Milestones...

If you follow my website- and this blog- you will notice that I have been a little slack of late- updating my site with recent cake pictures.
This morning- however- I actually added around 3 weeks worth of unique cake pictures to the site! What amazed me is that in the wedding cake gallery alone is ....... 180 cake pictures!!! can you believe it! I really need to get a new website and sort this out! If an unsuspecting dial up user came across my website they could be waiting for days to view those pictures ;)
As mentioned in my previous post- yesterday was the hottest day for 2008 so far- of course the hottest day of the year had to be the day when I was delivering a chocolate cake, and fresh flower cakes!!! So with the car sitting running with the Air conditioning on for 10 minutes before I started loading- to get the temperature down a degree or 15!!

Suffice to say- all cakes arrived as they were created! This chocolate design went to Mt Cootha- and although I have created this design numerous times- this cake- with the off white and blush pink roses looked so romantic!

The next cake was for a lovely couple- who were holding their reception at the Pacific international hotel. One of my wonderful friends- Natalie- works there as a chef- and not only was she working on her birthday- but it is was also a significant one at that!
The cake is a classic design- that suited the room- that was adorned wit red rose petals.


This next design was for the identical twin of one of my clients from last year (that was a mouthful!). They held their wedding down at the Marriott Surfers Paradise- on Friday. A beach wedding inspired this cake- and it looked fitting for the occasion. Brushed blue, with shell and frangipani decorations- all edible of course.

Last but not least is this carved three tier design. My cousin actually helped by painting some of the piping silver for me- thanks Jess- then my husband carried all 17knof it through South bank to Cafe San Marco- where the reception was held. A real family affair! With Next week a big week- not only allot of weddings- but my friend Natalie is celebrating her birthday- and my sister Kate is coming home after 1 year away overseas!

White Wedding....

This week I have had so many great cakes to make- it is really hard to choose favourites.

I am starting with this entry- about the "white" cakes I made this week.
For those of you who read this blog- will probably know that I have a sneaky favouritism to "traditional" designs. Don't get me wrong- I love creating all sorts of bold and fun designs- but reflectively when I wish I could have my wedding again (500 times over!) these are the sort of designs I would choose.

First of all is this delicate two tier design. The inspiration was taken from a bridal magazine- the cake- iced in Ivory with pure white decorations- looked timeless. Fine piped clusters of dots trailed from beneath the clusters of Orchids.


The next cake had me a little anxious- not the design itself- but the fact that the clients were transporting all 65cm of this cake to Versace- on their own!! This cake has 5 cakes inside- a double layer of fruit cake on the base- with a single layer of White raspberry in the middle- and a double layer of chocolate on the top. The base and the top tier have a five petal flower- brush embroidery details, with lustered center pearls. All white lilies and white tuille fill the top tier.
I myself stress every time I transport a 5 tier cake- and I deliver cakes every week- so it was only natural that I held my breath whilst the clients took this cake on their own. With careful instructions and tight packaging- I am relieved to say- this cake arrived safely! Phew!



My final "White" design of the week- couldn't have suited the room better. On Brisbane's hottest day this year (39 degC when I delivered this cake) the room was dressed in a crisp white and silver theme- reminiscent of a winter wonderland. With feathers being a theme that flowed throughout the event- a spray of white Ostrich feathers emerged from the top. Each cupcake was baked into a silver paper, iced in soft peak royal icing- then sprinkled with mixed sized cachous.


With the lights dimmed at the venue- getting a shot that did the cake justice was very hard.

Can you understand now why I find it so hard not to love every design I make!

Sincere apologies

Unfortunately due to an issue with Optusnet- I am unable to respond to any hotmail addresses.
I can still read your emails- however- unless you have provided a telephone contact number- within the email- I am unable to respond, until this issue has been resolved.
Please note that this is an ongoing problem that started over a week ago- and I have over 100 emails that have been returned to me.
I apologise for not being able to respond at present- however this situation is out of my hands.
I welcome you to either forward alternate contact details, or call me on 0404 388 219 and speak to me in person.

To all my past present and future clients- I thank you for your patience and understanding whilst this matter is resolved.

Polynesian Princess

Yesterday I set up one of the most visually effective cakes I have done!
Even from 15m across the room- tis cake stood out!
Yesterday afternoon My husband and I arrived at the East Leagues club to set up a 21st cake, for a lovely girl. Not only was she lovely (and beautiful) her mother and sister were wonderful people too.
I first met with them all late last year, and after meeting them, and learning about some of the customs surrounding this auspicious occasion- I was delighted to be apart of this celebration.

Having a Polynesian heritage, we used this theme to create the show stopping design!
Polonia's (Birthday girl) sister is a great artist- still only a teenager herself- her artwork is incredible. She drew some beautiful patterns that were banded around each cake. The carefully drawn and scaled patterns were wrapped around the cake- made from Printed icing. The first run of the prints weren't successful- but after having the drawings reprinted at another supplier- they turned out just perfect!

With the weather this week once again being both wet and humid- the challenge to work with the delicate printed icing- to finish this design was challenging.

A miniature three tiered cake (all of the cakes are handed out to the guests as a matter of ceremonial importance) Stood tall on top of the tower of individual cakes. There were three different patterns, each representing the three different flavours inside. Chocolate Mud, White Mud and Marble Mud- filled both the three tier and the miniature cakes.
Set onto a stand, that had three levels of mini cakes, plus the top tier, this cake stood over 65cm Tall! The symmetry of the patterns and the mini cakes even drew the chefs out if the kitchen for a sneak peek!

My Husband made sure every cake was in line, and perfectly spaced out on the stand too! Whilst he towers over tis design- I must tell you he stands at 197cm tall!


Personalised balloons filled the room- so the Gold, white, black and Brown theme was complete.

The Function coordinator at the venue was definately worth a mention. He was so friendly, genuine and helpful- something that is often forgotten in this industry! I hope I get to work with him again!

So here's wishing Polonia a Fantastic 21st Birthday! I hope you had a blast!

Catch up time!

Firstly- My apologies to my loyal reader for not writing a blog note last weekend. Time simply slipped away- and before I new it another week had passed.

So to "Catch up" on what happened last week- here goes:

I had yet another weekend filled with cakes across 4 days. Beginning on Thursday, all the way through to Sunday. The week itself was hectic, with the constant rain pouring down- making cake decorating that little bit more difficult than usual.
On the Tuesday afternoon I received a call from a Bride asking as to how her Wedding cake for Friday was coming along- Unfortunately I didn't have an order for the Bride! This particular Bride had emailed me an inquiry in Early November- and as she was happy with what I had quoted her- had asked her Mother in Law to book the cake ( she was residing Overseas). A gut feeling made her ring me (along with the fact that other suppliers had also been missed) - and luckily she did! I felt terrible for this bride- two and a half days until she was to be married- and no cake! Although I was technically fully booked for that week, and needing only basic Cupcakes- I was more than happy to help. The Groom came and collected the cakes, and stand on the Morning of the wedding, and told me how wonderful everything ended up when he returned the stand this week. Crisis averted!

I then had a weekend filled with really personalised cakes.
On Saturday I had two designs-
The first was held at North lakes- where when I went to set up the cake- the family was there setting up the reception room- with less than 2 1/2 hours until the ceremony- the setting up was in full swing!


The bride and groom had found a beautiful mosaic mirror to place their cake onto. Tying in with the Blue colour theme, complete with a three tier cake- banded with personalised ribbon- this cake looked great.

Next I headed to Brett's Wharf- to set up a gorgeous Cupcake tree.
This couple also had a little baby, so I made a sugar "family" that topped the cupcake tower! Pink and Cream rise petals engulfed the design, creating a soft and romantic look.



Then on Sunday Morning- as the rain Bucketed down, I delivered a Cupcake tower- for a little girls baptism. Every cupcake was gluten free. The top tier was designed to match the invitation paper- and was just too cute!My only wish is that I was a better photographer!

For those of you who are still reading on...
Here is this weeks Cake That! Adventures!

I once again had teh opportunity to make a cake for Jett- a little boy whose christening cake I made last June. This weekend he was turning one- so at the request of his lovely mum- I made him a cute Frog cake!

Complete with a cheeky poking out tongue and all!

My family is always keen to help out when it comes to delivering cakes. On Friday- my cousin- Jess tagged along to help set up for a wedding at Indooroopilly Golf Course. The Groom was a mad keen golfer- so it was only fitting that their toppers were carrying clubs!!For her first cake set up- Jess did an awesome job! She helped me put this tower together in no time!

One of my most asked about designs is the "Bridal rose/Pearl essence" cake. With piped icing pearls around teh base- ranging from pea sized through to pin sized- this cake is always beautiful This week I had my first ever square version of the design- and it too looked great (if I do say so myself!). The entire cake was Dark Raspberry Mud- and it weighed a tonne!
Iced in Ivory with the piped icing pearls and some fresh flowers to finish- beautiful.

There is one more cake that I must tell you about this week- but it needs a story all on its own!

The winner is....

The winning cake for the best of 2007 Poll was actually a three way tie!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote!
More cake Stories are coming soon!

Keeping Secrets.....

This weekend I created a cake as a surprise- the whole party wasn't a surprise, but the cake certainly was.

I first me Brad and Michelle a few months ago when they came to organise their wedding cake- for May this year. Around a month or so after they had ordered there cake- I got a sneaky little email from Michelle about creating a fantastic cake for Brad's birthday. Michelle wasn't alone in planning the surprise- her soon to be Sister in Law (Brenda- Brad's sister), also another client of mine- schemed together to organise a cake that would make his birthday!
Not only did they choose a fantastic design, they also (cleverly) ordered many sample flavours- to help them decide what ones to choose. Secretly doubling as wedding cake tasting decisions, Michelle and Brenda decided on Jaffa Mud, Espresso Mud and Marble Mud.
As Brad's birthday approached, he had his suspicions that Michelle had ordered a cake for him through me- but had no idea what she may have ordered.
I delivered the cake- in a over sized box, that disguised what lay inside. A triple stacked mud cake, iced to resemble a can of VB gold- complete with a personalised birthday message for Brad on the back!
The night of the party, all was revealed, with success! Yesterday I received a lovely email, and some pictures from the night- which with permission from Michelle and Brad- I am eager to share!

Michelle wrote:
"

Just thought I'd let you know that your cake for Brad's birthday was an
absolute HIT last night!!!  I managed to keep it a surprise for Brad and he
was ecstatic when he saw the cake - and when he found out that I'd organised
for you to make it!! :D

So thanks so much - everyone loved the cake and thought it was very 'Brad'.
He even picked it up and pretended to drink from it!!

Everyone is excited about what our wedding cake is going to be like, now
that they've seen and tasted one of your cakes :D

Thanks!!!  You are very good at your art :D

~Michelle :]"

So with much pleasure I am pleased to share these pictures with you!

Brad Cutting into his cake!




The Party goers reactions!


I think Their smiles say it all

Happy Birthday Brad!!
Only a few short months to go until Michelle and Brad's Wedding day- then I can share their wedding cake story with you.

Reminiscing....

This week bought me to a venue, that has a lot of great memories for me.
Over 5 years ago now- My husband proposed to me at the point at Scarborough. Followed by a lovely lunch at Morgan's Seafood Restaurant- So hence- every time I get to deliver a wedding cake out there- the memories come flooding back!
Being Australia Day Yesterday, I was surprised at he relatively little amount of traffic as I tripped up to Scarborough to deliver the cake.
The cake was a three tier cake- Marbled Dark chocolate and Caramel mud for the base, White Raspberry in the Middle, and Chocolate Chip Mud for the top.
Each tier was banded by a black ribbon, with crystals attached at intervals along the band.
The center tier was quilted with Gold cachous, and the top had a wired heart spray, in the wedding colour theme.

Not only did I deliver a cake to the same location that I was proposed to at, but when I went to let the Chefs know I had set the cake up- I ran into an old chef of mine, that I hadn't seen in 10 years! I was really surprised to see him- and baffled that he remembered me!
My Australia Day couldn't have gone any better!

This week is full steam ahead, with weddings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!
With Monday being a public holiday (for everyone else!!) I will have to get myself into gear for another big one ahead!

Short and Sweet!

Yesterday was My husband's birthday. And whilst he didn't have any specific cake requests (or at least reasonable ones) I decided to make him mini cupcakes!
Luckily I found a box that fitted perfectly the design I had in mind. Mini vanilla cupcakes, iced in ganache, then iced in a thin layer of bright coloured plastic icing!
When I finished the design my first thought was that they looked like pool (snooker) balls- the comment was also resonated by a friend of mine too!
Cute and Simple- and Extremely Yummy (if I do say so myself!!).

Remember to Vote for your Favourite design of 2007!

Late Entries....

With every cake I make- there is always a story. I could spend as much time typing out the stories, as I do creating the cakes- literally- as I am not a very fast typist!
But this week I have some great stories to tell!
Firstly, being a Cake decorator- who prodominately makes wedding cakes, I take the fact that I may only get to make one cake for my clients very seriously. I am always honoured when clients return to me for the other "special" occasions in their lives (birthdays Christenings etc..).
This week I had the pleasure of creating a 40th Birthday cake for one of my previous clients- back in 2006 I created her and her husband's wedding cake, they lived in FNQ at the time, so all of the arrangements were done by email and phone. This time around they are living in Brisbane, so even with the fact that I have never personally met them, once again- through email- a cake was ordered and delivered to their venue- without the chance of a meeting! I am sure that Tanya had a great night last night- and wish her a Very Happy 40th Birthday!



Cupcakes are definitely in at the moment- whether they are for birthdays, or weddings they can be themed as fun or as romantic as you need. This next design was all about romance.
With a deep red and cream theme, this couple hit the nail on the head! Simple cupcakes (a mixture of berry swirl , and dark chocolate and raspberry) baked into red papers, with butter cream icing. A top tier decorated in fresh roses. When I met with the clients they wanted to have roses all throughout the stand, but due to budget restrictions, opted to have them only on the top. I was delighted when I went to collect the roses, that they were a variety, that opened beautifully, and were so velvety in texture, that I just had to grab an extra bunch, and give them the cake of their dreams. So I created the original design as a surprise, complete with fresh rose petals around the base. If only my photography was better, and I could do the end result justice!




The next couple of cakes, are the subject of this blog entries tittle.
As a general rule- I am fully booked more than 2 months in advance, however, being January, and wedding season slowing down (a little), I was able to take on some late notice cakes! I hate having to say " I am sorry, but I am fully booked", and love it when I can help people pit at the last minute. Living in a time poor society, doesn't help when you forget to order something well in advance.
The first is a Wedding cake, for today!!! Being an intimate wedding for 30 people, I could fit in this simple cupcake design. Vanilla butter cakes, and Butter cream icing!!! When you open the box, the smell is divine- even the Bride to Be doubted whether or not they would all make it to the reception, when she cake to collect them!



The next was a birthday cake for a little girl!! Her mum organised her cake with me on Wednesday!! She was planning a Hawaiian themed party for her daughter's 6th birthday- and was in need of a cake (of course)! They say great minds think alike, so as I was awaiting an email with pictures of the ideas she was emailing me- I too was jotting down designs- I thought a six year old would love! We both had the idea of a hula girl!! In the end it was so cute! My god daughters were in awe when they saw it in its box on Friday night!! I am sure to be replicating this design for them in the near future too!


This coming Saturday is My husband's birthday- and I have no idea what cake I am going to make him!!!

Any ideas????