Friday, January 7, 2011

Shrek Castle for Jilly



I had the honor of delivering my first cake for a family as a member of the Icing Smiles organization.  Icing Smiles is an organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the  critical illness of a child.   To learn more about them click here.
I was SOOOO excited when I got the e-mail from my cake coordinator, Rose, that I was being asked to make a custom cake for a little girl named Jillian.  I had submitted my name to Icing Smiles but wasn't sure I would be called to make a custom cake because I'm not a professional baker...    I was connected to Joy, Jilly's mom, and we exchanged e-mails about idea's of what she would like for her cake. Jilly is a huge Shrek fan and they call Jilly "princess" so we came up with a Shrek castle cake for her 4th birthday.  Jilly's had heart issues since her birth and has been in and out of the hospital over her short life. She's never been home (away from the hospital)  to celebrate her birthday so this year we made it a special one with a special cake.  Jilly's older brother has also missed out on a few birthdays, most recently this year, and Joy wrote into Icing smiles requesting a cake for her son to help make him feel special.  It is important for him to know how much the family appreciates him and he deserves special recognition for being a great big brother to Jilly.  His cake is being delivered tomorrow by another baker.  I can't wait to see pictures of it.
For Jilly's cake I incorporated hearts where ever I could think of them.  I made the top two layers of the castle in a heart shape, added heart windows, and added heart shingles to the torants.   Below you will find some pictures of the cake coming together. 

Covered the ice cream cones in chocolate.
Added the stone effect to the buttercream icing.
A test run of my ideas...

Adding some of the trim and decorations...



 Almost done...



 Ready to be moved to the car...




 Jilly was checking me out...  She was a little rambunctious today and didn't want to look at the camera... I feel honored to have made her 4th Birthday cake and had a chance to meet Jilly and her amazing mom!  Heart Hugs!





4 comments:

Deanna - Teaspoon of Spice said...

Amy - this has to be your best cake ever on so many levels!!! What a wonderful gift to give!

Icing Smiles said...

Amy - Wonderful Job! I love the last picture. We are looking forward to working with you again in the future. - Tracy (founder of Icing Smiles)

Michelle said...

Wow take a look at this page on your blog Amy!
A wedding cake and an icing smiles cake!!
I am so happy for you that cake making has brought you so much happiness :)

Unknown said...

I've been following Jilly's journey for a year and a half now and she is such a precious girl. She has been through, excuse the expression - hell and back many times, fighting for her life and losing her life skills. She is a miracle and a very determined little girl who has worked hard to come back to her "self" after many set backs. The cake is beautiful and I am so thankful for people like you, I have pictures and summarys on my facebook wall for the children my angels and I pray for and the quote I use applies a great deal to what you have done for Jilly, "When children's eyes are smiling Tis God's love that's shining through, With glints of joy and laughter, What good medicine for you!" ~ Margaret Fishback Powers