It was my niece's first birthday on Wednesday and we had a little party for her yesterday. I was on cake making duties (like a good Auntie) and made this In The Night Garden cake. The figures are actually plastic, I wasn't going to attempt making them out of fondant icing! I don't usually work with fondant icing, but I found this very fun. I made maka paka's stones using white fondant icing and mixed in some cocoa powder with it. I didn't mix it all thoroughly because it gave it a great marbley/stone effect. The stones on the path were just cut out using different circle cutters (for the teeny tiny ones I used a straw). It went down really well and I think we managed to get it to serve probably 30 people! The cake was 3 layers so it was huuuuge.
Other than cake making, we have been busy on the house but also having to take a breather a bit because Scott has been a bit under the weather. Next weekend we are going to Center Parcs though and having a spa session to help destress us! Seriously, owning a house is hard. First we have found damp on the chimney breast as we were scraping the wallpaper off and panicking about how to get that fixed and not blow our budget, then the paint in the guest bedroom wasn't sticking at all and causes loads of bubbles. Woe. But then we discovered that the damp actually wasn't damp, it was just a damp and sticky surface on the plaster but as we scrubbed it down it wasn't damp underneath! It's like a roller-coaster.
The cake is simply fabulous!! I only ever use fondant icing for the children's birthday cakes, it's kind of fun to play around with it. Like using play dough as a child but this time you are allowed to eat it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all the DIY. I know exactly what you mean re. owning your own home. Not being able to phone up your landlord to complain takes some getting used to! I'm sure it will be beautiful in the end.
Loveaudrey xXx
Aw, that's an adorable cake! My sister's an avid cake decorater/maker, and I aspire to be as good as she is some day. It's such a beautiful (and delicious) art, I think!
ReplyDeletex Michelle | thefeatherden.net
You poor thing :-( Hope no more problems occur! That cake is great, im guessing it's some kind of kid's programme? xxx
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks fantastic! Making birthday cakes for little kids is great when you see their faces light up.
ReplyDeleteThe spa sounds wonderful, you both definitely deserve it by the sounds of thing!
That cake looks amazing :).
ReplyDeleteI understand where you're coming from with owning a house. I keep finding things with my flat and i'm like 'Why!'. I'm pretty sure they cover up a lot of it before you move in. I found ten layers of paint on top of a gorgeous slate fireplace in my living room. Why on earth would you cover up something as gorgeous as that?
Your cake looks brilliant, it is so cute! My nephew used to love that programme too (he has since moved on to Postman Pat!) I always had a soft spot for Macca Pacca!
ReplyDeleteWas there originally wallpaper in your guest room? If there's any left over wallpaper paste on the walls it can cause paint to bubble. Wash the walls thoroughly with caustic soda (and use a scraper) to remove all the nasty gunk and your paint should stick fine.
this cake is amazing! any little girl (or big for that matter) would love to be on the receiving end!
ReplyDeleteThat cake is fantastic! Well done. It s much is much nicer that many you can buy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the house. You never have any money with your own home but it is worth it.
X x
This is a masterpiece! I'm sure it tasted yummy as well :)
ReplyDeleteThat cake is amazing! great job xx
ReplyDeleteThat cake is amazing! You did such a good job :) x
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness that's fabulous! You're such a multi-talented lady aren't you?!
ReplyDeleteomg its immense! you're a brilliant aunt :) my little girl is obsessed with in the night garden too, but its doubtful i'd ever be able to make her something this good haha! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cake! You did such a great job! I bet your niece was thrilled :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, seriously amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing Auntie!
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented - that cake is great!
ReplyDeleteThat cake is fantastic, good luck with the house, it will all be worth it in the end!
ReplyDeleteMaria xxx
I'll be honest, I did think you'd made the figures at first and was SO impressed. But the cake is still awesome! I love working with fondant, it can be difficult but when it complies, it's worth it. Adorable!
ReplyDeleteOh Helen it's BRILLIANT! And they stayed up, hurrah! Top Auntie points to you.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the spa weekend - sounds like you're definitely in need of the destressing time.
oh my! that cake is simply STUNNING!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd you two definitely deserve a little time at the spa!
That cake is absolutely amazing! So impressive, I wouldn't even know where to begin if I had to make something like that! x
ReplyDeleteAmazing job on the cake... inspiration for Frankie's first birthday cake! xx
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, what an impressive cake! I remember my favourite cake (ever!) was shaped like a giant caterpillar! Cute cakes are the greatest!
ReplyDeletex
Lost in the Haze
Helen the cake is beautiful! Do you think you're going to make your own wedding cake? I'm maid of honour for one of my best friends and I think her mum is going to make the cake. We've been looking at different layouts, tiered options etc. There's so much choice!
ReplyDeleteDo you think you'll have a cake or cupcakes for your own big day?
Haha what a work of art! Fab
ReplyDeletexx
I LIKE IT FAST
Woah! That is quite honestly amazing.
ReplyDeleteThose chaps scare the bejesus out of me.
That cake is so cute!! Your niece is a lucky tot to have you as the designated cake baker. :)
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