Cake pictures any one? Sleep any one?

I can't believe I survived this week!  However, I am grateful.  I wasn't over whelmed with orders, but I had to get back in the groove of "6th grade" life.  I had 2 really great orders.  This is where the title comes in.
Friday began at 5:30 a.m. and ended Saturday at 4:00 p.m.  I was so happy to be finished and to lay down.  I still need rest.  I'm sure all cake decorators understand  sleepless nights.  So do new mothers, doctors, attorneys, college students and I know the list goes on and on.  It's not the decorating, but standing on my feet for that long is what takes a toll on me.  So, I was to tired to think camera, I didn't get pictures!  Don't worry!  My customers are great and will be sending some.

The first cake was a copy of one I have previously done and we changed the colors a little and added some rice paper butterflies.  They loved it.  I hope they enjoyed the flavors.  The bottom tier was Italian Cream Cake, middle tier was Carrot Cake and the top tier was Red Velvet.  All were filled with Cream Cheese Butter Cream and iced with it too.  Here are pictures (from the Chambers wedding I did this summer).  The ribbons and bows on the cake this week end were more of a burgundy color and the butterflies were burgundy and black, blue and black.  Maybe this will give you an idea of  what I worked on.

The second order was for a 3D Horse.  It was a challenge, but I finally got it.  The goofy horse head did not want to stay on.  Every time it was attached, I'd move to a different project, turn around and the head would have flipped off the body.  What was funny about it, was it looked like a baked chicken with out a head.  Other wise, I would have been really frustrated.  The solution was to cut a square Styrofoam piece and cover it with yellow for a bale of hay.  Victory!  Jill, my customer and all her guests loved it.  One of Jill's friends, told me she wanted me to make her next cake-she had to have one.  So, Jill told her it was O.K. to challenge me, I would find a way to pull it off.  Thanks for the vote of confidence Jill.  You're great! As soon as I can, I'll post a picture.

Please pray for me, I have foolishly entered the Tulsa Sugar Art Show next week end and I'm still not sure which direction to go.  How about I get your opinion on which design idea I have.  (I know, most people have already started their designs months ago, but I don't have that much time.)  I'll still put out my best.

Check the side bar for the poll and please let me know what you would like to see.  I would even apreciate suggestions if you have any.  I just might like them more than mine.  Thank you for your opinion!

Before I go I want to share the Cream Cheese Butter Cream recipe I use.  You should give it a try even if you don't like cream cheese!  I actually despise cream cheese, but I could eat this one for days!  YUM!  I found the recipe on Cake Central, so I know it is not a secret and I hope you enjoy it. 

Kathy Finholt from Iowa is the original creator.

Crusting Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened (Land-O-Lakes)
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening ( Sweetex high-ratio shortening)
1 pound cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract (
3 1/2 pounds sifted confectioner’s sugar (C&H Powder Sugar)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
1. Cream butter, shortening, cream cheese and extracts. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar and salt. Beat on low speed until nice and creamy. If you want whiter icing, try to use butter without dyes available at most health food stores.
2. This recipe is for a stiff consistency. For a thinner consistency, use 3 pounds of powdered sugar instead.
3. If you want a very smooth cake, let the cake sit for 15 minutes after icing. Then smooth with the non-printed side of a Viva paper towel.

Week of Wedding Cake and 3D Transportation

It was just as the title states.  I was very busy and even took the week off from teaching my 6 grade class.  Now, I feel as if a trip to Disney could make it all better!  Just kidding, that will come in January!

So, the week began with planning, shopping and a whole lot of baking!  (I see cake pops in my future!)  Many scraps from carved cake.

The first order was a cake I started very early-preparing for an early pick-up.  It worked out.  It was Thomas the Tank for Caleb.  A 3D train for an adorable little guy turning 2.  I got to do his 1st birthday too.  I'll post those pictures as well.  Thomas was a white cake filled with vanilla butter cream and covered with Satin Ice fondant.  The pipe is a boba tea straw covered with fondant.  Thomas' face is made of fondant (tylose).  I made his face by looking at a picture and used a veiner tool.  This is what we ended up with. The wheels are foam core covered with fondant and a fondant (tylose added) "bar" across the wheels.  As you can tell, I know nothing "technical" about trains.  I'm a baker, not a train conductor or engineer.  It's O.K., I like cake.



Caleb's 1'st birthday was a 3D Cowboy story book, with a bandanna smash cake, topped off with a fondant/gum paste horsey.  One of my favorite smash cakes!  Thank you Stephanie for allowing me the opportunity to do both birthdays.  See you next year!

 

























ARE YOU READY TO RUMMMMMMMBLLLLLLE?
Sorry if my deep long drawn out voice just scared you, but that's what I hear when it comes to monster trucks and poor defenseless little cars. ha ha!
It was such a fun cake.  My favorite thing to do were the wheels.  I never thought I could do something like them.   I'll share with you how they are made, you know details!

I didn't get to see Brody come pick up his Grave Digger Monster Truck with the family.  Nor did I see baby Meg, Illena and Bryson.  However, I did hear they really liked it.  I hope they liked the taste as much as the look.  I was happy to find the Blue Thunder (last years cake) and the Grave Digger toy trucks for his birthday.  It was so perfect.  I had to keep taking them away from my girls.  Yes, they were that much fun!  They wanted to keep them.  Of course the answer was NO!

Happy Birthday Brody!  Enjoy your trucks!

So, Illena, will we be doing a different monster truck next year?  I may need to start looking for my next truck model. ha ha

Things you need to make a Monster Truck Wheel:
4-4"x3" vanilla cakes
butter cream
Black Satin Ice fondant (or you can color your own using black gel or paste)
Medium circle cutter
Paint Brush
Small Straight Spatula
Silver Ameri-Color Air Brush paint or Silver Luster Dust
Small and Large silver dragees

1.  To make the center, use the circle cutter and push down to the top edge and remove.  Then use a straight spatula to remove the cake. 
2.  Crumb coat with butter cream
3.  Roll out fondant and cover the top and sides of the wheel.  After it sets up (hardens), make 4-4" circle to cover the bottom of the wheel.  (Just use a little bit of water to make it stick.)
4.   Cut small thin strips of black fondant for the tread.  It should begin at the edge and stop about the center.  Again, be sure the entire wheel has set up.  If the wheel doesn't harden before you do this, it will be a ugly site!
5.  Use silver air brush to paint the center of the wheel.
6.  Add the small dragees for the bolts and one large dragee in the center. (This step should be done right after you paint and it is still wet.)

Taaaaaa Daaaaa!  Now you have 4 Monster Truck Wheels!






Last, but certainly not least.  The Wedding Cake for Kenzie Tucker.  It was an all white cake, filled with vanilla butter cream, covered with Ivory butter cream and an Olive green ribbon boarder.  The flowers were fresh and absolutely beautiful!  My complements to the florist!  The final product was wonderful!  I love fresh flowers on a cake.

Also, there were 5 dozen mini cup cakes.  3 dozen Red Velvet with fondant OU's on them and 2 dozen Banana Nut.  Vanilla butter cream topped them all.  Sorry, I didn't even think to get pictures of them.  They were very cute!

I can't believe it's time to go already.  School tomorrow and more cake supply shopping and so much more.  I think I need a wife!  There is to much to do for just one little ole me!  I'll be back next week.  Feel free to comment, ask questions, or just take a peek.

By the way, I want to say thank you to my mom.  I wouldn't have made it with out you!  Pssst.  I could use a little of your help this week if you are bored and lonely.  If not, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."  No worries.

Cake-N-Cookies

I'm finally stealing a few moments to blog.  My sister Trish informed me I'm a "blog liar", because I didn't blog last weekend.  Isn't she precious!  I know she was being silly-It's normal for us to pick at each other.  I once reported that all was well until some one dropped a house on my SISTER! lol!

Anyway, I went from last weeks orders right into this weeks orders.  I have been so busy, mom is working like crazy and even staying the night to help me out!

Labor Day weekend, our church had an old fashion celebration. So I made the cutest little cookies.  They were almond flavor sugar cookies.  I used royal icing under the fondant to make it stay in place.  Chocolate Fondarific fondant mixed with virgin white Fondx fondant to make the cone.  Then used them separately for the "vanilla & strawberry" ice cream scoops.  The cherry on top is red Satin Ice fondant.  They were pretty yummy.  Unfortunately, most children do not like the almond flavor, but the adults again loved them.  Hey, as long as someone likes them I'm happy.  They were not wasted. 







I also had a last minute order and was happy and excited to do it.  It was a tea pot for a sweet heart named Brooke.  She had the privilege to have her party at a tea room and I understand it was a lot of fun.   The tea pot was chocolate cake with vanilla butter cream.  Yummy!  One of my favorites!  The lid, spout and handle were made from Rice Krispy Treats, covered with fondant and dotted with royal icing.  I used Ameri-Color Air Brush colors for the the paint.  LOVE THEM!  I searched the internet and Cake Central for a whimsical tea pot, but had no luck.  I was actually inspired by Collette Peters with the paint design.  So, as you can see, the final result.

How in the world could I ever forget my favorite student of all time?  Alana!  She is one of my fans and obviously I am one of hers.  She is an amazing young lady who is an incredible pianist.  So, I made a small 7" round for her birthday.  Soon I'll be creating a 3 tier Piano cake for her party.  Each tier will be Baby Grand Piano.   I'm so excited and can't wait!  However, for now, here is the small music cake she enjoyed.  I sent a fork so she and her mom could begin eating it on the way home.  Alana was actually picking the butter cream off and eating it in front of me in my drive way.  What a nut!  Gotta love her!





I began working on Thomas the Tank and I'm almost finished.  I will post pictures as soon as I can.


For now, please have an amazing week.  I'll get back as soon as I can.  I have a wedding this week end so, please pray for me!

Chillin'

I hope everyone is enjoying your long weekend.  I am and plan on enjoying it until Tuesday morning when I show up to the school. 

Last week was not very busy for me.  I made Mike Hogg's OU Schooner.  That was the 3rd time I've been asked to make one.   I'm flattered.  My family and I delivered the cake to The Olive Garden where they were enjoying Mike's birthday.  So, we decided to sit down and enjoy dinner too.  (We were on the opposite side of the restaurant.)  It was so good.  Of course they invited us to join them, but we declined.  I was to tired to entertain as I usually do.  I had stayed up all night to make sure it would be completed.  I still had to teach last week so I worked on it as much as I could.  Thankfully, God gave me all the energy, strength and skill I needed to finish on time.  Thank you God. 

The OU Schooner was a cherry cake with cherry butter cream and covered with Fondx fondant.  I use a knife to make the wood grain and then painted with chocolate brown air brush.  The wheels are foam core and thin wood dowels covered with fondant (still used a knife to make wood grain).  The canopy is held up by wire in side of straws.  It is also made complete of Fondx virgin white fondant.  Finally, the wagons handle is also foam core.  I used the same techniques as I did for the wheels. 

Well, I must go.  I have to get ready to watch OU!  Yippee!!!
I hope you enjoyed stopping by.  Until next week.  I'll have so much more to share.  Lots of work coming up!