Elephant Cake Tutorial
1h 1m
Link to elephant (side) inspiration photo at the size I used... https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vja-ghRgU5fFM1Kbb8UDSPPjicOH0Lwmt3lnYw4IBf0/edit?usp=sharing
Link to elephant (front sitting) inspiration photo... https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LxcvpLlprqqb-WdlKbkhOkAk_BzmTHChYAXbNjrhl_8/edit?usp=sharing
Directions for printing out full photos:
When an inspiration photo has to be printed this large, it gets a little tricky when doing it from your home computer, so follow these directions:
First, click on the Google Doc link that I've provided. You'll need to have a google account to complete the next steps, so if you want to print from these google docs I add, it's a good idea to setup a google account.
Ok, after you click on the link and the photo has opened in the document, click "file" in the upper left hand corner.
A menu drops down... then click on "make a copy". A box pops up where you can give the file a name and designate which folder in your google drive you'd like to save it to. It should then automatically open up that copied document for you.
You should be able to edit that document (you can only view the original that I posted.) On that new document, you'll have print it out in sections and then move the photo around (without changing it's size) and print out remaining sections. I would print out that wing section you see first, and then start moving it to get to the other areas. In order to move it, you first need to click on the picture. A blue box should appear around it.
Then, click the "crop image" icon up in the tool bar. It will show you the full picture, and you can then drag it to a new section to print out.
Once you've dragged the photo and decided the next section to print, click the "crop image" icon again
and then you can click on the printer icon in the tool bar to print out that section.
You should be able to continue to hit the crop button and move the picture around to each new section to print out until you've printed the entire photo...and then piece it together and attach with tape!
Notes:
I used 1/2" threaded rod, cut to 12" tall (though about 11" up from the board, with about an inch left under the board to screw down the bolts)
I used 1/4" thick armature wire (you'll want to have about 2 feet to work with)
The bottom full MDF cake board was cut to 20" x 16"
The head board was cut to a 7" circle
I used (2) 8" round cakes baked in 3" deep tins for the body
I used (2) 8" round cakes baked in 2" deep tins for the head and (1) 6" half sphere baked in the
Check out the recorded live session, "All About Structure" for more info and details on creating structured cakes!
Sugar Shapers and smoothers (use code "SHAWNAMCGREEVY10" to get 10% off)
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LINKS & SUPPLIES
Related tutorial: recorded live session "All About Structure" for more info and details on creating structure: https://cakeheads.com/2016/11/16/live-all-about-cake-structure/ (external blog link, may break after cakeheads.com closes)
Related tutorial: Section 3 (Making Ganache) of the Fundamentals Course: https://cakeheads.vhx.tv/videos/cakeheads-session-three
Related tutorial: Modeling Chocolate video tutorial and live session recording (no separate video available)
Related tutorial: Live! Easy & Practical Isomalt with Sweet Passion Cakery: https://cakeheads.vhx.tv/videos/live-perfect-buttercream-ganache-tiers-with-sweet-passion-cakery
RECIPES
- Chocolate Ganache (and how to adjust the ratio for white chocolate ganache too!)
- Modeling Chocolate
- Isomalt
SUPPLIES
- Sugar Shapers and Smoothers (use code "SHAWNAMCGREEVY10" for 10% off): https://www.sugarworks.com/collections
- Makins Texture Sheets Set: http://amzn.to/2hpcQXB
- Bright White Airbrush Color: http://amzn.to/2yznVMU
- Heat Light/Bulb: http://amzn.to/2jo6OLa
- Heat Light Clamp Lamp: http://amzn.to/2jpIkkV
- Chef's Torch: http://amzn.to/2iRP6f2
- Butane: http://amzn.to/2yyAk3A
- Simi Cakes Isomalt Tiles: http://amzn.to/2zHmBJe
- Silpat: http://amzn.to/2jmLS7p
- Sugar Blowing Kit: http://amzn.to/2zDDUwA
- Silicone Bowls: http://amzn.to/2yxMzxh
- 1/2" Threaded Rod: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-13-tpi-x-24-in-Stainless-Steel-Threaded-Rod-802697/204274022
- Washers and Nuts (fit 1/2" threaded rod): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-Stainless-Steel-Nut-Washer-and-Lock-Washer-6-Piece-per-Pack-810552/204225901
- 1/4" Thick Armature Wire: http://amzn.to/2jrv27y
- MDF Cake Board: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-4-in-x-2-ft-x-2-ft-Medium-Density-Fiber-Board-1508102/205881910
- Wilton Sports Ball Pan: http://amzn.to/2hwPp2v