Generally, before the turn of the millennium, cakes rarely had any kind of cake top decoration which would form a focal point on the cake. The cake as a whole was the center piece, containing no other central features besides the usual floral arrangements and other material decoration (i.e. ribbons and bows). Cakes that did posses a central feature were often as elaborate floral toppings or the traditional cake topper, a cherub. As cake designs became more and more extravagant and modern, so did the decorations that accompanied them, and so the rise of the personalised cake top model began.
Cake toppers in the sense of small sugar or clay models, are not to be confused with the other form of cake topper, that being cake photo prints. This type of cake decoration is a photograph that is printed on to the top of the cake, often found on childrens birthday cakes. Real photos can be transferred on to the cake using special transfer paper and icing, whereas the other kind is painted onto the cake using either sugar icing or an airbrush and stencil. As can be expected, sugar photo prints are much cheaper than handmade cake top models, but offer no where near the level of personalization.
Toppers are very popular additions to wedding cakes, where they often take on the likeness of the bride and groom. Some of the themes and designs for cake toppers people come up with are certainly not dull or reserved, with many being humorous and crass! Designs range from the typical bride and groom standing side by side, to those of divorcees slicing up their ex-partner with a chainsaw.
Cake top models can be considered an art form in itself, as miniature sculptures that are as unique as the last. The basic techniques and tools used in their creation are no different to what you would find in an average kitchen. Models can be made from any kind of clay, but the most common for making toppers is Fimo or Terracotta. The clay is often rolled and flattened using ones hands to achieve the desired shape for each of the body parts for either human or animal figures. Like with all art, your imagination is the limit. Some models may need additional support for things like arms and legs, this is done by inserting wooden dowel into the model, or by propping them up during firing (the former is recommended). Like with all clay constructs, the model is then fired in either an oven or kiln, depending on the clay you used and how hot your oven can get.
You can have a cake for any occasion, and you can have a topper for any cake!
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น