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The Painted Cake by Natasha Collins (book review)

28/11/2014

 
The Painted Cake by Natasha Collins
The Painted Cake by Natasha Collins (image courtesy Murdoch Books)
'I think it was inevitable that I would end up painting on cakes for a living: I hail from a long line of both artists and bakers, and so perhaps it was only a matter of time before someone in my family had the flash of inspiration to combine the two.'
          -- Natasha Collins, 'Welcome to the Painted Cake' introduction to her book, The Painted Cake


When I opened the parcel containing my review copy of The Painted Cake, I must admit I did the classic double take on first sight of the whimsically and rather beautifully-embellished cakes on the cover. You see, I'm one of those people who believes that life is too short to fiddle faddle with the intricacies of crafts such as cake decorating and embroidery. My darling mother tried her very best to encourage me to try crochet and needlework, but it just wasn't going to happen, I'm afraid. It's a bit like telling me about recipes where you stuff cherry tomatoes, seriously, who has the time!? But then there are some truly talented folks who also have the patience and skill it takes to turn some plain old fondant into a work of art. Illustrator and textile designer-turned cake painter, Natasha Collins, is a prime example.

Hailed as the 'Beatrix Potter of cakes', Ms Collins says she flirted briefly with the idea of becoming a dentist before realising she was more suited to artistic pursuits. With baking in her blood and being at her happiest when painting, she says that when she became a full-time mum she channelled her creativity into birthday and celebration cakes. What started out as an escape from housework, has now become a career and she transforms cakes, cookies and cupcakes into edible works of art. In 2008, Ms Collins started her own company, Nevie-Pie Cakes, garnering high profile clients such as Selfridges & Co. Nowadays she runs her own cake-painting classes internationally and is absolutely thrilled to have been able to write a book around the topic. 

The Painted Cake provides instructions on getting a baking and decorating kit together; basic recipes for sponge cakes, fruit cakes, cookies, as well as fillings, pastes and fondants; guidance on layout and design, as well as painting techniques; and step by step instructions to 30 different 'projects', such as the Basic Rose cake pictured down below. There are also a few handy templates in the back of the book.

Fellow cooking enthusiast and food blogger, Lorraine from Not Quite Nigella, rolled up her sleeves and tried her hand at painting a cake recently, guided by Ms Collins and the instructions in this inspiring book. Lorraine even made a youtube video, which you'll find here. [Nicely done, Lorraine!]. I don't know about you, my friends, but I think I'll concentrate on honing my piping skills for the moment and leave this more involved activity for the experts.  ヅ  What say you?
Natasha Collins author and artist, The Painted Cake
Cake painter, Natasha Collins, at work (image courtesy Murdoch Books)
Basic Rose cake by Natasha Collins
'Basic Rose' cake (image courtesy Murdoch Books)
Splatter Cake by Natasha Collins
'Splatter Cake' (image courtesy Murdoch Books)
'Named cookies' by Natasha Collins
'Named Cookies' (image courtesy Murdoch Books)
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The Painted Cake by Natasha Collins $39.99 RRP. Thank you to the publicity team at Murdoch Books and to Natasha Collins for giving me the opportunity to review this amazingly creative (and awe inspiring!) title.

So tell me dear readers, do you have artistic talents? Have you ever thought of painting a cake? Do you think you might try your hand at painting cakes and cookies?
Judit + Corina @ Glamorous Bite link
28/11/2014 09:34:55 am

What a beautiful book and the cakes are truly works of art! We definitely are inspired to try it.

Lizzy
4/12/2014 06:27:14 am

Thanks so much, Judit... I think Natasha's work is amazing too. Thank you for stopping by.

Maureen Shaw link
28/11/2014 06:05:13 pm

I remember Lorraine's painted cake and thought, "Maybe that's in the too hard basket." Now I think I must try it.

Lizzy
4/12/2014 06:27:55 am

Maureen, you are such a clever and talented cook, I think you'd do a beautiful job at this!

Beck link
28/11/2014 09:00:00 pm

Wow! I agree, very impressive Liz, but way above both my skill and interest levels to be honest - very happy to admire others’ work however :)

Lizzy
4/12/2014 06:28:39 am

Thank you, Beck... I am happy to watch and admire too, methinks.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
29/11/2014 07:14:17 pm

Thank you so much Lizzy for your kind words! I can't even get to Natasha's level but it's fun to play around anyway :)

Lizzy
4/12/2014 06:28:59 am

My pleasure, Lorraine, I think you did an awesome job!

e / dig in hobart link
30/11/2014 09:18:05 am

i admire people with the patience and talent to do this! i like the paint splattered one, very modern.

Lizzy
4/12/2014 06:29:20 am

Thanks Elizabeth, me too.

Susan
30/11/2014 04:50:38 pm

When I saw the first picture I thought nice boxes. Then I realised after reading the blog that she had painted the cakes. Marvellous. I have no patience to do that. I do like the biscuits though as they would make a great gift.

Lizzy
4/12/2014 06:29:52 am

Thank you, Susan... I did a double take too... like you, I don't think I have the patience either.

Elizabeth Bone
1/12/2014 02:39:09 am

Natasha Collins is my hero! I am so excited that she has published a book and can't wait for it to arrive here in the USA. I have done two painted wedding cakes, but they were no comparison to the skills Natasha has.

Lizzy
4/12/2014 06:30:33 am

Hello there Elizabeth in the USA.... wow, two painted wedding cakes under your belt? That's very impressive indeed. Thanks so much for stopping by.


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