The design/instructions are from the book What's New, Cupcake?. You've probably seen the book, or the first one by the same authors, Hello, Cupcake! It's one thing to admire the designs and think, "Some day, I'll give those a try," knowing full well that you're being optimistic and those gorgeous cupcakes will never materialize. It's another thing entirely to create them -- and do such a great job of it! (Oh, and that's while knowing that you won't be eating said cupcakes because you're in the throes of gestational diabetes. My poor, selfless friend.)
These were a great birthday surprise, and they were almost too pretty to eat. Almost.