I don't sell my cupcakes and cookies, but I do love getting to make special treats for my friends!  Especially when they give me a general idea, and just let me follow my own creative path.  That's exactly what I got to do to make these dog-themed cupcakes.  

Pupcakes, if you will.  (I couldn't resist.)  I made these for my friend Nicole's daughter Evelyn's birthday party this weekend.

I made the cupcake toppers out of Satin Ice gum paste (buy here [1]).  I like the Satin Ice brand so much better than the Wilton you can find in craft stores.  It's much easier to work with, and doesn't get that dried-out, wrinkled, elephant skin nearly as quickly.

I made old English sheepdog cupcakes.

And pug cupcakes.

(want to know how I get the eyes so perfectly black and shiny?  I paint them with Super Black Americolor airbrush color (buy here [2]), not regular food coloring.  It's absolutely magnificent for painting black details.

And poodle cupcakes.

Westie cupcakes.

Hound dog cupcakes.

Scottie dog cupcakes.

My youngest daughter is obsessed with pugs, and so that's her declared favorite, but I love that goofy shaggy dog the best, I think.  Which is your favorite?

Happy birthday, Evelyn!

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