Cupcakes hit centre stage in 2002, according to the information contained in the previous post. They took a little longer to hit their straps here in Australia, but are still hanging on. Methinks they’ve got a ways to go yet. We’ve barely scratched the icing surface. Frostines Edibles are now doing online delivery of their little sweeties. And include the following gift suggestions for their cupcakes. Do you think my ‘Sympathy’ they mean ‘Sad to hear about you breaking your favourite stilettos’, or something more serious?
But really, they are an incredibly versatile, all occasion, tick every box comestible (nostalgic, authentic, designer, small, glamorous, homey) and I think they’re going to be around for a long time yet. They lend themselves to almost all flavourings, and can be adapted to go with whatever the ‘flavour of the month’ is. (And I mean that literally). They’re great for a group, or eating solo. Much like a box of chocs. And when we feel compelled to eat something even smaller to stop feeling guilty, watch the petit four come out of the woodwork. Or perhaps a la Seinfeld and the muffin tops, we’ll just be able to eat buy a dozen mixed iced tops. For those of you not familiar with that episode, you can watch five minutes of it here . Hey cupcake tops… I think I’m on to something:
One, I myself prepared earlier, while deeply involved in the beading cult.
What’s it going to be next year? Well, a few predictions:
1. Arty decals, the designs of which owe more than a passing gratitude to Dutch born designer Toord Boontje are popping up on craft sales sites like Etsyand in interior mags. Next step? DIY (Design It Yourself) and whiz your design up the pipe to a decal making outfit, and voila, whole new look for the kiddies’ rooms. Decal manufacturers, traditionally providing stickers to the retail industry for their shopw windows, won’t know what’s hit them.
2. And in homewares, the decal will do it again. Revitalise those old bits of crockery by overlaying a funky design. Whoever comes up with the dishwasher safe decal will make a fortune.
3. Bespoke Snow Domes. Nostalgia always plays a part, in any reincarnation of a hobby. So get out those family snaps, superimpose them in front of a photo of your house or backyard, fill it with glitter, and hey presto ~ the 2010 Xmas gift for all your far flung friends and family. Beats the personalised calender or coffee mug.
4. And in the pursuit of craft happiness, make sure you put in a few reycled bits and bobs ~ just to prove your green credentials. I’ve seen darling bits of jewelry made from typewriter keys, knitting needles, mahjong tiles. Now some fab necklaces concocting from empty biros, disposable cigarette lighters and bread ties please. And the ultimate ~ picnic glasses made from empty water bottles. Yes!
But what will become of the beads, I hear you ask. Well, they’ll wend their way to op shops and school fetes across the nation, and some enterprising trendsetter will come up with something else to do with them. And in 2012 we’ll probably see what that something turns out to be.
