owl cake decorating class sydney – 16th June 2012

Just to let everyone know that this is the last time I will be running the 3D Owl cake decorating class.

I have loved each of the classes and we have created the most amazing little owls each with their own personalities.

Information on this class can be found here http://www.inspired-by-chocolate-and-cakes.com/cake-decorating-classes.html

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at all.

Bye for now, Michelle

Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

sailor christening baptism cake idea

This is my favourite cake design for this week. This three tier sailor cake in soft aquas is simple but I think quite elegant but still cute with the little red boat and cheeky fish.

The whole concept actually started with a cake I had previously made which is the sailor bear cake below. The sailor bear cake was for a 1st birthday and much brighter in colour. The brief was for something much softer for this christening cake.

sailor christening baptsim cake design

sailor bear cake design

So to come up with a unique design I started with the invitation – which always makes life much easier. It had a little red boat on it so that became the feature for the top tier. We added Charlie’s initials to the side of the boat to personalise it and a little Charlie in the boat – fascinated by the little fish popping up to say hello.

The invitation also had the wave effect in the two aquas so that created the rest of the design and the stripes were used as a contrast. Only the tiniest bit of red was used on the bottom tier to tie the boat into the tiers as I needed to keep the design soft.

Both the top two tiers were banana cake layered with white ganache and the bottom was marble with both white and dark chocolate layers. The cake was served as dessert on this occasion and tonight I received a lovely Thank You saying not only did the cake look lovely it tasted fantastic which always puts a smile on my face.

Another sailor cake design idea is the pirate theme below. This was made as a 1st birthday cake and again matched the invitations a long time ago now. You could easily soften this design to create a gorgeous christening cake or baptism cake for your little boy.

pirate sailor cake idea

Bye for now, Michelle

Michelle Rea

Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

Cake decorating classes click here

Colour inspiration for cake decorating -

For anyone who struggles with choosing colours for their cakes this is the most fantastic resource. A lot of my students have mentioned they do not have confidence when it comes to colour choice. So I thought I would share my favourite resource.

It is something I use to inspire me – actually often just looking through the pages creates a cake all on it’s own.

“Color Inspirations” (please note it is the American spelling of colour) by Darius A. Monsef, IV is truely inspirational. There are over 3000 of these little colour combination spots. The top picture is just a sample from some of the pages.

The book is really meant for graphic work as it also provides the colour make up etc. I first saw this book in New York and could not resist buying a copy. I showed my sister who is an Art Director and immediately she ordered herself a copy.

this is a fantastic book for colour inspiration for cake decorating

It is also perfect to show to clients who are having trouble choosing or describing a colour that they want to include in their cake design.

Even in ribbon there is a million versions of light pink or even sky blue – this way not only are you sure of the colour they need you automatically see which colours combine perfectly to give your design a dynamic finish.

Of all my cake decorating books this is the only one I actually use. For some people it is shoes for me it is books!!

The other resource I use is the Book Depository. This is an online book store that I use on a weekly basis (I really do love books) It delivers free all over the world and I have been using it for about five years now without any problems. They have a site in the UK and USA but all the books come from the UK and remember the delivery is free so it does not matter where you are. Compared to the prices of books in Australia the Book Depository prices are amazing.

300×250 Competitions – Banner Rotator

I hope this has given you something to think about. Maybe you have a design or art book sitting on your book shelf that might help you create an amazing new design. Paint sample charts are also a good resource but they are limited in colour combinations.

Happy caking!!

Bye for now, Michelle

Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

***** I thought I would let you know that someone told me at the time of adding this post Book Depository has this book at 35% off it’s already good price.

Cake Decorating Classes England

cake decorating classes england Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

I’m heading to England in late July and August 2012 and will be running some cake decorating classes.

At this stage dates and details have not been confirmed.

What I was wondering is is anyone interested in attending and if so is there anything in particular you would like the cake classes to cover?

I’m really looking forward to to my visit, I had such a wonderful time last year.

I thought I would ask now and would really appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks. Bye for now, Michelle

Michelle Rea

Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

sugar phalaenopsis orchid class – moth orchids

Come and learn these simple but spectacular gumpaste flowers. Moth orchids (easier to say) are very popular on cakes especially wedding cakes. I have just been to the Melbourne Flower and Garden show and their elegance and colour range inspired me to add this to my cake decorating class list.

Absolutely no experience is needed to join this sugar flower class, the method is easy once you know how!! You will create three gumpaste orchids to take home and maybe they will be perfect to decorate this years Mothers day cake.

sugar phalaenopsis orchids

The first class will be Wednesday 2nd May 2102 and will run from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

Everything is provided including class notes.

The price is $150.00 gst included and numbers are strictly limited. Positions are held only with a non refundable 50% deposit and the balance is payable in full before the class date. Minimum numbers are needed for the class to be held. If these are not reached then deposits will be refunded.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to join the class.

They really are a lot easier to make than they look!!

Bye for now, Michelle

Michelle Rea

Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

Current cake decorating class list is here

Cake decorating class – double barrel cake Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

Join this class to learn two methods of covering a double height cake tier. One method we will be using in the class and the other will be demonstrated. Knowing both these methods means you will be able to cover any double barrel cake no matter the design.

Discussion on how best to design a double barrel tier to make life easier for the cake decorator and the internal structure to produce a stable and easily served cake.

We will also be making a sugar anemone flower. This is a wired petal sugar flower which looks amazing in any colour variation.

sugar anemone flower in purple Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

For this class we will be using foam tiers so you will be able to keep this cake as a show cake. It can also be completed in any colour combination you wish – maybe to match your business colours etc.

Class 1 – 2nd and 3rd June – Saturday/Sunday 10.00am – 3.00pm both days

Class 2 – 23rd and 24th June Saturday/Sunday 10.00am – 3.00pm both days

Light snacks and lunch are provided on both days. The price is $500.00 gst included and numbers are strictly limited. Positions are held with a non refundable 50% deposit and the balance is payable before the class date. Minimum numbers are needed for the class to be held. If these are not reached then deposits will be refunded.

Please do not hesitate to contact me inspiredbymichelle@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to join the class. Please note that your position in the class is not held until the deposit has been paid.

Bye for now, Michelle

Michelle Rea

Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs

60 Old Northern Road

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Australia