Kim Stoegbauer | Design Happens

POSTS BY Kim Stoegbauer

Design Crush: Melody Brandon, Dessert Designer

by Kim Stoegbauer May 22, 2012 15 Comments

When I was first introduced to Melody’s work, I was immediately smitten. Melody Brandon is an incredibly talented pastry chef and the co-owner of Sweet and Saucy Shop in Long Beach, California. Her cake designs and dessert displays are beyond perfection. I had the opportunity to interview Melody about how she got started, a few of her favorite events and what the future holds for her growing business. Read on to get to know Melody a little bit more and get inspired by some of her decadent desserts!

{Kentucky Derby Party}

1. You are a such an inspiration to so many, not only as an incredible cake and dessert designer, but as a savvy business woman. When did you know that this is what you wanted to do for your career? Tell us a little of your background and how Sweet & Saucy Shop came about.

Well to be honest I actually always thought I would be an elementary school teacher and that is what I went to school for and almost finished my degree in. I was assistant teaching in various classes when I found that teaching just didn’t have enough creative freedom for me and I didn’t like all the rules and regulations you had to follow. I stopped teaching at the particular school I was at for a little break and in the meantime had just gotten married and loved throwing parties for friends and family and for quite some time had been obsessed with Food Network & cookbooks; although I had never really thought of it as a career option.

Entertaining with the Color of the Month: Crushing on Coral

by Kim Stoegbauer April 17, 2012 26 Comments

This month’s Color of the Month is absolutely lovely. I’m sharing some ideas I discovered for using this gorgeous pink-orange hue when planning a party or wedding. From decadent desserts to party decor, Coral is perfect for your Spring soirees.

cupcakes, chocolate cake, strawberry basil margarita, dessert table, grapefruit margarita

tissue paper pom, coral stationery, fabric pinwheels, chevron frame

fabric napkins, coral wedding table, round place mats, chevron fabric

wedges, necklace, ruffle dress, headband

I can’t wait to create a party using this fresh color!

Have you used Coral for a party or event? Would you?

Let me know in the comments below!

Host a Gorgeous Easter Brunch This Weekend

by Kim Stoegbauer April 3, 2012 5 Comments

Are you ready to celebrate Easter this weekend? Be sure to check out our Charming Yellow and Blue Easter Brunch for delicious food ideas, decadent desserts and festive decor inspiration.

For more photos, inspiration and free downloads, visit the feature here!

How will you be celebrating Easter this weekend? Tell me in the comments below!

styling/printable designs :: the tomkat studio
photography :: laura winslow photography

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Free Printables + Craft Ideas

by Kim Stoegbauer March 13, 2012 15 Comments

Are you ready to celebrate St. Patty’s Day this weekend? Lucky for you, we have a few last minute ideas that you can print and create to make your gathering or home green and festive! This downloadable LUCKY banner is so easy to make. View instructions and download file.

Cupcakes are a great addition to your St. Patty’s Day festivities. Try out a new recipe like these Green Velvet Cupcakes for the kids, or for the adults, these Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes. Top with our downloadable cupcake topper designs. View instructions and download file.

Entertaining With the Color of the Month: Fresh Mint

by Kim Stoegbauer February 22, 2012 11 Comments

HGTV’s Color of the Month for February is fresh and delicious. I have so much fun compiling ideas based on color and this month was no exception. From dessert ideas, party decor to fashion, mint is sure to please.

macarons, ice cream cake, ruffle cake, cupcakes
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Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas

by Kim Stoegbauer February 14, 2012 3 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are a few last-minute ideas to celebrate the sweetest day of the year. Bake a batch of cupcakes and top with cute cupcake toppers. Download Cupcake Topper Designs A doily garland is super easy to make with just a few supplies from a craft store. View Doily Garland Tutorial

Simply Sweet Valentine’s Day Ideas

by Kim Stoegbauer January 31, 2012 25 Comments

Can you believe it’s almost February? Only a couple of weeks until Valentine’s Day! I met my husband on Valentine’s Day so it’s one of our favorite days of the year.

Entertaining with the Color of the Month: Pink Champagne

by Kim Stoegbauer January 10, 2012 18 Comments

Can I tell you how excited I was to discover that our HGTV editors chose this gorgeous color as January’s Color of the Month? If you know me at all, you know I am a girly-girl and have a love of all things pretty, pink and ruffly. Our color of the month has me blushing! Pink Champagne is the perfect color for entertaining, whether you are hosting a simple baby shower, little girl’s birthday party or lavish wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started…

cake pops, french macarons, champagne, desserts

clutch, ruffled dress, ballerina dress

cake, confetti, flowers, invitation

To celebrate this lovely color, I whipped up a version of our free downloadable chevron invitations and favor tags in blush! Download invitation design and favor tags.

What do you think of this color? Do you love it as much as I do?

12 Fabulous Calendars for 2012 + Free Printable Calendar

by Kim Stoegbauer January 3, 2012 9 Comments

Welcome to 2012! It’s that time of year where we get to start fresh, make new goals and look forward to all that the new year has to offer. It’s a great time to get organized and what better way than with a pretty calendar? While some prefer to keep track of everything digitally, I love having an actual printed calendar on my bulletin board. I design a full-page calendar each year for my readers to download and I’m sharing it today with our HGTV readers, as well.

Download printable calendar

Feeling Crafty? Make These Easy Modern Christmas Cards

by Kim Stoegbauer December 13, 2011 8 Comments

Have you decided what kind of Christmas cards you are sending out this year? If not, you’d better hurry up! Here are a few ideas for making crafty, modern holiday cards. Use our printable templates, along with a few basic materials and tools, and you can create cards that are sure to impress!