Saturday, February 28, 2009
Theme: Objects
Couples caked
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wedding with a Moroccan twist
I have to admit I had my entire family in a production line helping out with the pearl-making here, all individually hand-rolled and painted. Love the subtle shine the ribbons add to the edge of each layer, I think it sealed each layer off well.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Love match
I’m a big fan of combining two different cake shapes… wouldn’t mind exploring this further with different designs…especially with three or more layers. Oooh now I’m feeling adventurous... where's my trusty rolling pin...
Theme: Sports
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Dora on a cake!
My first time having a character to work with (which, come to think of it, could have been me as a kid with that short black bob and lil round face) and it was a challenge to make her resemble the real character. I always welcome new cake challenges and this one was particularly satisfying when it turned out like I'd hoped!
Tip: much easier to paint the black hair on than try to knead black dye into fondant.
When she saw the cake, I heard it made the birthday girl stop crying... can't beat that for perks of the job!
(PS. Sorry about the grainy-ness of the picture. Someone played with my camera at the wedding and I don't know what setting has been changed. Hey, lucky I didn't try to start Love and Camera.)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Theme: Flowers
More wedding traditions
This is another tradition that would provide a bit of fun at a wedding, bridal shower, hens night or kitchen tea. What warm-blooded female doesn't harbour some sort of curiosity about what their future holds? This gives them a little glimpse, if only for a fleeting moment soon to be forgotten after the wedding is over... unless it comes true of course!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Love weddings!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
How wedding cakes were born
So how did they come about? Wedding cakes actually symbolised fertility and used to be broken over the bride’s head by the groom (those Ancient Romans had some strange ideas but keep in mind their cakes more closely resembled bread, biscuits or scones... still!).
It was also a sign of good things to pile as many cakes as high as possible (which were brought by each guest) and have the bride and groom kiss over the top – as long as they didn’t knock them over (those Ancient Romans must also have had good balance).
The crumbs of cake that subsequently fell onto the floor were also a sign of fertility and upcoming nuptials for guests who could manage to grab a few to eat. I have to say our throwing-the-bouquet tradition today is much more hygienic but probably equally as dangerous!
I have all the respect in the world for traditions that have been handed down and followed for centuries, but I love living in this day and age where wedding cakes are the grand elaborate things they are and can take any shape, size or form that reflect the couple and theme of the wedding. I enjoy witnessing how brides decide on what cake suits them perfectly - which design would be the ONE cake that would say it all for them. What a delectable challenge!
The cakes we have today are a product of French influence who took what the Romans had and prettied them up – no surprises there! Gateau, anyone?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Theme: Children's
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Theme: Presents
Cakes for the caker
More interesting cake traditions
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Theme: Names and numbers
Pat a cake, Pat a cake, baker's man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Pat it and prick it and mark it with a 'B'
And put it in the oven for Baby and me
One of those things you think 'that's how it's always been' but all those hundreds of years ago, it was the thing to do and then became a tradition... If anyone can find out who started it, you get a cupcake!
Wonder when we started putting people's ages on the cake too, or is that just me...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My first double layer
Theme: Heartshapes
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Gather the masses
There’s something about cakes that brings people together. Apart from having to physically be in the same room to share in it, it provides a focal point to an event, adding a certain special touch - perhaps some validation of the specialness of the occasion, if nothing more.
Being able to give a cake to someone, especially one that you’ve put your time, effort and imagination into, was a joy that I never realised the volume of before taking up this hobby. That, I think, was the high that kept me coming back for more (or maybe I'm just addicted to cake? hehe). I believe it’s a way of showing affection, designating someone as special, letting them know it's their day… and that’s what I love about it.
Being invited to contribute a cake to someone's big day is something else altogether, be it a birthday, engagement, wedding, or even an engagement-turned-wedding! That brings with it an immense feeling of privilege and honour, and is always always rewarding.
I encourage anyone to give it a go if you’re even half thinking about it. No time cake decorating is time wasted!
The more fluff the better!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine’s Day!
So here’s to you… Happy Valentine’s Day!
The cake that started it all
Love at first roll
I wish I could tell of some earth-shattering moment that marked my first steps into the world of cake decorating… but I can’t. (Maybe I might have started this blog sooner!) Instead, it was a very ordinary day, and I was the unsuspecting victim. But had I known what I was in for, I would have gladly been a victim earlier. My life has never been the same since… and neither has my kitchen!
How to place an order
If you have a special occasion coming up and would like to place an order, or if you just have an insatiable craving for a cake, please drop me a line at loveandcakeshop@gmail.com. We can have a chat about any ideas you have... I'd love to help you bring your cake dreams to life! (Metro Sydney region only)
Also, $5 from every cake will be donated to WSPA - the World Society for the Protection of Animals http://www.wspa.org.au/. The fight against animal cruelty is such an important cause and one that I wholeheartedly support. WSPA is one organisation that does great things when it comes to saving animals who can't save themselves. Thank you, WSPA!