I chose to stay in Mill Valley, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge...lush and beautiful and still really green this time of year. It's so different from the dryness of San Diego...and really close to where I grew up!
The view from my hotel...and Mount Tamalpais...which is still one of my favorite hiking spots:
Gorgeous view from the Marin Headlands as I drove into the city:
I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful client who wanted to learn more about several sugarpaste flowers, including hydrangea, filler flowers, Phalaenopsis orchids and peonies. Over two days we reviewed techniques and created flowers, buds and leaves, and then spent quite a bit of time coloring them and adding all the fabulous little details that bring them to life! Two really great days, and I couldn't have asked for a nicer and more hard-working student!
Peony petals and leaves drying:
Various filler flowers and buds drying:
Finished hydrangea, orchid buds and leaves:
Phalaenopsis orchids:
An over-sized white peony - it's gorgeous! And I can't wait to see how my client ends up using it on a cake:
Color palette for a second peony with an open center:
The first row of petals for the open peony flower:
I did not get a photo of the finished open peony...and am patiently waiting for my very talented student to send me one! I promise to share when it arrives!
I also finally had the opportunity to meet the very kind and fabulous Tracy Auseklis of The Buttercream Studio! We have been corresponding via email and Facebook for quite some time, and it was so great to actually talk to her in person! She picked me up after class one evening and took me to her wonderful studio for a quick tour:
Her cakes are incredible - she has amazing talent! Here are some of her beautiful display cakes in the consulting area:
One of my favorites...in pink and black:
And the ADORABLE Tracy herself:
After seeing where she creates all of her amazing cakes, Tracy took me back into the bustling city to one of her favorite Thai restaurants in the cute neighborhood of Lower Pacific Heights...and we talked shop (and everything else), for the remainder of the evening while we enjoyed a delicious meal! Thank you, Tracy, for your generosity and thoughtfulness, and for taking such good care of me!
MORE from this trip coming soon...I can't wait to introduce you to another amazing pastry chef who is creating beautiful work with modeling chocolate!
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