Cake Decorating Class for AHG – Color theory

This summer Lily is working on her P.R.A.Y Award with a group of her friend. She also wanted to work on her Cake Decorating Merit Badge.

Fortunately, I am able to do easy / basic cake decorating. I took my first Wilton cake class 16 years ago when I was a newly wed. Long story short, I am teaching the Cake Decorating Merit Badge to a group of Tenderhearts and Explorers.

A cake I made previously for a Court of Honor
A cake I made previously for a Court of Honor

We began with a little color theory. This was to complete requirement #2. However, I also able to cover Artasic #4. Using a handout I created, and a box of crayons we discussed primary and secondary colors, tints and shades, warm and cool colors, and complementary and triadic colors. After having the girls color the handout we worked on tinting icing.

I am making the handout available for you to download here (color wheel worksheet).

NOTE: Please be sure to read the AHG Girl Handbook to make sure you fully understand the requirements.

Home Care and Repair #17

Over spring break I spent time working around the house. The home we purchased is about 25 years old. It was owned by a lovely sweet older couple. They were in their eighties and sold this house to move into a retirement center closer to their kids. While the house is in great shape, Grandma loved wallpaper. I think I will be spending the next 3 years un-doing it.  One of the “joys” of owning a home is there is always something to do!

Home%20Care%20&%20Repair%20All-thumbOnto todays AHG related post… With all the work I am doing around the house I thought I would share Home Care and Repair Requirement #17. I am happy to say that I do my share of the work around the house, and I am not referring to just cooking and cleaning. The Home Care and Repair merit badges is a Stars and Stripes required badge. It prepares girls for future home-ownership. Requirement #17 focus on energy conservation and the principles they can use today and in the future. It works if you live in an apartment, rent or own a house. Besides the positive impact on the environment, saving energy will save  you money and we all can appreciate lower energy bills. Continue reading “Home Care and Repair #17”

National Pet Day and Pet Care Merit Badge

Poppy

Today is National Pet Day. During my life, I have had a wide array of pets: cats, dogs, fish, gerbil and hermit crabs.  Currently we have a dog – Poppy. She was a rescue dog we adopted about 3 years ago. She has been the best pet. She is part Chihuahua part Terrier, or so we think.

Pet Care

In recognition of National Pet Day, I thought today would be the perfect day to share AHG Pet Care merit badge requirement #5. Continue reading “National Pet Day and Pet Care Merit Badge”

Home Care and Repair, #7

Home%20Care%20&%20Repair%20All-thumbBuild a simple wooden birdfeeder, birdhouse or other project using  pre-cut wood (either from a kit or cut by an adult). Learn to use sandpaper, a hammer and nails.

This requirement is a lot easier than it may seem. Check with the local home improvement store to learn about their children’s program.

Lowe’s call theirs Build and Grow. Twice a month they host an event where they provide a project kit and the tools needed to complete. And they are free, but may require registration as supplies are limited. At the time of this blog entry Lowe’s says “Build and Grow kid’s clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the  kids into any Lowe’s store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant  also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.”

Home Depot calls theirs Kid Workshop. These are offered once a month. And are set up similar to Lowe’s. Home Depot’s website says “FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered the 1st   Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.9:00 a.m. – 12:00   p.m. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety along with instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

If your schedule does not allow you to attend on of the free workshops, check with your local store to see if they have kits available for sale.