2011 ROCKED! Thank you!

Seriously, I could not have asked for a better year. I couldn't possibly fit all of my favorite events from 2011 in a blog post, but I'll do my best, sticking to the ones that I was most proud of. I met some really neat people this year, reconnected with former clients who came back for another project, and basically just got to rock out on some awesome projects. I was featured on some beautiful websites that I adore, and was interviewed for a local magazine! I can't imagine how it could get any better. But I think I said that in 2010, so I'll keep pushing for bigger and better things this year too. None of these things would have been possible without the support, trust and confidence my wonderful clients have given me. Your projects have all inspired me to work harder and challenge myself. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Here we go!

Southwest Living Magazine spread! Full story found here.

In August my hubby finally got an ungirly birthday cake. After presenting him with frilly and bridal looking creations for past birthdays, I was happy to do something artsy and edgy for him. I was really pleased with this very unusual design, and he was too, which was really important.

There are thousands of cake decorators who faithfully log on to Cakewrecks every Sunday morning to see the beautiful creations. Now, any other day of the week, you don't want to find your work there. But Sunday? It's like winning an Oscar. Ok, not that cool, but it's a big deal. I'm happy to say I've found myself there twice now. Here's all the cakes from that particular Sunday, which were all Harry Potter themed.

The Grim Reaper was a very last minute project, but as soon as I heard Molly describe what she wanted, I knew I had to do it. It was huge, it was dark, it was creepy, and it was funny. And I was surprised a few months later when Carrie of Half Baked said she wanted to feature it on her website. I had no idea it was going to stand alone as her pick for Halloween Day. Half Baked is definitely my favorite cake website, and being featured alongside the talent Carrie features really makes me happy.

The tallest cake I've done! It was 7 tiers, and in my opinion it was utterly stunning. It will never lose it's rank as my favorite wedding cake. Ever. The bride is the sweetest gal you could ever meet, and I had a great time planning the cake with her. I bought a giant masonite print from Fallbrook of this exact photo, and I love seeing it when I walk in to the studio. It reminds me to slow down and take my time, and make sure the final product is polished and clean looking as I can manage.

Copyright 2011 Fallbrook Photography

Wed The Magazine held a contest for it's inaugural issue, with several categories. I submitted several cakes, and was really surprised and honored when I learned that I won the "Just Right-3 tier Division. What really made this special, is that Sylvia Weinstock was a judge. It would be like Coco Chanel judging a dress that you made. Pretty neat. My client loved her wedding cake as well, and told me her guests were so happy to be treated to such a decadent dessert at her intimate reception.

In March, I was thrilled to participate in the Art Center's 'Taste of Fine Art" fundraiser. I decided there was no way I was going to make something convenient like cupcakes or plate small wedges of cake. I decided to make a full size tiered cake and cut and serve it right there. I displayed a photo of the cake on the table so people could see what it looked like before it was hacked into once the evening started. I incorporated various methods in this design. Cold carving, royal icing string work for the topper, and random piping.

And finally, isn't this the coolest logo ever?!?! I think so. My good friend Sally, who is an amazing cake decorator and graphic artist from Canada designed a trio of logos for me. Recognize the cake? It's the art center cake I just posted above. My search for the perfect logo has now ended. I couldn't be happier.

So those are just a few of my favorite events/highlights/cakes of 2011. Don't even get me started on 2012, because there are so many awesome things planned, I wouldn't know where to start. Thank you for following here and on Facebook, thank you for commenting, and thank you for being supportive. It's a crazy ride, and I'm glad to have friends on the journey with me!