( 1 reviews )
-
Posted: Apr 5 2009
This is a delightful and glorious gem of a book!! It was listed in the "Recommendations" section of Amazon and while I had wanted to check into it, I seemed to have taken my time. Take it from me, don't waste any of your time in getting this into your decorating library. The finesse and genteel detailing of the delicate characters and scenery within this book has been aptly brought across by Linda Pawsey, who is quite the talented teacher of this craft. Her listing of accomplishments within the world of cake decorating extends not just to her own creations but to competitions she has entered into, as well as the other side of the table, that of judge. She has not spared any detail in this wonderful book. There are 20 different "baby" cakes to chose from, and from that firm foundation, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination, as to what further idea's are within you. The photography is crystal clear, detailed, close-up, and in gentle, soft palettes of baby blues, pinks, greens, etc. The cake batter recipes themselves should not be the reason for buying this book. Yes, while there are recipes included for batters and icings used, it is the intricate lines, stripes, and embellishments that pull the eye into the charm of this book. The almost lifelike infants, toys, and creatures of the earth are the main event in each presentation. The instructions for each are given ample time and space, with details for any particularly intricate design. Also, being the Ms. Pawsey is from "across the pond", you will be given measurements in both US and metric standards. The book outlines as such: INTRODUCTION EQUIPMENT: This is an excellent section that discusses textures, templates and all the basics needed to create clouds, frills, ruffles, baby blcoks and much more. RECIPES: I loved this in that it goes into the different mediums used (like gumpaste, rolled fondant, pastillage, edible "glue", etc) to make sugar objects such as letters, "prams", dresses, flowers, animals, etc. PREPARING the CAKES: How to prepare your cake in the type of covering that will best suit the theme and look you desire. THE CAKES: A Gift for Baby (a simple, elegant creation using letters and ribbon) Elegant Storks (simple, yet adorable set of storks perched near flowers) Teddie's Presents (little bears bearing tiny gift boxes) Little Angels (exquisite little angels lying/sitting of clouds of white) Alphabet Heart (simple "tappit" letters on simple, flat "blocks") Up, Up, and Away (a layered, flat bear holding layered, flat balloons) Modeling a Crib (wow!! how to shape/mold a bassinet!) Bib and Blossoms (a bib lying on the top of a simply flowered cake) Duck's Bathtime ("bubbles" and a duckie in his bathtub atop the cake) Making a Splash (my favorite! perched birdies on/around a birdbath) Dainty Pram (a sugar carriage; delicate butterflies and scalloped edging) Fit for a Princess (an exquisite "christening outfit" in a "box") Delicate Rose Crib (Oh!!! a little baby sleeping in a big flower!) Modeling Babies (how to make sugar babies freehand and with molds) Sleepy Pals (hush little baby as you sleep with your bunny next to you!) Jumbo Junior's Nap (baby elephant in his bed, base surrounded by a frieze) Draped Lace Crib (baby in her crib resting on a darling cake) New Arrival (a flat choo-choo train announcing a new arrival!) Twin's Slumber (double the fun with two baby's and their bunny pals) Chiffon Elegance (a covered cradle gently holding a blessing from God) Fabric Effects (creating ruffles, fabrics, draping, etc) Building Blocks (block cakes with your baby's letters) Pink Booties (how adorable is this set of baby booties!) TEMPLATES SUPPLIERS INDEX I would highly recommend getting some of the supplies listed within the chapters as they are really some of the basics that you would use in other projects as well. The baby molds, tappit letters, flower makers, etc are well-worth the investment. Many suppliers are listed in the "Supplies" section, as well as other cake decorating companies both here in the States and abroad. If you "google" either "cake or baking supplies" or the actual item you are looking for, you will be given a multitude of places on this great planet of ours that will be happy to serve you. This book was so much fun and one of the best, especially for this type of cake baking occasion. You will not be disappointed in any of these cakes as they are simple for a beginner, but they will bring many "oohs and ahhhs" to the more experienced cake creator because of that same simplicity. Peace!
