A sugary affair

THE Wits South branch of the South African Cake Decorators Guild hosted a day of demonstrations at the Portuguese Cultural Hall in Regents Park on Saturday, May 7.

Over 100 people came from all over Gauteng, Pretoria and the East Rand to enjoy the Winter Wonderland theme.

Deon Swart, a well-known and top decorator who has won many prizes for his beautiful work, opened with the first demonstration of a Winter Rose, different ways to make snowflakes and a snow castle.

Eleanor Casey, a South African Cake Decorators Guild judge and a teacher, decorated and completed a themed cake of ‘Frozen’ with the castle made from Isomalt and the figurines of Elsa, Anna and Olaf. The final demonstration before lunch was by Vicci Clemitson-Martin. Vicci has travelled all over the world and has spent many hours perfecting her sculpturing of figurines out of chocolate paste. Everyone was spellbound as she brought Elsa’s face to life.

Non-members came to the demonstrations and were enthusiastic to join the Wits South branch. One of the organisers, Bella Marques, said the guild is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to share and teach the art of sugarcraft and cake decorating. “At each meeting, which is the third Saturday afternoon of the month, we watch a visiting demonstrator or do a hands-on workshop. We interact with other branches throughout Gauteng, the East Rand and Pretoria where we share new techniques and sugar ideas. As a member, three magazines a year go out to you with photographs of work, ideas, events and shows,” she said.

There are many mediums used in sugar art and it can be seen at the Hostex show and also an upcoming competition for the 40th birthday of the guild at The Good Food and Wine Show from July 29 to 31, at the Ticket Pro Dome.

The Wits South branch meets at the NG Kerk, Crown Gardens. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Eleanor Casey on 083 268 4588, 011 432 3474 or Bella on 083 709 2529, 011 435 9943.