Monday, February 7, 2011

Clarinet Cakes


One of the first specially decorated cakes I made was for my sister for her 18th birthday back in May of 2008. I remember thinking of the design for the cake months before, while I was sitting outside of Ewell Hall here at William and Mary waiting for Kevin to come out of a trombone lesson. I got out a notebook and started sketching out the idea so I would be able to remember it later, because I knew this was the cake I wanted to make for her. So, while Sissy was out of town on the annual band trip with our high school's wind ensemble, I made her this cake and had it all ready for her when she got back in town on her birthday.

A milk chocolate and white chocolate clarinet on top with music notes and "Happy Birthday" wrapping around the music staff on the side. If you can't tell, the cake is sitting on an upside down dinner plate; I didn't even have a turntable or a cake board.

I've learned a lot since then! So, when I was asked to make another clarinet cake, I was really excited! Megan contacted me about making a cake for her senior clarinet recital here at William and Mary. After back and forth emails and exchanges of sketches and ideas, we figured out a design incorporating three clarinets on three tiers of cake. Simple and elegant. Here's the finished product in the lobby of Ewell where the reception was held.
I think the cake was a hit! I love trying new designs and techniques when decorating cakes. I've learned a lot while creating these clarinet cakes, and would love to tackle any other musical challenge you can throw at me. Feel free to comment or email with any questions or requests!