Or, if your work computer won't let you view video, keep scrolling for the written version.

Every cake is so wonderful,
And suddenly...

it's hard to breathe.

Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain...

(Ow.)

I'm so ashamed.

I am beautiful,

No matter what they say.

Words can't bring me down.

I am beautiful in every single way.
Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no.

So don't you bring me down today.

To all your friends, you're delirious.
Ice cream cones... to make their horns...

Tryin' hard to make some sense of it. Wait, are those bugles?
Is it a cow-duck with horns and a goatee?

Cause you are beautiful, no matter what they say.
Words can't bring you down.

You are beautiful in every single way.
Words can't bring you down. NoOooOoooOOOooo....
So don't you bring me down today.

No matter what we poo.

No matter what we bake.

And everywhere we go,
The suananaaaIIOOOAAAAa NNOOOO NOO NOOooooOO ooooooooo

We are beautiful, no matter what they pay.
Camo flower town.

NoooooooOoo.

We are beautiful in every single way.
Words can't bring us down. No no no no no mmmm MMMM mm....

So don't you bring me down today.

OooooOOOOUgggnhh... MMmmmnOOOooAAH!
Don't you bring me downtooaaaaayyyyyyyyaAAAAAHHHHH

AAAOooooOOhh...

So don't you bring me down..... ughhnnnn....

Today.

Zakes C., Maja, Liz D., Lesley M., DaAn D., Caroline M., Haley H., Geri B., Rachel S., Bob B., Sue S., & Amy B., awoooawoooeeeeoaaaahhhhow. No matter what they say.

Note from john: If you're wondering who's singing in the video, it's our friend Jennifer Dorsman. And yes, she really is that good. Makes you sick, doesn't it?

*****

P.S. Speaking of beauty, I've been slathering snail slime cream on my face for about two weeks now, and so far the best part is telling people about it. :D

Advanced Snail All-In-One Cream

I caved when my friend Lisa kept raving about this brand, plus it has over 7,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. They don't hurt the snails to make it, and the cream isn't TOO slimey, so for $20 it's a fun, kooky thing to try. Plus, c'mon, then you get to tell people you use snail cream... ON YOUR FACE. Best party intro evah.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

When I first saw this cake my jaw literally dropped. And that's coming from someone whose JOB is to look at the world's most beautiful cakes.

I thought I'd seen it all.

I WAS WRONG.

Check out this marbling:

And this funky-cool fluting:

Incredibly, Noskova's cakes even look as beautiful inside as they do out:

So how does she do it?

Here's a short video from Noskova's brand new Youtube channel to illustrate:

The "mirror glaze" is a poured on gelatin mixture, and is apparently an old French technique that just isn't used very often. (Although I bet it's about to get a LOT more popular. Ha!)

And while everyone is focusing on that incredible shine, it turns out Nokova has perfected another incredible cake texture:

A velvety matte speckle, which she achieves with a powered sprayer.

Both of her signature textures together:

This is cake art in every sense of the word, but as John pointed out to me, it's cake art that you still want to eat. Somehow Noskova has managed to make her cakes look as delicious as they are beautiful - and we all know that's no small task in the modern cake world.

Head over to Olga's Instagram for sooo much more (it wasn't easy to narrow down my favs!), and then watch her new Youtube channel for hopefully more instructional vids to come.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

*****

P.S. Need a cool gift for the person who has everything? Then how about a card that transforms into a bouquet:

Fresh Cut Paper Pop-Up Flowers

I sent this one to my Mom for her birthday last month, and it looks just like this! Even better, it ships free with Prime, so no extra postage needed.

Or you could stock up with the three-pack!

There are more flower styles and colors at the link.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Confessions of a Master Baker!

"Ordinary bakers. Extraordinary feats of bad judgment."

[baker's silhouette speaking in disguised voice]
"I guess I got a bit carried away with the chocolate drizzle -- you know, it's always a bit of a crap shoot..."

"I made my mother-in-law deliver it."

[whispered]

Confessions...

"...and then I found myself smashing a disco ball on top of it."

[small sob] "I figured the lights would blind anyone who got too close!"

[whispered]

Revelations...

"They loved skiing. Nothing says 'skiing' like giant plastic pickles and shredded Parmesan, right?" [hiccups]

"I didn't realize how bad it was 'til the bride threw it at me."

[whispered]

Disclosures...

"They said they wanted 'steampunk,' so I googled it. Gears, tentacles, balloons - I was all, 'Hey, I got this.'"

"And, boy, did I get it."

[sound of pages flipping]
Uh... ah!
[whispering]

Formal professions of guilt...

"So then I said, 'hey, you know what'd be cute? Camouflage butterflies."

"But the bride just didn't see it."

Next week... on Confessions of a Master Baker:

"So I figured, put the babies ON the carrots..."

[light behind figures fades to black]

Thanks to Jessica W., Michelle B., Melanie J., Stella P., & Natalie S. for the delicious divulgences.

*****

P.S. Quick Butterfly Chaser to remind you they CAN be super lovely:

I made this rainbow wreath for John's room using this 84-pc butterfly set, which I know you crafters are gonna love:

(3D Butterfly Wall Magnet Set)

They're double-sided and come with both magnets and stickers. Definitely browse the projects in the reviews, there are so many cool ideas - and the set is on sale right now for $9.99!

That's today's cakes.

They're all a bit sad...

A bit lumpy-bumpy...

A bit, "Oh. OH. Um, how... nice?"

When your wedding's "cupcake tower" looks like something you made during the slumber party for your 14th birthday:

Or when there's more wire in your wedding cake than the average 14-year-old's braces:

o.0

You know how in movies when the bad guy lets loose with a machine gun on a wall somewhere, leaving lines of bullet holes that the light shines through?

Imagine the gun shoots roses:

BAM.

(Yes, I know otherwise it's fine. JUST LET ME HAVE THIS.)

And finally, whatever you do, don't think about stretched skin.

Or parsley.

STOP IT.

Thanks to Carrie B., Deanna H., Jimena, Dawn D., Shannon, Britton E., Helen, & Pat J. for lifting our saggy, saggy spirits.

*****

P.S. Speaking of ways to prevent sagging (oh yeah, nailed that segue), this saved my butt during a long painting day recently, so I have a random product recommendation:

No Buckle No-Show Stretch Belt

This is my new favorite belt, y'all. It basically turns anything with belt loops into an elastic waist. So comfy I forget it's on, slimline so it doesn't show under my t-shirts, and NO BELT BUCKLE to dig into my belly or unbuckle for bathroom breaks. Woohoo!

You know how stretch jeans are forever sliding down when you sit or bend, so you have to keep hitching them back up? No more! I wear this with all my jeans now. It's entirely elastic, so it moves and stretches with you, zero painful digging. I HIGHLY recommend for anyone well endowed with squish in the belly area.

******

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Who:

What:

Er, let's try that again. What?

That's better.

When:

Where:

WHY GAWD WHY:

And then you can add an H, for "How?"

See how helpful that was?

Though next time we should probably talk about your coffee orders:

::sigh::

Thanks EXTRA Large to Lindsey M., Jessica Y., Palmerik, Sydney V., Anony M., Bil & Nadia, Frederick, and Adrian J.

*****

P.S. Here's a (hilarious) reminder that English is almost as confusing as these cakes:

P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever

"...to me."

"Thank you. Thank you very much."

[Leaning on piano]

"You... are... soooo beautiful..."

"...to meeee."

"The Goldmans, everyone! Fifty years today! Aren't they adorable?

"Can't you SEEE-EEE-EE?!?"

[sliding to front of stage on knees]

"You're... ev'ry-thing I HOPED for!"

[grimacing in pain]

"You're

EVERYTHING

I neeeeeeeeee..."

"...eeEEED!"

[winking at waitress]

"You... are... so beautiful..."

"Toooo... meeeeEEEEE."

Thank you, Nia C., Krystal C., Karen R., Julie R., Alison V., and Joshua P. Thank you so much. No, really. Thank you. Really. You're too much. Thank you. Tip your waitress!

*****

P.S. I agree, you COULD do a better job yourself. So have you tried these new silicone "piping bulbs?"

8 Pc Bulb Decorating Kit

Y'all. Go read the reviews; these things are apparently total game-changers. Easy to fill, clean, no more leaking piping bags, AND they fit all the Wilton metal tips we already have! I don't do much cake decorating these days, but I do pipe caulking for crafts, so I'm excited to try these out.

******

And from my other blog, Epbot:

And that way...

...is NOT LIKE THIS.

Aw, crap.

Still, at least everyone can get a chuckle over sh*tty "hamer"s. Imagine being the only one at a baby shower to see something wrong with this cake topper - which, incidentally, ALSO involves nailing things:

o.0

Er, look, I realize my mind's in the gutter often enough to sprout legs and start scurrying, but seriously... HOW DID THE BAKER NOT SEE THIS?

Ahem.

Quick palate cleanser: look how pretty!

(By Sweet On You Cakes)

Aaaand back to reality:

Oh, BABY.

Almost makes you long for the days of hammer logs and randy giraffes, eh?

Thanks to Elizabeth H., Emily S., & Robin D. for the capital wreckage.

*****

P.S. Something about this post reminded me of those shiny blue balls that keep your produce fresh. Have you seen these?

Blueapple Freshness Saver Balls

Just pop one in your crisper drawer and the other in your fruit bowl, and these will absorb the ethylene gas that quickens ripening, so all your fruits and veg stay fresh longer. Seems like witchcraft, I know, but go check the thousands of rave reviews: apparently they really work!

...in the Kingdom of Zuu,

(By Artisan Cake Company)

lived a helpful young owl his Mom had named Huu.

Huu danced with Petunia when she did ballet,

(By Dinky Doodle)

and untangled Sloth when bars got in the way.

(By Conjurer's Kitchen)

He always had time to tie Sally's red bows,

(By Planet Cake)

and if Hedgie asked, Huu would polish his nose.

(By Debbie Does Cakes)

When Flamingos ran errands, he'd stay with their chicks,

(By Mike's Amazing Cakes)

and he made sure that George ate the greens, not the sticks.

(By Planet Cake)

Huu'd help Raffi up when he fell in a heap,

(By Sprinkles Cakes)

and he sang lullabies, to help Flo go to sleep.

(By Little Cherry Cake Co. for Cake Bomb)

He prattled with penguins,

(By Janet MacPherson Cake Craft)

he combed all the llamas,

(By Viva la Cake)

he even helped meerkats put on clean pajamas.

(By Dootsy Dora)

And after all that, our Huu still wasn't through.

On Sunday, he shared all of his Sweets with you.

Happy Sunday!

*****

P.S. I see you appreciate poetry. Might I recommend...?

I Could Pee On This, And Other Poems By Cats

This hardcover gift book costs a mere $8 and will have your friends feline fine.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Ahem.

Teachers, whether your subject is:

"Scienc"...

"managent" or "psycology"...

the "Holly Bible"...

or teaching kids their MBCs:

... you get an A+ with us.

Yes, teachers, you labor on through daily trials and temper tantrums, shaping our future generations, spreading knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration, and all for the vastly insufficient reward of that one shining, glorious phrase:

And while some of your students have already served their time:

"Class OFF, buster!"

And others have much, MUCH longer to go:

Please know that you are, without a doubt:

...the "Word's Greates."

And hey, we mean that.

Thanks to Chrissy W., Kristen C., Christy, Anony M., Amy S., Carolina D., Barbara O., & Paul V. for the teaching moment.

Hey, Anony M., YOU'RE WELCOME.

*****

P.S. This backpack is judging us all right now, but it's so cute I'm OK with that:

Mini Owl Backpack

(It also comes in gold, purple, and pink!)

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Here's one from the last Ice Age in internet terms, aka ten years ago:

That was the year we learned to ix-nay on the unfortunate onograms-may.

Skipping forward a ways, we come to "2009":

Year of the "Dipolma" and "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks.

In 2010 we had a fresh crop of Permedics celebrate their "gradudlion:" 

It's a tough call, but I'm pretty sure "Gradudlion" is my new favorite misspelling. The trick is to put the emPHAsis on the second sylLAble, like this: GraDUDlion. And then pronounce the end bit "leon" instead of "lion." Go on. Say it with me: GraDUDlion. GraDUDlion. [Ignore those co-workers; they're just jealous.] Now once more, with feeling! GRADUDLION!! YEAH!

[looking around]

[sitting back down]

[patting hair back in place]

K, where were we? Oh, yes: 2011. The year we learned that only the very BEST cakes get reserved for store displays:

 The grace. The dignity. The spacing.

(First one to say, "But at least it's spelled right!" gets the patented Jen Death Glare. DON'T TEST ME, PEOPLE.)

In 2012 bakers broadened their horizons by combining the fine art of Dali-esque surrealism with a post-modern monochromatic aesthetic:

I call it, "Tar Donkey Butt-Peeing."

So what will the 2013 grad season bring? Well, I hate to speculate, buuuut...

I've got a pretty good feeling about it.

("Graguates gradudlying! Graguates gradudlying!!")

Thanks to  Stephanie F.,  Jen S., Alana G., Brittany R., Daffny A., and Julia A. for gradudlyating at the top of today's class.

Note from john (the hubby of Jen): I thought I might grab some truly old posts that haven’t been reposted before. It’s a lot of fun for Jen and me to see these again. For those of you still here, I hope you enjoy! -j

I'll give you a moment.

[whistling]

Now, I have no idea where it came from, but that's not gonna stop me from jumping on this hilariously traumatizing bandwagon!

Like this:

And this!

And my personal favorite:

"Boop-oop-aSWEET MOTHER OF HECK."

Now just one more, because laugh you must.
THERE IS NO TRY.

Thanks to Maya O., Amanda S., Crystal G., Kellie C., & Hannah G. for using the forks.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Dear [REDACTED],

Thank you for choosing Cake Wrecks for such an important occasion! I'd be delighted to offer you a quote, but first let me show you a few of our most popular Sesame Street cakes, so you can pick out your favorite.

(Please note that for copyright reasons we can't actually call these Sesame Street characters, but I'm sure our versions will look VERY familiar. ;))

"Huge Bird"

"Oreo Monster"

"Trash Head"
aka "Mr. Can-'Do"

And "Petrified Elro"

Or for a little extra, you can get all four characters together!

[plastic faces not included]

We also have some new "Bieber-licious" character cookies your son is sure to love:

Prices vary depending on the cake's size, flavor, and age, so just let us know how many people you'd like to feed and how picky you are about "freshness." Delivery is free within a twenty mile radius, but keep in mind our delivery guy moonlights as a mobile pet groomer, so there's always a SLIGHT chance of pet hair - but really, that almost never happens. (Which reminds me: Billy gives our customers a 15% discount! Just FYI.)

Let me know which cake you'd prefer, and thanks again for choosing Cake Wrecks!

- john (the hubby of Jen)

***

Thanks to Todd T, Julie B., David & Debbie B., Jennifer G., Anony M., & Cynthia for actually making it through our contact page without thinking we make all these cakes ourselves.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Like this!

(By Cottontail Cake Studio)

Cuteness overload! I love the upside-down ice cream cone (with the penguin playing in the melted cream!), and the raccoon popping out of the cupcake. And don't think I didn't notice the unicorn farting out that rainbow on the right. Ha!

Kawaii likes to put cute little faces on inanimate objects, and I think you'll find most everything is improved by this:

(By Sugar Canvas)

There's also a huge emphasis on desserts, because sweet-looking sweets are pretty much the epitome of cute.

(By Torta Couture Cakes)

Also, macarons. SO MANY MACARONS.

(By Catherine Beddall)

And so not complaining.

Then there are Kawaii animals and characters, which can be just about anything:

(By Whipped Bakeshop)

Happy whale, anyone?

Pusheen the cat is popular, since she's pretty much Kawaii to begin with:

(By The Cakecuppery)

But you can make almost anything or anyone Kawaii, including - hold on to your hot dogs - Slimer from Ghostbusters:

(By Syliva Castaneda)

Adorable little spud, isn't he?

(Leave it to me to work Ghostbusters into a Kawaii post. Where there's a geek, there's a way.)

Or how about some prickly little cacti?

(By Sugar High)

Those colors are perfect together - I love the orange!

Rilakkuma is a popular teddy bear in Japan, and you'll see him a lot in Kawaii designs. Here he is with an enormous cupcake... of himself:

(By Artisan Cakes by E.T.)

D'awww.

And finally, as if cuteness and cake weren't enough, let's bring in one more of my favorite things:
DISNEY.

(By C For Cupcakes)

Ermergersh, I'm melting! Just like the Pooh bear and Aurora ice cream cones. And look at little Mike stacked on Sully! Ah! Squeeing forever.

Hope you guys enjoyed the cute! Happy Sunday!

*****

P.S. If you love cute things AND geeky things, then you need this book:

Alien Next Door

Talk about the perfect gift book for Alien fans, listen to this: "From facehuggers to feather dusters, discover how the perfect killing machine relaxes after a day of scaring space marines."

AND it's less than $10 Prime, so you can afford to splurge on the matching figurine:

Alien Out For A Walk Figurine

OMIGOSH. So cute!

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

(By Diane's Cakes and More)

This elegant design not only looks beautiful, but is a cinch to make, too! In fact, here are a few tips to ensure your own cherry blossom cake looks as gorgeous as this.

First, always make sure your icing is niiiice and smooth.

It helps if you lick your fingers first, so they slide smoothly over the icing.

Next, mold or pipe your branches to gracefully scale the tiers of your cake in a natural, realistic fashion.

I know it's hard to believe but, yes, that's really just icing.

Remember, the flowers are the most important part!

[Crickets chirping]

It's usually best to leave off a wedding topper for this style, but if you do choose to have one, make sure it's simple, understated, and elegant.

Note the baker's restraint. Not a single balloon animal!

And finally, when all else fails, remember:

You can always jam a stick in it and charge $200.

(Yes, this was someone's actual wedding cake.)

(And they paid for it.)

(With money.)

Leanne W., Danielle L., Moxie, Holly J., and Robert V. did you know you can make a forty dollar cake look like a 500 dollar cake with just some cookies and sprinkles? Just imagine what you could charge if you jammed a stick in it!

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

(Oooh, aaahhh.)

Mawwiage is wot bwings us togevaaah...today."

(Ewww! Awwww...)

"Mawwiage: that bwessed awangement...."

"That dweem..."

"Wivin...a... dweem!"

("Stand your ground, men! Stand your ground!")

"So tweasure your wove."

And your airbrush.

Skipping to the end...

"The chocolate coating makes it go down easier.
But you shouldn't go swimming after for at least a good hour."

Stephanie M., Anony M., Amanda C., Ann B., & Jennifer, are there Wrecks ahead? If there are, we'll all be fed! 

*****

Sock-hop it to me, Audrey R.!

Yes, happy birthday, girls, from Headless Flo and her Tinker-Toy Poodle Skirt of Probable Misfortune. ("Doom" was taken.)

Now, who wants ice cream?

"No, no, Patrick, the dinosaur isn't trying to eat you. He's here to party!"

See? Look at that cute little party hat! It really bring out his razor sharp teeth, don't you think, Selah T.?

Speaking of teeth...

This looks like the aftermath of a fairy-tale massacre, or in other words, a-DOR-able! [sing-song voice] Say, Arloe S., is that middle pig coming or going?

[announcer voice] "Hey parents, are you tired of boring, peaceful birthday parties? Want to add a little more excitement back into the one-year celebration? Then ask for the Dead Elephant special!"

[Kids yelling] "Yay! Dead elephants!"

[announcer] "That's right, kids! Yes, these delectable globs of deceased pachyderms tell the world: this party is gonna be killer!

"Side effects may include screaming, crying, thumb-sucking, sweating, itchy palms, irritable bowel, and a life-long fear of blue animals. Not recommended for children with nervous constitutions or sensitive bladders. Dead elephants are not responsible for any damages - real or imagined - done to your children. Void where prohibited, all rights reserved."

You've got a killer eye there, Andrew C.

*****

And speaking of dinosaurs…

Punctuation Saves Lives

:D

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

(Yes, I'm joking.)

(I have exceptionally good hearing.)

And bakers, it seems, are especially bewildered by a simple "please" or "thank you:"

Aww, it's almost sad; the baker missed her own thanking!

I say "almost" sad because after you realize how often this happens...

It gets kinda funny.

Text reads: "Happy Birthday Melissa! Thank you much."

This "thank you" threw the baker SO badly she tried to cope with random question marks:

Happy Birthday Barbara!?
?Thanks!

You can almost picture her writing this, sobbing, "What does it mean? WHAT DOES IT MEEEEEAAN???"

And if you use BOTH "please" and "thank you" there's a real chance you could do permanent damage to your baker. So please, be responsible. Don't let this happen:

Then again, that's no excuse to be rude, either.

And trust me, it doesn't help anyway:

Thanks to Nicole P., Stephanie R., Melissa S., Nathan B., Lindsay W., & J.R. for being so easy to please.

*****

P.S. Since this saved my butt during a long painting day recently, I have a random product recommendation:

No Buckle No-Show Stretch Belt

This is my new favorite belt, y'all. It basically turns anything with belt loops into an elastic waist. So comfy I forget it's on, slimline so it doesn't show under my t-shirts, and NO BELT BUCKLE to dig into my belly or unbuckle for bathroom breaks. Woohoo!

You know how stretch jeans are forever sliding down when you sit or bend, so you have to keep hitching them back up? No more! I wear this with all my jeans now. It's entirely elastic, so it moves and stretches with you, zero painful digging. I HIGHLY recommend for anyone well endowed with squish in the belly area.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

It's time to write the slights!

It's time to make some carnage,

At the bakery tonight!

[bahdum dum dum]

It's time to put on makeup,

It's time to dress up right,

By the incredibly talented Say it with Cake!

It's time that we departed,

It's not for the fainthearted,

Oh boy I bet that smarted!

On the least sensational,
inspirational,
celebrational,
Wreckerational 

This is what we call the Cake Wrecks Shooooooow!

PPTHHPTHPFFTHPPPT!!!

Thanks to Brianna S., Kate, Stacy F., Vanessa M., Shakera, & Anna I. for the ear worm. And also for getting the Muppet song stuck in our heads.

*****

P.S. Y'all. Have you SEEN the Muppets mini-figs from LEGO?

LEGO Minifigures: Muppets

EEEEEE so cute!! I think I need Chef. And Gonzo. And Animal. Curse you, LEGO, you're going to suck me in, aren't you?

Be sure to read the reviews before you buy: apparently a lot of the 6-packs from Amazon have the same figures, so if you buy more than one set at a time you may be risking a lot of duplicates.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Because nothing shows off a baker's talent - or makes our jaws drop - quite like this business right here:

(By Finespun Cakes)

That's a style known as Lambeth, named for Joseph Lambeth, who popularized it back in the 1930s.

You'll know a Lambeth cake by its over-the-top frills and use of overpiping, which creates all that fabulous detail and depth:

(By Rosebud Cakes)

Of course Lambeth cakes are a bit old-fashioned now, but never fear, piping purists! Some bakers are doing their darndest to bring Lambeth to the next generation, with STUNNING results:

(By Aniko Vargane Orban)

No words. Only grabby hands.

Or how about this one?

(By Cakeium)

Check out those crisp clean lines! And still all hand-piped. AH-mazing.

While we're throwing back to classic cake skills, let's talk Oriental Stringwork.

(By David Cakes)

This gravity-defying sorcery is achieved with Royal icing, which hardens to a porcelain-like consistency. Believe it or not, that net is handpiped icing, y'all. HAND-PIPED ICING.

Bakers are using string work in modern designs now, too, which makes me so, so happy:

(By Pauline Bakes The Cake)

See how the filigree section stands out from the cake?

And note the hanging borders on this black and white number:

(By KupKake Tree)

I'm all about that middle tier with the flower, though. Soooo pretty.

Oh! And these colors!

(By Cake Decor India)

I never knew how much I needed this color combo in my life, you guys. SO GOOD.

(Btw, to achieve those upward loops? The baker has to turn the cake upside down. Mad skillz, my friends.)

Here's one so perfect you'll swear it can't be cake:

(By SifBeth)

See those tiny, TINY lines all around the border? HAND-PIPED.

Jumping back to a Lambeth style for this oh-so-sweet number:

(By Craftsy member FlourSugarButtr)

Another fantastic color palette, and don't be fooled by how smooth those ropes are; the base may be fondant, but all the piping is, well, PIPING.

And one final Sweet for now:

(By Beyond Buttercream)

Bakers, you are KILLING it with the color choices today. Rock on with your bad selves.

And the rest of you, look closely at those chained string borders. HAND. PIPED.

Hope you guys enjoyed our little glimpse into modern cake mastery! If you're interested, I highly recommend Googling both "Lambeth" and "Oriental Stringwork", because there's so, SO much more than I could show you here today.

Happy Sunday, and happy browsing!

*****

P.S. Speaking of piping, have you seen these new no-mess silicone piping bulbs?

8 Pc Bulb Decorating Kit

Y'all. Go read the reviews; these things are apparently total game-changers. Easy to fill, clean, no more leaking piping bags, AND they fit all the Wilton metal tips we already have! I don't do much cake decorating these days, but I do pipe caulking for crafts, so I'm excited to try these out.