Top That!

It's a Boy! Sam's Baby Shower

2012-10-27T01:44:00.002+10:00

Last weekend I travelled to Brisbane to help shower my neice Sam with happiness! Her and husband Mark are expecting a son in January. Sam's lovely mum Julie was host and her good friend Lauren organised some fun baby shower games.

I made a cute cupcake {or patty cake} display with some icing ribbon roses, hand modelled chocolate fondant teddy bears and some 'baby' blocks. This could also make a great christening display don't you think?..with the babies name on the blocks.

I also used this {no bake} blueberry cheesecake recipe but instead of making a full sized cheescake I made them in small individual serves...I'm not the greatest cheesecake maker but these really were easy so give them a try ;)

We used one of my ruffle tablecloths and I whipped up a bunting in boy colours...

Lauren did a great job organising some fun games and everyone painted a message on a babysuit {onsie} or singlet....here's 'Nanny-to-be' getting her craft on!

'Party at my crib...BYO bottle!' took out first prize, so funny! and on the back she wrote 'no nappy, no entry!' Loved it ;)

There was baby shower gifts galore.....

and they were all really thoughtful and useful things!

The beautiful Mum-to-be!

You are looking so radiant and happy Sam, I know you will enjoy every minute of being a Mummy...we are so excited for you and cannot wait meet this newest member of the family xx

Have a sweet weekend everyone!

Crochet ~ for beginners!

2012-10-15T12:48:00.001+10:00

Each year when the cooler weather rolls around I get an urge to knit something...and each year I am left with another useless unfinished project, sound familiar?! For the last few winters I have turned my hand to crochet, and I love it. I started off with this basic five petal flower tutorial I found on YouTube. These are great to use as embellishments on your sewing projects or for little girls hairclips maybe? I'm sure you could find something to use them for!

If you don't know the four basic stitches used in crochet you will find this tutorial most helpful..

The US and UK use different names for the same stitches, I was not aware of this until some of my projects were not working out as they should have. So take note when starting a new pattern which terms they are wrtitten in :)
If you search the internet you will find many crochet patterns, most of them free, for almost anything you can think of!

I am 'hooked' on making these flowers, I usually make a couple everyday in the car while I'm waiting for the kids to come out of school...not sure what I will do with them all yet!! any suggestions?

'Star Wars' Cupcakes ~ William's 6th Birthday

2012-08-20T13:06:00.002+10:00

During the school holidays our little man 'William' turned six years old! He chose 'star wars' for the party theme this year! I pretty much had no idea what to do until I saw the awesome cupcake toppers 'Royal Bakery' had made, I knew I just had to make some too! They are very easy to make using the 'star wars' cookie cutter and plunger set, cut the shapes out of fondant or chocolate then it's just a matter of painting on the details...

William thought they were just great, and what a beautiful sunny day it was too! All the family travelled out to celebrate and have lunch with us, the birthday boy was extremely excited with all the star wars lego he was gifted! {not to mention all the other pressies...very spoilt!}

He was sooo stoked with this Darth Vader mask he was given, complete with breathing sounds!

We decorated the party table with some of his star wars lego and mini figures and of course loads of his favourite chocolate! The Darth Vader in the background was made with a plastic mask from spotlight and my cutting cape {used for hairdressing} we just pinned them onto the blind.

Hope you all had a great weekend, thanks for stopping by!

Good-bye June...Hello July!

2012-07-20T13:18:00.003+10:00

So I'm finally getting around to updating you all on some of the cakes I created in June...I know, it's almost the end of July!! Where does the time go? Last month life was busy, throw in the school holidays, my sons 6th birthday, end of financial year, lot's of paper party designs and some custom printables...I'm sure you have all been there, done that! and probably get alot more done than me :) {My biggest problem is organization, or should I say 'lack' of it} Anyway, if you don't follow me on facebook you were probably wondering what's going on? so in order to catch you up I will just post some pictures of my favourite cakes for last month...if you have any questions or would like to know 'how to' for any of them, please ask :)

'Giant Bloom' with lace trim ~for Roz' 60th Birthday Cake

Another 'Fish' Cake {hand carved and hand painted details} fins are also made of icing!

This cake was for Ross' 21st Birthday, the fish was made to look like the photo that was on his invitations and I really love how it turned out.

This cute little 'beagle puppy dog in a carry bag' cake was made for Lydia's 18th Birthday. The puppy {inspired by a Sharon Wee design} was made of fondant which I then hand painted with food colouring, my kids loooved him!

This little fisherman I modelled out of fondant to sit on the edge of this muddy dam {cake} that I made for my cousin's birthday, he was cute although I probably shouldn't have made his boots so clean and shiny looking should I?!

The water is coloured piping gel and the rocks are chocolates, incase your wondering:) and the not so good photo's are courtesy of the overcast rainy day we had!

This cake was for Oliver's birthday, another little lego fan. Everything is edible on this one, I used an icing tip to cut the small circles for the little icing bricks around the cake {yes, very fiddly lol!} the lego man figurines I made using the silicone lego ice tray which you can also make chocolates in.

I also squeezed in a three tiered black and white wedding cake for Sarah with these cute hand modelled toppers, the bride had a little netting veil at the back but you can't really see it in this photo.

This garden themed cake that I iced and created lot's of little decorations for was definately the most popular over on my facebook page last month. The actual cake inside this one was made by Clint's friend, Sharon Shields, something special for his 30th birthday.

I also did a couple of others {pheewww!} including a lego starwars cake and cupcakes for my son's 6th Birthday but I will do a sepeate post for that one :-)

Cake decorating is definately an addictive hobby, you should give it a go if you haven't already!

Don't forget to join me on facebook for more regular updates, have a great day.

'Vintage Garden' Themed Event {Top That! Paperie}

2012-05-29T17:36:00.006+10:00

{Images via 3's a Party and Photography by Sandra}

This beautiful 'vintage garden' themed event was recently styled by the

talented ladies of {Sydney based}3's a Party Events and Party Supplies.

I was asked to design some custom paper goods for them,

which included the sign pictured above for the candy buffet,

it reads "Please help yourself to something sweet".

The gorgeous cake pops were created

by "Cakes by Joanne Charmand".

{Images via 3's a Party and Photography by Sandra}

I also designed these 'garden themed' chocolate bar wrappers,

these can be customised to read or include whatever

you like...names, dates, monograms,

your existing logo for business/promotional events!

{Images via 3's a Party and Photography by Sandra}

The cake was made by {Sydney based} 'Couture Cakes and Supplies'...It is stunning,

I love everything about it. The celebration was for for two boys and a girl,

the bottom three tiers has their names on them and how beautiful are the sugar flowers?

{Images via 3's a Party and Photography by Sandra}

If you would like to see more beautiful images of this event and

links to the vendors used then please head over to

3's a Party Events and Supplies facebook page!

{Images via 3's a Party and Photography by Sandra}

If your in need of some custom designed paper goods I would love to hear from you!

It's the little details that make you take a second look :)

I will be updating my albums on my facebook page over the

next couple of days so be sure to check in!

'Breakfast at Tiffany's' Paper Designs {Top That! Paperie}

2012-05-28T13:34:00.001+10:00

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{Images via 3's a Party and photography by Sandra}

Last month I was enlisted to design some custom chocolate
bar wrappers, dessert table signs and an 8"x10" welcome sign
for the event stylists at 3's a Party in Sydney.
This was a 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' inspired theme that I am sure
was well received!

{Images via 3's a Party and Photography by Sandra}

The beautiful baked goods for this display are by Sweet Bloom Cakes
also in Sydney...gorgeous!
If you have an upcoming event, big or small, why not
Top That! dessert table with some of my
custom designed paper goodies.
To save you even more time I now also supply
the chocolate bars! {minimum order of 6}.
My designs can come to you as DIY printables
or printed and
assembled ready to be posted to your door
... locals can arrange for free pick up.

'Old' Treasure Chest Cake! {40th Birthday}

2012-05-02T07:55:00.000+10:00

Over the weekend my family and I attended a 'pirate themed' party to celebrate my Aunties 40th birthday. I was asked to make a treasure chest cake and this is what I came up with! The weather was just miserable, drizzling rain on and off the whole weekend, lucky for us the party was indoors and I managed get a few good shots of the cake during a very overcast day.

The latches and hinges are made of icing which I painted using gold lustre dust, moss green and brown to give it that 'old' look. Cake flavour for both tiers was Vanilla Bean, each layer filled with vanilla buttercream.

This is the back view, not very exciting I know! but interesting for those who may be going to make their own treasure chest cake, if you have any questions please ask me :)

Don't forget to visit my Facebook page for more cake and paper party updates!

'Happy 40th Birthday Jenny'!!

40th Wedding Anniversary! {Ruby}

2012-04-19T13:56:00.000+10:00

I recently had the pleasure of creating this two tiered 'shabby chic' style cake for my very good friend Deanne. She hosted a fabulous afternoon tea to celebrate her parents 40th Wedding Anniversay, the weather was absolutely perfect and she did a great job putting it all together.

Inside was red velvet cake, which I thought would be perfect for a 'ruby' anniversary {it turned out pretty close to the same colour as the ribbons} and the top tier was chocolate mud cake.

I really underestimated how long the ruffles on the top tier would take me to do, totally worth it though I was very happy with the end result! and it was very well received :)

Thankyou De for trusting me with the job!

'Congratulations Ray and Donna, 40 years!'

Dora the Explorer! {First Birthday Cake}

2012-04-19T13:05:00.000+10:00

I created this cute and simple design for a special little girls first birthday. Personalised with her name 'Savana' in vibrant pink letters cut from fondant icing. I also made some little curly streamers to brighten up the cake board a bit. The figurines are plastic and come in the set of three that you see here, Dora, Boots the monkey and Swiper the sneaky fox! Inside is three layers of delicious chocolate cake.

'Happy First Birthday Savana!'

If you are like me and love a good 'cake face' photo opportunity {especially for first birthdays!} then you will love these creamy ruffle smash cakes. I added a little edible glitter to this one which looks amazing on a bright and sunny day, great for an outdoors party!

Life has been busy lately as you might have guessed from my lack of blogging, we also caught a nasty bug just before Easter that went through all four of us and put me out of action for a little over a week! So I'm very pleased to be back on track and getting close to being up to date with my paper party orders. Also, my daughter turned nine on Easter day{!} as we were away we could'nt have the usual birthday party at home so instead a very simple afternoon tea with the family in Warwick. Caitlin even decorated her own cupcakes this year using her favourite icing tip and topping them with tiny speckled easter eggs.

They turned out really cute don't you think? She did a great job!

'Angry Birds' Birthday Cake

2012-03-12T17:31:00.001+10:00

Are you a fan of the 'Angry Birds' games? Two weeks ago I had no idea what these things were!

That was until my nephew came over playing it on his ipod so I decided I would make him this crazy looking birthday cake for his party over the weekend.

I'm not sure what the red bird is called? I think the unfortunate looking little green thing is called King Pig. Inside is chocolate mud cake.

As you may have noticed I am a little behind on my blogging...are you all feeling a bit like me wondering where did February go?? I've been quite busy making sugar flowers for some upcoming wedding cakes, very time consuming but definately worth every minute, I am hooked on sugar art! I will post a few sneak peeks for you on my facebook page this month. Other than that I have been busy making lot's of paper creations and printable fun for customers as far away as the UK, USA and Canada, isn't the internet amazing!

{Sneak Peek!} What I'm working on...

2012-01-31T23:15:00.000+10:00

I have been busy designing some new and cute paper party goodies for a little girls 'Fairy Garden Party', I printed off some samples and thought you might like a sneak peek at them! Available in custom or 'fill in' style invitations, tented food/buffet cards, cupcake toppers, chocolate wrappers, pennant banners and more!

Keep your eye out I might just be giving away a paper party pack really soon :)

I have also been busy learning some new skills in the art of creating sugar flowers, this year is shaping up to be my busiest wedding season so far...I am a little bit nervous and alot excited!!

Pirate Ship Birthday Cake {Captain Jack!}

2012-01-08T13:41:00.000+10:00

"Ahoy there me hearties!"

Here is the pirate cake I created last week for a little boys fifth birthday, who just happened to have a great name for this design...Jack.

This was a really simple base design with the addition of a handmade fondant pirate figurine, lootbags, pirate flag, parrot, number 5 'anchor' and Captain Jack on the front to finish it off .

I was really happy with the way the 'water' turned out. I used a mixture of royal icing and piping gel, I've not used the piping gel for many projects {prior to this one}but it was perfect for covering this cake board.

I really enjoyed making the pirate, I saw a similar pirate figurine a while back in a UK magazine called 'Party Cakes' {this is a great read with step-by-step projects and some good recipes} I added a moustache which I modelled off my husbands lol :)

and I opted to put him in a pile of icing 'sand' instead of giving him legs as the cake was travelling to Brisbane and I was a bit nervous about breakages.

Inside is chocolate mud cake, Happy Birthday Jack!

If your hosting a pirate themed party I have a great range of pirate themed custom party stationery for boys and girls which includes all of my regular items such as party invitations and thankyou notes, paper banners, cupcake toppers, choc wrappers, treat bags etc. I would love to hear from you.

Have a great day!

Fondant Cupcake Toppers! {NOTICE}

2012-01-06T10:58:00.000+10:00

I have been busy creating lot's of different designs for my cupcake toppers lately...the popularity of the humble cupcake is still riding high and why wouldn't it be when you can decorate them with cute, edible handmade sugar decorations like this little kitty!

Last year I had to turn down quite alot of cupcake orders as I didn't have enough time to bake all the cakes required, so this year {aswell as my usual decorated cakes, cupcakes, cookies & stationery} I will be offering for sale my edible cupcake decorations on thier own for you to adorn your own cupcakes! Prices will vary according to level of difficulty and a minimum order of one dozen will apply, please e mail me for a quote I would love to hear from you! Pick up, delivery or postage will be avaiable for you.

{Sneak Peek!} Pirate Cake

2012-01-05T23:04:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year!

Pirate themes seem to be really popular at the moment, here is a sneak peek for you of my favourite pirate cake I created this week, this one set sail to Brisbane today for a fifth birthday celebration... so a full photo will be up for you on Sunday :)

I had lots of pointers from my own five year old son on how this cake should look, I hope you are all enjoying the school holidays...I love spending time with my kids especially with this glorious sunny weather we have been getting these last few days!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-22T23:32:00.000+10:00

From my family to yours...Merry Christmas to all! Another year almost behind us, can you believe it? For this years christmas cards I decided to make these photocards as I found myself running out of time fast! Just what I needed...with the christmas card list seemingly growing each year these are a real time saver, address the envelopes, get the kids to put the stamps on and your good to go :)

I would also like to say a huge "Thank You" to each and everyone of you for taking the time to read and follow my blog and facebook page also many, many thanks to all of my family and friends who have let me play a part in thier celebrations this year....whether it was making your cake, cookies or stationery, I truly am thankful!

Retro 'Batman Inspired' Dessert Table {Top That! Paperie}

2011-12-16T09:53:00.001+10:00

{Photography by Sandra}

Take a look at this bright and fabulous dessert table using my custom party stationery! Created by 3's a Party in Sydney with Photography by Sandra. I really love the unique cake design by Sweet Bloom Cakes {also in Sydney}, I have just 'liked thier facebook page, you should hop over and take a look at some of her amazing work.

{Photography by Sandra}

I just love creating stationery for fun "boys" parties! There are so many girly party themes to choose from and probably not so many for the boys...or maybe you just have to think a little harder for the boys, I do anyway!!

{Photography by Sandra}

Banner's can be done in all different shapes and sizes, most popular custom orders I get are for the pennants {triangle} shape but as you can see here the circle banner looks pretty good aswell. Top That! Paperie custom made banner prices start at just $15. If you are interested in any party stationery, or have an idea you want brought to life, maybe you just need some cookie tags or product labels with your logo on it? I would love to hear from you! Send me an Email :)

{Top That! Paperie} Sweet Blue Baby Shower

2011-11-18T12:23:00.001+10:00

{images via 3's a Party}

Here is a lovely blue themed baby shower, styled by 3's a Party Events & Party Supplies and captured beautifully by Photography by Sandra. I designed, printed and assembled the pennant banner with co-ordinating satin ribbon, labels and tented cards, the signs and the thankyou tags. {For more information on any of the other vendors pop over to 3's a Party facebook page}

{images via 3's a party}

I am really enjoying seeing my party staionery in action! I have lots of kids party invitation designs and packages in the works which I will be putting up here and on facebook, available to purchase. If you are looking for some custom paper goodies for your next celebration whether it's a for a few gift tags or an entire party package contact me, I would love to hear from you!

Handmade 'Hooty' Owls!

2011-11-15T14:11:00.001+10:00

How adorable are these handmade owls?!! Last month I was gifted these gorgeous little owl softies by my very talented and crafty friend Alana Tattam. If you live in Warwick {QLD} you may have seen some of these fabric delights hanging out of the tree in front of 'Warwick Patchwork and Quilting' for the Jumpers and Jazz Festival this past winter, yes... Alana made all of those aswell!

I love them both but this one is my absolute favourite with the perfectly hand stitched 'Top That' in the same font as my blog header! and did anyone notice the cupcake fabric? Very clever...thankyou so much Lana, I will treasure them always :o)

...Something Blue {Westbrook Wedding Cake}

2011-11-15T10:30:00.001+10:00

{If you follow my facebook page you will have already seen this one!} I created this single tier, 12inch fruit cake a couple of weeks ago for a small wedding in Westbrook. It was a really overcast day so I didn't get many great pictures, in fact the entire fortnight prior to this was bleak and stormy, not to mention the many random power outages...not good when your trying to use an electric mixer!

I think the use of a cake plate/stand always looks great especially if your displaying a smaller cake, it lifts it up and makes it look a bit more grand :)

'Congratulations' to Kelli and Robert!

Speaking of weddings...my husband and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary next month! I think I'll make him a cake, any ideas?

Dinosaur Roar {Top That! Paperie}

2011-11-04T00:33:00.000+10:00

{party styling & photo's by 3's a Party}

I am very excited to share with you all this wonderful dinosaur birthday party!

Top That! Paperie has been working overtime lately... I have been lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to design, print and assemble my party stationery for a brand new party styling business

"3's a Party Events and Party Supplies".

Based in Sydney, they have just started a facebook page so hop on over and take a look around.

{party styling & photo's by 3's a party}

Custom tented cards to finish off the candy buffet, remember some of my designs are available as a printable file so you can print, cut and assemble yourself {and save a few dollars}

{party styling & photo's by 3's a party}

Your party is not complete without a custom pennant banner, comes to you fully assembled with plenty of satin ribbon ready to hang! {Some customers choose to have a name banner which can then be used all year round in the kids bedroom, playroom or over a desk.}

{party styling & photo's by 3's a party}

I love paper straws...even more when they're wrapped in a straw flag! Don't forget your cupcake toppers and thankyou tags...

Larger signs are a great way to fill up any spaces on your dessert or candy buffet, customised for any party theme or event you may be hosting.

{party styling & photo's by 3's a party}

If it's custom made social stationery your looking for contact me! I would be happy to design something especially for you!

Don't forget if your looking for party supplies or you are in the Sydney area and need a party stylist drop a line to "3's a Party Events and Party Supplies" I am sure they would be happy to help you out.

{I'd rather be Fishing} 60th Birthday Cake!

2011-10-25T00:09:00.001+10:00

Last week I had to come up with a cake for my Uncle's 60th Birthday, it was a joint celebration with another Uncle's Father-in-law...confused? Both men enjoy fishing so I was asked to create something around that, at first I was going to do a boat... but I thought that was a bit too easy, so hello 3D carved fish cake!

I really need to invest in an airbrush as this seemed to take forever to paint by hand, the fins and tail I made last so I could shape them once I attached them to the cake.

The board I also covered with icing, added the woodgrain detail and painted over some dark brown food colouring then trimmed it with brown satin ribbon. I made this the day before so it had plenty of time to dry out before adding the cake.

Inside was delicious chocolate mud cake, the little birthday note is also icing and written on with an edible pen.

This was delivered to a private party in Warwick on Saturday afternoon,

"Happy 60th Birthday Big Al & Jim!" I hope you enjoyed cleaning this one up ;)

{Elephant} First Birthday Cake

2011-10-01T12:28:00.000+10:00

This cute little boys 'elephant first birthday cake' I created for last weekend was a copy of a 'Pink Cake Box' design, If you follow me on 'pinterest' you will notice I have pinned a few amazing PCB cakes so I was quite excited when I was asked to make this one!

This seemingly simple design actually took a very long time to put together! The elephant was made over a couple of days so each piece had sufficient drying time, I don't have the tool for cutting strips so a little extra time went into measuring out the three different sizes and each one of those balls...rolled by hand! but this {for me} is the most fun...making the decorations and putting it all together :) I must admit it is much more satisfying when it is your own unique design, nevertheless I was very happy with how this one turned out.

Inside both cakes....chocolate mud

I delivered this one to a private residence in Warwick where I found out it would be taking another trip to the Sunshine Coast!

'Happy 1st Birthday Will!'

and Thank you Nathan & Kristie I hope your party went well!

Mr & Mrs Keleher {Middle Ridge Wedding Cake}

2011-09-20T16:03:00.000+10:00

Last weekend saw some beautiful spring weather across the Darling Downs, I was lucky enough to be out enjoying it...even if it was working! I love being involved in a couples wedding day, so much fun arriving at the venue seeing all the planning and preparation that has come together to create the amazing reception for the guests. This cake looked right at home...

...with a colour scheme of black, white and a touch of red. Delivered to the Toowoomba Golf Club, Middle Ridge and set up in the Diamond Function Room, flavours for this one were deluxe moist chocolate mud for the top and bottom and dreamy white chocolate mud for the middle!

This is a smaller version of the 'Wingett' wedding cake , this one is also black and white not black and ivory.

Compared to a couple of weeks ago with all the rain around this one was a pleasure to put together and deliver, the grounds and gardens in Toowoomba were so green and beautiful.

'Congratulations' Mr & Mrs Keleher!

White Floral Fantasy {21st Birthday Cake}

2011-09-09T14:47:00.000+10:00

This cake was so pretty in real life! The fantasy flower took alot of time to make and measured approximately 20cm {8inches} across but was definately worth the effort. The cake drum was 8 inches round and 8 inches tall.

I delivered this one to a private residence in Warwick last weekend, they had a marquee

in the backyard that was absolutely beautifully decorated in white and silver complete with

fairy lights, tea lights and candles scattered throughout, paper lanterns in varying sizes

adorned the ceilings some even with lights inside them, too many gorgeous details to mention...I didn't want to leave!!

The damask pattern around the cake is done with royal icing, once dry I dusted with a small amount of pearl lustre dust

Finished off with white satin ribbon, I think this balanced out the look of the pattern

Here is the top view of the huge flower, each petal was made individually and set aside to dry before assembling it petal by petal, I used a bunch of white stamens for the centre ...crystals would also work well for something like this.

I have no doubt this was a fabulous party,

'Happy 21st Birthday!'

Follow me on Pinterest!

2011-09-06T14:16:00.000+10:00

I have recently discovered Pinterest, what is Pinterest do I hear you say?

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

You will notice a red 'follow me on Pinterest' button in my sidebar, click on it to see what I have started pinning...so much more organised than saving zillions of links to your favourites. Why not start one for yourself today!