Petalsweet Sugar Flower Classes {update for January 31}

I'm thrilled to announce several more classes added to my teaching schedule this year...

First, I will be teaching two flower classes at Erica OBrien Cake Design in Hamden, CT in March this year. Erica is an incredibly talented designer known for her beautiful graphic and colorful cake designs (check out her website). She and I met several years ago as colleagues, and have since become wonderful friends and great supporters of each other's businesses. Erica recently relocated her fabulous business from Southern California to Connecticut, and graciously invited me to teach classes at her new studio! These are the only two classes I will be teaching on the East Coast this year, and I would love to see you!

Please see the class descriptions below...and please contact Erica for registration and additional information via her website or(203) 200 - 0350:

OPEN PEONY and PARROT TULIP:
Dates: Thursday and Friday, March 22 - 23, 2012
Location: Erica OBrien Cake Design, Hamden, CT
Time: 10am - 6pm both days



In this two day floral workshop, students will learn how to make two of Petalsweet’s signature flowers, the beautiful, over-sized Open Peony (with stamens) and the fun and fabulous Parrot Tulip. Corresponding buds and leaves will also be covered where appropriate. During the course, students will use modeling techniques to make flower centers, and then use cutters, veiners and specific techniques to create buds, leaves, and the many wired petals needed to form their large blooms. Once all of the components are dry, students will also learn Jacqueline’s signature coloring and dusting techniques, as well as taping, assembling, and finishing touches to complete their flowers. Class limited to 10 students. Tools and supplies will be provided for use in class, and a light lunch is included. Cutters will be available for purchase at the end of the workshop.

THE SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA and GARDENIA:
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, March 24 - 25, 2012
Location: Erica OBrien Cake Design, Hamden, CT
Time: 10am - 6pm both days



In this two day floral workshop, students will learn how to make two beautiful Petalsweet favorites...the Southern Magnolia and the Gardenia! Corresponding buds and both flowers' gorgeous, dark and glossy leaves will be covered as well. During the course, students will use cutters and creamy white paste to create the petals needed for their fabulous Gardenias. In addition, students will also use modeling techniques to create a Magnolia center, and then make numerous, large petals to finish their over sized flower. As time allows, Jacqueline will also share her techniques for making dainty pulled filler flowers. Once all of the components are dry, students will also learn dusting and coloring techniques, as well as taping and assembly to finish their flowers. Class limited to 10 students. Tools and supplies will be provided for use in class, and a light lunch is included. Cutters will be available for purchase at the end of the workshop.

You can see more details and register here...

I will also be teaching a flower workshop at Baking Arts in San Francisco, CA in early April. Richard Festen is an amazing host and classes are held in his beautiful studio in the city:

OPEN PEONY and FREESIA
Baking Arts, San Francisco
April 7 - 8, 2012
9am - 5pm both days





In this two day class, students will learn how to create Petalsweet's
beautiful signature Open Peony (with stamens), as well as the delicate
Springtime favorite...Freesia! Students will use modeling techniques to create their peony center, freesia buds and freesia blossoms, and then make the numerous curled and frilly wired petals needed to make an over sized peony flower. A peony bud and leaves will also be covered. In the second part of class, students will use petal dusts to bring their flowers to life, and finish with assembling a gorgeous
freesia spray and their fabulous peony! Tools and supplies will be
provided for use in class. Class size limited to 10 students. You can sign up for this class on the Baking Arts site here.

Thank you so much...hope to see you in class! More updates coming soon...

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 © 2011 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 Sugar Flower Classes {update for January 31}

Petalsweet Sugar Flower Online Video Course

I'm thrilled to announce my new online video course with Craftsy...Hand-Crafted Sugar Flowers!

In this course you will learn how to make two of my favorite sugar flowers - beautiful Hydrangea, and delicate little Filler Flowers. You've seen them a lot in my arrangements, and I'm so excited to be able to share them with you in an online workshop:



Craftsy is an amazing online crafting community featuring online classes about all different kinds of crafts, including knitting, crochet, quilting, paper crafts and sewing...and now sugar flowers! The site is full of fun craft projects and includes amazing courses taught by fabulous Instructors!

Here's the quick story about how it all came together:

The very talented team at Craftsy contacted me to see if I would be interested in working with them to create an online class as their first Sugarcraft Instructor. I loved the idea of being able to share my passion with as many people as possible..so I said YES! In November I flew to Denver, Colorado to film for three full days with an incredible team at their offices. And while it was A LOT of work, it was also a ton of fun and an incredible learning experience. Here are a couple of photos from the days were were filming:





I had a great time designing this course...especially since it features two flowers I LOVE to create and use! The course is broken down into 11 Lessons, including how to make gumpaste from scratch (many thanks to the fabulous Nicholas Lodge for granting me permission to feature his recipe), as well as how to create hydrangea centers, buds, petals and leaves...and then also pulled filler flowers, buds and leaves! I also included several variations of the pulled flowers so you can choose the version you like the best...I'm a bit partial to the 5-petal blossoms, but the 4-petal blossoms are pretty cute too!

In addition to creating your flowers, the course also includes my tips and techniques for dusting and coloring...and a lesson in my process for gathering your flowers for an arrangement. There are course materials available too, including a list of where you can find the supplies and tools that I like to use and give me great results!

The Craftsy platform is just brilliant:

*I get to interact with you by answering your questions and offering suggestions
*You can share photos of your finished projects for all of us to enjoy
*You can take courses at your own pace
*The courses are accessible at any time
*Your access to the course NEVER expires
*And they are 100% satisfaction guaranteed

You can sign up for my Craftsy course NOW at a special introductory price...I'm so excited to meet you in class!

Click here to sign up!

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

Subscribe to our newsletter


Thanks for stopping by...x

Copyright © 2011 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 Sugar Flower Online Video Course

Australia 2012 Update

Just a quick update...outlined below are a few more classes I will be teaching in Sydney, Australia in 2012...the fabulous Faye Cahill has graciously invited me back to her new studio to teach two workshops that will run in late June. If you would like additional information or would like to register for either of the courses, please visit Faye Cahill's site here:

RANUNCULUS - SWEET PEAS - FILLER FLOWERS



Sat/Sun June 23 – 24, 2012
9am – 5pm both days
Class fee: $700

In this two day class, students will learn how to make Petalsweet’s version of the adorable ranunculus flower along with delicate sweet peas and pulled filler flowers. Corresponding buds and leaves will be covered as appropriate. The second part of class will cover coloring and dusting techniques, as well as taping and finishing touches to complete your flowers. As time permits, Jacqueline will demonstrate some of her favorite arranging techniques using the flowers made in class. Class size limited to 10 students. *THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL*


OPEN PEONY TOPPER WORKSHOP



Mon/Tues June 25 – 26, 2012
9am – 5pm both days
Class fee: $700

In this two day class, students will learn how to make a stylized Petalsweet peony that has an open center with stamens, as well as delicate hydrangea and filler flowers, and corresponding buds and leaves. Once all of the flowers, buds and leaves have been created, students will use beautiful petal dusts to add color and bring them to life. In the last part of class, Jacqueline will demonstrate some of her techniques for arranging sugar flowers, and students will then arrange their own flowers on top of a single tier. Class size limited to 10 students. *THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL*

Many thanks to Faye for the wonderful opportunity to teach at her new studio! I'm so excited to be returning to Australia! Hope to see you!

Also, as of this posting, there are only a few spots available in the classes I am teaching at Whimsical Cakehouse outside Sydney earlier in June next year. Please contact Linda or Guy Harden right away if you are interested in attending! Classes in Melbourne will be posting soon!

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

Subscribe to our newsletter


Thanks for stopping by...x

Copyright © 2011 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!

Australia 2012 Update

Petalsweet in Australia 2012

I'm very excited to announce that I will be returning to teach sugar flower classes in Australia in 2012! I've hardly recovered from the amazing adventure I had there this past June and July, but I'm already missing my lovely new friends and colleagues, AND thinking about all of the amazing students I had the privilege of working with in my previous courses there...so I am more than ready to head back to Oz, and so grateful for the wonderful opportunity!

I had hoped to release ALL of my class and workshop dates at the same time, but some of the courses have trickled out already, so I wanted to make sure all of the details that are confirmed at this point were posted here for those of you who are interested...

First stop on the tour next year...the fabulous new Whimsical Cakehouse in Sydney! Known for their beautiful and luxurious location and small class sizes, I was thrilled when Linda and Guy Harden extended their invitation to me. I will be teaching the following three workshops at Whimsical Cakehouse:


SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA - GARDENIAS - FILLER FLOWERS
June 9 - 10, 2012
Please see a detailed class description and registration information here!



OPEN PEONY and PARROT TULIPS
June 11 - 12, 2012
Please see a detailed class description and registration information here!


(Gorgeous peony photo by the amazingly talented Erin Wrightsman of Nurture Nature Photography in Petaluma, CA)


PARROT TULIP SUGAR VASE
(photo coming soon)
June 15 - 17, 2012
Please see a detailed class description and registration information here!

I hope to see you in class...please let me know if you will be there!

My heartfelt thanks to Whimsical Cakehouse for your wonderful invitation to share my sugar flowers at your wonderful new location...the countdown to June has begun!

I will be announcing a few additional classes at a second location in Sydney, as well as several workshops in Melbourne at the fabulous The Cake School as soon as the details come together...which should be very soon! My apologies for the small bit of chaos...many thanks for your patience and understanding!

Thank you for stopping by! x

Copyright © 2011 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 in Australia 2012

Goodbye Summer...and Southern Magnolia Sugar Flowers

Just when I thought I was ready to think seriously about Fall and the upcoming Holiday Season, I decided I wanted just a bit more time with one of my favorite summertime flowers - the grand Southern Magnolia...

So I put together a few of the over-sized blooms with several buds, and a handful of the gorgeous leaves that are so striking against the flower's white petals. Here are the two-tone leaves before they were dusted and glazed:



And here they are finished...it's always amazing to me the difference with just a small addition of dark green petal dust and Confectioner's Glaze:



Open flower with buds and leaves:



Turns out I made these at the perfect time to decorate a small wedding cake design...clean and simple with a little green ribbon to finish:





Very soon after, I had the fabulous opportunity to teach this beautiful flower to a lovely group of students at Baking Arts in San Francisco! Each student made a gorgeous open flower and bud, and a pair of glossy leaves. In addition, we also made my favorite filler flowers...hydrangea and five-petal pulled flowers:











Many thanks to my wonderful students...you all did stunning work, and it was such a pleasure working with you! And thank you to my fabulous host, Richard Festen, of the Baking Arts studio - working with you is a joy - thank you for the opportunity!

I'm looking forward to my final class for the year, and am currently working on plans and details for new classes, workshops, instructional materials and supplies for 2012...so I'd love to know - what are the top 3 sugar flowers you would like to learn?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Copyright © 2011 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!

Goodbye Summer...and Southern Magnolia Sugar Flowers

Last Petalsweet Sugar Flower Class for 2011

Greetings and Happy Fall!! Below please find details and information regarding my last group sugar flower class for the year. I will be teaching some of my Spring favorites this Fall so you can be ready to use them in the new season in 2012. I'm thrilled to be able to teach again at the beautiful Baking Arts studio in San Francisco, California:


*Gardenias, Parrot Tulips and Sweet Peas*

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 3 - 4, 2011

Time: 9AM - 5PM both days

Location: Baking Arts

Class fee: $595.00








In this two day class, students will learn how to make three different Spring favorites in sugar, including gardenias, parrot tulips and sweet peas. The first part of class will cover modeling flower centers and buds, as well as putting together the gardenia flower and sweet peas in various stages of bloom. Students will also learn how to make wired petals for the parrot tulip and corresponding leaves. The second part of class will cover all of the appropriate coloring and dusting techniques to bring the flowers and leaves to life, as well as assembly and finishing touches.

Instructor will provide tools and supplies needed for class – and will have some cutters and petal dusts available for sale afterwards.

Both days also include morning coffee and pastries, a light lunch, and afternoon coffee and sweets!

Class size limited to 10 students. Registration is through Baking Arts.

Hope to see you in class...new class updates (both US and international) coming soon, including more flower-making workshops as well as workshops for arranging and decorating with sugar flowers. Thanks so much for stopping by...

Copyright © 2011 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!

Last Petalsweet Sugar Flower Class for 2011

The Wedding Cake Class 2011

I had the fabulous opportunity to teach at Richard Festen's Baking Arts studio in San Francisco a few weeks ago, where I co-taught a four day class that covered the construction and decoration of a beautiful two-tier wedding cake:



The concept of this class was conceived after my dear friend and colleague Viola Doyle of Project Sweet Stuff (Sydney, Australia) introduced me to the amazing cake designer Faye Cahill (also in Sydney) and her wonderfully talented staff.

While teaching sugar flower classes at Faye's cake studio this past June, I mentioned that I thought decorators in America would love to learn the Australian methods of using ganache and fondant to create a perfect canvas for finishes and sugar flowers. After an initial brainstorming session, Viola came up with a class idea that would incorporate one of Faye's cake designs with some of my Petalsweet sugar flowers. Our friend and colleague Richard at Baking Arts was contacted, travel details were quickly put in to motion...and the mock up of the final design was created on one of my last days at Faye's studio! Within a matter of weeks, Viola had worked with Mav Georgeson (Faye's fabulous lead decorator) to put together an incredible curriculum for a four day class...and the dates were scheduled for late September.

Fast forward from June to mid-September when Viola and Mav finally arrived in San Francisco several days before me to work with Richard on the final preparations for class. I arrived in time to unload and organize the flower supplies and get a good night's sleep before our nine students arrived the following morning.

My co-instructors...the wonderful Viola and Mav:



Welcome to the beautiful Baking Arts studio:





Prepping for Day One:





Mav, Viola and our wonderful host, Richard...Richard is an amazing pastry chef and teacher, and offers a wide range of incredible pastry classes at his studio. He also just happens to make a fabulous cup of coffee - the perfect way to start four very busy days:



Some of the stunning and delicious morning treats Richard made for all of us (photo by Annie Loo of Michael Muramoto Photography):



Starting to work on the cakes...filling them with chocolate ganache:



Students watching Viola demonstrate the next steps in preparing their cakes:



Starting the ganache process:





And the absolutely beautiful and perfect results:



Day Two started with modeling a lot of different buds and filler flowers:







And then covering the cakes with fondant:



Perfect and pristine...and ready for the next phase of decorating:



Day Three was a very busy one for the students as they learned how to stack their cakes, and then pearlize and add gorgeous stenciling to the fondant. In addition, I needed them to make LOTS of peony petals and leaves for the final design...

Stacking demo:



Making sure the top tier is centered:



Stenciling demo:







Sugar flower peony demo:



Explaining the peony petals and construction of the flower:



The Day Four morning session started with the students dusting all of their buds, flowers and leaves to bring them to life...and then in the afternoon they assembled their beautiful peonies:









Beautiful hydrangea petals, buds and leaves ready for one of the cakes (photos by Annie Loo of Michael Muramoto Photography):





The remaining class time was spent adding the ribbon finish at the base of the tiers, and arranging the sugar flowers on the tiers...here are a few photos that capture some of the fun and details of the afternoon (next 3 photos by Annie Loo of Michael Muramoto Photography)...

Arranging demo:



Beautiful student work:





Happy and grateful instructors...we absolutely loved every minute!



And finally a class photo featuring all of our gorgeous and wonderful students and their stunning cakes:





MANY thanks to my fellow instructors Mav and Viola for a fabulous four days of teaching and truly wonderful time together! Miss you - love you both!

A dear thank you to my friend and colleague Faye Cahill for sharing your beautiful cake design with our students...and for the great honor of letting me finish your design with my sugar flowers.

A huge thank you to our incredible host Richard Festen...we loved working in your gorgeous studio, and we thank you for all of your assistance in making this dream come true!

And finally, heartfelt thanks to all of our students for coming to this unique class and giving us the opportunity to work with you and share our knowledge with you...it was such an absolute pleasure - thank you for your kindness, thoughtfulness, hard work and endless smiles!

Thanks for stopping by...more updates and photos coming soon!

Copyright © 2011 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!

The Wedding Cake Class 2011