Ecclectic! Just the way I like it :)

I can tell you right now that I am sitting here- slapping myself silly for letting myself get so behind on the blogging. I have made some pretty wicked cakes this year - if I do say so myself- and the only benefit of the stories behind these being unpublished until now is in that I get to reflect on the wonderful choices my clients have made!

This weekend in April was definitely a great one for cake variety.

The first cake I'll introduce you to is a cool one indeed- A London Bus cake!

The Bride and Groom had a close affiliation with London, so having a Double Decker Bus cake, complete with the couples favourite West End Musical posters, bus route and Just Married signs- certainly sealed the personalisation on this Wedding Cake.   

I also couldn't have the cartoon couple standing simply on top, so my artistic license took over and I had the couple proudly waving on top instead. 

 

I travelled allot that weekend with deliveries, so after the bus drop off at Walkabout Creek - I headed to North Lakes Golf Club to set up this pretty cupcake tower.

With a Pink and Green Theme- it was just lovely!

I vividly remember the table center pieces - as they had beautiful Vases with a Lace/Ribbon and Diamante Buckle wrapped around, which looked really elegant with the floral arrangements.

The Next cake is one which may be familiar to those of you who subscribe to my Facebook page. It is a variation of the profile picture cake- a design I absolutely adore :)

The lace overlay coupled with the large sugar blooms is a stunning classic design with an elegant vintage twist.

Having the lace detailing in white on the soft ivory icing is a beautiful compliment to the final design.  

 

 I delivered this lace beauty to an equally elegant reception in Sunnybank.

It was back across town to the Pavilion at Albion to deliver this next Wedding cake.

A three tier Gluten Free Traditional Design, complete with Deep red and Ivory roses and Sugar Draping.

I always find it really hard to photograph the deep red roses. I am no where near qualified enough to capture the real life colours with my limited camera skills LOL- anyway I hope you can imagine the true deep colour that the sugar roses were.

The last but by no means the least of feature cakes for this weeks blog is a cheeky variation of my Chocolate Mountain design.

This cake was commissioned by Mel and Dan- Chocolate Freaks ;-P

Mel and Dan came to me through my cousin- who was Mel's Bridesmaid. The brief for the cake was Chocolate- Chocolate, and a bit more Chocolate (no wonder Mel and My cousin Jess are friends LOL!)! The cakes design was also top secret to everyone bar the couple (and me) right up until the wedding day!

Choosing such a novel design- Mel and Dan wanted their guests to be awestruck by their choices on the wedding day, rather than sharing every detail before hand.

The Design was finished in Chocolate scrolls, with White Chocolate tipped scrolls atop of this Chocolate "Mountain"!

Not only were the cartoon bridal couple sitting right in amongst the chocolate- the Bride also requested that her caricature be just about to sneak a piece of cake, while the groom had face full of cake covered in choccie remnants heheheheh! 

 

To top the toppers off- I had the broom looking all coy twiddling his thumbs "Who Me?" hahahha! Loved it to bits!

So from my end it has been worth the wait writing this blog and getting to relive the joyous designs that I made that week.

Now I had better head back to making the stunner I have on order this week- Hadn't I?

Thanks for reading

SJ

Fast February..............

Honestly- where did that month go?

Here are a few faves from the first couple of weeks in February:
First up was a cupcake tower- that had a single Sunflower petal on each cupcake- later the florist placed fresh sunflowers on top :)

 

Next up was a classic style- with a Twist- literally!

 

Each tier was slightly twisted from the base- quilted centre tier and sugar roses for the top!  

 

Last year at the Brisbane High Tea Party I ran a competition for those who bought boxes of cupcakes across the weekend.

The lucky recipient won a tower of 30 cupcakes and matching top tier.

Themes to match in with her Birthday party- she chose a pale pink and green butterfly cupcake tower.

Pretty :)

Quite often I get asked if cakes can be made smaller/less tiers etc... Of course!

Below is a great example.

This cake is a two tier version of the Pure Glamour/four tier drape design

 

The last one for this blog was for a Birthday/Surprise Wedding!

 

Keeping in the Birthday theme- Disco Glitter hearts stars and numerals sprung from the top.

It was all about chocolate for this couple!
A chocolate Congratulatory plaque finished off the cake!

Congratulations Lyn and Craig! I hope that your guests were well and truly taken by surprise!

Thanks for reading
SJ

Hello October!

Wow! I cannot believe how fast I am flying through wedding season. It is almost becoming a blur- as I have had cakes to bake decorate and deliver EVERYDAY since the end of August.

The first weekend in October was a MEGA one indeed. Not only did I have a full schedule of wedding cakes- I also had a fabulous 40th Birthday cake for a great long time friend of mine- but more on that in another post.

I sent cakes near and far- from a hop skip and a jump away in the CBD- out to Kingaroy- Down to Sanctuary Cove- even out to Cleveland. It really amazes me how far my cakes travel sometimes.

With only 2 cakes collected out of more than 2 handfuls- it was quite a delivery run that Saturday indeed!

Friday weddings are a common occurrence on my calendar- a brilliant way to start and extend your weekend for sure.

The first cake to leave cake central was collected and delivered out to Cleveland- a tower of cupcakes in latte and cream theme- set up by the family at the Cleveland courthouse.

I was able to see some beautiful shots from the wedding through the Uber Magnificent and vivacious celebrant- Anne Campbell- who officiated the ceremony.

The next collection was for the sister of a Truly beautiful lady who I use to work with- back in the Stamford Days. Debanie's sister Holly was getting married up at Kingaroy! Morethan 100 themed cupcakes were transported up to Kingaroy- and set up in the magical Silk lined wedding marquee.  

 

There was two theme designs- one with a "fairy light chain" piped onto the top- and the other- mimicking the invitation pattern with a yellow/pearl fading stripe pattern.

Congratulations Holly and Lewis! Thank you for choosing me to create your wedding cake.

The First Delivery was out to Hillstone- where I delivered the stunning Florencia's "Bling" Wedding cake.

I had made Florencia's Sisters wedding cake a couple of years back- and now it was her turn to walk down the aisle.

A three tier White cake- with Strung diamantes- Silver cachous- A crystal Brooch- and all topped off with a "full Bling" set of Crystal Couture cake toppers.  

Customs house was also on my Delivery run- with this three tier chocolate creation.

I had only the one collection on Saturday- and that was for this Novelty cake.  

I get asked so often about this cake- there are certainly more than a few couples who can relate to the pictured situation LOL!

My Love of all things Monochromatic was covered with this next Ivory delight.

Sugar roses and ivory satin ribbon look just beautiful on this classic design.

This cake was sent to the Brisbane club - my closest delivery of the week ;)

It was then over to The Treasury to deliver the only Soft and fresh cake for the week.

A full trail of roses and freesias swept over the cake.

Serving the entire display cake as dessert- the couple chose to order a kitchen cake and kept that for their anniversary!

My last Brisbane stop was to the Camp Hill Bowls club.

This place is a true hidden gem.

Breathtaking city skyline views and truly friendly staff- just brilliant!

The crowd of regulars were excited to see the wedding cake- and were intrigued by its unusual ( in regards to tradition) design.

This is a variation of my "Skeleton Leaves" cake- and was finished off with flowers by the couples florist. 

Last delivery- but by no means least- was a cake I took down to Sanctuary cove.

This cake was for an Indian wedding. I love culture weddings- there always seems to be so much passion and family about them, the traditions and ceremonies really add to the whole purpose and meaning of marriage.

Sarita and Ish chose a truly beautiful themed cake. 

 

This cake is hand painted in an edible soft gold colour. To enhance the colour I first coloured the fondant to a "flat" gold colour- which added depth to the final painted coating.

The top two tiers had strung Swarovski Jewels around the base. What may look like pretty shaped jewels taught me a huge lesson- get quotes before quoting the clients. Needless to say- although the beading cost me more than I had anticipated ( and I now have a new found appreciation for hand made jewelery)  they did look really beautiful and blended in wonderfully with the colorful jewel theme.  

Each elephant wore a different drapery- and the base board too was detailed with a deep burgundy ( almost henna like) pattern - which mimicked the couples invitation background.

I have to say a huge THANKS to my wonderful mum. In my craziness that is wedding season- she is always the first one to come and lend a hand so that I am not working 24/7. Mum hand painted this cake- with three beautiful coats- then she cut out each of the elephants by hand for me! I did do some work on this cake- but without her I may have lost my sanity that week for sure.

What was a full on week- was capped off with my very good friends 40th- which I created a personalised cupcake tower for.

I forgot to take my own camera- so when I get some images from the party I will share them with you all.

My first week of my new Cake That! Facebook page has gone really fabulously- with over 400 "likers" already!

If you are on Facebook and would like to keep up to date with my cakes and what I am getting up to each week- you can "like" Cake that! here!

Past clients are welcomed to share their images and comments in regards to their cakes on the facebook site too!

My next Blog will be about the biggest wedding weekend of the year  10/10/10! Looking forward to sharing it with you soon!

Thanks for reading

SJ

New Toys!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you that know me will know that I am no stranger to online shopping- seriously I should know my postie by his first name, he delivers to our place that often heheh! So for quite a while now I have been umming and ahhing about getting a photo tent. To be honest I have a rather basic point and shoot digital camera- so I should possibly look  into getting a new camera too- but first things first.

Getting good light really helps to make pictures of cakes look as good as they do in real life- so when one of my friends suggested a Photo tent- I trawled the net and looked for a while- before finally purchasing one- OMG the BEST money I have ever spent! Rain hail or sunshine- this cool little addition to my ever growing cake room is just magic!

I swear I was mid cake when it arrived- but I HAD  to open it there and then! I still need to fine tune it and use the lights to their best ability- but for now- WOW- it makes the whole photographing of cakes that much easier.

This weekend was the first weekend  of the September school holidays- so busy!

I will begin with the first cake  to be photographed- notice my rush to try out the tent and not having ironed the backdrops.....heheheh impatience plus ;)  

 This three twisted tier design was sent to the Treasury Hotel Marquee. The top two tiers were Gluten free- including a Rum and Raisin and a Baileys tier. The Claret Red sugar roses and ribbon tied in with the wedding colours. A quirky Cake topper ( supplied by the clients) stood on top.

The next cake was a very hip black and white design. At the venue a set of antique cake toppers stood on the board- and fresh white roses were placed on top.

I love it just how it is too!

 Sometimes simplicity is the key with bold colours and designs.

This cake was delivered to Rydges at Southbank- and every time I go up to the Rooftop Terrace I just LOVE the view- Magnificent! The "Wheel of Brisbane" lit up in the background at night is just wonderful.

Speaking of great views- a hidden gem is Urban Hotel at Wickham Terrace. A few years back friends of mine had their wedding there- and it was great- and with recent contemporary swish renovations - the hotel is looking more than Funky!  

This reception was held in the aptly named Panorama room- which has very impressive city views indeed!

A Black and Ivory Themed wedding-  the cake was a variation of my wrap style display cake. A complete contrast to the black chair covers with Ivory sash bows- terrific!

The Lace stencils are definitely a popular choice lately- so much so I recently just HAD to buy a whole heap more LOL! 

For the second week in a row I was headed to Bretts wharf to deliver the next cake.

The next wonderful couple chose the Damask style- my oldest and dearest stencil- and used their latte/mocha and magenta colours to create this awesome cake!

 

The couples invites were this latte colour- with an embossed silver flourish/damask pattern over the paper- so the cake was an extension of this design. Classy and Elegant.

After Bretts Wharf it was over to the Pavilion at Albion for the next cake delivery.

Fresh roses cascaded down the front of this cake. The roses were perfectly prepped by the couples florist cousin Tammy. Thank you Tammy for making it so easy to work with you and for the fabulous fresh blooms for the cake! 

 Having the flowers correctly wired and taped is imperative for the elegant placement of the flowers. So often I arrive at venues only to find that either the supplied flowers are left unprepared (despite specific supply instructions) or that they are incorrectly prepared for placement onto a cake.

Now don't get me wrong there are many brilliant florists who I work with week in week out who I have the pleasure of receiving Stunningly prepared fresh blooms from- and whose gorgeous buds make a simple cake simply fantastic- but unless the flowers are prepped correctly- the fresh flower arrangements on a cake can often look less than professional.

So I truly appreciate the florists who take the time and care to individually wire and tape each flower head- so that I can - in turn- place them onto the cake and create a magnificent fresh flower design.

It wasn't all Fresh flowers that weekend- I actually had Twin cakes too :-p

Non Identical twins- but pretty close none the less.

I am often amazed when I get such similar cakes to make from completely different clients.

First stop was The Polo club with this Dusty pink version of a draped design.  

The sugar roses were in varying shades of pink- filigree piping covering the walls of the tiers and Swarovski Crystals in amongst the piping work.

Then I headed over to The Sebel to deliver a Lilac variation of the same design.  

 

The piping on this design flowed underneath the draping- instead of all over the tiers.  The Lilac variation was a slightly larger scale design than the pink version too.

Purple is such a popular wedding colour at the moment. My next cake was a cupcake tower for a wedding at the Marriott.

I was silly enough to leave the camera in the car- so I only got a shot of the top tier - complete with cartoon toppers- that I shot before I left in my new tent.

These toppers were only chosen less than 4 days prior to the wedding AHHHHHHHHHHH! My inability to use the word "no" (LOL) meant that I needed allot of CMC to speed up the drying time - But I surprised myself and got them done in time.  

 

The last drop off for the Saturday- and yes it was a VERY long day- was to UQ- where this last cake was delivered.

Deep red and Gold was t he colour theme for this wedding.

Tiny red blossoms in a quilt pattern on the base tier- with a piped flourish design through the centre of the middle tier- with more tiny blossoms sporadically mixed in- and then a hand cut "double happiness" emblem for the top.

At the venue the couple had a cake topper that sat on top.

After a massive day of deliveries on Saturday- I was left with only a sole cake for the Sunday.

This two tier chocolate creation was sent to Hillstone. Inside was a layered chocolate cake- with a Sour Cherry compote and Krisch ganache. A bit Black forest- esque- and allot of YUM!

So  that is a wrap for the middle of September.

This week has been trying- with the constant rain playing havoc with all delicate cake decorations. Not even the humidity and temperature control can keep up with all the wet.

Today being 10/10/10- I have a bundle of cakes to deliver- and I cannot sleep- as all I can think about is the weather and how the cakes will hold up. They say you cannot change the weather- it is nature after all- but for the many 1000's of  Couples getting married today it would have been nice if the sun had been shining on their special day.

At least I have my photo tent to light up the cakes in this gloomy weather :)

Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading

SJ

Spring into it!

 

It seems that Spring had well and truly sprung this year. The first weekend in September is a notoriously popular wedding weekend. This year I had brides a few steps ahead of the rest- with late weekday weddings- even before the weekend had hit.

The first cake was sent over to South Stradbroke Island- Couran Cove.

A two tier Mad Hatter- complete with personalised bride and groom... and their gorgeous Black Labrador too!   

A purple colour theme was carried throughout the wedding- including the cake too.

A stripe pattern for the base and a outline flower pattern for the top- a few sugar orchids dotted across the design too.  

On the Friday I sent cakes up to Maleny- and also a cake for Sirromet.

Sandee from Always Fabulous Flowers- was setting up her fabulous wedding arrangements in the Barrel Hall as I arrived- Just magnificent.

The couple had chosen a two tier double barrel design- with pearl finish bow and sugar ribbons.

 I also delivered a cake for a Wedding in a Church hall on the Friday- Beautifully set up and Decorated by Styled Events.  

A quaint rendered church in the Woolowin area- dressed beautifully for a stylish wedding indeed.

A no fuss cake- keeping it classic and simple.

Saturday had me running all over town delivering cakes- Once again I got to work with the vivacious and uber talented Glenda from Glenda Pradella Flowers.

I am seriously blessed to come into contact with some wonderful wedding suppliers week in week out.

True professionals who LOVE what they do.

Glenda was kind enough to arrange the flowers down the front of the cake for me.  

Luscious Cymbidium Orchids- roses and Foliage- complete with Dark chocolate "twigs"- yummo!

The next cake was definitely Spring Fresh.

Soft Vanilla Butter cream icing- with White seasonal blooms clustered over the design.

A combination of Roses and Spray roses- mixed with Tulips and freesias- just divine.

It was a warm spring day- a touch of wind- just perfect indeed.

This cake was delivered to a Waterfront reception venue at New Farm- a lovely location- with fresh river breezes.

After New Farm it was over to the Marriott.

This cake had an extended height base tier- with single middle and top tiers.

Sugar roses- with a late (after photo) addition of crystals in between- and delicate "bling" buckle detail on each tier.

Pretty and elegant rolled into one.

It was off to a quick start with Spring- and has been full steam ahead ever since.

Thanks for reading

SJ

2010 Semester 2 begins.....

After a short mid year break- I returned to work at a nice easy pace.

Working my way into wedding season in August.

I had some great July cakes to make.

Possibly my favourite cake from July was this Drum Kit cake made for a past wedding clients Birthday.

Two Drums- with the top drum turned on its side and the Birthday message- including the recipients name in the "pearl" drum font.

The cake was a surprise for Drew- who looked mighty happy when I delivered it!

Happy Birthday Drew- I hope you had a fabulous night!

I had a Ruby Wedding Anniversary cake too.

Organised by the couples Children- the daughter had arranged a ruby version of the "Blue Bling Butterfly" cake form my website.

Drapes and Crystals- very pretty indeed.

Being a "J" month means that I get to do allot more celebration cakes- rather than all weddings.

I had this variation of my "Mummy" cake for an engagement party.

I often feel really sad to not be able to help with engagement cakes- as often I am already booked out- so when I get the opportunity to make one- it is really special to me.

The newly engaged beautiful bride to be and her lovely mum came to meet with me before I went on Holidays ( and gave me some great BKK tips- thank you)

Pretty much undecided on what cake design they would like- I made a quote with a fair few ideas and let them go home and have a good think about it.

They decided on a two tier( extended tier) version of the Mummy cake. 

A pearl finish and red rose petals to complete the design.

Pearl finish on the cake made it sparkle.

I love it when I get to make cakes that fit in with invitations.

I would  like to think that the guests really notice that the cake matches in with the theme.

The invites for this next cake had lots of clusters of different sized and shades purple dots.

Fun and Funky!

The striped board gave added fun to this cake too.

It wasn't all celebration cakes in July.

I had a few weddings too!

I was freaked out to see that one week after the other I had the very same design- but with slightly different decorations. 

It goes to show how a little bit of colour can make the Ribbons and Roses design look very different indeed.

This variation to the Pearl lines design was also on order for a July wedding.

My first time back to the Stamford in a month or so too.

The last- but not least-  wedding cake for July is this Black and White version of the Skeleton leaves design

I painted/dyed the leaves black- and used the couples invitation and bomboniere ribbon to wrap around the cake.

This was delivered to the QLD Club- my first time there - and it is beautiful. From the lovely Thank you I received form the Bride and Groom- I can see that they too enjoyed the design as much as I did!

Congratulations to all of my couples and Happy Birthday to the Birthday Cake recipients!

Allot of Fab August cakes to come!

Thanks for reading

SJ