll have to see if we can squeeze that in. Maybe at the bottom of Thursday posts so we don’t have to make them a separate post (but you can save them for Fridays and peruse them then :)
xo
s
Celia says
Wow, love this project… the fake food and the cake stand are too cute. Fabulous idea!
Tatyana Vk says
These pastries are beautiful! Reminds me of Wayne Thiebaud’s paintings at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Clara might like to see them :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the idea!
xo
s
becca | cake. says
Quick shout out to Teddy and his ‘mom’ tattoo onsie! We also have a baby Teddy (born in January) and he rocks the same outfit. :)
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Cathy Ropiski says
The purple pancakes always do taste the best! Those faux teatime edibles look fantastic! What a great project! Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
what a lucky little girl!! I would love to have those for my childcare! you are so handy!!
Tamara @ Provident Home Design says
My 3 year old is so into cooking and baking right now. She would Love something like this, thanks for the great DIY idea!
On the topic of crazy post partum hormones I feel like it’s worse the first 3 months (when you are also getting the least sleep). I have a 10 month old and I still don’t feel completely back to normal but mostly!:-).
Hang in there you’ll be back to yourself before you know it. In the mean time let me know if you ever need a place to vent some crazy hormones! ;-)
SherryB says
What a darling gift! You are a great mom. :o)
Happy Birthday Clara!
Jane says
What is that strange glowing orb around Nonna’s leg?
YoungHouseLove says
Must’ve been an errant brushstroke from brightening Nonna’s face (with a window behind her she was a lot more shadowed than Clara). Either that or Nonna has nice guns and a glowing leg ;)
xo
s
Carrie says
Genius – love it! Might even give it a try for my daughter’s 5th birthday. :)
Carrie says
BTW – yours are MORE beautiful than the ones in the links you provided. Again – love it!!!
Amanda says
We have the same rock n play and my second is napping in it now as we speak. Maybe you already heard about the recall, and if you did or someone else posted it already then sorry for the repeat of info! But it can develop mold on the plastic part under the cover. And ours did after sitting for years. Just wanted to let u know if you didn’t already inspect it!
https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Fisher-Price-Recalls-to-Inspect-Rock-N-Play-Infant-Sleepers-Due-to-Risk-of-Exposure-to-Mold/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip!
xo
s
Heather @ Them Teaching Us says
These pastries and cookies look awesome and are the perfect size for a “tea-time” party with Nonna! I’m quite impressed that you did all this while that little man of yours snoozed beside you. I can’t wait to see the next creation for Clara and/or Teddy. :)
Izzy Coric says
Hey! Such a cute idea, but I was wondering when you’ll be returning to posting everyday! I know it wont be anytime soon with your adorable new baby, but I’m really missing the post’s everyday :(
Thanks!!
Izzy
PS I started a blog because i was inspired by you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Izzy! Here’s a post with more info about that for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2014/04/less-is-more-unless-youre-talking-about-oreos/
xo
s
Anne says
Adorable! Love the craft! I’ll bet she just plays, plays, plays with it. I love the photo of her with the pancakes. :-) Happy Birthday, Clara! That means I’ve been reading this blog for over FOUR years! :)
Ana says
One of my favorite things when I was a child was a rocking chair made by my parents. It had a metal structure, and it was upholstered in a golden material (with a texture with lilies in a lighter golden tone). My friends were always taking turns to use it.
I revisited the play kitchen project and still can’t believe how wonderful it turned. Congratulations for your family and projects. And Happy Birthday to Clara from Argentina.
Kim Sall says
Wow! What a wonderful idea!! I love it!! So cute and it’s a fun craft to do with kids. :)
http://www.screwdriversandmimosas.com