Sweet Art: Focused for Illustration Friday

Some lament the fact that in 2.0 world, we're too focused on ourselves and disconnected as a society. You know, together but alone, that whole thing.

What's the sweetest way to come back together? How 'bout over cupcakes? I have this little theory that the popularity of cupcake shops and cafes across our sweet nation just might have something to do with the fact that they create a sense of community, as well as enjoying delicious treats. 

Of course, if things come to the point where the cupcakes are all focused (which happens to be the theme of Illustration Friday this week) on their own Facebook pages and bliggity-blogs and become disconnected...well, then we're all in trouble.

Sweet Art: Clumsy for Illustration Friday

In celebration of this week's Illustration Friday theme of clumsy, Cuppie would like to take a moment to remind you not to worry too much about kitchen mishaps--because truly, there's no use crying over spilt sprinkles. There will always be another day, another cupcake to bake (or, even better, eat).

Salty and Sweet: Bacon and Cupcake Mugs by CakeSpy

Dudes. Dudettes. Brace yourselves for the awesome: it's time to introduce the newest CakeSpy product, the bacon-and-cupcake mug!

The perfect intersection of sweet and salty, this sweet mug has the imagery to sum up some of coffee's finest complements! And in case you failed to notice, they're also wielding mini cocktail glasses--so pretty much all the bases are covered. Worried that your vegan friends will judge you? Please, don't panic: rest assured that these mugs are not only vegan, but gluten free and calorie-free to boot!

These are classic 11-ounce mugs printed in full color so you get a bright and vibrant hit of sweetness every time you reach for a cup of coffee! 

Pretty much the only mistake you could make is not buying one.

Available at cakespyshop.com. Doughnuts not included (sorry).

Sweet Art: Custom Save the Date Cards

What's sweeter than somebody getting married?

The wedding cake, duh!

And what better (and sweeter) way to ramp up for the big day than with CakeSpy Save The Date Cards?

This was a custom commission done by request--the customer submitted a file including the type layout, and I did the rest by adding the cupcake illustration and the decorative border, and getting them printed up on nice, heavy 4x6 cardstock.

Do you have a sweet occasion for which you'd like custom invites or save the dates? Just drop a line! I'm happy to take on custom orders; just let me know what you have in mind and I can look into it for you!

To inquire, contact me here.

Sweet Art: Wilderness for Illustration Friday

What happens when a cupcake ventures out into the wilderness?

While I can't tell you the rest of this story (it's so much more fun to have you choose your own adventure), one thing is for sure: this is certainly where the wild and sweet things are!

A perfectly sweet contribution to Illustration Friday's theme of wilderness!

Baker's Dozen: A Batch of Sweet and Cute Things!

Hungry for something sweet? Well, there's only one solution for that: eat a delicious baked good! And then, to tide you over til you're hungry again, enjoy these sweet (but not sugary) treats:

To have and hold:

Baker Ninja by Shawnimals: This adorable plush toy (pictured left) is the perfect collector's item for the stealthy sweet tooth. As cute as it is, even more fun is the backstory: "Working deep in the maze of caverns under Mt. Feroshi, the Baker Ninjas not only have the unique skill to craft the secret Ninja Star Cookies, they can also withstand the deadly heat and toxic fumes. They wear special quilted, anti-lava Ninja robes, an inch-thick visor, and a fancy apron, too." (thanks to Bethany of Boofy Cakes for the tip!)

Speak Sweetly Stationery: Speaking of the multi-talented Bethany of Boofy Cakes, check out the new line of sweet stationery she's selling on Etsy--it's all handmade and largely cake and baked good-themed.

Miss Cupcake Mini Series by Kid Robot: Sweet but not delicious, these cupcakes are a delight to have and hold (pictured left).

Donut Plushies by Heidi Kenney for Kid Robot: Who doesn't love Heidi Kenney's adorable work? These donut plushies remain sweet long after the breakfast donuts have gone stale.

Crochet Black and White Cookie from Bluebottle Art: Even if you're not in NYC, you can enjoy the iconic treat whenever you like with this handmade crochet back and white cookie by artist Alicia Kachmar. (pictured top, top center)

CakeSpy ornaments: Not just for Christmas, these plush sweeties would look great hung from a rear view window, or in your cubicle! Make every day sweeter! (pictured top, bottom left)

To wear:

Aaron Meshon Zipper Pulls: You'll want to zip it good with these coo-worthy zipper pulls designed by artist Aaron Meshon.

Let's Mix it Up Tee by Loyal Army: Love to bake? Let the world know with this tee, featuring anthropomorphic ingredients. (pictured top, top left)

Girl Scouts Cookie Time Pin: This embroidered pin (pictured left) is better than any watch, because it always has the right time: Cookie Time!

To hang or decorate:

Girl Scout Cookies Magnets: Of course you love Girl Scout Cookies, but what about the sad times of the year when they're not available? You can comfort yourself by hanging up recipes or notes on the fridge with these Girl Scout Cookie-inspired magnets. (pictured top, bottom right)

Lemon Meringue Pie Print by Christine Larsen: Seattle-based illustrator Christine Larsen is a CakeSpy soul mate, frequently painting robots and delicious sweets. A favorite pick? How 'bout this double decker dose of deliciousness to hang in your house: a print featuring a sweet slice of lemon meringue pie! (pictured top, top right)

Steve Morris Gnome and Cake Print: Everyone loves cake...but throw a gnome and ladybug into the mix, and you've got some sweet art on the table (or on the wall, as it were). These limited edition prints would look great in a kitchen. (pictured left)

Justin Richel Prints: While we're talking about cake art, it would be remiss not to remind you of how awesome Justin Richel's delicate cake and confectionery paintings are (an absolute CakeSpy favorite! pictured top, bottom center).

Sweet Art: Confined for Illustration Friday

How could it be wrong when it tastes so right? Love shouldn't be confined to just cake or pie, when they're so much better together. Done for this week's Illustration Friday theme of Confined.

Sweet Art: Cupcakes in their Underwear Eating Soup and Watching Dawson's Creek

As a professional cupcake illustrator, I am occasionally faced with requests which I imagine are not often encountered in other industries.

For instance, over the holidays, when customer Megan inquired if I would be able to create a painting featuring "Cupcakes in their underpants eating soup and watching Dawson's Creek...with a little orange kitten nearby batting at something?"

...let's just say my response was swift and confident (and, I might add, without any follow up questions): YES.

Just another example of why I love my job.

For more information on custom CakeSpy art, visit cakespyshop.com!

Sweet Art: Custom Holiday Artwork Roundup

Dude, this holiday season was totally sweet! And I am happy to say that I contributed to many a Christmas miracle this year, through a variety of custom artwork commissions which were given as sweet holiday gifts! Here are just some of the highlights:

A custom scene of sweets in San Francisco (shown above);

A scene in which Kermit generously offers kitties a cupcake:

A sweet piece commissioned to include the recipient as a cupcake, surrounded by her favorite things:

Cupcakes having a sweet moment in Florence (commissioned by a really cool dudette):

A sweet little baker-caker:

A holiday scene at Trophy Cupcakes in Seattle:

And of course, who could forget the cupcake-bacon family in front of their favorite bakery:

Thanks again everyone for making it a totally sweet holiday season!

Sweet Art: Cuppie Has a Snack

Oh, Cuppie. Your cuteness makes us forgive much of your mischief, but you may have gone too far this time. Cuppie, for the love of blog, what have you done?