Midnight in Paris

This three-tiered display cake was created for an event for a school fund-raiser, themed "Midnight in Paris". With blue and purple hues, couture fashion, and floral inspirations I set out to create to capture Paris in a cake. I wanted the elements to feel slightly old-world while remaining classically clean. 

The iconic Eiffel Tower was tricky for me to conceptualize and execute. I'm much too fluid and organic for rigid architecture, although I do appreciate it in its own place. I decided on a loose rendition, with painted bronze and silvers.

I had so many flowers to choose from, so I just picked a bouquet of tulips, hydrangeas, roses, lavender, and poppies. I wanted the main selection to be arranged under the Eiffel Tower, all sitting on a tier designed as a striped Parisian hat box.

My client specified a Cartier pocket watch, and I added the chain that wrapped around the base of the tier. I wanted the details and the old-world sliver in the watch to be mirrored in the "Paris" sign underneath. The hand painted silver details on the sign give that classic French feel. I then tied in the floral element on each tier to bring in some continuity among so many different elements.

And just because I love my sugar pocket watch, I'll post a close-up here. I examined picture after picture of antique watches of all kinds to develop my design for this one. So, no it is not really a Cartier, but don't you think it could be? 

I'm pretty sure I could indulge myself in intricate, and quite impractical, details all day long. But, alas, cakes are hardly everything there is in life. For that I am thankful. Life would be tedious and then quickly consumed it this was what it was about.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

To God be the glory,

Carrie

Pin It

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!

Pin It

Happy Nesting!

So...real life has an amazing way of taking over your life, doesn't it? I hate to say it but I have had to actually turn down cakes this spring because I had more important things in real life going on! The most ironic part of life recently is that some of our family members were diagnosed with over a dozen food allergies, including eggs, all dairy, yeast, soy, wheat! Since these are crucial cake and real life ingredients I had to do some major rethinking in the baking and cooking department. We went back to basic survival skills...gathering berries and eating nuts, but I am proud to say that I now have some pretty good allergy-free recipes down!

I was thrilled when I felt settled enough in our new normal to finally accept a cake order! One of my favorite clients ordered a baby shower cake for a friend. I call it "Happy Nesting"...

We went with a blossoming branch topped with a Momma bird and egg snuggled down in their nest. I had made the bird white with pale pink and brown accents but the top needed more weight. I decided to go darker with slightly iridescent hues to bring out a delicate elegance.  The pink pearl-y egg is lightly speckled, perfect for a spring baby girl. A small wooden plaque with a curled piece of paper reads, "Happy Nesting".

A few small feathers peak out from between the nesting material. I love adding these "soft" elements to birds nests, which are especially cozy for a baby shower. And, of course, I had to add some flowers around the nest and the base of the cake.

I love flowers and birds...and branches, too...and I love the way this all came together. It was a relaxing and refreshing way to return to my cake life! Pin It