Posted by: Alysten on: February 21, 2011
I often get asked “what’s in the box?” I have a big gray pastry box. I keep all my sugar tools in it. And for events, everything needed for emergency repairs. It can get quite heavy depending on how much sugar I am carrying. I pack like an artist AND a pastry chef. This is [...]
Posted by: Alysten on: February 21, 2011
I’ve started the preliminary designs for the English great hall which will be the centerpiece of my cake. So far it is looking big. Almost 30″ tall, 45″ wide. I will have to transport everything in pieces and then assemble the day of. The cake has to travel from Philadelphia. I cannot trust that a [...]
Posted by: Alysten on: February 21, 2011
The projects went over pretty well. My sugar work was definitely the strongest of the 3 entries and the most popular. Though the coat caught a lot of attention. Documentation was hit or miss. It either got a 8-9 out of ten or a 2-3 out of ten (for the same item). Documentation: Mamluk Qarqal [...]
Posted by: Alysten on: February 21, 2011
The cote is underway.The design has been decided upon. I’ve started working on the parts that do not require a fitting. The first lion has been appliqued and the second is ready to go. Lions are a matched set, one for each sleeve. 100% linen, on linen fabric.
Posted by: Alysten on: February 21, 2011
We have settled on the final design. Fabric has been washed and the buttons have arrived. I have started the applique design for the heraldic cassock. The sleeve is a printed black linen/cotton blend. Applique is linen. I will probably go over the tyger with some fabric paint to make it more opaque.
Posted by: Alysten on: February 17, 2011
I am more than likely going to go this event and bringing cake. The gist of it is to make a 2′-4′, stacked, sculpted cake. It is very much Food Network in nature, complete with a move from the work table to a judging surface.This is a technical challenge. More in line with what kind [...]
Posted by: Alysten on: February 4, 2011
I have been working on getting the correct head wear for the Saxon dress. Here is the wulsthaube in it’s final incarnation. It is fairly comfortable to wear and not too heavy on the head. The head dress is in 3 parts, under cap, roll and veil. I am keeping everything together via veil pins. [...]
Posted by: Alysten on: February 4, 2011
I made some progress on the fire coat as well. Both sleeves have been studded with my powder charges. I have probably put 30 or so charges on each arm. It is starting to look and feel cool. The front of the Mamluk fire coat is padded. Since I am allergic to horse hair and [...]
Posted by: Alysten on: February 4, 2011
I have the final coating of royal icing on the base. Once this layer is completely dry, I will be able to sand it smooth and shape it with clay tools. This is the most important layer. It is the final protective coating for the rice cereal and it provides all of the correct lines. [...]
