I’ve just returned from a lovely day spent looking around the 25th Squires Cake Decorating, Chocolate and Sugarcraft Exhibition, Farnham, Surrey. It was wonderful to meet up with so many cake friends and such a treat for me to be a visitor rather than a trader/demonstrator!!!
Unsurprisingly, there was a definite royal theme to some of the cakes and exhibits on display at the show. This large picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton takes pride of place at the end of the Great Hall and is made entirely of jelly beans – incredible!
My favourite royal wedding-themed cake was on display in the wedding cake showroom. I have now learnt that it was created by Jackie Burden from “Cakes and Drapes”. I loved the amusing detail.
Isn’t the Union Jack bunting detail fab!
The Royal coat of arms, below, which I believe was created by the ‘king’ of Royal icing Eddie Spence was on display in the Barley Room along with other detailed examples of Royal icing work. As always, Eddie’s demonstrations were extremely popular.
Finally what could be more patriotic than a red, white and blue themed cake? This beautifully simple, yet effective cake was on display in the wedding cake showroom. It was created by Liz Finch of “Cakes by Elizabeth Finch” and this is what she’s told me about it (taken from her comments below):
” an idea that had sat with me since July last year when so much “Cool Britannia” themed merchandise hit the shops. Cards, cushions, wrapping paper and china to name a few. I could see it being a great idea for a cake and it was also being picked up as a wedding “theme”. Then the Royal wedding was announced – so it seemed an even better reason to “give it a go”.”
I’m so glad do did Liz – It’s stunning
I have many more photos of the exhibition to share with you so please do revisit again over the next few days. If you are visiting yourselves this Saturday or Sunday, have a wonderful time – I’m sure you’ll be inspired!
Liz Finch says
Hi Lindy,
I saw you and was about to say hello when you were chatting with Rhianydd Easton – but got distracted and into yet another conversation. Sorry I “missed” you.
I can however tell you that lovely wedding cake with William and Kate was created by Jackie Burden from “Cakes and Drapes” and the simple red, white and blue was my cake! lol (A very different style for me.)
Mine was an idea that had sat with me since July last year when so much “Cool Britannia” themed merchandise hit the shops. Cards, cushions, wrapping paper and china to name a few. I could see it being a great idea for a cake and it wa also being picked up as a wedding “theme”. Then the Royal wedding was announced – so it seemed an even better reason to “give it a go”.
I love the Jellybean portrait and Eddie Spence’s work is amazing.
Liz
jackie burden says
Hi Lindy,
Well you’ve just made my day, I made the ‘Will and Kate after the wedding’ cake:-))) You have no idea just how much it means to see something so lovely written about one of my cakes from someone so inspirational as you, thank you!
Jackie x
Lindy Smith says
Jackie, I’ve add your details to the cake so everyone will know who made it! Well done
Lindy Smith says
Hi Liz
Shame we missed each other, I’d have loved to have said hi – So many people to see and chat to, what a day! I’ve add yours and Jackie’s details to the post, so readers know who actually created these lovely cakes.
Did you see my own ‘Cool Britannia’ cake on an earlier blog post – mine was a birthday cake for my son, great fun to do!
Best wishes
Lindy
Liz Finch says
Hi Lindy
I loved your son’s cake!
It was a shame we missed each other – but it just gets so busy. I saw you one minute, was called to give some advice and then missed you!
Thank you for adding my cake and details here:0)
best wishes
Liz