I was looking for something amusing that would blend Valentine’s Day with some water-related subject, event or activity. I didn’t find anything that really fit the bill, but I stumbled on photographs of more that 100 amazing cakes.
The cake decorator is Karen Portaleo, a clay sculptor who began crafting cakes in 2005 when she noticed that her friend’s bakery needed some decorative items. She started by decorating cookies for Highland Bakery in Atlanta, Georgia. Before long, she was making some of the most elaborate cakes you will ever see.
Karen says she is self-taught and always learning, and her Flickr website mentions some of the cake-decorating contests she has entered.
Scroll down this Water Ways page to see the water-related cakes I found among Karen’s masterpieces. But you’ll want to check out her full repertoire of cakes — from the whimsical to the truly gorgeous — by going to Karen’s Flickr site and clicking on “slideshow.” It seems that the only limits are what she and others can dream up.
In Karen’s notes, she says she “deeply appreciates” comments left for her.
Giant Octopus Cake
Karen Portaleo with her Giant Octopus Cake (to show size)
Sushi Cake
Killer Whale Cake
Rubber Ducky Cake
Red Crab Cake
Undersea Gingerbread House
Penguin Cake
Golf/Surf Honeymoon Cake
Pond Party
Holey Smokes! The girl is brilliant – love her whimsical cakes. Wow. I thought cakes like this happen only in New York City. So beautiful…
Great find. Chris, thanks.
Nobody could eat these creations ….?
Sharon O’Hara
My wife Sue did not understand the title, “If I knew you were coming…” So, for others who may have missed it, I’m adding a YouTube link to the 1950 hit song by Eileen Barton.
Other links can be found on Rhapsody and itunes (click on 48).
Here are the lyrics for those who need them:
If I knew you were comin’ I’d’ve baked a cake
Baked a cake, baked a cake
If I knew you were comin’ I’d’ve baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Had you dropped me a letter, I’d a-hired a band
Grandest band in the land
Had you dropped me a letter, I’d a-hired a band
And spread the welcome mat for you
Oh, I don’t know where you came from
’cause I don’t know where you’ve been
But it really doesn’t matter
Grab a chair and fill your platter
And dig, dig, dig right in
“My wife Sue did not understand the title, “If I knew you were coming…”
Your wife Sue is a young thing … folks my age must have done what I did and flashed back …” I’d’ve baked a cake Baked a cake, baked a cake…”
The cheery tune and beat make the song…thanks for the memories…”
Sharon O’Hara
wow! i am a wedding cake, bakery owner, i am totally impressed! awesome cakes! beautiful attention to detail, with extreme artistry, and talent!