Collette Peters applies her cake-decorating skills to the art of the birthday cake. Here are cakes for every month of the year, and for every sort of birthday celebration, with instructions of every aspect of the decoration process.

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This brightly-colored book is arranged topically: Signs of the Zodiac (12 designs), Flowers of the Month (4 designs), Birthstones (3 designs), and Assorted Party Cakes (14 designs). There are also two chapters devoted to Basic Recipes and Basic Instructions. Miss Peters has thoughtfully included a list of Sources for equipment and supplies at the back of the book.

Each design includes: Number of Servings, List of Ingredients, paragraph-form instructions on how to assemble and decorate the cake, a full-color photograph, and patterns (most patterns require enlargements).

While the instructions are specific, and basic instructions at the back of the book are extensive, I would not consider this a book for the beginning cake decorator. More advanced and intermediate cake decorators will enjoy creating their own cakes based on these ideas. This is a wonderful gift for the aspiring cake decorator.

24 of 26 found the following review helpful:

"Colette's Birthday Cakes" definitely worth the wait!Mar 23, 2000
By Sara Mazzo
Last August I, along with people from across the U.S. and around the globe, had the pure pleasure of sitting in a class taught by Colette Peters during the 1999 I.C.E.S. Annual Convention (International Cake Exploration Society) held in Kansas City, Missouri. There she announced that her new book would be available in the Spring of 2000. Rest assured that this cake baker from Oklahoma was not alone in anticipating the arrival of this book. Whether you enjoy creating cakes for your friends and family or for paying customers, Colette's fresh new ideas will inspire you, no matter what your skill-level or experience may be. Her talents are obvious with each new cake and cleverly displayed through beautiful pictures. She has incorporated several well-known cake decorating techniques along with her own special touches to come up with original ideas sure to strike your fancy. The instructions that accompany each cake are consistantly clear and easy to follow. Be sure to add this one to your collection of cake decorating books.

13 of 14 found the following review helpful:

colette is a creative geniusMay 11, 2000

colette peters is not only a fabulous cake stylist but also the best and most imaginative artist in the field. She has an unlimited imagination and her book reflects this talent. Her instructions are detailed and do not leave out a bit of information...she is generous in her willingness to share all her secrets for creating her wonderful masterpieces!

15 of 17 found the following review helpful:

Fondant, sugar paste and more sugar pasteOct 21, 2003

The other reviews are correct; this book is not for the beginner. Nor is it for people who prefer to do piping decorating as every cake featured uses fondant and sugar paste. Although you could possibly take some ideas from it and it is fun looking at all these amazing cakes, some of them are so far out there (like a chess set or leather doctor's bag) you better be a really skilled home baker with a lot of time or a pro. I will say that the book is so nicely done (hardback, color, design and layout) that it almost feels like a nice coffee table book.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Great book! Wonderfully easy directions., and tasty, too.May 08, 2000
By bilmckinley
I bought this book in London. Photos show me how the cake should look when finished. Of course, these photos get my own imagination working for my own individuality to play along different designs. The separate drawings / letterings are a GREAT help. ...and let me say I had more than a few chuckles from the great wit used in the writing. WAY to GO! Colette!

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