Sugar Peony Inspiration

I think I may have made more than my share of sugar peonies over the past few years...

Don't get me wrong - they are still a huge favorite, and I still love making them...and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to teach them to so many lovely students all over the world!

The classic and original Petalsweet peony in white:

But recently I have been inspired to play around with how I create the petals and put them together, as well as experimenting with more color...there are quite a few gorgeous varieties of peonies out there, and I'm hoping to be able to capture a few of them in sugar (with a bit of luck and practice)...and thought I'd share some of my progress with you!

Here's the first bit of work with a peachy-toned peony with more of a ruffled edge on the petals...

Bare petals ready for color:

A bit of peach and pink petal dust:

The basic shape to the finished flower is similar, but a little more round, and the petals have a bit more of a romantic and feminine feel...and I love the soft peach and pink tones against the pop of yellow in the stamens. It's a subtle difference, but I really like it...and it's a move in the right direction for something new:

More coming soon...thanks so much for stopping by! x

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Copyright © 2012 by Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet Cakes. Content of this blog (including text, photographs and layout) is the property of Jacqueline Butler - please respect copyright laws. If you want to link to my blog, or post any of my photos, please contact me - it would be great to have the opportunity to connect with you. Thank you!

Sugar Peony Inspiration

Petalsweet Classes - Melbourne 2012

The final stop on my Australian tour this year was The Cake School in Ringwood...just about 20 minutes outside the city of Melbourne! My dear friend and lovely host Fran McGregor, owner of the school, picked me up at the airport on one of the few bright and sunny days during the trip, and we immediately drove into the city for the first order of business...a coffee and pastry from the famous Brunetti's:

The following day was all preparation for my three classes...including making paste and setting up all of the tools, supplies and student workstations:

In addition to the wonderful class room, The Cake School also has a beautifully appointed lounge/sitting room/lobby in the front of the building. It is gorgeous...with all kinds of wonderful vintage prettiness that Fran has collected over time:

First up was a class that covered the Ranunculus, Gardenia and Sweet Peas...lots of very lovely students to start my week of teaching:

The second class included two of my favorites...the Southern Magnolia and Parrot Tulip...and more wonderful students making beautiful flowers:

And finally, my last workshop before heading home was the Open Peony Topper...two days working on a beautiful peony flower and some of my favorite fillers (hydrangea and pulled flowers) and then arranging them on a single tier. How lucky for me to have another classroom filled with fabulous and talented students!!

Many thanks to all of my kind and very lovely students for coming to class and sharing your time with me! It was wonderful to meet you all and work with you - and congratulations on all of your stunning flowers! Thank you for making my time in Melbourne so special!

And endless gratitude to my lovely host Fran for taking such fabulous care of all of us during class...and for taking so much time to make me feel welcome and at home during my stay! I so appreciate the wonderful opportunity to teach at The Cake School! Thank you so much, Fran!

More flowers and photos coming soon...thanks for stopping by...x

If you are interested in receiving updates about future classes and workshops in your inbox, please subscribe to our Petalsweet Newsletter below...

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Copyright © 2012 by Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet Cakes. Content of this blog (including text, photographs and layout) is the property of Jacqueline Butler - please respect copyright laws. If you want to link to my blog, or post any of my photos, please contact me - it would be great to have the opportunity to connect with you. Thank you!

Petalsweet Classes - Melbourne 2012

Petalsweet Classes - Sydney 2012 Part II

After my lovely visit to Whimsical Cakehouse, I had the wonderful opportunity to return to the studio of renowned cake artist Faye Cahill, located in a small suburb just outside Sydney city limits. I taught several classes at Faye's last year, and she graciously offered up her newly located studio to me again this year for several more. Thank you for having me, Faye!!

Faye's work is truly stunning, and her studio is a reflection of her incredible taste and her eye for beautiful details:

Set up for class:

Sweet peas and leaves drying:

Adding a bit of pearl dust to finish: 

Group photo from the first class...Sweet peas, Ranunculus and Filler Flowers:

Peony petals drying:

Students beginning to arrange flowers on their cake tiers:

Group photo of the second class...Open Peony Topper:

Many thanks to all of my truly lovely students...you all worked so diligently to create some really beautiful flowers - thank you for coming to class and sharing your time with me! And thank you so much to Faye and her staff for welcoming me to her studio and taking such good care of all of us! I hope to be back soon! x

Up next...classes in Melbourne!

If you are interested in receiving updates about future classes and workshops in your inbox, please subscribe to our Petalsweet Newsletter below...

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Copyright © 2012 by Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet Cakes. Content of this blog (including text, photographs and layout) is the property of Jacqueline Butler - please respect copyright laws. If you want to link to my blog, or post any of my photos, please contact me - it would be great to have the opportunity to connect with you. Thank you!

Petalsweet Classes - Sydney 2012 Part II