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The Leaning Tower of Pisa

1st Place

Winner of 2009 Locations & Places Cake Contest

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Uploaded By: CakeDiosa
Wow. What can I say. Over 60 hours of labor in 3 days. Oh, yes, that's right ....do the math - no sleep and alllll work. A knock off of Buddy Valasco's cake featured on the The Cake Boss. The client's daughter is off to Italy and this was her farewell cake. Suffice it to say that if YOU get an order for this cake start your price at $800-$1000. It is UNBELIEVABLY labor intensive. I abandoned many plans I had for a far more detailed cake since the overabundance of time, labor and child neglect involved far outweighed the meager compensation. Sure, I'll humiliate myself and tell you - $120.00. Yep. No typo. Never again. Bottom is 8" two layers, "floors" 6" one layer one 1/2" foam core, top is 5" two layer. Columns are gumpaste. 100% edible. Pound cake w/ raspberry BC filling. $120.00 - WHAT WAS I SMOKIN'???? The up side is that she did tip me after I DELIVERED it: $10.00. As in "ten".
URL: http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1456758.html
Uploaded On:  Sep 08, 2009
Album Name: 2009 Locations Cake Contest
Keywords: Leaning tower of pisa, italy, building
This picture is currently a favorite of 117 users.

Comments (82)

christami says:
I want some of what you were smoking if it will let me do a cake as magnificent as yours. Beautiful job.r Very Happy Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
CakeDiosa says:
So right, Jamie! And it took this cake for me to really get that. My first question is (or "used" to be) how many do you need it to serve. From here out it will be "What kind of design did you have in mind?". $120.00 - put it on my tombstone just underneath the dunce cap. hahaha. Oh, and yes, it more than covered cost it's my time and labor that quickly burned through the surplus and starting diigging waaaayy down deep into the red.
September 9th, 2009
LymariRamos says:
I clicked on this the minute I saw it - i also thought it was from the CakeBoss too. This is amazing -- I grew up in Hoboken but I would dare to say I like your cake better!!! Amazing -- on the pricing thing -- yeah I have issues with that too (I hear it enough from my friends - NO FREE CAKES! LOL). We learn as we go. Great Great Great Job!!! Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
LaBellaFlor says:
Surprised $120?!?!? Yeah, your right you need to quit smoking that stuff! Razz Razz Laughing Great job by the way. Smile
September 9th, 2009
cmeventcoordinator says:
$120, that's it? Hun, it is awesome and should vave been soo much more. For future, base your prices uff the nymber of people a cake feeds, and if it's with fondant, don't do anything less than $3/slice. You have the talent that will cover the price
September 8th, 2009
cherrycakes says:
Well, for what it's worth, you did an absolutely incredible job Very Happy
September 8th, 2009
poopascoopa says:
I would def pay 1000 bucks for that cake. Freakin awesome! Surprised
September 8th, 2009
ebear says:
Ummm..when I clicked on this I thought it was from Cake Boss...Its INCREDIBLE. Your clients got a bargin!
September 8th, 2009
G_Cakes says:
OMG this is amazing, WOW!!!! Your work is fantastic, but I have to ask you what were you thinking when it came to the pricing??? This cake alone I would have been asking 1500 and up because it is so labour intesive! God Love you for being so generous and again GREAT WORK!!!!!! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
September 8th, 2009
ncbert says:
Truly amazing Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy you should be proud of you work...thanks for the detailed story
September 8th, 2009
stickis85 says:
oh my gosh amazing job - I also thought it was from cake boss Smile $10.00 tip I think she was on something - well, we learn as we go - great job Smile
September 8th, 2009
CakeDiosa says:
G_Cakes, I wasn't thinking, honestly. In my mind it just didn't seem like it was going to be the work it was and I really wanted to do it so I priced it so she could afford it. This cake marks a BIG change in the way I do things. I'd rather price myself out of cake then put in the hours I did and ask my family to be neglected like that for what amounts to ME giving this cake away for FREE. Be kind folks, this WAS most CERTAINLY a lesson learned! From here on out they are going to pay to play. Period.
September 8th, 2009
mjk350 says:
WOW! So awesome!!! Your work is Fantastic!!! Thumbs Up! Surprised
September 8th, 2009
cakebymilan says:
Shocked WOW ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.. I WOULDNT HAVE HAD THE HEART TO PAY ONLY 120 FOR IT .. I WOULD HAVE HAD TO PAD YOUR CHECK.. Very Happy WELL AS YOU SAID A LESSON LEARNED AND THATS WHAT KEEPS US GOING IN CAKERY AND IN LIFE ITS THE LEARNING .ONE THING FOR SURE YOU CAN SAY THAT YOU CERTAINLY LEARNED THAT YOUR TALENT HAS NO BOUNDARIES.. MY UTMOST RESPECT GOES OUT TO YOU.
September 8th, 2009
madgeowens says:
WOW go to facebook on buddys page its under cake boss, and post this pic...this ia more than amazing...he had so much help with his and you did this yourself...you are a magician....this cake rocks seriously!!!! wow holy crap...wow Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
September 8th, 2009
Enilajar says:
Don't be embarassed- the client should be ashamed! This is one of those times I wish I were rich, rich, rich, I would pay you for the pleasure of even looking at it. BTW, I have been to Pisa, and this is AMAZINGLY accurate!
September 8th, 2009
CakesbyDee733 says:
OMG amazing cake. I also thought it was from cake boss. I am so sorry that you only made 2.00 per hour. You should have a class to teach others Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
September 8th, 2009
SHADDI says:
So awesome!!! i was planning on making on of these some time this year but is more cause I have the Pisa as a main logo on my wed site. you did an awesome job. and i hope that when it comes time for me to do mine it will come out as great as yours....One thing how did you get it to tilt.. again awesome job....Shaddi in my fav.
September 8th, 2009
dolcebaci says:
out of this world....stunning...but $120....you must have really LIKED this person
September 8th, 2009
CakeDiosa says:
dolcebachi - it's not so much that I really liked her it's that I "really like" the cake and wanted to see if I could pull it off so I didn't want to price myself out of the opportunity. Hindsight is 20/20 and I left that line of thinking right there on her doorstep. Shaddi - I did the method Buddy did on The Cake Boss. Try to find that episode, it's really hard to try and explain. It involves wedges and two boards on the bottom.
September 8th, 2009
G_Cakes says:
If I came across as harsh cakediosa I am so sorry...I think your brilliant for putting in that kind of time and attention to detail...your work and on top of that your time is worth so much more hun!!! Gotta love you for making it to begin with and for honoring you price and seeing it through..that is truly the sign of a cake PRO!!!!!
September 8th, 2009
CakeDiosa says:
G_Cakes, you didn't come across as harsh to me (I'm very thick skinned) I was just more concerned with anyone else firing up the "you didn't charge enough so you're evil" great debate often found in the forums. Thank you for your clarification, however. You guys are THE BEST! See...this makes me feel so much better. Thank God for CC!
September 8th, 2009
zdebssweetsj says:
Pat yourself on the back Hard that is awesome I just watched Cake Boss last night that show , I bet you even pulled it off without a tantrum LOL
September 9th, 2009
LauraLanier says:
Great job. Thumbs Up!
September 9th, 2009
Jazz2U says:
Crap! If you keep that up, I'm just going to give you all my cake stuff and buy cakes from you! Great job! Better enter that in the location contest so maybe you'll win a certificate! I'll give you the highest mark!
September 9th, 2009
Jan14grands says:
Really awsome cake!! I saw Buddy do that cake on Cake Boss also, and yours is just as good, and you are only one person!! You are very talented. Shocked Surprised Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
jongabmom says:
FANTASTIC!!!! Love it!!!!
September 9th, 2009
DreamCakesOnline says:
For what it's worth, sometimes I underprice so I can do a particular cake too. If I don't know for sure how it will turn out because I'm not confident I can pull it off, I charge enough to cover my expenses and pay labor to learn with their materials. But, I think we all have those moments when we realize the we're good enough to only work if the money makes it worthwhile. Fantastic job!!
September 9th, 2009
mwcooker says:
AMAZING and you did it all by yourself!! - I know the feeling to put in so much time on something you thought was not going to take as long as it did. Be proud you did an awesome job
September 9th, 2009
Caralinc says:
That is gorgeous!! Sorry you did not get paid what your work was worth. Trial and error isn't it?? I hope the customer realizes what a deal they got. I love the color and fine details!! Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
tshahn7 says:
This is a beautiful cake. No need for me to comment on your pricing you got great advice already.. Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
grannys3angels says:
WOW! What an amazing job you did on this cake! I high five you for making such a awesome cake! I also like another poster said, thought that Buddy had uploaded his cake Laughing God Bless, Sharon
September 9th, 2009
Rylan says:
WOW! WOW! I am speechless. Oh my. WOW.
September 9th, 2009
chryscrazy says:
Well at least in addition to a lesson learned, you have now have an amazing new cake for your portfolio!
September 9th, 2009
all4cake says:
I sure as heck hope she was your F-R-I-E-N-D! Fantastic cake nevertheless!
September 9th, 2009
lasdulzurasdelaura says:
This is an INCREDIBLE piece of ART!!!!! FANTASTIC Job!!!
September 9th, 2009
jsmith says:
Wow! What an incredible cake! Don't feel too bad about undercharging. It takes a while to figure out pricing and this will add a lot of value to your portfolio. I have cakes I ended up doing for cost but it helps me get higher paying customers when they see them in my portfoilio.
September 9th, 2009
revel says:
This cake is awesome! But no more smoking when taking cake orders! OK? HAhaha!
September 9th, 2009
diane706 says:
Oh man.... great cake, excellent work. I can't tell you how many times I've underpriced my cakes so I can get the "job" and then later kicked myself in the butt for doing it. Don't beat yourself up anymore over this one. You've obviously learned your lesson. Look at it this way, you have a GREAT pic for your portfolio that shows your expertise. You have surely impressed ME!! !
September 9th, 2009
Kiddiekakes says:
Everyone has under priced from time to time...Key is you learned!! Beautiful cake!! Absolutely stunning!!
September 9th, 2009
bcreamluv says:
You did a damn good job. Very Happy Sorry you undercharged
September 9th, 2009
txcupcake says:
This is a truly spectacular cake. How ambitious of you to attempt and flawlessly execute such a masterpiece! I think, if anything, you should look at this cake as a labor of love. Sure, you learned a pricing lesson you'll never forget, but you also created something spectacular that will take people's breath away for years to come. I am in absolute awe.
September 9th, 2009
Laura89 says:
A woman after my own heart. Love the work hate the pay. Hahah You did an outstanding job!!! I am so impressed. Chalk it up as experience. Love the cake! Thumbs Up! Just curious, did the 120.00 cover even the material? Doubt it! Don't be dicouraged just keep decorating!!! You Go Girl!!! Razz Razz Razz Razz Razz Razz
September 9th, 2009
trfeist says:
I just watched them make this cake on Cake Boss. It is amazing that you took this on by yourself. Hearing your story is also a good lesson for those of us who are new to this business and are not sure how much to charge. I love the tips and advice you get form this site. I love the cake you are an great artist Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
lamissacakes says:
$120? You are short a zerp....somebody got a good deal. Cake is awesome
September 9th, 2009
txnonnie says:
I saw this cake on Cake Boss. Very good work. What a job to have!!! You cut yourself way short, however, I do the same thing all the time. Your work is awesome. You live and learn with the pricing.
September 9th, 2009
cocorum21 says:
You got that right! WHAT WERE YOU SMOKING!?!?!?? That is incredible!! I would have asked $1500 no less for something this amazing!!
September 9th, 2009
DebBTX says:
Wow! Your cake is amazing. Wonderful detail work. Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
GinaJuarez says:
All I can say is that the customer should be ashamed! 120 bucks indeed!!
September 9th, 2009
__Jamie__ says:
OMG...choking at the $120. Well, lesson properly learned, eh? Gorgeous work..amazing!
September 9th, 2009
JaLa90016 says:
WOW...dang...$120, that is INSANE...THIS IS WORTH way more than that...you did an awesome job...don't sell yourself short anymore. you are TOO TALENTED !!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!! Very Happy
September 9th, 2009
__Jamie__ says:
Annnndduhh, laughing out loud at the $3.00 per serving...no way man! More like $10! Maybe $12! These designs do not follow the per serving logic. At all.
September 9th, 2009
yayoutart says:
Very Happy Very Happy magnifico
October 2nd, 2009
soccermom17 says:
totally amazing. you did a phenominal job. i totally understand the $120 being too low. I've done that to myself before too, as I'm sure many onhere have. It's a live and learn. Again, great job!
October 2nd, 2009
cas17 says:
Shocked wow!! Shocked
October 2nd, 2009
bethie713 says:
Unfreakin believable!!! Even the $25 gift certificate was more than the $10 tip!!! I just saw the first episode of the Cake Boss and saw him make this very cake. I truly thought it was his cake. I Can't believe you only got piad $120!!! You are very talented! Excellent Job! The Cake Boss should hire you!
October 2nd, 2009
momz2busy says:
You know how it is, we all do this at some point, try not to price ourselves out of the opportunity I mean. Now you have this amazing addition to your portfolio. You really did an INCREDIBLE job. Best of luck to you, you truly have a gift Shocked Wink
October 2nd, 2009
Deannamac says:
what a magnificent cake! wow, i can agree with you that i have underpriced many cakes to clients before I knew what i was getting myself into ...but the client should have paid homage to your brilliance wtih this piece and gave you a decsent tip!!!
October 2nd, 2009
Anira72 says:
OMG I can't believe what I just read about your details, but now you know and will charge accordingly. AWESOME JOB!!!! CONGRATS ON 1ST.
October 2nd, 2009
michalmari says:
I am new to cake decorating. I have always loved baking but got really interested in cake decorating when I saw Cake Boss, this episode as a matter of fact. What you created here is truely amazing and it gives me hope that I will someday be able to created something even half as beautiful someday. I am currently self teaching and experimenting, but looking for courses to learn the craft better - somet that are not too expensive as I too have a family and don't want to be away too much.
October 2nd, 2009
Uniqueask says:
I thought I commented, on the first day that I saw the cak ee
October 2nd, 2009
michalmari says:
To finish my comment (pressed the wrong button) - I can't even tell the difference from your cake to Buddy's cake. You are extremely talented and I can honestly tell you that , although it looks like you have not been doing this for too long, I would LOVE to be your apprentice and learn from you. You look like a master cake decorator to me - I looked at your other cakes you have posted. They are ALL amazing. Absolutely stunning! Contgrats! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Wink Wink
October 2nd, 2009
michelle2898 says:
This cake is absolutely fantastic, I live in Pisa, and the Pisans would be very proud of the replica you have made!! Fabulous!!! Very Happy
October 2nd, 2009
PDXSweetTreats says:
Better than Buddy's!!! Smile I was laughing when you revealed your pricing AND how "generous" the woman was w/her tip. When you do such fabulous work, deliver the cake for free, and then get a tip of $10.00, you must feel like asking the person, "Are you out of your friggin' mind?!!!" LOL cause it's happened to so many of us. Congratulations on a fabulous job!!! You have to be really proud of this one. Smile
October 2nd, 2009
Rosie2 says:
This is unbelievable!!! in another life I could do something like that....btw, you gave away this cake really!!! However, you should be proud, you'r a true artist!!
October 2nd, 2009
sweetooth0510 says:
Sooooooooo glad you won the comp, congrats. The minute I saw this cake I was in awe of your ability. You are a fantastic decorator and a more than fantastic person, the person receiving the cake should have been ashamed to only pay $130!! Now you can advise your clietns that you are 'award winning' and reap the rewards. (...)
October 2nd, 2009
CakeDiosa says:
Thank you EVERYONE for your love and support! I literally jumped out of my chair when I saw that I won!! It definitely makes it all worth and OH YES - you'd better believe pricing has increased considerably on my "Award Winning Cakes" hahaha....no seriously, it has. No my attitude is to try and price myself out of job just to see how much people will pay. And guess what, they are WILLING pay!!! And...so...they...shall. cha ching!
October 2nd, 2009
antonia74 says:
OMG, I hurt for you when I read what you charged....but the plus-side is that you did an AMAZING job of it!! (And you'll never undercharge again because now you are a master!) Smile
October 2nd, 2009
buttercup-bakery says:
Shocked freakin amazing!!! I love it so much! I CANNOT believe you only got $120 for it. How did you price this out to work at $120? (not being sarcastic, just curious as I'm still learning pricing) I do know that this awesome cake deserves more than $120!!!
October 2nd, 2009
Southern_O says:
Congrat!!! This cake has great details. I also watched Buddy.
October 2nd, 2009
NENA20 says:
Your cake is absolutely incredible!!!!! Surprised Believe me, I live 50 km from Pisa and I saw the real tower soooo many times, I really think yours is better!!!!!!! Very Happy Very Happy
October 4th, 2009
Buckeye says:
Great Job... Thumbs Up! and I agree with Christami's comment.. lol
October 5th, 2009
nic227 says:
that is gorgeous! I guess I'm not the only one who undervalues my work, time and talent. Keep up the excellent work! Very Happy
October 5th, 2009
joellajordan says:
All I want to know is how did you transport it???? Curriosity killed the cat, so consider me dead...lol
October 18th, 2009
CakeDiosa says:
Joella aka "the cat", I sat in the back of our expedition and held it on the sides. Fortunately we weren't going that far at all and it was all surfaces streets. It's actually pretty stable construction so it was fine.
October 21st, 2009
Superstar2 says:
AMAZING Shocked Congrats on 1st place, and yup! I think you forgot a "0" at the end of that $120. Lesson learned, we've all done it at one time or another. My apron is off to you.
October 25th, 2009
LaYvette says:
Awesome Job! 120?!....lesson learned, huh? i sooo feel ya!
December 7th, 2009
Elise87 says:
wow!! what a massive effort! you did a really amazing job, congrats to you!!
December 31st, 2009
CarolAnn says:
And I pray mine WON'T lean!!!! This is one wow job!!!
January 3rd, 2010
heylucy says:
how did you make it lean what support did you use
January 14th, 2010
cupcakemkr says:
Stunning cake! I just quoted someone for this type cake (for a 9y.o. b-day), 8" base, 6" cake and topped with 2 6x4" dummies and a 5x4" dummy - $750 and the woman flipped; guess I won't be making this one any time soon Rolling Eyes
February 3rd, 2010
rachpizano says:
this cake is amazing!! as for the price honestly everyone has a cake Im sure they look back on and think why in the heck didnt I charge WAY more I know Ihave a few. Lesson leanned at least its a great story and you won a wonderful honor. Congrats
March 3rd, 2010

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