Technique + Imagination

Today is the start of a new mini series all about cake artistry!  Three of our contributors teamed up on a project conceived to challenge each other while inspiring all of us.  We talk about inspiration and techniques all the time here on The Cake Blog.  But how do you take those concepts and translate them into your own cake designs?  It’s a process that every cake designer must go through, time and time again, as they build their skill set and define their own personal style.  Because really, cake artistry starts with a solid foundation of technique and then blooms with imagination and creativity.

So let’s join Allison Kelleher, Erin Gardner and Erica OBrien as they each design a cake incorporating the other’s signature techniques.  Each of these talented ladies learned a new technique or two from watching the other’s online cake classes at Craftsy (all three participants are Craftsy Instructors!).  Then each artist set about creating a cake that was true to her own design aesthetic while incorporating the newly learned skills.  United by the Pantone Fall 2014 color palette, the end result is three gorgeous cakes, each with distinct personality and style, yet built upon the same techniques.

First up is Allison Kelleher….

I absolutely loved working on this collaboration with Erin and Erica.  We have similar aesthetics, but we use different techniques – it was definitely a fun challenge for me!

After I watched both videos, I knew exactly which technique I wanted to pull from each class.  I rarely do horizontal stripes, but Erin’s method was so easy to follow and execute – they turned out perfectly!  And Erica’s signature bow was a given.  Again, the instructions were flawless and the included templates were perfect.  I was so happy with the result.

When it came to my own techniques, I went for a very light touch.  I incorporated my embedded stripes within the bow – along with my dry painting method to add highlights.  My overall design is also closely related to my Craftsy Zig Zag Cake – with two patterned tiers resting on a solid foundation.

When I look at the three cakes we created – using the same color palette and the same class materials, I find it absolutely fascinating how differently they turned out. Each cake really showcases what is possible when you combine technique + imagination.

Catch Erin’s and Erica’s cakes coming throughout the week!

VENDORS & CREDITS
Cake  :  Allison Kelleher of AK Cake Design
Photography :  Lara Ferroni
Learn More : Allison Kelleher’s Cake Class online at Craftsy

 

Craftsy is an affiliate partner of The Cake Blog.