This is the story about my creative process. It’s not a fairy tale, though I wish I had a magic wand of sorts sometimes… Anyhow, I feel like this is really important for me to share, just so fans can understand where my cake pops come from. For my whole background story read this later, but for now, understand that I consider myself an artist, not so much a “baker”– but it is awfully kind of convenient that I just happen to like baking.
Once upon a time, there were character cake pops… Awesome they are, yes. And sometimes immensely challenging, but I don’t enjoy making them as much as making something I’ve developed on my own. My own original cake pops are almost always open-ended requests, my favorite kind of requests! My creative process starts with an idea, a theme or a set of colors. Then I hit the sketchbook. I make a short list of things that come to mind that obviously coincides with that particular theme or set of colors. When I finish listing, a fire-breathing dragon comes and threatens to burn me if I use anything from this “Nah-Uh, No” list (self-rule #1). Then I brainstorm and doodle until I like what I’ve got on paper.
I was recently tasked with making some cake pops for a Mermaid Party for Paige of Paiges of Style. I LOVE these cake pops, add these to my favorites. Here’s my process, sans the fire-breathing dragon, of course.
This idea actually came to me instantly… Can’t make a whole mermaid and I didn’t want to make just plain ‘ol bubbles, or waves… Bam! Mermaid tails.
I always form them by hand. This is the part that takes the longest. I never use any kind of molds (self-rule #2).
Here’s the finished product after dipping and piping. Yeee! I love them. The most important detail here is the water line. Without it they wouldn’t make much sense.
A better close-up view of the piping. Have I ever mentioned that I only use candy melts and candy pieces for my cake pops? I have NEVER used fondant (self-rule #3).
You can really see the shimmer at this angle. The piping goes all the way around so there’s really no ‘front and back’. When I teach my classes, some of my best advice is to remember that cake pops can be viewed from 360 different degrees/angles. It should be presentable all the way around (self-rule #4). I wish I could say they lived happily ever after, but I’m not so sure that would be a good yummy thing…
This is a snapshot of the way I do things ’round here. Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear about your process.
THE END
I have to say, you do awesome work. I live in Germany (originally Canada though)and have been following your work for a while now. I recently ventured into the world of cake pops and the one thing I am reallllly struggling with is getting the candy melts to a runny consistancy. I can get smooth but not runny enough for dunking..any advice?
Use paramount crystals to thin it out, or shortening if paramount crystals aren’t available where you’re at. Good luck and keep at it!
Thank you for your reply! I have tried shortening (since we don’t have paramount crystals but interesting reading nevertheless!!) however I find that that melted candy melts separate a little as I dip the cake pop in and dry with a glossy/greasy sheen…does that happen to you?
You are a true artist and baker!! We enjoyed the cake pops you made for my daughter Lauren’s 12th Bday party..they were so beautiful and delicious! The mermaid’s tail cake pops are so amazing! I’m so glad I found you through Paige’s FB site. I will definitely order more delish cake pops from you!!! Thanks!!!
Thanks so much Gellie! It was such a pleasure making cake pops for Lauren –glad it worked out this year! ; )Thank you <3
Love the mermaid tails! Thanks for sharing! What do you put in the candy coating to make it shimmery?
Thank you! I brush luster dust on them after they’ve dried.
Your work inspires me! Beautiful!
Thank you!! People like you inspire ME!
Great Job…would you mind sharing your cake recipe that you use?
I loved the colors and your origionality. when i did them for my boys i had the hardest time for them to stay on the stick, as soon as they start getting room temp they seem to loosen off! what am i doing wrong?
Hi Kris..
I’ve stumbled across your website and I’m so glad I did.. I love your work, your story.. What you’re doing is what I want to do in Australia and I’m super excited! Been practising away that’s for sure!
I have a question.. Hoping you can help… I want to master my piping skills and don’t know what to use.. Piping bags, pens, cones, tips etc.. what is the best method? Your finish on the mermaid tails are perfection.. and it that all with candy melts at the same consistency as when you dip?
Big thanks in advance, looking forward to hearing from you..
Miranda x
Hi Miranda!
I find that I have more control with snipping the corner of the bag, rather than with using real piping tips in the different sizes. Regarding the consistency, it depends on what I’m piping, but yes, I use at the same consistency for dipping. If I need it stiffer, I let it cool and harden a tad bit.
I use ziplock bags; I don’t use anything fancy.
Good luck to you! Hope this helps!
Kris
Hey Kris,
Thanks for the quick reply.. That def helps.. I did start off with the zip lock bags but I think I was putting too much in the one bag so I couldn’t control it very well.. Will attempt again!
Once I get my groove I’ll send some pics!
Thanks again x