A year in the life of a professional cake decorator

A New Year, a new chapter, a new verse. Today is the first day of 2017, a time to look forward with optimism as to what this year may have in store. It also a time to look back and appreciate what has gone before. To quote T.S.Elliot

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”

Last year was, for me, an interesting, varied and exciting year. For the first time in a long while, I was not tied to writing a book. This freed me up tremendously, allowing me to say yes to all sorts of opportunities and the time to learn new skills. It’s not been an easy year! I think I’ve been working harder than ever but it has been a good year. Here are a few highlights:

January:

Guest presenter on Create & Craft TV

This wasn’t my first appearance on this television channel but the Cake Academy’s stencilling show last January was definitely my favourite. As some of you know I love the challenge of being in front of a camera, but when you have a presenter who is interested and fun to work with, it all becomes so much more enjoyable.

February:

Learnt how to edit my own short videos

I love to learn new things and making my own videos was something I had wanted to do for ages. This Valentine’s Day idea was the very first video I edited, it’s by no means perfect, but it was seen and liked by many, many people on the Lindy’s Cakes Facebook page.

March:

Simply Modern Wedding Cakes Book Launch

My fifteen cake decorating book and the culmination of a year’s work! Writing a book is never easy and in some ways, I find the more I write the more of a challenge they come. I do however very much enjoy the process and it became a way of living for many years. The launch of a book is always special and this one especially so, as my whole family took part in the photoshoots.

April:

Romantic Botanical Wedding Photoshoot at Kinnersley Castle, Herefordshire

Photoshoots always sound so glamorous, and the resulting images often are, but from my point of view photoshoots usually involve a lot of hard work from everyone involved. This photoshoot was one of the most enjoyable I have been too; fabulous setting, interesting and talented people to work with and the cake I designed and created fitted the bill perfectly.

May:

Wentworth BMW PGA Championship Cake Off

I have taught cake decorating and sugarcraft for nearly 20 years, but this was the first time I’d ever taught in a pavilion on the eighteen hole of any golf course let alone Wentworth! What a fun thing to do. I was really impressed with what everyone managed to create, with their mini cakes and chocolate truffles. The winning snowman was fabulous.

June:

International Guest at the Mjam Taart Cake & Bake experience, Holland

I made appearances at quite a number of cake decorating and sugarcraft shows during 2016, but this one has to be my favourite. My days were full on, I was flying from one demo to the next class and then on to book signing sessions etc, but I was made to feel so welcome by both the organisers and the show visitors that it felt more like a treat than hard work.

July:

Filming in Denver for Craftsy

This was the third time I’d filmed with Craftsy but the first time I’d been flown out to Denver. What an experience, to find out more about my experiences please click here

August:

Teaching a bride and groom cake topper class

I have taught this two-day modelling class for many years, so was delighted to receive a request to teach it again last August. I made a number of bride and groom toppers last year for various people, but this one has to be my favourite and for quite a number of reasons including the thank you note from my student.

“Dear Lindy, A huge THANK YOU for all your patience and generosity and a most inspiring day yesterday, I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed it. With grateful thanks, Marilyn”

September:

Mastering Facebook Live

It’s been a steep learning curve, but the month of September was when I got to grips with the basics of Facebook live and learnt that I needed a wifi booster and some stands on which to balance my tablet. The feedback from you all has been very encouraging and Facebook Live broadcasts are definitely something I will continue.

October:

British Sugarcraft Guild Scottish teaching tour

What an experience, I started off in Aberdeen, moved down to Edinburgh and then over to Glasgow, teaching and demonstrating from my new ‘Simply Modern Wedding cakes’ book as I went. I travelled on trains, was introduced to various languages/dialects, visited museums, exhibitions, including one about the work of Alphonse Mucha and saw the most amazing street art. I came back feeling totally re-invigorated and inspired, fabulous.

November:

Judge and presenter for the Cake Masters Awards

It is always a privilege being asked to help judge these prestigious awards. I love seeing what others at the top of their game are creating, everyone has their own style and own passions, it’s so interesting. Being the first award presenter to stand up in front of 450 people, was nerve-wracking but exhilarating at the same time. Thank you to everyone who came up afterwards and congratulated me on my performance, that meant a lot.

December:

Christmas Cake demonstrations at Windsor Castle

What can I say except that demonstrating at Windsor castle in the lead up to Christmas was truly magical, I felt as if I was Alice (as in Wonderland) and had slipped down the rabbit hole into another world of kings and queens and palaces. A perfect way to end 2016.

One year has ended and another begins, I wonder what 2017 has in store?
I will leave you with this thought-provoking quote from Anaïs Nin

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage”

Wishing you all the best for 2017
Lindy

“Bringing world-class sugarcraft to your kitchen”