The After cake is simply stunning. Fabulous job! I'm sure this cake will be copied. 
It would be the perfect centerpiece for an outdoor party.
Of course, they are both just GREAT! But I like the before the best. HOWEVER...lol....for the finish you were trying to achieve - EXCELLENT! It really does look like that style of ceramics you're talking about 
I also agree with adven68 about what it might look like with the flower design applied after painting the main body of the cake. You could even try doing the stems of the flowers in the darker color that you blotted with and then using that same color for a center in the flower? I think the flowers would really 'pop' then, with the ceramic finish behind them & the flowers unpainted except for a center dot and the dark stems. You make me wish I had more time to play & practice!!! 
After would be my choice, but I think it would be pretty in white also!
Both are awesome! But I think the second is the best look for what you were trying to achieve. I am going to have to log that technique in my memory for future use! 
Chelle
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