Oh Gateaux

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Competition Time!

The last few months have been so wonderful and we wanted to thank you all for being such amazing people! Soooo we've decided to run a competition to win the cake toppers pictured here. If you are the lucky couple who wins then we will of course be able to change the hair colour to suit you both (we won't make you dye your hair for the big day!). Unfortunately we cannot change the clothing, those bad boys are stuck down!

All you have to do enter is go to our Facebook page here, like and comment and it might help if you share too! The competition will run till Friday the 19th of December.

Best of luck everyone!  Helen & Simon

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Oh Gateaux Cake Toppers

Something exciting is about to happen! I've teamed up again with the super talented Simon Fitzpatrick. Simon has previously worked with me on shoots and is an overall general helper outer and opinion giver. Oh and one other thing, he's my boyfriend. I'm very lucky to have such a talented man around. 

Since I started on my Oh Gateaux adventure not only has Simon been supportive but he has also wanted to get involved with the business. From the minute he voiced his interest I have been super excited about getting him on board.

As a result of this the idea for Oh Gateaux Cake Toppers was born. So not only will you be able to order cakes from us but you will now be able to order cake toppers for any occasion too.

The style and look of the toppers are very much a reflection of both our tastes. We wanted to make them look current and fashionable but we are also huge fans of natural materials, so we decided wood would suit best (see what I did there?)

The toppers are custom made to suit your needs. Think hair, wedding dress, suit and tie colours, anything you feel is essential to your overall look. We also plan on having some available to buy that are 'ready to be shipped' so if you are in a rush please get in touch and we'll see what we can do. 

Oh Gateaux Cake Toppers will be ready to buy very very soon and we will certainly let you know as soon as we're up and running. 

Helen & Simon.

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The Halloween Wedding

When you first hear the words 'Halloween Wedding' your mind might conjure up a myriad of spooky images. Skull and crossbones wedding cakes, black wedding dresses and pumpkin centrepieces. Pumpkin centrepieces you say? Now this got me thinking. A lot of people getting married around this time might run away at the sound of pumpkins assuming they are not fitting with the elegant, sophisticated style they are going for on their big day. But what if there was a way of incorporating them into your Halloween wedding and making them look classy as hell (sorry I had to). Luckily pumpkin centrepieces can be really versatile and the best part is that they are super affordable too. 

Photo by Brittany Watson Jepsen.

Below I've included my favourites from online, some of which have tutorials so you can have a go yourselves.

Painting a pumpkin is an easy way of making it look instantly chic. All you have to do then if place a vase with water inside and add some flowers in the centre.

Have a look at Chatelaine for more stunning photos and inspiration.

Photo by Roberto Caruso.

If you're looking for some mood lighting on your table then why not make these candleholders? Add a splatter of glitter and you're flying! Twig and Thistle have a full tutorial for this beautiful piece which you can find here. 

Mod Podge is one of the most essential tools for any crafter and for this project you may need an entire bottle of it. However if the finished product is anything like the image below you definitely won't mind. Country Living will show you exactly how it's done.

Be prepared to find bits of glitter in your home for weeks after this project by Amy of PBteen. This is a wonderful tutorial with the added bonus of some dreamy photography.

Adding a lace pattern to anything is an instant winner in my book. Martha Stewart has a fabulous tutorial for these green beauties.

Last up are these découpage pumpkins from Pocket Full of Dreams. This photo makes my heart sing. Luckily there is a tutorial too so you may find me literally glued to the kitchen table this weekend. 

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Cove Cake Design Class

When I first started becoming interested in cake design there was one thing that became apparent to me very quickly on. I love sharp edges on cakes. This super clean look is quite popular in Australia and New Zealand but I hadn't seen it being done here in Ireland until I came across the Facebook page of Cove Cake Design. 

Cove Cake Design is owned by Suzanne Brady and all of Suzanne's designing and baking happens in her own home kitchen in the south of Dublin. 

Contemporary and elegant wedding cake design is how Suzanne describes Cove Cake Design and I couldn't agree more.

I was invited by Decobake to participate in Suzanne's first class earlier this week and couldn't believe my luck. Someone who's work I have admired so much over the last few months and by complete coincidence I got offered a spot on her class. It was also my first ever class so I was delighted my teacher was someone who's work I adore.

The class was run over two days and I can't speak highly enough of it. Suzanne is a fabulous teacher. Her attention to detail is really something to be admired. I learned so much in the class, various tips and tricks that the internet just doesn't tell you. Not only is Suzanne extremely talented at what she does she is also a genuinely lovely person. 

The staff at Decobake couldn't have been nicer too. I was never without a cup of tea in my hand, which can be quite difficult when you're trying to decorate a cake! Alongside the copious amounts of tea they also provided us with a beautiful lunch from their neighbours The Bakehouse and cupcakes they themselves sell.

If you don't already know Cove Cake Design I highly recommend you pay Suzanne's page a visit. Your eyes will thank you! 

As you can see from the photos I liked the cake I made in the class so much that I had to bring it to the park for a quick photo shoot. 

Thanks so much for everything Suzanne.

I cannot wait to watch your business grow from strength to strength. x

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Appleberry Press. Sweet, Fresh Design.

For those of you who know me you will already know that there are certain things in life that make me swoon. I'm talking about that warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach or a high pitched squeal that unfortunately isn't only heard by dogs. 

Don't worry, I'm not about to list all of these things but I will tell you about one. This one is pretty far up the list so it's a good one to start with.

Stationery. Yes, stationery. The word alone makes me giddy. If you ever find yourself walking down the street accompanied by yours truly and we happen upon anywhere that sells stationery do yourself a favour and grab a tea or coffee in the nearest café. I may be a while. 

Now if you have a wedding coming up and fancy something really special for your invitations then you should definitely check out Appleberry Press. They have partnered with some of Europe's most talented designers to bring a diverse range of designs to suit a huge variety of tastes.

Their letterpress invitations are truly to die for. We've established that stationery makes me swoon. Add a dash of letterpress printing in there and I'm going to need to sit down. For me it's not just about the aesthetic of a beautifully designed invitation or card, but just as importantly about how it feels. This is where I think letterpress printing cannot be beaten.

For those of you who would like a uniquely personal design for the big day you will be happy to hear that Appleberry Press also create bespoke one off designs tailored just for you. You can work one on one with one of their designers to create something that is truly personal and unique. 

Speaking of designers, there may be some designers out there who are wondering how they can get a slice of the action. Well luckily Appleberry Press are currently running a design competition so now's your chance. All you have to do is make a design based on the theme of 'Modern Love'. You can download a design pack from their site or email them directly. The deadline is Friday October 31st. I'm hoping to enter the competition myself so let the brainstorming begin. The coffee pot has boiled and there is chocolate on hand. Chocolate is an essential part of my design process by the way.

If you're interested in entering and would like more information just follow the link here. 

Best of luck everyone.

Image Credits

Appleberry Press Facebook Page

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The Changing of the Seasons

Leaves, leaves, leaves, everywhere!

I always considered myself a summer person but I have to say I am loving how beautiful Ireland is looking these days. More and more leaves are falling daily, and the colours. Oh the colours! 

This is my first Autumn as a cake designer so maybe that's why I'm falling for it. It's designer heaven out there.

I made this little cake to celebrate this beautiful season. It's covered in leaves, berries, acorns, flowers and all things tiny really.

This cake was a joy to make. It designed itself. This final design wasn't what I had pictured it to be at all but the cake just kept calling for more and more. I love the fact that it's all white. From a distance it's difficult to tell what's going on, but as you move in closer all these beautiful little details just start jumping out at you. 

I hope you're all enjoying the sound of leaves underneath your feet.

Helen. x

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Children of Lir Inspired Cake

I still remember the first time I ever heard the legend of the Children of Lír. Being lucky enough to live in Ireland it is simple to find inspiration in its beautiful landscape and folklore. I cannot wait to show you my next cake which is inspired by this wonderful tale of magic and spells. Here is little preview of what to expect.

I saw the first half of the video from my shoot at the Chocolate Factory the other day. I am so delighted with it so far. As soon as I get my hands on the final product I'll post it here for you all to see.

Helen

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Oh Gateaux BTS Video

I'm on my way to check out how the video from the Oh Gateaux shoot in the CHOCOLATE FACTORY is looking later today. It is currently in the editing room as I type this. I can't wait to see how it looks so far. 

Here is a photo of one of the cakes taken by Simon Fitzpatrick. 

I think I may have gotten the photo shoot bug if there is such a thing. I'm sure there must be because I can feel it. 

I am already planning my next photo shoot with the very talented photographer Simon Fitzpatrick. I am waiting on a delivery of some essentials for the cake and once they arrive I can get started on this next shoot. The location has been chosen, so all I need now is to build a magical machine to control the ever temperamental Irish weather.

Wish me luck! x

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The Chocolate Factory Shoot

I had a wonderful day today working with some amazingly talented people. Having a shoot in an old chocolate factory was very special indeed. I couldn't wait to show you something from the shoot so here's a still of the three cakes I made.

Can't wait to show you more! x

Design pattern on left three tier cake by © Patterrific

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Ombre Wedding Cake

This three tier ombre wedding cake was styled on a bridal headdress. I wanted to add height with the flowers to give it a more dramatic look while keeping the flowers looking delicate. 

I have a very busy month ahead of me and I'm looking forward to showing you the next cakes I'll be doing. 

Helen. x

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New Edible Printer

My birthday present from my boyfriend this year was an edible printer. He knows me so well! 

I am so excited for the endless possibilities. I love illustrating so it gives me the opportunity to incorporate that into my cake designs. 

Here's the first cake I have made using the printer. I illustrated the flowers which was a lot of fun. Can't wait to see what else this baby can do.

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A Very Special Birthday Gift

A few weeks ago I posted about the beautiful handcrafted Valek rolling pins I had found on Etsy. Today I got a special delivery for my birthday of my very own personalised Oh Gateaux rolling pin. It's so pretty.

I fell in love with these when I saw Zuzia's Etsy shop one day. I cannot believe I am now an official owner of one! It's even prettier than I could have imagined. It even came with a cookie.

Thank you Lyndsey, John and baby Grace for such a beautiful and thoughtful gift. xx

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My little friend James

My little friend James had his first birthday yesterday so I made him a little cake to help with the celebrations. James is the son of my oldest friend, Claire. I have known Claire my entire life and it is great to see so much of her in baby James. 

The cake I made had James and his favourite little bunny rabbit in a boat on an adventure. Everyone was delighted with the cake and they had a great day.

 I hope you like it. x

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Happy Birthday to me!

I had such a wonderful birthday this year. It started off with the best breakfast of course! All I had to do was sit back and enjoy it too which was the best part! After my gorgeous breakfast I got treated to a private horse trek in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It was just me and my boyfriend and our wonderful instructor Andrea. Oh and of course the horses! Can't recommend it enough. A big thanks to my boyfriend Simon for getting on a horse for the first time. If you're living in Ireland or ever visiting this is a must. There are beautiful views of Dublin and the sugar loaf mountain. It was the best start to a wonderful birthday.

After our horse trek it was onwards to Greystones to have lunch at The Happy Pear café. Again....yum! We had a beautiful curry with a red cabbage salad and some cola. The Happy Pear is a very special place with amazing food, staff and a great ethos for healthy living. 

We were so full after our meal that we decided to get a small dessert to bring home with us. Ok ok so we may have ended up getting two desserts each! But we did get small ones, and no cake so technically I don't think that counts! I got a raw vegan 'Snickers' bar and a raw vegan Wellington Square and yes they were as good as they sound! Also, although I had plans to eat mine when I got home (I even put the bag of treats out of reach in the back seat of the car), I may have ended up eating them before we even started the car. I blame The Happy Pear and their amazing talents.

Also it was a really warm day so I didn't want them melting. Ah who am i kidding? I don't need to make excuses. It was my birthday! 

I was all tuckered out by the time we got home and in a bit of a food coma if I'm honest. 

So that was my wonderful birthday. Thank you Simon.

Helen. xx

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Hi everyone,

So here's a new cake I made last weekend. I found these beautiful ribbons and had to use them. They're stunning. The blue in the main ribbon I used matched perfectly with the fondant. Love it when that happens.

Helen. x

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New Cake Stand!

I made myself a lovely new cake stand from a candlestick and a beautiful cut glass plate I bought yesterday. I really wanted to see how it would photograph so of course I made a little gold cake to try it out! 

I love my new cake stand and the best thing is it's unique.

More baking for me today. I really need to stop licking the bowl after the cakes are in the oven! Any tips are greatly appreciated! 

Helen. xx

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David Lebovitz at BabyCakes NYC: A Chat and Some Doughnuts!

Hi everyone,

Lots and lots of work to get done today so these doughnuts should keep me going.

I found this recipes from the Babycakes website and the doughnuts turned out amazing. They are a lot healthier than regular doughnuts which is why it’s ok to have four.

Here is a picture of the doughnuts that are all for me. Any excuse.

Helen. x