In the Night Garden - Upsy Daisy

Character cakes isn't something that I take on with the greatest of pleasure...but I couldn't refuse this one, more to do with the family than the cake itself. This couldn't really be recognised as my work, could it? At the end of the day, if this makes a little girl happy then who am I to start pouting. It was a nice break from the recent surge of wedding couples I've been making lately, the wedding season (for me at least) will soon be at an end and I will be able to breathe again. I have so much to do and very little time to do it (and so say all of you no doubt too!) but I remain positive and STILL think that another tutorial will be on the horizon before Christmas. "What happened to the Kilty Boy tutorial which was supposed to be released last February??" Well, that's another story....it's STILL unfinished. Why? Because I didn't like his face in the end and couldn't bear to do the write up for it! How ridiculous is that? As I plodded on writing the many MANY steps for that one...I was losing the will to live! It is on the back burner until I can think what I want to do about it so one day it may appear out of the blue. Don't hold your breathe on that one though.

Red and Ivory wedding

Finally finished this weekend's wedding cake. I love this bride and groom. It will be sad to say goodbye to these two but that's how it goes. You can see more views of the cake...with the extra little people!...on my flickr photos. I don't have many more wedding couples to do this year, not for real live brides that is. I'll be teaching plenty in a few weeks in Austin and again in October in London, finishing at the end of the year in New York too. Isn't this year flying by or is it just me? Don't forget to go and have a look at the other views of this cake...you'll love it!

This little one is part of this weekend's wedding cake. I really wanted to show off the lovely diamante trim that I have used on this one. It's a bit of a pain to attach but I really like the effect. It's an easy way to turn something simple into something elegant, don't you think? I left the little girl bare footed on this cake and she will be joined tomorrow by another baby girl, a sleeping one! I've really enjoyed creating this cake. The red is so vibrant and is a personal favourite to use on wedding cakes....how many times do I say "personal favourite" after I create something! But it is. Red and Ivory are very regal. I look forward to seeing the bride's reaction to this one. I'll post the complete cake tomorrow when it's all done and dusted!

Tartan and diamante...wow!

I absolutely loved creating this couple. Purple is my favourite colour in tartan so that in itself made it special for me. On top of that, the diamante trim is just so beautiful, it's just a pity that the full effect of the sparkle doesn't show in a photograph. (now if I had a pound for every time I've said that I'd be worth a bob or two!) This is for a wedding tomorrow. The full cake and other views can be seen on my Flickr It's worth taking a look as there is so much more detail at the back. I've another bride and groom coming up next weekend too with a very vibrant red being used....can't wait to start on that one. Another two cakes as well coming up this week so it's a bit of a cake rush from me for a change.

A wonderful start to the day!

Okay...so he's nothing to do with cakes, but after waking up to Daniel's smile this morning, I thought it only fair to share it! What a wonderful start to the day.

Curly tops!

This little one is part of a workshop I did this weekend. The subject has been taught before but I added a little girl with curly hair as I am always asked how I do it. I will certainly do this class again but probably not until next year now. I have managed to add another class for September this year. I now have 2 classes scheduled for September and one for October which will be held here at my Studio. I will be on my travels again soon, starting with Austin, Texas in August and then to Lancashire in September, London and New York in October/November. So it's a busy time indeed....but I'll try to get to work on another tutorial very soon too and have that out in time for Christmas. At least...that's the plan!

Man's best friend!

Unfortunately I didn't get the time to take a proper photo of this cake as I had to get organised for 3 days of class as soon as I finished this. In fact, I was still sticking stars on the cake when my first student arrived. I particularly liked making the Jack Russell dog...my version of course, just in case you didn't know what type of dog it was. haha! The spec for this one was pencil in overall pocket, mobile phone and dog. So this is it. I think you'll see this dog again....I miss him already!

Workshop fun today!

My little girl looks a tad shocked..don't you think? haha! I had a lovely workshop today with Jennifer Shaw who came all the way from Vancouver, Canada. Time ran over a little but we finished our "Baby Brother" figures and had a good chat along the way. I'm going to add a dog to this project and teach the class again...hopefully in Massachusetts next year. There's a good possibility of me teaching in Vancouver in 2011 too. When I have more information about that date I will keep you posted as always. This week I have 3 class days here at home in my Studio. More dates have been posted of upcoming classes on my website.

LONDON 2 day Workshop - Bride and Groom?

How does October workshops in London sound? Sounds good to me too. I will be returning to London in July to have a look at a brand new venue where I will be able to offer my Bride and Groom over 2 days in October. You will have the opportunity to do one or the other...or both. The first class will be the Bride, based on the picture shown but with a more detailed dress. The second day will take care of the Groom as shown. You will be provided with a covered 6" dummy cake on an 8" board to create your characters. All materials will be supplied...you only need to bring your lunch.

Cost £85 per day OR £150 for 2 days.

The venue is a 5 minute walk from Queensbury Tube Station. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for these classes and have the opportunity to book before the class is advertised then you can e-mail me now. All the information will be available by the 1st August.

Blackpool here I come!

I have so many overseas workshops to look forward to in the coming weeks and months but I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to the workshops near Blackpool in September! I think I have gone on and on about them sooooo much but Blackpool holds some lovely memories for me. This is where we enjoyed family holidays when the kids were little and last year my husband and I returned with our two grandsons to relive those memories. Yes, things change...but a holiday is what you make it and I had a ball! I am returning in September and taking my parents along to enjoy a little break while I fit in two workshops in Pemwortham.

There are still a few places left on both days if you would like to join me. All materials are provided, all you have to do is turn up!