tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85185478877613639932024-03-12T22:48:43.913-04:00Sweet Talk with Flour ConfectionsFlour Confections takes the art of cake to a whole new level! Each creation is custom designed and made entirely from scratch using the freshest and finest ingredients. Be sure to visit us at www.flourconfections.comFlour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-18608454409340861122014-10-30T10:18:00.000-04:002014-10-30T10:18:45.976-04:00Simply Perfect Party Cakes for Kids - by Zoe ClarkThe saying goes: "never judge a book by it's cover" - but please just take a look at THIS cover and tell me you don't just want to sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy each and every page inside? And that's exactly what I did!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thecakeparlour.com/products-page/zoesbooks/page/2/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S588ut99mAU/VE_7HSXHBEI/AAAAAAAABzc/31mV_28XIX8/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
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Zoe's fresh, clean style comes through on each and every page. Her attention to detail from making tiny toys, to cute surfboard cupcake toppers, to camouflage cake batter (one of my favourites!) is impeccable. Even the table of contents has different font styles coordinating with the cake design! </div>
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Inside you'll find there's a design for every occasion and for every age group, Zoe has covered all the bases. Need a cake for a baby shower? - no problem. A fancy sweet table spread for a little girl's 1st birthday? Zoe has it covered. Ideas for that adventurous boy? It's all inside! Zoe has covered it all from cakes to cookies to cupcakes to mini cakes. All coordinated, all styled, all perfect for any party.</div>
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Not only will you find numerous contemporary cake designs - 12 to be exact - you also get simple easy to follow step-by-step instructions with pictures on how to achieve all of those designs. Including coordinating cupcake and cookie ideas which lend perfectly for a stylized sweet table scape. Don't have the tools? No problem, there's a resource guide inside. Can't find that cookie cutter shape? Not to worry, templates for everything are included in the back. Need that perfect recipe for a carved cake? It can be found inside.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thecakeparlour.com/products-page/zoesbooks/page/2/" target="_blank">Simply Perfect Party Cakes for Kids</a> is, well, simply perfect! I would happily place it along side many of my "must have" cake decorating books as not only does it contain inspiration & great ideas, but techniques and easy to follow steps & recipes which make a good book into a great one!</div>
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Thank you Zoe for allowing me to have a sneak peek into your fanciful world of cake!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoNUGR4UM28/VE_6vONcfnI/AAAAAAAABzU/O_gKZZ3wRZ8/s1600/1625496_10152128650328071_1486264396_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoNUGR4UM28/VE_6vONcfnI/AAAAAAAABzU/O_gKZZ3wRZ8/s1600/1625496_10152128650328071_1486264396_n.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-56019318709660614602014-05-01T08:18:00.001-04:002014-05-01T08:18:06.936-04:00Modern Mother's Day Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjnKmwHl0tI/U2ECAFZEfxI/AAAAAAAABx4/9XhMOkl4bho/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjnKmwHl0tI/U2ECAFZEfxI/AAAAAAAABx4/9XhMOkl4bho/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make Mom something special - something she will remember. This modern Mother's Day cake features a sophisticated houndstooth pattern created with my new houndstooth cutter set from my Flourishes line. It's adorned with fabulous sugarpaste poppies - also made with my new life-sized poppy cutters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to know how it was done? Here is a quick tutorial for you to learn & share! Enjoy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All supplies for this project can be found at our store <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/" target="_blank">www.flourconfections.com </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/confectioners-choice-black-gumpaste-lbs-p-3716.html" target="_blank">Black Confectioners Choice</a> Gumpaste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/confectioners-choice-red-gumpaste-lbs-p-3717.html" target="_blank">Red Confectioners Choice</a> Gumpaste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/groove-board-p-437.html" target="_blank">Groove Board</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/poppy-cutter-set-designed-lisa-bugeja-p-4904.html" target="_blank">Poppy Cutter Set</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/houndstooth-cutter-set-designed-lisa-bugeja-p-4900.html" target="_blank">Houndstooth Cutter Set</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/corn-husk-veiner-set-p-4862.html" target="_blank">Corn Husk Veiner Set</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/imported-paper-covered-wires-green-gauge-pkg-p-399.html" target="_blank">20g White or Green Wire</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/imported-paper-covered-wires-white-gauge-pkg-p-404.html" target="_blank">24g White Wire</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/floral-tape-light-green-pack-wide-p-3678.html" target="_blank">Floral Tape</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/celshredder-floral-tape-shredder-p-4103.html" target="_blank">Floral Tape Cutter</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/clear-acrylic-rolling-pin-long-p-3122.html" target="_blank">Rolling Pin</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/metal-ball-tool-small-p-1461.html" target="_blank">Small Ball Tool</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/medium-flower-former-p-1137.html" target="_blank">Flower Former</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/angled-tweezers-p-1463.html" target="_blank">Tweezers</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/needle-nosed-pliers-p-2008.html" target="_blank">Needle Nose Pliers</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=stamens" target="_blank">Stamens</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Variety of Petal Dusts: <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/red-velvet-petal-dust-powder-food-color-p-2660.html" target="_blank">Red Velvet</a>, <a href="http://lourconfections.com/red-rose-petal-dust-powdered-food-colour-p-2659.html" target="_blank">Red Rose</a> & <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/poppy-petal-dust-powdered-food-colour-p-2656.html" target="_blank">Poppy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gum Glue & <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/gum-glue-plastic-bottle-with-brush135-p-3733.html" target="_blank">Glue Bottle</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/scissors-p-1914.html" target="_blank">Small Scissors</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/great-lakes-gelatin-kosher-p-2243.html" target="_blank">Gelatin</a> tinted with <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/red-velvet-petal-dust-powder-food-color-p-2660.html" target="_blank">Red Velvet Dust</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lp0GFkEf1UM/U2EBGSEM23I/AAAAAAAABws/_Ws6Ya8Dcjk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lp0GFkEf1UM/U2EBGSEM23I/AAAAAAAABws/_Ws6Ya8Dcjk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For centres, use #9 ball of black CC gum paste & 20g wire - create a hook on the wire, dip in glue & wipe off excess, secure ball of paste to wire by inserting hooked end into paste </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B51UJMiRacg/U2EBRElyyDI/AAAAAAAABw0/dEY0BSircRA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B51UJMiRacg/U2EBRElyyDI/AAAAAAAABw0/dEY0BSircRA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinch a star like pattern on top of ball of paste using tweezers. Apply glue to pinched areas and dip into a mixture of gelatine and red velvet dust to create pollen centre.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_R-bTU2g5g/U2EBWQS_XWI/AAAAAAAABw8/k-OfC6BBKJY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_R-bTU2g5g/U2EBWQS_XWI/AAAAAAAABw8/k-OfC6BBKJY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tape bundles of stamens around the dried centre - it's easier to control smaller bundles at a time rather than the entire amount. When all taped, trim off excess at base to avoid build up and tape to completely encase stamens and wire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roll out a sausage of Red CC gumpaste and place along grooves of the groove board. Roll out until it's thin, then flip over and cut out petals ensuring that the groove is 1/2 - 2/3 up the centre of the petal. You will need 4-6 petals per flower depending upon the variety of poppy you are creating. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj18chVF_jk/U2EBifPBBqI/AAAAAAAABxM/LmRnz-AkSeA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj18chVF_jk/U2EBifPBBqI/AAAAAAAABxM/LmRnz-AkSeA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using 24g white wire, dip wire in glue, wipe off excess and insert into petal 1/3 of the way in. Thin edges on foam pad with a ball tool.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE8JtBDTE04/U2EBnuAztoI/AAAAAAAABxU/ZlmKNcsxJl0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE8JtBDTE04/U2EBnuAztoI/AAAAAAAABxU/ZlmKNcsxJl0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place wired petal on one side of corn husk veiner, place other side on top and sandwich together, pressing firmly to get impression. Remove from veiner, place on foam pad and go over edges with ball tool to ruffle. Place petals in flower former to dry.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U03plH1xUyQ/U2EB6Wne1zI/AAAAAAAABxs/BNAHEKxfjlg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U03plH1xUyQ/U2EB6Wne1zI/AAAAAAAABxs/BNAHEKxfjlg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using floral tape, tape dried petals tightly around centres. Adjust petals as you go to create the look you want.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VamsIYm2tTk/U2EBszL1_JI/AAAAAAAABxc/QNXE6d7KkBc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VamsIYm2tTk/U2EBszL1_JI/AAAAAAAABxc/QNXE6d7KkBc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using petal dusts - colour petals front & back paying attention to highlights and shadows. Steam flower to set colours when done colouring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Left: dusted & steamed completed flower. Right: un-dusted flower</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjnKmwHl0tI/U2ECAFZEfxI/AAAAAAAABx0/LAPVhyRZG7E/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjnKmwHl0tI/U2ECAFZEfxI/AAAAAAAABx0/LAPVhyRZG7E/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modern Mother's Day Cake</span></div>
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Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-90472894526447363542013-10-08T14:14:00.000-04:002013-10-08T14:14:37.236-04:00Baking Up A Business Series: Create Your Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All businesses start with an idea. All <i><u>great</u></i> businesses start with a plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When starting out on the adventure of business ownership, you need to take the time to develop a plan. When you bake a cake, you follow a recipe. Same is true when you start a business - you have to follow a recipe. You can't just dump things together in a bowl, stir it around a bit, then realize to turn on the oven, and just hope and pray it will all turn out fine in the end. Chances are if you did that with flour, eggs, sugar and butter you would end up with a mess, so why would you think you would yield any other result when starting a business in the same manner?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you have the statement: "I want to start a cake business" - now what? This statement is very broad, what you need is to focus - what is your vision?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kind of cake business will you offer?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This part takes time - do not skip over it because you want to start picking out your paint colours and equipment. You need to think about what you are looking to offer in terms of services and style - what is your mission statement? what is your vision?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mission statement?? Really? "<i>I'm not a corporation, I just bake cakes</i>" .... if that's what is going through your mind, you might as well just end this idea right here and now. Remember what I had stated earlier - this is a <i><u>business</u></i> - just because it involves sugar and creativity doesn't mean it somehow functions in a magical land of icing and sprinkles versus the real world of capitalism and commerce. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>A mission statement sets out the purpose of a company</b></u>. The statement will guide the actions and decisions of the company, set forth the goals and provide a clear path on where the company is going. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a solid, sound and tangible vision becomes the anchor to your business. It's what you will keep coming back to to ensure you are on course. It is the big picture, but it is also the solid foundation. A strong vision will aid you in all future decisions. Is this true to my business? Is this true to my brand? Is this true to my vision. It is your checks and balances - it is vital to your business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So your first step in your business recipe is to build your foundation and set your goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kind of cake business will you offer?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you offer custom cakes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you offer pre-set catalogue designs?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you offer any other baked items? Cupcakes? Cookies? Macarons?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you offer cakes for all occasions? Or will you focus on weddings only?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What will your overall style be?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you focus on luxury? Sophistication? Whimsical? Graphic? Modern?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you be looking for a retail location?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you be offering wholesale or retail only?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is your target audience?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So again, what kind of cake business will you offer? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the time to sit down and plan - the devil is in the details. Write down everything that comes to mind. Review it. Rework it. Rewrite it. Keep it. Create it. Destroy it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This process will take time, but its going to be your business recipe, the one that you will follow, the one that you will always fall back on - it's your tried and true recipe to success. Sure over time you may play with it, tweak it, add things to it, take things away, but it's still the core to your business and what will guide you in the years to come. This step is at the heart of your business, everything else that comes after is simply frosting and decorations, but you still need a solid amazing cake to build upon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Create Your Recipe ... for success.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the most crucial first step to any successful business - creating your recipe, i.e.: building your business plan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without a business plan , you will not have a vision of where you are, where you are going, and how you will get there. Most people skip this step because they find it too boring, too much work, too slow, etc. Building a business takes time, building a successful business takes effort. If you jump in with your eyes closed, you may be successful but chances are very slim, and at what costs? Your business plan once completed will either encourage you to move forward, or demonstrate that more thinking and more development is needed before proceeding. It will also be extremely helpful should you be looking to the banks or investors for loans (but that's another story). Do your homework, do your research. Be pragmatic. Be sensible. Dream, then work for the dream. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overwhelmed? Don't be. Just take it one step, one day at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need more </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">help? Here are several websites with more information about starting a business and writing a business plan: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting a small business in Ontario - <a href="http://www.ontario.ca/business-and-economy/small-business-advice-support-services-regulations" target="_blank">Ontario.ca </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2747/" target="_blank">Restaurant Start-Up Guide</a> from Canada Business Network</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2753/" target="_blank">Writing Your Business Plan</a> from Canada Business Network</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BDC <a href="http://www.bdc.ca/en/advice_centre/tools/business_plan/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Business Plan Templates</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/0,,588,00.html" target="_blank">ScotiaBank's</a> guide to writing a business plan</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bank of Montreal's <a href="http://www.bmo.com/home/small-business/banking/resources/business-resources" target="_blank">Small Business Centre</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CIBC's <a href="https://www.cibc.com/ca/small-business/article-tools/business-planning.html" target="_blank">Guide to Business </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TD Bank <a href="http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/products-services/small-business/windocs.jsp" target="_blank">Business Planner</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RBC Royal Bank <a href="http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/RBC:RnbCjI71JsUAAvCskp8/sme/create-plan/business-plans.html" target="_blank">Business Resources</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is just the beginning of a long process....but the reward is sweet! Stay tuned for more!</span></div>
Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-59865300612460442122013-07-24T16:33:00.000-04:002013-07-25T14:16:37.775-04:00Baking with Buttermilk<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8wpAAHYL-0/UfAw9_7VzqI/AAAAAAAABvs/W7SL0k7uaFQ/s1600/img_3554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8wpAAHYL-0/UfAw9_7VzqI/AAAAAAAABvs/W7SL0k7uaFQ/s320/img_3554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.jasonchowphotography.com/" target="_blank">Jason Chow Photography</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For most of my cakes, I prefer baking with buttermilk over milk - I love the texture and taste buttermilk gives to a cake. However, although I love buttermilk, I don't often love shopping for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At most grocery stores, it's only available in 1L cartons - and sometimes you find it, sometimes you don't, sometimes it has a long expiration date, sometimes a week or less! It can become quite a nuisance when you bake to order and you suddenly get a last minute request but you are out of buttermilk, or you buy more than you need and end up tossing out half the container because it goes past due. Yes you can freeze buttermilk - best to do it in small amounts which can thaw easily, but again that's a nuisance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/" target="_blank">we</a> brought in <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/confectioners-choice-buttermilk-powder-500g-litres-p-3968.html" target="_blank">dry buttermilk powder</a> - all the essence and qualities of buttermilk but in dry form just waiting to be reconstituted. Now I have buttermilk on hand whenever I need it - I can make a little or a lot depending upon my needs - no waste! And this is true buttermilk like the product from days gone by - it is the residue left over from making sweet cream butter, and then dried into powdered form. Today's commercial buttermilk is cultured, i.e.: it is milk with an addition to it to create a buttermilk taste & texture. For more info about buttermilk, see this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttermilk" target="_blank">Wikipedia post</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what can you use buttermilk for? It is excellent in baked goods; from muffins, to quick breads, to cakes - it gives an amazing texture & flavour to your baked items. Here's a quick non-cake related recipe in which buttermilk is the star - Irish Soda Bread. This bread is VERY easy to make, takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, can be on the table in 45 minutes, tastes amazing and has 4 simple ingredients! It's homemade and your family will think you hit a home run! Try it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Irish Soda Bread</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">adapted from finecooking.com </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOC7yJQcPuM/UfAwAgdTB-I/AAAAAAAABvQ/7yJKtCjxHpE/s1600/IMG_6826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOC7yJQcPuM/UfAwAgdTB-I/AAAAAAAABvQ/7yJKtCjxHpE/s320/IMG_6826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 1/2 cups all purpose flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 tsp baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make 2 cups of buttermilk: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix together 6 1/2 tbsp (62.5g) <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/confectioners-choice-buttermilk-powder-500g-litres-p-3968.html" target="_blank">buttermilk powder</a> with 450mL water</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmvyLjPFIB0/UfAwKqbpC7I/AAAAAAAABvY/ES7OKgPvg0c/s1600/IMG_6827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmvyLjPFIB0/UfAwKqbpC7I/AAAAAAAABvY/ES7OKgPvg0c/s320/IMG_6827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yields:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One amazingly delicious 6"-7" round loaf</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSZsbpMvdH0/UfAwUJnPOrI/AAAAAAAABvg/QDNYwDXVbWI/s1600/IMG_6832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSZsbpMvdH0/UfAwUJnPOrI/AAAAAAAABvg/QDNYwDXVbWI/s320/IMG_6832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serves: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-8 depending! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using the centre rack of the oven, pre-heat the oven to 450F and lightly flour a rimmed <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/heavy-duty-aluminium-sheet-pan-13x18-p-2285.html" target="_blank">baking sheet</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a large mixing bowl, sift together all your dry ingredients. Make a well in the centre of your flour mixture and pour in 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk. Using one hand, stir together, incorporating all the ingredients. If too dry, add additional buttermilk 1 tbsp at a time until the dough just comes together. This dough is soft, do not overwork the dough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gently knead together and shape into a round about 6"-7" in diameter and 1 1/2" high at the centre point. Flip the bread round over so that the floured side is face up. With a sharp knife, score a cross in the dough - from one side to the other about 1/4" deep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place dough on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, lower the temperature to 400F and bake until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom - approximately 20-30 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best if allowed to cool for approximately 2 hours prior to slicing and serving .... if you can wait that long!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Get creative</u></b>: add raisins, herbs, chopped chocolate, caramelized onions, currants, dried cherries, crystallized ginger, olives - experiment & have fun!</span></div>
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Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-36271825737210408782013-07-23T16:30:00.000-04:002013-07-23T16:30:26.022-04:00Baking Up A Business - NEW Series!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it's been a long time since I have posted - life always gets in the way doesn't it? I have been working on a new series of blog posts called "Baking Up A Business". In this series I will be discussing the "ingredients" you will need to have when starting up your cake or baking business. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the intro:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baking Up A Business</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Building a business is like baking a cake. It takes a combination of the right ingredients to make it perfect."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The business of cake is not unlike any other business - the key word is that it's a <b><i><u>business</u></i></b>. Whether or not you have talent, skill, fabulous ideas, and amazing products - you still need the proper foundation to build your business. Just like a cake, a business requires a combination of the right ingredients to produce a fabulous end result. No two businesses are exactly alike - why? Because it is YOU which makes it unique. <i>Your</i> talent, <i>your</i> skills, <i>your</i> mindset - all make <i>your</i> business stand apart from the others. However, just like a cake needs flour, sugar, butter, and eggs - all successful businesses do have the same common foundation which allow them to build and grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want more? Keep watching over the coming weeks!</span></div>
Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-3832874347421911192013-01-17T10:53:00.001-05:002013-01-17T10:53:27.594-05:0020 Questions to ..... Lisa BugejaRecently I had the pleasure & honour to be interviewed by the talented Bettina Schliephake Burchardt of <a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/" target="_blank">Cake Pirate</a>. Bettina is the talent behind <a href="http://www.sugardreams.de/" target="_blank">Betty's Sugar Dreams</a> - she has a whimsical style full of humour and charm. I've known Betty for many years via online cake forums and was happy to finally meet her in person a few years ago when she attended our first class with <a href="http://www.weddingcakes.com/" target="_blank">Ron Ben-Israel</a>. After meeting her in person you can see why her cakes & figures are so fun - her personality is infectious! <br />
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Betty & Me back in 2010</div>
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Recently she began an online e-zine for cake decorators called <a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/" target="_blank">Cake Pirate</a>. Each issue is filled with tutorials and great information. Also each month, Betty includes a feature called "20 Questions to" in which she interviews talented cake artists from around the globe.<br />
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Betty's questions are great - they really make you think and reading the responses from people like Ron Ben-Israel, Elisa Strauss, and Debbie Brown is quite informative & entertaining. To be included amongst such talent is an honour.<br />
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If you haven't already subscribed to <a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/" target="_blank">Cake Pirate</a>, I highly recommend it!<br />
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I asked Betty if I could share my interview with everyone, so you could all get a glimpse into my world.... here it is - and thank you Betty for including me!<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">20 Questions to: Lisa Bugeja</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. when did you start cake decorating</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Ok time to age myself I guess…. In 1994 I had dropped out of University and was being “encouraged” (lol) by my mother to get a job! I remember watching something on TV I’m thinking it was Oprah and there was something to do with cake decorating (very basic) on there and I said I want to do that! LOL! So I enrolled in a 10 day course at the McCall’s School of Cake Decorating and took the course. After that I got a job as a PT cake decorator at a large grocery chain. After working there for a year, I decided to go back to University and carry on with life. That was my start and I wouldn’t change it at all! Working in a grocery store gave me the foundation skills that everyone needs to keep up with this industry.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">After working in offices etc for several years, I wanted to get back into baking. So in 2001 I went to George Brown College for their Baking & Pastry program. Shortly after graduating and working here and there trying to find my way, I got pregnant and so my baking/caking life came to a halt. It was not until our daughter was 2 that I got back into the cake world when my cousin “forced” me to make his wedding cake…..that’s when Flour Confections was born and I haven’t stopped since!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDEuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage juright" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDEuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: right; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. professionally or as a hobby</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">In 2004 I started Flour Confections as my business/career/obsession/life and it’s grown and changed so much since then!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. self educated or trained</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Both – I’ve had “professional” training in terms of a 10 day course and baking program as well as cake classes which I’ve traveled to take or hosted at our shop, but you are ALWAYS learning on the job. Some things you just have to learn on your own – making mistakes is the BEST way to learn – so stop being so hard on yourself – “perfection” is something you can strive for as it provides you with a goal or challenge to always do better, yet it’s something that is rarely if even ever truly attainable.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. your favorite technique (flower making, piping etc.)</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Ooo tough one – as you named in your examples 2 of my favourites! I do love flower making though, and I have to attribute that all to Ron Ben-Israel – he gave me the passion for sugar flowers and I’m constantly striving to do better each time I make them. My recent OSSAS wedding cake was to date my favourite in terms of the flowers I created and the arrangement – it was the first time I stepped back after I created the topper and gasped! Truly it was everything I saw in my head and more. And the praise I received from my flower mentor Ron was just the “icing on the cake”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDIuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage juleft" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDIuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: left; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;"></span><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDMuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage junone" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDMuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: none; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;"> </span><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDcuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage juright" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDcuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: right; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. technique you would like to master</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">You keep asking tough questions!! Funny enough I would love to master the flawless fondant finishes that Rebecca Sutterby of Sugar Creations can do! I really don’t know how she does it (I mean I do know as she tells me each time I say that to her) but I really am in awe of her fondant finishing and it drives me mental that I cannot seem to master that!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">6. whose influence formed you</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Over the years I’ve been influenced by so many artists and I admire tons of people for various reasons.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">If I did have to choose just one person, I would have to say Ron Ben-Israel has had the biggest impact & influence on me – both in my work and professional life. He is perfection personified.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">7. first book you got about sugarcraft</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">OMG I have no idea!!! I’ve had so many books for such a long period of time I couldn’t say which was one of the firsts! Cake Bible is one of my oldest baking books I would say, and looking at my bookshelf I would say any of these would be some of my first books on sugarcraft: The Icing on the Cake by Greg Robinson & Max Schofield, The Wedding Cake Book by Dede Wilson and Colette’s Wedding Cakes by Colette Peters – but believe me I have TONS more! LOL!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">8. what is your favorite book</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">In cake or just book in general? Hmmm you know Betty you’ve made a pretty kick ass book – just wish my German was a bit better ;) Cakewalk by Margaret Braun is just a gorgeous book too.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">9. your favorite color</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">I don’t discriminate! LOL! I love so many colours for so many reasons I couldn’t just pick one!! I’m partial to pink (obviously) and I love grey …</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">10. where are you getting inspirations from</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Everywhere! Art, fashion, designs, wallpaper, textiles, architecture, Google images! LOL!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">11. favorite cake you created – (please send a pic)</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">That I’ve created???!!! Yikes!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">One of my favourite sculpted cakes was my Taz that I made in a secret rush for Scott’s birthday! As soon as he left the shop I got to work and turned it out in record time! Made by altering up the Cake Bones set by Browen Weber & Francois Long, frozen cake tops and left over buttercream, it turned out pretty darn sweet! I kinda wish we didn’t have to cut it!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">For wedding cakes hmmm I would say a toss up between my last 2 entries in the Grand National Wedding Cake competition – I love both for different reasons.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">12. for whom do you dream to do a cake and what will it look like</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">My daughters wedding cake – how it will look I have no idea as she is only 10 and who knows what her tastes will be – but I can’t wait to find out! Ok maybe I can wait…cause I hope it’s at the very least 15 years from now and I don’t want to know what I will look like 15 years from now!!!!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">13. a design you wish to transfer into a cake </strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Hmm that’s a tough one! Ummmm……. (think think think)!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">I’m gonna have to say Art Nouveau – something with a Mucha feel to it – it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but I love that style so much I guess I’m avoiding it for fear I wont do it justice.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDQuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage juleft" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDQuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: left; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;"></span><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDUuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage junone" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDUuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: none; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;"> </span><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDYuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage juright" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDYuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: right; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">14. a cake, made by another decorator, you admire (please give a link)</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Again with the just one option??!!! I admire so many different artists for so many different reasons, it’s near impossible to choose just one!! But I will say that I do love Rebecca Sutterby of Sugar Creations work/style. She has a whimsy to her designs, they are always perfect in execution and she has a way of tying in so many elements in one cohesive design. One that always brings a smile to my face is this cake: </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sutterby/6968578225/in/photostream" style="border: 0px; color: #92547d; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Link to flickr</a></strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">15. 3 tools you can't work without</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Just 3?? Small palette knife, turntable, Google images – and for those who know me well a close 4th would be pressure – I do some of my best work under pressure!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">16. your favorite flavor</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">If it’s cake, then a good old chocolate cake. But if it’s dessert then crème brulee is up there for me! I recently had a PB&J crème brulee where they had a peanut butter custard and raspberry compote on the bottom – that was pretty heavenly!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">17. where will you be in 10 years - visions</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">On a beach, in Hawaii, with a drink in each hand! Haha!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Oh you mean in life & work?!! LOL! Man I really don’t know! If you asked me in 2004 when I started Flour Confections if I would ever be anything more than a side cake business I would have said “ya right”. And if you asked me 5 years ago if my husband Scott would leave his career and become my cake business partner I would have said “ya right”! And if you asked me 3 years ago when we expanded the business to a retail & online sugarcraft store if I would be shipping around the globe, having a staff of 12 and constantly needed more space for inventory I would have said “ya right”!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">So not really sure what to say in 10 years time as it hasn’t even been 10 years since I started this business and it’s changed SOOO much. I’m not much for planning so let’s just see what the future holds…</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDguanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage juleft" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDguanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: left; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;"></span><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDkuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage junone" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMDkuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: none; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;"> </span><a href="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMTAuanBnJmFtcDt3PTgwMCZhbXA7aD01MDAmYW1wO3E9MTAwJmFtcDt6Yz0wJmFtcDtmbHRyW109d21pfHdhdGVybWFyay93LnBuZ3xCUnwyMA==" rel="lightbox[den]" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img alt="alt" class="juimage juright" src="http://www.cakepirate.de/plugins/content/jumultithumb/img.php?src=Li4vLi4vLi4vaW1hZ2VzL3N0b3JpZXMvMjAxMy0wMS8yMDEzLTAxXzIwRnJhZ2VuLzIwMTMtMDFfMjBGcmFnZW5fMTAuanBnJmFtcDt3PTIwMCZhbXA7aD0xNTAmYW1wO3E9OTAmYW1wO3pjPTEmYW1wO2ZsdHJbXT13bWl8d2F0ZXJtYXJrL2p1d3MucG5nfEJMfDUw" style="border: 5px solid rgb(212, 171, 184); float: right; margin: 10px; padding: 0px;" /></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">18. if the 10 golden rules for cake decorating existed, what would one of them be: </strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Oh good question! So many to choose from but probably this: Always strive to challenge & improve yourself. You can always do better and take each mistake as a learning lesson for next time – modesty in your work is a great quality – it is after all just cake. And to quote Genie in Disney’s Aladdin “ Beeeee yourself”!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">19. a cake decorating no-go</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Crying – there’s no crying in cake (but I’m sure I’ve shed a few!) And fingernails! – the thought makes me icky! Oh and Lick & Stick! haha</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">20. who would you like to answer these questions too</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Just one person? I would love to see so many people answer these questions hmmm……I think Michelle Wibowo, Bronwen Weber, Debbie Goard, Kate Sullivan, Wendy Kromer and Elizabeth Falkner (pastry chef & chef) would all provide some awesome answers! Ahhh I keep thinking of more people!!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Thanks Lisa for taking all the time to answer these questions!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #57615d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px;">If you want to learn more about Lisa and Flour Confections, please visit her website: </span><a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #92547d; font-family: Arial, Arial, Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.flourconfections.com</a><br />
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Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-39858036897894696262012-11-20T16:08:00.000-05:002013-07-25T14:16:51.843-04:00Starburst Cake Design Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LulVxEsAj0s/UKu880ht3oI/AAAAAAAABoA/_6ntVroJvss/s1600/IMG_5998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LulVxEsAj0s/UKu880ht3oI/AAAAAAAABoA/_6ntVroJvss/s400/IMG_5998.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Today I was happy to be a part of <a href="http://www.cakefu.com/masters-series/" target="_blank">CakeFu Masters</a> and I offered a training on this cute cake & flower. If you missed out on my <a href="http://www.cakefu.com/cakefu-masters-training-lisa-bugeja/" target="_blank">Cake Fu tutorial from November 20th</a>, don't fret! Here is the step by step pictorial for you all to enjoy!<br />
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From my new line of cutters <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/designs-lisa-bugeja-m-81.html" target="_blank">Flourishes</a>, I came up with this cute cake design & paper inspired flower using my <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/starburst-cutter-set-designed-lisa-bugeja-p-3899.html" target="_blank">Starburst cutter set</a>.<br />
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You can create this cake in any colour combination you wish, using any fondant you like. For this project I wanted a pink & grey colour scheme, so I used <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/fondx-virgin-white-fondant-lbs-p-2128.html" target="_blank">white Fondx</a> with a touch of <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/fondx-elite-jet-black-lbs-p-1901.html" target="_blank">Jet Black Elite</a> to give me a light grey colour. You will also need gumpaste, I used <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/confectioners-choice-white-gumpaste-lbs-p-3270.html" target="_blank">Confectioners Choice white gumpaste</a>. </div>
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First you will need to cover your cakes. For this project I was using <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/round-cake-dummy-c-178_182.html" target="_blank">round cake dummies</a> - 5"x4" round and 6"x5" round.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAhY16SJwPA/UKu9RsvRsgI/AAAAAAAABoY/QSGd6DxWlE0/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAhY16SJwPA/UKu9RsvRsgI/AAAAAAAABoY/QSGd6DxWlE0/s320/IMG_5948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the tools I used in this project: <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/jem-cake-smoother-p-98.html" target="_blank">fondant smoothers</a>, <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/edgers-sharp-top-smoother-p-3531.html" target="_blank">sharp top edger</a>, <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/clear-acrylic-rolling-pin-long-p-3122.html" target="_blank">rolling pin</a>, sharp knife, <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/red-sable-art-paint-brush-set-sizes-p-812.html" target="_blank">paint brush</a>, <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/palette-knife-p-450.html" target="_blank">palette knife</a>, <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/gum-glue-plastic-bottle-with-brush135-p-3733.html" target="_blank">gum glue in bottle</a>, <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/cmc-tylose-grams-p-495.html" target="_blank">CMC</a> (to make glue), <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/white-stokes-clear-agar-piping-gel-250-grams-p-882.html" target="_blank">clear piping gel</a>, <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/square-stainless-steel-cutter-set-p-1861.html" target="_blank">square cutter</a> (largest in set of 3), <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/starburst-cutter-set-designed-lisa-bugeja-p-3899.html" target="_blank">starburst cutter set</a>.<br />
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First we will make the flower. Here is a picture of what you will need to make the flower as well as the completed flower.<br />
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Roll out your gumpaste - at first using the small rolling pin, then once thin enough you can run it through the pasta machine - on mine I went to setting #4</div>
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Next you will need to attach the edible image paper. For this project I used a paper from <a href="http://www.lucks.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Lucks</a>, but you can also print your own or use another design or brand.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50TV-fzmFG0/UKu9zQSPZXI/AAAAAAAABpA/lM-1YfDkCvI/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50TV-fzmFG0/UKu9zQSPZXI/AAAAAAAABpA/lM-1YfDkCvI/s320/IMG_5958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To attach the paper to the gumpaste, lightly moisten the surface with either water, or here I used edible gum glue - do not over moisten, just enough for the paper to stick. Carefully attach the paper and make sure it is secure and without air bubbles.<br />
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Next you will want to cut out all the Starburst shapes. For this flower you will need: 21 large triangles - 3 sets of 7 pairs and 14 small triangles - 2 sets of 7 matching pairs. These cutters are designed like puzzle pieces and fit against one another. They are also double sided meaning you can cut a mirror image of each shape.<br />
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When cutting, try to use your paste in the most efficient manner possible to avoid waste. See here how I've cut the shapes and paired them up as I go to make sure I have enough. I'm also maximizing my paste by cutting the shapes close together. Be sure to trim away any jagged pieces if you get them. Tip to avoid that: keep your cutter edge clean.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZGgjVLj0B4/UKu-RiAHvPI/AAAAAAAABpY/se4HUil9E60/s1600/IMG_5964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZGgjVLj0B4/UKu-RiAHvPI/AAAAAAAABpY/se4HUil9E60/s320/IMG_5964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can assemble the flower once all the pieces have been cut. It works best if the paste is slightly dry. Make sure you have cut the gumpaste square and that it is also somewhat dry. Add gum glue (not too much) to entire square surface.<br />
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Stage 1: Starting with the large pairs of triangles, arrange them on the square working all the way around like a star shape.<br />
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Keep working all the way around the square - I went in a counter clockwise fashion, but you can also go clockwise! ;) Just make sure to place each pair tightly against each other.<br />
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Here is stage 1 complete - a star shape which you can stop here or go on to the next stage.<br />
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Stage 2: Using the last 7 large triangles, arrange standing upright all around star at mid point of each point.<br />
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To attach: use clear piping gel painted on with paintbrush along bottom edge.<br />
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Here is a detail shot of where to paint piping gel.<br />
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When placing the pieces, be sure to have the pattern side all facing in the same direction.<br />
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Here is stage 2 completed - again note the pattern side all faces the same direction.<br />
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Stage 3: With the small triangle pairs (looks like a kite) paint 2 edges (bottom edge and top side which will attach) with piping gel and secure as a pair in between each standing piece.<br />
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Here is a detail shot of placement<br />
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Continue all the way around the star adjusting as you need until all spaces are filled.<br />
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Here is the completed flower. Allow flower to dry before placing on cake. To secure flower to the cake side, I used melted <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/guittard-vanilla-white-apeels-coating-chocolate-p-3277.html" target="_blank">coating chocolate</a> as it sets up quickly and securely.<br />
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Side pattern design: You can use the shapes to create a multitude of pattern designs. You can space them out as I did by eye, or you can do the math and work it all out! For me, I cut out enough triangles to go around the diameter of my cake and place them all around the cake laying on the board, spacing them out as I go. Once I like the spacing, I will attach the shapes to the side of the cake using gum glue.<br />
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From rolled piece of gumpaste - cut out shapes as many as you require to complete your design. Practice different configurations on a flat surface or the counter prior to attaching to the cake.<br />
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Here is the start of my chosen pattern. For this pattern I needed 2 matching sets of the large triangles and 4 matching sets of the small triangles.<br />
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Continue the design up one full side of the cake so you can see your spacing and configuration. Then work your way around the cake to fill in the entire design.<br />
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When using the gum glue, you do have a bit of time to adjust the pieces if required. Instead of using your fingers to move the shapes around, try using the small palette knife or better a pair of them. The straight edge will reduce the risk of distorting the shape.<br />
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Use your fettuccine attachment to cut the bands of gumpaste for your border. Roll a long strip of gumpaste to setting #4, then move over to the fettuccine attachment and pass through to cut.<br />
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After rolling through the fettuccine attachment you end up with all these strips! Perfect for borders, shoe laces, curly cues or fill on a wine crate cake!<br />
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Create a "common cut" - overlap the band and with a sharp knife cut through both layers - creates a perfect join which is practically seamless! Be sure to remove the underneath excess!<br />
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The finished cake design</div>
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Close up detail of the flower</div>
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Close up detail of the pattern</div>
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I hope you all enjoyed this mini tutorial!</div>
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Lisa</div>
Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-66695803098050712742012-11-13T13:41:00.000-05:002012-11-15T09:34:44.655-05:00Presenting Flourishes by Lisa Bugeja<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the past year, I have been working on a number of cutter designs to be used as side designs on cakes. Ranging from graphic tile designs to art deco designs to damask inspired flourishes, each set can be used in a multitude of fashions. Some sets are created in a double edged fashion allowing for mirror image cuts of that shape. The design possibilities are practically endless! Not only can they be used as cutters, but embossers as well. <br />
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Flourishes by Lisa Bugeja are available at <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/designs-lisa-bugeja-c-208_375.html" target="_blank">Flour Confections</a> and coming soon they will be available in Australia at <a href="http://www.glasshousecakes.com.au/" target="_blank">Glasshouse Cakes & Supplies</a><br />
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For wholesale inquiries, please contact info@flourconfections.com<br />
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Here are some of our more popular designs:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/venetian-window-cutter-set-designed-lisa-bugeja-p-3900.html" target="_blank">Venetian Windows</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/starburst-cutter-set-designed-lisa-bugeja-p-3899.html" target="_blank"> Starburst</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/geometric-mosaic-cutter-set-designed-lisa-bugeja-p-3896.html" target="_blank">Geometric Mosaic</a></div>
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Keep your eyes out as more designs are being created!<br />
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Lisa<br />
<br />Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-14255287339255845952012-11-12T16:24:00.000-05:002012-11-12T16:24:53.405-05:00Amazing & Lovely - Mike & Lauren that is....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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FINALLY! I've caught up on class blog posts! (still more stuff to do but it's a start!)<br />
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We JUST finished hosting 2 amazing talents - at the same time no less! Mike McCarey of <a href="http://www.mikesamazingcakes.com/" target="_blank">Mike's Amazing Cakes</a> and Lauren Kitchens of <a href="http://www.fancycakesbylauren.com/" target="_blank">Fancy Cakes By Lauren</a> both made their return to Flour Confections early this month. Not only did they team up for 2 fabulous classes, but they each taught a class on their own as well - making 4 days of sugar bliss! This was Mike's first time in our new location, and Lauren's 2nd. It was great to have them both back and to welcome back so many students!<br />
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Lauren started off the weekend with her What's in the Box? class - teaching students how she created the open shipping box on her winning Food Network Challenge Newlywed Cakes as well as the wonders of working with modelling chocolate. The next day we had both at the helm teaching us all about structure. Mike is the cake structure "guru" and guided students in the creation of stands for a high heel shoe cake and sitting dog cake - both to serve approx 25 guests. The last structure was for Lauren's portion of the class - the waffle cake - complete with floating bottle of oozing syrup! Our following class was all about the wonders of modelling chocolate. Students created a multitude of projects while learning all the benefits of this medium. Our last class was with Mike - creating a demon of a giant cupcake! Students worked with live cake & buttercream to create a sculpted cupcake - then added character with modelling chocolate monster arms & eyes - so much fun and so many ways to adapt to other projects!<br />
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Here are some highlights from our classes<br />
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Anyone who knows Lauren wouldn't be surprised by this shot! LOL!</div>
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Making edible packing peanuts</div>
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Building the box... </div>
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Putting it all together</div>
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Mike demonstrating the shoe structure </div>
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Students building their waffles</div>
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Lauren making good use of the camera</div>
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It's all coming together....</div>
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As Mike said "now I'm hungry for waffles!"</div>
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Mike demonstrating how well modelling chocolate takes impressions</div>
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....</div>
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This pic just makes me laugh..</div>
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Lauren's smile is infectious! </div>
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So many projects & techniques!</div>
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Let's carve that cake!</div>
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Now to make arms - Mike provided a colour step by step process book to keep us on track!</div>
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Everyone personalized their monsters!</div>
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Thank you Mike & Lauren for a fabulous 4 days!</div>
Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-55224507322059126942012-11-12T14:11:00.000-05:002012-11-12T14:11:40.988-05:00Dog Days of Summer with Debbie Goard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Also in August we hosted another new face & amazing talent - Debbie Goard of <a href="http://www.debbiedoescakes.net/" target="_blank">Debbie Does Cakes</a>. Debbie is known around the globe for her amazing cake sculpting and especially for her faux food & animal cakes. She has a love for dogs, especially Chihuahuas - so it was only fitting that she come and teach us just that! I was especially excited about this class for 2 reasons: 1) because Debbie is a dear friend of mine and 2) because I was going to embrace the student role and take the class!<br />
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Working with fresh cake & buttercream, students were guided through the process of creating a to scale dog, sculpting the head, carving the cake, structure & airbrushing. So much information was given and the results were fabulous! If you were unable to join us, be sure to check out Debbie's new book - <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/twisted-cakes-deliciously-evil-designs-book-debbie-goard-p-3709.html" target="_blank">Twisted Cakes</a>! And you too can take home a part of the class, get Debbie's custom "Skully" stencil <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/skully-stencil-debbie-does-cake-p-4039.html" target="_blank">HERE!</a><br />
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Here are some highlights from our class<br />
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A detailed handout complete with templates was given to each student</div>
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Class all ready to go - small class numbers allow for better learning & one on one time with the instructor</div>
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This little guy flew from Oakland to Toronto in Debbie's carry on - yes TSA had questions! LOL!</div>
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Students ready to learn</div>
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The master at work</div>
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Proportion is key - keep your head ready for reference when carving</div>
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I'm all carved and ready for fondant!</div>
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Fabulous work everyone!</div>
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Thank you my dear friend - love my pooch!</div>
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Debbie's amazing creation! And that's not all - she designed that skull stencil as well - available <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/skully-stencil-debbie-does-cake-p-4039.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-50365300845257196582012-11-12T13:41:00.001-05:002012-11-12T13:42:44.991-05:00Time to get Swanky!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the summer of 2012 we welcomed some new faces to Flour Confections - Wayne Steinkopf & Chuck Hamilton of <a href="http://www.swankcakedesign.com/" target="_blank">Swank Cake Design</a>. Wayne is known for his beautifully clean designs and methodical approach and students were chomping at the bit to join in on these classes! Wayne & Chuck brought their fabulous sugar shoe class and the amazing sugar jewelry class. Not only did the students have the privilege of learning from this Swanky duo, but they walked home with TONS of goodies - including everything they needed to recreate the sugar shoe over and over again! We cannot wait for the return of the Swank Boys!<br />
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Here are some highlights from our classes<br />
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Class began with a full demonstration by Chuck on how to properly cook isomalt for making sugar jewels</div>
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Next Wayne guided students on creating amazing sugar jewels & brooches - here the overhead camera really came in handy to show all the details - and students got to keep the moulds!</div>
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Susan working along making sugar jewelry </div>
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Next up - the fabulous sugar shoe!</div>
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Wayne was there every step of the way</div>
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Kathi about to make the "stressful" cut!</div>
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Putting on the final details</div>
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And of course we are always having fun!</div>
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Talk about a sweet runway!</div>
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Thank you to all our students and of course to Wayne & Chuck for a Swanky good time! Until next time.....</div>
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Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-37209101890109216912012-11-12T12:53:00.000-05:002012-11-12T12:58:14.836-05:00The return of Lorraine McKay!2012 has been a FULL year for guest classes at Flour Confections covering every subject possible! We were thrilled to have the talented (and my good friend) Lorraine McKay of Scotland return for 2 2 day bride & groom figure modelling classes & a head & hands workshop. Lorraine teaches her amazing caricatures around the globe and books up years in advance - we in fact scheduled this class at the end of her last visit!<br />
Anyone who knows Lorraine, knows she has an amazing sense of humour, a fabulous accent, a love for Maltesers and all things "Queen"!<br />
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Here are some highlights from her visit.<br />
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It's a well known fact that Lorraine hates her picture taken whilst wearing her reading glasses!</div>
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Detailing is key!</div>
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Students hard at work</div>
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The camera & TV allows for perfect viewing for all</div>
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One of the options for design in our first 2 day bride & groom class</div>
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Small class sizes allow for perfect learning</div>
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Again the camera missing nothing!</div>
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Here you can see Lorraine at her best!</div>
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Amazing projects underway!</div>
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Love ya Lorraine!</div>
<br />Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-82214681418386596742012-11-12T12:25:00.000-05:002012-11-12T14:21:26.080-05:00Days with Debbie Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the early months of this year, we had the privilege to host Debbie Brown for 3 wonderful classes. Debbie is internationally known for her creative characters & figure modelling and she has over 20 books on the subject!<br />
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Debbie guided students through 3 different projects: Adorable kittens on a pillow, a Noah's Ark cake perfect for any baby shower, and a cute just married couple.<br />
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Debbie has a soft spoken nature & simple approach to decorating with minimal tools required. Students also loved her teaching style and it shows with all the wonderful class projects!<br />
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Debbie was there every step of the way!</div>
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Way too cute!</div>
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She makes it look effortless</div>
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Fabulous students with their kittens!</div>
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It's all in the details!</div>
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And there's fun too!</div>
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TINY details!</div>
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Another fabulous class!</div>
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All ready to go!</div>
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A "sea" of arks</div>
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The adorableness factor just hit the roof! </div>
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Not everyone was here - but an amazing group yet again!</div>
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Thank you Debbie for joining us and we hope to host you again soon!</div>
Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-72523037881527994372012-11-12T11:52:00.000-05:002012-11-12T11:52:03.249-05:00WAY OVERDUE blog posts required!Ok I'm going to GIVE UP on the "where has the day/week/month/year/time gone" rant!! Let's just say that I have NO CLUE and looking ahead at what is left of the 2012 calendar and seeing 2013 looming so close is making me panic slightly and making me think I must have been in some kind of sugar induced coma for all of 2012!!!<br />
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With all that being said - here comes a BUNCH of blog posts to catch up - so get ready!<br />
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LisaFlour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-1152532463872651132012-06-22T10:47:00.001-04:002012-06-22T10:47:40.317-04:00The Dog Days of Summer<br />
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In 1989, while working as a counter person in a local bakery, Debbie was asked to try her hand at making cakes. With a background in art, but no experience with cake decoration, she simply watched for a week, and then proceeded to make and sell her first cake: instant professional!<br />
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Fortunately there is no photographic evidence of these early days! After many years and many attempts to leave the field of cake, and various bakery stints including one at an erotic bakery, a coworker urged her to start her own business with a focus exclusively on what she did best: sculpted cakes.<br />
Buoyed by this exciting notion of makings cakes on her own terms, she launched <a href="http://www.debbiedoescakes.net/">debbiedoescakes.net </a>in November of 2005. 23 years after her unlikely start in the field of cake decoration, Debbie has indeed made a name for herself, on her own terms. With a business that offers sculpted cakes only, she has carved out a unique niche for herself in the field, garnering international attention for her often unusual, realistic cake creations.<br />
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Debbie has been featured several times in The Telegraph UK, The Sun UK, The Daily Mail, as well as in The New York Times, New York Daily News, PlayStation UK and Nintendo Power magazines, The National Examiner, People Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, National Geographic Kids magazine ... to name just a few. She has also appeared on Food Network and various Morning and talk shows across the country. One of her proudest achievements were the inclusions in two editions of "Ripley's Believe it or not" books in 2011.<br />
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This Fall, her first book "<a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/twisted-cakes-deliciously-evil-desings-debbie-goardpre-orde-p-3709.html">Twisted Cakes, Deliciously Evil Designs for All Occasions</a>" will be release internationally by Harper Collins. This step by step books of 20 off beat cake projects will offer a peek into Debbie's non traditional cake processes and quirky sense of humour.<br />
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We at Flour Confections are so proud to have this amazingly talented artist teach 2 classes in August. Known around the world for her dog cakes, Debbie will be teaching how to create a life like sculpted dog out of CAKE! The information on sculpting, structure and airbrushing will be priceless - don't miss out on this opportunity!<br />
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Debbie is also well known for her incredibly realistic food cakes and has used numerous techniques to achieve life like recreations of other food items. Debbie will be sharing with us some of her most popular items: french fries, chips & salsa and the ever amazing chicken wings!! All of these items would make anyone drool!<br />
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Space is limited in both classes and registration will be closing July 15th to allow for adequate preparation. We hope to see you all this August!<br />
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Registration on-line is EASY - click the link for <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/man-ive-got-the-munchies-debbie-goard-p-3284.html">Man I've got the Munchies - amazing food cakes with Debbie Goard</a> Thursday August 9th 9am-5pm<br />
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or <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/why-that-dog-the-table-debbie-goard-p-3653.html">Why is that Dog on the Table? with Debbie Goard</a> on Sunday August 12th 9am-5pm<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-9624470936150098872012-05-02T14:39:00.001-04:002012-05-02T14:39:30.244-04:00Capturing Mother Nature with Jacqueline Butler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had an amazing 3 days which would have made Mother Nature envious! At the end of April we had the extreme pleasure of hosting the talented Jacqueline Butler of <a href="http://petalsweet.blogspot.ca/">Petalsweet Cakes</a>. For those of you who don't know her, be sure to check out her blog - and for those of you who DO know her, you were all eagerly awaiting this class since we announced it! And was it ever worth the wait! </div>
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Jacqueline taught us her signature peony flower, as well as hydrangeas, filler flowers and the ever popular ranunculus. But it didn't stop there! She also guided the students through her process of creating gorgeous sugar flower arrangements with the final result being a sea of sugar flower vases. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fabulous students & their gorgeous arrangements - each one unique, each one stunning!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Jacqueline as she arranges her sugar flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The intimate class allowed each student to have one-on-one guidance throughout the 3 days</td></tr>
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Watching the sugar vases come to life - each one uniquely gorgeous!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fabulous HD camera & TV was perfect for showing all the detail of what goes into arranging!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite part - dusting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out Mother Nature!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Be aggressive!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the apricot colour Bonny created!</td></tr>
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Thank you Jacqueline for sharing your craft with us - and we cannot wait for your return in 2013!! For those of you who missed out your chance this year, be sure to register right away when we post next years classes - they are SURE to sell out!</div>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-64516970401266366502012-04-25T11:04:00.000-04:002012-04-25T11:04:15.066-04:00What's Happening in May?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are into all things sweet, then you are in luck because there are a few events coming up in the beginning of May!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cake Show:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts has it's annual <a href="http://www.thecakeshow.com/">Cake Show</a> on Sunday May 6th - there is lots to see from competition entries, live competitions and demonstrations - be sure to go and check it out! </span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cake Show is an annual cake design exhibition presented by <a href="http://www.bonniegordoncollege.com/" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><u style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts</u></a>. This exciting day will involve demos by our talented school instructors, a bake sale, a cake design competition and live challenges featuring fabulous cake designers!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year’s show is on <strong style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sunday, May 6th.</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thecakeshow.com/location.php" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Artscape Wychwood Barns.</a></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This event is open to the public.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bakery Showcase:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Baking Association of Canada has it's bi-annual <a href="http://www.baking.ca/bakeryshowcase/bakeryshowcase.html">Bakery Showcase</a> running from May 6th-8th at the International Centre in Mississauga. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Canada's Largest National Baking Trade Show and Convention Event</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">• Join 5,000 industry professionals including bakers (retail, wholesale, commercial), grocery and foodservice outlets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">• Visit the trade show - over 200 companies in 100,000 sq.ft. showcasing ingredients, equipment, services, technology and baked goods (fresh, proof & bake, par-baked, freezer-to-oven, thaw & serve)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">• Event format combines a trade show with Exhibitor produced Product Presentations</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">• NEW Show Feature</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">• Located in the Toronto area, the facility is easily accessible by public transportation (Mississauga Transit & GO Trains), major highways, 5 minutes from the Toronto International Airport and provides plenty of free parking</span></span></blockquote>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-52546027343005661792012-04-19T11:23:00.006-04:002012-04-19T11:39:39.778-04:00$250 Shopping Spree Contest - Facebook & Pinterest!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFdSN45BOho/T5AxI_pbU1I/AAAAAAAABZU/T_WX7Bse0yo/s1600/FLOURlogo-CMYK.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFdSN45BOho/T5AxI_pbU1I/AAAAAAAABZU/T_WX7Bse0yo/s400/FLOURlogo-CMYK.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733136356236546898" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family: Times; ">Want to win a $250 Flour Confections Shopping Spree?? Of COURSE you do!!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/flourconfections"><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 311px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLPXAVBAKUg/T5Aw81o9UpI/AAAAAAAABZI/Ubd9Hugb8NQ/s400/facebook_logo.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733136147391795858" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;">Simply LIKE our Facebook page via our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/flourconfections/app_204684816209053">Contest Link</a> here and you will be entered to win! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/"><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 101px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRAbexg-8vI/T5Awt0b_aoI/AAAAAAAABY8/5aNXOO4ItdM/s400/Pinterest_Logo.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733135889370933890" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;">Want another chance to win?? Well here goes - visit <a href="http://www.flourconfections.com/">Flour Confections</a> and browse through our products - find one that you like and PIN IT on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinteres</a>t! Provide us with the URL link to your pin via our contest form for another chance to win - only one entry per day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(101, 57, 29); font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:#65391d;">Our contest ends on April 30th - Good Luck!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:#65391d;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:#65391d;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><script id="raflin-649c740" type="text/javascript">/*{literal}<![CDATA[*/ window.RAFLIN = window.RAFLIN || {}; window.RAFLIN['649c740'] = {id: 'ZjY0NGY5ZWM2NWUwOWY5NzViYzdhNDRiNzZlOGU4OjA='}; var url='//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/static/js/raflcptr/build/raflcptr.min.js', head=(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]); (function(d,n,h){if(!!d.getElementById(n))return;var j=d.createElement('script');j.id=n;j.type='text/javascript';j.async=true;j.src=url;h.appendChild(j);}(document,'rsoijs',head)); /*]]>{/literal}*/</script><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a class="rafl-powered" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" target="_blank" style="text-align: center;font: normal normal normal 10px/normal sans-serif; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 100%; display: block; " id="rpow-649c740">a <i>Rafflecopter</i> giveaway</a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-86857174681211855042012-04-11T18:43:00.001-04:002012-04-11T18:46:53.535-04:00Internships in Ontario - Know your rights<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">In our industry (as with many others) the offer of "working" as an unpaid intern comes up from time to time - especially during the busy wedding season.</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">As employers and "employees" it is important to know the law and your rights.</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">Here is the statement made by the Employment Standards Act of Ontario:</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><a href="http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/is_unpaidintern.php">http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/is_unpaidintern.php</a></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p><div class="inforow"><h1 style="font-size: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; ">Internships in Ontario: What you need to know</h1></div><div class="row"><ul class="nobulletlist" id="pageinfo" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; "><li>Issued: June 2011</li><li>Content last reviewed: June 2011</li></ul></div><div class="row"><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">There are no regulations pertaining to unpaid internships. The <a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_00e41_e.htm" title="Employment Standards Act, 2000" class="laws" href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_00e41_e.htm">Employment Standards Act, 2000 (<acronym title="Employment Standards Act, 2000" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); cursor: help; ">ESA</acronym>)</a>regulates paid employment relationships between employers and employees. Employees must be paid at least the Ontario minimum wage ($10.25 per hour for most employees).</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">An "employee" is defined under section 1 of the <acronym title="Employment Standards Act, 2000" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); cursor: help; ">ESA</acronym> to include a person who receives training from an employer. However, the definition excludes a trainee who is receiving training from an employer in the skills used by that employer's employees, if all of the conditions below are met:</p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; "><li>The training is similar to that which is given in a vocational school.</li><li>The training is for the benefit of the individual.</li><li>The person providing the training derives little, if any, benefit from the activity of the individual while he or she is being trained.</li><li>The individual does not displace employees of the person providing the training.</li><li>The individual is not accorded a right to become an employee of the person providing the training.</li><li>The individual is advised that he or she will receive no remuneration for the time that he or she spends in training.</li></ol><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">Section 3(5) of the <acronym title="Employment Standards Act, 2000" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); cursor: help; ">ESA</acronym> also excludes "an individual who performs work under a program approved by a college of applied arts and technology or a university" from the application of the Act.</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">This exclusion exists to encourage employers to provide the training that an individual enrolled in a college or university program seeks. If employers were responsible for providing <acronym title="Employment Standards Act, 2000" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); cursor: help; ">ESA</acronym> minimum standards for participants in these programs in the same way that they are for their employees, such placement opportunities may become limited. This could adversely affect both the students and the teaching institutions that currently benefit from these programs.</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">Section 3(5) of the <acronym title="Employment Standards Act, 2000" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); cursor: help; ">ESA</acronym> requires that a college or university approve the work to be performed under such a program, in order to help ensure that the school will give consideration to allowing placements where the learning provided is of benefit to the individual.</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">If someone performing work as part of an unpaid internship is unsure of whether they should be excluded from the <acronym title="Employment Standards Act, 2000" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); cursor: help; ">ESA</acronym>, he or she can call the Employment Standards Information Centre toll-free at 1-800-531-5551 for further information.</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p></div><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; ">There are many interesting articles on the topic which you can read below:</p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><a href="http://www.yorku.ca/ddoorey/lawblog/?p=2169">http://www.yorku.ca/ddoorey/lawblog/?p=2169</a></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><a href="http://www.kmblaw.com/news64.html">http://www.kmblaw.com/news64.html</a></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><a href="http://www.youthandwork.ca/2011/07/unpaid-internships-in-ontario.html">http://www.youthandwork.ca/2011/07/unpaid-internships-in-ontario.html</a></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><a href="http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/732-your-internship-a-gateway-to-great-experience-or-questionably-legal-unpaid-labour">http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/732-your-internship-a-gateway-to-great-experience-or-questionably-legal-unpaid-labour</a></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; "><a href="http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/archive/acov/acov11/acov1150.asp">http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/archive/acov/acov11/acov1150.asp</a></p></span>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-50639145712379844612012-01-05T09:47:00.010-05:002012-01-06T11:36:12.372-05:00The Flour Power Tour 2012<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXSpKhoBXcw/TwXDPWTl_dI/AAAAAAAABYA/JfN1T2YfQmM/s400/IMG_3266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694171972333075922" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Part 2 of Looking back at 2011 is still in progress....in the meantime here is a look at my personal teaching & travel line up for 2012!<div><br /></div><div>The first leg of travel will be to Denver Colorado where I will be judging & demonstrating at the <a href="http://www.coices.org/denvercakeshow.html">Sweet Times in the Rockies</a> cake show. The show takes place February 11th & 12th at the Colorado Garden and Home Show.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Next stop is the <a href="http://thattakesthecake.org/index.php/main/">That Takes The Cake Show</a> in Austin Texas. The show takes place February 25th & 26th and consists of a sugar art show, live demonstrations, vendors, mini classes and celebrity classes! I'll be teaching <a href="http://thattakesthecake.org/index.php/class-details/?id=196">Eat Your Art Out</a> - how to make fun faux foods as well as making a silicone mould.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1p9-2xT-X4/TwXDPljCR9I/AAAAAAAABYI/xVyOBj6sj14/s400/IMG_1308.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694171976424376274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the fun treats from Eat Your Art Out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In March I will taking 2 more trips. First to attend the <a href="http://minetterushing.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/12/spring-classes-2012-are-now-open.html">Extreme Flowers - Giants to Miniatures</a> class with <a href="http://www.weddingcakes.com/">Ron Ben-Israel</a> at <a href="http://www.savannahcustomcakes.com/">Custom Cakes</a> in Savannah Georgia. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later that month I will be teaching <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BwuqYQM3V8a2ZjY1N2Y4YWYtNTNlZi00NzA2LTgxZTUtYzhjOTRlY2Y3YmQ2&hl=en_US">2 classes</a> at the <a href="http://www.michiganices.org/">Great Lakes Mini Classes</a> in Dearborn Michigan. Another fun show consisting of a sugar art show, vendors and guest classes - be sure to check it out!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In August I will be demonstrating at the <a href="http://www.ices.org/events/convention.html">ICES</a> convention in Reno, Nevada August 2nd - 5th. Join me at the Snakeskin Lace Effect demo on Friday August 3rd at 2pm - I will be sharing the techniques I used to make my 3rd place sugar shoe at the 2011 OSSAS show. Looking forward to attending the convention!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxs_Xr9v6NI/TwXDP4uGXLI/AAAAAAAABYc/Eps1Q8VhIlA/s400/IMG_2181.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694171981571054770" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">3rd place Masters Sugar Shoe at OSSAS 2011</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In September I will be making my annual trek to Tulsa Oklahoma to attend & compete in the <a href="http://www.oklahomasugarartists.com/">Oklahoma Sugar Art Show</a> September 29th-30th. The Grand Wedding Cake Competition theme this year is Hats, Headbands & Headgear - should be interesting!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ydwxMWPafk/TwXDRASZ4YI/AAAAAAAABYw/fJNDPSXczVE/s400/IMG_2166.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694172000782246274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /><div><br /></div><div>The last stop on the tour for 2012 is in October where I will be attending & teaching at the <a href="http://cakeloveyvr.com/">Cake Love</a> convention in Vancouver, British Columbia. Last year the first convention was a blast with tons of great classes - this year is proving to be bigger & better with an amazing line up! Be sure to check it out!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9b2orIHQ08/TwXDQvAduII/AAAAAAAABYk/WAA6SLKUs4I/s400/IMG_2055.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694171996143597698" /><div style="text-align: center;">Display cake from the 1st Cake Love Convention</div><div> </div></div>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-22703897618037882262011-12-30T14:17:00.045-05:002011-12-30T16:15:49.097-05:00Look Who's Coming to Flour Confections in 2012!<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zh6EvWJJNY/Tv4Xd50gCqI/AAAAAAAABOI/_YX0fwrE6kI/s400/bag%2Bart.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692012781547555490" /><div style="text-align: center;">This year Flour Confections is so excited to be hosting so many AMAZING teachers! Some have visited before, some are new to us, but rest assured each and every class will be packed full of fabulous information.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Want to know who will be joining us this, our third year of hosting amazing celebrity classes?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In March we have the amazingly talented <a href="http://www.debbiebrownscakes.co.uk/">Debbie Brown</a> joining us all the way from the UK! She will be teaching 3 fabulous classes, including 2 projects from her latest book Baby Cakes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKZ-tiT4-rM/Tv4jxg1IlYI/AAAAAAAABRA/8JZRejAiV3I/s400/374808_10150369570313997_698213996_8476178_1151526724_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692026312576243074" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/kittens-master-class-wdebbie-brown-exclusive-canadian-visit-p-3346.html">Kittens</a> Friday March 2nd 9am-5:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 276px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJF_vBaEm9Q/Tv4ic7yGHQI/AAAAAAAABQc/VNJXN0RBUdI/s400/FCDB2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692024859522374914" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/beetle-love-class-wdebbie-brown-exclusive-canadian-visit-p-3347.html">Beetle Love</a> Saturday March 3rd 9am-5:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqj7lP1vzE0/Tv4idN-wbtI/AAAAAAAABQo/lMWCyYtBmtI/s400/FCDB3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692024864407318226" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/noahs-ark-master-class-wdebbie-brown-exclusive-canadian-visit-p-3345.html">Noah's Ark</a> Sunday March 4th 9am-5:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 279px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7y7V1RU7R0/Tv4iclhTQ2I/AAAAAAAABQQ/kr3gZ1U2vWY/s400/FCDB1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692024853546353506" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In April my good friend Jackie Butler of <a href="http://petalsweet.blogspot.com/">Petalsweet</a> in San Diego, California will be teaching us her fabulous sugarpaste flowers and how she creates those amazing romantic sugar vase arrangements.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYqncfd5InA/Tv4jxY5uXaI/AAAAAAAABQ0/BVwiaGPI2Bs/s400/167738_1646178768331_1652762319_1476219_277477_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692026310448012706" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/days-sugar-flowers-jackie-butler-sold-out-p-3267.html">3 Day Sugarpaste Flower Vase</a> Friday April 27th-Sunday April 29th 9am-5pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSESVYNWulU/Tv4eM-gslVI/AAAAAAAABOg/_mALcv_jVHc/s400/FCJB3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692020187330286930" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In July my "mate" Lorraine McKay of <a href="http://www.extraicing.co.uk/">Extra Icing</a> in Scotland will be crossing the pond again to join us for more of her fabulous sugar figure classes, she hasn't been back to Canada since 2010. Not only is she teaching 2 2day Bride & Groom figure classes, but she is also joining us for her wonderful Head & Hands workshop - perfect for those needing to improve their skills or for those looking for a refresher!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-Rp6RSczyc/Tv4XdCNP2NI/AAAAAAAABNs/tvFbhmsWeog/s400/IMG_3304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692012766618966226" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/head-hands-with-lorraine-mckay-2012-p-3266.html">Head & Hands</a> Friday July 6th 9am-1pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zelV_qDeto/Tv4eNOaEI7I/AAAAAAAABOs/ZcFzw2-mSJM/s400/FCLMHH.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692020191597437874" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/asian-bride-groom-with-lorraine-mckay-2012-p-3264.html">Asian Bride & Groom</a> Saturday July 7th & Sunday July 8th 9</div><div style="text-align: center;">am-4:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJSBRcd3yos/Tv4eMo62MxI/AAAAAAAABOU/nE4WngAuML0/s400/FCLMAB.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692020181534389010" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/classic-bride-groom-with-lorraine-mckay-2012-p-3265.html">Classic Bride & Groom</a> Tuesday July 10th & Wednesday July 11th 9am-4:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUkTBHfYTsA/Tv4jx-X0_BI/AAAAAAAABRM/YlSd2NW4szk/s400/34199_405986264802_818064802_4214961_3165544_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692026320506387474" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In August we are thrilled to be hosting 2 new classes with 2 talented friends: Debbie Goard of <a href="http://www.debbiedoescakes.net/">Debbie Does Cakes</a> in Oakland California, and Wayne Steinkopf of <a href="http://www.swankcakedesign.com/">Swank Cake Design</a> in Raleigh North Carolina.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/debbie-does-designer-purse-cake-with-debbie-goard-2012-p-3284.html">Debbie Does Designer - Purses</a> Thursday August 9th 9am-5pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwmG5sunkY0/Tv4gXj45Q0I/AAAAAAAABPg/j71d07ftoEQ/s400/FCDG1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692022568185840450" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/designer-duo-debbie-goard-wayne-steinkopf-2012-p-3285.html">Designer Duo - Designer Purses with Debbie & Edible Shoes & Jewelry with Wayne</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday August 9th & Friday August 10th 9am-5pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4a9zOn6J44/Tv4gYAg8aVI/AAAAAAAABPo/70fi_06a_jI/s400/FCDD.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692022575870011730" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/edible-jewelry-designer-shoes-with-wayne-steinkopf-2012-p-3282.html">Edible Shoes & Jewelry class 1</a> Friday August 10th 9am-5pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/edible-jewelry-designer-shoes-with-wayne-steinkopf-2012-p-3282.html">Edible Shoes & Jewelry class 2</a> Saturday August 11th 9am-5pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlNsCXcqQYA/Tv4gYFFb4zI/AAAAAAAABP4/xPmrv65whAk/s400/FCWSS2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692022577096811314" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And finally in November we are so excited to be hosting both of these returning teachers TOGETHER! My good friends Lauren Kitchens of <a href="http://www.fancycakesbylauren.com/">Fancy Cakes by Lauren</a> in Dallas, Texas and Mike McCarey of <a href="http://www.mikesamazingcakes.com/">Mike's Amazing Cakes</a> in Redmond Washington will be joining us for 4 AMAZING days of cake!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ViYg7ozuxZs/Tv4Xc1pag9I/AAAAAAAABNk/QE3hUD-Rv4E/s400/lauren%2Bkitchens.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692012763247444946" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REoBARMU7-Q/Tv4lMNDhdhI/AAAAAAAABRY/kJdiUBCERXo/s400/20100329-_DSC0049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692027870635980306" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/whats-the-box-with-lauren-kitchens-2012-p-3489.html">What's in the Box? with Lauren Kitchens</a> Friday November 2nd 9am-5:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dt2B28bNSr0/Tv4gYoSYgZI/AAAAAAAABQA/BAAc7SwgxXU/s400/FCML1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692022586546356626" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/cake-structures-with-mike-mccarey-lauren-kitchens-2012-p-3475.html">3D Cake Structures with Mike & Lauren</a> Saturday November 3rd 9am-5:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5Zgz4_gKQ/Tv4gXRjevUI/AAAAAAAABPQ/Zs-6OfClIfc/s400/FCML2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692022563264183618" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/day-modeling-chocolate-mike-mccarey-lauren-kitchens-2012-p-3488.html">A Day of Modeling Chocolate with Mike & Lauren</a> Sunday November 4th 9am-5:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 195px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apmEN7pIs0o/Tv4eNctqicI/AAAAAAAABO0/HVDue_dZNh8/s400/FCML3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692020195437742530" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/shop/sculpted-eiffel-tower-cake-with-mike-mccarey-2012-p-3476.html">Sculpted Eiffel Tower Cake with Mike McCarey</a> Monday November 5th 9am-5:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlltUmmFxNg/Tv4eNjLxBQI/AAAAAAAABPE/PNB7v88qccM/s400/FCML4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692020197174609154" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-83334832900814401872011-12-30T14:15:00.051-05:002012-01-03T19:58:17.600-05:00Looking back at 2011 - Part 1<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOrqrSsG0BM/TwOb7Jp_5CI/AAAAAAAABX0/ac7N4Tkw5Oc/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOrqrSsG0BM/TwOb7Jp_5CI/AAAAAAAABX0/ac7N4Tkw5Oc/s400/IMG_1853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693565794433098786" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm in absolute SHOCK that another year has gone by! I don't know about all of you, but for me, this year has gone by in the blink of an eye!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So where to begin? This year was so crazy I'm going to have to split this post in 2! 2011 started with us just settling in our new store location. Since the move in November 2010, we have been growing and going non-stop! And now a full year has past and it still feels the same...<div><br /><div><div>February started off with a bang! Lauren Kitchens of <a href="http://www.fancycakesbylauren.com/">Fancy Cakes by Lauren</a> joined us for some highly anticipated classes - Character Sculpting 101 and Monsters 301! Students learned about structures and how Lauren created her lovable Muppet characters on Food Network Challenge Sesame Street Cakes.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQiuqShjZeo/TwOb5LznQJI/AAAAAAAABXQ/zVOMiVVgnWA/s400/IMG_4002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693565760650559634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Fun times with Lauren Kitchens</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj1wEZoGHqU/TwOX0w2iuSI/AAAAAAAABW0/COG0IBQH6tI/s400/IMG_4067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693561286649100578" /><div style="text-align: center;">Lauren & her little monsters</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Next for the month, I created a fun cake for a little show called Rich Groom Poor Groom - where the groom does all the planning!! Our groom decided he wanted a spy/espionage themed wedding complete with a recreation of <a href="http://www.mikesamazingcakes.com/">Mike's Amazing Cakes</a> "explosive" cake! You can see the episode on Slice.ca <a href="http://www.slice.ca/watch/?releasePID=PI2an8Bf_vgFVzBKa4Jrs3GSLJ3J0SUX">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0QqB9QjL2Q/TwN7g02ROYI/AAAAAAAABT4/3wNav634OkM/s400/IMG_0975.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693530157798734210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div><div> Also in February I did some travel. First I flew out to Denver last minute to visit some friends & take a class with Sharon Zambito of <a href="http://www.sugaredproductions.com/">SugarEd Productions</a> & Rebecca Sutterby of<a href="http://www.sugarcreations.com/"> Sugar Creations</a>. It was a great girls weekend full of fun, great tips & techniques, and great food - I had my first Bison burger!</div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDWEdDYL_f0/TwOb5ZczNkI/AAAAAAAABXc/bFPofTVWLuM/s400/IMG_1731.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693565764312970818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Rebecca, Sharon & moi with the class project cake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2m2_i2rpl9M/TwNvOVTcJrI/AAAAAAAABR8/vxj1CO0x2No/s400/IMG_0221.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693516645953971890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">mmmm a very tasty Bison burger!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>A week later I was back in the air this time going to Austin Texas to check out the <a href="http://thattakesthecake.org/index.php/main/">Austin Cake Show</a>. I worked at Sharon's booth selling DVD's during the show and hung out with friends at night, I even got to squeeze in a quick refresher class with <a href="http://www.extraicing.co.uk/">Lorraine McKay</a>. The show features great instructors, a competition, demos and vendors - and this year I will be teaching there as well - be sure to check it out!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUhsH0-hSwk/TwOb6w4LiiI/AAAAAAAABXo/7WxTjrRRYlM/s400/IMG_0304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693565787781696034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Don't be alarmed - it's sugar!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWFFolMsKOw/TwOX0avMf-I/AAAAAAAABWo/7Eau8GBtAj8/s400/IMG_0317.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693561280712703970" /><div style="text-align: center;">A fun night with Lorraine McKay</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div>March was a whirlwind of travel! In early March I was back on a plane to Denver - this time however I was there to assist <a href="http://www.tierluxurycakes.com/index2.php#/home/">Ashlee Perkins</a> in the Food Network Lego Cake Challenge!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKcH4S055ww/TwNzm6ADDRI/AAAAAAAABSk/ORl0g0s2IwY/s400/IMG_0414.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693521466168118546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div>The timing was tight - the Challenge film date was the day I was to be flying out to Orlando with my family for a Disney vacation - how could I be in 2 places at once? So I left for Denver and my family went ahead to Disney. The day after Challenge I flew straight to Orlando to catch up with them! Can you say exhausting? </div><div><br /></div><div>My first Challenge experience was a blast - very tiring very stressful but a blast none the less. The day before Challenge we ran around Denver doing our final preparations. I was thrilled that my good friend Adele came to stay with me and offer moral support. She got up at 4am to do my makeup and she sat through the entire Challenge - smiling the whole time. When it was all said and done she helped us clean up - she's a rock star!</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H86AlhDFfc4/TwNzrT2hx8I/AAAAAAAABS8/RcITImCOvho/s400/IMG_0446.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693521541826987970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">I made custom moulds of real Lego knobs to get the right details</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZPuy6Mh2Gs/TwNznMEyv6I/AAAAAAAABS0/HqIGERJp5HA/s400/IMG_0447.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693521471019859874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Another detail shot of the finished cake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div>The Challenge itself was tough - most Challenges are 8 hours in length - but we got a surprise when we ventured on set in the early morning hours - not just an 8 hour Challenge - but an additional SURPRISE 2 hour PRE-Challenge!! That really threw us all off our guard! It was hard to get back in the game once the pre-challenge was done.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhtsaGvK5Ro/TwNvPjUNIjI/AAAAAAAABSU/7w2pNUAN3bo/s400/IMG_3006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693516666895147570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Ashlee & moi with the completed cake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> Our final cake was super cool - a giant Lego shark from the Atlantis set complete with moving minifig - something that wasn't shown on camera. Unfortunately it wasn't in the cards for us - 2nd place was our fate.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>On the wings of defeat, I was back in the air flying to Orlando for a much needed vacation! But there wasn't much rest for the wicked.....</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FHlwNIDVTmY/TwNzrh5ng2I/AAAAAAAABTM/TvedtxjObzw/s400/IMG_0612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693521545598042978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Some family time at the Happiest Place on Earth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>At the end of my trip I jumped in a rental and drove north to Savannah Georgia to take a 3 day sugar orchid class with <a href="http://www.weddingcakes.com">Ron Ben-Israel</a> at <a href="http://www.savannahcustomcakes.com/">Minette Rushing's Custom Cakes</a>. The class was all I expected and more. I can never say enough about classes with Ron or the amazing Southern hospitality at Custom Cakes! This trip has now become an annual tradition every March - one that I look forward to continuing!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VevXRD4jOM/TwOXzuggYaI/AAAAAAAABWc/Y7LUqL67M0s/s400/IMG_0668.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693561268839932322" /><div style="text-align: center;">A few of my sugar orchids</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frD7iakXK3c/TwOXzZ5ntvI/AAAAAAAABWQ/UlIdfz-8W7I/s400/IMG_3079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693561263308125938" /><div style="text-align: center;">Me & my Sugar Daddy aka The Sweet Genius!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N26H42EkYPA/TwNzsXvMN-I/AAAAAAAABTU/Fp8qjBq4S2c/s400/IMG_0667.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693521560049825762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">I've made some fabulous friends in the cake world - Ron, Minette & moi</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>In April we celebrated our 2nd anniversary! 2 years later and in a new location already! Who knew?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> Also in April I stayed put and let someone else do the traveling! Marina Sousa of <a href="http://www.justcake.com/flash_index.php">Just Cake</a> came to Flour Confections to teach 2 wonderful classes - first by bringing some "bling" with her wonderful bead moulds and second how to create amazing topsy turvy style cakes.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bx8ZbtwDlo/TwOSbOTsaFI/AAAAAAAABVs/PK7aE8oUIhk/s400/IMG_0755.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693555350321260626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">The completed class cake - still on display at FC</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Also in April I created 2 very fun and special cakes while applying what I learned from both Lauren & Marina. The first cake was for my daughter's 9th birthday, her request was for a Julius cake aka Paul Frank Monkey cake! Using the techniques from Lauren's Monsters 301 class, I created an edible Julius holding a mini birthday cupcake. At the party he was surrounded by more cupcakes each topped with a sugar cherry. The cake was the hit of the party!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdaSaNYnRm0/TwOScW7WbMI/AAAAAAAABWE/S8rivKZN6RA/s400/IMG_0792.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693555369814944962" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Edible Julius aka Paul Frank monkey cake!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The 2nd cake that week was created for our friends Tami & Tara who were celebrating their 35th birthday. I decided what better cake to create than to recreate in cake what we did in Marina's class. Tami & Tara's toppling tower of treats (say that 5 times fast) was a show stopper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyUjRBZ3Q6g/TwOSbcrfNMI/AAAAAAAABV4/LHLdNiZv7vQ/s400/IMG_0780.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693555354179155138" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The stunning twins with their stunning cake!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>In May, I played 2 rolls - the first roll was my first time as a judge. I was invited to be one of the judges of the live cake competition at Bonnie Gordon's annual <a href="http://www.thecakeshow.com/">Cake Show</a>. It was a tough experience being on the judging side, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed and took very seriously.</div><div><br /></div><div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ9xxvfa2R8/TwN7hituamI/AAAAAAAABUE/u5-iH65i6kk/s400/IMG_0922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693530170110929506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " />Competitors hard at work</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The second roll that month was the roll of assistant for a 2nd time. This time I assisted Matt Somers of <a href="http://www.itsamatterofcake.ca/">It's a Matter of Cake</a> on the Canadian cake competition <a href="http://www.slice.ca/watch/?releasePID=OD4QUbe4Urmwk8QKrq5rt0f4B0ZcZRBV">Cake Walk</a>. Being that we had both done Food Network Challenge, we kinda had an idea on how to play things out - and even though we had never worked together before, after 5 minutes in the kitchen together we were in sync! Seeing the design come to life was an awesome experience - we had a great theme & great design - it went exactly as planned - and well winning the competition was pretty sweet too!!<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vG1EYjCmo0/TwOExTpar8I/AAAAAAAABUk/OlyO9eL8q_I/s400/IMG_0963.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693540336548884418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">The sketch</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpPXclIk9h4/TwOE0CMMeKI/AAAAAAAABVI/sz42wY4WI-M/s400/IMG_3124.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693540383402522786" /><div style="text-align: center;">Detail shot of the pumpkins, moon & bride & groom</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-clvsXUVK4/TwOEzKvo_fI/AAAAAAAABU8/NVRjsLTfFsY/s400/IMG_3123.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693540368518807026" /><div style="text-align: center;">Detail shot of the burning candles (isomalt flames with LED lights) full sugarpaste rose and aged tombstone</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoNKREE7MH0/TwOEyGY9NeI/AAAAAAAABUw/KlmC9i24tH8/s400/IMG_3179.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693540350170052066" /><div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Professional image of winning cake (courtesy of Buck Productions)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We will finish off part 1 with the month of June. We started it out with an amazing 2 days with master instructor <a href="http://www.tobagarrett.com/">Toba Garrett</a>. Students learned the fine art of Australian stringwork as well as Lambeth techniques. Although the techniques are very challenging and painstakingly precise, I found the classes so relaxing. Piping is very calming for me and it was this class which gave me the confidence to create my OSSAS wedding cake (see Part 2). </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZisdXAsVKQ8/TwN7iUYOd3I/AAAAAAAABUQ/ifSO93Pv8Hg/s400/IMG_4342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693530183442528114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Toba piping away while students watch in awe</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>This month I also created a very challenging yet rewarding cake. I was asked to take part in <a href="http://www.digyourheelsin.ca/StilettosfortheCure.html">Stilettos for the Cure</a> - a fundraiser event in support of breast cancer research. For the event I created an entirely edible pair of GIANT Louboutin stilettos! Each shoe was over 2 feet tall and all cake - lots of planning went into these and it was so rewarding to deliver them to the event.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axgeh7266Ww/TwOE1jPdG1I/AAAAAAAABVY/YVOntogebWQ/s400/IMG_0995.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693540409454435154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /><div style="text-align: center; ">Giant cakes take planning!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yNZpU3UjYg/TwN7fgXQv1I/AAAAAAAABTg/QcNZMB9zzjQ/s400/IMG_1032.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693530135120101202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " />Finished shoes waiting to be presented</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nueppHoOc6M/TwN7gHB4AMI/AAAAAAAABTs/uXv6lB5lS8o/s400/IMG_1049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693530145499381954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Organizers eagerly slice the cake!</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So that concludes part of of my year in review! I'm exhausted just looking at it and it's only 1/2 the year!!! Stay tuned for part 2 !</div></div></div></div></div>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-31219656014225173302011-12-30T13:00:00.031-05:002012-01-02T19:24:56.189-05:00The Sweet Genius was here.....<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao_JGPZ4v6E/Tv4IGejJ9_I/AAAAAAAABMk/UORhWfM81fQ/s400/photo-2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691995886415640562" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes I know it's been a very long time since my last post - I can't believe that as of tomorrow this year will be coming to a close! Where did the year go? For that answer, please see my next post....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Last year we coordinated THE class of the year - a 3 day Master class on sugar flowers with <a href="http://weddingcakes.com/">Ron Ben-Israel</a>! Ever since that class, students were anxiously awaiting his return. As I was enjoying my 2nd night in Florida on my family vacation, I was pleasantly surprised by a phone call from the "<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/sweet-genius/index.html">Sweet Genius</a>"! He had finally received his upcoming schedule for season 2 of the show and was able to commit to a class. We had ONE MONTH to coordinate a 3 day class on sugar orchids - but we knew our students would jump at the chance!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4Oti3YNBL0/Tv4IIFSFoWI/AAAAAAAABNU/uOiVtE4bn9w/s400/IMG_4746.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691995913992905058" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Ron's sugarpaste Cymbidium orchids</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZpZg2TCwQM/Tv4CLt9T-6I/AAAAAAAABMQ/kmnwXOzZZ0c/s400/IMG_4750.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691989379381459874" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Ron's sugarpaste Dendrobium orchids </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1fbH4mnGgc/Tv4IHre_nhI/AAAAAAAABNI/J23FEFkCApc/s400/IMG_4571.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691995907067715090" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Students worked hard but had fun!</span></div></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eRZZMTbSkg/Tv4CMWlV0JI/AAAAAAAABMY/ROeABIO7X24/s400/IMG_4612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691989390286770322" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In late November, Ron escaped the Thanksgiving crowds of New York to join us again for another amazing class. Students were not disappointed as not only did we learn 5 varieties of sugar orchids, but we talked, ate very well, laughed, and even had a private viewing of one of the episodes from season 1 of Sweet Genius! Watching Ron on the big screen while he sat with us was surreal!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 146px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTarntVmlhI/Tv4IG0j47YI/AAAAAAAABM8/IjFHicXZvwM/s400/photo-3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691995892324298114" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Our own private screening with the Sweet Genius!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RaEEaVzJlw/Tv4CLbsRkhI/AAAAAAAABMA/0-D9U8Lgb7c/s400/IMG_4630.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691989374478160402" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Again our amazing multi-media classroom allows for amazing views of the Maestro's work!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y28zmX-60w/Tv4CKEYKilI/AAAAAAAABL0/SidSd6_VSOc/s400/IMG_4706.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691989351039928914" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Using cake dummies & completed flowers, Ron showed us how to create different cake designs</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQU6X61odm4/Tv4IGobNnlI/AAAAAAAABMw/Hih3uK1Taks/s400/IMG_4680.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691995889066679890" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">One of the complete cake designs</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Season 2 of Sweet Genius will start production in the New Year and Season 1 of the show will begin on Food Network Canada on January 4th .... as for Ron's return, we will keep you posted ....</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcH7CpWuDU4/Tv4CJ1FzI0I/AAAAAAAABLo/CamUFuW2xJo/s400/IMG_4742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691989346936365890" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Ron for another fabulous 3 days!</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And lastly a very fun treat - spot Ron! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="425" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://static.dermandar.com/swf/Viewer.swf?v=1.1"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="flashvars" value="pano=aQDFPA"></param><embed src="http://static.dermandar.com/swf/Viewer.swf?v=1.1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="327" flashvars="pano=aQDFPA"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-53570127252788050682011-10-20T12:39:00.012-04:002011-10-27T01:07:27.972-04:00Matt & Lisa Make A SPOOK-TACULAR Cake!!<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 174px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyC7uYkY_AY/TqBPOW-AlII/AAAAAAAABKE/B9EnFXmCnx8/s400/CAKE_WALK_REV.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665615439334511746" />Finally!!! The results have been revealed - Matt Somers of <a href="http://www.itsamatterofcake.ca/">It's a Matter of Cake</a> and Lisa Bugeja of <a href="http://www.flourconfections.ca/index.html">Flour Confections</a> were the dream team on last night's episode of <a href="http://www.slice.ca/Shows/CakeWalk/default.aspx?Title_ID=269770">Cake Walk - Wedding Cake Edition</a> "Fright Night"!<div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5cMFlGGtKY/TqBPOVGKE4I/AAAAAAAABKM/frLqsnJP6EM/s400/cake%2Bwalk%2Bhigh%2B5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665615438831817602" /><div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Funny thing was this dream team was only created a week prior to the filming! Originally Matt had another assistant, however circumstances lead him to needing a replacement and fast! He called me up to see if I was available. Quickly glancing at my calendar and knowing he was in a bind, we made it work. That week we phoned, emailed, and texted back and forth working out the details - but we had never yet worked together in the kitchen! Matt came to my shop a few days before the filming so that we could prep and make sure we were both on the same page. Prep was fun and relaxed and we knew then we would have no problem working together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The day of filming we walked onto the beautiful set ready to go - we had our game plan set, our tasks laid out and our design rocked! The 7 hours really flew by fast, but in the end we didn't miss a single element on our design and it looked exactly like the sketch! The win was pretty "sweet"! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Besides the amazing gravity defying structure (which was as tall as I am!), we made our own moulds, did isomalt flames lit with LED lights, gumpaste roses, gumpaste figures and a massive tree! The cake weighed quite a bit - and all the weight was on one side of the s<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">mall base - so I made sure that Matt took that side during the move! LOL!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are some detail shots from the show.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlrxLm4M_oc/TqBeqAYgPXI/AAAAAAAABLA/dolAgFiJwVc/s400/aerial.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665632406982376818" /><div style="text-align: center;">The judges were ever so curious about our structure - all will be revealed in time....</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbZyibDBfEI/TqBepZjLZ3I/AAAAAAAABK4/n3jNdry0Fx0/s400/detail%2Bwith%2Bme.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665632396558165874" /><div style="text-align: center;">Stacking went just as planned and BOOM we have a cake!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbvn39FzuwM/TqBepdYpNNI/AAAAAAAABKo/eCHcl6yREIs/s400/move%2Baerial.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665632397587723474" /><div style="text-align: center;">Despite the small base, super tall cake and the weight - we made the cake walk no problem!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgpdI-4Txjc/TqBeo3qqk1I/AAAAAAAABKc/r74A4danKDg/s400/close%2Bup.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665632387462763346" /><div style="text-align: center;">Details details details - from the long stem gumpaste roses, to the burning isomalt flames, to the twisted tree - we had it all!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you Matt for letting me be a part of this - it was awesome!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8518547887761363993.post-19494871152340322482011-10-13T15:53:00.001-04:002011-10-20T12:33:16.231-04:00For Immediate Release.....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtbbQPcrbiM/TqBMRZZMQTI/AAAAAAAABJ4/eTE9mIjEWPo/s1600/20111004_Bugeja1004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtbbQPcrbiM/TqBMRZZMQTI/AAAAAAAABJ4/eTE9mIjEWPo/s400/20111004_Bugeja1004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665612192990118194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">photo credit: Hawks Photography</span></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">For Immediate Release</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>A Sweet Win for Pickering Entrepreneur and Cake Designer Flour Confections Wins Big at Leading North American Sugar Art Show</b></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b><br /></b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Toronto, ON – October 7, 2011 - </b></span>It was a sweet win for Pickering’s Lisa Bugeja, owner of Flour Confections, when her decadently-creative wedding cake creation placed second runner-up in the Grand Wedding Cake Competition at the renowned <span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show </b></span>in Tulsa October 2, 2011.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">With its striking Bridget Riley-inspired Op-Art design and vibrant pops of colour, it was no wonder the judges fell in love with Bugeja’s stunning five-tiered fondant wedding cake and inevitably beat out 80 others in North America’s largest cake competition.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">“Every year for the past five years, I’ve been making the 20-hour drive to Tulsa to attend the show.” Says Bugeja, “This was the fourth year I entered in the Grand Wedding (cake competition) and I couldn’t be more thrilled that my cake came in third against the best of the best. This is an amazing accomplishment.”</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">While the Grand Wedding Cake competition was the star of the show, Bugeja’s name was called out several times for her talents in other divisions – she placed first (for the fifth year in a row) in Masters Confections for her cookies, second in Masters Special Techniques and third in Red Carpet Shoes.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">It was a well-deserved triumphant event for Bugeja who first opened the doors to her progressively successful multifaceted cake supply business, Flour Confections, on April 1, 2009.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Based in Pickering Ontario, Flour Confections quickly made a name for itself through its divine creations that cater to celebrities and brides alike. The store is also the destination confection-enthusiasts flock to when they wish to create an indulgent dessert at home. From savoury fillings and topping decorations to celebrity-taught classes, Bugeja is more than happy to sugar-coat her services to meet all the needs of her clientele.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Bugeja’s talents are not only being recognized at celebrated State Fairs, but are being showcased on international television.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Watch her on Slice Network’s Cake Walk as she takes part in the October 26 episode of <span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Cake Walk Wedding Cake Edition – Fright Night. </b></span>She’ll be assisting Matt Somers of “It’s a Matter of Cake” compete for $5000 and the title of best cake designer.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Bugeja will also be featured on the US Food Network’s November 6 episode of LEGO Cake Challenge. She’ll be assisting Ashlee Perkins of Savannah Custom Cakes (<span style="color:#063ff4;">http://www.savannahcustomcakes.com</span>) compete for $10,000!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">An extremely talented cake and confection designer, Bugeja doesn’t keep her award-winning know-how under wraps. She offers regular informative, interactive classes out of her Flour Confections store in addition to traveling across Canada and the United States to teach the art and skill of decadent design.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Bugeja will be travelling to Austin Texas February 25-26, 2012 to the That Takes the Cake Sugar Art Show and Cake Competition (<span style="color:#063ff4;">http://thattakesthecake.org/index.php/main/</span>) as well as to the Great Lakes Mini- Classes and Michigan Sugar Art Showcase Cake Competition March 23-25, 2012. Her classes will feature techniques used on her award-winning divisional entries from the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show 2011.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">For additional information on the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show, please visit <span style="color:#063ff4;">http://www.oklahomasugarartists.com/</span>.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>About Flour Confections</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Since 2004, Lisa Bugeja, owner and founder of Flour Confections, has been creating custom cakes professionally, adding a unique touch to special occasions and turning dreams into sweet reality. Since April, 2009, the Pickering-based Flour Confections has been a prominent fixture on the confectionary design and supply scene. Serving Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area, Flour Confections evolved from a passion for dessert and a love for artistic expression. Providing an array of sweets, Flour Confections also provides cake decorating classes and sells an assortment of cake decorating supplies.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">###</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Contact: Lisa Bugeja, Founder & Owner</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"> Address: 1084 Salk Road Unit 5, Pickering Ontario </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Phone: (905) 492-2692 </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Website: www.flourconfections.ca </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Blog: www.flourconfections.blogspot.com </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Email: lisa@flourconfections.ca</p>Flour Confectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750702300967704099noreply@blogger.com1