AWell in my defense, the cake was the clients idea, lol! I am making an Aztec pyramid for a girls birthday and its really not what I am used to making. I enjoy making fun, frilly, pretty cakes...but this one is so drab and cold-looking. I wanted to add something to it but not sure what? Maybe flowers? I can't add anything that is not easily removable just in case the client doesn't like it however, I just feel this cake needs something to perk it up. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

pictures?

AIt's hard to advise without a picture. I don't think I'd add flowers to it though, not if they want an accurate portrayal of the pyramid. A background can look nice if done well but it's hard to tell.

AHere is a picture of an Aztec pyramid, the cake will hopefully look similar. I am just starting to put the cake together so no pic yet. Since it is for a girls birthday, I was hoping to add a feminine touch. Thanks!

http://aztecsite.webs.com/photos/undefined/aztec-pyramid-1.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?q=aztec&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qE0SUsLoEoHF2AXCyoGoAw&ved=0CEIQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=585#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=1XAmwAMRUTOgkM%3A%3B2MOs6kQ3cIVBmM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimages.allposters.com%252Fimages%252F151%252Fazt2.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fartzia.com%252FHistory%252FCivilizations%252FAztec%252F%3B400%3B401

maybe you could make your cake board look like this?

AIf the girl asked for an Aztec pyramid for her birthday cake I'm guessing a "feminine touch" is not the look she's going for. Some green grass or vines might add dimension but maybe girlie is not this girl's thing!

Assuming the customer is OK with it, you could try incorporating some Aztec symbols, such as the one below which is a flower symbol (google Aztec symbols for more ideas).

Well what colors are you going to be doing? You can do gold with hints of pink and that would give it a girly touch unless she doesn't like the color pink lol

AIf I'm not mistaken that is the Myan pyramid at Chichen Itza. Maybe some Myan symbols or relics could add some "flavor" to the cake board.

i agree with sassy sometimes your going to have requests that fall out of what you personally like. just consider this cake a learning project something to get you out of your comfort zone and remember the only thing that matters is if the clients love the cake you make!!
 

AI know what the pyramid looks like, that's why I said if they wanted an accurate portrayal of the cake adding flowers might not be a good idea. Maybe a background with the sun and clouds. I wasn't trying to be mean its just not a girly cake-I think bows, flowers, things like that when I hear girly. I obviously don't know your customer, you do. I'd just try to focus on details and shading-that's just me :)

I can understand how it could feel unfinished to you though

I've seen it too, and there's nothing right around it but some grass and a few trees (trees not close to it). It was 103 degrees F. My travel companion had a chocolate bar in her pocket.Oh dear.

I think Mayan symbols in color on the board around the pyramid would be good.

https://www.google.com/search?q=aztec&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qE0SUsLoEoHF2AXCyoGoAw&ved=0CEIQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=585#fp=9d7ce406ce300ab6&q=mayan+symbols&tbm=isch&imgdii=_

I'd stay away from the chacmool (look it up if you want) as that is the place where the Mayans placed the still-beating heart after they ripped it out of the chest of the human sacrifice. Ick. Not very feminine birthday-ish.

A

That would be a cool way to add some detail. Melted chocolate, yuck, what a mess lol

On this page:

http://www.chichen-itza.co.uk/

It explains the serpent of the pyramid - on the equinoxes, it looks like a serpent is slithering down the side of the pyramid. For whimsey, you could give the serpent head at the bottom a little red tongue or something.

The jungle around the Aztec pyramids are filled with some of the most colorful birds and flowers that you'll ever see.  Some of the Aztec headdresses and beaded garments are very bright and the patterns are exotic. 

I'd explain to the client that the cake will be OK without adding something colorful, but that by adding a few touches of color, it will look much better [and perhaps more feminine?].  All she can say is, "No, thanks."

You might want to check whether the birthday girl wants Aztec or Mayan. Chichen Itza is Mayan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mesoamerican_pyramids

AYou might try googling. "Quetzalcoatl". under images. Or "feathered serpent". This might give you some ideas ! Good luck :grin:

Not sure if it matters to the customer, but that pic is a Mayan pyramid. I know you get that picture when your google aztec pyramid, but it's the internet
 

I like the suggestion smckinney07 made. You can construct a backboard to fasten to your base cake board. This could  be painted with the blue sky and clouds as seen in the picture you posted. This would set the stage with a background and lend an air of realism. As the others suggested, I wouldn't want to add flowers. This could possibly end up being one of your favorites. (Perhaps?) At any rate, you'd honor the girl's design and wishes. I'm waiting to see the picture you post.

Jan

AThank you for all the suggestions and wealthy information! So many good ideas.

I think the main reason my customer didn't want anything added to the cake was because she wanted to keep the cost down. At this point, the stairs are driving me crazy so I may not have time to add anything to the cake after all. We'll see, wish me luck..I need it!

APost pics here when you're done! I wanna see it!

AThanks everyone for the help with the cake..it was a huge hit!

I posted a pic in the quince section. :grin:

AWell done.

The cake looks great!  Good job

AThanks!:)

I remember an episode of Cake Boss where they made a pyramid and added some pretty purple flowers. Maybe try finding a picture of the cake from that episode for some inspiration.

Nevermind. :)