100th Birthday Cake!

Ever since decorating her 98th birthday cake a few years ago, I've hoped for this occasion.  And Grandma Scott very kindly {and incredibly keenly} obliged by making it to the centenarian status.  For reasons beyond confection and a Kay-Scott-planned-party, perhaps...still, it was an honor to create this cake for her. 

When we were at her house in Alpine over the summer, we sat watching dozens of hummingbirds out the window.  So I took that as the inspiration for this cake.

Here are some of the details...

I got a little worried about the amount of cake toward the end of the week, so I added this additional 10" layered to the table. 

It was my first time making sugar paste roses and I loved how much more realistic they turn out compared to the fondant ones I've done before.  It took some trial and error to get to cake-worthy roses, but I enjoyed the process immensely.

The birds were another fun challenge.  I textured the sugar paste after molding the birds, then painted on some powdered food coloring after they hardened.  Wooden skewers serve as the beaks so I could place them in the cake easily.

One of Jim's cousins crafted this tree for Grandma.  Imagine such an incredible momento of your posterity...of your influence...of year after year lived daily, hourly until your seed is plenty and your body is weary.   

4 Scott generations. 

My children are lucky to have four living great grandparents {and the potential of long, healthy lives themselves!}.  This was Azure's first meeting with grandma.  Her middle name comes from this Mae Scott and my own grandmother's mother, May Allen. 

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Comments

[Kelly]

I just saw your cake picture on facebook and was hoping you had more details here. Hooray! It really is just amazing -- I just can hardly believe it. I'm awestruck! And your first time with sugar paste, too! And you have a little baby! The hummingbirds also are so perfect. You have such a gift! Happy Birthday to Grandma Scott. Looks like it was just a lovely day!

[michelle]

Oh! The cake! The roses! The hummingbirds! The family tree!

I couldn't do any of this, even without a baby. You are a wonder.

I love the visual of her posterity and your thoughts on a quiet life well-lived.

[Neighbor Jane Payne]

I loved this post, Amy. You have such an ability to capture emotion and beauty in the word, picture, confection.

(I loved the linked posts, too.)

Wow. Wow at 100 years. Wow to have been born before Arizona. Wow at figuring out how to mold a hummingbird. Wow at getting a great picture of the four generations.

"For reasons beyond confection and a Kay-Scott-planned-party . . ." and "Imagine such an incredible momento of your posterity...of your influence...of year after year lived daily, hourly until your seed is plenty and your body is weary." Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

[Leilani]

Absolutely stunning! Very clever with the skewers. Loved the family tree as well (even though you didn't do that one) My dad is turning 80 in September, may have to get some ideas from you!

[Melissa M.]

Wow! I love this cake(s). Those roses are so beautiful, and the hummingbirds are amazing!
You never cease to wow me!

[Kirstin]

I seriously got choked up at how beautiful the whole sentiment of your very personal cake and then the family tree. Honestly, you are an artist Amy! I have seen works of art by acclaimed artists with much less personal, and artistic flair! You need to start your own business woman!

[Melissa]

that is the coolest family tree I have ever seen!! and I loved the cake too, such talent in the family.

[Vella]

Dittos to all your other commenters. You are an artist, Amy. I had to sit and stare at those hummingbirds. The longer I looked the more real they seemed.

[Brady]

amazing! the cake and the fact that granny made it to 100! what an accomplishment.

[April]

I love that the inspiration was months ago and you filed it away in that brilliant mind of yours. It is just lovely, as were the thoughts. How tired must you be at 100? That has me thinking I ought to pace myself.

P.S. Azure looks so big in that picture...when did that happen?

[Katie]

You are beyond talented! Every element on that cake is amazing. Your family (a large one, judging by that tree) is lucky to have you.

[Summer Driggs]

I am amazed on so many levels. First, 100 years old. Second, that cake: the roses, the hummingbirds, everything. Third, the carved family tree. Everything is so perfect, and that is so neat that she is able to have such a gifted family. And how neat for your kids to be at an age to remember her too!

[Jaime]

Once again, absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

[Jill S.]

Wow, the cake turned out beautifully, I'm always amazed by your cake creations!

[Amy]

Amy......what a treasure these photos are! You need to be on Challenge with your cake decorating.....I'm dumbfounded! My Granna (who would have just turned 95) LOVED hummingbirds & every time I see one, I think of her.....now, I will think of her AND your gorgeous cake!
Azure's name suits her.....she is unique and oh so beautiful!

[kim sue]

what a wonderful post and that cake - spectacular!

[Price Cream Parlor]

Stunning! Honestly - beautiful! What a wonderful tribute!!!

[jenny]

Amazing cake and an AMAZING lady! Happy Birthday to your sweet grandma!