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)

Brighter Days!

The last week in May was certainly a hectic one here.

Not only did I have some great cakes to transport all over SEQ- I also was blessed to once again go to the RBCH Oncology Siblings day and make cupcakes....... plus a little extra this time too :)

Like we (Myself and one of my Fantastic Helper Sisters) normally do at the Siblings day- we piled the car high with cupcakes, icing and more sugar decorations than you could handle ;-P so that the Brother's and Sister's of the RBCH Turner and Banksia Ward patients could ice and decorate cupcakes to share to their hearts desire.

As well as this afternoon of fun- I was also asked if I would mind giving a one on one to a very special inpatient- who would love to become a baker :)

OF course I jumped at the chance. I felt so very special to be asked to work with such a worthy recipient. I don't normally offer lessons, purely because I feel like in many ways that I couldn't teach anything well, coupled with the fact that I am not sure I have much to offer either.

I only had limited time with Bridie- so choosing a cake design that was achievable in the time frame, and also suited her personality was not a super easy decision. I called upon my FB friends to help me concur the decision to go with a handbag/makeup bag cake!

So in an hour- Bridie had decorated a sensational bag cake. She learned how to make a bow and finished it all off with pearl luster!  

 She was meticulous in her attention to detail- a true natural!

It still makes me smile, and teary- thinking what courage and determination this young lady has. A true inspiration indeed!

Whilst Bridie and I were having fun with the cake decorating- My baby sister Alex was up on the wards with the inpatients and their parents icing and decorating cupcakes.

Many of these kids are in hospital for months, and it was an absolute honour to hear of one particular patient who hadn't left her room in the month she had been in hospital (bar for medical reasons) - who, along with her mum and dad, got out of bed and came in to where Alex was hosting the Cupcake making! Needless to say she had a ball! and for that short hour her mind was focused on all things sugar, and she was smiling- ahhh it is a true blessing to be able to share something as simple as sugar and make others happy. 

 

After we had both worked separately- Alex and I joined forces and headed down  to the Siblings day activities to do more cupcake decorating!

The Brothers and Sisters seem to really enjoy the icing and decorating of cupcakes.

Just like the photo that was circulating Facebook last week- Cupcakes make people happy!

And happiness need not mean intricately decorated cupcakes that are produced by the most credible and noted cake decorators around the globe- it means ones that are decorated with love and enthusiasm, by kids with an array of decorations at their disposal.

My eyes are truly opened with this style of decorating- when normally I opt for less is more- I think this shows definitively that more is obviously more :)

Not only was I proud of what all the Kids (and some parents and staff) created that day- I was also so very proud of my sister Alex. She is not well herself, and despite her struggles is an absolute champion. She cast aside her own concerns to be able to brighten someone elses day. Such a huge heart indeed!

So that was Friday afternoon...............we both slept well that night for sure :)

The weekend arrived and it was all about the cake deliveries once again.  

It was an early delivery start- with one wedding beginning before lunch at The Landing at Dockside.

This three tier soft iced cake was decorated with gorgeous flowers by Jennine from Florabella Design. 

The next cake was a simply decorated three tier design. Hand made pearl decorations and thin ribbons wrapped around each tier. Fresh flowers by Karen from Bliss Floral were placed over the tiers to complete the cake.

The image above was kindly taken by Karen :))

Then I scooted up to Toiparies @ Beaumont House for the  next soft iced cake!  

This pale green iced cake was finished with Fresh Poppies - supplied by Roberta from Green and Bloom flowers :)

That night I had a Special combined 18th and 16th Birthday party cake to make and deliver.

Black and Bling was the theme- and it was fun and funky too!

So a Very Happy Birthday Remi and Savannah!

Whilst I am on a roll with blogging - I'll also share my two faves from the first week in June.

The first was taken down to NSW (North Coast) for a wedding reception.

Stunning Black and white with a feature Magnolia Spray- sitting simply atop of the cake.

 Classy- elegant and a tad contemporary with the chosen colour scheme. Once again proving that Simple almost certainly = Elegant

The next cake was another that I just kept returning to have a good stare at.

The bold colour- combined with the intricate side design detail was just magic!

The Big full blown blooms went from a deep fuchsia colour through to a bright orange on the outer petals.

 Love Love Loved IT!!

Well I hope that you got through this mega post!

Thanks again for reading- and remember please feel free to leave your comments below :)- or on Facebook!

Take it easy

SJ

P.S. If you have read this and thought- How can I help the RBCH, donations can be made to the Working Wonders Foundation

Round about May

Nearing the end of may - it was still a very busy wedding season indeed.

Like most weeks during theses hectic times- I had wedding across many days of the week, not just the weekend.

That weeks delivery run started on Friday to Victoria Park, where I delivered this three tier cake complete with cake topper family!  

The Bride and groom Stood proudly on top of their cake with their pet dog too :)

Flowers to match in with the wedding were also supplied by the clients florist and placed over the cake.

The next to leave was this pretty lilac version of a popular stencil design.

Colour really works with this style of design- very pretty indeed!

My love of all things monochromatic was certainly accomplished with this next cake for Indooroopilly Golf club.

This Three tier White Classic design with sugar Roses and Orchids clustered across the tiers is a perfectly fitting timeless design.

I also had cupcakes at The Landing.

This Black and Ivory themed wedding was completed with this blinged cupcake tower.

 The Bride and Groom had sourced the toppers and the little flags to go around the tower.

Personalised messages on the flags were very cute indeed!

I was modelling up a frenzy for this weeks cakes, with another set of toppers of this Tower of Cupcakes at Baguette Restaurant.

I really love this restaurant for receptions. It has beautiful atmosphere! The decor is warm and inviting- it really feels like the Couple are intimately entertaining their closest friends and family whenever I see it all set up.

Last but not least was a 1st Birthday Cupcake tower for Twins!

This Noah's Ark Cupcake tower- inspired by the beautiful Debbie Brown's Original Noah's Ark cake- complete with matching animal face cupcakes :)

Made for Twin Boys- Will and Sam, for a wonderful party organised by their parents, complete with a baby animal farm! Too cute!

As well as delivering all of these beautiful cakes above, I also had an Anniversary cake to make for one of my past clients. The ever decadent Chocolate fruit cake- the recipe is a family one that Celeste (Bride) used every year, and on her wedding day had me bake it for her cake! Then on her Wedding Anniversary I was asked once again to bake a tier for them to enjoy! Such a privileged to make :)

Well that's all folks- for today anyway!

With Just over a Month before I head off on leave- I look forward to the final Cakes I have to create! Wow how this year is flying by!

Thanks for reading

SJ

Inspiration from all!

 If you were a past frequent reader of my blog you may be sitting here thinking- "My Lordy- SJ has finally got her butt back into gear and is blogging again" and you would be right.... kind of. I never actually stopped blogging, sadly time just got in the way. But once again I am on the diligent path to bring the blog back up to date- sharing many of the wonderful cakes I get to create each week.

So now that I am up to almost the middle of may- albeit 6 months ago- I feel like I am moving in the right direction and getting this blog under control.

The first cake from the week in question is one that I have not done before. It is in fact a Julie Whitehead design. I don't routinely "copy" cakes, but this client was referred to me by Julie (as she was unavailable) and I was asked to recreate a version of one of her cakes.

This Two tier chocolate creation was for a christening.  

Miles of chocolate lollipop hearts exploded from the top! This cake makes me wonder how tempting grabbing just one heart from the top would be for the guests! The smell of the white chocolate alone is enough to fill the room- so would be hard to resist I would think.

Other than the above Christening cake, all the other cakes are for Weddings :)

The first is a combo of a few cakes I have made before.

Vanessa and Heath chose to combine a cake I had done previously that had varied thickness black ribbons and a personalised couple, with a cake that I had done with Daisies trailing down one corner.

I love the effect of the ribbon going from a Thick band at the base then by the time it is at the top there is 3 varied sized ribbons banding the cake.

The groom looked very snazzy in his grey suit and glasses too!

I had a second cake with personalised toppers that week too!

The couples florist added flowers to this cake at the venue.

 This time it wasn't all about the Bride and Groom- there was also the couples two little dogs too!

How cute is it that one has really big ears too!

But wait...... There's more!

A final cupcake tower complete with another set of cartoon cake toppers!

It is weeks like these that I am kept on my toes with which Bride belongs to which groom :)

  This cupcake tower was finished with a Bold Red ribbon trailing down the tiers

I had Two cakes for the River room that weekend.

The first was this pretty variation of the Pearl lines design.

I opted for a double board and a larger silver stand with this one.

I think it certainly gave an added touch of grandeur for sure!

The last cake for the week was definitely something very special.

The side design on the tiers of the cake was hand drawn by the Bride, and was used in the wedding stationary.

I reproduced the design in a Black Brush embroidery and applique technique on the walls of the cake.

A Hummingbird and big bloom design was a striking yet elegant statement on the cake.

Whilst still maintaining an elegant feel this cake was certainly unique to the wedding.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the cakes on this blog!

Thanks for reading

SJ

Mothers Day Weekend

 

The Mother's Day weekend is one which is always highly popular with Weddings. The second weekend in May, where the weather is still lovely, the bout of public holidays is over and also a lovely way to incorporate how much you love your mum :)

The first cake that left Cake That! was a two tier Fishing/shopping themed cake! Headed up to Bagara for a wedding- it was fun and light hearted ,capturing what both the Bride and groom were renowned for.

The next cake was also a Novelty Wedding Cake.

A variation of the Bride in Waiting design, which made it's way to Woodford for a wedding held at a Private Property there.

This design seems quite popular, I'm guessing the groom passed out on the floor resonates  for many couples alike LOL!

OHHHHHHHHH So very pretty is the next cake, which was for a Wedding at Lurleen's Restaurant- Sirromet.

Sugar brooch and Brush embroidery, along with sugar ribbon banding the tiers made this one elegant cake.

Once at Sirromet the wonderful Julie form Julie Vine Flowers had some gorgeous roses to place on top. 

The Next stop on the list was Brett's Wharf.

This three tier cake with Quilted centre tier and monogram initial toppers always looks classy indeed.

After the load of Traditionally iced cakes it was time for come luscious soft iced creations.

The First had some pretty purple Orchids delicately placed across the tiers.

This cake was delivered out to Topiaries @ Beaumont house.

The Next cake was a three extended height tier cake, which included layers of the couples favourite Orange cake- all topped off with a set of wooden personalised toppers.

 The above cake was apart of possibly one of the most themed wedding set ups I have seen this year. Dressed by Amini Concepts- you can see the entire wedding of Fiona and Troy on the Amini Concepts blog!

Last but not least for the weekend was a gorgeous soft iced creation for the Tattersalls Club.

The Clients supplied both the fresh flowers and the Gold Monogram toppers for this cake.

So once again I was delighted to produce a vast array of cakes for a variety of tastes and themes.

What one was your favourite??

Thanks for reading

SJ