I was going thru one of those junk mail catalogs a few weeks ago. I was looking at the trinkets and started thinking hey this might make a good cake and started tearing out images. So I finally made my first one that was inspired by an image I found. Have you ever tried that. Here is the link to the image.
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1114693

Nice job!! That is an awesome idea - it would also be cool in your portfolio - the cake and mag pic together to show what you did.

Graet cake!

Thanks. I also got given the idea today when I told someone what I was doing and she suggested keeping a scrapbook of all that stuff and whenever I am stumped or I want ot give customers some visual stimulation to tell me what they want to pull out the book, I thought that was a great idea.
I only losely followed the image, so should I keep them in the book together and just right inspired by this image??

I was hoping you were going to tell us how you grind it up, mix it with coffee creamer, roll in balls, dip and chocolate and sell 'em for $1 apiece! hehehehe

Love the cake though! Great idea.

What a wonderful cake. Great thinking. You never know where you will get your next great idea from.

Great Job!

Awesome cake! Just beautiful, love all those details
I keep a kind of scrapbook. If I see something I want to do I will either draw it out or if it's something like that from junk mail I will stick it in there. Then when I do the cake I print out a picture and put it together. I started out with just a flimsy little folder, it is now a binder for all things cake related, recipes, size charts, etc.

susanscakebabies, you know I am a huge fan of your work! I, too am always looking at everything and wondering, "hmmm... ...how could I make that out of cake?"
I love the idea of actually using the junk mail for something! Great job, and best wishes on your continued success!!!

What a great idea, and that cake is perfect for this time of year! Good Job!

Beautiful cake and thank you so much for the idea! Off to start my inspiration scrapbook with all the ummm...clears throat...catalogs I have sitting around.


Heather

Thanks so much.
I thought it was a cool idea worth sharing. Glad you like it too.

What a great idea, i love the cake you make, you do great work!

What a great way to recycle!

Good Luck!

Some of the most inspirational "junk mail" I have seen are the catalogs like harry & david or the popcorn factory. Those stacked gift boxes are gorgeous and they have some great usable designs on them for cakes!

You know I was also given the idea to use it for those customers who just say "I dont know do what you want" Show it to them and see if anything sparks an idea. I was thinking of breaking it into sections so they can browse what applies to them. We'll see if I ever have to pull it out.

I thought this was what the Oriental Trading Company mail was for??

You did stunning work on that cake!!

And, whoever gave you the idea of making a scrapbook was right!
I keep a file of all the cakes I have made, its inspiration for the next
person and also helps you keep ideas of what you have made.
Nice for people to look through and see what all you are capable of making.

Good luck for the future!!

I have a book of the cakes too, but not of just ideas. I have not tried everything i have ideas for so that would be a sperate book, not something I keep out for customers like I do samples of the cakes. I am not sure if I will use it for customers or just for my own reference, I guess we will see how that plays out.
BTW, thank you thank you for the very kind comments on the cake. It is among my fav. now too.

I have three files hanging around:

1. Cakes that I have made
2. Pictures of cakes for reference/ideas
3. Tips and "How to" file for things that I would like to try out.

There is so much info out there, that you need files to keep it all
for reference.

I agree. I think if you dont start to file you will have quite the mess on your hands. So I see you are from South Africa, I bet you get some different publications. What is some that you really like? Just curious as to what kind of different things you get to see

Yes, from Cape Town.

Most of the info I get is off the internet.
The "How to's" etc. I get from CC
We don't seem to have as much baking facilities as what you do in the States.
I received a copy of the Wilton 2008 book from a friend visiting from the States and when I see what all is available in your neck of the woods, I get quite jealous.
I suppose one could improvise a lot of the goodies, but when I see/read what you all have access to, it is mind boggling!
Suppose if I really looked around I would find some of the goodies at a price.
I visited a big baking outlet recently and they had quite a bit of Wilton goodies at an enormous price. But, then, one can hire most of the baking tins etc., pay a deposit and return the tins the next day.
I looked around here for mini doll picks, can't seem to find them at all.

So, consider yourselves "lucky people" with all your baking goodies that you are able to buy!!

Regards

Hear, Hear!!

If you think Cape Town is bad, you should try Port Elizabeth!! (MUCH smaller than CT, for those who aren't in SA)
I just trawl the internet and drool!!!

Let's face it, improvisation often takes much longer than simply having the correct tool!

Shazzicakes, glad you agree with me........

But, what can one do about it??
I suppose also order via the internet, which will cost us a fortune.
There are so many things that I would love to have, but..........

Seems like this thread is changing from Junk mail to Availability in SA!!!