This past Saturday, I helped judge a cake decorating competition to benefit Hands on Atlanta for their 20th Birthday Bash. The day was filled with friends and fun. Cake and creativity and all for a great cause. Hands on Atlanta’s mission is to build community and meet critical needs through volunteer service. And they’ve done just that for the last 20 years by contributing nearly 6 million hours of service to the community and helping more than 500 schools and non-profit agencies. Yay for volunteers and Happy Birthday!
Now, let’s see some cake…
Here is Kelli from the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead just getting started. Her grandmother was beaming.
Kelli’s team came ready to compete.
This is Aisha from the Cake Closet. She was cool, calm and collected the entire day.
Everyone’s work space was on the small side. So covering these giant cakes with fondant came down to teamwork.
But she’s competed on the Ultimate Cake Off before, so she’s no stranger to stress.
***Sorry… I interrupt this recap for a very important message.***
Check out these sweet shoes that Aisha’s teammate had on. Cupcake Converse!
She found them at Journey’s. Run to the mall and see if they have any left – if I don’t beat you to it. Seriously cute.
***Okay… now, back to cakes.***
This is Lynlee of Lynlee’s Cakes. She was full of personality and so excited to be competing.
Even when getting down to business she was having a blast every step of the way.
This is Edible Greetings. Loving the powdered sugar highlights.
Niki and team of Edible Greetings. You guys were great.
And here’s Shellane of Apple-Butter Bakery. Focused and fearless…
Until about two hours into the competition, she finally looked up into the crowd. I just happened to be standing there when she did. She goes “I know her.” and started pointing in my direction.
I automatically wanted to turn around to see who she was pointing at, but it turned out to be me. Then, she took a 2 1/2 second break for a hug. We may or may not have both shed a tear. I’m a sap, so I cry easily, but I bet I was probably more like a welcome stress relief for Shellane.
There were lots of spectators. I don’t know how these guys were all able to decorate without being distracted.
I helped judge the afternoon portion with Atlanta food bloggers, Chris from Mele Cotte and Tami from Running with Tweezers. Hi guys, I had a great time hanging out with you for the day.
And I also got to meet these two. This is Milena and her sister, Mirele. Aren’t they cute.
I gave away two pair of tickets to the event on my Facebook page last week and Milena was one of the lucky winners.
It was fun meeting you both. I’m so glad you could make it.
And this is Mary and Nicole. Mary won the other pair of tickets. My friend Julie and I hung out with them at the party portion of the event. Thank you for sharing your table and driving so far to attend. You guys were a delight.
When all done, the cakes had to be at least three feet tall. The competitors were able to work on their cakes until that evening when the winner would be announced during the birthday celebration.
Some were down to the wire.
And some were all ready to go.
Each cake had to be transported from the work room to the event room, up a ramp and onto a table. It felt like a mile and I was just watching. I held my breath as they all carried their cakes.
But they all made it safely.
Oh yeah, check these out. Cotton Candy Martinis.
Pretty cool.
I had one with Julie while we waited for the winner to be announced.
Then, as the party was getting under way, the afternoon and evening judges were all given a giant plate of cake for tasting. I know. Unforgivable.
This is Joshua from Highland Bakery and also a former Food Network competitor… oh and also cute.
He, Mary Moore from The Cook’s Warehouse and Elizabeth (not pictured) from Green Olive Media were the evening judges. Tiffany (right) brought us all together. Thanks Tiffany.
There was a people’s choice competition where you could vote with money for your favorite cake. Cute idea. Kelli won that round.
Apple-Butter Bakery won second place with her Hands on the Earth cake.
And, first place went to the school house cake from the Cake Closet.
You all did fabulous. Congratulations and thanks for the fun.
And now, I have a strong desire to stack cake. I’m thinking I’ll start a little under three feet tall though. Like at least 2 feet under. : )
Update on the shoes: okay, so it didn’t occur to me to ask how long ago these were purchased. The only thing I can find are kids shoes. Bummer!
-1′
Ohhh I have those shoes! I love them so, so much! But I did get them last summer.
Somehow, I also miss all the important information, but do you know if there’s a list somewhere of amateur cake decorating contests in the Atlanta area? I feel like you would be “in the know” about this sort of thing because you’re so amazing and active in the baking circles :)
And thanks for being such an inspiration!
Kelsie
What about checking Etsy?
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=cupcake+shoes&search_type=handmade
Re: cupcake shoes – I’m late responding to this one, but Google the company and ask if they can be obtained via web???
I found the Cupcake Chucks this week at ‘Journey’s Kids’ in Las Vegas, NV. They were in stock and on sale for 24.99. Of course they only have kids/youth sizes, but if you wear a 6-61/2 a ‘3’ youth will fit you.
Thank you for the whoopie pie info. Bakeries use to sell them but have not been able to find one for years. The chocolate/vanilla is the original. I think kind of a bakery ode to the moon pie but MUCH better. Can’t wait to try these recipes as I have tried many recipes but they just miss the mark.
oooh-kayy, here it is, i did google “cupcake converse” and the exact shoe popped up, HOWEVER were not available to purchase :( (was routed to converse site)…SO, i went to ebay, and yes they are on there, for dbl what i paid ($55)
hey all…im the owner of “THE” shoes, i did get them close to two years ago, sorry!! but i swear every time i’ve passed the Journey in Towne Center Mall (kennesaw) they’ve had them.
Converse let’s you make your own shoes on their website: http://www.converse.com/#/products/shoes/converseOne/scratch I don’t know if you can make cupcake ones, but it’s worth a try.
okay I couldn’t find them either so sad but you can find cupcake shoes here and customize them here ENJOY
http://www.zazzle.com/cupcake_shoes_for_adults-167210639962614201
I Have to have those shoes!!!!!!!
wow I just came accross this blog by accident, wow is all I can say I dont know where you would even start to make a giant cake Im not sure I could even make an normal sized one. You are so talented
Thanks for taking us to this awesome event! And cotton candy martini recipe is a GREAT idea!
Beautiful cakes. I would love a cotton candy martini right now:)
This comment has nothing to do with the creative fantastic cakes or your blog which I love. I WANT THOSE SHOES!!! I do not own a single pair of shoes with shoe laces but I would be willing to make that sacrifice for those shoes! I must find them!
Yes…cotton candy martini recipe please!
I have searching the web everywhere. No luck with the shoes. If you find them (or get Journeys to re-issue them by order maybe??) PLEASE POST IT. I just HAVE to have those shoes!
Keds, schmeds……I WANT ME SOME CHUCKS!!! I feel violated.
Those shoes are SO CUTE! And in stock in my size, too! ;) This may be the one single time my tiny feet have their advantage… sooo tempting.. :)
Amazing! I especially love the cake with the hands and the globe – it’s beautiful!
UPDATE ON THE SHOES!!! Ok, so I talked to someone at Converse! She told me that:
1. Many people have been inquiring about these shoes lately (all bakerella readers, no doubt!) and
2. They MAY be reintroducing them OR adding the design to the ‘customize’ feature on their website.
I’ll keep checking until I see them!!!!
its so cool i love it
I have those converse!
What a wonderful event ! I wish I can see that !
How nice the cupcakes converse : too cute !!!
Cath
I have a pair of pink Converse sneakers that were just purchased a few months ago. My daughter bought them in Las Vegas and sent them to me!
Please…Please…Please……I HAVE to have that cotton candy martini receipe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing. The cupcake shoes are so cute!!! I am glad you got to judge! Where can I get a cotton candy martini. Hmmm can you make that into a cake pop????
Love your blog!!
I definitely own those shoes and am so glad I purchased them the moment I saw them! I could not pass up cupcake shoes :) It looked like a really fun event!
where oh where might we find that delicious cotton candy martini recipe??? i have searched but haven’t found anything too promising looking!!! divine!
That day looked like it was a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing!
When I heard about those shoes last year, I searched online and found they were already out online, but one store kiiiinda close had a few pairs – one is my size! As soon as I got off work, I raced across town and bought them. They’re only worn on “special” occasions because I don’t want to stain them!
I don’t know if this will help, but regarding the shoes. I have contacted Journey’s via their website and asked them to please please please start carrying the cupcake converse again. I doubt if I’ll get a response. But those shoes sure are awesome!!! Thanks, Bakerella for posting! I just hate it that none of us can get our hands on them :-(
I absolutely NEED those sneakers. Yes, I said need. I would accept a cake too. But the sneakers are a must. Looks like you had so much fun!! :)
I’m such a dork I was so excited that I posted what I meant to post here over on melecotte! lol. So, I’ll repost here:
OH HOLY CROW! I cannot believe that I didn’t know that Joshua John Russell is in Atlanta!!!! I love watching him work in the Food Network Competitions!!! Glad you had a good time! Great event!
Must-have-those-shoes! haha :)
Looks like it was such a FUN event
Thanks for the nice recap. What beautiful cakes. It sounded like alot of fun.
I NEED those shoes! Wish I had discovered them before, or had tiny feet.
Saw this and reminds me of you :)
http://www.diva.co.nz/#/product/1627
Im a BIG fan of your website by the way, far away from Auckland – New Zealand ^___^
You are such an inspiration
Hope they are bringing your book to NZ!
Cake is my favourite! I like each taste of the cakes.But i canot make cake by myself. So,when i want to eat it, i must go to the cake shop to buy.
OH MY GOD! I must have those shoes! If anyone finds them, let me know!!! I am now obsessed with finding them – I should be sleeping :-p
Those cakes are SO ridiculously cool!! Wow – I am amazed at the talent!!
Oh how cute Joshua (or Josh as I know him.. I went to jr high and high school with him) .. he is very talented!! Always has been.
Tennis Shoes…I bet you could design something similar in Keds on Zazzle.com
Looks like it was an amazing event! And those cakes look spectacular!
I totally have those cupcake sneakers, except they have a pale green background instead of brown. I wanted them for ages, and then when I found them I only bought one pair, instead of the 5 pairs they had in stock in my size. I’m still kicking myself today, as they are now grey instead of green…
NOooooo…I can’t find those converse anywhere! I sooo want a pair of those cupcake chucks!! It is a sad day for me :(
As much as I love the cakes…those chucks are TOO cute!!
These cakes are amazing!
I want to know more about the martini’s!!!!!!! YUM YUM!!
Sorry, my link didn’t work!
Here’s where you can see my cute converse.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohhellocupcake/4728692774/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=2867132&id=665208967
Hey Bakerella!
I got these at a lady footlocker last spring, I was looking at a pair that had a small cupcake on the side and they didnt have my size. When the associate brought these out to me and told me they were the only ones he had and they just happened to be my size I was super happy :)
Go to Lady Footlocker and ask them if they have any laying around the stockroom. GOOD LUCK!
Love,
Melanie
So today I went to Journey’s at the mall here and the sales guy told me they had the cupcake chucks like a year ago! time to do a letter campaign to the people at Converse!
So did you vote on best tasting as well as best looking? Or just best looking? Intricate cakes are always hard to get tasting good because the parts have to be made so far an advance. These are beautiful though!
I sell cupcake Keds…check out my site…any you can customize them!
http://www.zazzle.com/cupcakes_womens_keds_sneakers_shoes-167696444170905636
Wow. I’ve made wedding cakes, but nothing as fancy as this (my wedding cakes are firmly in the taste amazing, but look simple category). I really want to take a class in fondant, or just take a weekend and see how many fondant things I can make!
Check out these cupcake shoes http://www.zazzle.com/cupcake+shoes
I bought the toddler version of those shoes months ago for my daughter, and she finally could fit in them if we could actually find them. Worst thing to lose ever!
Angie, I want you to know that this is the absolute highlight of my career. To be on your blog (yeah, I know you were thinking the competition) is somewhat comparable to your appearance on Martha Stewart. You are my Martha Stewart! I think I’ll print this post and frame it at my shoppe… right above my plaque. Thank you :)
What a fun day! Great post and I am thrilled I got to hang out with you for a while. Can’t wait until the next event! ;)
Hey girlie – go to either zazzle.com or converse.com and you can easily design your VERY own sneaks! SOOOO cute and fun – use your logo even! Have fun designing!
I am so getting those Converse!! And since I thought of you when I saw them, new at Sock Dreams, cupcake sock garters…
http://www.sockdreams.com/products/whats-new/snappy-cupcake-sock-garters
To be used if you have a passion for thigh high socks, like I do….
Very neat! I love cake competitions. You coming to Tulsa for the fair? Might run into more Food Network people… ;)
Hey, sorry this has nothing to do with cake – although they are pretty cool!!
But Martha Stewart has a line of paper punches and one of them looks EXACTLY like your Bakerella logo banner!
I know that you work alot with scrapbook paper for your displays and this might be fun!
http://marthastewartcrafts.eksuccessbrands.com/Product/Scallop+3+Dot++Punch+Around+The+Page+Set.aspx?keyword=ca+amazon
Hah – look at those shoes!! Perfectly fitting…so – did you snag a pair?
Very neat cakes, thx for the post.
Behold the power of cake! What an inspiring event, thanks for sharing!
…This was great and thank you for taking us along!
…How’s about 3 ft. tall Cake Pops! Gah – it could be like a Cake-Ka-Bob… Oh my gosh! How cute would that be?! Please get on that right away Bakerella! ;o)
…Great job to all the contestants!
…Blessings… :o)
You can customize chuck taylors on the Converse website, I don’t know if they have the cupcake pattern available, but I’ve used the customize function before and it’s super easy and covers EVERYTHING on a shoe.
I love me some chucks!
~Kelli @ Smidgens
okay, so I have found cupcake shoes for you. You get to pick any design you wish… you could even use an image of your own… maybe cake pops, lol.
http://www.zazzle.com/cupcake_blue_shoes-167460506244075802
I love the idea of custom shoes even if $60.00 seems a little pricey for slip on tennies.
Good Luck!
I live in Atl and love featuring bakeries from here, like Highland Bakery. Thanks for sharing the links on these places!!!
Did anybody check out these?
http://www.zazzle.com/cupcake+shoes
ADORABLE! I can’t decide my fav’s- I am thinking the Pink Cupcake Shoe on the second row. I am pretty sure these are adult sizes too!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180361690713&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=%3F*F%3F&GUID=a2a1eec11270a02682f7aa77ffafc6d4&itemid=180361690713&ff4=263602_263622
I like these! And they come with a matching purse.
Got your email this morning. The cakes looked beautiful. Loved the converse sneakers. There is a place online called zazzle.com where you customize your own pair of sneakers. The shoes are KEDS not Converse. You can upload your own pictures to make it personalized. Have fun I know I did!!!!
Great wrap-up of the event! Thanks again for being a FAB judge for us. I can’t wait to hear how much money we raised for Hands on Atlanta! Hope to see you at another ‘sweet’ event soon!
How amazing to get to watch it all come together! What fun!
Look at those amazing cakes! Sounds like a worthy cause and a fun time! I want a cotton candy martini now, okay I will at least wait till lunch. I guess 9:36 in the morning is a LITTLE early.
Thanks again for the tickets, Bakerella. We had a fun time and it was great getting to meet you and Cupcake Julie too!
I almost went to the cakeoff and ended up choosing the pool instead!
These are not the same but maybe another option? Maybe you could get them to do a giveaway to get them some advertising:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Painted-Sugar-And-Spice-Cupcake-Converse-Sneakers-/190403336289?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item2c54ec5861
How fun!!! You are adorable! Love your site. Get so excited when I get an update notice. Thanks for sharing this with us : D
I had so much fun!! I was great meeting you!! I’m so glad my sis took me! :)
How about these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Painted-Sugar-And-Spice-Cupcake-Converse-Sneakers-/190403336289?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item2c54ec5861
What a fun event!
Oh wow!!! What a wonderful way to spend a day – looking at amazing cakes being made!!! What are the chances you can throw up the recipe for the cotton candy martini? ;)
The cakes are incredible! What a fun time!
Ok so you totally had me on the search for shoes for you, and I found these little girl flip-flops that look like sprinkles and a ton of cute baby girl cupcake outfits. It almost makes me sad I’m going to have a little boy in October. How come there are no cute cupcake clothes for boys. Boys can like cupcakes too! My little one is definitely going to be a baker.
All these cakes are simply amazing! It must have been awe-inspiring at the event… but knowing you, all that work would have seemed like a piece of cake ;) No pun intended :D
Wei-Wei
Those cakes are amazing! What a talented collection of artists and bakers! Sounds like you a blast judging and being part of such a great event. Now I’m craving cake for breakfast. :)
Looks really fun :). I would have loved to judge/ just stare in awe. And yes her shoes are super cute!
O.K. I need a pair of those shoes, or a cotton candy martinis. Everything looks so nice, I would not be able to decide who was the winner. They are all winners in my book. Paulette
Can you please tell me a website where i can learn to bake and decorate this kind of cakes? They are almost non-existent here in Italy and I think they would outstand in a competition here!
To all your lovers of the cupcake shoes, have you seen the ones by Rocket Dog which you can def still get on lots of websites here in the UK if you can’t get them in the states. They are very comfy and soo cute. Happy Shopping!
Search for Rocket Dog Positive Cupcake.
xx
There are beautiful. What talent,
I think this is the same site as Angela mentioned…. Gotta have em!
http://www.zazzle.com/womens_cupcakes_n_cherries_shoes-167923966260665216
What fun! You look so glamorous! Great hair! Glad there weren’t any cake malfunctions!
I just found that you can customize your own (Adult Size Keds) at http://www.zazzle.com/cupcake+shoes
They have all kinds of shoes and sandals with cupcakes, but I think that you should customize some shoes with cake pops and your Bakerella logo on the heel (they show a baking911 logo on one shoe)! If you do… don’t forget to post!
Oh Haha the hyperlinks were made for me :-) anyways.. About to watch Cupcake Wars!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was looking for those shoes too and couldn’t find them anywhere! But I did come across this
http://www.amazon.com/Paw-Prints-Chocolate-Candy-Mold/dp/B00380WBRE/ref=reg_hu-wl_item-added
Paw print molds.. Have you ever seen anything so wonderful?
And this Cupcake print dress? Wonderful much?
http://www.babygirlboutique.com/baby-blue-cupcake-swing-dress.html
And this cute racerback top
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44686021/cake-print-racerback-tank-women-sml
Okay I’m done! Hope you like those.. I can’t make hyperlinks :-)
Wow!!! This looks amazing. My favorite cake is the one with the candle on top. They are all terrific though. I have only made a fondant cake one, and it was just one layer high. Even so, it took a good 8 hours in the kitchen. Homemade fondant, homemade cake, and 5 different dyes used. My hands were killing me afterwards! I still would love to try a stacked cake though. They are so fun. Thanks for the post :)
ps. You are too adorable in all your pictures !
oh, how fun!!
Oh man.. it looks like it was so much fun! But I can feel the stress of it all too. I HAVE to find those Cupcake Chucks!!!!!
Loved that! Thanks for sharing!
AHAHA I was going to make the same comment about Joshua John! And his website has my favorite Christina Aguilera song on it.. with that face and that song.. I may never leave his website! :P
Soo…. I sent a very compelling, (if I do say so, myself), email to sales and production at Converse telling them of Miss Bakerella and her hundreds of thousands of cupcake crazy lady friends. Asking them about a possible reproduction so that we can all get our oven mitts on them. Supply and demand, ladies, supply and demand! I’ll let you know what I find!
Awesome cakes! And what a fabulous event. I don’t drink alcohol but those cotton-candy martinis look divine. Any way there’s a virgin recipe out there? ;)
You’ll go crazy for all the cupcake designs at zazzle:
http://www.zazzle.com/cupcake+shoes
Awesome cakes! I wish I could have been there. And I’m a fan of Joshua! I’ve seen him multiple times on Food Network Challenge, and yes, he’s so cute. (:
I love the one with the yellow and red! Those flowers are really neat and kind of abstract looking! AWESOME
How fun! All the cakes look fabulous!
Megan – oh no, I think you’re right. I didn’t think to ask how long ago she bought them.
I did find these at Journeys Kidz, but unless you have really tiny feet…………
http://www.journeys.com/kidz/product.aspx?id=110426&g=girls&p=sale&m=SM
I shall keep searching.
That looks like SO MUCH FUN!!
All of it is so AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! : )
So disappointed! I just went on a manhunt for those converse and can’t find them ANYWHERE! Even the converse website doesn’t pull up anything when searching for cupcake. :(
Only thing I can really find is a blog that talked about them TWO years ago!
So bummed!!
What a fun benefit! Looks like it was a blast!
So where can I get those shoes? ;D
Cotton Candy martinis, cake and cupcake converse? what a sweet day.
I want those converse!
converse+cupcakes = (L)
what’s cuter than that?!
:)
I look forward to your weekly blog entries and all i have to say this week is I want those shoes!
I love love love those shoes!!!
LOL…it doesn’t have to be tall! Nothing wrong with a shortcake !(so sorry, couldn’t resist the pun)
those shoes are the cutest thing i’ve ever seen. and fabulous cakes! :)