The National Capital Area Cake Show 2016

 Oh my gosh.!!!! I had an absolute blast at The National Capital Area Cake Show (2016).! My friend found a Groupon for the event, and passed it along since she knows how much I love cake decorating, and we decided we had to be there. What an awesome event.! There were so many inspirational, gorgeous, unbelievably intricate, creative works of art.!! The auditorium was filled with these masterpieces that were on display and judged by all of the attendees as well as professional judges. Several different vendors encircled the cakes, there was a bakesale,  and free demos were offered, as well as the opportunity to take a variety of advanced classes for an additional fee.

I took pictures of most of the entries and compiled them all here, for myself, and for any friends interested in taking a closer look. There were several different divisions, all of which showcased a variety of technical and creative skills and amazing talent. I reallllllly wanted to enter a piece, but didn't have the time to prepare this year. Next year though, I can't wait to take part in the competition!

 It was so interesting watching Isomalt demos- I can't wait to try that technique.! Very neat.

 I love my penguins :)

 I can't get over all the fine details.! So incredibly realistic. It was so inspiring to be around such creativity.!

 One of the division themes was Destination Wedding Cakes. There were several insanely beautiful interpretations of some of the most luxurious, exotic places in the world.!

 The Pixar lamp.!

 There was also a few submissions made of different mediums such as modeling chocolate and sugar work.

 All of the flower work was absolutely unreal.! Beautiful. I love the chalkboard effect!

 Australia Cake.! :) They even have the little blue fairy penguins I got to see during my Phillip Island adventure <3

 We attended a free demo for Cake Lace Flowers (to the left), and then for Gown Embellishing Techniques (the cake to the right). Both were informative and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the Gown Embellishing Techniques by Kathleen Lange because she stressed the importance of learning a variety of skills, and of speed and depth of knowledge and creativity over constantly buying each next new trendy (oftentimes expensive) tool(s). Also because she gets to travel all over the world decorating cakes *sigh* my dream job.!

 We missed the fashion show, but did see the display of edible (.!!!!! crazy right.?!) sugar outfits that were worn by models and accompanied with matching cakes.

 There was also an airbrush competition that we did have the awesome opportunity to watch. The theme was underwater fantasy, and each team had to airbrush models using edible ingredients, and design corresponding cakes. It was so interesting to watch and to hear the artists' inspirations as well as fun elements that were used (including outfits made of wafer paper, gelatin webs, oatmeal accents, using mesh and nets, and so much more.!)

 The sloth riding the turtle is so happy :) -And why shouldn't he be riding a turtle.?!

 These were my two personal favorite cakes. The underwater theme and the jungle theme- both over the top intricate, detailed, amazing, amazing colorful, creative, gorgeous pieces.!! I definitely couldn't imagine wanting to cut into one of them!

We had an amazing time.! I Can't wait for next year :)