You know how it is when you don't want something, that's all you get? This is happening with Starry Nights celebration cakes.

There isn't a lot of money in celebration cakes since they are usually smaller orders (10-18 people), but require just as much client contact and kitchen work as any wedding cake. You can easily understand why I don't seek out these jobs. However, we're getting at least two calls per week for such cakes, so there seems to be plenty of business out there!

The good thing about the celebration cakes is that it gives me an opportunity to practice my decoration skills. I watch a lot of "Ace of Cakes" for inspiration, even though I abhor sculpted cakes. The TV show demonstrates, subtly, good professional techniques that I haven't yet learned or used on my own. And even though some people find him grating, I like Duff. He's a funny TV personality and entertaining to watch.

So my goal with the celebration cakes is to get enough business going that I can accumulate a bunch of pictures to round out our portfolio. It's a little thin right now, but as all these celebration cakes come in, hopefully we'll amass some good work.

I really do enjoy decorating cakes even though I don't have a lot of experience yet. I find that my graphic design background really helps though, since I already understand the concepts of colors, design, layout, typefaces, etc. All I really lack is knowledge about specific decorating techniques and materials. I think that will come through more practice!