http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/69868337/kerikeri-cake-decorator-wins-big
Kerikeri cake decorator wins big
Jess Atkins and with the Cleopatra tiered cake (left) and carved flamingo cake (right) that won at the Auckland competition. Also pictured is another tiered cake and a mermaid cake she is entering into the Whangarei competition.
The towering tiers of Cleopatra and a softly carved flamingo have won a Far North baker two top prizes.
Kerikeri's Jess Atkins, 32, won first place for the advanced carved and advanced tiered categories at the 2015 GoBake cake decorating competition hosted by The Cake & Craft Show in Auckland from June 19 to 21.
She says it took about a week to put together the Cleopatra dessert using display cakes, kilos of fondants, sculpting, edible gold leaf and hand painting.
"I really love over the top stuff. I like making everything elaborate."
Atkins first started cake decorating four years ago when she wanted to make something for her daughter's first birthday party.
"I just found any excuse to make cakes. I fell in love with it and became obsessed...nearly every celebration requires a cake.
"Nothing beats it if you've made a cake for your child and they are just so excited and so happy and delighted."
She slowly learnt more about the different techniques from airbrushing colour, carving fondant and even drilling structures into a cake board with power tools.
Atkins hasn't had too many cake disasters, recalling the only time a cake slipped off it's stand and dented itself on the table.
"Luckily there was a t-rex on it so I just made it like the t-rex had been eating the cake."