My Daughter's Pre-K Graduation

There are events in life when we feel that time is flying by fast. Here is one event that made me feel that way. My daughter's Pre-K graduation. It seemed just like yesterday when I was buying her uniform for preschool and here we are now, at the end of that road and off to a new one. 

I only have one child and it is only once that she will graduate from preschool so I could not pass the opportunity to create a cake for her and her classmates. 

This cake was partly inspired by Amber McKenney of Sweet on Cake's stack of Dr. Seuss books.  She was kind enough to share tips on how she did her awesome book. Thank you Amber! Here is my take on the stack, having the top opened and surrounded by all the graduates.

 My Izzie looking like she is holding up the crayon with her friends.

Top of the book. I had my daughter color the page then scanned it. I thought it would be a good keepsake as well.

Spines of book. Wish I had longer edible sheets. 

Congratulations Izzie! Mommy & Daddy loves you! 

"I'm not a big fat panda. I'm THE big fat panda"

" I'm not a big fat panda. I'm THE big fat panda." - Po "Kung Fu Panda"

The man's got the skill and he continues to be amazing. I am referring to Mike of Mike's Amazing Cakes.

Last year I flew to Seattle to take Mike's Structure Class of which we created a 3 dimensional Big Bird cake. I truly enjoyed the class and much was gained from it that I just had to take another. This time I had choice of what project to do. I went through several options but landed on one that I've been wanting to do for awhile. 

I obtained this book called "Po and Ping's Recipe Storybook" awhile back while researching for a Kung Fu Panda cake last year. The gravity defying part of having one of Po's leg up with the stack of noodle bowls intrigued me. I never had a chance make it or even think of it. I am truly glad we decided to go with this one out of all the other options as it turned out truly awesome!

Here are some photos from the class. Mike actually tackled 4 different projects and patiently went through each one up to completion with the help of his wonderful assistants.

 Po's Head

Noodle Production. That's Kelsey helping me get all the bowls done. And may I just say, I found someone as anal with details as I am! Mike wanted to wring our necks for creating each bowl differently :) 

Here are the other projects in class.

Erin's Tangled Tower which she created for her daughter. Lucky girl!

Jamie's (of Wicked Little Cake Company) Circus Elephant. This was wicked as the 3 small balls rotated! 

Tammy's HUGE replica of her Ron Burgundy bobble head. 

And here is me with the awesome crew at Mike's Amazing Cakes! Theresa who is Mike's office manager was of great help as well (wish I could have and afford a Theresa one day!). 

As Po would say " There is no charge for awesomeness...." Though this class costed me some $, it was worth it!

I love the projects I do for my family and customers but it was great to do something for myself for fun. It's not everyday that you get to work with one of greatest cake artists out there, meet wonderful fellow cake artists and to do something you truly love. Thanks again Mike for a great experience!

Happy Your Birthday Is, Young Obi Wong

I am girly girl and grew up with sisters. I know of Star Wars and may have watched it before but I can barely remember details. I do know the characters, well, some of them at least. So creating anything Star Wars goes beyond my comfort zone. 

When I got a request to make a Yoda cake, I initially held back thinking I will decline their request considering I had 3 days to make it. Just minutes before I made the phone call to Bauer Obi's mom, I somehow changed my mind. The crazy voice inside my head was telling me to take the challenge. The call happened. Done. I was going to do Yoda.

Here is how my Yoda looks. I was worried to get the reaction of Bauer's dad as he is a big Star Wars fan. Naming his child Obi says it all. But to my delight, I got an email with such great response. Likewise from friends and peers who are Star Wars fans. I do feel I could do better next time and I do know which areas to adjust. That is IF there will be a next time. Any other Star Wars fans out there? Honest opinions are welcome!

To Young Obi, Happy 1st Birthday! And to Simon and May, thank you for the opportunity to challenge myself and for having my Yoda be part of such a special occasion.

Annika & Her Elmo Sneakers

I've made my fair share of sugar sneakers. I believe I've done at least 4 since I started making cakes again. This one is particularly special as I knew I had to up it a notch. 

Annika turns 4 and loves Elmo. Last year I made her a Hello Kitty cake and her reaction to seeing it made  me smile all day. This year her mom's special request were these sneakers of which she has the exact pair. I tried to get as close to the real thing, adding the silver rings around the holes and added texture to the front  of the shoe. I was happy with the results and they were too! 

Here's a closer look of the shoe.

Creating this for Annika made me think...maybe I should make more of different designs and line them up. Well, lets see. I'll keep you guys posted.

An Affair to Remember

We started 2012 with something new. On January 29, we joined our first ever bridal fair at the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo. Here are some photos we would like to share. We did not know what to expect but just hoped for the best. To our surprise, we got such great feedback and it was overwhelming!

A photo of me with my table.

Cupcake Flavors:

Chocolate + Strawberry Buttercream, Vanilla + Vanilla Buttercream & Red Velvet + Vanilla Buttercream

Silver & Petals

Close up shot of the ruffle cake-- our most popular cake at the show.

My great set up crew. For the record, that flower in front of the table was not my idea. It came with the table from the mall. Ha!

My wonderful assistants, my family. I could have not done it without them!

I hope 2012 will bring us (that includes you!) more great opportunities and wonderful firsts. A prosperous new year to everyone!