tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82711877085303518172024-03-14T00:33:51.694-07:00The Fashion CakerAn edible ode to all things beautiful in design....a thank you to the designers who inspire me everyday!joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-28230684569639504702015-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:002015-10-25T13:20:47.622-07:00Edible Lace Fashion Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DA1H7ZAKPPXWI90&field-keywords=Magic+Decor" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27qmqj1BZuw/VXsLeQtP6rI/AAAAAAAADXE/W7GAKN6jVbc/s400/dark%2Bmagic%2Bdecor%2Bcake.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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I know I talk a bunch about the products <a href="http://www.in2food.com/" target="_blank">in2food</a> carries....but that's because we have some really good ones! So now I want to fill you in on a new one....<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DA1H7ZAKPPXWI90&field-keywords=Magic+Decor" target="_blank">Magic Decor</a>!</div>
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I cannot even count the amount of times a bride has asked me to incorporate lace from her dress into the cake.....probably a million!;) This stuff makes my job a whole lot easier.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DA1H7ZAKPPXWI90&field-keywords=Magic+Decor" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-995q6OBr2sY/VXsOR00L4FI/AAAAAAAADXQ/7ApzLVGS6Po/s400/410nDwFBjUL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now there are a few edible lace products on the market, but this one is the easiest to work with. It can be baked for 6 minutes in a low temp oven or dried at room temp for 3 hours. No more waiting overnight!!</div>
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So let's make a fashion cake shall we! </div>
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Lace is a huge part of the fashion world....especially in the bridal market....</div>
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Carolina Herrera...</div>
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This is EVERYTHING!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.carolinaherrera.com/en/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkWyrWMzg40/VXsPZc3xERI/AAAAAAAADXY/nNYZzGoEpBc/s640/Loathe.CarolinaHerrera.Resort2011.2.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Marchesa....</div>
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<a href="http://www.marchesa.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--m2rVhlSOTY/VXsPp-rlTjI/AAAAAAAADXw/73XRO1bynis/s640/20120217-205639.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Zuhair Murad....</div>
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<a href="http://www.zuhairmurad.com/pages.aspx?pageid=1321" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9d0S7Zfoo0I/VXsPpx5RxnI/AAAAAAAADXo/a5j5UDds2DQ/s640/1.0x0.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And of course my favorite....</div>
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McQueen....</div>
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<a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XE2q4uQWXak/VXsPpx_8QVI/AAAAAAAADX0/U41zPOSTy3g/s640/SL.15.2011.9.75a%25E2%2580%2593f_mcq.1814.AV1.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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There is fashion inspiration for days.</div>
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Magic Decor is very simple to make. You just add water, stir until thickened, and spread into the mat!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DA1H7ZAKPPXWI90&field-keywords=Magic+Decor" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8sp3MymyVg/VXsQNd4w_MI/AAAAAAAADX4/TrYWAWWDuR8/s400/41W08PpF9JL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is one of the mats. They are thin and very detailed.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIoq7mFf_6g/VXsR5go5SVI/AAAAAAAADYM/f_EaAjSFxAs/s1600/IMG_5892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIoq7mFf_6g/VXsR5go5SVI/AAAAAAAADYM/f_EaAjSFxAs/s400/IMG_5892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once the product is mixed with water, you spread it over the mat.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQlhKhWe-Sw/VXsSfKeuy0I/AAAAAAAADYU/mCo7_cN4xrQ/s1600/IMG_5895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQlhKhWe-Sw/VXsSfKeuy0I/AAAAAAAADYU/mCo7_cN4xrQ/s400/IMG_5895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used a small offset spatula to spread it around.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmpiRFgLlEQ/VXsSfdZ1Q2I/AAAAAAAADYc/kUr8WLv96rY/s1600/IMG_5896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmpiRFgLlEQ/VXsSfdZ1Q2I/AAAAAAAADYc/kUr8WLv96rY/s400/IMG_5896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once the mat is covered, I use a bowl scraper to remove the excess.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C3vCUgxvQk/VXsTqp-16LI/AAAAAAAADYs/eVTcGJJk2sg/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C3vCUgxvQk/VXsTqp-16LI/AAAAAAAADYs/eVTcGJJk2sg/s400/IMG_5898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GejiGvGq0pE/VXsTqxZnVeI/AAAAAAAADY0/DKVSel6_Y5s/s1600/IMG_5899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GejiGvGq0pE/VXsTqxZnVeI/AAAAAAAADY0/DKVSel6_Y5s/s400/IMG_5899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Make sure all the excess is removed! The only white you should see is the design itself.</div>
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Now bake at 180 degrees F for 6 minutes. The package comes with instructions on how to bake. I had to adjust it for my oven.</div>
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NOTE* This will vary for everyone. All ovens heat differently. I messed up the first couple of attempts until I got it right. If you let it bake for 6 minutes, and it's still a bit wet, leave it for a couple more.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DS2fUGmItaQ/VXsTqqfG7pI/AAAAAAAADYw/NKiEDlCXm18/s1600/IMG_5901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DS2fUGmItaQ/VXsTqqfG7pI/AAAAAAAADYw/NKiEDlCXm18/s400/IMG_5901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtDyIlTdgTQ/VXsU2s1GkPI/AAAAAAAADZU/ASI1ynebHyg/s1600/fase08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtDyIlTdgTQ/VXsU2s1GkPI/AAAAAAAADZU/ASI1ynebHyg/s400/fase08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pull the finished product out with the mat up side down. This will allow you to pull the mat and not the lace. The lace is durable but you don't want to take any chances of it ripping!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLIoZhMGuzQ/VXsTweKZjcI/AAAAAAAADZE/fhM0qQqhLOE/s1600/IMG_5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLIoZhMGuzQ/VXsTweKZjcI/AAAAAAAADZE/fhM0qQqhLOE/s400/IMG_5903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bxx1UMNq-0/VXsTwu8RFjI/AAAAAAAADZI/ySf96dDgDco/s1600/IMG_5904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bxx1UMNq-0/VXsTwu8RFjI/AAAAAAAADZI/ySf96dDgDco/s400/IMG_5904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The lace is flexible and will wrap around a cake easily. Once you have made the Magic Decor lace, store it in an airtight container until you are ready to use it. Otherwise, it will dry firm after a day or so and be stiff.</div>
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I made the lace in white but you can color the mix. I prefer to airbrush it. </div>
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Here are a few of my finished pieces.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idKl29J3_24/VXsVyWKLGpI/AAAAAAAADZc/FH9YpTT10OU/s1600/MDcakwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idKl29J3_24/VXsVyWKLGpI/AAAAAAAADZc/FH9YpTT10OU/s640/MDcakwe.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIE6koCRNok/VXsWCiaIIiI/AAAAAAAADZk/RlkJPmVy2HI/s1600/bluecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIE6koCRNok/VXsWCiaIIiI/AAAAAAAADZk/RlkJPmVy2HI/s640/bluecake.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iunLywR0Hxk/VXsWrY6GXEI/AAAAAAAADZs/BwKCEwfcgOA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iunLywR0Hxk/VXsWrY6GXEI/AAAAAAAADZs/BwKCEwfcgOA/s640/1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pn5-61UiUU/VXsW1zjs3HI/AAAAAAAADZ0/Wq-7Fmu21QE/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pn5-61UiUU/VXsW1zjs3HI/AAAAAAAADZ0/Wq-7Fmu21QE/s640/1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu847yDvXio/VXsXMqhG21I/AAAAAAAADZ8/qsDQvoNZGb4/s1600/magic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu847yDvXio/VXsXMqhG21I/AAAAAAAADZ8/qsDQvoNZGb4/s640/magic1.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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Yay!!</div>
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A big thanks to <a href="http://www.americancakedecorating.com/" target="_blank">America Cake Decorating Magazine</a> for publishing my Mustang Robot Cake for the Rev Heads collaboration.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0sk3lM5uLj0/VXsXm5tup1I/AAAAAAAADaE/aDIrITMU0vE/s1600/img134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0sk3lM5uLj0/VXsXm5tup1I/AAAAAAAADaE/aDIrITMU0vE/s640/img134.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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He was fun to make.</div>
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Another huge thank you to <a href="http://www.dessertprofessional.com/" target="_blank">Dessert Professional Magazine</a>! I was named one of the top ten cake designers in America! Woo Hoo!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrTTRRjL3PI/VXscsY3oHVI/AAAAAAAADaY/6V6ORR4mWe4/s640/IMG_0898.PNG" width="358" /></a></div>
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Speaking of Magic Decor....I will be teaching this cake at <a href="http://www.nicholaslodge.com/" target="_blank">Nicholas Lodge'</a>s fall open house in November. Click on the cake for info. Bye!</div>
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<a href="https://www.nicholaslodge.com/index.php?option=com_dtregister&Itemid=548&eventId=222&controller=event&task=individualRegister" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoqHJrD2Opo/VXsdty3OepI/AAAAAAAADao/3qH2eA3XDiI/s640/Joshua_2015-_2.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-66440104141254161452015-06-12T09:30:00.000-07:002015-10-25T13:19:56.795-07:00Chanel and Chocolate Tiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEJWNA3KZtU/VXr34db2LyI/AAAAAAAADU8/ULHXQYSolKM/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEJWNA3KZtU/VXr34db2LyI/AAAAAAAADU8/ULHXQYSolKM/s640/9.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Sorry I have been absent for a while! But I am back with lots to share. I came across this video of the making of a Christian Dior bag. I love it because it's something I have always wondered about....but also because it reminds me of what I do. Look at all the work and detail that goes into this purse.....</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ixBYyTYZvYQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixBYyTYZvYQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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This is why they are so expensive! The same amount of time and effort goes into a cake....especially a wedding cake. That is why we charge the prices we charge!</div>
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A couple months ago I was asked by <i><a href="http://www.cakecentral.com/" target="_blank">Cake Central</a></i> to create a cake based on this Chanel look.</div>
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<a href="http://www.chanel.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoAIKeGHdUE/VXr-tKw6eVI/AAAAAAAADVM/arj0ejZaDJs/s640/image.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Cool right? It's like a hipster's version of the little black dress. I was drawn to the colorful square tiles...so that's exactly where I took my inspiration.</div>
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As I have mentioned before, I work for a food importer, <a href="http://www.in2food.com/" target="_blank">in2food</a>. We carry a line of silicone molds from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Formaflex-Silicone-Mold-Savarin-Square/dp/B00WKIU3CA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1434126136&sr=8-7&keywords=pavoni+square" target="_blank">Pavoni</a> and I have the perfect one for this project!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Formaflex-Silicone-Mold-Savarin-Square/dp/B00WKIU3CA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1434126136&sr=8-7&keywords=pavoni+square" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3e9OD7Thkg/VXr_9QOiigI/AAAAAAAADVY/gqt5Dvvyy7g/s400/QIHrO8aTnyYXNmsW4xgTGM_4BEIBOUs-6SGMEh_TLhI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Its called Savain Quardrato....no I can't pronounce it either;) </div>
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So I want the idea of the tiles, but I don't want to just cut out squares. I need some dimension! I am going to make truffles in this mold to use as my decoration.</div>
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I think spatter paint is the way to go.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MQq80oN8z8/VXsBne5Z_VI/AAAAAAAADV0/BYHh_mtWzIE/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MQq80oN8z8/VXsBne5Z_VI/AAAAAAAADV0/BYHh_mtWzIE/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have loaded a couple piping bags with colored chocolate. Now I cut the tip and splatter the chocolate into the mold in a random pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgzcx8jdUOY/VXsBnfLn0VI/AAAAAAAADVw/WraUMDcV1iA/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgzcx8jdUOY/VXsBnfLn0VI/AAAAAAAADVw/WraUMDcV1iA/s400/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SpRPVO3qTk/VXsBmwezakI/AAAAAAAADVo/cfdqid0aKiM/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SpRPVO3qTk/VXsBmwezakI/AAAAAAAADVo/cfdqid0aKiM/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is another one I did in purple and green.</div>
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Now before you fill the mold with chocolate, scrape off the excess colored chocolate.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhirAyxoq5o/VXsBuRgZxbI/AAAAAAAADWQ/mYrKdMF9MpY/s1600/IMG_6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhirAyxoq5o/VXsBuRgZxbI/AAAAAAAADWQ/mYrKdMF9MpY/s400/IMG_6089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now make the truffles and once set, turn them out.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiCjOy41siU/VXsBrOLgjsI/AAAAAAAADWA/GImUx1Rv6rs/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiCjOy41siU/VXsBrOLgjsI/AAAAAAAADWA/GImUx1Rv6rs/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ta Da!!....the tiles are born. I just used chocolate to glue them to the fondant.</div>
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Here she is....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bu_TAAX9DgI/VXsDMvH-eQI/AAAAAAAADWY/Z0d9UlF3JqY/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bu_TAAX9DgI/VXsDMvH-eQI/AAAAAAAADWY/Z0d9UlF3JqY/s640/6.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cN26Z_pvbt8/VXsDTUeD2zI/AAAAAAAADWo/VQ3yPufAm4c/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cN26Z_pvbt8/VXsDTUeD2zI/AAAAAAAADWo/VQ3yPufAm4c/s400/11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7w-UXOoDeQ/VXsDTSmD8yI/AAAAAAAADWs/jg6LVfwQ0TI/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7w-UXOoDeQ/VXsDTSmD8yI/AAAAAAAADWs/jg6LVfwQ0TI/s640/10.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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She came out pretty good! You can see I tried to vary the colors of the tiles to get a fun and avante garde kind of look.</div>
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That's all for now.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jW8H3cPhSqE/VXsFdyGGaCI/AAAAAAAADW0/dgYfDgu0qVY/s1600/Joshua_working.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jW8H3cPhSqE/VXsFdyGGaCI/AAAAAAAADW0/dgYfDgu0qVY/s400/Joshua_working.tif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-36190888456559746902014-05-10T10:14:00.002-07:002015-06-12T07:51:46.313-07:00To Margaret...my hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wskczNoRwXc/U24zA91ObtI/AAAAAAAADAA/0R68UM3-o0U/s1600/200727_1003339758577_5744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wskczNoRwXc/U24zA91ObtI/AAAAAAAADAA/0R68UM3-o0U/s1600/200727_1003339758577_5744_n.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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The picture above is a cake I made for my cousin Jenn's wedding....look familiar? It was based on<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cakewalk-Adventures-Sugar-Margaret-Braun/dp/0847823342/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399741085&sr=8-3&keywords=cakewalk" target="_blank"> <i>Baroque in Patent Leather</i></a>, a cake that graces the cover of this beautiful, inspiring, and (at least for me) life changing book.....</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cakewalk-Adventures-Sugar-Margaret-Braun/dp/0847823342/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399741085&sr=8-3&keywords=cakewalk" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqTactDdxms/U24yJnoitzI/AAAAAAAAC_k/vIA4hjm6fpI/s1600/cakewalk.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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I made Jenn's cake when I was a baby cake designer. I was living in New York at the time and was totally obsessed with the woman I call my hero.....<a href="http://www.margaretbraun.com/" target="_blank">Margaret Braun</a>! If you don't know who Margaret Braun is....first of all....shame on you!...and secondly...she is the woman who changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it is true.</div>
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In 2002 (I was in college a the time), I found this book. I must have read the book 100 times in the first week. I was consumed with ideas and found myself practicing my piping skills everyday. I would tape a piece of parchment paper to my dorm room wall and practice over and over using toothpaste. What? Listen, I was a poor college student and toothpaste is cheap....and it actually looks and pipes like royal!....but you have to get the super cheap, pasty kind.</div>
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Now, 12 years later.....here is what my book looks like today....</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cakewalk-Adventures-Sugar-Margaret-Braun/dp/0847823342/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399741085&sr=8-3&keywords=cakewalk" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31yUdkGR1u0/U24yN_x1hcI/AAAAAAAAC_4/NSi_oLHeVTY/s1600/IMG_5359.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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She's been through it....just for the record, I eventually bought another copy so I could try to preserve what was let of this one.....because it is SIGNED!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfKm8ZRsTSQ/U24yN67gSJI/AAAAAAAAC_0/9iOe3zLCxws/s1600/IMG_5360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfKm8ZRsTSQ/U24yN67gSJI/AAAAAAAAC_0/9iOe3zLCxws/s1600/IMG_5360.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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...and yes...I have had many, many adventures in sugar! She signed my book at a demo at Macy's in NYC. As a young cake designer....it was one of the best days of my life. So naturally, much of my early work looked very Margaret-like......</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy9C7DpWxzo/U24zA4tgNII/AAAAAAAADAE/tS5MEykoFp4/s1600/199499_1003337078510_6342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy9C7DpWxzo/U24zA4tgNII/AAAAAAAADAE/tS5MEykoFp4/s1600/199499_1003337078510_6342_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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God this picture is old! Sorry for the quality..I think I used a disposable camera. </div>
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The best thing about <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cakewalk-Adventures-Sugar-Margaret-Braun/dp/0847823342/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399741085&sr=8-3&keywords=cakewalk" target="_blank">Cakewalk</a></i>, is that it taught me to be fearless and try to push the limits of cake design. It gave me chance to understand the importance of detail and develop my own style! This is when I understood that MY cakewalks were the fashion shows, magazines, and pop culture I loved to obsess over. I started to pull inspiration from everything around me.</div>
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Okay enough about me....let's talk about the work. Here are a few of my favorites from Margaret...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTsl5fk6_8s/U24yG5kqHvI/AAAAAAAAC_A/mhli_Y8pORo/s1600/c21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTsl5fk6_8s/U24yG5kqHvI/AAAAAAAAC_A/mhli_Y8pORo/s1600/c21.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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Seriously, she even managed to reinvent the polka dot!</div>
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Chalice toppers are a signature Margaret statement.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baDO0fcPuUk/U24yJ_mHb0I/AAAAAAAAC_o/JoEXUlca9_I/s1600/pic102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baDO0fcPuUk/U24yJ_mHb0I/AAAAAAAAC_o/JoEXUlca9_I/s1600/pic102.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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I love this fashion cake by Margaret....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8ik8-tb3x8/U24yGs1jvQI/AAAAAAAAC-8/mJ37dKj7gUg/s1600/063009-couture4-300x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8ik8-tb3x8/U24yGs1jvQI/AAAAAAAAC-8/mJ37dKj7gUg/s1600/063009-couture4-300x400.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Gorgeous! It was inspired by Italian designer<a href="http://www.renecaovilla.com/en/" target="_blank"> Rene Caovilla.</a>...check out this shoe he designed...</div>
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<a href="http://www.renecaovilla.com/en/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tz5lEVsROfM/U25LLsIcHWI/AAAAAAAADAU/gupsWQ6AH8o/s1600/I-Wan-Rene-Caovilla-Fuchsia-Pink-Rhinestone-Embellished-Sandals-for-Spring-2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is everything!...cake inspiration for days!!</div>
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And we can't forget her movie work...</div>
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<i>Meet Joe Black</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCziXphjnv8/U25Lrw0Ds8I/AAAAAAAADAc/bwUmBiNPahk/s1600/mjb1_555.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCziXphjnv8/U25Lrw0Ds8I/AAAAAAAADAc/bwUmBiNPahk/s1600/mjb1_555.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Bride Wars</i></div>
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And this showstopper from <i>Rachel Getting Married</i>....</div>
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That could not be more awesome!</div>
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A couple weeks ago, a friend asked me to create an over the top baby shower cake....something that didn't scream BABY! Ha....so no blocks or strokes. I was looking though my fashion archives and realized this was the perfect time to pay respects to the woman who I have always looked up to!</div>
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Margaret is known for her sculpted tiers, hand painted cakes, and signature cake toppers. I have to get all three things on this cake.....and my added touches with some fondant texture.</div>
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I started by sculpting the top edge of each tier...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYl8ICUAz2A/U25OTeOdjAI/AAAAAAAADBE/ELztOEAih9o/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYl8ICUAz2A/U25OTeOdjAI/AAAAAAAADBE/ELztOEAih9o/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I run my knife along in a wave pattern. Then I coat the cake in white chocolate ganache.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbhRkKTeU9A/U25OTHW0IWI/AAAAAAAADBA/Db_PtiYUTVM/s1600/IMG_5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbhRkKTeU9A/U25OTHW0IWI/AAAAAAAADBA/Db_PtiYUTVM/s1600/IMG_5264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know...it looks funny....stay with me...</div>
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Next I smooth the ganache, cover in fondant, and use my fingers to pinch and define this top edge.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv7TtHr4OK8/U25OTgmL2GI/AAAAAAAADBM/A8_ygzVuHZM/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv7TtHr4OK8/U25OTgmL2GI/AAAAAAAADBM/A8_ygzVuHZM/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I add some texture...you guys have seen this before in my <a href="http://thefashioncaker.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Stella McCartney cake</a>....</div>
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It's time to paint....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlTVFWHlIt8/U25PBT2vPoI/AAAAAAAADBo/pOIWrQSfRck/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlTVFWHlIt8/U25PBT2vPoI/AAAAAAAADBo/pOIWrQSfRck/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am using pink food coloring, white to tone it down, and then a lightly damp craft sponge to wipe the color off.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9POxGu0oQo/U25PpjS1bFI/AAAAAAAADB0/mhpBxxSf6xU/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9POxGu0oQo/U25PpjS1bFI/AAAAAAAADB0/mhpBxxSf6xU/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I paint color into the lines....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1CYeitteyQ/U25P9qpy1mI/AAAAAAAADB8/E9BtEzfSzcU/s1600/IMG_5283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1CYeitteyQ/U25P9qpy1mI/AAAAAAAADB8/E9BtEzfSzcU/s1600/IMG_5283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I use the craft sponge to wash the color over the surface...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBNW2pq-6ZE/U25P90BOP-I/AAAAAAAADCA/j2mftbAArdM/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBNW2pq-6ZE/U25P90BOP-I/AAAAAAAADCA/j2mftbAArdM/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I added some embellishments. Once again....it still looks a bit crazy...stay with me;)</div>
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Let's talk about the topper. I need to make an ode to a chalice without actually making a chalice. I am gonna try to make a golden rattle. I start by making a chocolate piece from my<a href="http://www.in2food.com/" target="_blank"> Pavoni</a> mold. It needs a hole though so I can feed it through the dowel. I am gonna use a bubble tea straw.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TddAi7NgOPY/U25Q23YpyRI/AAAAAAAADCg/_Z0DlMox3Eg/s1600/IMG_5252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TddAi7NgOPY/U25Q23YpyRI/AAAAAAAADCg/_Z0DlMox3Eg/s1600/IMG_5252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I dip the straw in chocolate...</div>
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Place it into the top of the mold and hold it to dry so it remains level....</div>
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Then I popped the top off and filled the mold with chocolate....</div>
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Okay I got a couple air bubbles but I'm gonna gold leaf this thing so it won't matter.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDxNAaVCkDI/U25SbYUN9SI/AAAAAAAADDo/wr9G3i_JX7I/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDxNAaVCkDI/U25SbYUN9SI/AAAAAAAADDo/wr9G3i_JX7I/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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The cake is stacked and ready to paint....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vnko1gW15Q/U25TIrvzq0I/AAAAAAAADEE/yYhE3UGv1kA/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vnko1gW15Q/U25TIrvzq0I/AAAAAAAADEE/yYhE3UGv1kA/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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With the middle tier I wanted to add some polka dots but in a different way than Margaret does them. So I gave them some texture...</div>
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I also added some bows based off this cake Margaret made for Puff Daddy's baby shower....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVkL3-J0s-w/U25TXQmjbXI/AAAAAAAADEM/eqeep4x2lMI/s1600/d9f4ceeb_diddycake_105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVkL3-J0s-w/U25TXQmjbXI/AAAAAAAADEM/eqeep4x2lMI/s1600/d9f4ceeb_diddycake_105.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's coming along!! Here is the finished topper....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzjQfBHs9m4/U25TsjyovrI/AAAAAAAADEY/JYawYpMDWtg/s1600/IMG_5315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzjQfBHs9m4/U25TsjyovrI/AAAAAAAADEY/JYawYpMDWtg/s1600/IMG_5315.JPG" width="155" /></a></div>
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I just continued to paint until there was nothing left!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EBVqzP0JcE/U25UFifDazI/AAAAAAAADEo/nXeXDh3z-LI/s1600/IMG_5313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EBVqzP0JcE/U25UFifDazI/AAAAAAAADEo/nXeXDh3z-LI/s1600/IMG_5313.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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And here she is all together....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iul1pmoAjkw/U25UDrW1AuI/AAAAAAAADEg/o9EkuJVXkc4/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iul1pmoAjkw/U25UDrW1AuI/AAAAAAAADEg/o9EkuJVXkc4/s1600/2.JPG" width="324" /></a></div>
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Yay! I love her! And she made it on TV!.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBfZTQ2Nasc/VXrw2VxCGFI/AAAAAAAADUg/G2bfvWBBMYE/s1600/IMG_0892.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBfZTQ2Nasc/VXrw2VxCGFI/AAAAAAAADUg/G2bfvWBBMYE/s640/IMG_0892.PNG" width="358" /></a></div>
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The cake was for Kim Z. from<i> Don't Be Tardy </i>on Bravo! I also got the chance to meet Margaret again in person!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DdB6j2jRs20/VXrw2BNw1dI/AAAAAAAADUc/iX2LzGAIzKY/s1600/IMG_0893.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DdB6j2jRs20/VXrw2BNw1dI/AAAAAAAADUc/iX2LzGAIzKY/s640/IMG_0893.PNG" width="358" /></a></div>
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Here was my cake from her class.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEsiPdYmjQ0/VXrxww3g0BI/AAAAAAAADUs/Jm6grhbBZw8/s1600/IMG_0894.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEsiPdYmjQ0/VXrxww3g0BI/AAAAAAAADUs/Jm6grhbBZw8/s640/IMG_0894.PNG" width="358" /></a></div>
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I would like to send a huge thank you to <a href="http://www.margaretbraun.com/" target="_blank">Margaret Braun</a> for being my hero, giving us this amazing book, and allowing me to do this blog post.....because....by the way....Margaret is super down to earth....watch this Master Class....</div>
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That's all for now;) Bye!!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-44363980243958189632014-03-30T17:08:00.000-07:002014-03-31T15:14:59.897-07:00Truffles and Shoes (Christian Louboutin)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCNWJ3UlmrA/UziXa2QxqnI/AAAAAAAAC4c/wFpfxOUbuqE/s1600/close+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCNWJ3UlmrA/UziXa2QxqnI/AAAAAAAAC4c/wFpfxOUbuqE/s1600/close+2.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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This post is dedicated to<a href="http://www.christianlouboutin.com/" target="_blank"> Christian Louboutin.</a> He is a household name so I don't have to explain how he is the shoe master. Here's a bit from Wiki...<br />
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<a href="http://christianlouboutin.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dl5yr8COdw/UziZLeUqR4I/AAAAAAAAC7w/W6uVpok3uDU/s1600/b87fe528-913a-381e-a4d7-a499bfd53930.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.2px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="background-color: #444444;">Louboutin helped bring stilettos back into fashion in the 1990s and 2000s, designing dozens of styles with heel heights of 120mm (4.72 inches) and higher. The designer's professed goal has been to "make a woman look sexy, beautiful, to make her legs look as long as [he] can."While he does offer some lower-heeled styles, Louboutin is generally associated with his dressier evening-wear designs incorporating jeweled straps, bows, feathers, patent leather, red soles and other similar decorative touches. He is most popularly known for his red-bottom high heel shoes, commonly referred to as "sammy red-bottoms." Christian Louboutin's red-bottom colour code is registered as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantone" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Pantone">Pantone</a> 18-1663 TPX.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">Despite being known for his celebrity clients, he rarely gives shoes away – offering discounts instead to his high-profile fans. This policy also extends to his personal family, because he feels that giving shoes away as gifts is unimaginative.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;">His single biggest client is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danielle_Steel" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Danielle Steel">Danielle Steel</a>, who is reputed to own over 6,000 pairs and is known to have purchased up 80 pairs at a time when shopping at his stores.</span></div>
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Wow, I want my own Pantone color! And Danielle Steel, can you start buying some cakes please?!;)<br />
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<a href="http://christianlouboutin.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0Sb4X6ftjs/UziXi3-IXYI/AAAAAAAAC40/Sr7wErXaH78/s1600/download+%25281%2529.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://christianlouboutin.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5uCIOmb-Ta0/UziXi19C8YI/AAAAAAAAC44/ZcsavIkHPSA/s1600/download.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://christianlouboutin.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1oDMbtG3Ec/UziXjZzci6I/AAAAAAAAC5M/DLUQfXXsGYo/s1600/images.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are everything!</div>
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I love these too! Stop looking!;)</div>
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His men's collection is fun. I will take a pair of the red and the green;)</div>
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And these babies above are 8 inch heels. I think you have to be Black Swan to wear them!</div>
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Here is the one that sealed the deal!!!... love those studs!! It's like shoes with rainbow jimmies (or sprinkles...whichever you call it)</div>
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<a href="http://christianlouboutin.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCIqoZM5iic/UzilT3YBvMI/AAAAAAAAC8o/E8DdP_oni-w/s1600/th+(1).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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So as you can see....amazing style with lots of detail. I really am digging the studs. And I think I know just the thing to make.</div>
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I started with a company called<a href="http://www.in2food.com/" target="_blank"> in2food </a>(and yes...it's supposed to be lower case) in November as their creative guy. I get to travel around and put on presentations using our products....sweet gig (pun intended). We import chocolate, chocolate decorations, and many other pastry products from Europe and Asia.....things you couldn't just find in an American store. One of the lines we carry is called <a href="http://www.pavonitalia.com/gestore.php?var0=eng&var1=Products&var2=COLLECTIONS" target="_blank">Pavoni</a>. They are a company based in Italy with some seriously awesome molds! </div>
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<a href="http://shop.in2food.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JM94fSuhS2Q/UzibBnwXaoI/AAAAAAAAC78/_5xNxBK-_34/s1600/PX029_a.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
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The shapes are fun and inventive...this is a dessert made from the Pavoflex molds. I need something small though, like a truffle mold to create my studs (well... over the top studs).</div>
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<a href="http://shop.in2food.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHJIYfoZtF0/UziXjViPS5I/AAAAAAAAC5E/uXv8kEIMgkU/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" height="299" width="400" /></a></div>
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This truffle is not the shape I am looking for but you can see how unique the shapes come. Here are some splatter paint truffles I made for a presentation last month......</div>
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Pretty fun!! The mold I used is called Formaflex Micro Savain Quadrato.....sounds fancy;)</div>
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Okay let's get started....</div>
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I chose this mold (Praline Mold Diamante) because I love the shape and I think it will look cool as an exaggerated stud. I melted some white coating chocolate and dyed it pink. I don't like to add gel or liquid color to chocolate because it will start to thicken. I used this pink powder color and add a small amount of oil to make a paste. The oil works great because it will not thicken the chocolate and it also allows all the color to "bloom". If you were to add just the powder to the chocolate, it would have little pink flakes.<br />
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Now that the truffles are made, we can start on the cake. I only want one tier with the studs, so I need to make the other two something fun, but not overshadowing.</div>
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I have always wanted to make a cake that looks like this.... speaking of black swan...I bet she's wearing those 8 inch heels!</div>
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<a href="http://alexandermcqueen.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dvJXE8pEjo/Uzid-pep7rI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/pekhSiivSYo/s1600/th.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
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Yes....it's McQueen...of course;) Since I am using chocolate, I decided to use another medium that is used in desserts (you know, something other than gumpaste or fondant). Coconut!!! Note here....you have to use the large flake coconut to achieve this look.</div>
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I start by smearing an area of the cake with royal icing and then patting it with my spatula to get a rough effect...</div>
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Good. Now I push handfuls of the coconut shavings into the royal icing.....this is a little messy but super fun!</div>
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As you can see.....it doesn't look like the swan dress....but it's a start. I do this first to get a good base and then I add pieces to get the look I want.....<br />
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I am also using rice paper (wafer paper) to add larger pieces. I cut various strips...</div>
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Then I pull them against my scissor blade to curl them....it's like curling a ribbon....but be super gentle!!</div>
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Now I am going to add the curly pieces and more coconut by hand. I pipe bits of royal protruding out....this will give a bit of volume to the texture....</div>
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Then hand place my pieces....I know...I am ridiculous...I like tedious work;)</div>
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Now that looks way better. I left the space at the top to add a crystal ribbon and then work my way up to it.</div>
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Let's glue the truffles...one at a time with royal. You can see I added some texture to this tier.</div>
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It looks really fun but not enough...this is Louboutin....it's got to be over the top. I am going to add some white truffles where the texture is...</div>
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YYYEEEEESSSS!!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHiOykW6ly4/UziXi7KZCSI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/tmd_4v2NSHk/s1600/truffles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AHiOykW6ly4/UziXi7KZCSI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/tmd_4v2NSHk/s1600/truffles.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here she is all together!! Drum roll please....</div>
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It's a bit of a departure from my piping and throwing gold on everything!</div>
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If you wanna see more from <a href="http://shop.in2food.com/" target="_blank">in2food</a> just visit the online store here. Oh, and I will be doing some "how to" videos next month for our<a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=in2food&sm=3" target="_blank"> Youtube </a>channel. I will keep you posted. </div>
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Don't forget the <a href="http://www.thefashioncaker.blogspot.com/p/my-craftsy-classes.html" target="_blank">"Craftsy Classes</a>" button at the top. And also, if you wanna get updates just add your email to the top right corner.....or follow we on<a href="http://facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>,<a href="http://instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"> Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/joshuajohncakes/" target="_blank">Pinterest,</a> or <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/92026823@N06/" target="_blank">Flikr</a>.</div>
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That is all for now! Bye!</div>
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-48633908297055889792014-03-15T09:18:00.002-07:002014-03-17T06:40:04.376-07:00Velvet and Valentino<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.valentino.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-np_Cp3RG8vw/UyOe0Scm8iI/AAAAAAAACy8/l0RRDqFNzS0/s1600/Natalia-Vodianova-in-Valentino-red-dress.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
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Can we just talk about this photo for a minute? Perfection! This is one of the many reasons I love the work of this man. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Garavani" target="_blank">Valentino Garavani</a>.....or as we know him...just Valentino. He became known in his early design years for this bright and rich color red. The color now has it's own name....Valentino Red.</div>
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Here are a couple of my faves...</div>
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<a href="http://www.valentino.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-SnjNluxrE/UyOg5NEFJqI/AAAAAAAACzU/wMRz7UBGk4Q/s1600/imagesYTSLLN0B.jpg" /></a></div>
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This already looks like a cake! I love the piping.....surprise, surprise!</div>
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I love this look too....</div>
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<a href="http://www.valentino.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXJb84z47Bc/UyRahJ1WBaI/AAAAAAAACzw/rqWSBoXX73A/s1600/Karlie-Kloss-in-Valentino.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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And THIS is everything....</div>
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<a href="http://www.valentino.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtrICm41iWo/UyRbvuwG6EI/AAAAAAAACz4/4eZtgfi5jGc/s1600/1_08style1a.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the latest fashion show. There is a ton of cake inspiration here with the color blocking, large scale patterns and clean lines....</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ud77cIZiNsE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This is the look that became my inspiration....</div>
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<a href="http://www.valentino.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gBv5qWR1kc/UyReYB9AGnI/AAAAAAAAC0E/2BBMsNyiy2c/s1600/jac+valentino+red+dress+fall+2010+rtw.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I am a sucker for a photo that looks like it is in motion. I love the movement in the garment!</div>
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It's a dramatic statement in a simple way. So I will definitely be using the red color, the ruffles, and maybe add a touch of gold.....I am putting gold on everything at the moment!...even my desserts...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggV240j2wBI/UyRfULXCQHI/AAAAAAAAC0M/eNnrzmSBaTc/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggV240j2wBI/UyRfULXCQHI/AAAAAAAAC0M/eNnrzmSBaTc/s1600/7.JPG" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>
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Yes...that's a golden blackberry! I'm obsessed.</div>
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Since the fabric of this piece is not a pattern, I need to create some sort of texture to break it up a bit. This brings me back to <i>A Cake Fit for McQueen</i>.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0FIKfBz9fU/UyRgKlAzD6I/AAAAAAAAC0U/mKq4spI7onA/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0FIKfBz9fU/UyRgKlAzD6I/AAAAAAAAC0U/mKq4spI7onA/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Remember this texture from the top tier of the cake? I never showed the technique and now is the perfect time. </div>
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I will start by covering both of my cake tiers in red fondant. I was going to mix my own red but <a href="http://www.fondarific.com/" target="_blank">Fondarific </a>has a great red with the same bright color as Valentino....</div>
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<a href="http://www.fondarific.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_bjzmPtguE/UyRhFUBxBuI/AAAAAAAAC0c/igYFStiz4L8/s1600/$(KGrHqJ,!loFJ)PIUG(BBSc8!DkRGw~~60_3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also, because we are doing a texture treatment on one of the tiers, we need a fondant that will not dry out so fast. So this will work great.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bV4igGdUgWE/UyRibb4-JCI/AAAAAAAAC2M/4gBvEEKRr_I/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bV4igGdUgWE/UyRibb4-JCI/AAAAAAAAC2M/4gBvEEKRr_I/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are going to work on the bottom tier right away because it has the texture treatment. Using a patchwork cutter, I will emboss the cake in a...well..."organic" way;) </div>
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This is the cutter....it's the <a href="http://www.globalsugarart.com/large-daisies-cutter-by-patchwork-cutters-p-18287.html" target="_blank">Large Daisy Patchwork Cutter.</a></div>
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Push the cutter into the cake just until the lip touches the surface. Then pull away.....</div>
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Then continue along. Keep in mind, this is not a "perfect" application.....it should look wild and spontaneous! As you can see in the photo above, I have a fondant smoother to hold the tier in place while I use the cutter. This will allow you to push in without the cake sliding, or getting any hand prints on top.</div>
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Okay now for the gold. So usually I mix my gold really thick like paint so I can guild my piece and get an amazing shine. This, though, will be a color washing....so I mix it every thin...</div>
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So the idea is that, you run the brush over the cake and the gold mostly gets trapped in the nooks of the cutter marks....looks like fancy wrapping paper;)</div>
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Now I put the tiers together and add some ruffles to the top tier....</div>
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We need to make the ruffle "pop" though. I am going to mix some thicker gold to detail the ruffles....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FEXQFnNaec/UyRiWyfX7NI/AAAAAAAAC2A/SSfBJxV2yVQ/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FEXQFnNaec/UyRiWyfX7NI/AAAAAAAAC2A/SSfBJxV2yVQ/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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YES! A couple extra touches and we are done! I added some piping and a butterfly to round it out. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_cL_GTRwQY/UyRmG-UqyJI/AAAAAAAAC2g/3l_XRfutBkQ/s1600/one.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_cL_GTRwQY/UyRmG-UqyJI/AAAAAAAAC2g/3l_XRfutBkQ/s1600/one.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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She's finished!!</div>
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Now a couple of announcements....</div>
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<li>If you want the latest updates and posts, subscribe by adding your email in top right corner of this page.</li>
<li>Also, you can follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or<a href="http://instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"> Instagram</a> or <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92026823@N06/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. And for more dessert inspiration, you can follow my new company <a href="http://instagram.com/in2foodinc" target="_blank">in2food on Instagram</a>.</li>
<li>I have a tool line coming out this year that I am super excited about. I will post links when they arrive through <a href="http://www.countrykitchensa.com/" target="_blank">Country Kitchen Sweet Art</a>.</li>
<li>If you want discounted classes on Craftsy, you can use the "<a href="http://www.thefashioncaker.blogspot.com/p/my-craftsy-classes.html" target="_blank">Craftsy Classes</a>" button at the top of the page. I will update that list as classes are released! </li>
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Lastly, I will be teaching in Canada in September with Karen Portaleo....</div>
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<a href="http://icinginspirations.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/karen-and-joshua-class-duo-september-13th-14th-15th-and-16th-2014" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtdE071uUaI/UyRoG4BFbqI/AAAAAAAAC20/GsDLZbc0Qz4/s1600/karenjoshduoclass_large.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the cakes. Click on the picture for more information. It's gonna be fun!!</div>
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Bye!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzKFgVQmm8A/UyR0lPvpX-I/AAAAAAAAC3Y/FQkL_uFIc0o/s1600/three.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gBv5qWR1kc/UyReYB9AGnI/AAAAAAAAC0I/7FYPc5d7sqA/s1600/jac+valentino+red+dress+fall+2010+rtw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gBv5qWR1kc/UyReYB9AGnI/AAAAAAAAC0I/7FYPc5d7sqA/s1600/jac+valentino+red+dress+fall+2010+rtw.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzKFgVQmm8A/UyR0lPvpX-I/AAAAAAAAC3Y/FQkL_uFIc0o/s1600/three.JPG" height="320" width="222" /></div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-20502814542116335132014-02-02T08:54:00.000-08:002014-02-02T08:54:02.458-08:00Doir, Hermes, Marchesa!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0j43z0VBkOE/Uu5fYZK1VxI/AAAAAAAACiU/i7ePKVfvcGI/s1600/1010211_10201927340279940_759916223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0j43z0VBkOE/Uu5fYZK1VxI/AAAAAAAACiU/i7ePKVfvcGI/s1600/1010211_10201927340279940_759916223_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have to begin this post with some exciting news. My zipper cake was featured in <a href="http://www.weddingstyle.com/" target="_blank">Grace Ormonde</a>! And it got a full page (see above).....so exciting. Okay enough bragging;)</div>
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Recently I was asked by my friends at Sashay events to create a cake for a photo shoot. Naturally, I went straight to my fashion archives to find the perfect inspiration! But this cake ended up with a few different inspirations. I couldn't decide on just one.</div>
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My first ideas came from the house of <a href="http://www.dior.com/" target="_blank">Christian Dior.</a>....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBbKbE-fdaU/Uu5hbF5WS5I/AAAAAAAACio/ikM3oxnoUF8/s1600/diordress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBbKbE-fdaU/Uu5hbF5WS5I/AAAAAAAACio/ikM3oxnoUF8/s1600/diordress.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXIoQ2gYrow/Uu5hbKK_JUI/AAAAAAAACik/7j7WvzuVJQc/s1600/doir2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXIoQ2gYrow/Uu5hbKK_JUI/AAAAAAAACik/7j7WvzuVJQc/s1600/doir2.png" /></a></div>
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As you can tell, I am feeling the gold and white! I have always loved Dior, not only for the designs....but also for the shows. Here is one of my favorites. All of the dresses were inspired my flowers! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3knNv3wJBMA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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That couldn't be more awesome! Seriously, cake inspiration for days. Here is another look that I love. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lY4_YTu0yPU/Uu5jVHC6vPI/AAAAAAAACjA/f7usU7R5JrM/s1600/dior4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lY4_YTu0yPU/Uu5jVHC6vPI/AAAAAAAACjA/f7usU7R5JrM/s1600/dior4.jpg" /></a></div>
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So I am thinking white with a gold pop....something simple and textured with a dramatic statement. I have also had this <a href="http://www.hermes.com/" target="_blank">Hermes</a> bag in my collection of pictures for a while now.....</div>
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<a href="http://www.hermes.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSyIM3-fZz0/Uu5jVIWvuQI/AAAAAAAACjM/iAmrlYu_iyE/s1600/Stylish-Discount-Hermes-Birkin-35cm-Crocodile-Skin-Leather-Bag-6089-Rice-White-Gold-Hardware-1064.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Simple and all about the texture. I have done texture like this many times and I keep going back to it because it's so chic. Then, I found this <a href="http://www.marchesa.com/" target="_blank">Marchesa </a>look....</div>
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<a href="http://www.marchesa.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoU89XBIb_4/Uu5jVFkaqUI/AAAAAAAACjQ/p5nNDEPQE1I/s1600/marchesa-couture-white-beaded-corsettop-gown-product-1-4229745-749537105_large_flex.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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White and gold it is!! I want to make a simple and clean looking cake with texture and a dramatic hand made gold statement. I started with this tool from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Daddios-Silicone-Flower-Veiners/dp/B00821YT3I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1391358156&sr=8-4&keywords=fat+daddio+silicone+veiner+daisy" target="_blank">Fat Daddio</a>....</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Daddios-Silicone-Flower-Veiners/dp/B00821YT3I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1391358156&sr=8-4&keywords=fat+daddio+silicone+veiner+daisy" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vn6ehQaBfFU/Uu5m-t5BjKI/AAAAAAAACk8/IgxehBBX-Kc/s1600/daisy.png" /></a></div>
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First, I rolled out some gumpaste...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpRkxShxZuM/Uu5lWhRmWRI/AAAAAAAACkU/bMZWp3se3CQ/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpRkxShxZuM/Uu5lWhRmWRI/AAAAAAAACkU/bMZWp3se3CQ/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I cut out some circles and placed in the mold...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwaCA6o_yUg/Uu5k9Mker_I/AAAAAAAACjc/VkPd7djgqzc/s1600/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwaCA6o_yUg/Uu5k9Mker_I/AAAAAAAACjc/VkPd7djgqzc/s1600/IMG_3015.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then stamp...</div>
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Perfect....kind of. See the mold will distort the circle a bit, so you have to re cut the design after you stamp....</div>
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I did graduated sizes and staked them....</div>
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Good....but not enough. I also added some textured pieces cut with an iris cutter and some using this little diamond cutter from <a href="http://www.countrykitchensa.com/" target="_blank">Country Kitchen</a>....</div>
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Here is the whole band put together....</div>
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Now I cut the whole thing in half to create a band to go along the bottom tier....</div>
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Yeeeessss!!!</div>
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Now for the gold! I use this product from Albert Uster....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LanxAvsDPoU/Uu5pr2qzudI/AAAAAAAAClY/l7zCPF-b_CA/s1600/ad8870004a086dd484958a0120ead603.image.200x132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LanxAvsDPoU/Uu5pr2qzudI/AAAAAAAAClY/l7zCPF-b_CA/s1600/ad8870004a086dd484958a0120ead603.image.200x132.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can find this at <a href="http://www.nicholaslodge.com/">www.nicholaslodge.com</a>. I mix a bit with a little vodka (you can use lemon extract or even lemon juice if you cannot use alcohol).</div>
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Now there's a statement! It came out great. I also made this little broach from the same cutter....</div>
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And here she is.....drumroll please!!!</div>
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Yay!! Okay speaking of the Hermes bag.....here is a link to my friend Elisa Stauss' class on Craftsy, where you can learn to make your own bag! Click the picture and it will take you to the class.</div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/Russell_152_CP" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJuNwoNrUdM/Uu5soUzOTdI/AAAAAAAACmI/qqoXVvqlTIk/s1600/full_9114_designer-handbag-cakes-1375833696771.jpg" height="151" width="320" /></a></div>
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And you can learn more about fondant textures in my class Fashion Inspired Fondant! Here is the link to the class for a discount!!!....</div>
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One more thing. At the top, the is a button labeled "Craftsy Classes!!"....I have added discounted links for my classes and my friends classes. Enjoy!</div>
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That's all for now. You can subscribe by entering your email at the top right!</div>
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Bye!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-32762431907308461932013-12-17T14:45:00.000-08:002013-12-17T14:50:37.271-08:00Christmas Remix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilwpcdOC-Tg/UrDF-FYUk-I/AAAAAAAACYg/_jZ68GyqKWQ/s1600/vsecret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilwpcdOC-Tg/UrDF-FYUk-I/AAAAAAAACYg/_jZ68GyqKWQ/s1600/vsecret.jpg" /></a></div>
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Okay sorry for the half naked picture...but the <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/" target="_blank">Victoria's Secret</a> fashion show was just on and I couldn't resist. I watch every year. It's the only time you can watch a fashion show on prime time television! Everything else is you have to search for on YouTube.<br />
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So last year around this time, I was featured on a couple different blogs to promote my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy </a>classes. I didn't get a chance to post them myself so I thought I would do that this year!<br />
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The first one I did was on cake pops. Here is the recipe.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Christmas Tree and Santa Hat Cake Pops<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 cups cake crumbs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ cup icing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">24 oz. chocolate (candy melts, red, white, green)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pop sticks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holiday sprinkles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First you will need to crumble the cake into a bowl.</span></div>
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Then add the icing and mix. Keep in mind, all cake is not created equal! So you may need more or less icing. Just make sure that you achieve a "cookie dough" texture.</div>
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Now form the pops into the shapes you want. I made spheres and cone shapes.</div>
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Then place the shapes in the cooler for at least 2 hours. From there, I work one or two at a time, leaving the rest in the cooler. Dip the pop stick in chocolate and then into the cake pop. This will ensure that the pop stays on the stick while you are dipping the whole thing.</div>
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Then dip the pop. I am using colored candy melts.<br />
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If you are making Christmas trees, you will need to sprinkle them before the chocolate sets. This will give the illusion of ornaments!</div>
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Too cute.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G65u--Vi3AE/UrDIE_bVDCI/AAAAAAAACaM/GjldU2lZodM/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G65u--Vi3AE/UrDIE_bVDCI/AAAAAAAACaM/GjldU2lZodM/s320/9.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Here are a couple others I made including Santa and elf hats and ornaments.</div>
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I poked holes into a cake drum to stand the pops upright for presentation.<br />
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The next one is a project that will help cut costs...cause gifts can be expensive!</div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Edible Holiday Gifts</strong> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an
instructor for Craftsy, it’s my job to teach people techniques that will
further their culinary careers and hobbies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a friend and family member, however, I am the one who is always
required to bring dessert to an event…..and really, I don’t mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why every holiday season, I not only
whip up treats for the parties, I try to make everyone a special gift from my
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now anyone can just follow a
recipe and hand it over in a decorative tin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m going to show you how to make something unique and also how make it
look like it came out of the pages of a magazine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Decorative Boxes<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Packaging can
be expensive…..especially around the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So here is a way to make some customized boxes that are inexpensive,
simple and beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is what
you need….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plain white boxes (Container Store)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rubber stamps (you can use whatever
design you like but choose one you will reuse often!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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stores….they last a long time)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAa-_HlQyXY/UrDL_0fYfJI/AAAAAAAACa4/NtZzNngpvoI/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAa-_HlQyXY/UrDL_0fYfJI/AAAAAAAACa4/NtZzNngpvoI/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is super easy. Just make sure you stamp the boxes while they are flat, let them dry, and then fold them.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irw2FOD9kGA/UrDMxuSTcuI/AAAAAAAACcc/VYCv0Um2224/s1600/stamps1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irw2FOD9kGA/UrDMxuSTcuI/AAAAAAAACcc/VYCv0Um2224/s320/stamps1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now to fill the boxes. These are a couple of my easy recipes. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Peppermint Bark 3 Ways</em> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peppermint
Rice Cereal Treats<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Swirled
Peppermint Bark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peppermint
Diamonds<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Peppermint Rice Cereal Treats<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 cups cocoa
rice cereal treats<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 cups
marshmallows (mini)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Tablespoons
butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 to 5 candy
canes (crushed)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7 to 8
peppermint patties (chopped)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Additional
chocolate and crushed peppermint for the bark and diamonds<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First
you will melt the butter and candy canes over medium heat until dissolved<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add
marshmallows and continue to stir until melted<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add
cocoa rice cereal and patties and stir until incorporated<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then
turn out onto a siplat or parchment paper and spread thin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once
this sets we are going to spread chocolate over the top and break it up to look
like traditional bark</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nX-3Q_Gg2Gw/UrDMv01FV6I/AAAAAAAACcU/1pE0zZU5maE/s1600/rice+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nX-3Q_Gg2Gw/UrDMv01FV6I/AAAAAAAACcU/1pE0zZU5maE/s320/rice+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the more traditional bark, I just melt dark and white chocolate and drizzle them together on parchment paper.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cQAGCAypb8/UrDMAf8946I/AAAAAAAACbA/zLd4a3E_ftE/s1600/bark1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cQAGCAypb8/UrDMAf8946I/AAAAAAAACbA/zLd4a3E_ftE/s320/bark1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then swirl them together with a skewer and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Once set, I break them up by hand.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBhJUd06oDQ/UrDL_rd0oRI/AAAAAAAACa0/_sStLWGvlEI/s1600/bark2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBhJUd06oDQ/UrDL_rd0oRI/AAAAAAAACa0/_sStLWGvlEI/s320/bark2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For a variation, I use the remaining chocolate, mixed with crushed candy canes, to place in a diamond mold from <a href="http://www.fredandfriends.com/" target="_blank">Fred and Friends</a>. This is a great site to get a funny gift too!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyIGuAvBhy8/UrDMOFwLlVI/AAAAAAAACbU/xZ_16vMPrnQ/s1600/diamonds2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyIGuAvBhy8/UrDMOFwLlVI/AAAAAAAACbU/xZ_16vMPrnQ/s320/diamonds2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ta daa!! Now here is an important note. You will need to place the treats in a plastic bag or liner before placing into the boxes. This will keep the boxes from getting greasy! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVVw6rUAikc/UrDMj2QZwRI/AAAAAAAACb8/akxNv3tB5hI/s1600/gifts2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVVw6rUAikc/UrDMj2QZwRI/AAAAAAAACb8/akxNv3tB5hI/s320/gifts2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See, gift giving doesn't have to break the bank.</div>
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Okay here is the last one!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Chai Tea Whoopie Pies<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pies-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ½ cups all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 teaspoon baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ teaspoon baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ teaspoon nutmeg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons instant Chai Tea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 stick butter (1/2 cup)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place all ingredients into a stand mixer fitted
with the paddle attachment <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix on low until all ingredients are combined<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With a small ice cream scoop, dish scoops of
dough onto a nonstick tray or silpat at least 2 inches apart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake for 10 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the pies are baking, you can whip up the filling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Filling-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cup marshmallow fluff<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 stick butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place all ingredients in a stand mixer with the whip
attachment and whip on high for one minute.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now let's put them together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TUl_QhTGmM/UrDQyLTGS5I/AAAAAAAACdg/ph1tL2iVdhU/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TUl_QhTGmM/UrDQyLTGS5I/AAAAAAAACdg/ph1tL2iVdhU/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So easy! These are really good too! <br />
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Okay that's all for now....more fashion cakes to come! Subscribe for the latest updates!</div>
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Bye!!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-40743154111178863482013-11-20T15:29:00.000-08:002013-11-20T15:35:13.056-08:00Stephane Rolland inspired<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFEJdOg7E3s/Uo0sS6HKfEI/AAAAAAAACQU/pl0omA64bbk/s320/Stephane-Rolland-Paris-Haute-Couture-6.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
Oh Lord, this dress is amazing! I have been following the work of an incredible designer named <a href="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" target="_blank">Stephane Rolland</a>. His work is like no other. His dresses are chic, sculptural, and modern with gorgeous silhouettes and styling.<br />
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Here is what Wiki has to say.....<br />
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<a href="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xvG6pcGtEo/Uo0tHoQNFnI/AAAAAAAACQc/tKSb7ZSUrNw/s1600/220px-StephaneRolland.jpg" /></a></div>
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At the age of 20 Rolland joined Balenciaga and within a year was promoted to the position of Creative Director of menswear and international licenses. At 24, he left Balenciaga to start his own prêt-à-porter company, which he ran for six years, until he was asked to become artistic designer for the haute couture fashion house formerly owned by Jean-Louis Scherrer, a position he occupied for the next ten years.<br />
Rolland simultaneously worked as a costume designer. In 2006 and 2007, he was nominated for the prestigious Molière awards and became an official partner of the Cannes Film Festival.<br />
On the 2 July 2007, Rolland presented a couture collection under his own name.<br />
Rolland is a full member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and therefore his brand can officially bear the "haute couture" label.<br />
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And his work speaks for itself......look.....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_dMrYZvkg/Uo0sFz9u1YI/AAAAAAAACQE/-LcchNiq39o/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_dMrYZvkg/Uo0sFz9u1YI/AAAAAAAACQE/-LcchNiq39o/s1600/dress.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwL1DfoOf5M/Uo0sF6mfAoI/AAAAAAAACQQ/9bzSQxtNzrI/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwL1DfoOf5M/Uo0sF6mfAoI/AAAAAAAACQQ/9bzSQxtNzrI/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihmNxFJzKhI/Uo0sF208kNI/AAAAAAAACP8/f9ogIXVbiBc/s1600/thCA9XK0MI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihmNxFJzKhI/Uo0sF208kNI/AAAAAAAACP8/f9ogIXVbiBc/s1600/thCA9XK0MI.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPeIkG30mFM/Uo0sGc_JZ0I/AAAAAAAACQM/U3I9PdJzhtM/s1600/thCAMQL0XP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPeIkG30mFM/Uo0sGc_JZ0I/AAAAAAAACQM/U3I9PdJzhtM/s1600/thCAMQL0XP.jpg" /></a></div>
Okay this yellow dress makes me want to be a better person. Seriously! You have to see the back though....<br />
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Here is a link to the show. It's dress number 27 (there is a counter in the bottom right corner), and she turns around at 8:45. Can you tell I am bit obsessed! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dnc0sCjUsb0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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So that said, I will be doing a post using this dress as inspiration in the future! But for now, I have a job to do.<br />
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Two friends of mine contacted me early in the year and asked me to make their wedding cake. Julie and Tex....here they are...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qx1zOLpQd4/Uo0vTUF3dwI/AAAAAAAACQo/BuWCFhlML7Y/s1600/1452147_563370257066765_2036581995_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qx1zOLpQd4/Uo0vTUF3dwI/AAAAAAAACQo/BuWCFhlML7Y/s320/1452147_563370257066765_2036581995_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Such a sweet photo! Julie and I used to work together at Highland Bakery. She was our office manager and had to take countless orders and deal with all the crazy brides;) So I was very happy that it was her turn to make an order for a wedding cake and not have to take one!<br />
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This is her dress...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbIwLIydSxs/Uo0vTrsbFwI/AAAAAAAACQ0/27HBaULM5rE/s1600/1000602_10202431879501420_512931792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbIwLIydSxs/Uo0vTrsbFwI/AAAAAAAACQ0/27HBaULM5rE/s320/1000602_10202431879501420_512931792_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Gorge! And the ruffles bring me back to my first point....Mr. Rolland. I sketched a few designs with his designs in mind....however, this is a wedding.....so I had to tone it down and create a beautiful and sweet cake.<br />
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So Julie like the first sketch with multiple desserts.....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDrvV7ym0Sk/Uo0xyfgC3RI/AAAAAAAACRA/4MKs8IEuaGw/s1600/sketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDrvV7ym0Sk/Uo0xyfgC3RI/AAAAAAAACRA/4MKs8IEuaGw/s320/sketch2.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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As you can see the main cake is totally inspired by this look....<br />
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<a href="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYE53tdAt34/Uo0yERu80qI/AAAAAAAACRM/3XKVZMkUz3Y/s320/NIEVES~1.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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...but the ruffles would be in more of a heart shape.<br />
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Julie was drawn more to the cake in this sketch though, because she likes the idea of entire tiers covered in ruffles....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8sjXsEQLL0/Uo0xyKvrOqI/AAAAAAAACRI/M3TPwJEan30/s1600/sketch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8sjXsEQLL0/Uo0xyKvrOqI/AAAAAAAACRI/M3TPwJEan30/s320/sketch1.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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It didn't matter to me either way. I wanted to make all of it!!! <br />
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So the design is final and off to work. Much of the techniques in this cake are things I have shown before so I am going to focus on a couple of the flowers....they are the color pop!<br />
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I don't make traditional flowers usually. I like to make what I call "Fashion Flowers", like in this cake....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODChgs02G-U/Uo0zFi6OCmI/AAAAAAAACRY/hs1Us34SzW8/s1600/coopteach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODChgs02G-U/Uo0zFi6OCmI/AAAAAAAACRY/hs1Us34SzW8/s320/coopteach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And these....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjbj55qaj-0/Uo0zglh9qFI/AAAAAAAACRs/TjkvL5ax9aI/s1600/best1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjbj55qaj-0/Uo0zglh9qFI/AAAAAAAACRs/TjkvL5ax9aI/s320/best1.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s567F0CP6eA/Uo0zMdNOS_I/AAAAAAAACRk/edIP-f1F2lE/s1600/allysoncake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s567F0CP6eA/Uo0zMdNOS_I/AAAAAAAACRk/edIP-f1F2lE/s320/allysoncake.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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You probably recognize this cake. It's a rework of Kim Zolciak's wedding cake. It's become a popular design!<br />
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Any who, the flowers are super easy to make and have a dramatic look.<br />
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The larger flowers begin with these spheres on a wire.<br />
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I cut a round of gumpaste and paint the back with piping gel.</div>
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Then I adhere the gumpaste to the sphere....</div>
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Now I paint that with piping gel and dip it in white jimmies or sprinkles....whatever you call them...</div>
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Then I add petals.</div>
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I cut the same gumpaste round and ruffle the edges with a ball tool....</div>
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Done! I also made then in orange.</div>
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I don't really like to make filler flowers but I needed something small to create for drama. Julie had some white cranberry looking buds in her bouquet. So I decided to make something similar. I made these little ovals and sprayed them with Ideal Lacquer Spray. It's a product from Albert Uster and I got it from <a href="http://www.nicholaslodge.com/" target="_blank">International Sugar Art Collection</a>. This is where I get most of my supplies...and they will ship!!!</div>
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Then I make them each a calyx.</div>
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lengthen the edges...</div>
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Then define the point with the Dresden tool...</div>
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A little piping gel....</div>
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stab it....</div>
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And done</div>
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Looking good. Here are the rest of the flowers....</div>
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I also made some roses and billy balls.<br />
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And here is the cake!!!.....<br />
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It came out great! Here are some other shots.....<br />
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<img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XSnciGT6lg/Uo055lBK-BI/AAAAAAAACWI/Qx-lRGzoQaU/s320/flowers+two.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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Thank you to Julie and Tex for letting me be part of your big day! Also, thanks to <a href="http://www.stephanerolland.com/" target="_blank">Stephane Rolland</a> for your inspiration and beautiful designs!</div>
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Also a huge thank you to <a href="http://www.norfolkbatterupcake.com/hand-crafted-cake-stands.html" target="_blank">Batter Up Cake Co</a> for the amazing cake stand!!! Click on the link for the website! </div>
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<a href="http://www.norfolkbatterupcake.com/hand-crafted-cake-stands.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.norfolkbatterupcake.com/hand-crafted-cake-stands.html" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXxrtWra7aw/Uo1G-pZgOWI/AAAAAAAACXI/pkBYIKpgtKk/s1600/9352802.jpg" /></a></div>
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So in other news....</div>
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I am brainstorming at the moment to create a new class for <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/JJR_GiftMyClass" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> next year. I wanna know your thoughts! What do you guys want to see. You can email me at <a href="mailto:joshuajohncakes@gmail.com">joshuajohncakes@gmail.com</a> or leave your ideas in the comment box below. </div>
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Speaking of <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/JJR_GiftMyClass" target="_blank">Craftsy</a>, you can gift my class <em>Modern Piping</em> to anyone for the upcoming holidays! Here is the link....</div>
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<a href="http://craftsy.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a92f158a7021a67edea420266&id=cbd4089c46&e=b8156147f2" target="_blank"><img alt="http://craftsy.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a92f158a7021a67edea420266&id=cbd4089c46&e=b8156147f2" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxdKOw77uMQ/Uo1AAaLkq8I/AAAAAAAACWw/Qlg2feJ2svI/s1600/pic.png" /></a></div>
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Also I wanted to share a photo with you all from <a href="http://icinginspirations.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Cake Carnival</a> in Kitchener, ON Canada. It was a great event. <a href="http://www.karenportaleo.com/" target="_blank">Karen Portaleo</a> and I will be going back next year to teach as well. I will post it as soon as we know the dates...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvlSrHQ4e8w/Uo1AsZc1LbI/AAAAAAAACW4/uR-DQzkudqA/s1600/goofy1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvlSrHQ4e8w/Uo1AsZc1LbI/AAAAAAAACW4/uR-DQzkudqA/s320/goofy1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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We are so silly. This was the project! Super fun.</div>
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That's all for now!!</div>
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Don't forget to follow me on Facebook for updates <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell">www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell</a></div>
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Bye!</div>
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-10998252132725204572013-09-27T14:36:00.000-07:002013-09-27T14:36:50.469-07:00The mini collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1RvyAb1miU/Ui9OPJn_XOI/AAAAAAAACJA/sRdFeZKeygI/s1600/one.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1RvyAb1miU/Ui9OPJn_XOI/AAAAAAAACJA/sRdFeZKeygI/s320/one.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When Craftsy first asked me to guest blog, I was super excited! Then I found out I would be making a birthday cake for myself.....still excited.....and totally stumped! It's like asking a hair stylist to cut their own hair (which I know some of them do). But I have never made a birthday cake for myself. I am always the one to make the cake for my friends and family.<br />
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Over the past few years, my friends have taken turns trying to make me the most ridiculous birthday cake possible. This is one that my friend Heidi made for me a couple years ago.....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LAJfaO-5Tc/Ui9ORv5nzjI/AAAAAAAACJM/61P2leSdxmo/s1600/two.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LAJfaO-5Tc/Ui9ORv5nzjI/AAAAAAAACJM/61P2leSdxmo/s320/two.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Tiniest birthday cake ever! I put it next to an 8 inch round so you can see just how little it is.<br />
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So what to make?? Well there are no rules here (at least I don't think) so I have decided to go in a different direction. As a blogger myself (<a href="http://www.thefashioncaker.com/">www.thefashioncaker.com</a>), when I get inspired by a runway show or magazine shoot, I come up with an idea and make a cake that reflects the inspiration. Now I am not a fashion designer (maybe one day;), but I have always dreamed of making a collection. So that is exactly what I am going to do.....only in sugar! Hey, it's my birthday cake, right? If I am going to spend my birthday making a cake, I am going to make something I love!...not something that say's "Happy Birthday Joshua"!<br />
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I decided to start with one of my favorite things in the fashion world.....windows! I love seeing windows dressed for the season. <span id="goog_1122547913"></span><a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/" target="_blank">Alexander McQueen<span id="goog_1122547914"></span></a>, of course, is one of my favorites. I'm a bit obsessed! Here are a few....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipaAj2schVo/Ui9XdglYyRI/AAAAAAAACJo/lySdWaWnwo8/s1600/mcqueen-savage-beauty-4-dresses-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipaAj2schVo/Ui9XdglYyRI/AAAAAAAACJo/lySdWaWnwo8/s320/mcqueen-savage-beauty-4-dresses-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nup0DiFjH38/Ui9Xa8SxqMI/AAAAAAAACJg/OOh-kdfvgbk/s1600/McQueen_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nup0DiFjH38/Ui9Xa8SxqMI/AAAAAAAACJg/OOh-kdfvgbk/s320/McQueen_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beautiful and haunting at the same time. I am going to start by making the forms for the clothes. I want them to look as realistic as possible so I need a little help from a well known model.....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHNZdN-GGIA/Ui9KReLHSXI/AAAAAAAACIw/m-ebqLqlDxA/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHNZdN-GGIA/Ui9KReLHSXI/AAAAAAAACIw/m-ebqLqlDxA/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Barbie!!!<br />
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I am going to use the dolls as dress forms and gumpaste as my fabric....<br />
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Yes I had to tear some of them up. Sorry Barbie:(<br />
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Now that the clothes are started and drying, let's work on the cake. I am going to cover a 1/4 sheet cake (6 inches tall) with a dark grey fondant and then do some texture work.<br />
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I started by using a few small sizes of round cutter, embossing multiple times....<br />
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I even used the top of a #5 tip for smaller detail.<br />
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So I ended up with this. I know it looks busy but this is only the first layer for the background.<br />
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Now for the top tier I hand cut with bone pattern.....<br />
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It's like crocodile skin magnified!<br />
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Here is the base cake with a small separator.....<br />
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Looking good! <br />
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With the clothes off the forms, I am going to add some embellishments.</div>
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I made this rose mold from lace (a technique you can find in my Craftsy class<em><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/fashion-inspired-fondant/115.html?ext=fashion&utm_source=Cake%20Central-Cake_Central&utm_medium=eMag&utm_campaign=External" target="_blank"> Fashion Inspired Fondant</a></em>). It makes the perfect top to this dress!</div>
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And of course we need some sparkle pants. A little piping gel and sprinkles mixed with edible glitter should do the trick.</div>
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I stood the looks up against the cake to find the right placement and then secured them using white chocolate.</div>
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How about that croc skin cape?!! It's my favorite.</div>
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Oh, BTW, chopped coconut totally looks like fur.....I mean faux fur...I'm an animal lover!<br />
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Here they are all ready for finishing touches. It's got that hauntingly beautiful look I was going for.<br />
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I added a couple extra details like the bottom to this dress. I rolled the gumpaste through the pasta machine to the last number, so it was as thin as possible.<br />
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....a little chaos to this dress</div>
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I also roughed up the edges with some black and gold paint for a dramatic effect.</div>
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We are looking good!</div>
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Now I need a logo. I figure (in honor of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week) I should create a logo for my line. I am going to use the two J's in my name (Joshua John) to draft an insignia by hand.</div>
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I started with the size square I needed out of paper and marked the centers....</div>
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Then I created the frame and back to back J's using circle cutters....<br />
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And then I cut it out of gumpaste and allowed it to dry for a couple hours....<br />
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Now I secured the logo with white chocolate and added gold details.</div>
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And I think we are all set!! <br />
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Here is the finished cake. Drumroll please......<br />
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Happy Birthday to me:) Seriously this was one of the coolest projects I have ever done. Thanks to Craftsy for letting me be a part of their blog! Bye.<br />
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-70100031661641173602013-09-04T12:55:00.000-07:002013-09-06T09:23:35.659-07:00Rami Al Ali<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dAt1SQVE4w/UidTSxYyWGI/AAAAAAAACC0/Hbk2Fq96H6U/s1600/beyonc-in-rami-al-ali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7dAt1SQVE4w/UidTSxYyWGI/AAAAAAAACC0/Hbk2Fq96H6U/s320/beyonc-in-rami-al-ali.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This picture says it all!! The detail and craftsmanship of this man's work is incredible!<br />
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Recently I was asked by <a href="http://cakecentralmagazine.com/category/issues/" target="_blank">CakeCentral</a> to create a cake for their fashion issue (volume 4, issue9) inspired by the work of <a href="http://www.ramialali.com/" target="_blank">Rami Al Ali</a>. Now I have to admit, I didn't know much about this designer, but I did my homework! This Syrian born artist didn't get his start in fashion....that's the most intriguing part. Let's see what Wiki says....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbJaz1uaP8E/UidUq_LSB2I/AAAAAAAACDc/KUirC_D8tWQ/s1600/220px-Rami_Al_Ali_Profile_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbJaz1uaP8E/UidUq_LSB2I/AAAAAAAACDc/KUirC_D8tWQ/s320/220px-Rami_Al_Ali_Profile_Image.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<em>Due to the lack of opportunities in his small town for career growth and industry exposure, Al Ali moved to Damascus and joined the College of Fine Arts in 1991 to study Visual Communications. This led to his experimentation with creative pursuits, excelling in subjects such as interior and graphic design. In 1995 Al Ali’s decision to design and produce a fashion show for his final graduation presentation astounded his professors who were impressed at his portrayal of fine arts through fashion despite his deviation from the assignment.</em><br />
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Here are some of my favorites...<br />
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This is everything!!<br />
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Everything!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjVCAkm21Qc/UidTSqHmVSI/AAAAAAAACDA/PG80INUrW7g/s1600/1338579860_Rami-AlAli-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjVCAkm21Qc/UidTSqHmVSI/AAAAAAAACDA/PG80INUrW7g/s320/1338579860_Rami-AlAli-3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
And everything....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNpN4ZgJKow/UidTVmwrUTI/AAAAAAAACDU/WJuQerarCpI/s1600/ramialali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNpN4ZgJKow/UidTVmwrUTI/AAAAAAAACDU/WJuQerarCpI/s320/ramialali.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Okay so I love his work!<br />
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This is a short from his Autumn/Winter collection for 2012/13....<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/F48Rz-gqNCg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here is the dress I was assigned....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0_-4RIN0ww/UidTTKarjBI/AAAAAAAACDE/RozZ7JTPWsY/s1600/imagesCAX75BSW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--0_-4RIN0ww/UidTTKarjBI/AAAAAAAACDE/RozZ7JTPWsY/s1600/imagesCAX75BSW.jpg" /></a></div>
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What's the plan? Well I love the dress and the possibilities are endless....ombre, structure, draping, beading, geometric patterns!!! There is so much. I don't want to go to literal with my interpretation though. I need to pull one dramatic concept from the piece and then try to tie in elements of my work and other works in the collection. This is cake after all....and I want it to look like a cake...not a garment.<br />
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I didn't start with a sketch. I just let my hands and brain figure it out.<br />
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I began by adding some texture to my fondant with a gumpaste tool...<br />
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I just run my tool back and forth over the surface of the fondant....careful not to push too hard! You don't what to cut through....just leave the pattern.<br />
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I decided to create the ombre pattern on the skirt of the dress....but in a different way. I will invert the pattern and use some piping to enhance the look.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgtYnMcUgZw/UidZc7FEPQI/AAAAAAAACEU/c0pR5YM83l8/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgtYnMcUgZw/UidZc7FEPQI/AAAAAAAACEU/c0pR5YM83l8/s320/IMG_2147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Starting with the darkest color at the bottom, I cut some black ovals.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rf_L__Xk8Y/UidZiwr9gOI/AAAAAAAACEk/H3rPkIHqrmc/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rf_L__Xk8Y/UidZiwr9gOI/AAAAAAAACEk/H3rPkIHqrmc/s320/IMG_2148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used the reverse side of the cutter to add an imprint and then cut them in half.<br />
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It's important when you are doing this sort of hand work to use a straight edge to line everything up and make sure it is even.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfVYaKhF6dA/UidZit2mwKI/AAAAAAAACEg/ekgaLM0D_bk/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfVYaKhF6dA/UidZit2mwKI/AAAAAAAACEg/ekgaLM0D_bk/s320/IMG_2149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I placed them one by one with piping gel.<br />
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Now I did the same thing with a lighter color. Instead of cutting them in half, I cut them on a curve using the same cutter so they will match up evenly.....</div>
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Here's the idea...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs1KEdpFKik/UidcQBWoSaI/AAAAAAAACF0/5McW7UwyriA/s1600/add.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs1KEdpFKik/UidcQBWoSaI/AAAAAAAACF0/5McW7UwyriA/s320/add.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looking cool:)))</div>
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Now I add some graduated pearls over the pattern for drama....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzL5kygbnNw/UiddqrXauvI/AAAAAAAACGE/w4jdKZBgT-4/s1600/add+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzL5kygbnNw/UiddqrXauvI/AAAAAAAACGE/w4jdKZBgT-4/s320/add+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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then a black band and some bling...</div>
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...and this little flower:)</div>
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Now the inside of the flower was made with gumpaste balls rolled in sanding sugar mixed with sparkle....<br />
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I also created with base tier with oval cut outs to resemble a bracelet.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KgTifmTkCyw/Uide35WYXiI/AAAAAAAACGo/SrWWHPcFAQI/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KgTifmTkCyw/Uide35WYXiI/AAAAAAAACGo/SrWWHPcFAQI/s320/IMG_2138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay here she is.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up0jm6BzgeY/Uidd5cVFVXI/AAAAAAAACGY/P5MqkPswSng/s1600/okay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up0jm6BzgeY/Uidd5cVFVXI/AAAAAAAACGY/P5MqkPswSng/s320/okay.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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The cake is fine....but not for me. I need a wow factor!! It need color!!<br />
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I looked through his collections and found my inspiration in these two looks....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upRtwM_uPeY/UidTSm2SQXI/AAAAAAAACDM/XXzV8W-7ikU/s1600/Rami-20Al-20Ali-20PO-20HC-20RS13-200007_catwalk_img_400_665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upRtwM_uPeY/UidTSm2SQXI/AAAAAAAACDM/XXzV8W-7ikU/s320/Rami-20Al-20Ali-20PO-20HC-20RS13-200007_catwalk_img_400_665.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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I love that color. So with a little food coloring and experimenting, I had the look I wanted...<br />
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Here she is again;)....<br />
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Ta da!! NOW I love her! Here are some other shots....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VG9d5eW-bAE/UidgZXV6bxI/AAAAAAAACHQ/6att8Zv7qv0/s1600/close1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VG9d5eW-bAE/UidgZXV6bxI/AAAAAAAACHQ/6att8Zv7qv0/s320/close1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sweet! Don't forget guys, I am coming to Dallas in October, Canada in November, and Philly in December!! Click the links below for more information!<br />
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<a href="http://cakecentral.com/b/class/great-gatsby-wedding-cake-with-joshua-john-russell-philadelphia-2013" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLWo70TF0nE/UidhHkJKWeI/AAAAAAAACHk/liuL8DQrsXM/s1600/jjr-gatsby-class-banner1-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cakecentral.com/b/class/fashion-forward-flowers-and-bows-with-joshua-john-russell-dallas-2013" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vTXFOjW_po/UidhJcxIKlI/AAAAAAAACHs/stp58KTlGBo/s320/jjr-fashion-class-001-cakecentral-600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's all for now. Leave your email at the top right to subscribe and receive updates. And you can follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <span id="goog_242023023"></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/joshuajohncakes" target="_blank">Twitter<span id="goog_242023024"></span></a>, or <a href="http://www.instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</div>
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Bye!!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-3200235933001295352013-08-21T09:06:00.000-07:002013-08-21T10:57:02.821-07:00Oh Chevron!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2stYRlASfiM/UhPrRyXkIyI/AAAAAAAAB7A/Fnp3eqNDiZE/s1600/imagesCAWCI4KW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2stYRlASfiM/UhPrRyXkIyI/AAAAAAAAB7A/Fnp3eqNDiZE/s1600/imagesCAWCI4KW.jpg" /></a></div>
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Oh the chevron craze. It seems to be at an all time high. And I am okay with that. I think it's chic and fun at the same time.....as long as you don't over do it!<br />
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Here is what Wikipedia has to say about the insignia....<br />
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A <b>chevron</b> (also spelled <b>cheveron</b>, especially in older documents) is an inverted V-shaped pattern. The word is usually used in reference to a kind of fret in architecture, or to a badge or insignia used in military or police uniforms to indicate rank or length of service, or in heraldry and the designs of flags (see flag terminology). The symbol is also used on highway signs to guide drivers around curves.<br />
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And you thought it was started on <a href="http://pinterest.com/joshuajohncakes/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>;) It's actually more symbolic than you think....like signifying rank....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNQhW5SVxaQ/UhPt3tvZbJI/AAAAAAAAB7o/jNIZ7ciSH7Q/s1600/120px-OR4_RAF_Corporal_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNQhW5SVxaQ/UhPt3tvZbJI/AAAAAAAAB7o/jNIZ7ciSH7Q/s1600/120px-OR4_RAF_Corporal_svg.png" /></a></div>
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In today's world of design, however, chevron is everywhere!!<br />
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Home décor....<br />
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<a href="http://www.denydesigns.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F768tTAsY1Y/UhPrRgSJFpI/AAAAAAAAB64/ALFwteaQ4kE/s320/DENY-Designs-Amy-Sia-Tribal-Chevron-Throw-Pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This comes from my friends company! <a href="http://www.denydesigns.com/" target="_blank">DENY Designs</a>...they have some really cool stuff.</div>
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Cell phone cases....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PNw_FMvxIg/UhPvtlnvR8I/AAAAAAAAB8M/DiDriYKRv3w/s1600/cell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PNw_FMvxIg/UhPvtlnvR8I/AAAAAAAAB8M/DiDriYKRv3w/s1600/cell.png" /></a></div>
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Gas....lol</div>
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Even hair!....</div>
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Check out this awesome chevron look from Tom Ford. I love this!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxTEBQz2doQ/UhPrSC4m5MI/AAAAAAAAB7I/XbIBJUTAO7s/s320/marion-cotillard-and-tom-ford-spring-2012-rtw-chevron-print-strapless-dress-gallery.jpg" width="213" /></div>
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I love this vintage fashion piece as well....from McCall's magazine in the 60s</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klnMQZnu0pA/UhPrTAftrSI/AAAAAAAAB7g/auUWuhqLSC8/s1600/vintage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klnMQZnu0pA/UhPrTAftrSI/AAAAAAAAB7g/auUWuhqLSC8/s320/vintage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by my good friends at <a href="http://www.sashayevents.com/" target="_blank">Sashay Events</a> here in Atlanta, to be part of a wedding spread to be photographed for editorial purposes. My favorite!! I jumped at the chance.</div>
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I can't reveal photos from the shoot at this time. But once the pictures have been published, I will post them. I can, however, show you a demo from one of the cakes I created for the shoot. And guess what....I used chevron;)</div>
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The theme was Gatsby in the Garden and I knew I wanted to do something structured and organic at the same time. I pulled some inspiration from <a href="http://jessicakesblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Harris'</a> Craftsy class....</div>
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<a href="https://craftsy.com/ext/cleansimple25_joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NikQoYvHues/UhPzSymLOoI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/0XKnOAAy1M4/s320/jressd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a great class! Here are some pictures of her work....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je-mfzGdgwA/UhPzdNw_k5I/AAAAAAAAB8g/8cSmw58trpY/s1600/imagesCAF4TMLC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je-mfzGdgwA/UhPzdNw_k5I/AAAAAAAAB8g/8cSmw58trpY/s1600/imagesCAF4TMLC.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHL0-yQSqk4/UhPzdOxqYyI/AAAAAAAAB8k/ywwjUhalrjo/s1600/untitledhar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHL0-yQSqk4/UhPzdOxqYyI/AAAAAAAAB8k/ywwjUhalrjo/s1600/untitledhar.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPZjvuQh6bc/UhPzdX2rv9I/AAAAAAAAB8s/NW_lMvaYCLQ/s1600/untitlejess.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPZjvuQh6bc/UhPzdX2rv9I/AAAAAAAAB8s/NW_lMvaYCLQ/s1600/untitlejess.png" /></a></div>
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Pretty good right? She really has a great eye for design and all of this is done by hand! <br />
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Obviously I am not going to show you her process, you will have to buy the class......it's well worth it! But I will show you the product I used to get the chevron effect.<br />
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They are called <a href="http://marvelousmolds.com/onlays" target="_blank">Silicone Onlays</a> and are the latest creation from Marvelous Molds. Now the company has video tutorials on their site and YouTube.....but I'm gonna show you through pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://marvelousmolds.com/onlays" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzG4KiFTO1U/UhPrS0aDrVI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/6yV37o652tk/s320/onlya.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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So they come in many different styles and patterns and they are super easy to work with. Here is the first practice one I made with the Moroccan lace onlay.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YAMF8j8cbQ/UhQUW7e8KZI/AAAAAAAAB9E/1a_8XCDj5po/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YAMF8j8cbQ/UhQUW7e8KZI/AAAAAAAAB9E/1a_8XCDj5po/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It came out pretty good. You are told to use gumpaste because it is firmer than fondant. But I did this one with <a href="http://www.fondarific.com/" target="_blank">Fondarific</a> and it was fine.<br />
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First you have to roll a strip that will fit the size of the mold. I used the pink roll guides on the Wilton set or you can take it down to a 4 on a pasta machine. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr8eeZ2IQEU/UhQUiFbKqoI/AAAAAAAAB9g/kZBOYXxQZN4/s1600/IMG_2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr8eeZ2IQEU/UhQUiFbKqoI/AAAAAAAAB9g/kZBOYXxQZN4/s320/IMG_2889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0k_JA2mKUCw/UhQV24RZLHI/AAAAAAAAB-A/HFzEnBOHBhw/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0k_JA2mKUCw/UhQV24RZLHI/AAAAAAAAB-A/HFzEnBOHBhw/s320/IMG_2950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You place the strip over the onlay (it's good to dust it with a bit of cornstarch first), and press the paste in with your fingers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70BHOr27Yqk/UhQVu5uFPxI/AAAAAAAAB9s/ftyE0paNqWk/s1600/IMG_2952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70BHOr27Yqk/UhQVu5uFPxI/AAAAAAAAB9s/ftyE0paNqWk/s320/IMG_2952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I took a cell pin and gently rolled it over the Onlay until I could see the green edges thought the paste. This is how you know that the lines have been cut.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbNP5K4d0Wc/UhQV29wvJiI/AAAAAAAAB98/zqCULnrCrh0/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbNP5K4d0Wc/UhQV29wvJiI/AAAAAAAAB98/zqCULnrCrh0/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I paint the back with some piping gel.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpPcykxMqS4/UhQWBhwHaOI/AAAAAAAAB-g/3ubz2ylQAZE/s1600/IMG_2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpPcykxMqS4/UhQWBhwHaOI/AAAAAAAAB-g/3ubz2ylQAZE/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a needle tool to take out the excess pieces to get the negative space.</div>
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Then secure it to the cake.</div>
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I also used light pressure with a fondant smoother to secure the paste.</div>
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Pull away and you are done.</div>
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You can see the tiny starting line. That's because I pressed a bit too hard!</div>
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You could do it this way too....</div>
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I also went back and painted every other one gold.</div>
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Okay....now we have the structured part. We need something organic.</div>
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A friend of mine <a href="http://www.cakeoperaco.com/" target="_blank">Alexandria Pellegino</a> from <a href="http://www.cakeoperaco.com/" target="_blank">Cake Opera Co</a>. gave me this inspiration! Her work is remarkable. Here is the piece that I was inspired by....</div>
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<a href="http://www.cakeoperaco.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMViMdS9zCU/UhTajhPkZTI/AAAAAAAACAY/TCl51cmxRVc/s1600/opera.jpg" /></a></div>
It's the blue one.<br />
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I'm gonna build a croquembouche! Here's what Wiki says....<br />
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A <i><b>croquembouche</b></i> or <i><b>croque-en-bouche</b></i> is a French dessert consisting of choux pastry balls piled into a cone and bound with threads of caramel.<br />
In Italy and France, is often served at weddings, baptisms, and first communions.<br />
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I learned how to make this in college. But I am going to break the rules a bit. Because this is a photo shoot and not for a real party, I am going to leave the puffs empty so they will not be so heavy and glue them with white chocolate.<br />
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I add them one at a time to the cone. Also, I coated some nuts in gold and used gold leaf to fill in the gaps.<br />
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and then a couple gold gilded flowers for some drama!<br />
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And here she is....<br />
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Yay!! <br />
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I am coming to Dallas to teach in October here are the classes and the links. It's three classes over two days for $800 or you can take the full day for $400 or a half day for $200. It's a pretty good deal and it will be lots of fun!! <br />
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<a href="http://cakecentral.com/b/instructor/joshua-john-russell" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40jsA5Qn9xo/UhTfurJE9LI/AAAAAAAACB0/8xJ0M9JzlMI/s320/jjr-fashion-class-001-cakecentral-600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This class will explore different styles of modern decorations (fashion inspired of course) including the same style flower I made in this post!</div>
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<a href="http://cakecentral.com/b/instructor/joshua-john-russell" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qT2tizNZTE/UhTfu0bkGiI/AAAAAAAACB8/zl0REj_P5sc/s320/jjr-fashion-class-GOTHIC-GLAM-dallas-600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Gothic Glam class is a take on <a href="http://thefashioncaker.blogspot.com/2013_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">A Cake Fit for McQueen</a>. We will hand make the skull and hand cut the bone work on the top tier...then piping!!</div>
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<a href="http://cakecentral.com/b/instructor/joshua-john-russell" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYlrEOYrnO0/UhTfuh8VhFI/AAAAAAAACBw/RlTH_SeNGR0/s320/jjr-quilted-frame-class-600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, this class will explore how to make your own template for a framed plaque. We will also be adding texture and piping!!<br />
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That is all for now. Here is a link to Marina Sousa's new class on Craftsy. It's really good!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/JoshuaJohnRussell_FondantTextures25" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Eug-kX9Ok/UhTiHYbdg_I/AAAAAAAACCM/-oMot41-4Dc/s320/titleCarmarina.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to follow the blog for updates. Bye!!</div>
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-65573850734182330282013-07-23T15:56:00.000-07:002013-07-30T10:31:36.066-07:00Faberge Spider Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.garethpugh.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uczD_kNg0q8/Ue7wofEa23I/AAAAAAAABy4/bACbpNiQAFA/s320/gareth-pugh-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For some reason I gravitate toward images that are hauntingly beautiful. Maybe that's why I love <a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/" target="_blank">Alexander McQueen</a> so much. But there is another designer whose work fascinates me.....Gareth Pugh. Here is some of his other work....</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PehfS5CEwGw/Ue7wpgLHLlI/AAAAAAAABzk/0y4bbmeulxo/s320/x66163799262752184_4.jpg" width="238" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.garethpugh.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Qj1q6hswek/Ue7wo_rPB8I/AAAAAAAABzM/OH3zjRbVkp0/s1600/imagesCA31A6IM.jpg" /></a></div>
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Trust me, there will be a blog post on his designs in the near future. I am showing you this because the theme is where I drew my inspiration for my latest cake.<br />
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I was asked by <em><a href="http://www.foodheavenmag.com/" target="_blank">Cake Decoration Heaven</a></em> to create a cake inspired by the Autumn season. I immediately wrote back and asked if I could make a cake with Halloween in mind. They agreed and let me go crazy.<br />
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So what to make? There are a million different ways to portray Halloween.......<br />
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<strong>Cute</strong>....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsxb7rCIzpQ/Ue70Ao76EnI/AAAAAAAAB0U/ESqDgb9j3lk/s1600/cute.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsxb7rCIzpQ/Ue70Ao76EnI/AAAAAAAAB0U/ESqDgb9j3lk/s1600/cute.png" /></a></div>
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No...too cute....it's not right for this.<br />
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<strong>Elegant</strong>....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbI818hBexU/Ue70A4tv8vI/AAAAAAAAB0k/hqJI6y-3eJg/s1600/imagesCA9JGVKC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbI818hBexU/Ue70A4tv8vI/AAAAAAAAB0k/hqJI6y-3eJg/s1600/imagesCA9JGVKC.jpg" /></a></div>
Okay this is nice.<br />
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<strong>Creepy</strong>....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4po6ImRUlRs/Ue70AhjelmI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/BbEPHfmXR_4/s1600/baby.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4po6ImRUlRs/Ue70AhjelmI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/BbEPHfmXR_4/s1600/baby.png" /></a></div>
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Aaah! I think this baby is drunk.<br />
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<strong>Funny</strong>....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc5IQsgVA4g/Ue70B-6DcwI/AAAAAAAAB00/rOxt1M1AvdI/s1600/pumpkin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc5IQsgVA4g/Ue70B-6DcwI/AAAAAAAAB00/rOxt1M1AvdI/s1600/pumpkin.png" /></a></div>
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See baby....this is what happens when you drink too much!;)<br />
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Down right<strong> scary</strong>....<br />
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<a href="http://villafanestudios.com/about-the-artist/ray-villafane" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6P_gdm_2c9Y/Ue70BKgHEGI/AAAAAAAAB0g/Ix9AJnTtepU/s1600/imagesCAGA5YPJ.jpg" /></a></div>
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These pumpkins were created by<em><a href="http://villafanestudios.com/about-the-artist/ray-villafane" target="_blank"> Ray Villafane</a></em>. He is a master sculptor and his work is amazing! But I think this is too much for my project!<br />
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And lastly.....there is always Halloween the <strong>Martha Stewart</strong> way.....<br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Le3-JehwExc/Ue70Bj4DFrI/AAAAAAAAB04/ZJF9b7dzc9g/s320/martha-stewart-halloween.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
Girl you got a bug on your face.<br />
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But speaking of bugs, this is were I found my inspiration!!<br />
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I remember watching an episode of <em>America's Next Top Model</em> a few years back. The models were asked to walk the runway wearing jeweled studded hissing cockroaches!<br />
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Yikes! The bottom picture is an ornament but the one that the model is holding, is real! It was a trend for a minute or two, created by <em>Jared Gold</em> and sold for $80 a pop. I'm not sure I would pay $80 for a roach......especially since I kill them for free!<br />
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Okay all joking aside, I decided to created an elegant (Martha Stewart worthy) cake using a spider.<br />
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I started by creating the spider from gum paste. I formed the body and head and all of the leg joints separately. This way, I can secure her to the cake in any way I want.<br />
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I decided to cover the top and bottom tiers in white and clear sprinkles and sanding sugar to give the cake a glistening effect.<br />
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And the middle tier, was crazy!! Why I chose to do this.....I have no idea!!!<br />
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Ugh, so it came out great, but took a really long time. I used an extruder and gum paste to pipe out all of the pieces and then wind them around each other forming this cool design. For a real cake, it's not practical. But for editorial work, it's super dramatic!!! <br />
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Now let's start on the spider....<br />
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I began with the front....gluing the body, head, and the first two legs with white chocolate in a paper cone. I placed her arms like this for a reason.....you will see in a bit.<br />
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Here is a closer view. <br />
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So on and so forth until the whole spider was on and secure. Chocolate is a must for gluing her down. If you use royal, you will have to hold or brace each piece while it dries. That would take a longer time than you want.</div>
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Here she is all together. <br />
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Now I want to make it look like the spider is decorating the cake. So I am going to add some string work. And by that I mean I will take a 2.5 PME tip and pipe a ton of strings on top of one another to give an ode to the spider's web......<br />
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It came out pretty cool. I want it to pop though, so I will paint the strings gold. A spider that spins gold?.....what could be more elegant?;)<br />
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I also added some detail work on the spider including a jewel on her back and some piped pearls....<br />
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Now here is where my OCD steps in. I wanted to give the editor options so I took final shots in white....</div>
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Then in green....</div>
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And again in black....<br />
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Now you can see the strings up by her hands. I placed them that way to give the illusion that she is decorating the cake.<br />
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So the magazine is out and I am thrilled to have a two page spread.....complete with step by step instructions. Click the cover to download a copy.....it's reasonably priced and the issue is full of ideas!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.foodheavenmag.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHy8CLafomg/Ue78_YVMdZI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/gRFpfqopwLI/s320/61431.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Oh and here is some super exciting news!!! I will be featured in the next issue of<em> <a href="http://www.weddingstylemagazine.com/" target="_blank">Grace Ormonde</a></em>!! I have dreamed of being in that magazine since I was in culinary school. It hits news stands in February.</div>
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<a href="http://www.weddingstylemagazine.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr3oUTwmEpI/Ue8Dr0HymUI/AAAAAAAAB5k/WbfiLm1L-pY/s320/image002.jpg" width="253" /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpv7WpT5Lqk/Ue78_QHL9II/AAAAAAAAB4c/lUlMdNmt6-A/s1600/go.jpg.bmp" /></a></div>
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Okay the picture is super small but I am just grateful to be included!! Here is a larger shot of the cake that they used....<br />
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Yay! When I got the email I almost died. They also decided to use my McQueen cake for their June digital issue....<br />
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Double Yay!!<br />
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So don't forget, if you want updates, subscribe to the blog on the right side of the screen. That toolbar is where you can find links to my classes on Craftsy. Also, you can follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,<a href="http://www.twitter.com/joshuajohncakes" target="_blank"> Twitter</a>,<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank"> Pinterest</a> and now <a href="http://www.instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.<br />
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Here is my latest Instagram pic....<br />
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<a href="http://www.instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yd2CusFpDgs/Ue7_Vw5LrQI/AAAAAAAAB44/tmcH216J2nI/s320/photo+(17).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They are homemade Oreo ice cream sandwiches!! What??!!<br />
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Thanks to Cake Decoration Heaven for including me in the magazine.....and allowing my personal creative freedom.....and to Grace Ormonde for fulfilling a childhood dream. And to Craftsy for letting me be part of the family!!<br />
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Oh and feel free to leave comments with questions or other ideas you would like to see.<br />
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Last thing... here is a fun cake I made a couple week ago. <br />
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That's all for now!<br />
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-6703792486614889792013-06-12T14:10:00.000-07:002013-08-21T08:06:51.290-07:00Burlap Bow Tie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently a friend of mine asked if I would create a cake for a baby shower to welcome a sweet little baby boy named Hudson. Great name! The best part was that the baby shower was to be super chic and adult. And by that I mean....no diaper games! Ha. <br />
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She wanted me to be creative and sent these pictures for inspiration....<br />
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Love it! Burlap it is! And oddly enough, I came across this burlap bow tie in my fashion research, some time ago, and fell in love!! I knew at some point I would be making this out of sugar. This cake is the perfect opportunity!<br />
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Here is another one I found...<br />
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Right on top of a bottle of wine....that's my kind of fashion;) Lol.<br />
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But seriously burlap isn't just for potatoes or sack races anymore. Here is a hip burlap clutch from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59844178/mustard-yellow-clutch-purse-burlap">Etsy.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59844178/mustard-yellow-clutch-purse-burlap" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNVrqEHg8qE/UbiuDfLupmI/AAAAAAAABt8/h5E8nAihUlE/s320/il_570xN_209128889.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And how about this burlap look from<a href="http://www.donnakaran.com/" target="_blank"> Donna Karen's</a> spring 2010 collection...<br />
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<a href="http://www.donnakaran.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohDsfIDqpBk/Ubit_DEgqnI/AAAAAAAABts/BftSLcMLrIo/s320/donna-karan-spring-2010.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I wonder if she's itchy;)<br />
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<em><a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway" target="_blank">Project Runway</a></em> even created a challenge that required the designers to use burlap to build a runway look. I loved this one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqEC30Py4hs/UbiuDjTIp1I/AAAAAAAABuA/Kp4Onc8wP5o/s1600/20100122_projectrunway2_560x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqEC30Py4hs/UbiuDjTIp1I/AAAAAAAABuA/Kp4Onc8wP5o/s320/20100122_projectrunway2_560x375.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Super cool. <br />
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The only way I could think to get a good textured look though was to pipe! Sounds like a ton of piping. Actually it wasn't so bad.<br />
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First I had to make my burlap colors. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e394tBCSWP4/Ubiusi3GaOI/AAAAAAAABwg/4rXt3s8GRHk/s1600/IMG_2401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e394tBCSWP4/Ubiusi3GaOI/AAAAAAAABwg/4rXt3s8GRHk/s320/IMG_2401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to use antique white <a href="http://www.fondarific.com/" target="_blank">Fondarific</a> and tint it using cocoa powder. I like to use cocoa when making brown colors because the less food coloring I can use, the better.<br />
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Once I had my color, I added some tylose to a bit to make the bow. This way the bow will dry firm and it will keep it's shape.<br />
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I have shown the bow process before in my <a href="http://thefashioncaker.blogspot.com/2012/05/cake-spade.html" target="_blank">Cake Spade</a> post. This time however, I made the two pieces separately because I wanted the loops to point straight out and look like a bow tie.<br />
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After the pieces were cut and allowed to set for a bit (about an hour), I used a number 2 tip and some brown royal to pipe a basket weave design.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UM-9MEsDSdo/UbiueDjXbyI/AAAAAAAABuo/KPFR6IYbX8E/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UM-9MEsDSdo/UbiueDjXbyI/AAAAAAAABuo/KPFR6IYbX8E/s320/IMG_2386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started with a single line down the side.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZLrfKYBRyE/Ubiuh-AOdXI/AAAAAAAABuw/0jv8VDMngiY/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZLrfKYBRyE/Ubiuh-AOdXI/AAAAAAAABuw/0jv8VDMngiY/s320/IMG_2387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I piped small lines across.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51NhS7Hvxe8/Ubiuihhdf_I/AAAAAAAABu4/eTIJDTrnnmk/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51NhS7Hvxe8/Ubiuihhdf_I/AAAAAAAABu4/eTIJDTrnnmk/s320/IMG_2388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then another line down.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryOaIe0vpDY/UbiunUHd3sI/AAAAAAAABvE/-6MW-RWqFNw/s1600/IMG_2389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryOaIe0vpDY/UbiunUHd3sI/AAAAAAAABvE/-6MW-RWqFNw/s320/IMG_2389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And alternating lines across....and so on and so forth until the whole thing was covered.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4b7LtU97c8/Ubiud0yi4OI/AAAAAAAABuk/XqhOZQ2ccf0/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4b7LtU97c8/Ubiud0yi4OI/AAAAAAAABuk/XqhOZQ2ccf0/s320/IMG_2384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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That little nugget above the big one was the practice bow. It kind of looks like Shredded Wheat Cereal!<br />
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Now I let the bow dry over night.<br />
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I knew this was going around the bottom tier, so for the top tier, I wanted to include his name.<br />
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I saw this fun shape and decided to try and recreate it out of gum paste.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TCvIpve2BI/UbiurwJnBPI/AAAAAAAABwU/N7bTIMAn_p8/s1600/il_fullxfull_407205952_7ib3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TCvIpve2BI/UbiurwJnBPI/AAAAAAAABwU/N7bTIMAn_p8/s320/il_fullxfull_407205952_7ib3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the template I made...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPNBeVLyNfY/Ubiup0uOD7I/AAAAAAAABvw/OA3Skv6dWHw/s1600/IMG_2396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPNBeVLyNfY/Ubiup0uOD7I/AAAAAAAABvw/OA3Skv6dWHw/s320/IMG_2396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut one out in green and a smaller one in a cream color so I could layer them like the invitation.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gHw3o7aYcQ/UbiupXXIt5I/AAAAAAAABvs/YyYVkj4tUY8/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gHw3o7aYcQ/UbiupXXIt5I/AAAAAAAABvs/YyYVkj4tUY8/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa-QVVnXS3I/UbiupKutq-I/AAAAAAAABvY/GjTHdOWc2EA/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa-QVVnXS3I/UbiupKutq-I/AAAAAAAABvY/GjTHdOWc2EA/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After they were dry for a bit, I piped his name using extra pressure on the ends of the letters to give them some character.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9s3_BR563E/Ubiuq7NH0eI/AAAAAAAABv8/5yj7BjQPDbg/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9s3_BR563E/Ubiuq7NH0eI/AAAAAAAABv8/5yj7BjQPDbg/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then went back over one side of each letter with white straight lines and the other side with a dotted line to make it look sewed!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSjKFbN4hVo/UbiusPQSk-I/AAAAAAAABwY/d2dpGJI5qZ4/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSjKFbN4hVo/UbiusPQSk-I/AAAAAAAABwY/d2dpGJI5qZ4/s320/IMG_2400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looking good. I got this idea from my buddy Lindy who is an artist and uses this technique in her work...<br />
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<a href="http://www.lindyalane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFzPTD43GHo/Ubi0RSEPTJI/AAAAAAAABw8/CDjBcGJoLBU/s320/meow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lindyalane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDwku7nMCjU/Ubi0RfnNjxI/AAAAAAAABxA/SAW0wAoyrQw/s320/meowdetail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is her blog link. She makes some really fun art. I have a few pieces in my house!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lindyalane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.lindyalane.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Here is the cake all put together....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQs3BXW6Tks/Ubiu0NzOH5I/AAAAAAAABws/tGy_-Kc3SkY/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQs3BXW6Tks/Ubiu0NzOH5I/AAAAAAAABws/tGy_-Kc3SkY/s320/IMG_2405.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WDOA0pAq7ts/Ubiu0eX-m4I/AAAAAAAABww/PFfjfwKpgSw/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WDOA0pAq7ts/Ubiu0eX-m4I/AAAAAAAABww/PFfjfwKpgSw/s320/IMG_2407.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sweet! By the way, this could be a cool idea for Father's Day! Bow tie cake!!!<br />
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A couple of announcements before I go.....<br />
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I will be teaching some classes with <a href="http://www.cakecentral.com/classes" target="_blank">Cake Central</a> soon. They are starting a live cake class program that will be traveling to different cities across the US. This is a link to the info....details will be up soon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cakecentral.com/classes" target="_blank">www.cakecentral.com/classes</a><br />
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Here is one of the classes I will be teaching. It's a one day class inspired by my <span id="goog_1313662272"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank">A Cake Fit for McQueen</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1QhamhzoHA/Ubi1YF1ASAI/AAAAAAAABxQ/g6hlS_RmuDc/s1600/cc1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1QhamhzoHA/Ubi1YF1ASAI/AAAAAAAABxQ/g6hlS_RmuDc/s320/cc1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
It's gonna be fun!...piping, painting, fondant texture, and a hand sculpted skull!<br />
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Also, there are couple new classes on Craftsy.com that I want to share. Click on the pictures to get to the site and receive a discount.<br />
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/JoshuaJohnRussell_FondantAnimals25" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAU17d9o4Mo/Ubi2AufVsWI/AAAAAAAABxY/RFZALesYRR4/s320/titleCard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/JoshuaJohnRussell_WeddingDressCake25" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1UmYXWctT_w/Ubi4AHCSP6I/AAAAAAAABxo/IScY0ZotE3g/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's all for now. Don't forget to follow the blog for updates and more fun Fashion Cakes. Just click the button to the right that says <em><u>Join this Site</u></em>.</div>
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Also, you can follow me on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/joshuajohncakes" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or<a href="http://www.instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></div>
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Lastly, I would like to share a picture I took at the <a href="https://www.iddba.org/" target="_blank">IDDBA</a> in Orlando last week...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GauwcJG0k6Q/Ubi8owlVWUI/AAAAAAAABx4/KkChl_kYeUQ/s1600/poke.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GauwcJG0k6Q/Ubi8owlVWUI/AAAAAAAABx4/KkChl_kYeUQ/s320/poke.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Aaaahhh!! The Dough Boy! He was my idol as a child:) Maybe that's why I was a chubby kid! Ha.<br />
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Bye!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-54050765747723931002013-05-17T19:16:00.002-07:002013-08-21T08:07:25.267-07:00Aaaahhh! Zombies got my cake!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMyZgaAW8GU/UZa2BgNwpcI/AAAAAAAABoY/9Qo56KqNid0/s1600/blog2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMyZgaAW8GU/UZa2BgNwpcI/AAAAAAAABoY/9Qo56KqNid0/s320/blog2.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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So judging from the picture above, you are probably thinking that this will not end pretty. And you are right...kind of;) <br />
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Late last year, my friend Kimber asked me to make her wedding cake. It was to be a fun and shabby chic kind of event. The venue was a farm north of Atlanta (<a href="http://caglesfamilyfarm.com/" target="_blank">Cagle Family Farms</a>) which made for a beautiful back drop. If you have never been to north Georgia.....let me tell you, it's really beautiful, especially in the spring and fall.<br />
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But before we go any further, let me say.....Kimber is not your traditional bride! Mostly, the wedding was to be like any simple DIY style wedding. However she wanted the cake to reflect a different side because she creates the Halloween haunted farm at the location. So zombie cake was the order;) And though it is not really my style, I was super excited to do something different!<br />
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Plus, before we "zombiefy" and cake, we have to make a pretty cake with lots of piping.....what I love most. So I figured why not make a blog post of it!<br />
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And here we go....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPd5WNF9zH4/UZa6fl8DItI/AAAAAAAABpY/CDH8EwqoEH4/s1600/blog9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPd5WNF9zH4/UZa6fl8DItI/AAAAAAAABpY/CDH8EwqoEH4/s320/blog9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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First I cover all the cakes in fondant. It's a four tiered cake....12, 10, 8, and 6 inches round, all 4 inches tall.<br />
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It's pretty much all piping. And the way I like to map it out is to paint it on first. For those of you who have my Craftsy class<em> Modern Piping</em>, you know that I like to "ghost paint" before I pipe. If you don't have the class, you should! Lol! The top link on the right side of the screen will guide you to the class:)<br />
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Basically, it's a mixture of black piping gel and vodka (mostly vodka!). This creates a very faint paint that will serve as my guide for the piping. I do this so that if I don't like how the painting looks, I can clean it off and start over before I commit to the piping.....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FQReOq46Ro/UZa6ekxbFsI/AAAAAAAABpI/wL81LAJe90U/s1600/blog10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FQReOq46Ro/UZa6ekxbFsI/AAAAAAAABpI/wL81LAJe90U/s320/blog10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the solution. So you can see how light it is.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwew6pthfTs/UZa6ceVju9I/AAAAAAAABoo/OjWpG_16AAY/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwew6pthfTs/UZa6ceVju9I/AAAAAAAABoo/OjWpG_16AAY/s320/11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I paint it on and it just gives me a faint guide to follow with the royal.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9RfsnbkPFA/UZa6cuX9GlI/AAAAAAAABos/v75D1dTPvS0/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9RfsnbkPFA/UZa6cuX9GlI/AAAAAAAABos/v75D1dTPvS0/s320/13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See, then I just follow the lines with the royal. I am using a number 2 tip.<br />
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After the frame work is piped, I go back and add embellishments.<br />
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Looking good!!<br />
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Here is the cake all stacked and ready.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPm_B0yc4Hs/UZa85LgiSLI/AAAAAAAABpk/TXLnhC4Q13k/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPm_B0yc4Hs/UZa85LgiSLI/AAAAAAAABpk/TXLnhC4Q13k/s320/22.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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And a close up.</div>
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Oh and I also made some sugar flowers to match the ones being used at the event.</div>
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So before we get to the "gore"ification of the cake (if that's even a word), let's look at some shots from the wedding....</div>
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Aaawww. So cute...</div>
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This picture is really tiny but beautiful.</div>
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And this.....</div>
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<a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da6VhIpzTZw/UZa-Fmsh3aI/AAAAAAAABqs/PSzheayrYxk/s1600/imagesCACG2MJ3.jpg" /></a></div>
Ahh! I think she's had too much to drink! Lol. Put on some make up girl! And brush your teeth! This a wedding for the love of God!<br />
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This is a shot from the show ....<br />
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also filmed in Atlanta. Just for the record, once I was driving down the street close to the set and I saw a zombie on his cell phone! It was pretty funny. I guess the "undead" extras on the show have a bunch of down time. No pun intended.<br />
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Okay the time has come.......if you are squeamish, this might hurt a bit!<br />
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Before.....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45O64oDv8NM/UZa93KQEy6I/AAAAAAAABqA/4QoVzXpZ0QQ/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45O64oDv8NM/UZa93KQEy6I/AAAAAAAABqA/4QoVzXpZ0QQ/s320/IMG_2041.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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After!<br />
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AAAAHHHH!!! I didn't take process pics of the bloody part but it was just a mixture of corn syrup and red food color....oh and because I watch Dexter I knew exactly where to place it;)<br />
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Here are some other shots.<br />
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The topper was handmade to look like the couple!</div>
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Creepy one from Instagram....oh and you can follow me! <a href="http://www.instagram.com/" target="_blank"> @joshuajohnrussell</a></div>
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Also, there was a grooms cake. She wanted a diver's hat or helmet. Here are a couple pictures of the target;)<br />
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And here is the cake<br />
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Pretty cool! I was proud of how it turned out!!<br />
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I think that is all for now! I have a couple of announcements though....<br />
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First, my friend Elisa Strauss has a new Craftsy class that will teach you how to sculpt a dog out of cake!! God knows you will never learn that from me!!<br />
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Here she is...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxnwf1cLz3k/UZbCKEi_BRI/AAAAAAAABsM/wMi3PLwc6S8/s1600/imagesCA3QL9SU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxnwf1cLz3k/UZbCKEi_BRI/AAAAAAAABsM/wMi3PLwc6S8/s1600/imagesCA3QL9SU.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you have been doing cake for a while I am sure you are familiar with her books <a href="http://www.confetticakes.com/" target="_blank"><em>Confetti Cakes</em></a> and <a href="http://www.confetticakes.com/" target="_blank"><em>Confetti Cakes for Kids</em></a></div>
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And here is the dog:)))))</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wY4X9pPLXh4/UZbCKEC5RpI/AAAAAAAABsI/w815iRtdXXU/s1600/imagesCASEGQ57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wY4X9pPLXh4/UZbCKEC5RpI/AAAAAAAABsI/w815iRtdXXU/s1600/imagesCASEGQ57.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is a link to the class for 25% discount! It's well worth the money....trust me!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/JoshuaJohnRussell_DogCake25" target="_blank">http://www.craftsy.com/ext/JoshuaJohnRussell_DogCake25</a></div>
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Okay for real that's all. Follow the blog for more updates....I have some good stuff in the works with <em><a href="http://www.foodheavenmag.com/" target="_blank">Cake Decoration Heaven</a></em>, <em><a href="http://cakecentralmagazine.com/" target="_blank">Cake Central Magazine</a></em>, and<em><a href="http://www.weddingstylemagazine.com/" target="_blank"> Grace Ormonde</a></em>!!! Just found out today and I am dying!!! ...no pun intended again;)</div>
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Follow me:) <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell">www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/joshuajohncakes">www.twitter.com/joshuajohncakes</a></div>
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Add a comment below and let me know what designers you love or techniques you would like to see.</div>
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Bye!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_2YJ6yG9_Y/UZbi3UhjTCI/AAAAAAAABtM/FCfk74jE0e0/s1600/164648_10151877591704148_923103147_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_2YJ6yG9_Y/UZbi3UhjTCI/AAAAAAAABtM/FCfk74jE0e0/s320/164648_10151877591704148_923103147_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_2068281963"></span><span id="goog_2068281964"></span><br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-7089538197894490692013-04-23T09:39:00.001-07:002013-12-17T12:48:23.390-08:00Silly, silly, silly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This post is going to be silly. Hence the title;) <br />
So the cake above is one I created for Kim Zolciak's daughter. The party was candy themed and the cake was super fun to make. It has rainbow sprinkles, lollipops, gumdrops, gumballs, Starburst, Skittles, and Fruit Stripe Gum. Talk about a belly ache!!<br />
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I did not take process pictures for the cake:( So when I was asked to make a 21st birthday cake for a friend I wanted to make a similar style cake. This time using art as inspiration and I knew just the thing!<br />
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I was in NY a couple years ago and stumbled upon this amazing building....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTN4Ycd3MTU/UXaYtID9Z1I/AAAAAAAABY8/q4Hw4euJW5A/s1600/uf-new-museum-soho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTN4Ycd3MTU/UXaYtID9Z1I/AAAAAAAABY8/q4Hw4euJW5A/s320/uf-new-museum-soho.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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It's called<a href="http://www.newmuseum.org/"> The New Museum</a> and the building caught my eye because....well, it looks like a cake!!</div>
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Here's a little bit of Wikipedia....</div>
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<strong>The New Museum of Contemporary Art</strong>, founded in 1977 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcia_Tucker" title="Marcia Tucker">Marcia Tucker</a>, is the only museum in New York City exclusively devoted to presenting contemporary art from around the world. On December 1, 2007, the New Museum opened the doors to its new $50 million location at 235 Bowery<sup>. </sup>The seven-story 58,700-square-foot facility,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9">[9]</sup> designed by the Tokyo-based firm Sejima + Nishizawa/SANAA and the New York-based firm Gensler, has greatly expanded the Museum’s exhibitions and space. In April 2008, the museum's new building was named one of the architectural New Seven Wonders of the World by <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conde_Nast_Traveler" title="Conde Nast Traveler">Conde Nast Traveler</a></i>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-10"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Museum#cite_note-10">[10]</a></sup></div>
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The thing I was most intrigued by though, was the sign!!.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-doHEpgCa0-Q/UXaYt4LHl3I/AAAAAAAABZM/hEDhpnzTphQ/s1600/new_museum_v4_460x285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-doHEpgCa0-Q/UXaYt4LHl3I/AAAAAAAABZM/hEDhpnzTphQ/s320/new_museum_v4_460x285.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The giant rainbow "HELL, YES" made me giggle and I had to find out where it came from.<br />
This hilarious creation comes from Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. He is definitely one to Google! Here are some other pieces he created....<br />
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Aaaahhh!! How cool is that! Rainbow/Candy cake it is!!<br />
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I wanted to start with a base that the colors would "pop" from. So I made this grey color for the fondant covering.<br />
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The bottom tier will be mostly about the rainbows! They are the star of the show. But I need a little texture. You know how I love my texture mats!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEXldmWF9pM/UXac3d2C2MI/AAAAAAAABak/V9rQekuXPK8/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEXldmWF9pM/UXac3d2C2MI/AAAAAAAABak/V9rQekuXPK8/s320/IMG_1929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hounds tooth? Yes!! I like to roll out a bit of fondant and make a test before committing to the cake.<br />
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Yes. This is it. Just a note....when you are using the texture mats, take your time!! If you use them slowly and carefully make sure every bit of the fondant is being imprinted, then the final product will be much better than a rushed job!</div>
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I like to use the fondant smoother first and then go back over the mat with my fingers to make sure every detail is imprinted.</div>
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Beautiful! Let's make the rainbows. This is so fun!!</div>
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First I make all of my colors from fondant and add some Tylose to ensure the rainbows will dry and be firm enough to stand up.</div>
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Now we just roll, cut, and layer using the oval cutter set from Ateco.<br />
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I glued each layer with a bit of piping gel. You could use water, sugar flower glue, or royal icing as well. <br />
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Now I chop them in half....<br />
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....and use the smallest oval cutter to take out the middle and form the arch.</div>
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How cute is this! I painted over them with a bit of piping gel so they would look shiny and bright against the flat grey color. This could be a cake by itself!....but I think we need more!! Two more tiers....</div>
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I stacked the cakes with bubble tea straws.....this I have shown in the previous post for Kim Z's wedding cake replica.</div>
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Oh and the rainbow sprinkle base is super easy! All you need is the drum, piping gel and a ton of sprinkles....</div>
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Brush the gel over the base....<br />
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...add the sprinkles....</div>
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...shake off the excess...<br />
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You can use a funnel to get the sprinkles back into the jar for later use.</div>
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Then I add a little chocolate to glue the bottom tier to the base. Notice that the middle of the cake base has no sprinkles! This is because we want the bottom tier to me glued to the base and not to the sprinkles! </div>
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and now for the Skittles. Yes, I had to separate them by hand!<br />
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So this is super easy. I just used piping gel and placed them one by one in a pattern.<br />
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Yay!!</div>
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For the top tier, I just used the left over rainbow colors to create stripes with a ribbon cutter. </div>
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Here she is with the finishing touches! I made this "21" and black and white fashion flower to pull it all together.<br />
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And that is not all. So my friend has a really good since of humor and we teased her about turning 21; that it's the one day in your life (we at least for an American) were everyone wants to by you drinks and get you really drunk. So her friends ask if I would write something on the cake that suggested that she was going to throw up. Lol.<br />
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I found this funny clip art and figured it was appropriate for the theme and inspiration....<br />
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I couldn't resist!!!<br />
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Ha ha!! She got a kick out of that! See, cake doesn't always have to be serious!<br />
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Here's a couple other silly cakes I did in the past....<br />
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This giant Nintendo controller was a grooms cake and so much fun to make!</div>
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Angry birds!</div>
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M&M...now this is a candy cake!</div>
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Lady Ga Ga cake! Talk about a fashion cake!</div>
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Well I guess the Wicked cake was more whimsical than silly. But it got me tickets to opening night!</div>
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And lastly.....I taught a class this weekend at my friend Nicholas Lodge's school,<a href="http://www.nicholaslodge.com/"> ISAC</a> and just wanted to share some photos.</div>
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My students were great and we had a fun two days together....</div>
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Here is my cake that the students were recreating.</div>
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And here are some action shots of the students work...<br />
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They all did so well! <br />
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That's all for now! <br />
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If you want more updates, follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joshuajohnrussell">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/joshuajohnrussell">Instagram</a>, or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/joshuajohncakes">Twitter</a>. And don't forget to follow the blog for more tutorials.<br />
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-29996065634753245852013-03-02T15:58:00.000-08:002013-11-10T11:09:17.751-08:00Mustache Party!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know what you are thinking.....What does this have to do with fashion? Well here's the thing. Mostly, this blog will be things I create based on a certain fashion inspiration. But, sometimes I get to do a project that I love and just have to share. So this post is mainly inspired by pop culture! <br />
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A couple weeks ago my friend Candace asked if I would make her son's first birthday cake. His name is Major!...best name ever! Of course I said yes; especially because she wanted to create a "Little Man" birthday party with a mustache theme. Done! I have always wanted to make a mustache cake. Weird. I know! But true.<br />
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So let's look at some pop culture references shall we. See, lots of celebrities grow mustaches. It seems to be a fashion trend from time to time. <br />
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Here is James Franco with a mustache....</div>
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And Zac Efron....</div>
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Newly Oscar'd Ben Affleck...sporting both mustache and beard...thank you Ben.</div>
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Classic mustache by Tom Selleck...</div>
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Oh and here is Sandra Bullock pretending to have one....</div>
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And last but not least....</div>
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<span class="itemprop" itemprop="name"><span style="color: white;">Phylicia Rashad???</span></span></div>
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Wasn't it Clair Huxtable who said you can't eat cake for breakfast?? I disagree!</div>
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Okay let's get to it! So this first thing we need to do is cover the cakes in fondant and texture the edges. I am going for a vintage look.....</div>
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So I use my gumpaste tool to mark the edges. Stay with me.....<br />
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I bought this Black Onyx cocoa powder in Austin when I was out there judging the Austin Cake Show <a href="http://www.thattakesthecake.org/">(www.thattakesthecake.org)</a> and I want to use it to "age" this cake. I made the marks with the gumpaste tool for added drama.</div>
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So I am just using a dry paintbrush to work the cocoa into the fondant and rough it up a bit....<br />
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I know....it looks ruined. But it's not!!! Stay with me....<br />
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I thin a little cocoa with vodka and splatter the whole cake....this is super fun, by the way. I think<br />
I want to be Jackson Pollock when I grow up!!<br />
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Now for the staches!!! I am going to cut most of them out by hand but you can use a cutter. There are many on the market.<br />
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This one I traced first with a gumpaste tool and then cut out using an Xacto knife....<br />
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Here is another one. I use the same tool to add texture. Oh I am doing a whole blue and brown thing.....forgot to mention that.<br />
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It's coming together!!!<br />
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Looking good. I am gonna add some frames as well but I want to get started on the other treats.<br />
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First....the smash cake. So, many times when a child turns one, a smash cake is provided for he or she to rip into...because it's a.)funny and b.) probably their first taste of sugar. This one is going to be a mustache of course:))<br />
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I baked a 6 inch round and used a circle cutter to score it....<br />
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Then I cut it into a wave shape by following the lines.....this way it is even....<br />
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Then I flip one over and sculpt them....<br />
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Now they are ready for a crumb coat....</div>
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Now I will chill the cakes and then pipe the mustache with a medium star tip...<br />
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It doesn't have to be perfect, just follow the lines and have fun!! Here it is.</div>
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So cute! If I could grow a mustache made of chocolate, I would never shave!!! But then again, people would be constantly trying to eat my face. Okay never mind;)<br />
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Here's another fun treat. I love to make caramel corn. So I have decided that bags of this sweet popcorn will be favors for peeps to take home. But we have to "stache" it up a little!<br />
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I got these mustache stickers from the craft store and will use them to decorate the bags before I fill them....<br />
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Die! Too cute!<br />
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Okay let's finish the cake. I added a couple frames with this purple fondant. It can be any color because I am going to paint them with black food coloring for a shiny look. Purple is just what I had to get rid of!<br />
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So here you can see the purple and the black. The frames were just cut and molded by hand.</div>
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Here he is!!!</div>
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And here are some shots from the party!</div>
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Mustache cupcakes!!!</div>
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So a big thank you to my friend Candace for letting me go wild! And a super HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Major!!!</div>
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<br />joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-73077056674436542372013-01-06T10:09:00.001-08:002014-04-01T12:28:42.389-07:00A cake fit for McQueen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I couldn't be more excited about this post! I get much of my inspiration from fashion...duh...but most comes from the house of Alexander McQueen. I have a bit of an obsession. Although he is no longer with us, Sarah Burton continues to "wow" the world with her work overseeing the creative direction for the line. You might recognize her name from the world famous royal wedding.....she made the dress...</div>
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Perfection! She was also named International Designer of the Year in 2012 by Elle UK. And so his name lives on as well as the over the top looks and impeccable British tailoring......and as for the runway shows...well you can see for yourself. This is my favorite!!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4mzWil76QM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here is a short from his biography.....</div>
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Alexander McQueen shows are known for their emotional power and raw energy, as well as the romantic but determinedly contemporary nature of the collections. Integral to the McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity. An openly emotional and even passionate viewpoint is realised with a profound respect and influence for the arts and crafts tradition. Alexander's collections combine an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing. </div>
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Yep that pretty much sums it up. </div>
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The men's line is always amazing as well. I went to NYC in August....just to play....I'm always going for cake stuff;) This time though, it was just to hang out. While there, my friend Pete surprised me with an early Christmas present.....</div>
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These babies:))))) Pete, you are the best!!</div>
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I was gonna get these but my face is too small;)</div>
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I mean look at that coat! That could be a cake.....see what I mean!</div>
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Okay lets talk about inspiration. I love the texture of the woven dress here. So that is where I want to start.</div>
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Also, I couldn't choose just one single look for inspiration. So I'm using a few and making a cake as my ode to McQueen! </div>
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I know I have used the diamond impression mat before but this time I am gonna put a spin on it and try to make the illusion of "woven fabric".</div>
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So to start, I cover the cake in this pink fondant and make my impression. Then deepen the lines with a gumpaste tool. </div>
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Next, I start roughing it up.....but only every other diamond.</div>
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So here is part one....finished. Looks a little cray cray at the moment.....</div>
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Now I am taking a different color (this wine color) and rolling it out.</div>
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And then I use the same impression mat on this to get my lines.</div>
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Now I cut the diamonds apart.</div>
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I am going to place them one at a time. So I keep the others in a plastic bag so they will not dry out.</div>
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I paint the back with a little piping gel.</div>
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And place it in the untextured diamond space.</div>
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Now I texture each one the opposite direction as the diamonds in light pink.</div>
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Here is the end result....</div>
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Fancy! Okay let's move on</div>
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Here is the next look that I am in love with. Even in this still shot, you can see the movement of the fabric. This is why I love fashion shows so much. This is not a ready to wear look....but it's exciting and makes you want to see more!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SICkl3eGIOc/UOmf18HGY5I/AAAAAAAABAs/oO_6Wd-mnXk/s1600/alexander-mcqueen-rtw-fw2012-runway-30_18005463576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SICkl3eGIOc/UOmf18HGY5I/AAAAAAAABAs/oO_6Wd-mnXk/s320/alexander-mcqueen-rtw-fw2012-runway-30_18005463576.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
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I think she stole my sunglasses;)</div>
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So for the next cake, I have to create this movement. Since it's the middle tier, I also want to have a middle piece that draws the eye in. Oh yeah, it's gonna be a skull.....signature McQueen. So I made this little skull. I couldn't really shoot the process....but I just started with a ball and worked it with my fingers and gumpaste tools.....</div>
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I am using the pink one. The grey number was for practice.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2AxwGfXOas/UOmuBzhsAGI/AAAAAAAABIg/u1rbI0r0nKA/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2AxwGfXOas/UOmuBzhsAGI/AAAAAAAABIg/u1rbI0r0nKA/s320/IMG_1411.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0jLnMkZENI/UOmrB5RIGiI/AAAAAAAABGo/H7fY5L4JhA4/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0jLnMkZENI/UOmrB5RIGiI/AAAAAAAABGo/H7fY5L4JhA4/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: black;">For the ruffles, I start by rolling a strip of fondant. I used fondant because gumpaste would dry too quickly and we need to thin this and work it for a while.</span><br />
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Now I take the small side of the ball tool and thin by pulling out. But I still leave a thick side to secure it and to make the ruffles seem a little spread apart.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EwSeFeb4vQw/UOmuE-bDHeI/AAAAAAAABI0/RY04r7Smlvo/s1600/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EwSeFeb4vQw/UOmuE-bDHeI/AAAAAAAABI0/RY04r7Smlvo/s320/IMG_1417.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now flip and ruffle over and do the same technique with the larger side of the ball tool.....so we don't tear what we already made.</div>
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Now I wind it around an object that the skull will fit into and let it dry before gluing to the cake with piping gel. This will start the foundation for the ruffles.</div>
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So you can see I just keep going and changing colors slightly...not really for an ombre thing, but to show variety....</div>
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I also added some pearls for the skull's background. And painted them with pearl dust.</div>
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Looking good! If you want to learn more about making ruffles for cake, you should try Maggie Austin's class on <a href="http://craftsy.com/">Craftsy.com</a> (shameless plug:)</div>
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Okay. Now for the last tier! McQueen has a line of clutches that are amazing. This one is the Britannia clutch. I like it because of the flag design. So I decided that for the top tier I would make my own. But not an actual purse (lol).</div>
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Here is the tier. I'm not going into detail here because this post is getting long!! I will show these techniques in a future post, however.</div>
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This is the texture underneath.</div>
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I used butterflies because of this look....</div>
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It's like a butterfly family reunion on her face;) and I love it!</div>
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Now for the finishing touches. I made a little skull and some brass knuckles!<br />
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This is the first time I have ever made brass knuckles out of sugar. Not a surprise.</div>
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Here is the middle skull all gussied up!</div>
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And here she is all complete!! Drum roll.....</div>
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That's all for now. Thanks to Pete again for the sunglasses and to Sarah Barton and the McQueen house for inspiring me everyday. Oh and this won't be the last McQueen post:)</div>
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<a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/">www.alexandermcqueen.com</a></div>
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If you want to learn more, you can take my class on Craftsy.....click the link below!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-56304007589182156632012-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:002013-09-19T07:32:39.027-07:00Kim Z's cake replica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So last year I went to China with Karen Portaleo of Highland Bakery because she was asked to do cakes for a Halloween display at a mall in the Diamond Hill District of Hong Kong. While we were there, Kim Zolciak of the <em>Real Housewives of Atlanta</em> tweeted that she needed a cake for her wedding. The Bert Show on Q100 saw the tweet and just so happens that we had done the wedding cake for Jenn Hobby who was a co-host of that show at the time. Here is her cake....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8o2TRQ5RJY/UNzZdAhgYEI/AAAAAAAAA2c/yz7gtdk7pyA/s1600/148382_165442440160959_1768291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8o2TRQ5RJY/UNzZdAhgYEI/AAAAAAAAA2c/yz7gtdk7pyA/s320/148382_165442440160959_1768291_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Vintage Christmas.....so fun.<br />
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Anyhow....you see where I am going with this. Kim decided to use us as her cake peeps. Of course the whole thing was filmed and the wedding was crazy.....like Colin Cowie crazy...and by that I mean he actually planned the event! Talk about being star struck Kim, Kroy, and Colin. Cray cray!<br />
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Little did we know when we got off the 15 hour plane ride back that Kim's wedding was in 11 days! Yikes! So on top of all the other orders we had, and the jet lag, we had to create an 11 tiered master piece. <br />
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Just a side note here.....You always hear about how demanding and awful celebrities can be, not Kim. She couldn't have been cooler! From the tasting up until the day of the wedding, she was easy going and put all of her trust in us. Here is the direction she wanted to go with design.....<br />
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BUT....she told us to be creative and let our artistry shine so here is the finished cake....</div>
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Whooo hoo. And here is the best part.....it was in Life and Style Magazine!!!!</div>
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A year later, naturally she asked if I would make a small replica of the wedding cake for the 1 year anniversary. I jumped at the chance! And although it's not technically inspired by fashion, it IS pop culture....so I decided to make a tutorial and blog post.</div>
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When I first met with her, she insisted that the one year old anniversary tier be used in the cake. Kim is very superstitious. I was reluctant because I wasn't sure what condition the cake would be in. But I was very surprised, when I picked it up, to find this....</div>
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Wow. It looked the same as the day I made it. I pretty sure that foil and little help for Baby Jesus had something to do with it:) Now I had to try and remove the flowers so I could re-ice the cake....</div>
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Again...perfect! So now I scraped the cake to re-ice it.....</div>
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Mmmm....carrot!</div>
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While the cakes were baking I started the flowers. On the original cake, Kim wanted crystals. Now I have never been to keen on using them but they had to be in the design. At this point I don't feel like it's that big of a deal, as long as you know the caterer who is cutting the cake and trust that they will remove the crystals before cutting.</div>
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Here are the crystals I got from Etsy and some fondant that I kneaded a little Tylose into. You could use gumpaste, but I wanted them to stay a little soft so they are easy to remove.</div>
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First I cut circles....</div>
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Then brush the circle with piping gel all over....</div>
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Next add a small hand rolled ball to the middle....this is the anchor for the crystal....</div>
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Then push the crystal into the ball so it won't move around...</div>
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For the flower part, I used a pasta machine taking the paste to #2 setting. I know that seems thick but these are not real sugar flowers, so the thickness is needed to show the detail....</div>
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Start close to the crystal with one end and wind around....</div>
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Done! Here is all of them....</div>
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The Vera Wang box was a set of cake cutters. Kim was in the process of moving and couldn't find the originals. And because they were Vera, that totally qualifies this as a "fashion cake"....see everything worked out;)</div>
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Okay lets cover some cakes!!</div>
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Once all the cakes are crumb coated, start rolling the fondant.</div>
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I like to use a French rolling pin. But you can use whatever feels comfortable to you.</div>
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Once you have rolled the paste to the thickness you need, carefully roll it onto the pin.</div>
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Put the cake in place and unroll the fondant over the cake.</div>
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Now smooth using a fondant smoother.</div>
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Now to start stacking! I like to use bubble tea straws for support. There are many structural items out there including wooden dowels, but I like these best. You can find them at most Asian markets or online. </div>
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Then take scissors and trim the excess.</div>
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Now, I use a little royal icing to secure the layers to one another.</div>
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Place the next tier on top.</div>
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Now I start adding the flowers. I am only stacking a couple at a time. For one, I don't like to drive with completed cake. The roads are too bad. So I always allow myself some time for set up when I get to the venue. I am using a piping bag and a little royal to adhere each flower.</div>
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The next tier up gets a crystal band. This you can find at Caljava. It's a great product because you can cut it to the size you need!</div>
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Brush the back with piping gel and adhere to the cake.</div>
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Yay!</div>
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The rest of the tiers repeat this design except for the diamond pattern....but I already went over that in the Stella McCartney post.</div>
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I stacked the cake before leaving just to make sure it's level. And then take it apart for travel.</div>
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All ready to go!!</div>
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Here is the finished product!</div>
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:))))))</div>
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That's all for now! Thanks to Kim Z. for letting me blab about her cake. And I can't really talk about it.....but you might see this cake and others on TV next year! Stay tuned!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-57309521493643030752012-11-07T08:01:00.002-08:002013-11-10T11:08:14.895-08:00Stella McCartney:))<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So a couple of months ago, I was asked to a part of Cake Central's Fashion Issue. WoHooooo! I was so excited. The idea was that the girls from CC would pick runway looks to inspire a cake. The cake did not need to represent the look exactly.....just used for interpretation....you know to get the "creative wheels" turning.<br />
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Although my fingers were crossed for an Alexander McQueen number, I received this look from Stella McCartney.....<br />
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It's pretty bangin'. The dress is super modern and young. Here is the look on the beautiful Brooklyn Decker.....<br />
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Okay, I love it. But I (of course) decided to run with it and put my own spin on the look. Everyone in fashion is looking for the next thing....something fashion forward. Well, guess what, I am going fashion backward! <br />
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I am super into texture on fondant cakes. Flat fondant cakes can be so lame. So I started to think...."where could this look have come from".......maybe I can take it back to centuries ago...(in my imaginary world) and create a look that inspired this one. A look fit for a queen!<br />
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I immediately gravitate toward the blues and yellows and the diamond pattern.<br />
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I've decided to use the diamond impression mat and go a little further with the detail.<br />
I cover the cakes in fondant one at a time (so they don't set while working on the others) and detail them before the fondant has time to dry. And yes I am using dummy cakes.....I have to...it's for a photo shoot!!<br />
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After I cover the tier, I quickly use the impression mat and fondant smoother to get my guide. I like using the mats.....but only faintly....so I can go back and detail them.<br />
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Now I deepen the lines with my metal scraper (PME).</div>
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And then make a second line beside each one.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnbltIoe2D4/UJhFdva4HEI/AAAAAAAAAtY/rwOWn9zLsSc/s1600/IMG_0456+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnbltIoe2D4/UJhFdva4HEI/AAAAAAAAAtY/rwOWn9zLsSc/s320/IMG_0456+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Then I take my gum paste star tool and make an impression in each intersection of the design....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvwVlCTtT0Q/UJhFg4ZDK0I/AAAAAAAAAtg/8wqNmqSG1-I/s1600/IMG_0457+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvwVlCTtT0Q/UJhFg4ZDK0I/AAAAAAAAAtg/8wqNmqSG1-I/s320/IMG_0457+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And now for the magic! I know it's hard to see the real detail....but keep in mind that we are going to color this print....then the design will pop.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrHvH91608/UJhFkypglrI/AAAAAAAAAtw/acEOYErGSVs/s1600/IMG_0461+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrHvH91608/UJhFkypglrI/AAAAAAAAAtw/acEOYErGSVs/s320/IMG_0461+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Using the gum paste tool, I add "stress" marks to make the fondant more fabric like.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrHvH91608/UJhFkypglrI/AAAAAAAAAtw/acEOYErGSVs/s1600/IMG_0461+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrHvH91608/UJhFkypglrI/AAAAAAAAAtw/acEOYErGSVs/s320/IMG_0461+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Once all the cakes are detailed, I stack them. </div>
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The paper piece you see is a template for where I want my ruffles to go. If this were a real cake, i would mark the template and start adding the ruffles. But since it's a dummy, I will cut this fondant away.....<br />
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Okay now we are ready to add the ruffles.</div>
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Using gum paste and a cell pin, I roll long strips and thin one edge to achieve the ruffled look....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aKMZmtoqTc/UJhISM8S3kI/AAAAAAAAAuo/8YJF8FWulHw/s1600/IMG_0477+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aKMZmtoqTc/UJhISM8S3kI/AAAAAAAAAuo/8YJF8FWulHw/s320/IMG_0477+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Then I roll the strips into different shapes using a little piping gel on the thickest side....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oILvgPtlugg/UJhIUMySKqI/AAAAAAAAAuw/21ONyCYsizU/s1600/IMG_0478+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oILvgPtlugg/UJhIUMySKqI/AAAAAAAAAuw/21ONyCYsizU/s320/IMG_0478+%2528500x750%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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So I have to continue this throughout the entire negative space.....Yes...it took a long time. But the result is well worth the work!.....</div>
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Here it is half way done. The brooch is also hand shaped. They are easy to make using a set of oval cutters and a gum paste tool. This is also something I teach in my Craftsy class Modern Piping. <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/modernpiping">www.craftsy.com/modernpiping</a> :)))</div>
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Now all the ruffles are done!! This could be the finished piece!....but I want to add color. I started with white because....well I hadn't decided on color yet.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKtVDXIDQuU/UJkazytN-fI/AAAAAAAAAxo/AH7fUBZUya4/s1600/IMG_0500+(500x750).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKtVDXIDQuU/UJkazytN-fI/AAAAAAAAAxo/AH7fUBZUya4/s320/IMG_0500+(500x750).jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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So normally I would roll out a piece of fondant and add texture and then use this piece to test out my colors. But since I am taking the photos myself, I am using the back side of the cake! Ghetto?...no...I call it resourceful;) </div>
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I am not digging the blue so we are gonna go with yellow for the cake with blue accents.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgTVRENSaiM/UJkcCQuHj8I/AAAAAAAAAxw/3EXknLswfm4/s1600/IMG_0502+(500x750).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgTVRENSaiM/UJkcCQuHj8I/AAAAAAAAAxw/3EXknLswfm4/s320/IMG_0502+(500x750).jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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Now I mix up the color I like a little darker than I want. It a technique I call "color washing". It's hard to capture with a camera but I can explain!</div>
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I take a small paintbrush (only covering a small area at a time, not to let the color dry) and I paint the yellow into the texture (the cracks) of my design.</div>
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Then with a damp craft sponge, I rub the color around and take most of it off. This way, the color stays in the texture but only stains the outside flat fondant....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jBv-Qr4sKo/UJkdaxxJuGI/AAAAAAAAAx4/rzDxC1J63jQ/s1600/IMG_0503+(750x500)+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jBv-Qr4sKo/UJkdaxxJuGI/AAAAAAAAAx4/rzDxC1J63jQ/s320/IMG_0503+(750x500)+(2).jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Here is what it looks like up close! It gives a vintage feel.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84sMveDLGvE/UJkeY_ulGvI/AAAAAAAAAyA/0UpPwGlC8a8/s1600/IMG_0504+(750x500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84sMveDLGvE/UJkeY_ulGvI/AAAAAAAAAyA/0UpPwGlC8a8/s320/IMG_0504+(750x500).jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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Here she is!!! I'm loving the color. Now for more detail! We need something inside the diamonds to relate to the original pattern on the dress.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdfsQhiQ-90/UJludtsg9wI/AAAAAAAAAyc/HaxwKZrhr5k/s1600/IMG_0512+(750x500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdfsQhiQ-90/UJludtsg9wI/AAAAAAAAAyc/HaxwKZrhr5k/s320/IMG_0512+(750x500).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a lace mold I make with Silicone Plastique....it's a product from <a href="http://www.makeyourownmolds.com/">www.makeyourownmolds.com</a> . It's a great tool to make custom molds. So I place small pieces of blue fondant into the mold, unmold them, stretch slightly to make them more oval in shape, and adhere them to the spaces with a little piping gel.</div>
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Now for the cross sections, I place these 4MM pre-made sugar pearls and paint them gold....</div>
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Almost done!!! All we need is some depth. I mix a little pearl dust with blue gel color and vodka to paint the alternating diamond pieces and the centers of the brooches....</div>
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and the gold....</div>
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And now for the grand reveal!!! Drum roll please.....</div>
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Yay!!!</div>
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Here she is a little more food styled!!</div>
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That's all for now. Thanks to cake central (<a href="http://cakecentralmagazine.com/">http://cakecentralmagazine.com/</a> ) and Stella McCartney (<a href="http://www.stellamccartney.com/">www.stellamccartney.com</a>) for your beautiful inspiration!!!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271187708530351817.post-90994777064463351002012-05-31T11:52:00.000-07:002013-11-10T11:07:05.064-08:00Cake Spade;)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year when my sister's birthday comes around, there is only one store I go to for a gift....<br />
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Oh yes....my sister's favorite....Kate Spade! I fell in love with this store the first time I walked in. The store itself is a color haven for any type of designer. Oh and she captured my heart with this piece.....<br />
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Yes Ma'am!! <br />
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Soooooo....I my very first <em><strong>Fashion Caker</strong></em> post will be designed around the beautiful style and grace of Mrs. Kate Spade!<br />
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The problem is that I want to do everything!!! But I decided to self edit and found this dress as my perfect inspiration.....<br />
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Something about the colorful and beautiful chaos of this pattern draws me in.<br />
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The way I design is much like that of Kate.....or any other fashion designer....I start with inspiration and a sketch....<br />
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Now this is just a start.....I always end up changing something. That's the beauty of design:) Especially, if you are not filling an order. In that case, I would encourage you to stick to your original plan....you know, so you don't get punched by a bride!<br />
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So here is what you will need for this project....<br />
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<ol>
<li> Three cakes (real or dummies)...round, 8", 6",and 4"</li>
<li>Fondant (I used a creamy color....about 5 pounds)</li>
<li>Black gumpaste (for detail work, could be fondant with a little Tylose)</li>
<li>Gel colors (including white) </li>
<li>Paint Brushes (various sizes)</li>
<li>Piping bag with #1 tip</li>
<li>Royal Icing (less than 1/2 cup)</li>
<li>Ribbon cutter</li>
<li>10 inch round cake display board</li>
<li>Ribbon to cover the edge of the display board</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Gumpaste quilting tool</li>
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Okay the first thing is to cover your cakes in fondant. Side note....as I progress through these blog posts, I will be going back and showing you how to do some basic things like fondant work...so no worries.<br />
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The bottom and top tiers are the one that will receive the print so let's do those two first.<br />
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Now we have to mix up colors for the print....<br />
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This is red and blue with a touch of white to lighten....<br />
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And as you paint the design, use vodka to thin the food coloring gel a bit, to paint with ease.<br />
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There are no stencils or cutouts for this so it will have to be freehand. I am going to start with the purple flowers first....<br />
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I make the outline in a medium purple and then fill it in...<br />
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Next, I add the pink center....<br />
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And some darker spots in purple...<br />
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So it should look like this, give or take a few flowers....<br />
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Now that we have our framework, let's paint the orange and pink motifs next...<br />
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I do this the same way....outline and then fill in. BTW, it doesn't have to be perfect....that's why I chose this print...use your own imagination:)<br />
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Now we can add the black leaves and plants......I just doodled!!<br />
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Perf....<br />
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Do the same to the top tier and we are good to go....<br />
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These could be cakes on their own...<br />
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Look at that little nugget...<br />
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Okay now let's stack them....<br />
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We are going to leave the middle tier simple. One thing I love about Kate's style is that her pieces are simple and chic...not fussy....and timeless....<br />
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The cakes need boarders.<br />
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Let's line each with a thin black gumpaste ribbon to make the colors pop!<br />
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So I'm just rolling out a long strip and using my ribbon cutter to make consistent lines. Then I stick them to the cake with a little piping gel (or water).<br />
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Okay....design change....see...I told you! <br />
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Here is the original...<br />
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This is too busy for Kate, and the spade is way to big!<br />
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I am gonna move the bow to the middle tier and make a smaller spade.<br />
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Here's how to make a bow....<br />
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First you want to roll out a thin piece of gumpaste (about 6 to 7 inches long)<br />
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Then cut a strip about 5 to 6 inches long (you can use the ribbon cutter here too), and chop off the ends....<br />
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Add a little piping gel to the center....<br />
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Starting at one end, fold the two corners in towards the bow....<br />
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And then pull them back towards you....<br />
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Smush it into the piping gel and do the other side...<br />
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Squeeze the middle and add a center strap....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiu7zXrbV84/T8ec6Xvng-I/AAAAAAAAAnw/P7cwub1ikF0/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiu7zXrbV84/T8ec6Xvng-I/AAAAAAAAAnw/P7cwub1ikF0/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I like to pull the top pieces together a little, especially since this will sit on the middle tier.<br />
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Now for the tails, you want to make another strip and cut it diagonally...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xdwYhJ9NNo/T8edXN3NvFI/AAAAAAAAAoM/ie0XjAOHCBE/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xdwYhJ9NNo/T8edXN3NvFI/AAAAAAAAAoM/ie0XjAOHCBE/s320/IMG_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then we place a little piping gel where the bow is going to sit....<br />
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Then add the tails....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSmu3Xm4dUQ/T8edgk5NJQI/AAAAAAAAAoY/O-PcZN-ivUE/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSmu3Xm4dUQ/T8edgk5NJQI/AAAAAAAAAoY/O-PcZN-ivUE/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Now add the bow...</div>
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Yay! We could just leave it like this....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12gxxVPM32M/T8ed9cYNe7I/AAAAAAAAAo0/hgZpf6yEGjE/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12gxxVPM32M/T8ed9cYNe7I/AAAAAAAAAo0/hgZpf6yEGjE/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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But we need an ode to Kate!...and a little piping....</div>
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So using a cutter (your choice) I made this little guy and gave him some detail with the quilting tool.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N48X8IReLFY/T8eeICl0TSI/AAAAAAAAApA/wC3PTBWUKwI/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N48X8IReLFY/T8eeICl0TSI/AAAAAAAAApA/wC3PTBWUKwI/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Now let's paint him gold....</div>
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I also piped a small bead boarder in white....</div>
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Looking great! Here is where the spade comes in....I cut a tiny one to fit in my little gold coin...you can use a cutter for this if you like...</div>
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Okay we need a little more gold...</div>
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I mix up some Gold Highlighter with vodka to paint the pearl boarder...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUcH7x3gcnE/T8exThO_jRI/AAAAAAAAAro/aRv24tUbSH4/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUcH7x3gcnE/T8exThO_jRI/AAAAAAAAAro/aRv24tUbSH4/s320/IMG_0146.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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And I think that should do it!!! Let's see!</div>
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I think Kate would be proud!!</div>
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That's all for now.</div>
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Thanks to Kate Spade for all of your beautiful designs!</div>
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joshuajohncakeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14296037665153514162noreply@blogger.com22