Flugelhorn 30th Birthday Cake

I was challenged to make a cake in the style of a flugelhorn for a friend who was turning 30. I could have opted to make a square/round cake and put a flugelhorn made of icing on the top.....but no, I decided that would be too easy! Instead, I opted to make a musical instrument case with the flugelhorn inside!

The main body of the case was made up of chocolate cake with a chocolate buttercream. I carved into the top of the cake in order to create a 'groove' for the flugelhorn to sit into. This was then iced in white.

I used brown modelling paste to create the panels for the side of the case. This 'sets' harder than normal sugar paste would which helped to create a straighter edge. The lid of the case was made from a polystyrene rectangle which I iced in the same brown as the base.

The musical instrument was made from white modelling paste. I shaped it accordingly and then 'painted' it Gold. I did discover afterwards that gold modelling paste does exist - if only I had discovered that before I spend hours painting it! I then painted some more white modelling paste silver (also exists - d'oh!) after it had been attached as buttons and the mouthpiece.

The finishing touches were also made from modelling paste. I cut them to the appropriate shape and stuck them on using edible glue; the handle, locks, letters and corner coverings.

This cake proved very popular with many people asking if it was actually real! I am very pleased with the outcome of this cake.....and I have learnt about the existence of gold and silver modelling paste for future!

30th Birthday Cake

I insisted on making my own Birthday cake this year. I had a design planned (Rennie Mackintosh) however after an impromptu visit to the Cake and Bake show in Manchester only 3 days before I had to make the cake, I had a quick change of plan! I treated myself to a Sugarveil mat - it makes edible lace icing. I was desperate to try it out and so decided to make one of the designs that had been on the stand in Manchester.

The circles around the side of the cake were covered in a variety of things including edible glitter, edible gold powder and edible lustre dusts. They were then stuck on using edible glue. I made my lace and then sprayed it with edible gold. When it was dry I used a small amount of water and attached it to the icing. This was then used to create the bow - I found it difficult to create the shape of the bow as the icing was wet and sticky from the water, but also starting to dry and crack when folded. It was definitely a learning experience!

Overall I enjoyed making this cake and it went down well with my family. I can't say I enjoyed blowing out my candles - but at least they were kind enough to only put 4 on the cake!

I'm looking forward to my next practice using sugarveil and would love one day to be making beautiful vintage design wedding cakes.