We've been away, due to many updates and changes coming your way.  Our analytics and emails, show readers following up on our blog everyday, hoping for updates.  

However, we want to thank those devoted fans and let you all know that the first Monday in 2011, we will be back with many Kroma Design Studio surprises!  
Stay tuned and let's countdown the New Year...




Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Valita Gal

We've been away, due to many updates and changes coming your way.  Our analytics and emails, show readers following up on our blog everyday, hoping for updates.  

However, we want to thank those devoted fans and let you all know that the first Monday in 2011, we will be back with many Kroma Design Studio surprises!  
Stay tuned and let's countdown the New Year...




Today I wanted to feature the wonderful Le Papier Studio
that focuses on illustrating unique sophisticated custom silhouette design.  

I'm so thrilled that they recently just launched their first book called, Silhouette Art.  

This book is so cute and informative, featuring  instructions, papers and patterns for making modern heirlooms.
Meet the arthur - Vana Chupp:
 Professionally trained as an architect, Vana Chupp has always been artistically inspired by the sweet and simple moments in life.  Her craft was born with the birth of her beautiful boy Nikolas. Documenting her son's milestones by cleverly capturing his personality, emotion, playfulness and essence, she began using silhouettes to tell her own life story.  It's a love story - continuing to blossom, with Nikolas as her muse. Coming full circle, Vana was able to combine her passion and artistic expressions and share it all with you!
In 2008 Vana launched her dream job; Le Papier Studio, a small woman-owned business that expresses creativity and inspiration, all the while giving her time to fulfill her most important job; being a mom.  Le Papier Studio specializes in illustrating unique custom silhouettes. Vana's charming and intimate custom silhouettes will capture your heart and symbolize your treasured memories for years to come. 
~*~


If you like this elegant style of design as we do, 
follow Vana's Blog!



Tuesday, October 05, 2010 Valita Gal
Today I wanted to feature the wonderful Le Papier Studio
that focuses on illustrating unique sophisticated custom silhouette design.  

I'm so thrilled that they recently just launched their first book called, Silhouette Art.  

This book is so cute and informative, featuring  instructions, papers and patterns for making modern heirlooms.
Meet the arthur - Vana Chupp:
 Professionally trained as an architect, Vana Chupp has always been artistically inspired by the sweet and simple moments in life.  Her craft was born with the birth of her beautiful boy Nikolas. Documenting her son's milestones by cleverly capturing his personality, emotion, playfulness and essence, she began using silhouettes to tell her own life story.  It's a love story - continuing to blossom, with Nikolas as her muse. Coming full circle, Vana was able to combine her passion and artistic expressions and share it all with you!
In 2008 Vana launched her dream job; Le Papier Studio, a small woman-owned business that expresses creativity and inspiration, all the while giving her time to fulfill her most important job; being a mom.  Le Papier Studio specializes in illustrating unique custom silhouettes. Vana's charming and intimate custom silhouettes will capture your heart and symbolize your treasured memories for years to come. 
~*~


If you like this elegant style of design as we do, 
follow Vana's Blog!




Birthday parties and Halloween are just around the corner!

Thinking about dressing up your child as a ballerina, fairy princess, tinkerbell, or butterfly?  
Then look no further and challenge yourself in designing your child's tutu with this easy DIY no sew video tutorial that worked for my daughter's *Little Ballerina* 4th Birthday Party!  


that I followed by Julie Figueroa:


However, my tutu's were a craft that each child got to creatively craft on their own at my daughter's ballerina party, along with matching hair clips.  They got to decorate their tutu's and hair clips by choosing from a variety of colorful ribbons, flowers, and rhinestones!


For more details on this Little Ballerina Party theme and DIY printable party accessories, 

If you encounter questions about how to make this "no sew" tutu, 
feel free to ask us on our facebook page.


~*~

Adorable accessories that you can add onto your little girl's tutu are featured below:


Purple Fairy Wings, crafted by Kroma Design Studio


Pretty in Pink Little Girl Bracelet, crafted by Gorgeous Georgia


Fairy Wand, crafted by Cara Magic
 

Hailey Floral Hair Clip, crafted by Vee & Elle

Monday, October 04, 2010 Valita Gal

Birthday parties and Halloween are just around the corner!

Thinking about dressing up your child as a ballerina, fairy princess, tinkerbell, or butterfly?  
Then look no further and challenge yourself in designing your child's tutu with this easy DIY no sew video tutorial that worked for my daughter's *Little Ballerina* 4th Birthday Party!  


that I followed by Julie Figueroa:


However, my tutu's were a craft that each child got to creatively craft on their own at my daughter's ballerina party, along with matching hair clips.  They got to decorate their tutu's and hair clips by choosing from a variety of colorful ribbons, flowers, and rhinestones!


For more details on this Little Ballerina Party theme and DIY printable party accessories, 

If you encounter questions about how to make this "no sew" tutu, 
feel free to ask us on our facebook page.


~*~

Adorable accessories that you can add onto your little girl's tutu are featured below:


Purple Fairy Wings, crafted by Kroma Design Studio


Pretty in Pink Little Girl Bracelet, crafted by Gorgeous Georgia


Fairy Wand, crafted by Cara Magic
 

Hailey Floral Hair Clip, crafted by Vee & Elle

{Photo from Bakers Royale}

Have you been wanting to try a new delicious frosting recipe for the Fall season?

Check out this pretty cappuccino color frosting made of Peanut Butter!

Simple and fun to make, just follow the recipe below and top it off with:

Reeses peanut butter cups...

{Photo from Veg SF}

 or even Reeses pieces...

{Photo from A Baked Creation}

{Photo from A Baked Creation}

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Yield: Enough to frost 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
{Photo from A Beantown Baker}
Directions:
Place the confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed until creamy, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as you work. Add the cream and beat on high speed until the mixture is light and smooth.
Friday, October 01, 2010 Valita Gal
{Photo from Bakers Royale}

Have you been wanting to try a new delicious frosting recipe for the Fall season?

Check out this pretty cappuccino color frosting made of Peanut Butter!

Simple and fun to make, just follow the recipe below and top it off with:

Reeses peanut butter cups...

{Photo from Veg SF}

 or even Reeses pieces...

{Photo from A Baked Creation}

{Photo from A Baked Creation}

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Yield: Enough to frost 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
{Photo from A Beantown Baker}
Directions:
Place the confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed until creamy, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as you work. Add the cream and beat on high speed until the mixture is light and smooth.
Have you ever encountered a moment in where you just couldn't find the perfect cake or cupcake stand?!  Well you don't have to look any further!  Why not try this easy and affordable DIY Cake Stand Tutorial for your next party or event, created by Jennie of A Well Crafted Party especially for Eat • Drink • Pretty's site.


How to make your own Cake or Cupcake Stand Tutorial
Needed Materials:
1 plate
1 candle stick or goblet
Epoxy
1 heavy book
1 can of spray paint (I really like the way gloss looks for this project)
a sheet or paper to protect surfaces while painting

Making a home-made cake stand is incredibly easy. First, start of with a plate—any plate will work but I recommend using one that has the color or image you would like at the top of the stand as this will not be painted to keep the cake stand food friendly. Next, find a candle stick, goblet or really any sturdy object that is the height that you would like for your finished stand. I have used both candle sticks and goblets in the past.
Then take epoxy (use according to directions) and glue your candlestick or goblet to the bottom of the plate. DO NOT MOVE THE STAND.
Place a heavy book on top of the stand and let the epoxy set according to directions. After the epoxy has set you should be able to pick up the stand with no movement from the candlestick or plate
Make sure the plate is set firmly on a protected surface so that you can spray paint the outside of the cake stand. If there are edges of the paint off of the paper I would suggest covering the top of the plate with paper or painters tape
Spray the entire outer surface according to the directions on the spray paint can. Take your time on this step and stand back far enough to avoid drips. Also, this step make take a couple of layers of paint so plan to make the stands at least a day in advance of your party.
After the stand has dried, wash the top of the plate with dish soap and water. The stand is not dishwasher safe but is food friendly as long as food is not touching the painted surfaces. If you are worried about this then just place a doily or wax paper on top of the stand before putting food on it.


Tutorial by:  Jennie of A Well Crafted Party
Thursday, September 30, 2010 Valita Gal
Have you ever encountered a moment in where you just couldn't find the perfect cake or cupcake stand?!  Well you don't have to look any further!  Why not try this easy and affordable DIY Cake Stand Tutorial for your next party or event, created by Jennie of A Well Crafted Party especially for Eat • Drink • Pretty's site.


How to make your own Cake or Cupcake Stand Tutorial
Needed Materials:
1 plate
1 candle stick or goblet
Epoxy
1 heavy book
1 can of spray paint (I really like the way gloss looks for this project)
a sheet or paper to protect surfaces while painting

Making a home-made cake stand is incredibly easy. First, start of with a plate—any plate will work but I recommend using one that has the color or image you would like at the top of the stand as this will not be painted to keep the cake stand food friendly. Next, find a candle stick, goblet or really any sturdy object that is the height that you would like for your finished stand. I have used both candle sticks and goblets in the past.
Then take epoxy (use according to directions) and glue your candlestick or goblet to the bottom of the plate. DO NOT MOVE THE STAND.
Place a heavy book on top of the stand and let the epoxy set according to directions. After the epoxy has set you should be able to pick up the stand with no movement from the candlestick or plate
Make sure the plate is set firmly on a protected surface so that you can spray paint the outside of the cake stand. If there are edges of the paint off of the paper I would suggest covering the top of the plate with paper or painters tape
Spray the entire outer surface according to the directions on the spray paint can. Take your time on this step and stand back far enough to avoid drips. Also, this step make take a couple of layers of paint so plan to make the stands at least a day in advance of your party.
After the stand has dried, wash the top of the plate with dish soap and water. The stand is not dishwasher safe but is food friendly as long as food is not touching the painted surfaces. If you are worried about this then just place a doily or wax paper on top of the stand before putting food on it.


Tutorial by:  Jennie of A Well Crafted Party
Falling in love in the Fall season can be quite romantic.  There are actually many fall weddings in the air this year!  Therefore, today I wanted to do something different for Wedding Wednesdays.  I will be be featuring several inspirational boards and photos of accessories to inspire the bride-to-be's that are finalizing the last bit of details for their beautiful upcoming weddings.


Mix and Match Fall Color Schemes:
Reds, Oranges, Browns, Greens, and Creame





~*~

Fall Cakes and Cupcakes

















Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Valita Gal
Falling in love in the Fall season can be quite romantic.  There are actually many fall weddings in the air this year!  Therefore, today I wanted to do something different for Wedding Wednesdays.  I will be be featuring several inspirational boards and photos of accessories to inspire the bride-to-be's that are finalizing the last bit of details for their beautiful upcoming weddings.


Mix and Match Fall Color Schemes:
Reds, Oranges, Browns, Greens, and Creame





~*~

Fall Cakes and Cupcakes


















Today I wanted to feature a cake that was absolutely eye candy when I stumbled upon it online!


This cake is called the Super Epic Rainbow Cake by Kaitlin Flannery (Whisk Kid),
who recently appeared on the Martha Stewart Show with the wonderful Ms. Martha herself!

Try out this delicious and fun recipe listed below for your next party or event!
 Enjoy!

Cake Recipe: White Cake 
 (but not really because of the colors)



Ingredients:
2 sticks (226 g) butter, room temp
2 1/3 c (466 g) sugar
5 egg whites, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 c (375 g) flour
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 1/2 c (355 g) milk, warmed for 30 sec in microwave to bring to room temp
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple GEL food coloring. Liquid will not be vibrant enough!

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Oil and line how ever many 9” cake pans you have (I have three and I just reused them).

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Cream the sugar and butter, then add the egg whites (I cracked them all into one bowl) and add them a little at a time. Add the vanilla and mix until fully incorporated. Then, alternating between wet and dry, add the milk and flour mixture in two parts.

Divide the batter amongst 6 bowls (I did it by weight. Weigh your mixing bowl before you begin adding ingredients and then subtract the weight of the bowl from the final measurement after the batter is completed. Divide that number by six and add that weight of batter to each bowl), and then whisk a fair amount of the appropriate food color into each bowl. Pour into the pans and bake for 15 minutes each.

When you remove them from the oven, let them rest on the cooling rack, in the pan, for ten minutes. Then flip, cover, and stash them in the fridge to cool quickly.

Frosting Recipe: Lemony Swiss Meringue Buttercream
*HUGE bowl needed to make alot of buttercream at one time! Please click here for a step-by-step guide to making Swiss Meringue Buttercream and troubleshooting tips!

Ingredients to fill and crumb coat:

9 egg whites
1 ¾ c (350 g) sugar
4 sticks (532 g) of butter, room temp
2 tsp lemon extract

Ingredients to frost:
5 egg whites
1 c (200 g) sugar
2 sticks (226 g) butter, room temp
1 tsp lemon extract

Directions:
Cook the egg whites and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved (test by rubbing some between your fingers. If it's completely smooth, it's done). Pour into another bowl (a stand mixer is preferable) and whip on high speed until room temp. Then, on a medium-slow speed, add the butter, waiting until each piece is completely incorporated before adding the next. After all the butter has been added, turn the mixer back to high speed and whip until it has come together, about five minutes. Add the extract, beat briefly and then use.

If the buttercream seems soupy after all of the butter is added and does not come together after whipping, refrigerate for 5 to 7 minutes and continue whipping until it becomes fluffy and workable.

Recipe Source: Whisk Kid
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Valita Gal

Today I wanted to feature a cake that was absolutely eye candy when I stumbled upon it online!


This cake is called the Super Epic Rainbow Cake by Kaitlin Flannery (Whisk Kid),
who recently appeared on the Martha Stewart Show with the wonderful Ms. Martha herself!

Try out this delicious and fun recipe listed below for your next party or event!
 Enjoy!

Cake Recipe: White Cake 
 (but not really because of the colors)



Ingredients:
2 sticks (226 g) butter, room temp
2 1/3 c (466 g) sugar
5 egg whites, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 c (375 g) flour
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 1/2 c (355 g) milk, warmed for 30 sec in microwave to bring to room temp
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple GEL food coloring. Liquid will not be vibrant enough!

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Oil and line how ever many 9” cake pans you have (I have three and I just reused them).

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Cream the sugar and butter, then add the egg whites (I cracked them all into one bowl) and add them a little at a time. Add the vanilla and mix until fully incorporated. Then, alternating between wet and dry, add the milk and flour mixture in two parts.

Divide the batter amongst 6 bowls (I did it by weight. Weigh your mixing bowl before you begin adding ingredients and then subtract the weight of the bowl from the final measurement after the batter is completed. Divide that number by six and add that weight of batter to each bowl), and then whisk a fair amount of the appropriate food color into each bowl. Pour into the pans and bake for 15 minutes each.

When you remove them from the oven, let them rest on the cooling rack, in the pan, for ten minutes. Then flip, cover, and stash them in the fridge to cool quickly.

Frosting Recipe: Lemony Swiss Meringue Buttercream
*HUGE bowl needed to make alot of buttercream at one time! Please click here for a step-by-step guide to making Swiss Meringue Buttercream and troubleshooting tips!

Ingredients to fill and crumb coat:

9 egg whites
1 ¾ c (350 g) sugar
4 sticks (532 g) of butter, room temp
2 tsp lemon extract

Ingredients to frost:
5 egg whites
1 c (200 g) sugar
2 sticks (226 g) butter, room temp
1 tsp lemon extract

Directions:
Cook the egg whites and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved (test by rubbing some between your fingers. If it's completely smooth, it's done). Pour into another bowl (a stand mixer is preferable) and whip on high speed until room temp. Then, on a medium-slow speed, add the butter, waiting until each piece is completely incorporated before adding the next. After all the butter has been added, turn the mixer back to high speed and whip until it has come together, about five minutes. Add the extract, beat briefly and then use.

If the buttercream seems soupy after all of the butter is added and does not come together after whipping, refrigerate for 5 to 7 minutes and continue whipping until it becomes fluffy and workable.

Recipe Source: Whisk Kid

Halloween's just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to throw a party or decorate around the house!
 Check out one of our more sophisticated and stylish collections this season, 
Halloween Purple Damask Collection!
This collection is a "Do It Yourself" Printable Kit, that will nicely dress up any social gathering.

This printable kit is not only great for social gathering, but also for school events, work event, trick or treaters, candy stations, and much more!  Decorate your chocolate and candy with cute matching labels.  These files can be printed conveniently from your Inkjet printer or take them to your local print shops {i.e. Staples, Office Max, Fex Ex Office/Kinkos}.  Each collection even comes with an invitation and DIY instructions for each project.


Our elegant
Halloween Purple Damask Collection
 contains a color scheme of purple, green, black, and white.


~*~


The Halloween Purple Damask Collection includes the following:

•  Fill-in square invitation*
• 2" circles for tags & cupcake toppers 
{use a 2" scallop punch to easily cut these}
• Standard Hershey bar wrappers (1.55 oz)
• Bag tops for goody bags 
{create cute goody bags with zip lock bags!}
• Place cards for guest names or food/dessert table
• 8" x 10" "Happy Halloween" sign 
{easily place it in a festive frame}
• Hershey kiss mini circle stickers 
{print on Inkjet sticker paper and use a 3/4 circle punch to easily cut these}
• Cylinder shaped treat box labels and instructions 
{Instructions are as featured on Martha Stewarts Halloween Handbook!}
9. 8.5 x 11 Halloween Purple Damask Patterned Sheet


With all this and a few props around the house you can create everything you see below...



{Halloween pudding recipe coming to our site next week!}






If your are looking for something rather a little more fun, then check out our

~*~

Don't forget to visit our Etsy Shop to view our other party accessories!

Friday, September 17, 2010 Valita Gal

Halloween's just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to throw a party or decorate around the house!
 Check out one of our more sophisticated and stylish collections this season, 
Halloween Purple Damask Collection!
This collection is a "Do It Yourself" Printable Kit, that will nicely dress up any social gathering.

This printable kit is not only great for social gathering, but also for school events, work event, trick or treaters, candy stations, and much more!  Decorate your chocolate and candy with cute matching labels.  These files can be printed conveniently from your Inkjet printer or take them to your local print shops {i.e. Staples, Office Max, Fex Ex Office/Kinkos}.  Each collection even comes with an invitation and DIY instructions for each project.


Our elegant
Halloween Purple Damask Collection
 contains a color scheme of purple, green, black, and white.


~*~


The Halloween Purple Damask Collection includes the following:

•  Fill-in square invitation*
• 2" circles for tags & cupcake toppers 
{use a 2" scallop punch to easily cut these}
• Standard Hershey bar wrappers (1.55 oz)
• Bag tops for goody bags 
{create cute goody bags with zip lock bags!}
• Place cards for guest names or food/dessert table
• 8" x 10" "Happy Halloween" sign 
{easily place it in a festive frame}
• Hershey kiss mini circle stickers 
{print on Inkjet sticker paper and use a 3/4 circle punch to easily cut these}
• Cylinder shaped treat box labels and instructions 
{Instructions are as featured on Martha Stewarts Halloween Handbook!}
9. 8.5 x 11 Halloween Purple Damask Patterned Sheet


With all this and a few props around the house you can create everything you see below...



{Halloween pudding recipe coming to our site next week!}






If your are looking for something rather a little more fun, then check out our

~*~

Don't forget to visit our Etsy Shop to view our other party accessories!