The Making of a Cake

I'm sure all my friends know I make cakes, sort of as a side business. It all started 4 years ago when I was given a cake decorating course as a present. My mother-in-law knew I wanted to learn how to create great cakes for my kids' birthday parties. Who knew it would blossom into a mini-business. I don't make a ton of cakes, nor do I make a ton of money doing it. But I enjoy the continuing practice of designing and creating cakes.

Even though I enjoy it, I must admit it can be a huge challenge. The main trouble is that people often have an unusual or difficult idea in mind for cake. Not only do I have to understand the idea they are trying to communicate to me (it helps if they have pictures!), but I have to find a way to actually carry it out and make it into a cake. Basically, I have to tell people that I think I can do what they are asking before I can attempt it and find out for sure. That creates pressure for me. Sometimes I am extremely pleased with the result, and other times I wish it would have turned out better.

Take, for instance, the cake I just finished today. The beautiful young lady who ordered the cake is celebrating her 25th birthday. She had a very specific design for a cake in mind, and thankfully she was able to give me a folder that used the design on it. I must admit, it is a tricky design, and I really had no idea how I could replicate it onto a cake. But I felt like it would be possible, so I accepted the challenge.

Here is the result:

I ended up tracing the design from the folder onto white paper. Then I used the sharp end of a kabob skewer to trace over the paper onto the cake. That only helped with the top of the cake, though, because I was unable to trace it onto the sides. I had to freehand the sides. I also was unable to work in any turquoise accents or writing, two things she had requested. But thankfully, she seemed pleased with what I had made. I think writing or another color would have been too much on top of this intricate design, so I suggested either leaving it plain or putting boldly colored number candles in the center.

It would be easier if everyone requested a 9 by 13 sheet cake that reads "Happy Birthday ____" and has a few roses in the corner, but I guess you can get those anywhere. I'm glad for the challenges and the opportunity to create unique cakes!