Jessica Hishman's Page

You might want to try the Tasting/Baking Competition, too.  Just be sure to bring extra just in case there is any damage.  I like the way you decorate your cupcakes.  Look at the categories, pick the categories you want to enter and decorate to compliment the cupcake.  You can enter as many categories as you want, but only one entry per category.  Good luck and have fun experimenting and improving.

That is fabulous and a good outlook to work to improve.  I think you will do great and also have a blast!  It will be great to meet you.  Any questions or if anything is not totally clear, just contact me and ask.  I am here for u.

Your hand molding work is well done and beautiful.  Very smooth fondant.  And, that is what you want when entering a show.  Your covering in fondant on your watermelon slice is super well done because everything is so smooth, neat and precise.  I would suggest not entering buttercream.  You haven't entered before, so you are a Non-Pro.  You might want to consider the sculpting/shaped cupcake category as your hand molding is exceptional.  You could do three ducks or whatever the rules say and turn them into the theme of "Love in the Tropics".  Everything must be real cake.  Pictures must be taken of some of the steps in creating the entry to prove the inside is real cake.  The rules are described underneath each category and at the beginning of each division.  Many competitors search the net for pictures and coloring book picture of the theme of what they want to create for a show.  Just be sure all your work is neat and as precise as possible; that is the main goal.  You may write to me or call me and ask all the questions you want.  I am not judging, so it is okay.  Detail being very neat and precise is an asset.  Example:  If you are doing a grass skirt, you may want to etch the "grass part" of the skirt to look more real and paint it with food coloring (or petal dusts; I use crystal colors by Beth Parvu of Sugarpaste) and a clear alcohol such as gin.  I now use lemon extract.   Either is fine.  The paint/tinting creates a more realistic effect and is an asset in competiting.  There will be a special demo/presentational seminar of 45 min. on Saturday by Sheila Miller, one of the judges, teachers and demonstrators on "What the Judges Look For".  In themeantime, I have sent you the "Cake Show Hints".  Let me know if you don't get it.  dshavkin@optonline.net

Thanks for your invite.  Happy to be your friend here.  Hope to meet and see you at the cupcake show!

Love to have you attend the Cupcake Competition for Bakers and Decorators that I am coordinating.  The event will be held September 17, 2011 in Beacon NY.  Classes begin on the 16th.  You do not have to be a professional to enter in either the Baking or the Decorative Divisions.  There are appropriate categories from the ages of 4 up through Masters.  Please visit:  www.shavkin.com for info, applications, forms and updates.  Lots there to find out about this wonderfully planned show and competition.  Any questions, etc., please do not hesitate to contact me.  Regards, Diane  By the way, the hotel is now taking reservations at a reduced rate.