Master Class Entries
6+ years of paid experience
Asia Coffee, master class
Art Nouveau Illustration
How does your cake represent the artistic theme you chose?
In addition to the use of warm tones and vintage patterning, my cake features a few prominent elements found in the work of Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha: a female subject, flowers and a circular frame setting the background.
Why did you choose this style?
I choose this style because I like it. It's also a style that most would consider a traditional rendition of the concept of beauty. I welcomed the challenge of trying to recreate it three-dimensionally.
Why did you join our competition?
I had a goal of competing in a cake competition this year, and this was a great opportunity to do so locally.
How did you get started cake decorating?
I got started with cake decorating in early 2011 when I took a few Wilton classes with my mom. Since then I've created some really neat cakes and taught cake decorating to hundreds of students, three of which have become instructors.
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
I definitely stepped outside of my element with this cake, in styling and execution! Sculpting the head was the most challenging part; especially getting the deep skin tone. This cake design required sugar flowers (which I rarely do), so this required me to brush up on my skills. This was my first time working with spring roll skins. Because my cake required many different elements, time management was a challenge.
2nd PLACE!
Ilene McHone, master class
Paris 1889, Van Gough
How does your cake represent the artistic theme you chose?
I chose to represent art and architecture in Paris, France in 1898-1889. Van Gogh painted the Sunflowers series then and Starry Night during that time. The World’s Fair was in 1889 in Paris and an Exposition Building was built featuring the arches so popular at that time in Paris. The bottom tier is just a glimpse of the building.
Why did you choose this style?
Van Gogh’s story has always been interesting to me. I was struggling to come up with a theme. I casually put on a jacket with fabric and embellished sunflowers on last fall and “BOOM” the idea for this cake just filled my mind. In researching that time in Paris I learned about the World’s Fair going on and the featured architecture. I am sure Vincent Van Gogh saw these buildings while living in Paris. I wanted to represent Paris at that time.
Why did you join our competition?
I love to compete in sugar competitions. I always challenge in myself to learn to do something new that I have never done before. I also love figuring out how to do something I have never seen done.
How did you get started cake decorating?
I started cake decorating as a hobby while a teenager.
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
I tried wafer paper flowers for the first time! I had never created an easel holding a painting. I had never created hand-molded archways, or sugar fences that were slightly curved to fit the round building.
1st PLACE!
& SHOWSTOPPER
WINNER
Jovanna Hinkle, master class
Stained Glass
Why did you choose this style?
I toyed with a lot of ideas. I ended up going with stained glass due to the trend that took place during quarantine. People were painting their glass doors to look like stained glass. I thought it was amazing that people were able to find a way to create something beautiful in the middle of chaos. I decided to recreate that on a cake. Then, I added the melted jolly ranchers to put it over the top. :)
Why did you join our competition?
I joined the competition because Megan approached me about it. I admire her and wanted to be a part of something fun! I’m lucky enough to do what I absolutely LOVE doing.
How did you get started cake decorating?
Initially, I started making cakes so I could make my boys’ birthday cakes. I ended up falling in love and have never looked back!
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
I had to rethink my approach a few times due to things not working the way I had imagined them. But I’m really happy with the end result. I learned a LOT doing this! I tried things I have never tried before. This competition gave me confidence to step outside my comfort zone!
3rd PLACE!
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Jesse Monroe, master class
Pop Art
How does your cake represent the artistic theme you chose?
My cake represents Pop Art with the bright and bold colors and clean edges.
Why did you choose this style?
I chose this style because I have always been drawn to it. The clean lines, bright colors, and variety of all that can be used as inspiration, have always caught my eye.
Why did you join our competition?
I have always liked a challenge and I have never done one quite like this. I wanted to push myself beyond the usual cakes that I do and test my skills for myself. I also always like the constructive criticism, so I am happy to get my work out there and hear how I can improve my skills!
How did you get started cake decorating?
My Grandma decorated cakes when I was little and I enjoyed watching her bring someone's vision to life. Loved seeing her come home talking about how happy she made someone on their special day and seeing her eyes light up. When I was offered the opportunity to try my hand at decorating at a local grocery store I was working at, I jumped on the chance. Me decorating cakes, made my Grandma so happy that she had passed down the passion for decorating cake. I taught myself most all that I have learned and that is part of why I keep doing it!
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
There were many challenges to this cake. Using a medium other than pencils or paint to make Pop Art made me have to think a lot harder on how to turn my drawing vision into a cake. I thought that I had a handle on decorating until trying to do the pixel dots so uniform and turning a cake into something cartoon like. Definitely learned not to underestimate a cake based on looking at the design that seems so simple, but in fact, is not in the slightest.
Honorable Mention
Kristen Simpson, master class
Dance & Art Masters
How does your cake represent the artistic theme you chose?
I used the dance genre of ballet of the production of "Swan Lake." and art master Vincent Van Gogh "The Starry Night."
Why did you choose this style?
I took 13 years of ballet growing up and studied art history/ graphic art design in collage.
Why did you join our competition?
This is my first time joining a challenge. I wanted to challenge myself to see how far I can go with new techniques in hand
How did you get started cake decorating?
I started with birthdays for my kids. Also working at the grocery store. Trained in cake decorating. From there I challenged myself to learn more techniques.
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
I challenged myself to marbleize fondant and to make fondant from scratch. Also to make white modeling chocolate for sculptures. painting water color style on fondant and making the feathers out of fondant. on this experience I learned how to structure figures with modeling chocolate and experiment with new tools to create different effects.
Professional Entries
1-5 years of paid experience
Amanda Elkins, professional
Abstract Expressionism Sculpture
How does your cake represent the artistic theme you chose?
My cake incorporates bold, dark colors; irregular and spontaneous placement of fondant conveying movement; open to interpretation.
My interpretation of the cake: This cake represents my personal growth over the year. For many 2020 was a challenging year for their mental health, while for me it was a year of growth and self reflection. Starting from the beginning of the year which was a dark time (hence the black base tier) but then turning into strength and hope. So the cake starts dark black and transcends into the strong and bold burgundy color. You see the broken pieces all coming together and lifting up the top tier, representing my confidence and spirit being lifted up by accepting my own broken pieces and seeing how beautiful they can be.
Why did you choose this style?
I find abstract expressionism to be absolutely beautiful. In my opinion, the point of art (or rather the goal of the artist) is to convey and draw out human emotion. The artist can achieve this through expressionism. Now throw in the abstract part, and the options are endless. Each viewer can interpret the piece of art in any way he or she sees fit. For some, it will bring out their emotions of sadness or anger. While for others, the piece can give them a sense of hope and comfort. I just think there is something beautiful about that, how each person can have a different opinion but still be united by the work of art.
Why did you join our competition?
To grow as an artist and challenge myself.
How did you get started cake decorating?
I've been dabbling in cake decorating since I was young, starting in 4-H. I'd do it for a couple years then quit, then pick it back up again.
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
I didn't necessarily have a challenge in building it, rather while I was creating it. I had a difficult time deciding what direction I wanted to take the cake in.
1st PLACE!
Chloe Rumple, professional
Narrative
Why did you choose this style?
It tells a story. My cake is titled Quarantine life, this cake represents life as we lived it through sugar. I wanted to put an artistic spin on real life during quarantine and the many challenges we all faced. I enjoyed working with royal, fondant, and gum paste to bring my vision to life.
Why did you join our competition?
It sounded intriguing to me, I was interested in your last competition but was not able to participate. I am glad their is a virtual option this year!
How did you get started cake decorating?
When I was 8 year old I started watching Cake Boss and was intrigued, from their my mom took me to cake decorating classes. I then did the cake decorating project in 4-H and have been doing it for 8 years now. Throughout the years I have been fortunate to have paid cake jobs.
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
I enjoyed the challenges this cake brought me, making ten of things when I only needed five, making sure everything looked proportionate, and getting creative to make all of the pieces that represent quarantine life.
2nd PLACE!
Amateur Entries
no paid experience
Grace Kugelman, amateur
Art Gallery
cross stitch, pallet knife painting, embroidery, stained glass, knitted wall hanging & flower arranging.
How does your cake represent the artistic theme you chose?
-I tried to display pieces as I felt they would be showcased in a gallery. I added frames around pieces I thought would be framed and left the stain glass piece on the top to really be showcased by the sunlight behind it. I also
Why did you choose this style?
When I read that the theme was art I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go. I started researching different styles of art and decided I wanted to try and showcase several kinds of art but with a cohesive theme of flowers to bring it together.
Why did you join our competition?
I attended a class at Classic Cakes in January and heard about it there and decided to join! I enjoy decorating cakes and thought it might be a fun new challenge different than anything I had done before.
How did you get started cake decorating?
I mostly make cakes for fun to take in to work for my coworkers to enjoy. It started in nursing school as a stress reliever when I found a cupcake recipe I really liked so I made cupcakes for awhile and tried to get more creative with my decorations and eventually moved on to cakes when I had a kitchen with more space!
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
After covid hit my motivation became low to work on the cake. So part of it was done back in March and the rest very recently. I found it hard to come back and work on the same piece after such a long time.
2nd PLACE!
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Christine Mead, amateur
Damask Sculpture
How does your cake represent the artistic theme you chose?
I think my entry represents a multi theme of contrast in colors, Damask style based on the cut out of the dummy, and a twist on gravity defying with the jeweled ornament sort of floating within the cut out.
Why did you choose this style?
I chose the dummy because I felt it was out of the ordinary with a dramatic interest that definitely represented many challenges.
Why did you join our competition?
I joined the contest for fun and some professional feedback as well as the urging of family and friends.
How did you get started cake decorating?
I come from a large family that baked a lot but I only started the artistic aspect of decorating in the last 10 to 12 years. I decorate for family and friends.
What challenges did you face/ what did you learn when creating your cake?
Challenges I faced were many! A very hectic past few weeks, not realizing I needed a lot more time to create, shop, and decorate and the actual cake dummy I chose. I ultimately used the supplies I had on hand and really just “freestyled” if you will, as I decorated. I initially planned an all black design with the cut out still the pink. My husband offered suggestions of adding the contrasting color of gold. I’m not sure how I feel about taking his advice because I didn’t actually use the design I was creating in my mind. By changing up and taking his input I had to freestyle with the damask fondant molds and such. That change took more time than if I would’ve gone with my original idea. I’m hoping for professional advice and constructive criticism from the judges.
1st PLACE!
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)