I just voted on the Christmas cakes and boy was it hard to choose. I started out just picking the ones I liked from the thumbnails because I thought it was too time consuming to go through them all enlarged. I found out that this was a mistake. Some of the really spectacular cakes didn't show their true colors (no pun intended?) until enlarged! I'd like to encourage everyone not to just do a quick look through the thumbnails. (No, I didn't enter anything this year!)

All contests may not have this much participation. This is the first I've seen since joining. I wondered what you guys would think of having contests juried since there are soooo many entries. By this, I mean have a panel of judges to preview the pictures and select the best half (or whatever percent). This might encourage everyone to do a better job in voting. It might even be a good idea to have beginner & expert categories to give a fair chance to new decorators but I don't know how this would be regulated.

Congratulations everyone on your entries! It is evident that you all put your heart and soul into these cakes. They are really beautiful and creative!

Yes, I guess you are right. I didn't realize it was for an apron. But regardless of the prize, contests are about status and a pat on the back. I don't think the beginners get a chance to share in that.

Maybe a system like OK Sugar Arts shows and many county/state fairs use:

different age and expertese levels

so:

sweat peas....aka under 8 or so
tweens....8-12
teens.......(ARGH!!!!!! i teach this group...see the gray hair!)
adult - amature
adult - semi-pro
adult - pro
adult - seniors

there might be other ways to break this up (esp. adult and teen as some teens already good enought to semi-pro or even pro)

we are not going to implement any system in which the participants are separated by age, skill, experience, or any other demographic.

There is absolutely no way for us to verify that a particular user truly belongs in the group they claim to be a part of without substantial effort on our part.

I am a beginner and I have to agree with Heath. As a beginner I understand that there are going to be others better than myself but it gives me even more incentive to be the best I can be and to practice practice practice. I know I am not good enough yet and that is why I didn't even enter the contest. Plus it is all just for fun and I greatly appreciate CC for even having one. I can just imagine how difficult it would be to break it down by ages and skill levels.

So as a beginner (practicing to become an expert lol ) I can say that the way the contest is right now suits me just fine

I'll catch the next contest. I won't expect to win but it will be fun to participate

Lazy Susan

Yeah I probably won't ever win one either but that is just fine... I don't see why beginners would have to be given a chance to win. Just gives beginners a reason to work harder and try new things! I am sure the contest winners used to be beginners once! The nice thing is one person cannot win two months in a row so that does give others a chance to win. Just like the Wilton contest every year...I know it will be a long time before I can win one of those....but someday I will!

Oh... thanks! But I have a long way to go before I can make some of the cakes entered like that jack in the box or the cute fondant figures so many here make!!!!!!!!!!

Check out the wilton contest...those cakes are AMAZING...

Everyone need to be aware about the ending date to submit a picture.

The contest states that all entries must be submitted by the 7th of January which means until 12:00 midnight on the 7th you should be able to post picture.

They actually stop excepting pictures a day before the deadline.

So, if you want to submit a picture, due it a day before

Kitagirl--
Stop kidding yourself--your cakes are amazing. If you don't enter the next contest--I'm going to hi-jack one of your pics and force you into it!!!
Ha! Ha!

Great idea Mac!!! I'll help you

I agree with Heath. It would be nice to categorize, but surely no way to regulate.Think of it more as a showcase exposition rather than a competition.

And, you never know. A newcomer might blow some people away with a unique technique or idea.
Some decorators are more naturally skilled than others. It just depends.

I agree, a newer decorator with amazing attention to detail might just win the whole thing over more advanced decorators!

Thanks all, I have actually entered the last two contests, including this one! But I saw several cakes that are much better than mine.... gives me something to work towards!!!!

Amy, embarrass yourself? Good grief girl, enter a contest! Your cakes are fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess in a way I am already.....I'm preparing my tiered cake entry for the San Diego cake show!!! It's my first cake entry. I've only, the last two years, entered the non-cake category!!!


Thank you so much for the boost of confidence!!!! You are very kind and sweet!



Amy

HEY I was looking for lace fondant presses on Ebay and I think I saw your listings for an ebook! Your unmistakable COOL jack in the box cake was there so it was either you or somebody who stole your picture.

I doubt I will ever enter in any of the contests. Looking at past winners, all but one of the winning cakes are sculpted cakes. Though the winning cakes are awesome, I am not into creating sculpted cakes.

I've noticed that to! Most of the cakes that win are sculpted, that's why I think having contests that are more catergorized would bring out a whole new aspect on this.

For example, I put in the idea of having a contest using just buttercream, no fondant,
or maybe one with drawings with gels, or 3d shaped pans, stuff like that.
Then you can have one with gumpaste and fondant only.
Themes would be up to the administrators, but I think using specific techniques for a contest would be very interesting. Plus, it's easier to do it this way since you can't regulate age and experience.
Decorators all have there "expertise" and maybe this way we will all have a chance to show it off!

mcginnis
(Lisa)