Cake Stands

Just a Quick blog to let you all know that Cake That! now has Cake Stands available for hire.

These beautiful silver cake stands will make your cake look even more grand and elegant- not to mention adding height.

Cake stands are available for hire- subject to availabilty- when you order your Cake.

If you have an upcoming wedding with me and are interested in hiring one of these stands please feel free to call or email me for booking details.

Debbie Brown 2010 Brisbane Workshops- The Story

I hope that you have taken a seat... as the blog of these fantastic 4 days of workshops may take a little while.

To begin at the very beginning... around 12 or so months ago- I received an email from Debbie asking whether I thought that Brisbane Decorators/enthusiasts would be interested in doing some of her workshops- I was so excited- Of course we would be interested! Debbie's work is an inspiration to many cake decorators and it would be a delight to have her come to sunny Brisbane!

So after many emails back and forth- it was decided that Debbie would be here in the last weekend of June for 4 days of workshops! YAY!

After looking at all the brilliant cakes and modelling classes that Debbie could demonstrate- it was decided that she would hold the following workshops:

 FRI- Beetle Bride and Groom car- From Debbie Brown Wedding Cakes Book

SAT- Three Witches- From Debbie Brown Enchanted and Magical Cakes book

SUN- Funky Flower Fairy- From her recently released Gorgeous and Gruesome Book

and finally

MON- Ganesh Cake topper- From her Wedding cakes book

Being the wonderful and patient teacher that she is- and having the ability to easily impart her knowledge quickly to others- the classes were open to professionals and novices alike.

Debbie's trip to Brisbane was at the end of her Australia and New Zealand trip- She stayed here for close to a week- and not only did she manage to host 4 workshops in Brisbane - she also- with the help of Mary Reid from Merivale Cakes and Crafts- hosted a Visual demonstration in Toowoomba- where Debbie Demonstrated her Pixie Teapot cake ( also from the Enchanted and Magical Cakes book)

So after her quick trip up the Mountain to Toowoomba- Debbie arrived here in Brisbane- where I was lucky enough to be able to host her for the days she was here.

Debbie did not travel alone- her Aunt Elaine was with her to give her a helping hand and to keep her company. Elaine is just a beautiful person too. It was a delight to have them both stay- and I hope to be able to see them both again soon.

I was super excited as Debbie was so down to earth - not a hint of a Diva in sight. After collaborating with my sister Kate ( hostess with the mostess) I had prepared a welcome basket of all things Aussie- and especially focusing on Queensland Produce- so that Debbie and Elaine could take it home and share with their families.

The house was clean and shiny- Guest bedrooms decked out like a mini hotel- all of my cakes for the weekend finished boxed and ready to be delivered (thanks Steve)- workshop supplies boxed and ready to go- more organised than I have ever been before LOL!!

Being winter meant that there was limited daylight hours- and when the workshops were over for each day- meant that it was the evening already. So the first day Debbie and Elaine arrived in the Afternoon- we shot up to Mt Cootha to have a look at the Brisbane Lookout. It was a fairly clear day so "hopefully" the view was pretty for them to see.

After the lookout we did what any visitor to Brisbane should do- go shopping LOL! We headed to Chermside and checked out the shops- then called it a night before the workshops began.

Now the Debbie Brown Workshops would not have been the success that they were without a couple of Key parts.

Firstly a Massive Thank you to Australian Bakels ( and in particular Trevor) for supplying Debbie and the Workshop Participants with the RTR Icing. Bakels icing is the icing of choice for the majority of local decorators. Its super smooth consistency and flexibilty makes it a dream to work with.

Bakels icing is available retail through Cake decorating supply stores and most recently 750g packs through many IGA Grocery stores.

Secondly- the venue- Mantra on Queen. The Queen Anne Conferencing did more than a spectacular job at feeding and looking after everyone.

The Room was spacious and suited this style of teaching beautifully.

There was a constant stream of irresistibly delicious food and goodies available to keep up our strength. Each day the food was different- freshly bakes cakes and scones- slices- gorgeous curries and salads- I was almost beginning to wonder if we had signed up for an epicurean adventure instead.

Thank you Natalie for looking after us all and making sure that we were well and truly fed over the workshop days.

Last but not least a Massive thanks to the Attendees! Without you all Debbie would not have been able to demonstrate her superb talents to us.

I really cherish meeting all of you and I wish you all the very best in your cake endeavours- and hope to see you all again soon.

Day 1- Beetle Bride and Groom Car:

This day was packed with eager students ready to meet and learn from Debbie.

There was a few local decorators who I knew- but so many enthusiasts- it was just brilliant! 

I sat with my very great friend Karen form KVW cakes-  I am actually surprised that we didn't run totally over time- as when Karen and I get together- we could talk all day LOL!

 

I was amazed that considering we all had exactly the same amounts of icing etc... every one's car was a little bit different- we each had our own way of interpreting the instructions- an of course the way we each model is different to each other. 

Here is my effort- not too bad for a first time go ;)

The headless couple before I completed them.

 

My completed car and couple. Although they were meant to be kissing- the air kiss looks quite fashionable hehehhe!  I also went for the hair long and down option too.

After the workshop- we took Debbie and Elaine for a City cat Trip over to Southbank- where we had a nice dinner at the new Ben O'Donohue Restaurant- Southbank Surf Club. If you get a chance to go I can certainly recommend it.

Day 2- Three Witches Cauldron

The Second day was a Sculptured cake design.

The Three witches cake from the Enchanting and Magical cakes book was a popular one indeed. BMag had run a short piece on the workshops and had featured the particular cake in the editorial- so many people ringing up wanting to make "that cake"!

The Students all worked on Styrofoam with this design- that way they could keep their creation.

For those of you who read my blog regularly would know what a fab help my family is to me and my business- so in return for their help I booked my Sister Alex and My Mum in for a day each.

Alex joined me and was my table partner on Saturday.

Artistic license is an imperative part of cake design. Using colours that suit your needs/wants and adapting designs is all part and parcel of the creative process.

Debbie was all for encouraging the students to create the designs to reflect themselves.  

Alex had a fabulous time creating her own cake- her witches were certainly wicked!

Or was that whacked out? LOL! Nice work Al!

I too had fun creating little personalities for each of my witches too

  

  

  It seems like that Day 3 crept up so fast. With allot of the students signing up for more classes once they got the taste for Debbie's fabulous workshops- each day was becoming full to the brim with budding novelty cake makers.

Day 3 : Funky Flower Fairy

Without doubt this cake design would be any little princesses dream

A beautiful floating fairy on a castle- just gorgeous.

My Nieces eyes lit up when she saw the finished product at my home- AHHHHHHHHH pretty!

This design taught us all tips and tricks- including how to use simple tools to create beautiful patterns.

The original Design- which comes from the recently release Gorgeous and Gruesome book- is Pink- there were many who stuck to the pink- Debbie however chose Lilac and I chose a teal green. 

 Artistic License was in order once again.

My headless fairy is making progress!  

Despite her collagen injected lips ( LOL!) she is looking cute as. 

All Finished! Floating flower fairy!

I sat next to the Vivacious Simone from Cakes by Simone!  

   

Simone's Funky flower fairy turned out just wonderful!

The super friendly Linda from Bubble and Sweet sat in front of us and her pink fairy was just divine.

See her creation here 

 

 Then Debbie showed us all how it is done!  

Smashing!- her finesse is just amazing!

After a long day of teaching- there was no rest for Debbie and Elaine.... oh no- I had planned an Aussie BBQ for them - where my friends and family - along with some of my local Cake decorating colleagues- and we had a night of food/drinks and just and all round social time!

My husband and Sister Kate had been home all day with strict instructions of what to prepare- and they had outdone themselves. Barramundi and Tiger Prawn Spring rolls- Kangaroo Meatballs with bush tomato sauce- Yummo!

My Nana almost freaked out when she realised that "all these cake decorators are eating my cake" well Nana- you do make terrific cakes- and everyone loved them- so no need to stress! 

It really went so fast- day 4 was just about here.

Day 4: Ganesh Model cake topper

This workshop was possibly the most advanced of the four days.

I had booked my mum in for this day. She is quite arty- and I knew that she would love to do this one.

This was intense- even getting the legs to fold correctly was really hard. 

Marking in the creases and getting the model "portly" enough. Personally my model needed a bit of a feed. if the history of the Ganesh means that the big belly represents the wealth... my topper must have been middle income then! 

Mums topper was a tad "larger" in the belly area though.   

There was ALLOT  of detail in this piece. But well worth every minute once it was completed.

  

At one stage you just have to step away from the sugar piece and stop fiddling hehehe! 

So just before I did the gold Painting.......

  

Then my finished product! 

And a look at  Debbie's brilliant finished piece!

 

So A MILLION THANK YOU's to Debbie for coming and hosting workshops in Brisbane. It was a blast!

I was really delighted to have you and Elaine come to Brisbane and not only teach us but to also get to know you personally a bit better. Next time you are in town I hope we get allot more leisure time too!

The day after the workshops finished I jetted off on Holidays and left Debbie and Elaine in the capable hands of my family- we got a day of sightseeing- native animals and all- but would have loved to be able to show both Elaine and Debbie around SEQ allot more.

So after close to 3 hours working on this blog.. here it is!
I hope you all enjoyed reading it- and that it encourages you all to come to the Workshops next time Debbie is on town... finger scrossed that it is not too far away.. 2011???????? we will see!

Last weekend in June

Was a MASSIVE one indeed! Cakes and Debbie Brown workshops... all before I was able to totally relax and jet off on a holiday.

So to say I was a busy bee was an understatement. Cakes needed to be done before Debbie Arrived- and then it was 4 days of workshops! Fun for sure.

I think the first cake pic really sums up my week- well my time poor situation rather ;))

This four tier butter iced design was super pretty- but in the end I totally forgot to take a pic out of the Fridge! LOL!! my fabulous Husband did the delivering on the Saturday- so I had the camera to capture a final image with the cake set up complete with fresh flowers.

I really loved this cake. It is great how such a simple butter iced design can look really pretty and elegant.

The next cake was actually for a wedding on the 4th July- The bride knew from the moment she booked that I would be away on leave- but she was after a Fruit cake- and I could easily make this the week prior and deliver it to her venue for safe keeping until the wedding day. 

This cake  had really pretty detail- piping work and fine little blossoms- with a touch of "Bling" with tiny cachous dotted throughout. 

 

The roses had deep pink centers- and look totally sweet too!

It was all about toppers this week- a bit apt considering that the goddess of  figurine modelling Debbie Brown was on her way!

A variation on a previous design of mine had a cute Bridal couple ad their Greyhound perched on top.

A pretty and elegant way to be light hearted with a black and white theme.

Black and White is the Theme of the moment

It looks fantastic set up and the cake options are endless!

This Bride took another of my past designs and re tweaked it to suit her style.

The last cake of the week was simplistic style.

Piped icing pearls in a pretty loop swag around the base of  the tier walls.

Free hand might I add.......... but I think it turned out looking pretty awesome!

Once again I had some really cool couples choosing equally funky designs.

The next blog will be all about the workshops.. so not long to wait now!

Thanks for reading

SJ

The Countdown..................

to both my holidays and the brilliant Debbie Brown's arrival was well and truly on this week of June. The final preparations for the workshops was getting in order- and my holiday was being finalised (more on that later) so I was super excited!

I had a cake this week that "In My Opinion" was just jaw dropping beautiful. The design itself was not my original- in fact it was adapted from a small magazine clipping- so unfortunately I do not even know who to credit for the inspiration. Not only had the bride chosen a great cake- she had also commissioned Sandee from Always Fabulous Flowers to look after all things Floral for the wedding! Destined to be an Enchanted wedding for sure!

So now that I have whet your appetite....... I think I will save my favourite of the week for last ;-P

I also had another V cool cake to do......... The Brilliant Toni Snell had me make her partner's birthday cake- A Monaro... pretty cool hey! 

Now I am blessed to get so many referrals from Toni- beautiful wedding cakes for her equally gorgeous brides- so when I got asked to make a car birthday cake I was certainly eager to have a crack! I was honest and upfront when I told Toni that I had very limited car cake making experience- but if she had faith that I could create some thing "car like" then of course I would love to give it a go!

Having  husband who is car mad- and who races scale model cars meant that I had my own personal critic to "help" me create the correct shape- detailing etc... albeit that he was still very critical and pointed out on numerous occasions where I could have improved- in the end I thought it looked pretty damn cool indeed! I finished the cake with  glaze to make it all shiny too!

 I can see where "perhaps" Steve was right and I could have made the cake a bit more realistic- but in the end it is a cake- Toni and Tony loved it so that is all that matters ;))

You can read all about the Birthday on Toni's Blog too!

With Debbie Brown in town the last weekend in June- I found it quite ironic that of all the cakes I have ever been asked to make- it was one of her designs that a client this particular week chose. If only Debbie was here a week earlier- then maybe she may have been able to give me a hand LOL!

This princess ballerina cake was made for Sofia's 4th Birthday.

Layers and layers and layers and layers of frilled icing all around this design.  A pretty Sugar Plum Fairy in her ballet position ( to which I have forgotten the name of... Bravo?????????????)  looking nothing but sweet on the board.

My worst Cake Wrecks Nightmare came to light when the birthday girls Dad came to collect the cake- and noticed that Sofia's name was incorrectly spelled! ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had the order on hand where it was written "Sophia" however this was never picked up earlier.... although my heart rate was sky high with panic- I took a deep breath- removed the "ph" and replaced it with an "f"- moved the "ia " closer and placed on a number 4 and Viola!!! Perfect finish!

So the moral of the story is when you peruse your order double check that every detail is correct... because what I have written down is what you will will get.

I suppose if that is my worst mistake to date it isn't all that bad in the end.

So with the panic over- it was off to deliver the cakes for the day!!!

It must have been birthday week (and the fact that there are fewer weddings in the "J" months) because I had a third birthday cake design to do for the week.

A Handbag cake in soft purple tones for this lovely ladies 40th!

Her wonderful husband came and met with me and did all of the ordering/designing to create a special cake for his wife- awwww how lovely!

I was really lucky to have two weddings almost around the corner from one another- which meant my delivery day was over by mid afternoon!

The first delivery went to the Sailing Club at West End.

The Bright and colourful theme wedding was reflected in the cake! A chocolate creation iced in a chocolate ganache and finished with bright coloured ribbons around the base looked very fitting indeed.

The rolled chocolate roses clustered across the design finished the cake of nicely.

So after the day of delivery and collections- it was off to deliver the grand baby of the week.

I am sure that the Bride thought I was hamming it up on the Friday when I was expressing my love for her cake over the phone- but indeed it really was. Love it Love it Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This two tier Extended height cake with a piping and applique fine detail was more than beautiful. Elegant and divine- with Ice pink open roses- with darker pink centers really looked smashing on this cake! I can imagine this design in a four tier too- it would look doubly grand and amazing... so if there are any brides out there who would love a bigger version- I am up for it for sure!

So by the end of this week in June I had managed to create a selection of wonderful client cakes- order for the workshops- and finally book in my holiday accommodation! I am certain my browser is thankful for the rest from Trip Advisor LOL!

 I cannot believe that August is upon us! Hasn't the year just been flying by!

Looking forward to sharing the end of June and the Debbie Brown workshops with you all soon

Thanks for reading
SJ

Sweet Betty!

This Second weekend in June was all about Betty- Queen Elizabeth! It was her birthday holiday here in Brisbane ( and many of the other state too) on the Monday- and as history dictates- a traditionally busy winter wedding weekend.

I had yet again a beautiful eclectic mix of  designs to keep me on my toes.

The first cake of the week left to go on the short boat journey over to Straddie. A simple double barrel base tier on single top tier- wrapped with grosgrain ribbon to tie in with the invitation styling.

I can imagine how smart sleek and contemporary this design would have looked in the room.

I don't always get commisioned to make gorgeous wedding cakes- sometimes I get the chance to make a pretty single tier cake.

A traditional Fruit cake for an 80th birthday.

Dusty pink roses and leaves and a simple message- all tied together with a pretty bow and diamante clasp- elegant and undertsated.

Sirromet Winery is a very popular wedding venue. Acres of Vineyards and the Barrel Room which oozes warmth and charm- Fabulous food and the to die for Restaurant Lurleens.

90% of my Sirromet clients choose me to deliver the cake out there for them- but this cake was collected by the couple and taken out prior to the wedding day.

A Draped design with a cartoon Bride and groom on top- and a few scattered roses.

This cake was a different sizing combination than I would normally make- with the base tier being much wider than the middle tier- and it looked fab!

I had the pleasure of delivering to the Strand Rugby Quay again on this weekend.

A two tier Arum Swirl design was on order- with a thin chocolate ribbon detail to tie in the wedding colour theme.

I love the look of Arum Lilies with this style of design!

My last delivery had me headed to Eve's on the River to set up this Cupcake tower.

In my opinion- these simple designs- that use the wedding flowers and colours really are simply beautiful.

I have fallen in love with the Pacific pearl rose- its colour matches in with the colour of butter cream magnificently!

The Pacific pearl has definitely made it as one of my favourites for both colour and size- perfect!

Half way through June blogging- on the first day of August.... getting there!

Thanks for reading

SJ