Boring, have you got any other tips? I have never had anyone say what exactly they look for!
Sandra
If they say a 40cm board that is exactly what they mean DO NOT go over that size in any way. If a leaf is slighty off the board you are NAS.
Also make sure everything is centred perfectly. Remember cleats.
They look at things with a magnifying glass so I do that too (I'm not joking).
No more tips other than as Sparklepop said they look at everything with a fine tooth comb so you have to do the same. Last year a very well known cake decorator got NAS because she in a very small part of her cake used real rope, maybe it wasn't rope but it was something that she was not allowed via the schedule and the judge picked it up. At our last seminar she bailed the judge up about it and was told exactly why she was picked up, she was still not satisfied and explained that she had arthritis and that she should be exempt. Well it started off a big to do ad she was finally told it didn't matter about her arthritis judges don't know, it was just because in the schedule it said that you where only allowed to make fondant/modeling paste pieces and she put wire in them. Bingo she got her. Mind you she was still not happy and wanted to go on with it and was told to sit down as she had her answer. I believe it did go on a bit after the meeting and they sorted it out.
Make sure you read and understand the schedule and follow it to the letter.
I would just like to add to what boring said that the judges are there to judge. Their comments are constructive and should be taken in that vein. Use these comments to help you in your next competition cake.
Well I did it! I delivered my Wedding cake and sugar art today for the Sydney Easter Show competition.
I was really happy with how my Wedding cake came out but no so happy with the sugar art, I made a pair of high heel shoes but the heat and humidity killed them so last night at around 9pm I threw them in the bin and made a bear coming out of a brightly coloured beach hut on some sand. I had to come up with something fast that would hold together quickly.
Thanks for the tips! No matter how I go with the judging I am glad that I entered, I can't wait until the show starts so I can go and check out the other cakes!
Take care,
Sandra
Hi everyone, I just found this thread had been revived!
I agree (from my 1 comp experience) that the judges can be very nitpicky and criticise things that may have never occurred to me (or probably anyone else with the exception of other judges). In making my entry to the easter show I am bracing myself by anticipating what they could say ("too busy"... petals too thick ... some elements might not "go" with others, should have made all borders the same... etc). They might come up with other criticisms totally unexpected. However I am proud of the things I have learnt while making this, as it has definitely forced me to learn new things. Did anyone catch the ABC documentary 'Not just tea and scones'? The last episode was about people who want to be judges (for cakes, scones etc, not decorating) and they are trained to judge nitpicky things. For instance, the taste of a cake might blow you away, but they will hone in on the evidence showing the baking paper might have been slightly wrinkled on the bottom, or that there were faint rack marks.
Sandra, did you get a chance to check out the other cakes when you delivered your exhibit? Do you know if every exhibit is put on display?
I was one of the first ones to deliver my cake so I only saw a couple of other entries in different sections to what we are entering!
I think they do display all entries delivered. The lady that helped me find where my cake was going was not a "cake" person and she said that they never touch the cakes so where I put it is where it will stay.
From the amount of space allocated I think there will be quite a few people entering the novice wedding cake section!
Good Luck Lori!
Good luck socake! I am sure you will walk away with a blue ribbon, your cake skills are amazing!
I will keep my fingers crossed and please tell us how you go!
Socake what does your wedding cake look like so I can check it out. I take my hat off to you and anyone else that enters the Royal, I never would. Good Luck!
I am busting to upload a photo of it but I am going to wait until Tuesday after the judging. I will post a pick in this thread then (or if you can't wait send me a pm with your address and I will email you a copy!)
Sandra
I know some of the judges but not sure who is doing it this year as I haven't seen them. One was picked up at Strathfield Station on Friday, she is an interstate judge.
I would love to chat with one of them some time, I should join up to the cake decorating association (or guild??) I would love to learn more skills but I don't want to go back to the community college (too much money!)
You should join either the guild or the association. I belong to the guild and we meet every other first saturday of the month at Concord. You could come in as a guest and see if you like it. It would probably cost about $25 for the day, starts 9.30 to about 3, 3.30 and there are 4 demonstrations and a community lunch. They also have a juniors which works the opposite month on the first Saturday. Our next meeting is 14 April because of Easter. You will be made very welcome and if you would like to come let me know and I can give you the address. I could also get either the president or vice president contact you if you like, its up to you. Thanks for letting me look at your cake its very good and I hope you do well. The $25 for the day is only for non members.
Wow ....your cake is awesome......it is really elegant..... I can't wait to see it "live" at the show.....hopefully draped in a big blue ribbon!!!!
Best of luck!!!
Socake, your cake is really gorgeous, good luck with everything. I was going to enter the Easter show paid the entry fee and everything but couldn't get my act together to get a cake done in a time, congrats to those who did. If you cake is any indication the competition sure would be tough.
There's an article in today's Daily Telegraph with a gallery of some of the cakes in the Show:
Gallery:
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/gallery/0,22056,5022245-5010140,00.htm
Article: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21457103-5006009,00.html
The quality of work is totally amazing. The teddy bear was at Challenge I got to see it up close and you would swear you could cuddle it.
Oh to be so talented.
Lyn
I think your cake was beautiful. I think you are very talented. I am looking forward to seeing some wonderful cakes from all you people down under. You all do the most awesome work.
Well I checked out the show website today and I placed THIRD for my wedding cake!!!!
soooooo excited right now!!!
I also got a highly commended for my sugar art entry!
Thanks for all the tips and advice you guys gave me!
Sandra
I did well but redred did better!
Huge congratulations to redred for placing FIRST!!!!!
Two CC'ers in the top three! yay!!!!
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