I’m making a wedding cake and was asked to recreate the look of those classic navy blue and white ceramics (not sure what this is called). My first mock-up had the same flower design on the bottom tier as the top tier shown, but the bride wanted to add a bird/some other florals to break up the design a bit. This is my second mock-up, and she said she liked it better but I could tell she wasn’t 100% happy. I just got the save the date card and would like to find a way to get a design like on the card on the cake, but I am not skilled at painting on a cake.
Is there another way to accomplish this?
by timanthaaa
20 Comments
The type of ceramic is called delft blue, or royal delft. I would definitely recommend looking up photos for reference. The style is quite intricately detailed and sort of “busy” in a good way imo. I think the bottom tier needs a lot more detail, it looks kind of plain which is not in line with the design’s aesthetics.
If you’re planning on fondant I would honestly just paint on the cake. Let the fondant dry for a day or two then use gel food coloring diluted with everclear to paint the design on.
Look into either ordering or finding at hobby lobby some “lace molds” you’ll also have to find a recipe using “edible lace” most likely it will have gelatin to make it pliable. But you can dye the lace a blue color and cut out sections if you struggle with piping this kind of detail
https://preview.redd.it/irk5qg8k6pbc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63246014102ed938e4e0f139fd930f41a17de7fa
Maybe check out Maison Olivia on Instagram to get some more inspiration. She does cake decorations like that and I think they’re all made with buttercream. Maybe she’s also using paintbrushes plus edible paint for some of the detailing, I’m not sure. But she definitely has multiple cakes with designs like the one in your second picture.
Have you considered buttercream stenciling? There are tons of stencils out there, some with toile or flowers that may fit the bill. There are also several tutorials if you’ve never done it before (I haven’t, but I’ve seen it done).
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6VB8NXzy7w](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6VB8NXzy7w)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4KwMTgF9tI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4KwMTgF9tI)
Not a cake decorator and I know this is not what you might have asked for but something about the bottom tier and the bird design makes me feel like a design of intertwined love birds would create a elegant and romantic design. I have attached a photo for reference on what in trying to convey.
https://preview.redd.it/oi8h0ou8kpbc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=45bfd2b698ee5f5e51121ec5106b930e961083d9
This seems just ridiculously difficult. I hope you’re charging $10,000. The original illustration was done using digital illustration tools – vector drawing programs with the ability to tweak endlessly and undo things and do things over and over until it’s right. Asking someone to do that with food is a huge ask.
I would just print the similar motif on an edible paper.
I’d cover the cake in sugar paste (fondant) and paint the design on.
I second the previous comment about printing the design on edible paper. You can probably find a local business that does edible printing, and it’ll look great. You can use piping or fondant to disguise the edges of the printed pieces
I found that pattern on Zazzle take a look at other versions of the panel [link](https://www.zazzle.com/navy_blue_and_white_asian_influence_chinoiserie_save_the_date-256372951122105723)
Look into royal icing brush embroidery. It is easier than it looks and turns out looking very detailed and delicate. I’ve used this technique many times with great success.
#Chinoiserie
It’s a style of blue and white ornamentation current chiefly in the 18th century in Europe, characterized by intricate patterns and an extensive use of motifs identified as Chinese.
There are many beautiful examples online. Try a Google search for “Chinoiserie Wedding Cake”.
I bet there’s something similar for free on a stock photo site, like Vecteezy, I see a ton of wedding invites on there. If you do go that route, choose a vector file
that resembles majolika of my country!
I would opt for a printed fondant, which you can cover the cake with.
One small thing is that I wouldn’t have the bird looking down. It’s already on the huge bottom cake and directionally doesn’t point the eye towards the other cake
Good luck. Can’t wait to see it
Oh my gosh, that will be a beautiful cake. I can’t wait to see it. I’ve seen some online similar type designs in blue. It is so beautiful.