Extra Icing on the Cake...and extra me too!

WORKSHOPS IN AUSTRALIA

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:25:34 GMT

WORKSHOPS IN AUSTRALIA...REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW!

If you wish to be added to the mailing list for classes with me in Australia, send your name and e-mail address to extra-icing@hotmail.co.uk Let me know where you are from too....there's every chance the trip will be in more than one area. It all depends on the interest and where it is coming from. The list has already started and is looking good!

Barney doesn't appreciate the tv!

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:02:13 GMT

I'm more than a Bride and Groom!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:49:22 GMT

What I mean is....I can offer just as much in any of my classes than what I do in Bride and Groom workshop. The wedding couple is ever popular and I completely appreciate that. If I personally didn't love creating them so much then I would be out of business as the majority of my wedding cake requests are for the personal touch. Each one the same subject but very much different in the dress style, hair and colour. All of them unique, all of them fabulous.....and many a happy bride for sure. When I offered the Bride and Groom workshop for my visit to Austin, Texas....I had no idea that it would fill in extraordinary quick time. There are a few disappointed people among you but please be assured that a return visit is on the cards so you may still register your interest with Capital Confectioners making sure you let them know it is for future classes you are enquiring. There are still some spaces available on the other classes. The "Daddy and Me" workshop offers so much use of techniques and skill and has as much to offer as the Bride and Groom workshop so don't feel disappointed....sign up for this one and sieze the opportunity to pick my brain when you have me in Austin FACE TO FACE!! Believe me, I don't intend to travel so far and not share my skills with you. Take advantage....I would!

NEW TUTORIAL ON SALE!

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:13:33 GMT

Finally today The Icing on the Cake presents the fifth in the series of How To's....Puppy Love! Enjoy!

A NEW TUTORIAL IS ON THE WAY!

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:26:02 GMT

The new tutorial is called "Puppy Love" and features...as the title plainly tells you!....a puppy with a kneeling boy. My techniques for making my characters are always being improved as I work on finding perfection....I wonder if that will ever happen! The new tutorial shows some added detail in the making of facial features and I show you, as usual, with the help of an abundance of photographs so that you won't miss anything. The tutorial is due for release on the 27th June and details will be announced on my blog a few days before. I always enjoy putting the tutorials together.....I hope you all enjoy it too! Thank you so much to everyone who has purchased and used my previous tutorials. I thank you all for sharing your work with me and who have joined my Flckr group to show the world what can be done with online lessons. You all make me so proud.

Barney!

Thu, 22 May 2008 19:48:25 GMT

This is my darling little Barney....he is a Lhasa Apso and was born in November 2007. He has had his first hair cut and is looking every inch the loveable rogue that he is. Although he will never replace my beloved Yorkie, Fitz, who I lost on Boxing Day last year, he has helped tremedously in easing the pain. Fitz will always be with me. I think about him every day. Barney is so lively and such a cheeky boy.....he makes me laugh and that can only be good. It is so good to have him around!

How to use letter cutters

Mon, 12 May 2008 21:08:46 GMT

Aine2 Workshops in Australia? What do you think?

Thu, 01 May 2008 19:33:48 GMT

I have been approached with the possiblity of doing workshops in Australia. I can't give too many details at this point but first of all and most importantly, I need to know if the trip would be worthwhile for me.......what I mean is, would anyone turn up to have a workshop with me?? I have posed the question on Cake Central forums http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-585129.html so if you are from Australia and are a member of CC, please do leave your comments. I'm thick skinned, I can take the bad with the good!

As you already know, I am doing workshops in Texas this October and the response to those has been tremendous. There will now be 5 workshops available in Austin and I am thrilled about that. If I could repeat this in Australia I would be doubly thrilled!

TO CLARIFY THE TUTORIAL OFFER

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:09:30 GMT

I just want to clarify the offer of 4 tutorials for the price of 3. The offer is.....buy Character, Bear Hugs and Sweet Dreams tutorials and I shall send the Baby Topper tutorial FREE. DO NOT ADD BABY TOPPER TO YOUR PAYPAL SHOPPING BASKET WHEN BUYING THE OTHER 3. The e-mails containing the links and passwords are not automatically sent but are done by me personally. When I receive a notification of payment for the 3 mentioned tutorials I add the Baby Topper tutorial to the order. Please also bear in mind that I am in Scotland and our time differences mean that while I am checking mail first thing in the morning then you may still be tucked up in bed. I check mail at least 3 times a day to specifically deal with the orders so I guarantee that the tutorials will be with you within 24 hours. If you do not have the orders withing that time scale, please do check your junk mail and spam folders to see if they have by any chance landed there without you noticing.

I have sent many refunds because of overpayment which may be my own fault in the way I have worded the offer and caused confusion. But the offer says "BUY Character, Bear Hugs and Sweet Dreams tutorials and GET the Baby Topper free" I hope that helps. If you have any queries at all please do let me know. I can be reached through www.lorraine-icingonthecake.co.uk or www.extraicingdemonstrationsandworkshops.blogspot.com

Thank you so much to everyone for your purchases, your appreciation, your kindness and friendship. I really do appreciate it.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

I'M GOING TO TEXAS TO TEACH!!

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:58:40 GMT

I've had a wonderful invitation to teach in Austin, Texas and will be landing on US soil in October! The classes will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October. Sooooo.....all of you lovely Texans who write to me.....I'M COMING TO MEET YOU!! The venue has yet to be confirmed but as soon as I know I shall post it here. I am thrilled to bits!

New Cake Forum for sugar fanatics....like me!

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:58:46 GMT

This should be a lot of fun....a new forum for cake enthusiasts with a good sense of humour and a willingness to share. I know many of the people on this new forum and can guarantee you that you will have a bundle of fun getting to know them too. Take a look and see what you think. Another place to hang out and you'll always find me there too. Crafty Sugar Crafters

Why I don't have many weekend workshops.

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:15:02 GMT

I am loving every minute of my workshops I have to say and I know my students are enjoying them too. So far, I have only had one workshop on a Saturday and am often asked why I don't do all of them on a weekend instead of during the week. So here is how my working week goes and how I spend my weekends and hopefully you will understand a little bit more. As you know, I am a carer for a young man (Paul) with complex special needs. I only see Paul on a Monday so that day is ours, it is not a cake day but sometimes if I have to catch up with something, Paul will patiently allow me to do this while he entertains me with his sing-a-long DVD's. The remainder of the week is taken up with either cake orders, scheduled workshops or demonstrations.......sometimes all three! By Friday, I make sure that I am up to date with any sugar work required for the cakes in the coming weeks. Anything that can be done in advance, I try to do to save me time nearer the cake's due date. As well as this, I have to spend a couple of hours in the mornings dealing with mail which ranges from enquiries, tutorial purchases, requests for help and many, many thank you's and photographs from grateful customers. That cheers me up no end and sets me up for the day ahead I have to say.

When my grandson Daniel was born premature with Downs Syndrome and heart difficulties, I vowed then that my work load would lessen and that my weekends would now be dedicated to my family and especially my grandsons. My workshops and demonstrations have allowed me to take on less cake orders which has cut down the stress of having to get things out on time and has certainly put an end to late, late nights of cake decorating. I now have a personal life again and I cannot apologise for taking the decision to ensure the weekends would always belong to the boys.

Now and again I will offer a weekend workshop but I have to tell you that I live for the weekends and being with the boys. Daniel is growing in strength but he still needs a lot of help.....and so does my daughter. All mums need a break and I am just so grateful that I can do this for her.

I have many plans for the coming months and when I have more details I will certainly be shouting about it on my blog. There are more tutorials in the pipeline for sure. This year at the NEC in Birmingham, I won't be competing for the first time because I will be demonstrating modeling with Regalice Professional Sugarpaste instead. I'll bet when the time comes I will change my mind and enter SOMEthing in the competition too! We'll see.

So there you have it. My life is busy, busy, busy. You can't please everyone all of the time but if I can please some people, some of the time then I am doing something right. Thank you for your understanding and if you ever need me you know I am just an e-mail away!

Cheers!

MORE WORKSHOP DATES SCHEDULED!

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:57:43 GMT

More workshop dates are now scheduled. Have a look at www.extraicingdemonstrationsandworkshops.blogspot.com and see if there are any classes that you wish to attend. I have a 2 day workshop coming up in July which will cover making a bride and groom. The dates have yet to be confirmed as I have an Australian visitor attending and as soon as she knows the exact dates of her arrival I shall get the dates finalised and a class up and running. This class will be best suited for those who already have some degree of modeling skills. You don't have to be an expert....but you will be by the time you leave my class! Book now for this one in advance to secure a place.

Cupcake toppers! - Howcast video by Aine2

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:20:53 GMT

I thought I'd put another little video together so I planned to make one of these cupcake toppers. However, against the clock and trying to keep the file to the size required for Howcast and You.Tube....not to mention the bloopers and outtakes, I ended up having to make 7 of these in total and a five minute video took me about 2 hours to get done! I hope the effort to get it seen was worth it! Have you heard of Howcast? If not go look it up www.howcast.com You'll find an incredible selection of videos on every subject. Be prepared to get addicted!

4 TUTORIALS FOR THE PRICE OF 3!!

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:16:26 GMT

I am now giving away "Baby Topper tutorial" FREE when you buy "Character", "Bear Hugs" and "Sweet Dreams" together. I send these tutorials personally to you so please do allow a 24 hour delay (although it's never that long) to allow for the time difference between those of you across the pond and me here in Scotland. A complete project absolutely FREE when tutorials 2,3 and 4 are purchased. Go on.....have a look! http://www.lorraine-icingonthecake.co.uk/masterclasses/tutorials.htm

NEW TUTORIAL ON SALE NOW!

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:41:32 GMT

At last, my latest tutorial is ready! Check it out at www.extra-icing.blogspot.com It's a cutie!

Workshop news!

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:23:49 GMT

My workshops are doing extremely well I'm happy to say. The only problem is that time goes by much too quickly and the fun has to end! New workshops are scheduled for February and March so go have a look on www.extraicingdemonstrationsandworkshops.blogspot.com and see if there are any you might be interested in. I'd love to see you there!

Just a word!

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:25:22 GMT

Since I started putting together the little You.Tube videos, I receive just as much mail about my accent as I do about my work! Just to satisfy those who want to hear me talk about ANYthing, I put this together...I doubt if there will be another, but I hope you enjoy it!

Making an impression of tartan onto fondant or sugarpaste

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:10:28 GMT

The saddest Christmas ever

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:28:16 GMT

On Boxing Day my little Yorkshire Terrier died. I am still numb with shock although I knew he hasn't been himself lately. He had been slowing down a little, something we put down to his age. He was 12 years old but still very much a puppy to us in many ways. He was going about his business normally every day and still followed me around all the time so no real cause for concern but the plan was to visit the vet once Christmas was over. We just got our Daniel home from hospital on the 20th and had spent much of December running back and forth to hospital to visit him and his mum (my daughter) and the journeys were long and because of the time of year, most of the time we were stuck in hellish traffic jams. However, the visits were worth it and as we were looking after Andrew, our 2 year old grandson, it was great to be able to take him to see his mum and his brother for a little while so that he knew they were okay. Andrew's birthday was the day after Daniel's release from hospital so it was all systems go to get his cake organised and to get on with Christmas shopping. My little dog, Fitz, was so patient and waited his turn for attention during this time. Daniel is recovering extremely well and we were looking forward to him coming to us with his family for Boxing Day. Our Christmas Day was the usual presents, dinner and over indulging in sweet things. Fitz joined in the festivities and was bringing his toys for us to play with him which we thought was strange as lately he hadn't much interest in them. We were happy to see him wanting to join in with everyone. On Boxing Day, he was pretty poorly in the morning so we left him to lie in his bed as we normally did when he wasn't well, making sure he had a drink and was comfortable, checking on him now and again. The last time I checked on him he had tried to get out of his bed and just collapsed onto the floor and had been very sick. I ran a warm bath to clean him up while my husband called the emergency vet. When I lifted Fitz, he was so weak and was just looking at me with such sad eyes. I gently bathed him and dried him off, wrapped him warmly and held him in my arms for the journey to the vet. I was hoping that he would get some kind of injection to ease his pain and we would perhaps get some medication to bring home to make him well. This wasn't to be. We had left the family in my house saying that we wouldn't be long before we returned but I never imagined that I would be going home without my Fitz. The vet took an x-ray of him and found an enormous tumour in his stomach. He had been treated for stomach upset just a couple of months before. We asked how this could possibly be but she said that these things can grow rapidly and a normal check up would not detect it some weeks ago. She also said that we were lucky that my little dog did not suffer up until this moment as some dogs can be so poorly and go through a lot of exploratory operations before they finally have to go. I didn't feel very lucky at all. She told us in the best way she could that we would have to let our poor dog go. He couldn't stand up and his little body had given up. This was all to quick for me and I could not take it in. I went to pieces on the spot. We were given some time to let it sink in and to take our last cuddles before she ended his pain. I held his paw and stroked his head, telling him I loved him so until he couldn't hear me any more. I am devastated and empty without my Fitz. I have never cried so much in my life and I doubt I have cried my last. I know that time will heal...at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Photo Album: My boys!

Thu, 22 May 2008 19:26:11 GMT

My boys!

Andrew

Cheeky boy!

The Christmas bears at Dobbie's Garden Centre

Paul doesn't like the singing bears...massive body swerve!

Best buddies!

Two cheeky boys!

Playtime!

Everyone should have one of these to watch the telly! hahaha!

Daniel

The sweetest baby boy!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Modelling Work inspired by Aine2....that's me! Some of these wonderful creations were made with the help of The Icing on the Cake Tutorials. How proud am I?.....VERY! Check out my Extra Icing blogspot for customer reviews! www.extra-icing.blogspot.com

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:05:38 GMT

Modelling Work inspired by Aine2....that's me! Some of these wonderful creations were made with the help of The Icing on the Cake Tutorials. How proud am I?.....VERY! Check out my Extra Icing blogspot for customer reviews! www.extra-icing.blogspot.com

Created by Jenn from Burlington, North Carolina

Created by Roberta Graham from Harper, Kansas, USA

Created by Jane Knoll from Canada

Created by Kathryn Harris from New Zealand.

Created by Kathryn Harris from New Zealand

Created by Julia Babikova from Ireland (originally from Russia)

Created by Frank Varney from Los Angeles

Created by Carole Lowe from Nottingham, England

Created by Penny Blake from Epsom, Surrey

More Photos...

Photo Album: Brotherly love!

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:46:56 GMT

Brotherly love!

"I love my wee brother!"

"Take my hand!"

Story time

"Are you paying attention Daniel?"

Granny's precious boys!

Sleepy time

Who's hiding behind the curtain??

It's Andrew! ha ha ha

I can't get enough!

Kisses for granny

More Photos...

Photo Album: Dalhousie Castle for one night only!

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 18:45:17 GMT

Dalhousie Castle for one night only!

Dalhousie Castle

"This'll do me!"

Andy swatting flies!! hahahaha

Dalhousie 004

can ye see me noo??

matching robes!

"get your feet off the furniture!!"

peep a boo!

The Study!

The Secretary!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Andrew Dillon....my precious grandson!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:26:37 GMT

Andrew Dillon....my precious grandson!

I'm going to bite it granny! ha ha ha!

oh this is busy work!

peep!

I'm making a barricade!

Gorgeous boy!

Does this fit?

Can you help me with my shoe please?

Andrew Dillon.

Look granny!

Hiya granny!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Daniel enters the world!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:19:57 GMT

Daniel enters the world!

Welcome Daniel!

Daniel spends his first few weeks in special care.

Still in special care but getting stronger every day!

Look who's learning to feed from a bottle!

Keep this up and you will be going home soon!

Look who's home at last!! My first hug!

Kisses from his favourite granny! Mwaah!

More cuddles! yippee!

Auntie Vicky gets a hug too!

Aww! A wee cherub!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Thank you - to the Special Care Unit nurses who looked after Daniel!

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:55:27 GMT

Thank you - to the Special Care Unit nurses who looked after Daniel!

The doctor's expression is priceless!

I think they liked their cake!

Daniel's cake top

A big thank you to all the nurses!

Photo Album: Paul and Aine!

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:20:47 GMT

Paul and Aine!

"who's been at the buttercream?... not guilty!"

geez a kiss!

mwaaah!

Paul and Aine's car!

Look who's 18 today!

Happy Birthday Paul!

Vicky and Paul..these two are not both 18!

Mmmmm!! Chocolate Indulgance..actually we all had one of these!

Photo Album: A visitor from Cake Central!

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:29:20 GMT

A visitor from Cake Central!

Julia aka Ylka from Cake Central!

Who's this in my window??

Julia takes it all in!

Me posing on the window ledge..the things you do for people!

Julia and yours truly

Just another pose

Julia and her children look at my little people!

My grandson Andrew joined us for a little while

Photo Album: Andrew's holidays with granny and grandad....yay!!

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 20:14:43 GMT

Andrew's holidays with granny and grandad....yay!!

Andrew's little cushion ritual before his bottle arrives!

The bottle has arrived!

Caravan in Whitby

Our little house for a week!

Building bricks

Is this where teeth brushing gets done??

The rain's coming..what a surprise!

Hiding in the back of the car til the rain goes off.

Ice lolly time!

Who's the big kid?? Oh..it's me!

More Photos...

Photo Album: A touch of Scotland!

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 22:22:05 GMT

A touch of Scotland!

Edinburgh Castle

Vicky and Andrew walk through the Princes Street Gardens

"can ye see me noo?"

Another view of Edinburgh Castle

"I'm off for a wander!"

"Auntie Vicky looks after me!"

"can I sit up there?"

"I'm the King of the Castle!"

"Granny loves me....I love my crisps!"

The Castle and the fountain...the clouds are coming!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Paul's cakes!

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:27:02 GMT

Paul's cakes!

Paul and my daughter Vicky

Paul and Vicky...who helped him make this cake today!

"Look at my creation! I am soooo proud of myself!"

Photo Album: 01 July

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 21:51:13 GMT

01 July

Dalhousie Castle

Andy (hubby!) poses in this grand room before everyone arrives!

I chose the window ledge for a pose!

Here comes the bride

I do....and so do I!

The newly weds

Standing in the gallery looking down after the event.

Just me posing again

My 80 year old mothier in law and me

Mr and Mrs Cake!

More Photos...

Photo Album: Satisfied customers!

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:11:56 GMT

Satisfied customers!

The recipient of this cake!

He strikes the pose!

Guitar

Ben and his mummy!

Mr & Mrs Ward! Congratulations!

Photo Album: Michelle and me!

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 19:20:27 GMT

Michelle and me!

Michelle poses for the camera

Isn't this fab?? I love this....I want one!!

In the pink!

"botox please!!"

At Est Est Est...fandabidozy!! (okay so that's not Italian!)

How do you take a photo of yourself?? Obviously not like this!!!

Guess which one of us is sensitive to sunlight!!!!!

Blog list: EXTRA OFFERINGS!

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:19:51 GMT

EXTRA OFFERINGS!

The Icing on the Cake
My original website...before I discovered blogs!
How did I do this?
How to cover a cake and board
How to make a snowman
Another little "how to" video.
How to make a miniature elephant with sugarpaste
A little video guide on how to make a cute little elephant. Enjoy!
AINE2's HOW TO's....on You.Tube!
A small video offering of how I work.
Extra Icing on the Cake!
TUTORIAL REVIEWS! Pictures, Links and fun!
BABY CAKE TOPPER TUTORIAL
Step by step, clear and concise written instruction with loads of pictures for the visual learner.
FEMALE CHARACTER TUTORIAL
Step by step, clear and concise intruction with loads of pictures for the visual learner.
BEAR HUGS TUTORIAL
Another in the series of step by step online tutorials...this one is the cutest by far!
SWEET DREAMS TUTORIAL
Another step by step online tutorial with easy to follow instruction and a whole load of pictures to aid the visual learner.
Puppy Love Tutorial
The latest step by step online project from The Icing on the Cake. This project contains some additional techniques, showing you how to enhance the features on your sugar faces!
WORKSHOPS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
Book a date today!
YOUR work inspired by MY work...take a look!
These photos are from the people around the world who have learned new skills using my tutorials or who have simply taken inspiration from my designs and recreated or adapted them. Please do send your photos to the group if you used my tutorials! :o)