Unveiling Masterpieces: Stevi Auble’s Winter White Elegance in The 12 Cakes of Christmas Series
The festive season is officially in full swing, and with it, our much-anticipated series, The 12 Cakes of Christmas, continues to unfold with breathtaking beauty! We’re embarking on a delightful journey, celebrating twelve days of exquisitely designed cakes, each meticulously crafted to ignite your imagination and inspire truly spectacular holiday and winter event creations. Our mission is simple: to bring you unparalleled cake artistry that transcends the ordinary, pushing the boundaries of traditional festive desserts. We invited a dozen of the most talented bakers and sugar artists from across the globe, challenging them to conjure innovative and elegant cake designs that are perfectly suited for both joyful Christmas parties and sophisticated winter weddings. Beyond the stunning visuals, this series offers a unique glimpse into the creative minds behind these edible masterpieces, exploring the diverse inspirations that fuel their genius. It’s more than just baking; it’s an immersive experience in sugar artistry – it’s The 12 Cakes of Christmas!
A Vision of Winter Wonderland: Introducing the Fourth Cake by Stevi Auble
As our festive countdown progresses, we are absolutely thrilled to present the fourth magnificent cake in our series, a stunning creation by the incredibly talented Stevi Auble, the visionary owner of Hey There, Cupcake!, nestled in the vibrant city of San Diego. Many of you will undoubtedly recall Stevi’s signature style and exceptional talent from this gorgeously snowy winter wedding cake that captivated our readers last January. Her ability to translate the serene beauty of winter into edible art is simply unparalleled, and we are ecstatic to have her join us once more, celebrating the enchanting wonder of the season through her latest design. With a style that is inherently elegant, undeniably sophisticated, and utterly exquisite, her newest contribution to our series is a true marvel. It’s undeniably beautiful, a masterpiece of subtle drama and delicate artistry… It’s The 4th Cake of Christmas, and it promises to leave you spellbound!
Chanel’s Haute Couture: The Genesis of a Gown-Inspired Cake
Stevi Auble’s latest creation is not just a cake; it’s a profound artistic statement, drawing its primary inspiration from an incredible image by the iconic fashion house, Chanel. This design stands as a subtle yet utterly spectacular ode to the timeless elegance of winter whites, echoing the sophisticated simplicity and dramatic flair that Chanel is renowned for. Imagine a perfectly polished silhouette, elevated with just the right touch of dramatic artistry. The cake features gracefully extra tall tiers that command attention, providing an impressive canvas for Stevi’s intricate work. A soft, frosty blue hue subtly peeks through, creating a delicate backdrop that enhances the pristine white, evoking the serene chill of a winter morning. This thoughtful color palette sets the perfect stage for a delicate lace pattern, which artfully drapes across the tiers, adding another layer of texture and refinement. However, the true stars of this show, the elements that truly elevate this design into a work of art, are the flowers.
Prepare to be mesmerized by oodles and oodles of delicate, exquisitely frilly flowers. These aren’t just any sugar flowers; they are a direct challenge to the magnificent paper wall that famously adorned Chanel’s original inspiration image. Each bloom is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship – over 100 individual handmade rice paper flowers, to be exact! The sheer volume and intricate detail of these blossoms create a dynamic yet delicate cascade, enveloping the cake in a dreamy, ethereal aura. This winter white beauty is the epitome of both sophistication and chic, embodying a luxurious yet understated aesthetic. It’s a design that not only pleases the eye but tells a story of elegance, texture, and pure artistic passion. And we bet you’re absolutely dying to see every intricate detail for yourself… Scroll down to immerse yourself in its splendor!
Stevi Auble’s Creative Vision: From Inspiration to Edible Art
Stevi, the celebrated artist behind Hey There, Cupcake!, generously shares her profound insights into the inspiration that fueled this extraordinary design:
“I have harbored this particular inspiration photo, a captivating Chanel image, for quite some time, patiently awaiting the perfect occasion to resurrect it in cake form. My artistic sensibility is deeply drawn to texture and contrast, and I find immense joy in subtly exploring any given theme, rather than making it overtly explicit. While this cake may not scream ‘holiday’ in the traditional, in-your-face manner, my fervent hope was to evoke that profound, ethereal feeling of wintery wonder that so gracefully permeates the atmosphere during this time of year. I wanted to capture the quiet magic, the gentle sparkle, and the sophisticated calm that winter brings, all translated into an edible masterpiece that resonates with refined beauty.”
Stevi’s approach speaks volumes about her nuanced artistry. She doesn’t just replicate; she interprets, transforms, and elevates. Her desire to “lightly tiptoeing around any given theme” allows for a more profound and universally appealing design, one that celebrates the essence of winter without being confined to specific holiday motifs. This makes her cake incredibly versatile, perfect for a chic New Year’s Eve celebration, an elegant winter birthday, or even a timeless bridal shower. The “wintery wonder” she invokes is palpable, creating a sense of serene beauty that truly sets this cake apart.
Technique Unveiled: The Craftsmanship Behind the Beauty
Stevi of Hey There, Cupcake! further enlightens us by sharing the intricate details of her masterful technique, revealing the secrets behind her breathtaking texture work:
“The entire surface of this exquisite cake is meticulously covered in delicate, die-cut rice paper sheets, creating a seamless, almost fabric-like texture that provides a sophisticated foundation. Embellishing this base are over 100 individual, painstakingly handmade rice paper flowers, each crafted with immense precision to achieve a lifelike and ethereal quality. To introduce an intriguing counterpoint to the inherent softness and delicate nature of these papery thin textures, I strategically incorporated gumpaste branches. These branches were added to subtly roughen up the overall aesthetic, injecting a touch of organic, rustic elegance that creates a stunning visual and tactile contrast. This interplay of soft, smooth paper and slightly rugged gumpaste truly brings the cake to life, adding depth and visual interest.”
Stevi’s explanation highlights her exceptional skill in balancing different mediums to achieve a harmonious and visually compelling design. The use of die-cut rice paper sheets provides a flawless finish, showcasing the precision of modern cake decorating. The hand-crafted nature of each individual flower speaks to a dedication to traditional sugar artistry, where patience and attention to detail are paramount. Furthermore, the deliberate addition of gumpaste branches demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of textural dynamics, preventing the design from becoming too uniform or saccharine. This thoughtful layering of textures is what gives the cake its unique character and makes it so captivating to behold. It’s a masterclass in creating a multi-dimensional sensory experience, making the viewer want to reach out and touch the delicate surfaces.
More Than Just a Cake: A Source of Inspiration
This design by Stevi Auble is, without a doubt, seriously stunning. The deliberate choice of extra tall tiers instantly makes a powerful statement, imparting a sense of grandeur and contemporary elegance that is truly unforgettable. The sheer abundance of magnificent white-on-white flowers, meticulously arranged, creates a feast for the eyes, inviting admirers to explore every delicate curve and frill. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an immersive artistic experience, representing holiday indulgence and winter sophistication at its absolute finest. It speaks to a refined taste, perfect for those seeking to infuse their celebrations with a touch of haute couture elegance and timeless beauty. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Stevi of Hey There, Cupcake! for continually inspiring us with her spectacular and innovative take on winter whites, pushing the boundaries of edible art. And of course, a special thank you to the incredibly talented Nicole Benitez for capturing the ethereal beauty of this cake with her truly gorgeous photography, bringing every intricate detail to life.
Unlock Your Inner Baker: Learn from the Master Herself!
Are you captivated by the delicate beauty of Stevi’s wafer paper flowers and the intricate art of decoupage? Do you dream of creating such exquisite edible designs yourself? Then you’re in luck! Stevi Auble, an undisputed master of these techniques, shares her closely guarded secrets and invaluable expertise in her highly acclaimed new online class at Craftsy. This comprehensive course is your golden opportunity to delve deep into the world of delicate wafer paper artistry, learning step-by-step how to craft stunning, lifelike floral elements and master the elegant technique of decoupage on cakes. Stevi doesn’t just show you how it’s done; she meticulously guides you through each process, sharing professional tips and tricks that will elevate your cake decorating skills to an entirely new level. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the industry’s most innovative talents and transform your baking creations into breathtaking works of art!
Continue the Festive Journey: Explore The 12 Cakes of Christmas
We sincerely hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring the first four captivating cakes in The 12 Cakes of Christmas series! Each design is a testament to the boundless creativity and skill within the cake decorating community, offering a unique blend of holiday cheer and artistic sophistication. If you happened to miss any of the previous installments, or if you simply wish to revisit these edible marvels for another dose of inspiration, you can easily view them all right HERE. Our delightful holiday fun and inspiring cake reveals are far from over, with new masterpieces set to be unveiled starting on Monday. Be sure to check back for more incredible designs that promise to dazzle and inspire your festive season. Until then, have a wonderful and joyous weekend, everyone!
VENDORS & CREDITS
Cake Design & Execution: Hey There, Cupcake!
Photography & Visual Storytelling: Nicole Benitez Photography
Artistic Inspiration: Chanel
Learn From This Master Baker: Delicate Wafer Paper Flowers with Stevi Auble on Craftsy