letter from the editor
Hello wonderful decorators, What an incredible privilege it is to be writing my very first“ Letter from the Editor” for Cake Decorating Magazine. Stepping into the role of director— and now Editor— of the Australian Cake Decorating Network has been one of the most exciting and meaningful moments of my career, and I’ m absolutely delighted to be here with you.
Over the past few weeks, I’ ve been immersed in reading through our back issues … and I have to tell you, it has been pure joy. Page after page, I’ ve been blown away by the talent, creativity and heart that lives within this community. From elegant wedding tiers to bold sculpted designs, from buttercream florals to intricate sugar work— every edition has reminded me just how extraordinary Australian decorators truly are.
It has also brought back memories of my own early days when I was a professional cake artist in the U. S. I was a close friend of the Cake Central Magazine publishing team back in 2008 – 2011, and often also had the honour of being a featured cake artist. One of my fondest memories from that time was sharing Australian pavlova techniques with the north-western U. S. audience— watching decorators embrace a little piece of Australian baking culture, many found the tinned passionfruit addition a real cultural challenge!
It reminded me then, as it does now, that cake is far more than sugar and skill. It’ s connection. It’ s story. It’ s community.
And that’ s exactly what I see reflected so beautifully in this magazine and in all of you.
As the new steward of ACDN, my commitment is to honour everything you already love about this community while bringing fresh energy, expanded events and new opportunities for learning and connection. Our magazine is a huge part of that— a place to celebrate your artistry, share knowledge, spotlight emerging talent and inspire decorators at every stage of their journey.
To Liz— thank you for building something so special. To our incredible contributors and staff— thank you for your dedication and creativity. And to our members, whether you’ re just joining or have been with ACDN for many years, thank you for making this community what it is.
I can’ t wait to see what we create together.
With warmth, gratitude and excitement for the sweetest chapter ahead,
Emma
COVER IMAGE: SweetP Cakes and Cookies Ellana Haddrill
Emma Holliday Director and Editor
Australian Cake Decorating Network