Sunday Sweets: Fireworks!

Happy July, fellow Sweets lovers!

With America's Independence Day this weekend, you know I had to find some pretty red, white, and blue numbers:

(By Sugar Hero, who has a complete tutorial on her site)

Plus this one has a drool-worthy surprise inside!

WOWIE. Our flag has never looked more delicious.

And look how sweet this old-fashioned bunting is:

(By Wild Orchid Baking Company in New Hampshire, now closed)

Ahhh, but I have some goodies for my non-American friends, too. Check it out, rainbow fireworks!

(By Victorious Cupcakes in the UK)

So pretty! I like the abstract take on them, and the silhouettes are perfect.

I love the way Glory (yes, her name is Glory!) took these ice cream cookies:

...and stacked them to look like triple-deckers!

(By Glorious Treats, online only)

SO CUTE.

Oooh, I may have spoken too soon on that last flag cake; this one ALSO looks darn tasty:

(By For Goodness Cakes in Charlotte, NC)

I'm loving the thick textured buttercream on top; can't you just FEEL that crunching ever-so-slightly, then melting in your mouth?

Ooof, I really want some cake now.

Hang on, here comes another one that's not helping:

(By b. sweet dessert boutique, online only)

Alllll the grabby hands. Gimmie.

Of course I couldn't pass up a chance to feature another Captain America cake, right?

(By Chocomoo Cakes in Sheffield, inspired by Mighty Mugs)

Look how clean and perfect that fondant work is! So good.

Now, let's end this post with a bang:

(By Adrienne & Company Bakery in Jeffersonville, IN)

Fireworks cake! I love all those bright neon colors together.

This one looks like an oil painting:

(By Katja Seaton in the UK)

Look how the fireworks spill over the edge:

I think that's my favorite part; the way the fallout looks so shimmery near the bottom.

Big finale!

(Baker unknown; Google Image Search has failed me. Anyone recognize it?)

Simple, but wow does that pack a punch.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

*****

P.S. Need a cool gift for the person who has everything? Then how about a card that transforms into a bouquet:

Fresh Cut Paper Pop-Up Flowers

I sent this one to my Mom for her birthday last month, and it looks just like this! Even better, it ships free with Prime, so no extra postage needed.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Sunday Sweets: Wedding Wonders

Shaped and themed cakes are awesome, of course, but I still drool and dream over more traditional wedding cakes, too. After all, they've come a long way from just simple tiers with flowers - even the simple tiers with flowers!

(By Sweet Life Patisserie)

Love this SO MUCH.

And take a look at this amazing "fabric" pleating:

(By Delectable by Su)

Hard to believe those tufted pinwheels and embroidered borders are all sugar. It's so perfect!

And check out the string work on this engagement beauty:

(By Hana of A Piece of Cake)

I love the curls on the top tier, and the piping on the bottom lace collar and upper level strings is simply awe-inspiring. Skill like this always renews my faith in cake artistry. :)

Here's a sweet dress-inspired design:

(By Jackie Nelson)

Look at the design at the bottom of the skirt ruffles!

And how's this for a modern twist on a classic?

(By Elizabeth's Cakes)

If you've never stacked or tried to support cakes in the shape of a ball before, let me assure you: it's hard. And all that detail! Totally swoon-worthy.

Another rounded design:

(By See-Through-Silence)

See that lace border on top? Someone piped that. Yeah. Respect!

And speaking of mad piping skills:

(By The Cake Gallery)

Whoah. This reminds me of the Victorian-themed Grand Floridian resort here in Orlando. Frills and bows and hand-piped lace, oh my!

Or, for a more modern touch:

(By Fleur de Lisa Cakes)

This has been one of my favorite designs since before I even started CW. I love the swirls and the bold flowers.

Or, how about John's favorite?

(By Sugarbelle Cakes)

WOW. Just...wow.

And finally, the cake that had me scooping my jaw off the desk:

(By Susan Trianos aka Peecheekeeno)

That's all *cake*, guys. Look at that tufted tier in the middle. LOOK AT IT. Now, tell me: how the heck do they DO that? Not to mention the perfect corset lacing, the bows, the ruffles, the porcelain-perfect gumpaste roses...seriously, I think I could stare at this all day. Just. Gorgeous.

Happy Sunday!

*****

P.S. Any fellow insomniacs here? Because I feel the call once more to sing the praises of my amazing sleep headphones:

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

I listen to boring audio books on these every night to keep my brain from spinning out of control, which works wonders. Lately I've been wearing them like a sleep mask -  like the model here - and WOW, that's helped even more than when I wore them like a headband! These things have been a life saver: comfy enough for side sleeping, not too loud like some of my old speakers, and they only cost $16 Prime.

Note that they do run on the big side, but that works out great if you have a big head like me. :D

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot: