12th Cake of Christmas

I can hardly believe we’ve come to the end of our holiday cake series, The 12 Cakes of Christmas!  We’ve spent the last three weeks oohing and awing over gorgeous cakes, designed by some of today’s top bakers, and created especially to inspire you to holiday greatness!  Eleven talented cake designers were asked {pretty, pretty please} to create innovative and elegant cake designs appropriate for both Christmas parties and winter weddings.  Along the way we’ve also enjoyed some exceptional DIY’s and recipes!

With all of the talented bakers who read and follow along each day…. I decided to leave one spot open in this cake series.  The 12th Cake of Christmas was a Wild Card Spot.  Open to any and all bakers who chose to submit a design.  Hundreds of festive cakes were sent in over the last few days.  My inbox has never looked merrier!  And if there were unlimited hours in the day, I would love to feature each and every one of them.  But as Christmas is quickly approaching for us all… it had to come down to one.  One last final cake.  And here it is…. The 12th Cake of Christmas comes to us from Avalon Yarnes of Avalon Cakes!!

Avalon didn’t have to search far to find her inspiration, as it was hanging on her mother’s Christmas tree.  Avalon turns a gorgeous ornament into a stunning cake design absolutely spot-on for Christmas 2012!  It’s some of this year’s hottest trends perfectly married into one spectacular cake.  A glittering owl so sparkly and bright.  Red cardinals resting on natural birch branches.  While shimmering poinsettias and clusters of red holly accent a meticulously tailored blue fondant.  It is dazzling!  And you simply must see it!

Avalon of Avalon Cakes tells us more about her inspiration:

“There is nothing like my mom’s Christmas spirit.  With that spirit, she decorates (and re-decorates, and re-decorates) the tree to perfection.  This year, she added and new ornament to her tree.  A blue little ornament, hand painted with white snow covered trees and little red cardinals to be exact.  As we shared in the excitement of this adorable new addition to the tree, I couldn’t help but let my mind wander the cake possibilities.  Thus, the cornflower blue sparkly winter wonderland cake was born.”

Avalon of Avalon Cakes tells us about her technique:

“I wanted it to sparkle.  Nothing makes me feel as warm and fuzzy as the bits of sparkle from the tree.  Edible disco dust was added to the edible owl and the sugar poinsettias to bring in just that.  While trying to keep a balance by bringing pops of matte red with holly and little red cardinals to tie it all together.”

It does indeed sparkle!  And the glittering owl is ridiculously adorable with his big round eyes and tiny little feet.  I can almost hear him hooting…  OWL be the 12th Cake of Christmas.  OWL be the 12th Cake of Christmas!  Let’s get another look at this brilliant little guy…

A huge thank you to Avalon Yarnes of Avalon Cakes for inspiring us with her glittering winter owl cake.  It is merry and bright.  And more than magnificent!  It’s the perfect ending to The 12 Cakes of Christmas!

Thank you to all of the talented bakers who submitted their designs for consideration.  The competition for this wild card spot was fierce!  You all amaze me with your creativity and talent!

VENDORS & CREDITS
Cake :  Avalon Cakes
Photography :  fromAtoZart