Monday, September 19, 2011
Fall and Halloween Toppers
It's definitely fall now! And Halloween is around the corner! I have posted a few of my fall and Halloween cake toppers to give you some ideas :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
How to pick out a topper
Sometimes it's hard to know what you want for a cake topper. What style should you get, what size, what kind, etc. I'm here to offer some advice on the matter. I believe the cake topper is one area in the wedding where you can show the couples personality show through, really reflecting their personality. It's a great way to add humor to your wedding and have fun with it on an otherwise serious day. You can be serious, romantic, fun, cute, touching, anything you want!
Let's start with size. Picking your size depends on how much presence you want the topper to have, if it is going to be the focus of your cake then make it big. The size should be based on how big the top tier of the cake is. If it's a 6" top layer, consider a max of 4" wide for big presence. 2" to 3" will give you a nice size, for an overall balanced presence. 1" wide, total, will probably be too small. If you want really subtle then it is a good way to go. Usually 1" wide is a great size for cupcakes.
For an 8" tier or bigger, consider having at least an inch on both sides available. I would recommend 2" on each side. One other thing you should keep in mind is how heavy the topper will be, you don't want it to crush your cake!
Decorations on the cake. Think about the overall design of your topper, do you have fall leaves or flowers decorating the other layers, would a nest with birds work at the top, surrounded by leaves. Do you want your topper to be on multiple levels? The possibilities are endless!
What style of topper do you want? You should really ask yourself what you want, that will determine the style you go for. If you want elegant and classy, then maybe a monogram is the right way to go, it could have glitz on it. If you want something cute and fun then maybe a clay topper is a good way to go, it makes a great keepsake and just about anything can be done.
Next question if you go with cute or fun, do you chose an animal, people or an inanimate object. You should just look at things you both love that that speaks to your personality.
If it's a themed wedding, then maybe try a themed topper!
If you want a snack or edible topper then go with one made from fondant.
What if you can't find what your looking for? If you can't find what you want or you want to make changes to an existing design, then ask the seller, I'm sure they will be happy to help you create your vision.
Hope that helps! Good luck in your search!
Let's start with size. Picking your size depends on how much presence you want the topper to have, if it is going to be the focus of your cake then make it big. The size should be based on how big the top tier of the cake is. If it's a 6" top layer, consider a max of 4" wide for big presence. 2" to 3" will give you a nice size, for an overall balanced presence. 1" wide, total, will probably be too small. If you want really subtle then it is a good way to go. Usually 1" wide is a great size for cupcakes.
For an 8" tier or bigger, consider having at least an inch on both sides available. I would recommend 2" on each side. One other thing you should keep in mind is how heavy the topper will be, you don't want it to crush your cake!
Decorations on the cake. Think about the overall design of your topper, do you have fall leaves or flowers decorating the other layers, would a nest with birds work at the top, surrounded by leaves. Do you want your topper to be on multiple levels? The possibilities are endless!
What style of topper do you want? You should really ask yourself what you want, that will determine the style you go for. If you want elegant and classy, then maybe a monogram is the right way to go, it could have glitz on it. If you want something cute and fun then maybe a clay topper is a good way to go, it makes a great keepsake and just about anything can be done.
Next question if you go with cute or fun, do you chose an animal, people or an inanimate object. You should just look at things you both love that that speaks to your personality.
If it's a themed wedding, then maybe try a themed topper!
If you want a snack or edible topper then go with one made from fondant.
What if you can't find what your looking for? If you can't find what you want or you want to make changes to an existing design, then ask the seller, I'm sure they will be happy to help you create your vision.
Hope that helps! Good luck in your search!
Little Cuties Riding a Tractor
This was so much fun to make! It's a fall themed cake topper with the bride and groom riding a John Deere tractor. It turned out really well!
10% off Cake Toppers
In 2 weeks I will be attending Bridal Spectacular, at TCU place. Not only is it exciting it will be a lot of fun! Just to let everyone know I will be offering 10% off if you put a deposit for a topper down. I will also be having a draw for a free topper (valued up to $40.00). Hope to see you there!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Little Cuties Cake Toppers!
I've started a new cake topper line called Little Cuties. I find the biggest problem when couples want human toppers is the price. Realistic toppers can start at $250.00 and up. But sometimes something simpler with a lower price range is all they need. Now I can create toppers for the bride and groom with props and lots of cuteness! Take a look at the first couple I've made so far!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Custom Order for Alsatian Dogs
I got this great order for Alsatian (German Shepherds) dogs. It was fun and challenging! I think they turned out so well! The groom without his hat is 3.5" tall by 2" wide. The bride is sporting a lovely bone hair accessory and has white roses. They are hand sculpted and hand painted. What do you think of them?
Sunday, July 24, 2011
July Update
July has been a very busy month for me and my business. I've had weddings to go to and weddings to make toppers for. So far this month I've had a lot of big orders and some out of the ordinary. From giant lego people, to German Shepherds and lots of birds, it has been a very busy month. I will update with photos as soon as those projects are done.
I have really enjoyed creating dog cake toppers. Here is one of my new faves I made, bulldogs! You can accessorize them in any way you like!
I have really enjoyed creating dog cake toppers. Here is one of my new faves I made, bulldogs! You can accessorize them in any way you like!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
What the Canada Post Strike Taught Me
Canada Post went on strike and have been on strike for a few weeks now. It taught me the importance of having an affordable back up method of shipping. I ended up using FedEx and I am really happy that I did. Shipping in and from Canada is very pricey. So I noticed the most cost effective method of shipping internationally is Canada Post small packet...but you don't get a tracking number or anything for it, which would be helpful. But it does come with $100.00 insurance...Prices can start around $7.00 to ...well over $40.00.
With FedEx Ground I've only used it to ship to the US so far. But on average it's $15.00, they go by weight and toppers don't weight too much. There is a tracking number, $100.00 insurance and takes about 6 business days. From now on for the US I will be using them, they are the most reliable and efficient in that manner.
With FedEx Ground I've only used it to ship to the US so far. But on average it's $15.00, they go by weight and toppers don't weight too much. There is a tracking number, $100.00 insurance and takes about 6 business days. From now on for the US I will be using them, they are the most reliable and efficient in that manner.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Newspaper Article About My Toppers!
I was featured in the StarPhoenix in Saskatoon on May 25, 2011!
For Holly Edwards, helping couples customize their wedding day is her dream come true.
It's a classic two-birds, one-stone situation for the local artist and her growing list of clients. Through her aptly named home business My Custom Cake Topper, 27-year-old Edwards happily stretches her artistic muscle to create unique wedding cake toppers for brides and grooms wanting to add something personalized to their special day.
"It's gone far better than I ever would have anticipated," Edwards said of her business, which she launched in March. "I feel like my dreams are actually coming true. I can actually make this my living and be happy in what I'm doing." It takes between two and 50 hours for the University of Saskatchewan grad to make a cake topper. Her portfolio includes pairs of birds, hedgehogs, owls, turtles and even a Mr. and Mrs. Gainer the Gopher.
She makes models of people too, of course, with her most elaborate custom topper including a bride and groom, their pets and personal interests.
"Every piece has it's own little challenge to it," Edwards said.
"I absolutely love doing the personal pet ones, those are fantastic."
While the local market is her target, the artist has shipped her work across the country, into the United States and as far away as Australia thanks to her shop on the popular Etsy.com as well as her own site at Mycustomcaketopper. com. She sells her handmade "mice in tartans" toppers here in Saskatoon at Clans, Celts and Clover on Broadway Avenue and hopes to create more partnerships with local businesses.
The wedding industry is highly competitive, but the lucrative sector also holds great opportunity for people who take on the challenge, said Laura Small, CEO of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
Small said the strength of the local economy has encouraged many women to start their own businesses in the service industry - which includes weddings and other special events.
"We're seeing a lot of women in a lot of industries right now. It's very busy," the CEO said in a recent interview. "A lot of the businesses we are seeing (start) in 2011 have been in the service industry. So there's obviously a lot of opportunity and a lot of change happening out there in those types of businesses."
Small suggests Edwards build relationships in the Saskatoon and region wedding sector, learn about the nature of the market and promote the uniqueness of her product.
"She could develop a partnership or a relationship with the other people in the industry to bring more awareness and more business to her," Small said.
Priced between $25 and $500, most of the orders Edwards receives for her cake toppers are in the $50 to $80 range. Although a number of orders are coming in for the summer wedding season, she'd like to see her business grow to sell about 20 pieces per month.
Edwards says she'll keep pushing through any challenges that come her way, both to expand her own business and to provide couples with a lifelong keepsake for their special day.
"I'm not going to quit. I want to keep going with this," Edwards said. "I look forward to helping brides achieve their dreams."
For Holly Edwards, helping couples customize their wedding day is her dream come true.
It's a classic two-birds, one-stone situation for the local artist and her growing list of clients. Through her aptly named home business My Custom Cake Topper, 27-year-old Edwards happily stretches her artistic muscle to create unique wedding cake toppers for brides and grooms wanting to add something personalized to their special day.
"It's gone far better than I ever would have anticipated," Edwards said of her business, which she launched in March. "I feel like my dreams are actually coming true. I can actually make this my living and be happy in what I'm doing." It takes between two and 50 hours for the University of Saskatchewan grad to make a cake topper. Her portfolio includes pairs of birds, hedgehogs, owls, turtles and even a Mr. and Mrs. Gainer the Gopher.
She makes models of people too, of course, with her most elaborate custom topper including a bride and groom, their pets and personal interests.
"Every piece has it's own little challenge to it," Edwards said.
"I absolutely love doing the personal pet ones, those are fantastic."
While the local market is her target, the artist has shipped her work across the country, into the United States and as far away as Australia thanks to her shop on the popular Etsy.com as well as her own site at Mycustomcaketopper. com. She sells her handmade "mice in tartans" toppers here in Saskatoon at Clans, Celts and Clover on Broadway Avenue and hopes to create more partnerships with local businesses.
The wedding industry is highly competitive, but the lucrative sector also holds great opportunity for people who take on the challenge, said Laura Small, CEO of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
Small said the strength of the local economy has encouraged many women to start their own businesses in the service industry - which includes weddings and other special events.
"We're seeing a lot of women in a lot of industries right now. It's very busy," the CEO said in a recent interview. "A lot of the businesses we are seeing (start) in 2011 have been in the service industry. So there's obviously a lot of opportunity and a lot of change happening out there in those types of businesses."
Small suggests Edwards build relationships in the Saskatoon and region wedding sector, learn about the nature of the market and promote the uniqueness of her product.
"She could develop a partnership or a relationship with the other people in the industry to bring more awareness and more business to her," Small said.
Priced between $25 and $500, most of the orders Edwards receives for her cake toppers are in the $50 to $80 range. Although a number of orders are coming in for the summer wedding season, she'd like to see her business grow to sell about 20 pieces per month.
Edwards says she'll keep pushing through any challenges that come her way, both to expand her own business and to provide couples with a lifelong keepsake for their special day.
"I'm not going to quit. I want to keep going with this," Edwards said. "I look forward to helping brides achieve their dreams."
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