Cake! magazine by Australian Cake Decorating Network November 2014 | Page 77

What would you say have been your
career highlights to date?
My first book publication is probably
my favourite as I felt it was such a
great achievement. I’ve also enjoyed
teaching and travelling to different
parts if the world, meeting new
students.
How would you describe your wedding
cake style?
Quite simple and pretty I hope. It’s
always changing though as new
methods and techniques evolve I
like to keep up and incorporate them
where I can.
Of all the wedding cakes you have
created, which is your favourite?
Although it has been made I would
say nearly 200 times, the tumbling
hydrangea design is still one of my
favourites as it always looks amazing
in whatever colour scheme and
whatever size ( although the bigger the
better!) it’s so simple to do  and stress
free and you know the couple is going
to love it!
The more traditional wedding cakes
are white and ivory in colour. These
colours tend to show imperfections
easily. When work with light colours
what tips do you have for keeping the
icing clean, crisp and fluff free?

What elements do you like on a
wedding cake?
I like everything really!  I love lace
appliqués, pretty piping and sugar
flowers.
What do you wish you saw more of on
today’s wedding cakes?
Nice understated and simple Lambeth
piping.
What do you think have been the most
popular wedding cake trends?

I find usually the darker colours show
more imperfections as the icing is
usually a lot drier and you get cracks!
To get the best results though with any
icing, you need to work fairly quickly
and confidently but don’t rush. Apply
pressure where necessary but with
love! Breath and never panic- it’s a
cake and if needs be, do it again!
Make sure your work area is always
clean and fluff free and wear white or
very pale cotton clothing when working
with the fondant. If your hands are
hot, wash them in cold water first! Get
yourself some good smothers!

In the past 5 years...... dare I say
‘vintage’(the shabby chic roses and
pearls look), lace, ruffles, ‘MarieAntoinette’ style, Sharp edges, metallic
and now wafer paper techniques.
What wedding cake trends do you
foresee in the next 12 months?
I keep hoping it’s back to traditional
piping but it seems the bolder
more geometric designs including
the chevrons and funky repetitive
patterns are getting more and more
popular. Colourful punchy accents and
statement sugar flowers are also on
the rise.

You have something exciting in the
pipeline. Can you share it with the
ACDN community?
I’m currently working on a brand new
book on ‘lace cakes’ incorporating
a whole range of techniques and
mediums used to make sugar ‘lace’
which will be our next year!

more information
Follow Zoe Clark Cakes here:
www.thecakeparlour.com/
Facebook Zoe Clark Cakes
Twitter @zoeclarkcakes