Elaborate "Rocker" Cake Takes 120 Hours to Custom Design

A Cake for Kings

Custom crafted design features local rockers Kingsfoil onstage and “live”



YORK, PA. -- Maybe you can have your cake – and eat it, too. For local rockers Kingsfoil, what could be sweeter than a new album launch party on the heels of a VH1 interview? Well, how about an incredible custom cake to commemorate the occasion? 

Kingsfoil

The indie rock band – featuring Jordan Davis, Tristan Martin, Tim Warren and Malcolm in the Middle’s celebrity star Frankie Muniz - is based out of York County, PA. Their new album, A Beating Heart is a Bleeding Heart, was officially released on Sept. 25.  A local launch party was held at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Hundreds of fans attended to see Kingsfoil perform their latest hits. After the show, fans were served with pieces of chocolate and vanilla cake draped in a sugary creation that tasted great and looked out-of-this-world.

 

Christy Marie's

The cake, a custom creation handcrafted courtesy of Christy Marie’s in Shrewsbury, PA took more than 120 hours total to create and consumed more than 50 pounds of fondant, a special icing used to decoratively cover cakes and create more intricate designs.

Topped with lifelike figurines of the four rockers - as well as their instruments, their set and stage lights lit, yes lit, around the perimeter of the concert stage. Each piece is modeled after photos that show the musicians in their everyday and promo attire and/or performing. Jordan wears a denim shirt from one of the band’s promo photos and Frankie is sporting red tennis shoes; the drum cymbals spotlight a dusty bronze cast and no stage would be complete without multiple microphones bent at varying angles.

The various pieces are made of a multiple of mediums – fondant, gumpaste, modeling chocolate and rice crispy treats. The album cover rotated on top while a midnight blue-black-silver color scheme inspired by the album permeated top to bottom.

Christy Marie Parrish started the intensive project after seeing a concert in May and designed each component, piece by piece.  Molds are used to create the bodies, which are then clothed with shirts, jeans and shoes. Hair, eyes and facial features are distinctly different and unique to each performer.

 

Check out their photos here

 

Photos by Sarah Bothwell at Blue Couch Studios

“I’m really big into detail,” says Christy. She painstakingly analyzes photos, uploads them to a computer, color matches the fondant, and sculpts designs down to the piano keys, guitar strings, and set décor. A set list with song titles lies sideways on the floor, instruments show their brand names, and a miniature carrier case wears their trademark tree design.

These big projects are always a family affair at Christy Marie’s. Christy’s sister-in-law, Tiffany, enjoys baking and loved the challenge of making this large cake and especially supporting a local band.

Christy Marie’s is a local business in south central Pa. that sells cake and candy supplies, everything you need to create your own custom sweets and treats. Christy's parents were owners of The Cake & Wedding Cottage in Baltimore, Md., which recently celebrated its 35^th anniversary. Christy Marie’s opened in 2009.

If you’re inspired, you can learn how to create your own custom designs. For a full listing of current and upcoming classes, you can visit www.christymaries.com or call 717-235-6555.

Go to the Christy Marie’s website

Go to the Christy Marie’s Facebook Page
Follow on Twitter @ChristyMaries

Small Business Celebrates Big Day

True Value Plus 50^th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 6;

Proceeds Benefit Fire Departments

True Value Plus will celebrate its 50^th anniversary with a customer appreciation event on Saturday, Oct. 6, at its stores at 836 E. Forrest Avenue, Shrewsbury and 231 N. Main Street, Loganville. Festivities will include a bounce house for the kids, free hot dogs and Carman’s ice cream from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., as well as a cake cutting at noon and door prizes throughout the day at both locations. Customers also will enjoy many items 50% off in honor of True Values 50 years of business - and 5% of all sales will be donated to the Shrewsbury and Loganville Volunteer Fire Departments, which will have fire engines on site and on display.                                                                          

True Value Plus has long been a family-owned business that’s worked hard, changed with the times and given back to the community. The Shrewsbury home improvement center, which now features 36,000 square feet of retail space, was first owned and operated by Bob Hittie and his wife Jean. Their two sons, Scott and Brad both grew up in the store and today co-own and co-manage the day-to-day operations.

“Over the years,” says Scott Hittie, “we have carefully aligned our product selection to meet the needs of the community and deliver on the expectations of local customers. We are committed to our customers and to providing them with the best shopping experience possible. As an independent retailer, we've created a one-stop destination where shoppers can find all the great products, expert advice, and inspiration they need to get their small repair and home-improvement projects done right.”

With any business in existence for half a century, there is interesting trivia. Did you know:

·         Bob and Jean Hittie bought New Freedom Hardware in 1962

·         The store initially looked more like a gift store than a hardware store

·         The Hittie children grew up on site – first napping and playing in, then working after school til close, and later running the store

·         The owners started out doing odds and ends job to make ends meet – rototilling gardens, repairing windows and screens, delivering items

·         Today, True Value Plus makes 12,000 keys annually, mixed 11,000 gallons of paint, filled more than 11,000 propane tanks, sold more than 12,000 2x4’s and is one of the largest Stihl dealers in the region

·         The Shrewsbury store has undergone several expansions in just the last 10 years – in 2002, with a drive through lumber warehouse, in 2005, converting warehouse storage into a retail sales area three times it’s original, and in 2009, both stores were remodeled, that made them brighter, more organized and easier to shop.  

Stop by Saturday, Oct. 6 to celebrate with True Value Plus – and to help a good cause.

“This all started with our father,” says Hittie. “When he started out in business, he realized that he needed to be involved in the community. And, he has done this in a big way over the years. In the 70's, Bob thought that New Freedom needed a Community Center, and he was a big part in making that happen. The same thing when the YMCA came to town. Bob became highly involved in the planning process and he made a large financial commitment. True Value has always tried to fully support as many local organizations as possible. This includes the local libraries, fire departments, school organizations- sports teams, bands, yearbook, etc., countless local Church groups, local youth sports teams, and many Scouting organizations.
 
Scott and Brad are both Eagle Scouts and enjoy helping many young men with their Eagle projects. Bob has been very involved with the New Freedom Lions Club and has worked many, many hours at their annual carnival over the years. And Jean was the unsung hero. She was always right there to keep him organized, fed, and supported. She worked many hours at the New Freedom store, raised two sons and was an active volunteer. Scott and Brad continue to model themselves after their parents, but the bar has been set high.
 
“Dad continues to work some hours almost every day, even at the age of 81,” says Brad Hittie. “Our parents are highly respected in the community and they have earned it. They love this community. And the community has allowed us to reach this 50-year anniversary. They’ve supported us, just as we’ve tried our best to support them.”

So, come on out and join the fun as a local business celebrates half a century!

WGTY Radio plans a live broadcast noon-2 at the Shrewsbury store with Dan Douglas and there will be a Kidde Fire Safety Event from 10-2.

Visit the True Value website
Find their Facebook page
Follow on Twitter

Are you celebrating a milestone? Let us know. You can email me at gwen@milestonespr.com.

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A Story of Sweet Success

Today we meet with Tammy Mansberger, owner of the Cake & Wedding Cottage, a family-owned business that's celebrating its 35th anniversary. She'll share more about growing up in the industry, switching gears, the hottest trends, dish on the popular cake decorating shows and share more about what lies ahead. 

Tell us more about your business.
“Cake & Wedding Cottage specializes in cake decorating and candy making supplies as well as wedding accessories. My cousins first opened it and I worked at the store all through my high school years. My grandmother was the most wonderful baker and she inspired us all at a very young age. My cousin Donna, who owns her own shop in Shrewsbury, Pa., is an amazing cake decorator and candy maker.”

Did you always plan to be owner of the Cake & Wedding Cottage?

“I never thought I would one day own the store. After college, I worked in the educational software development field and then transitioned into the pharmaceutical sales training industry.  I loved my career but things took a twist when my mom died unexpectedly. That changed my life forever.  At the time, my cousins were already planning to retire and were looking to sell the business.  After almost a year of considering it, I decided to take the challenge and I’m so grateful to my cousins for giving me this opportunity. That was four years ago, in 2008.” 

Your family had an interesting philosophy about the secret to success for the family business. Tell me more.

“We first opened in 1977 and have always believed in quality products, a family environment and a love of learning. Teach them and share your knowledge was the motto of my family who turned their vision into a dream.”

What do you think of the hit TV shows that spotlight the art and craft of cake decorating?

“I love the shows! They have revitalized our industry and have taken creativity to a whole new level.  It’s a joy seeing an increased number of teenagers taking interest in the field.  So many people are getting hooked on baking and decorating because of the shows. "

What are some interesting trends in the field?
“Cake pops, cupcakes, isomalt and disco dust! Edible transfers, that let you bring in a favorite photo and make it part of the cake design. And you should see our 10-tier cupcake stand, which can be decorated to compliment your special occasion.”

Tell us more about the year ahead.

“Our focus this year is on quality products, great classes, and letting everyone know that we moved.  I recently had discussions with an internationally recognized confectionary artist and she is working on launching a degree program in sugar arts.  We have a lot of exciting developments in the works. I’ll keep you posted!”

What do you love most about your job?

“We have the best customers and a loyal following who like to bake, decorate and wow their friends and families. It’s a warm, friendly place where we have a lot of fun and you can find the latest products, take classes to learn from our talented team of instructors  and quickly find everything you need in one central place.”

How do people find out more?

Visit www.cakeandweddingcottage.com, our facebook page or call 410- 529-0200.

Cake & Wedding Cottage will hold a 35^th Anniversary  Celebration event on Saturday, Sept. 22.

 

Yes, join us! Customers will enjoy a free gift with ANY purchase and festivities will also include delicious cupcakes, in-store demonstrations and a few fantastic giveaways – one to the shop’s popular Basic Cake Decorating Class (a $65 value) as well as another for a super-duper gift basket filled with goodies that every decorator will envy.   

Saturday’s Schedule of Events

10 AM   Store Opens

11-1       Basic Cake Decorating Class (Session 1)

2 PM      Fondant Basics Demonstration

3 PM      Molding with Fondant Demonstration

7 PM      Store Closes

The Basic Cake Decorating Class meets for six two-hour sessions – this is the first session - and participants can learn to make those impressive cakes they’ve always admired with a look at icing, color, borders, the basket weave, pattern transfer, and of course, “The Rose.”  Space is limited – so call today to pre-register.  Tuition is $65. There also will be two $5 demos that day for anyone interested in working with Fondant. First, learn the Fondant Basics at 2 p.m. What is it and how is it used?  Then, in Molding with Fondant at 3 p.m., learn the proper techniques for using silicone molds to create flowers, borders and other decorative frills that liven up any display. Pre-registration is required for both demos. Call 410-529-0200.

 

Located at 7670 Belair Road in the Belair Beltway Plaza in Fullerton, the Cake & Wedding Cottage invites cake decorating and candy making enthusiasts young and old to celebrate this special occasion and to join in the fun. Whether you’re new to the craft or are really experienced, stop by to see for yourself what this third-generation has done to guarantee “sweet success.”

 

The Cake & Wedding Cottage is known for its wide range of baking, cake decorating, and candy making essentials that draws hobbyists from first-timers to pros to pursue and finesse their craft. Shelves are lined with all the ingredients needed to transform a basic cake into a simply stunning centerpiece.

 

For more information, email gwen@milestonespr.com or call 717-659-0158..

 

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In Baltimore and Like Cakes and Candy?

Cake & Wedding Cottage Plans 35^th Anniversary Celebration

Cupcakes, FANtastic Giveaways, Free Gift with Every Purchase, Live Demos & More

Cake & Wedding Cottage will hold a 35^th Anniversary  Celebration event on Saturday, Sept. 22. Join us! Customers will enjoy a free gift with ANY purchase and festivities will also include delicious cupcakes, in-store demonstrations and a few fantastic giveaways – one to the shop’s popular Basic Cake Decorating Class (a $65 value) as well as another for a super-duper gift basket filled with goodies that every decorator will envy.   

Owned and operated by Tammy Mansberger, the Cake & Wedding Cottage is known for its wide range of baking, cake decorating, and candy making essentials that draws hobbyists from first-timers to pros to pursue and finesse their craft. Shelves are lined with all the ingredients needed to transform a basic cake into a simply stunning centerpiece.

Saturday’s Schedule of Events

10 AM   Store Opens
11-1       Basic Cake Decorating Class (Session 1)
2 PM      Fondant Basics Demonstration
3 PM      Molding with Fondant Demonstration
7 PM      Store Closes

The Basic Cake Decorating Class meets for six two-hour sessions – this is the first session - and participants can learn to make those impressive cakes they’ve always admired with a look at icing, color, borders, the basket weave, pattern transfer, and of course, “The Rose.”  Space is limited – so call today to pre-register.  Tuition is $65. There also will be two $5 demos that day for anyone interested in working with Fondant. First, learn the Fondant Basics at 2 p.m. What is it and how is it used?  Then, in Molding with Fondant at 3 p.m., learn the proper techniques for using silicone molds to create flowers, borders and other decorative frills that liven up any display. Pre-registration is required for both demos. Call 410-529-0200.

Located at 7670 Belair Road in the Belair Beltway Plaza in Fullerton, the Cake & Wedding Cottage invites cake decorating and candy making enthusiasts young and old to celebrate this special occasion and to join in the fun. Whether you’re new to the craft or are really experienced, stop by to see for yourself what this third-generation has done to guarantee “sweet success.”

 

For more information, email gwen@milestonespr.com or call 717-659-0158 or visit the Cake & Wedding Cottage website.

Quick Links - Good Reads

Weekly Round Up – Things We Thought Were Interesting

Time is precious and a hot commodity. So, some of our blogs will be very short and sweet – quick links to things we found interesting that we thought you might, too. We got this nifty idea from one of our favorite bloggers. So feel free to read, browse and share. Good stuff!

Photo by Alan M in Smashing Magazine

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