Approved Crafting - Blog

Christmas is just around the corner, as I am constantly reminded on TV, in the shops and by my 7 year old. I have been so busy lately that I hadn't even thought about Christmas until two family members called up to ask what my daughter wanted.                                    Christmas! but that is ages away! I thought, but as of today, it is 42 days until the big day! Only 6 weeks to frantically order this years must have toy and then panic that it won't arrive in time. Only 6 weeks to argue about who's parents to spend the big day with. Just 6 weeks to write all your christmas cards, forget to send them until the 22nd where they will be put up for one day and then chucked in the bin. Oh Christmas, how we all love it and it is truly one of the most magical times of the year but it is also the most wasteful time of the year. In 2017, an article in  The Independent ...

Hello this is just a quick one to apologise for my lack of posts over the last couple of weeks. Between my little going back to school, getting ready to move and creating my new stock I have literally had no time for anything! But today I have launched my new ranges of blank greetings cards on Etsy. They are so beautiful and compliment my other products so well. I have been working so hard on them and hope you like them too. Take a look and at my Etsy page too https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ApprovedCrafting?ref=l2-shopheader-name Enjoy..... Lowri x

In previous posts I have talked about using a dummy cake for your wedding reception then serving cutting bars for your guests. But there are plenty of shops and companies that offer blank cakes in variety of sizes, shapes and flavours for you to assemble and decorate. So, here are some options for you to purchase your perfect wedding cake on a budget. Later on I will give yo some great examples (and shamelessly plugging my cake toppers) for your enjoyment.               The first thing to remember when choosing and pricing up your store bought cake is that, unlike the polystyrene version, if your cake is teared, you will need supports. These supports (usually pillars and dowels) help distribute the weight to the base, basically stopping the cake from turning into the leaning tower of wedding cake or worse, a cakey smush. This is especially important if you are having a fruit cake because they weigh a tone.             ...

I am so excited to launch my new range of paper flowers, whether they be for a bridal bouquet, wedding decor or an arrangement for your mantle I am ready to make what you need. these photos are just examples, remember I am happy to work to your requirements/ colour scheme and if you live in the north wales are I offer a consultation and venue dressing service too. So please get in touch theres something for every taste and every budget. Check it out ........... https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ApprovedCrafting?ref=seller-platform-mcnav I want to get married again, just so I can have these flowers

Ok, so let's face it, not everyone likes cake and nobody likes the huge price tag attached to wedding cakes. But panic not! There are so many alternatives to a traditional fruit sponge that will knock your guests' socks off and in most instances, save you some pennies to put into your honeymoon G&T piggy bank. With lots of newer ideas I have intermingled some oldies but goodies. And yes we've seen them before but WHOOOAAHH MAMMA they are still good. Pour example......... 1. Cheese Towers - If you, like me, enjoy cheesy good times and teetering on the edge of a heart attack, then this is the one for you. Serve it with crackers, biscuits and slices of fruit. It will be a winner with any wedding party. And if you are in the North Wales /The North West of England, why not check out my buddies at The Little Cheesemonger in Rhuddlan, North Wales. The people there are beautiful but more importantly, the shop sells cheese, bread and Gin - enough said. Cheese towers star...

Gone are the days where the only option available for the top of wedding cakes is a generic bride and groom (thank goodness!!). Today, there are so many amazing options to finish off your cake and here are Approved's top 5. 1. Bent wire topper - Personalised, Lazer cut wood cake toppers have been around for a few years now, so these metal versions really feel up to date and would suit any style of wedding from rustic to super modern with its industrial feel. These toppers from Not on the High street are a bit on the pricey side at £35 but they're so pretty!!! And you can find similar options on Etsy for different prices. TIP: Why not spray paint your cake topper to match your theme. 2. Sign post topper - I love this topper, it's so fun. It would suit a casual, outdoorsy or barn wedding. It would be beautiful on a traditional cake but it would look amazing on top of a Cheese wedding cake. Plus its a bargain at £10 from Pretty flamingo designs on Etsy . ...

There are lots of options to cut the cost of a wedding cake. Get a relative to make it, buy a supermarket version, get a small version.......... OR use a dummy cake! OK, so what is a dummy cake? A dummy cake is a polystyrene cake that bakers use to practice their cake skills on. Dummy cakes come in all different shapes and sizes and can be used to create your perfect show piece without the price tag. Think of a dummy cake like a prop, a bit of culinary slight of hand that will trick your guests (in a good way) into thinking your cake is treat both for the eyes and the taste buds. So, How it works - your dummy cake is out on display at your reception, you cut it, it is taken away and then you bring out pieces of real cake for your guests to enjoy.   The benefits of using a dummy cake for your wedding are: A dummy cake does not go off, so you can prepare the cake in advance. A Dummy cake is easier to decorate and can be re decorated if there are any accidents. You ca...