Mike Elder - Black Sheep Custom Cakes

Black Sheep update

2011-07-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I found the time to write a new blogg entry, but I figured I better get back on the ball! Since my last post I've been very busy! I've been all over the place including LA, San Diego, DC, Virginia, Minnesota, and even Brasil. I've found myself burried up to my eyeballs in charity events and I've volunteered my services for many different groups.
The last couple months have quite honestly been a blur!
     I know it's been a few months since our BIG cake show, but I still can't get over what a success it was! we out grew our venue even before the event started! Some of the best people I've ever met dedicated themselves to that show and I cant thank you all enough! (You know who you are!)
In a few weeks we'll be releasing info about next years MUCH LARGER EVENT
KC CAKEFEST!!!!!!

The next comming months are just as crazy for me... I'll be doing a scale model of the worlds only existing airworthy B-29 on july 14 at New Century Air Center in Olatha. http://kcghostsquadron.squarespace.com/events/2011/3/24/fifi-at-new-century-aircenter-july-14-through-17.html from there I go to Charlotte NC to do demos and classes as well as having a booth where we'll be promoting next years show, demonstrating airbrush, and maybe even selling a few things! ICES convention runs from aug 4-7.   After (19th) ICES I move back to Missouri where I'm volunteering to help with 4h at the fair, That evening I'm off to Newport Rhode Island for a wine festival. I'll be chillin Black Sheep style on a boat, with the occasional demonstration of cake sculpture! The following week, I'm back to the Mid-west to Oklahoma City! I'll be teaming up with Ruth Rickey at her Tour De Palate www.tourdepalate.com event and even teaching some classes at her shop!

It's no secret that life is a challenge.... We all have struggles and hurdles to leap. Some times the hurdles catch a toe and dump us face first on the pavement. The last year or so has been that sort of challenge for me. I've kept very busy, tried to do the right thing, inspite of all the negativity that drifts my way; a product of other people.  I'm proud of the work I have done and the people I have touched. Even more so I treasure the people I have met and friendships I have made along the way.  Even in the shadow of all the negative things that seem to pop up in life, it never ceases to amaze me just how good people can be. Many times I have doubted the road I am on only to be nudged by someone, sometimes a stranger, back on to the path. It may be an uphill battle, but I'm still climbing!

So for now.... keep doing your own thing, "BLACK SHEEP STYLIN" and I'll keep doing mine.

Love
mike

A few thoughts from me! creator of Icing on the cake for Newhouse!

2011-03-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!
It's me again, burried up to my eye balls! My team and I have been working litterally around the clock to bring you a great show and as such I haven't had much time to blog!
     In less than 2 months we have managed to create an event that will only get bigger and bigger as the years go on! When I was asked to do "something" for Newhouse that was "Big" I didn't hesitate as I knew that I could rely not only on the good of the people I work with, but also on the good of my fellow Kansas City cake people! I'm glad to say it's going really well but we can do so much better!!

   It's funny when you achieve the level of , well, what ever you want to call it that I have.... Fame? Notoriety? But it opens up so many doors for you.   Many think this is something that you just have given or that I have taken, but I can assure you I have worked and still work very hard every day for it! I have always believed in a greater good in people and I have always tried to be mindful of others and the needs of those around me. That is why I feel so strongly about events like this one and why I am so happy to use the momentum I have gained for the persuit of good. There's a good deal of dumb luck to be asked to do a TV show. There's a degree of skill and talent required to win 3 of them in a row, but even still you are at the hands of the producers to fairly portray you in the finished product.   I haven't been overly proud of the way that we've been shown and feel very lucky that so many people are excited about my work and the ideas I represent!   It's an honor to be invited to share that energy with others; and even more so it's sobering to have someone tell you that you inspired them... that is what pushes me to press on.

It is an honor for me to develop this show and an even greater honor to work with the great people who have stepped up to help. ( you know who you are!~ and I love you all)

Here is a list of some of the most recent developments:

we have over 19 hours of demonstrations scheduled for the event! there is something for everyone!
We have recieved support from Eric Woller, Pat Jacoby, Peggy Tucker and many great local Kansas City people! I will list the demos asap!
Yve Rojas from Survivor Nicaragua has agreed to co- host the event with me! She is a very strong, beautiful talented woman and it will be alot of fun to share the event with her!
We have some fun "trophies" in the works for this event!
A Kansas City Girl Scouts troop is hosting the youth portion of the event! They will have cupcakes ready for anyone young or old to decorate and devour!
We are getting sponsorship from many, but we really need your help to get more!
registration for the expo is gearing up fast!

I really cant thank enough, those of you who have supported the show! For those of you who have been slow to ralley with us.... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?????? We need you and we welcome anyone who wants to share in this event with us to do so! Buy tickets for your neighbor, take your kids to the event! Tell your local school teachers about it so that they can encourage their students to enter the expo! WE NEED YOU now MORE THAN EVER! Lets make Kansas city proud!
thanks and all the best!
Mike

Proudly Announcing Our Celebrity Chefs for "Icing on the Cake"!

2011-02-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to announce the line-up of talented celebrity Chefs for our Live Kansas City Cake Challenge!! I want to thank them personally for dedicating their time to help raise awareness (and funds) for Newhouse! Now, show your support by showing up to see them in person!!!! We're very lucky to have them in our home town!

Brian Stevens, from TLC's Cake Boss: Next Great Baker

Brian Stevens is the owner of Crazy Cakes Inc. in Austin, TX. He is as well known for the detailed textures and realistic painting on his cakes as he is for the wild amusement experienced by their recipients. Brian is an artist at heart who strives toward one primary principle: to be as creative as humanly possible. Before cake found him, his skills already ran the gamut from digital illustration to sculpting, including a career in video game development. He was recently featured on CAKE BOSS: NEXT GREAT BAKER. Currently Brian’s focus is on breaking the rules to create new techniques to further the art of cake decorating

Brian Volunteered his services the day I announced we were having a show, even though it falls very near his anniversary! Thanks Brian for supporting Newhouse and the fight against domestic violence!

www.crazycakes.com

Ruth Rickey from WE tv, TLC's Ultimate Cake Off and Food Network Challenge

Ruth is a former attorney and administrative law judge, who now owns Oklahoma City’s premier bake shop, called Ruth’s Sweete Justice Bakery. She made the switch to cakes in 1994 and quickly fell in love with the creativity decorating cakes offered. After being named the top bakery manager in the world for all the IGA stores, Ruth opened her shop in 1999.

Ruth has been seen on all 3 networks that have cake programming. She won WE tv’s Wedding Cake Wars, she assisted Pat Jacoby’s team twice in their victories on TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off and she has been featured in 3 different Food Network specials about the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show. Her cakes have graced the pages of national and international publications for years.

Ruth is a good friend and very dedicated to helping charites when ever she can! Very happy that she can take the time away from her busy shop to support our cause!!!

http://www.ruthssweetejustice.com/

Bob Brougham From TLC's "Ultimate Cake Off

Owner and designer at the Cakery In North Aurora Il. Bob Brougham has a degree in Culinary Arts from Joliet Junior College,and many awards and honors to his credit...With 30 years of experience in cake decorating and design, Bob's creations are uniquely beautiful and crafted to the highest standards.

As a former chef, Bob knew that cakes should taste as good as they looked, but that wasn't always the case at many bakeries. Primarily a self-taught cake decorator, Bob learned techniques from his classes at Joliet Junior College, from fellow decorators, and from seminars with renowned gumpaste expert Nicholas Lodge in Norcross, Georgia. He is always striving to learn something new, do something better,try something different. Bob is one of the stand out STARS of TLC's Ultimate Cake Off. I know Bob as one of the truely GOOD guys and am very happy to be associated with him. Bob is a blast to be around and fun to watch!
http://www.thecakeryinc.com/

Debbie Goard from Food Network

Debbie is an Oakland California resident by way of North Carolina. Owner of Debbie Does Cakes, she has nearly 20 years experience with cake design. She has crafted a huge array of edible works of art most of which can barely be described or identified as cake at all! Most notably was a life sized chihuahua for a restaurant, which once delivered had patrons demanding to know why there was a dog on the table!

Her focus is almost exclusively on sculpted cakes and highly customized cupcakes, where her strict attention to detail and realism has landed her high profile clients like Apple, Google, Yahoo, Ducati USA and Netflix to name a few. Debbie strives to be the "alternative to traditional bakeries" offering meticulously sculpted works of art with an incredible eye for the details! Debbie is traveling half way across the USA to share her awesome

talent with us! She brings with her the cutting edge of cake design and style!

http://www.debbiedoescakes.net/

This show is without doubt going to be one of the most fun and entertaining sugar arts displays in the country! We have so much more to share as we will be announcing our celebrity judges soon too!

Don't be the only poor sap sitting at home on the couch on April 17th!! Come spend the day with some amazing cake talent!

Icing on the cake info!

2011-02-11T13:37:00.001-08:00

Mike Elder, 3 time Champion of TLC’s hit show “Ultimate Cake Off” and Newhouse Women’s shelter is proud to present the first annual charity “Icing on the Cake” show!

The show will be a 2 part event including a cake and sugar artist expo with a live TV style cake challenge as the finale! Additional activities during the day include: Live Demonstrations, Raffle, Used cell phone donation drive - benefitting Newhouse, People’s Choice Voting, Kids’ exhibition, and more!

Show theme: Kansas City

The Sugar Art/Artist Exposition is a great place to come and see your favorite local and national cake decorators, bakeries and sugar arts displays. The theme for the show is “Kansas City” and the work of local and national bakers, bakeries and sugar artists will be on display. It’s a great way for those young and old, who are interested in the world of cakes and sugar art to get acquainted with talented local chefs. There will also be several well known chefs from TV as well as live demonstrations throughout the day! So whether you’re looking for the right chef to create your next event cake, into TV reality cake shows, or just really love sweets, this is the place to be! Come out and meet your favorite TV challenge cake makers and support a great cause! Cake artists of ALL SKILL LEVELS are invited to enter their work and there will be a special section for just for kids! The entries will not be judged in the traditional sense (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) but there will be awards given for various categories such as Peoples Choice, Creativity, Use of Mechanics and Mixed Media, Youth Entries, Best Display etc. If you’d like more detailed information about the event or if you’d like to exhibit your work, please visit www.mikeelderonline.com, www.newhouseshelter.org, or email michelle@mikeelderonline.com

The Live Cake Challenge will be the exciting conclusion to the day’s events! The Challenge will feature several well known TV cake celebrities and will be a fast paced dash to the finish for all 4 talented teams of sugar gurus.The theme once again is “Kansas City” and each team will have only 3 hours to complete their show pieces! The judges will be Mike Elder (3-time undefeated champion of Ultimate Cake Off) and other well known KC celebrities.There will be two separate prizes for the Live Challenge: One will be awarded by the judges, the other will be chosen by the crowd. There will be an awards presentation during the challenge and other ways to contribute to Newhouse, as well as refreshments and a cash bar. This is going to be an exciting night!

Show Message: With today’s trying economic times, charities like Newhouse are finding it increasingly difficult to raise the funds needed to serve the community. It’s important to remember the cause we are supporting. It’s unfortunate but we desperately need places like Newhouse. They provide a safe place for women and their children to turn to in times of dire need.

This show is a great way not only to showcase local and national cake talent, visit with like- minded friends, see some awesome cakes, but also raise a lot of money to support the Newhouse cause!

It is our intent to have a very fun and uplifting show that is suitable for all ages and areas of interest! You are invited to come and stay all day if you wish and be entertained by our talented crew of cake demonstrators and show people while supporting this very worthy cause! After all, everything else is just… Icing on the Cake!!

You will soon be able to register for Icing on the Cake on my website!

2011-02-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

Icing on the Cake for New House!

2011-02-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of you are dying for the final goods about the show, but I want to be sure they're solid before I post them! We have a location approved but I'm looking for a better fit before I pull the trigger! I've got lots of the logistics finalized and will be able to fill you all in very soon ( next week) ... Check the blogs below for ideas of what we're trying to do!
Just so i can get your creative juices flowing here's a few of the specials we're planning on having " awards" for!!!!

Most creative
"The Black Sheep award" - the most out of the ordinary/ unusual/ in your face style
wildest design
"inspired by your inner child"
best engineered
" kitchen sink" - design that encorporates the most stuff!
Peoples choice: votes will be by donation
We will have awards for kids too!

The plan is for the event to have 2 seperate parts. The Expo and the show. The expo will have demos, and stuff for children to do and the live challenge will be that evening.

I need volunteers to help on show day as well as preperation.
email me directly if you can help!
thanks in advance!!!!!!!
mike@mikeelderonline.com

more info on New House Charity Show!

2011-02-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

WOWZA !!!I'm getting so many emails and people asking questions that I thought I'd share more info! (plus the friggin blizzard outside is probably gunna break the door down soon anyway!!)

We aren't finalizing anything at all yet but I want to give you more of an idea as to the feel of the show! and the ideas we have so far. I'll be posting the final info asap!

The main thing I want you all to remember is why we're doing this!!!! I've been to alot of cake shows, I've been to places where it's supposed to be about sharing and friendship, yet felt that the rules and pocedures got in the way so much that I didn't have fun at all. This won't be that place! Yes we gotta have some order to the chaos, but lets not get too carried away shall we??    This is to raise money for New House womens shelter! It gives us all an excuse to get together and have fun while accomplishing that task!
     The "Cake Exhibit" is meant to be like an automotive "show n shine" , there is a theme ( Kansas City) and you will be given space for your display. Unlike the shows I've gone to, you can promote yourself, and your shop as much as you'd like. Need extra space? Fine! we all have been to bridal shows, and they're expensive! ( and only focused on weddings) This is a chance to show us what you can do! bring several cakes! have fun! show off!   I promise that there will be no snooty judges with clip boards sneering at your cake!  and critiquing your technique! And rules? what for? LOL I want you all to do what ever you'd like to do! The most important thing I want ( and will require actually) is that you try to have fun, and share that positive energy with those around you. New to cakes? Great! we'd love to see you!
     I know I mentioned prizes and such for the exhibit. The criteria will be very relaxed, bring the wildest cake there, and you'll probably go home with something cool, make something so perfect that everyone stops and stares, probably get something too!   bring the worst cake in the joint, well, you might just get something!!! LOL!    there will NOT be blue ribbons, red or hot pink.   You will go home feeling like you did something of value, hopefully you'll learn something cool, meet some new friends, visit with old ones, and support a great cause!

Get the drift yet?????

The live Cake Challenge
This is the highlight of the event and tickets will be required ( again remember why we are here people!)
We will have several teams ( not sure exactly how many yet) there will be a prize(s) for this one!!! ( still working on the amount and such)
The theme will be "Kansas City" This is meant to be vague. Kansas City has a TON of history from Pioneering, The Cattle trade/ drives, The KC Blues history, Fountains, Aviation, and modern stuff too, like landmarks, sports teams, I could go on and on!!!!!
The idea is teams can pretty much do what ever you think kicks ass! ( well and ties in somewhat to KC!)
The teams will have a given amount of time ( looks like 3-4 hours) to complete their work! Once again, the rules will be made so that each team can produce something as great as possible in a short time, they will be disqualified if they do not have FUN! short of that, I think the judges will be pretty short sighted and easily distracted! ( hell that's me everyday, well, except for short sighted)   The judges will be there more to annoy and entertain, and the final winner will be chosen by an audience vote.   (we may change the way this is done still) Most likely $1.00 equals one vote.( remember this is to raise money for New House) we will also have a judges choice... so in effect, there are 2 prizes.
This is a great way for cake artist to strut their stuff, share their love of Cake Artistry, and help a great cause. Some of the contestants that have expressed an interest are very well known and have been seen on Tv challenges as leads and assistants. This is a chance for us to re-pay the gift we have been given.  I know I have been pretty easy going in this blog about this event, but rest assured I feel very strongly for this cause and I truely believe in the law of threes: That which you put out, you shall recieve three fold. Lets all put our energy into something greater than beating each other out for a cash prize, judging or ribbons. lets all celebrate our love of cake and sugar arts together and show KC what we're all about!

Mike's New House Charity Event!

2011-02-01T13:05:00.001-08:00

Hi cake friends!!!
as some of you know I stay pretty busy helping out with charities and noble causes. It makes the work I do seem much more valuable and adds purpose beyond just making cake. I've been really lucky and it's really nice to use some of that luck when ever I can for good.
I've worked with "New House" (http://www.newhouseshelter.org/) several times before and we've really enjoyed it! They have asked me for help and need to raise funds urgently! As all of us know, things have been tough all over, none of us ( atleast nobody I know) are finding it very easy going these days and charities like New House are really feeling the strain! So here's what I'm counting on your help to do!!!

"Mike Elder's Icing on the Cake for New House !!"
Tentitively scheduled for Thurs april 14th or sat april 16th in Kansas City MO( we may change the date as we find better venues, email me if you know a location that may suit our needs please as the one I have currently is expensive)

Live Cake Challenge:
We are currently recruiting atleast 3 teams of decorators to compete in a live TV style challenge, we plan to have local celebrity ( non decorators- football / baseball etc players etc) on each team. teams will have about 3 hours to create their show piece. rules will be available soon. Theme will be "Kansas City"!!
so basically anything you want to do that screams Home sweet home KC.... works for me!!
I will be host and Emcee, and you won't have to compete against me!!! We will have judges and very relaxed rules! and the best part! CASH and prizes!!!!!

Mid-West Cake/ sugar artist exhibition:
We will have a seperate sugar artist exhibit where local decorators, sugar artist and wild folks can bring their work for display as well as awards of cash and prizes: The idea is more of an artist exhibition where local ( or not so local) people can show off a little. You'll be encouraged to dress up your display a little, promote yourself as much as you'd like. awards will be chosen for crowd favorites, wildest design, and what ever else I think is fun! ( c'mon folks, it's for charity and for fun!, ) Once again the theme is KANSAS CITY! entry fee will be small
There will be live demos and activities durring the day!!!!!!!!

Let's get together!
I totally realize that this is short notice! I'm no different than any of my fellow cake people, we're all busy, and all could use a hand these days! The women that New House didn't choose to need this help, they, like all of us would rather live a simple peaceful life free of drama. But the truth is we need places like NEW HOUSE!
As most of you who know me already know, I'm not a real by the book kind of guy, let's have fun together! I can't emphasize enough that this event is meant to be fun and up-lifting for everyone! I'm working to get as much coverage and participation in the event as possible, despite the short time frame! Lets all share our love of art, sugar art, and cake to help a greater cause! Lets have fun, show off a little, and meet some new friends! After all what else is cake for but to celebrate LIFE?!! Lets celebrate together!!!!!!! feel free to join the blogg or newsletter to get up to date info on the show!!!!
Thanks all!!!!
Mike!

Oh and by the way....EAT MY CAKE!!!!!!!

Snowed in!

2011-01-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

Oh someone remind me why winter has to happen! ... We're locked into the middle of a white winter with several inches of snow and bitter cold! I'm sooo not a cold weather guy. I went skiing once, found that snot freezes to your face and that the lodge had a warm cozy bon fire, where people would bring you drinks, and you could chat with all the other folks who weren't crazy about the -10 degree day! LOL... that part of winter was awesome, the cold white fluffy stuff, I can do without!

Even though cakes are few this time of year, I'm still very busy working on lots of TV stuff, hoping it goes the way it looks like it's going!   I've been busy trying to develop new and innovative stuff for the cake world too! We're working on developing Kits for the serious cake artist that include great quality Iwata airbrushes and compressors and you will see products with my name on them soon! Part of our "Black Sheep" ideal is that quality and originality, are the core of what we do. We're glad to be outside of the normal fluffy box!
Most of you know my background, and those closest to me know the struggle I've gone through to get where I am! The great thing about whats happening these days is the possibility for Black Sheep Custom Cakes, to help others both in and outside the cake world! We strive everyday to be better than we are now and hope to help as many people as we can along the way! I'm very excited about the road we're on and can't wait to share the details as soon as I'm allowed! ( yeah, it's a secret!!!!)

So for now, I'm back to cakes, and staring at the work on my computer, I hope that all of my Black Sheep friends stay warm and stay proud to do it your way!
Peace n Love
Mike
oh and BTW!   EAT MY CAKE!!!!

welcome to the new Blacksheep Blog!

2011-01-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

well? what do you think about the new diggs? thanks to the boys at squirtgun for putting all this together! Its been crazy here these last several months, and we've got some great stuff in the works! Some of the things you can look forward to is cake tools like Chain molds, Barbed wire molds, nuts n bolts for cakes, and of course great airbrushes and supplies!

Besides working on stuff for the shop we've been working really hard on some great TV projects, with more info to come! I know that seems vague, but it will have to do for now! I hope you enjoy the new look of the website! check back and remember to join the newsletter so you can stay up to date on breaking news and events! Lets have some fun!