Cakes to Inspire and Desire by Lindy Smith

Cakes to Inspire and Desire

by Lindy Smith

Paperback £14.99
Published in UK in November 2007

Discover a collection of 15 truly inspirational celebration cakes, each with a modern and distinctive finish.

This clever book looks at the shapes of cakes, showing how a simple square or round design can be the basis of a truly beautiful creation. Clear colour photographs and detailed step-by-step display a variety of traditional and contemporary techniques from florals to stripes and cake jewellery.


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"The title says it all, as my aim with this, my 7th book, is to provide cakes that will indeed inspire you to be more creative and encourage you to try something new. For this book I have taken design themes that appeal to me, such as op art and traditional Indian patterns and through the exciting process of research and design I have created new and contemporary cakes for everyone to enjoy."

Cake Jewellery

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"Apart from providing you with new ideas, the content of this book is also very much a response to the many requests I have received for written instructions from my readers. I love using cake jewellery on my cakes, as it adds that extra touch of sparkle and opulence to cakes, and from the feedback I have received, it is obviously something that appeals to many others as well. I have therefore included a selection of possibilities to inspire you – experiment and see what you can achieve, I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how simple it can be."

Wonky Style Cakes

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" I have also let you into the ‘secret’ of how to create my extremely popular wonky cakes, a carved shape that I love using as it lends itself to all kinds of decorative possibilities. Once you’ve mastered the basics of this shape and feel more confident in your abilities, take a look at my wonky wedding cake page on this website for further inspirational ideas."

Be Inspired

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"Be inspired, be creative but most of all enjoy "
Lindy has included cakes inspired by Op art, art nouveau, Greek ceramic patterns, Indian temple and fabric designs and Gaudi's mosaics as well as the colours and patterns found within flowers such as the moth orchid.

Easy to follow step by step Instructions

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Lindy's books have become known for their simple to follow step by step instructions, which unlike many other cake decorating books leave nothing out!

Matching Mini Cakes

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Each cake is accompanied by exquisite mini-cakes to put a creative twist on the main theme or to make as an alternative when time is short.

The Cakes:
Ice-blue Jewels (cake jewellery cake) - pastel Flower tower (wonky style cake)- Art Nouveau Lilies (Stocked column cake)- Perfect harmony (Musical jewellery cake) - Snowflake (Winter wonderland cake), Connoisseur's Delight - Funky Flowers (Square wonky style cake) - Greek Inspirations - Nursery Christening Bricks - Op Art Boxes (Lindy's Favourite!)- Eastern Ornament (Indian wedding cake)- Falling leaf - Sparkling fish (Wonky styled cake) - Luxurious Orchid Wedding (moth orchid wedding cake) - Cosmic Christmas Ball (Cake jewellery for Christmas).

Feedback:
We have received some wonderful feedback regarding this book, so thank you if you have taken the time and trouble to tell us your thoughts. Below is a very small sample of the some of your comments:

Liz Finch (UK)
Dear Lindy and the Cake Team, I received my copy of your latest book today and wanted to pass on my congratulations on what is an absolutely fantastic jam packed inspirational read.
It is truly superb and encourages us all to try that bit harder to make fantastic cakes that are always greatly received. I haven't had a chance to take it all in yet but just by looking at the pictures and dipping a toe so many useful hints and tips jump out at you.
I will most definitely "indulge and experiment". Congratulations again and a huge thank you to everyone who has made it possible for you to bring us such a delightful book. Well done all!
You have been as eagerly awaited as the final Harry Potter.
Very best regards Liz Finch

Maria (Duluth, MN USA)
I love your cake ideas. I started taking cake decorating classes in March and I fell in love with it. I especially enjoy working with fondant, which I feel gives me more room for creativity. I bought "Cakes to Inspire and Desire" because I couldn't believe how beautiful your cakes were and how simple the instructions were. I want to thank you for your website. It is incredible that I can go online and quickly find all the tools to make a cake from your book. I have a big Christmas list and hope to order a lot of materials in the next few weeks. Also, I would love it if you made "Cakes to Inspire and Desire, Part 2." Your book was so great that I hope more is to come. Thank you for sharing your gift of cake making with us.

Mara Tirado (Florida USA)
Love your books, I have all that I've been able to get my hands on in the USA! Thank you for writing them, I think you're one of the few cake decorating writers that makes their instructions, clear and easy to follow!

Elaine Heath (Cheshire UK)
Thanks for your new book, there are some lovely ideas in it. I have just completed a "wonky cake" for my nice and not having tried one before I was very nervous. I read your instructions and they seemed complicated when I first read them, but when I followed them step by step whilst actually doing the cake they proved to be very precise and easy to follow. Thanks for the wonderful book and I look forward to seeing you in Birmingham in November. P.S. the bride was very happy with her cake Many thanks again Elaine Heath

Cath Foster (UK)
I'm sure you must get these messages all the time but I ordered your new book this week and I just wanted to say how fantastic it is! You are an incredibly talented person and I look forward to seeing your stand again at the NEC.

Frances Clayton (Ontario Canada)
I have just received a copy of your book 'Cakes to Inspire and Desire' and it is exactly what I have been looking for.
Your designs are exquisite and it makes me want to try everything all at once. There are a lot gadgets and equipment that I still want to get that I would possibly have to order from the UK as I don't recognise some of the stuff on local sites. My cake decorating is a hobby and I only do small amounts of cake orders for friends and colleagues.
Living in Canada, having come from South Africa 8 years ago, I have had to change the way I was used to, as people are very heavily influenced by the gaudy American kitsch, but I still continue with the delicate piping styles I am used to, something that my clients love.
There are not enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do, but whatever I have done, I love it !!

Trudie Thompson (UK)
Lindy, Just received my copy of your book in the post this morning, thank you. It is absolutely fantastic, there are some wonderful inspirational designs in there and I can't wait to 'have a go' Congratulations on yet another winner! Trudie.

Message from Lindy
“I hope that you enjoy my cake decorating books. I love being able to share my designs with you and demystifying the art of cake decorating. I pride myself on giving easy to understand instructions with lots of photos to make the cakes easy to achieve at home. If you do have any thoughts and suggestions I’d love to hear from you.

By buying my books direct from me, you help make it possible for me to dedicate more time to write further books and work on new designs. ”

Thank you, Lindy

Did You Know ….

The average book only sells 1500 copies
95% of authors have to subsidise their earnings from other sources
Today authors usually only receive royalties based on what their publishers actually receive, so when books are sold at a high discount to book clubs, online shops etc authors receive very very little.

(Information obtain from various articles written in The Author)

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