Jessie and Bullseye

A few weeks ago, I made a really fun cake for the cutest little girl!  With a Toy Story theme, I was able to highlight the birthday girl's favorite Toy Story character and her sidekick for her 4th birthday cake.

Happy 4th Birthday Alicia!  I hope you enjoyed your Toy Story Cake!

Flour Girl

Progress....

In general, if given a choice, I don't prefer to repeat designs.  I certainly will if requested, but I truly enjoy the creative process involved in creating a new or tweaked design.  Of course, when a repeat is requested, I feel a sense of validation in that the original design had great appeal, but a part of me feels a slight sense of disappointment that there will be no new creative energy in that project.  In short, I feel like I should constantly be looking forward rather than looking back.

This being said, I have to also acknowledge the value in looking back at my work.  Trying to not obsess about the flaws, what I could have, should have done differently or better, but to see my progress.  To really let that sink in.

Last week afforded me this very opportunity.  I created a wedding cake which was a repeat of an old design.  My very first wedding cake for that matter.  A part of me cringed a tad when the request was made mostly because my personal design style and aesthetic has changed drastically.  Not that I cannot appreciate the appeal, but just that I probably would not choose to create this design at this point.  But, of course the wedding cake is not about me....right? ;o)

So, here is the first photo, my very first wedding cake, my very first cake of this size overall....no giggles please...

So, looking at this photo, and looking at the new version....the differences that I note are vast.  My personal preferences of basic cake construction have changed, my techniques have improved, and I have slightly de-cluttered the design to both appease my aesthetic a bit more without altering the overall feel of the look for the bride.

You will notice (I hope) a cleaner finish, taller tiers, better piping and artistry, and an overall improvement in presentation.  Also, I think my photos have improved notably, which  makes a big difference as well in my opinion.

What a difference 18 months of caking can make!  Progress....

Thanks for looking.

Flour Girl

Cherry Blossoms

It's August!  Can you believe it?

With wedding season still in full swing, I thought I'd share one of my favorite wedding designs. 

Cherry Blossoms!

Cherry blossom designs are a beautiful, feminine, classic design for weddings any time of the year.  Decor, stationary, cake, floral design....I love it all.  Such a popular choice for brides all over the world.  Cherry blossom weddings and decor ideas can be found all over the internet.  Chances are that everyone has either attended or seen photos of a cherry blossom themed wedding.  There is a reason it is so widely popular.  Cherry blossoms are beautiful.  Simple, but beautiful. 

This particular design, actually, was not for a wedding but rather a graduation party.  The design was inspired by the party invitations.  Before adding the topper, this was THE quintessential cherry blossom wedding cake.  I loved the overall look.

Three tiers, round, white with coordinating fondant ribbon trim and hand made fondant branches, leaves and cherry blossoms.  The second tier was an extended tier which just over 6 inches tall to add a bit of height and interest to the overall proportions of this cake.  I wanted it to be clean and simple, yet just a little more interesting.  Every cake designer has at least one version of a cherry blossom cake....so, this was mine.  If you haven't noticed, I love extended tiers.  They are so much more impressive.  In my humble opinion that is.  Not to mention that guests receive a more generous slice of cake.

Here is the cake with the handmade topper for the final look.

See...totally a graduation cake!

Thanks for stopping by!

Flour Girl