June Wonders :)

 

How Fast has this year flown by??

I hope that you are all enjoying the Xmas season- I am :)

Even despite the rapid growth in numbers at the shops- I still find this time of the year to be such a fantastic time for celebrating!

Back when the weather was a tad cooler, and the sun reared it's head for a few less hours per day- I was blessed to make the following cakes for some magnificent clients!

I want to start though with a cake that was ordered by a Fantastic Husband for his Wife's 40th Birthday. This cake was a surprise for her- organised solely by her husband, and right up until I delivered it- she had no idea!

Whilst I was panicking driving down the almost 90deg slope road (OK this is an exaggeration but it was mighty steep) that was the last 100 odd meters of the journey- the cakes recipient sat unaware at home that a cake she had always wanted was about to arrive.

I arrived with the cake all boxed and ready to present at the front door- greeted by the super organised hubby- and was shown upstairs to where the birthday girl was getting the house ready for that nights celebrations (Yes she knew she was having a party- just not a cake :)- well a cool cake anyway ;-P)

So when I presented the cake to her- she was all smiles and thanks, along with total shock and surprise......... it wasn't until I got to the base of the driveway I could hear her squeals of excitement- somewhat similar to what my 5 year old niece emits when she gets what she wants! LOL! It was brilliant! Her joyous squeals really made my day! After a little giggle to myself- my day was complete! I loved how composed she was when I delivered the cake- only to break out once I was out the door!  

So why was the cake so exciting???- Firstly it was all in her favourite colours- and secondly I replicated one of her favorite shoes in sugar- especially at her Husband's request! I'd be blown away if my husband knew what my favourite shoe was.... but then again I'd rather he not take too much notice of the ever expanding collection hehehhehe!

The wicked cakes in June did not stop there!

I admire couples who take a chance when it comes to changing up from the "norm" and really putting their own touch to their wedding.

Annalise and Simon were EXACTLY this kind of couple.

They chose a very BOLD cake design that complimented everything about their wedding day.

Don't get me wrong- it was still elegant- but most of all it was was them!

The three tier Tilted Black and white cake- with Blood Red Roses was visually stunning and really drew you to it's vibrancy!

It was only last week that Annalise contacted me to let me know that she and Simon's wedding was being featured on Polka Dot Bride.

Check it out- simply Stunning- and the Bridesmaids- WOW!

All the sugar decorations on my cakes are handmade, so it was a change when the next Bride asked  to use some Heirloom roses for her cake.

Not a problem- I totally understand the sentimentality behind using sugar flowers that have been used for generations- as well as being originally crafted by a family member too.

 I added the flowers to a simply iced two tier Ivory classic style. Just delightful.

Sadly I don't always get to see cakes completed. Whilst I love to coordinate the cakes delivery with the fresh flowers (when they are supplied by the clients) it isn't always possible.

This three tier Twisted Square cake was eventually finished with complimenting fresh flowers.

In a whole other lifetime I use to work with Kirsten- at QANTAS........... yes oodles ago- back in the mid 90's - when we we cool, much younger- and frivolous in every way :-P

Luckily over the years we have kept in touch- and despite no longer living in the same city- the magic of the Internet and social networking means we can keep in touch regularly!

So to cut a long story short- it was my absolute pleasure to create Kirsten (and Shane's) Wedding cake!

Yet another Wedding that was all about them. Stylish and Elegant Mid winters wedding- held on Mid Winter's day- A day very special to the couple who met in Antarctica- Yes the icy land mass at the bottom of the world- where every image taken looks like it has just bee cropped from a National Geographic shoot!

Kirsten and Shane held their wedding at Maleny Manor- with Ms Toni Snell shooting the entire day!

You can see some of Kirsten and Shane's images on Toni's Blog

 Kirsten and Shane chose a Four tier Angled cake- in the Wedding colours of Black White and touches of pink.

Blousey blooms over the cake and a cut out of the emblem from the invitations tied the entire design together.

 Best Wishes to Kirsten and Shane- and Thank you for having me make your fantastic cake!

I have a handful of florists that I work with on a regular basis who ALWAYS exceed expectations and provide simply jaw dropping blooms.

One of which is Karen from Bliss Floral.

I am lucky to live a stones throw away from where she is at Stafford- so it is wonderful to have so many clients in common with her.

A few years back I made this very butter iced design- and Karen topped it with her gorgeous fresh flowers- fast forward a few years and it is still popular amongst clients!  

The champagne roses, White Lissies and Freesias are such a "fresh" combination.

The Next florist I had the privileged of working with was  Julie from Julie Vine Flowers.

This cake was mighty big! Three different sized chocolate "boxes" which mimicked the table centrepiece set out.

Overflowing with fresh Green and White blooms- it was bordering on beyond Magnificent!

My photo's simply don't do justice to how awesome this really came out. And the cakes size- it was large enough to serve more than 160 guests as dessert- and then some!

Not only do I need to thank Julie for helping me complete this cake- but also the Bride and Groom (Letitia and Joss) who had faith in the contemporary design.

Congratulations Guys!

With some couples- the cartoon toppers are quite popular.

I make each set to mimic the Bridal couple and their likeness.

 This three tier cake had an Army Groom and a petite Bride on top!

Too Cute!

The next cake was delivered to the venue where I myself was married over 7 years ago!

This two tier cake with a Purple and Silver theme- complete with sitting couple was sent off to Joseph Alexanders Restaurant at Milton.  Sadly the restaurant no longer exists ;(

A cute cake none the less- now we will both have to find new places to hold anniversary dinners.

The next cake for June was for a wedding at Victoria Park- in the new Garden Marquee.

  

Three tiers with Client Supplied toppers- and purple stripes to match in with the wedding colours :)

A big Butter Cream beauty at Hotel Urban was a stand out in the month of wicked cakes!

Now for all to remember this style of cake works only in Winter in highly Air conditioned venues. There is no way a soft iced cake with Fresh flower pillars would work in any other season in any other condition- here in QLD.

 

The Cream Brulee roses sat beautifully in between the swirled soft iced layers!

The last featured cake for the month was one which was delivered to Customs house.

The increasingly popular twisted style tiers- with Quilting and Sugar roses on top

Classic style with a touch of now :)

Well if you got through all this in one sitting well done- you deserve a chocolate biscuit (or 5- I know I do :) )

As we near the end of the year it is time for me to begin my extended annual leave. I'll still be answering emails- and phone calls- when possible. Bookings through email will still be taken, and quotes provided, but for the most will be taking a break getting back into full swing in March 2012.

A huge Thank you to all my couples and clients who have chosen me to make their cake this year. It was truly my pleasure.

To my 2012 Clients- I have some awesome cakes designs ready for your events- which I look forward to creating!

To everyone who takes time to follow me on my Blog and through Facebook- Thank you! I really appreciate your support and comments- keep them coming.

Have a brilliant Xmas and a Magnificent 2012!

Thanks for Reading

SJ

P.S.- I plan to continue blogging- fingers crossed I can get up to date sometime soon ( this single post was over 3 hours in the making)

Just Divine!

 It's no secret that I send cakes far and wide. If my clients are happy to transport the cakes (or have them transported), and also weigh up any risks involved,  then I am most willing to box them up and ship them onto their destination.

This week in April saw a gorgeous variation of the Four Mummy Design head off to Agnes Waters.

Pretty Pink sugar rose petals dotted across the cake- with the wrapped icing finish looking soft and feminine. 

 Every time I make one of these "Mummy" cakes it reminds me of how far I have come. This design was originally inspired over 6 years ago when I was invited to display cakes at a season launch for Bridal Couture. Roz La Klein had a gown in her collection that had all these layers of Fabric- which I thought could be a bit different and a bit contemporary in a cake- I honestly thought that it would never be chosen- admired yes- but having a couple brave enough to choose something this was well outside my greatest expectations.

To my surprise This cake has been admired and chosen on many occasions- with many couples adding their own twist on the design to truly make it their own.

The Next cake is yet again a slight variation on one I have had the pleasure of creating a few times now. I am not sure who to credit this original design to, as TBH it was in many cake magazines by various designers- but this one was my handy work- with pretty piped detail following the line of the draping down and around the cake.

 The sugar roses had soft lilac centers to match in with the wedding colour theme.

Using Invitation patterns or Bridal fabric is a fabulous was to incorporate your cakes detail into your theme.

This next cake was for Hillstone- and whilst it has a contemporary twist- it is a design that should last the test of time.

 The detailed pipe work on the walls of the tiers was inspired by the Bride's Gowns lace and embroidery patterning.

 Once at the venue Karen from Bliss Floral topped the cake with a sensation poesy of Roses Tulips and Freesias! Pretty Elegant and Classy all rolled into one :)

The YUM factor cake of the week would most definitely have to go to this Three tier chocolate ganache cake.

 Please excuse my mediocre photography with this one- in real life it looked totally Lickable! The combination of the smell of the Whipped dark chocolate ganache and the Sweet avalanche roses would have sent anyone in viewing distance into sensory overload!

Quite often when I meet with my clients they ask "What do other couples choose?"  There is no straight answer for this. Each couple chooses a design that fits their event, and because the clients before you may have chosen an all White traditional design- doesn't mean that your wicked chocolate creation or novelty cake design isn't right for you :)

I love it when clients go out on a limb and incorporate their personalities into a cake, and IF they like I can help them design a cake that keeps the individuality either subtle or bold!

The next couple chose a Mad Hatter design- with an elegant edge!

 Having the black and white theme made keeping this fun cake all about class allot easier.

The simple line designs and names across the top tier worked beautifully!

A Cute cartoon couple stood proudly on top :)

I must sound like a broken record when I harp on about how much I value my repeat clients- I really honestly do!

I have been blessed to make a few cakes for Pat and her girls and Grandchildren now. She is such a pleasure to deal with- that it was a no brainer to say YES YES YES- when she asked if I could make Emma's Baby shower cupcakes!

It was way back in 2007 when I made Emma's wedding cake- so it was my utmost pleasure to create some cute baby cupcakes for her!  

Please excuse the side on piccie- my bad LOL!

The next cake is a gorgeous fresh flowers stack cake for Parliament house.

Deep red Colombian roses filled in between the layers. 

Once again- with my limited photography skills- I was unable to pick up the lace stencil detail on the tiers. It was pretty though- trust me  :)

The next cake has been my phones wallpaper since I delivered it, because I Love it so much!

The cake was beautiful- the Bride was Beautiful inside and out- what more could you want from your job??

Pretty cut blossom. crystal and piping detail rained down from the top tier to the base- just like the bodice work on Caroline's Bridal gown. 

 The Wedding flowers were created by Sandee from Always Fabulous Flowers, and like Always they were simply fabulous!

Held in the Rosewood room at Hillstone- the entire room was the epitome of a Classic Elegant wedding. You could stare and admire the set up all day long.

The cake sat on one of my Silver ornate cake stands- which gave the four tier cake that extra edge of Grandeur.

A week of absolutely Fabulous cakes that made me smile! I hope you enjoyed them too!

Thanks for Reading

SJ

Bring on any Challenge :)

 

Seriously- I cannot believe that it is going to be April in Friday! Where has this year gone??

Before I get to the cake that inspired the tittle- I have a little housekeeping.

I never mean to miss cakes- but when I get bad images, combined with choosing both from my phone and regular camera, and taking a gazillion shots of each cake- sometimes when scanning through I miss out on watermarking some.

So I thought I would catch you all up on a few that I had not included recently.

First of all was a Lego Cake for my Cousin.

He was up with my Aunt and Uncle and his Brother- in January- and his Birthday fell whilst he was up here.

We had a small family BBQ at my place to celebrate the occasion- complete with his favourite toy- Lego!

Being a last minute wonder the finish is not that of my regular standard- so please excuse the lack of attention to detail- but all in all- it was certainly cute :) 

  

I had also sent some Cupcakes up for a wedding at Northlakes- which the Bride and Groom collected- and I only had this quick shot of a select few together!

A variation of the Divine Blue Cupcake tower 

With immense gratitude I would like to thank the fabulous Ben Clark of Ben Clark Photography for Kindly providing a copy of the cake from Jacqui and Dylan's wedding day!

You can see more fabulous images from Jacqui and Dylan's wedding on Ben's Blog!

I have only had the pleasure of meeting Ben a few times in person- however he is so very lovely and down to earth- and ever so genuine and generous.......... but more on that in a blog to come ;-)

I had the pleasure of Making Deb and Josh's Wedding cake in Early February.

Deb was so gorgeous- inside and out! I know I always say how lovely my clients are- but really- they are!

Deb wanted something Cheeky and Fun- so she chose a variation of the Bride in Waiting design.

Matched in with her purple colour scheme- it looked pretty cute indeed!  

I love playing with the little details in this cake- like the one bare foot- and a Little cut wedding cake down the back.

Not only did I receive a stunning selection of images form Deb and Josh's day I also received this gorgeous Thank you from the Newlyweds!

"Hi Sarah-Jane
I have been meaning to email you for ages.
We just wanted to thank you so much for your amazing cake.
Not only was it delicious but we had so many compliments - such as the best cake people had ever seen. Everyone absolutely loved it and couldn't stop talking about it. 
Thanks again and all the best.
Deb and Josh"

The last cake I needed to catch up on was a Bright spark for sure.

Designed to match the couples invitations - this cake was Tangerine at the base- with a pearl ivory top with black invitation paper piping over the tier.

 To be honest- I was a bit worried I had made this cake too orange- yes it did match the invites perfectly- but it still had me concerned that the Bride would turn up and decide it was too much colour- but nothing could be further from the truth! She loved it! Phew!

The Third week in February had me tripping from Bribie Island to Sirromet- Seriously!

After a few morning consultations- I was off to Bribie Island to deliver this pretty Cherry Blossom Design.

This design was inspired by an image sent to me by the bride- I am uncertain who the original artist was - but now it has a Cake That! twist on it.  

I really like the soft green banding at the base- and the piped icing pearls- it adds a soft feminine texture to the finish.

After returning home from Bribie - it was time to pack up the car and set off to Sirromet.

My very great friend Natalie was celebrating her birthday in Lurleens that Lunch time- and due to my cake tripping- I didn't quite make it to the actual lunch- but did get a hour or so down time before having to set up the newest "Big Bertha"! of cakes.

This cake needed to be set up insitu. There was no moving his baby once it was together :)

With a reception set for over 170 guests - this couple had organised a dream wedding for sure.

The Restaurant was being filled with gorgeous flowers by Julie Vine.

Stunning arrangements everywhere the eye could see!

A fabulous band- with the most amazing singers rehearsed as we set up.

Personalised Fortune cookies and a Drool worthy Sweet table were being set and ready to go............ all the while my right hand man- Steve- and I set up the tallest cake I have done yet!

The cake itself was 4 double height tiers- set onto 14cm pillars- and filled with fresh Antique pale pink and cream roses between the layers and on top.

Whilst Steve can be the best of helpers- he is also still a man- questioning his own Brides abilities to create such a cake- pfft! Seriously sometimes boys should just learn to trust the designer- and not cast doubt!

Having created countless Fresh flower stacked cakes- this cake was just like any other in my mind (construction wise)- Having a level and sturdy base and great support will deliver a quality- jaw dropping end product! Guaranteed every time!

I always order extra blooms- just so I can pick through and choose which ones I want to use- this time was no different.

               

 Forming the Base Structure of the cake.

In this design was over 170 fresh roses- enough for one for each guest ;-P

This is the sort of cake that your guests won't miss (or forget) in a hurry.

Standing over 2m Tall once complete! I even got my 197cm Tall Husband to stand next to it for Size comparison :) (mmm and I now notice that he isn't wearing his Cake that! shirt either......)

And for the regular height 163cm peeps out there- here is a shot captured that makes me seem a little taller than I actually am! (the key is to stand back a bit)

Finished in all her Glory!

I loved hearing the whispers of the Sirromet staff........" I am not touching that cake"............"How on earth are we going to move that???"   LOL!  The cake itself wasn't going anywhere- but I can certainly empathise with the staff having to dismantle the monster gracefully.

 And before I end this blog- I have a few other images of the Cake set up- with some of the gorgeous room setting in the background.......... If only I could have captured the sounds of the band to.........

 

Whilst I absolutely adore this grand beauty- I can only imagine how stunning it would have looked with those sensational blue/green Hydrangeas in between the layers- delicious!

So a mammoth Thank you to Andrea and Anthony- Thank you for choosing me to create your Giant wedding cake!

I have made it most of the way through February now........... slowly but surely catching up.

Thanks for reading

SJ

P.S. Don't forget you can keep updated on all things Cake That! on both

Facebook and now on Twitter!

Capturing the Essence......

Making your "fit" your event is a huge part of my job.

Many of my clients are quite taken back at how many questions I ask them in regards to their choice of colours themes and decorations. If you choose a  cake that bears no resemblance to the occasion it is made for- then in my opinion- that is not money very well spent.

If you want a cake for the sake of a cake there are plenty of generic bakeries out there who can send you off with a round cake smothered in a delicious icing with a few chocolate curls here - a cake which won't leave an impact on your guests-  really if this is all you need a cake for,  then getting a "custom made" design is a totally different thing all together.

I often here people's jaw drop when they call up asking for cake pricing ( mostly for  kids birthdays) as I believe that really they have not much idea about what goes into making and creating a WOW Cake for your event. I mean- if the only "special" cake you have ever purchased is the Treasure Mud cake from The Cheesecake shop- where you have forked out an extra $15 or so dollars on top of the cost of the generic cakes- then yes- you are in for a big surprise when ordering a custom cake.

I am not saying that Customised designs need to be out of reach for most- but you will get what you pay for. If you want a design tailored to your needs- and say serving 80 odd guests as dessert- then the pricing expectation of this style of Boutique service should equate to more than the $5.95 for a piece of cake you would pay at a cafe.

Most of my clients are surprised at how reasonable the cake costings are- not only are they getting a beautiful dessert- but they are getting  a Sensational Centerpiece for their Function. Something for people to Ooh and Ahh over- and lots of "WOW- its too pretty to cut!".

It takes allot of time and practise to develop skills and learn techniques to be a good decorator, you put your heart and soul into the cakes- because you are so proud of the finished product- and you want your clients and their guest to feel that too.

So when I sit down with my clients - I want to learn a little about them- and their function so I can really capture the essence of their event- and turn it into a fantastic cake!

The first design of the week was for a Beautiful couple. SO lovely- I mean really want to make you bend over backwards and do anything for them wonderful.

Amy and Dan came to me after seeing my Invitation Print design. They had seen some painted cakes and loved the idea of using their invite as the feature for their cake.  

The cake was for their wedding at Mt Tambourine- and whilst not a traditional "white wedding" affair- it was one which was all about them and their love for each other.

The invite for the wedding was two branches meeting in the middle with Red Birds on it. This little motif was carried throughout the wedding- so it was only apt that it also featured on the cake.

No I am no artist- I do try-  but really I have to totally psych myself up anytime I paint onto cakes! 

So this design was a combination of hand painting ( with a 00 brush) and applique- with the birds.  

The top tier had the invitation "feature" and then across the design was smaller interpretations of the branch theme- with only a single bird on each one.

 

Simple and elegant- and completely fitting!

The next cake was also one which had a simplistic nature- but was everything about Style. 

A Four tier plain iced cake- with a striped Gross grain ribbon stylishly wrapped around the base of each tier.

There was no bow in the design- this was just me playing with the tad of left over ribbon- and unfortunately I have no shots without it (DOH)

A blemish free plain iced cake can look just as beautiful as a detailed design. This cake was for the Garden Marquee at Victoria Park- where the ceiling is Striped Black and white- and fit superbly with the cake itself.

The cake also sits on a Black iced board- which really helps the cake to stand proud.

I also had another cake on this weekend for Victoria Park- in the Big Marquee. If you haven't been to Vic Park since they renovated the Marquee- you should.

It is beautiful- with permanent doors and just all round really well set out design.

 

This Bride's theme was Pink and Black. A pale pink iced Extended height cake with a Damask Stencil- finished with sugar roses and Arum lilies and banded with Black satin.

Elegant- Grand - certainly providing "wow" in a room as bog as the Marquee.

I had another cake with Bec From Crystal Couture this weekend.

A three tier cake with Fresh roses and Tulips in amongst the layers- all finished off with a set of Crystal encrusted Monogram initials.

 

My flower wholesaler totally outdid themselves with these stunning roses and orange tulips! I was so excited when I collected them that I clapped! How embarrassing LOL! But I do love it when everything is simply perfect!

 

My sister Kate came with me to deliver this cake out to Glengariff- very lovely indeed.

I was all around the city this weekend- and managed to snag a nice easy park outside of Tattersalls to deliver this 4 tier Butter iced cake.

Now My flowers had been so right- there was certainly something that had to be not so right.. right??? 

recluster the gorgeous blooms and finish the cake exactly how it was intended.  

 

Some cake decorators may wash their hands of someone else's supplied decorations- but in the end your guests ask "Who made your cake?" not "Who supplied the flowers/topper and boy together it all looks fab!". Part and parcel of a days work really. 

 

My next stop was the Treasury Hotel.

What was a simple two tier ganache iced cake from me turned into a Magnificent Spring showpiece- with the addition of some glorious blooms from Shirley Baggaley of Baggaley's Florist. 

 

A pale yellow themed wedding- this ganache icing really worked in well. Ganache is far more yellow than Butter cream- so many brides opt for either a Whipped white ganache or butter cream instead. The yellow roses were picture perfect!

My last inner city stop was at the Royal on the Park- for another Beautiful couple.

Vas and  Billy were just gorgeous! They totally appreciated the work that goes into making a cake- and chose a classic design to suit their big reception.

                                                   

Red roses over a cake decorated with icing swirls- everything romantic!

Last but not least was a "blank canvas" cake. The clients added their own fresh flowers later on- so I only have the image of the "base" model LOL! 

Having a cleanly finished cake to add some fresh blooms too- is a great way to have a timeless design that will be elegant amongst your settings- but still beautifully done.

So here's hoping that I did the job intended and created cake designs for all of my clients which totally suited their event.

Thanks for Reading

SJ