Hawaiian Sweet 16

I love that I can do what I do (make cakes, among other things) while supporting a cause that helps save lives! Last year I had the honor of donating a silent auction gift certificate for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Gala in Peoria. And the winner is...a very sweet girl, Emily, who turns 16!

Emily had her idea all ready...she wanted Hawaiian hibiscus flowers and a turtle somewhere. We waffled between purple and blue-green, but eventually landed with the washed up sea foam for the backdrop for the flowers. I am so happy with her choice! Though she didn't need a three tiered cake, we both really liked the look. I made the top tier out of foam so that Emily can have the effect of a big cake and keep part of it for the memories!

I love the blue bamboo sign...so beachy but pretty and delicate too. I used "tiki"-style letters to write the birthday message, complete with little nails. I needed something to make the sign pop so I added the pink and orange hibiscus on the corner.

This little sea turtle is adorable! I wanted to incorporate the flowers and Hawaii into the design. I found a clip art drawing on a similar design and thought it would fit perfectly. I love how it turned out!

Well, Emily, I hope you have an amazing Sweet 16!

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Balinese Box of Orchids

I love working on cakes! And this one just made me smile. This cake was made for my Mom as a birthday surprise. Orchids are her favorite and she spent many years in Indonesia, so I thought I would tuck gumpaste orchids and leaves in a unique Bali-style box on a bamboo base. 

The box itself has "hand-carved" floral details on all sides, and the lid bares a traditional design of a Bird of Paradise bird. The bamboo base was done on a whim, but I love the rustic feel it brings to the more elegant box and orchids. I love how the greens compliment the dark wood of the box and the base.

There was actually cake inside this box: chocolate cake filled with hazelnut buttercream. 

I love little details like the metal accents on this box. I inset little floral medallions on each side and and placed a small handle on the lid. It did not pivot when lifted like some hoped...I am not that crazy! Set into the carved top was a little metal-looking plate that read "Worth far more than Rubies-Prov. 31". This Biblical passage describes how the Godly character of a women is worth so much more than any treasure or beauty. Mom, you have a beautiful heart! Happy Birthday!

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