Latest projects/Demonstrations and Workshops

Gamesley Adult Education Centre

In March 2007 I was asked to run a short course at Gamesley Adult Education Centre for local residents to learn new skills in cake decorating.
We called the course ‘Creative Edibles’ as we did much more than just decorating cakes.
 I taught the students the basics of working with sugar paste and we looked at a technique known as ‘Jelly or Gel Painting’, we then learnt some basic character modelling skills using marzipan and created some fabulous Easter novelties.  Finally we decorated a cake from start to finish, coating with sugar paste and making hand modelled roses from chocolate for that all important finishing touch.
The course was such a success I was asked to return in April 2007.  This time we looked at some basic baking skills and hygiene in the kitchen as well as learning new techniques such as brushed embroidery and working with the mediums of flower paste and pastillage to create beautiful edible greeting cards.
December 2007 saw the last Creative Edibles course at Gamesley as I started to prepare for my own exams at Tameside College.  This time round we designed and decorated a Christmas cake from start to finish using royal icing and another new technique called ‘Bas Relief’.  We also created a vast amount of goodies to be sold at the annual Festive Market which helps to raise funds for the centre and nursery there.

          

Glossopdale CommunityCollege

In October 2008 I was lucky enough to be invited to Glossopdale Community College to hold a workshop in their inclusion suite for the Prince’s Trust‘Xcel’ group run by Elaine Bently and Karen McKaren. 
Here students with difficulties in mainstream schooling can work on various modules to help them gain bronze, silver and gold awards from the Prince’s trust awards sheme.  The ‘World of Work’ module offers students the chance to meet local business people and other workers, to share experiences of the working world, learn new skills, to practice skills they already have and to gain knowledge of  the working world to help them gain awards for their future. 
I taught the kids a technique called ‘Jelly or Gel Painting’ and to grab their interest we based our pieces around graffiti writing, looking at some of the famous artists in the world of graffiti and taking inspiration from them.
The workshop was fantastic and we all learned loads and had a great time doing it.
Such a success, again I was asked to return and have since taught both the Excel group and the learning support group about working with various mediums such as marzipan, sugar paste, chocolate and some basic modelling techniques enabling them to create characters for xmas gifts from walnut whips.
Elaine Bently said:
‘The kids showed great patience and concentration during the workshops, as well as a lot of creative and artistic flair in this hands on experience of the working world.  They were able to talk to Julia about her business and about her journey from school, through the education system to where she is today.  They learnt valuable skills which will count towards the Personal Skills Module helping them to gain their Bronze Awards.’

The Prince’s Trust supports many of these groups around the country and Elaine has recently won an award for her outstanding contributions and the work she does at Glossopdale.  They are always looking for people and businesses who could contribute by giving talks or workshops and can be contacted through Glossopdale Community College.

                       

Urmston Sugar Craft Club

Barbara Tatham, my tutor from Tameside College, among many other things,  runs a club in Urmston for fellow sugar craft enthusiasts to meet, chat, learn and socialise with each other on a monthly basis.
One of the highlights is a demonstration from someone who either works in the industry, makes a living from sugar craft in some way, someone famous from the circuit, or another fellow enthusiast brave enough to show their skills to 40+ ladies!
During my first year at college, Barbara invited me to demonstrate at the club and although I was very nervous and anxious about it, I agreed and I have never looked back.
Such a fantastic group of ladies who love and continue to enjoy their craft and who also do a tremendous amount of work and fund raising for charity.
 I really enjoy sharing my skills and learning new from them as I go that I have been back on several occasions and have an almost regular spot there.
The demonstration lasts for approx 2 hours and I have covered subjects such as
Easter Novelties
Xmas Novelties and ideas for your xmas fair
Basic modelling
Shaped mini novelty cakes- sofa, fairy castle, suitcase
Xmas cake with snowflake burst
Pulled roses in artista soft

Age Concern Glossop

During the Christmas period in 2007 I gave a demonstration to a group of ladies and gentlemen involved with Age Concern. This involved decorating a fruit cake from start to finish with a mixture of royal icing and sugar paste with a bas relief  snowman design.  The finished cake was to raffled at a local Doctor’s surgery for charity.