3D Finalist 1
Bonsai Cats
by Emily Severyn · submitted Nov 5, 2013 · 2013 contest
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Description
I chose this design for several reasons - firstly, because I love bonsai trees (I have quite a few growing at home) and also, of course, because I love cats. I'm also a big fan of the art style of this design: fairly minimalistic, but with a lot of character. I knew I was taking on quite a challenge by choosing this design, but then again I suppose that's what I'm here for - to challenge myself.
Building the tree was quite the process. Overall, it took about two (very long) days. First, I created an internal structure made of PVC pipe. I anchored it to my cake board with a flange and glued everything together with PVC glue for maximum stability. I then covered all visible pipe in modeling chocolate, and textured it with a clay tool. I used cardboard as a base for the foliage and built up the bottom of each separate piece with rice crispy treats. My next step was to start carving cake. I simply began with some sheet cakes, built up my leaf shapes on top of the cardboard, and glued it all together with ganache and buttercream. The red pot was quite simple - I built a small base out of fiberboard for the feet, carved down the sides of my cake to achieve the angle, and paneled each side separately for sharp corners. I then placed it on top of a cake board (which I had covered with brown fondant and textured with a wood grain mat). But while my other cakes were chilling, I found myself a little perplexed at how I would accomplish the next step - texturing the leaves. Finally, I came up with a solution. Once the cakes were completely chilled, I added an another thin layer of buttercream, and pressed rice crispy cereal into the soft frosting. I then covered it with a very thin layer of green fondant, and voila - the perfect definition for all of those teeny tiny leaves. Once the tree was completely built, I finished up by forming my ninja kitties. (This was my favorite part!) They are made completely out of modeling chocolate for easy shaping and quick drying.
This was my first Threadcakes entry, and while it was quite challenging it was also very fun. I look forward to entering again in the future!
Building the tree was quite the process. Overall, it took about two (very long) days. First, I created an internal structure made of PVC pipe. I anchored it to my cake board with a flange and glued everything together with PVC glue for maximum stability. I then covered all visible pipe in modeling chocolate, and textured it with a clay tool. I used cardboard as a base for the foliage and built up the bottom of each separate piece with rice crispy treats. My next step was to start carving cake. I simply began with some sheet cakes, built up my leaf shapes on top of the cardboard, and glued it all together with ganache and buttercream. The red pot was quite simple - I built a small base out of fiberboard for the feet, carved down the sides of my cake to achieve the angle, and paneled each side separately for sharp corners. I then placed it on top of a cake board (which I had covered with brown fondant and textured with a wood grain mat). But while my other cakes were chilling, I found myself a little perplexed at how I would accomplish the next step - texturing the leaves. Finally, I came up with a solution. Once the cakes were completely chilled, I added an another thin layer of buttercream, and pressed rice crispy cereal into the soft frosting. I then covered it with a very thin layer of green fondant, and voila - the perfect definition for all of those teeny tiny leaves. Once the tree was completely built, I finished up by forming my ninja kitties. (This was my favorite part!) They are made completely out of modeling chocolate for easy shaping and quick drying.
This was my first Threadcakes entry, and while it was quite challenging it was also very fun. I look forward to entering again in the future!