Steve's Birthday!

Last week was Steve's Birthday!
I didn't get the chance to bake a cake for him- as we were away up at Coolum.
I found a fabulous patisserie- Jonathon M Patisserie- on my 7am morning walk on his birthday morning- looking for anything that vaguely resembled a cake- not only did I find an awesome shop- they had this cute little 5" cake all ready to buy!
So off I trotted to the hotel to surprise Steve- he was pleasantly surprised!

He still looks asleep!

Buying the cake in a whim meant I didn't even bother to ask what was inside- so when we got home later that morning to discover that the cake was actually mousse- whoops!!!! A but of refrigeration to reset it- and Steve still loved it!

Later that night we went to dinner at our Local Thai place- Thai Chada- which has the most awesoem tHai- but anyway- my sister Alex Suprised steve with astrawberry sponge she had whipped up! Double birthday cake- lucky Steve! !

Novel Ideas.....

This year has started off with some really fun cakes!

I had the pleasure of making cakes for not one but Two return clients this weekend.

The first was for a 30th Birthday- I made Deb's husband Chris' 30th cake back in 2007- and now it was her turn.
A bottle of Cristal- made of cake- in an ice bucket complete with sugar ice and Champagne glasses.

This cake was inspired by the fabulous Kelly from Crafty Confections in Ireland. I met Kelly when I was in the UK last July- and have been in contact with her since!

The Next cake was a Baby shower cake!
I had made a wedding cake for Kristy back in 2007 and now she was about to have a baby.
Kristy ordered a "nappy stack" which was cakes carved and iced to look like nappies- all tied together with a sugar bow and some little sugar bootees at the base. I think it turned out great.


Instead of just flat icing the board- I put folds of icing that were embossed with baby decals to make it look like a blanket- so cute!
The best part about January is that I have time to make Novelty designs- in amongst the wedding cakes.

Sorry about the dark photo's- with all of the rain we have been having it has been quite dark- without much natural light.
Here's hoping everyone had a fabulous long weekend!

Welcome Baby

This week wasn't all work and no play. My wonderful friend (Paula) Gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Thursday.
Born at 1556 on the 22/01/09 weighing in at 7lbs 11oz, baby Lynk is brother to Aroha and Riley.
In celebration of his birth (and knowing that hospital food isn't always that appetizing) I made Paula (and her husband Fred) some Baby themed cupcakes to celebrate!


A dozen mixed cupcakes with cute toppings- including my favourite- a little nappy- went down a treat.


I am happy to say that All are now at home enjoying the spoils of a gorgeous little baby boy can bring.

I wish the whole family all my love and best wishes- and look forward to plenty more cuddles in the coming days!
SJ

Valentines Day Cupcakes

Forget flowers this Valentines day- the real way to your loves heart is through their stomach ;)

This year why not give your Valentine some Decadent cupcakes??

This year I will be selling Valentines day cupcakes- available by the box.

Beautifully decorated and boxed cupcakes- in a variety of Valentines Day flavours- including- Love potion -White chocolate and Rosewater, To die for chocolate ( filled with a smooth ganache),Vanilla Kisses and Nuts about you (a rich flourless chocolate cupcake).

Two sizes are available.
Box of 9 cupcakes $65
Box of 16 cupcakes $100

Prices include a box of mix flavoured cupcakes and a personalised message tag.
Sample box design will be available soon.

Cakes can be collected or delivered for a nominal fee.

Please contact me on 0404 388 219 or via email to place your order.

Bookings Limited.

New Year New Cakes...................

I thought I would slowly meander into 2009- but instead I have jumped in feet first!

The Weather (so far) has been kind- and whilst unaffected in my temperature controlled cake room-I have been making sure that deliveries are just as hassle free too!
You will get Cake decorators who wouldn't make a butter iced cake in the middle of a Queensland summer for all the money in the world- but I believe if you do it right- there shouldn't be an issue!
I had this gorgeous two tier cake - that is Iced in white chocolate butter cream- last Saturday. Delivered smack bang at Midday- not a drop of melted icing in sight!


Taking care of the cake is my utmost priority- and making sure that it is cared for once I deliver it too!
This cake was simply decorated with some fabulous silk orchids.

The Next cake was for an 80th Birthday during the week.


To me this design oozes "Nana". A Sugar rose spray and inscription- decorated this layered vanilla cake! I added some glitz with a circular diamante buckle in the middle of the bow. A bit of sparkle makes the cake that bit more girly to me!
Here's hoping Sheila had a fabulous birthday!

On Saturday I was back again at the Stamford- setting up another fresh flower stacked cake. I had my Mum and Sister Support team with me- to cut and pass the flowers while I filled the layers.
Making the layers the correct height to fit the flowers is important.
Each flower is places into its block one at a time- slowly building until the layers are filled.


In the end this cake always looks so elegant.


The cake itself was banded with cream and chocolate ribbons- and strung pearls to complete the theme.

I had my first Sunday cake for the year too!
This cake with strung pearls winding around each tiers was a learning curve for sure!
I had in my mind how long I thought it would take to string all of the pearls ( randomly- even harder again) but in reality after over 5 hours stringing pearls- I was well and truly ready for a break. Proving what looks simple doesn't always end up that way!


The end result was worth it though.
Such a pretty design.

I had another cake sent to Toowoomba for Melanie and Tarrants wedding! Melanie booked me very early last year- as she had been kindly recommended to me by her Photographer Toni Snell.

A three tier chocolate creation that was completed with fresh flowers.
The cake was transported by Tarrant's parents up to Toowoomba for their reception- so unfortunately I didn't get to see the cake complete.

There seems to be a bit of a rush on for consultations at the moment. In a "normal" week I would see around 6-8 clients- but every week this month I have so far seen no less than 15! Talking cake face to face for no less than 15 hours in a week is amazing!
I have booked some fabulous designs for the year ahead- and look forward to sharing them with you in 2009!

Shamless self promotion

Ok- so the tittle says it all.
Seeing as though a I have allot of regular readers I thought it to be a bit of fun to nominate for the blogger choice awards.
If you love reading this blog- then click on the link in the top Right corner!

I have already voted for my favourite- Not Myself- but Cake Wrecks!

Thanks for reading- and hopefully voting!!

Welcome 2009!!

I hope you all had a fabulous Xmas and a Spectacular New Years!
I am now back into the swing of cakes for 2009.

My first cake for the year was for a repeat client. To be honest- I was going to have another week off- but seeing as this cake came through- I decided to come back a week early. This family is super organised. Booking the birthday cake in more than 6 months ago.
The cake was themed around the birthday boys love of Shrek.

A sculptured Shrek face on a "Wood" look board was on order.
To make the wood board I iced the board and then marked the wood grain in and left it to dry for a few days. Once dry I ( well actually my mum- Thanks Mum!) painted the board with food dye to make the wood effect!


It looked awesome ( if I do say so myself!) - but onto the cake. Carved from an 11" round cake- I sculptured the face and then coated it in ganache before icing.

I had both a printed picture and a "shrek" doll to look at whilst working. The Shrek doll spoke- and scared the bejeezers out of both me and my mum when he suddenly let out a phrase without being touched!

Matching up the colouring to a "Shrek" green came down to compromise- as the doll and the image ( and the DVD) were all different shades of green. As the doll was more on the yellow side- I went with a colour closest to the image.

The cake was then Iced in the green and molded to the face. "Shrek" lettering for the birthday message- and it was complete.
I delivered the cake yesterday morning- and got to see Jai's excited expression when he saw Shrek! I hope he had a great 2nd Birthday!

It seems that the "Mummy" cake is still a favourite design for my wedding couples. I started the New year with a version of this design.


Lemon/yellow sugar rose petals across the design- instead of fresh rose petals made a pretty change.

I also had a stunning Ivory and Black design this weekend. Decorated with rows of hat elastic and a quilted mid tier- with piped black pearls at each cross point.

The bride is taller than the groom- so instead of having the toppers standing on the top- they sat on the edge of the top tier.
Very Cute indeed.

I have been inundated with requests for consultations and have only limited spaces available both this coming week and next.
I still have openings in January for the week ending the 25th and the 31st- so if you are after a cake for then please inquire.
Remember that I do take bookings up to 11months in advance so if your wedding in in that time frame don't be afraid to come and see me- it is never to early!

Last Cakes for 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How time flies! With only days left until the new Year- I thought I had better share with you all the final few cakes from 2008.

I hope you all had a fabulous Xmas and are planning a wonderful New Year!

I have been having a small break over Xmas- but am back into the swing of things next weekend.

The final cakes for 2008 were some great ones indeed.
The first cake was inspired by the cover image in a Modern weddings magazine.
This two tier version of the original four tier design was really pretty.


The chocolate fondant not only looked great- but tasted good too!

The next cake is a lovely white chocolate cake- with white roses- that had a soft champagne colour in the center.


The petals filled the channels of the tiers.

The next cake was the first ever 4 tier version of the "mummy" cake I had made! I loved it!

It looked so stylish and elegant- with a contemporary edge. This cake was sent over to Tangalooma for the wedding reception.

I also had a few Corporate Xmas Cupcakes to do.

This lot also featured the companies signature silver butterfly.

I had a fabulous Xmas with my friends and family- have a had a rest from cakes- and am rearing for 2009!

Did I make a Xmas cake for myself??? Absolutely- in amongst catering for more than 25 adults for Xmas dinner- I quickly iced this cake as a token for Xmas.............



............Wouldn't want my family thinking I had forgotten them!
My time off wasn't all rest and no play ;)



Each year I also give my family and friends a goodie bag filled with homemade treats.


This year the bags included:
Eggplant relish- Grand Mariner Chocolate sauce- Spiced biscuits- mini Puds- Vanilla Fudge- Spicy peanuts and Rocky road!



I hope you all had a great Xmas and I look forward to sharing more cakes with you in 2009.

Celebrations all round!

I got so caught up in writing about my birthday- I forgot to tell you all about the cakes from last week!
With the temperature heating up- and wedding season finally slowing down- last week was once again one filled with both Wedding and Special Birthday cakes!



The first cake was bold and bright! Inside was a Vanilla and Raspberry HD Sponge cake- layered with vanilla Butter cream! Iced in Fire engine Red icing, and with black and silver detail- this cake was all about class. The name on top of the cake was formed from icing- to match the font the Birthday Girl loved!

I also had another birthday cake- this time for a lady who shared my same birth date!


A cupcake tower in a pink and orange theme- with a Wicked chocolate top tier- exploding with chocolate lollipops. I love this crazy style design- both fun and edible!

On Sunday I had a Wedding in the City- what a fabulous day- not a cloud in the sky- and not too hot either!

The cupcake tower was made from a hand dawn design - by the clients. Mocha and Chocolate were the main colour theme- so each cake was iced in either colour- with contrasting dots piped into each one. The top tier featured irregular circles cover the tier in the three colours.

Sunday wasn't the end of my week- it was just the beginning!
I was sending a cake to New Zealand on Tuesday- so I spent Sunday getting everything ready for that.

The cake was a Mad Hatter design- being carried as hand Luggage- all the way from Brisbane to Nelson- on the southern end of the south Island.
This is not the first time I have sent a cake abroad- but the first time I have sent a Mad Hatter. I came to making this cake through my sister Alex. Her boyfriends sister was the Bride- and Alex asked me if I could make them a cake to take over for the wedding. A Mad Hatter design was the furthest idea from my mind- not to mention the figurines. I usually like to send "simple" designs long distance- as I feel that there is a slimmer chance of damage to the cake.

Seeing as the cake was a carved Made hatter design- I threw caution to the wind and made the cake just as I would for a local event.
The theme was Baby Pink Black and White. Kelly- the Bride to be- had mentioned the cakes she liked on my site- but ultimately left the end design up to me.



With a striped overlay on the base tier- and random mixed sized cachous on the top- the cake was completed with a Black sugar ribbon and Bow- and a set of Cartoon toppers sitting on the edge.



I made the toppers onto the cake ( usually I make them separately and attach them once dry)- so that they were well and truly stuck down for the journey.



I am excited to say that the cake cleared customs with flying colours, and safely survived both the 3+hour flight and the 5 hour drive to the venue location.

I am looking forward to hearing how the cake went at the reception!

Counting down the days until Xmas...........

My turn............

As everyone was gearing up for Xmas this week- I was getting ready for my Birthday! Being born just 8 days short of xmas has its good points and its bad. This year it had great points though! As I received messages from friends and family for my birthday- a common question arose " Who is making your cake??" . I often make my own- because I get to try out new ideas on myself- but this year I was blessed with not one- but TWO cakes organised for me!!!



To give you a bit of a background into the story- the first cake was made by some fabulous Chef friends of mine. I have made them both cakes in the past- and this time they ( Natalie and Tanya K) took on the challenge of making a cake for me!! I was so excited. Natalie and Tanya made a tier each- the assembled it- drove incredibly slowly to my house ( where it had a brief cool down in my cake room) before being transported to the Restaurant for dinner!
The design was totally secret squirrels- but I was told NOT to make my own cake as it was all under control. And it was! Unbeknown to me- my sister had heard my cries over the years for a Baskin Robbins Ice cream cake- and although out west with her job- organised a cake for me to be ready and at the restaurant! Go Kate!


As my birthday fell mid week- we had a dinner at Efe's One restaurant at Albion last night. If you have never been here-GO! I have delivered cakes here before and had heard such fabulous reviews from my clients- and this restaurant delivered- Belly dancing and all. The food was fabulous and the wait staff friendly.

We had so much food- thank god for the dessert stomach! With two cakes to cut and consume I was amazed we all managed to fit it in!
The base cake of my two tier cake was a rich chocolate mud cake- layered with ganache with chocolate scrolls around the sides. the top layer was a white mud cake with white chocolate ganache and "s a r a h j a n e" chocolate lollipops coming out the top!


The Ice cream cake had my favourite- Peanut butter and chocolate ice cream- and Cookie Dough ice cream inside. There was almost 1/2 cake left over- and my sister Kate- who felt so sorry for the staff working in the hot Kitchen - donated the left over cake to them. I am sure they all appreciated it!

A huge thank you to both Natalie and Tanya- for putting yourselves through stress and frustration- to create me a fabulous cake! It was amazing!
And a Big thanks to Kate ( and Steve) for getting me the ice cream cake after all of these years! ;)

So if you wanted to know what a cake decorators birthday cake looks like- this is it! Not one- but two!