A Project That I Believe In and The Best Ice Cream Cupcake of 2012

Emma Hand is the fun-loving creative doodler behind all of the graphics on my blog: the Cupcake Project logo, the adorable buttons for Twitter, Facebook, RSS, and email subscriptions, and the buttons that you see above every post (for example "Peek in My Pantry").  Emma is a highly gifted artist, but her passion is photos - specifically, printed photos.  She is leading a crusade for us to get our photos off of our cameras (for many of us, that means off of our phones) and print them.  It's a much-needed effort.  Even though I'm married to a professional photographer, we often forget to take the time to print and really enjoy our family photos.


Emma has created SnapStories, a line of hands-on books made with 10 of your own printed photos that celebrate faces, places, and memories.  The books frame an “everyday” story as captured through spontaneous snapshots.  The neat thing about the books is that you place photos in them by simply peeling back double-sided tape that's built in to the book.  I made one for Myles (you'll see him in our rocker reading it early in Emma's video below) in about 10 minutes, and most of that time was spent deciding which photos to use.  Kids can even make SnapStories on their own. 

Emma is running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of four new SnapStories titles.  She's not just asking for money though.  If you give to the Kickstarter, you are essentially pre-ordering books.  When they are done, you'll be the first to get one.  She's also partnered with Voices for Children so that, if you would prefer, you have the option of giving your book directly to a child in need.  

Here's her Kickstarter video - have a look:


I know that this has nothing to do with cupcakes.  But, I hope you'll take a minute to check out Emma's project and support a female entrepreneur with a huge heart and series of books that I know you will love!

The Best Ice Cream Cupcake of 2012

Now, onto cupcakes.  The votes have all been tallied.  Our 2012 Ice Cream Cupcake Contest winner is....

 Ice Cream Cupcake Peanut Butter Cups by Confessions of a Bright-Eyed Baker

Thanks again to our judges (Stephanie Nuccitelli from 52 Kitchen Adventures, Lindsay Ann from Dollhouse Bakeshop, and Melissa Johnson from Best Friends for Frosting), our sponsors (Foodbuzz, Häagen-Dazs®, Sucre Shop, Cakespy, and Heather Baird) and everyone who participated. Huge congrats to our winner!