Baby Bootees!

These are the first bootees I've ever been asked to do...can you believe that? I've seen so many cakes with little shoes on and haven't had the opportunity to make any myself until now. I don't have a fancy cutter so relied on the old Bic biro and a piece of paper to draw a template....I've run out of cardboard! After a few attempts at getting the shapes and sizes right I think I cracked it in the end so the bits of paper will stick around and I'll laminate them to make them stronger and keep them as templates for another time. The design is out of my head and not based on the baby's shoes. The actual cake is a fruit cake which I baked 3 years ago!! The beautiful bride kept it and came back and asked me to do this for her baby boy's Christening. You can view the bootees on my Flickr page too.

It was my pleasure...

...on Wednesday evening to be Guest Speaker at West Calder High School's Awards Ceremony. As an ex pupil of this school and someone who just blended into the background for most of my time there, it was an overwhelming privelige to be able to return as an inspiration to others. How amazing is that? Speaking to a room filled with sugar crafters is no problem at all for me...in fact, I thrive on it. But there I stood on stage behind a podium, saying my prepared speech into a microphone. At the very moment I went to open my mouth, my top lip attached itself to my teeth like I'd taken a swig of super glue. AND...my eyes just wanted to leak! All of a sudden my whole entire life flashed before me and I felt flooded with pride. Not such a bad feeling I have to say...just not one I hoped to share under the spotlight in front of so many clever young people and their parents AND all the teachers too. A HUGE thank you to everyone at West Calder High School for making me so welcome and to Mrs Fleming (Head Teacher) for the guided tour! Congratulations to all the pupils who received an award...and to those who didn't, don't ever forget....neither did I. ;o)

Mexico wedding and Scottish reception!

This lovely couple were married in Mexico and returned to have an all Scottish wedding reception. The sparkle never shows up on the cakes in a photo which is such a shame. I either need a fabulous new camera or simply install better lighting...or both! The border was pretty sparkly and the bride's dress most certainly was. I only have a few more weddings this year as time is taken up doing other things...all sugar related I assure you. On a totally different note, this week I will be revisiting my old High School where I have been invited to present the end of term awards to the students. This is a great privilege for me as a former pupil...many moons ago! I left school 32 YEARS AGO! Walking around the classrooms it all came flooding back and I began to wonder where all that time has gone. Time surely does pass far too quickly, doesn't it!

Need a hand?

This cake has a special meaning to a gentleman who is deaf. When I was asked to do this by his family, I was assured that this sign is not swearing...although perhaps my interpretation of it may tell a different story! I'm hoping that I've got it right for sure! The sign is a private joke between family members so I did not probe any further...except to mention that if I was sued for publicly offending anyone that I would chase after them with my rolling pin!

On a different note...there are still some places left on the Lancashire classes so I am offering 10% discount on group bookings of 5 or more. Some enquiries are just waiting to be confirmed so there may be few spaces available by the end of the week. I'll keep you posted. If you'd like to book for 5 or more, drop me an e-mail and I'll give you more information. Cheers!

Guess who's doing workshops in Florida?

Yes..it's me! The organisers at Pisky Pixie have received many requests for me to do workshops in Florida instead of Brazil next year. As I have also had many e-mails asking me when I'm likely to be there it seems the logical thing to do to change the plan for June 2010 and have the classes in Florida and perhaps if there is interest in Brazil we will do those at a later date. That sound okay? The subjects haven't been decided yet...I've still to get the subjects for Chicago sorted for the classes in March, so once those are done I'll get on to the others. BUT if you are interested in the Florida classes, you can contact me and I will put your name on the waiting list which will be forwarded to Pisky Pixie Sugarcraft nearer the time when you will get the first opportunity to register early before the classes are advertised.

Just head your e-mail FLORIDA and I will add you to the list!

A last minute order!

I agreed on Monday to do this cake for tomorrow even though the only smidgen of time I had available all week was today. Just give me a sob story and a hug and I'm all yours! I never learn...although I'm truly glad that I managed to get this finished in time. Those little lines took almost as long as the figure! I do like lines on a cake though so it was worth the extra time. Hope the birthday boy approves...I know his mum does!

Workshop theme today!

I had a smashing time today doing this pink fairy workshop in my Studio. I was joined by two lovely ladies who kept me smiling all day. We ran over time though and didn't have time to take photos at the end...oops! However, this is what we did and I will no doubt do this class again as we all love pink and sparkly...don't we girls!

Don't forget the Lancashire classes in September! I'm soooo looking forward to those. If you'd like to book a place in September see my website for details.

Elegant beauty for New York in October!

This little lady is most likely going to replace the Farm Animal workshop in New York this October. My Highland Coo isn't as big an attraction as my people but that's no surprise to me. I never saw any Highland Cows the last time I was in America! haha! So I'm happy to teach this instead. You can see more views of her on Flickr...I think you'll like her hairstyle. I thought she looked very young, sweet and elegant...I hope you agree!

To book this class in New York just follow this link. This is the only class left with spaces available so don't delay if you want to do this with me. I look forward to New York in the Winter and seeing you there! :o)

Birthday theme for Canadian classes

Finally I have gotten around to creating the birthday theme for the workshops in Canada in July 2010. I know it's a while away but these projects need to be finalised so that people know what they are registering for. The classes are filling already which is pretty fantastic since they are so far ahead.

There are still some places left for the classes in Austin so if you want to see me there in August this year, get booking now. The Bride and Groom class is full which is no surprise as it is always the first to go. If you want to see more on either of these classes the links are below:

Capital Confectioners - Austin, Lorraine McKay

Flour Confections - Canada, Lorraine McKay

HEADS UP! - NEW TUTORIAL ON SALE TODAY!

At last...my Extra Icing tutorial on how to create the perfect face! "Heads Up!" -This step by step will easily guide you through the process of creating a face to fit an adult, a child and a baby. See how the little differences can achieve the look you need. This tutorial is purely for face and features and does not include the application of hair or headwear. Advice and information is given along the way. Enjoy!