[.ca] Colette's Birthday Cakes (ISBN 0316702749)

Fondant, sugar paste and more sugar paste:
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.

Superb:
Mainly a picture book -- but WHAT a picture book! If you want ideas, get this book. In fact, I've seen bakeries whose best work are variations on (obviously inspired by) cakes in this book! The directions are laughable because only someone with experience (or another sugarcraft book) could really get these results. On the other hand, there are so many sugarcraft books out there that I can understand why she doesn't go into so much detail. It still gets 5 stars because as usual for Colette, this book gives so much variety, so many ideas, that you'll want to look at it again and again.

Inspiration from the Best in Cakes:
Colette Peters is a master of cake design and artistry. She shows us that baking can transcend the limits of the kitchen, and delve into the canvas and paints of the artist. It is no surprise to discover that Miss Peters is a trained artist. It is also not a surprise to discover that her work graces the tables of Bette Midler, the White House, and Tiffany's at Christmastime. 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.

Creative and imaginative, but not do-able at (my) home:
This book has beautiful cakes in it that are so beautiful and original. I found them a little difficult, however, to put into practice! Some are definitely acheivable, but others require equipment, such as an airbrush, which is beyond my baking abilities! I still enjoy the book to look at and use it for ideas. I just don't make the exact cakes she does. I preferred The Ultimate Birthday Cake book much more, although the cakes aren't the calliber of Ms. Peters.

Absolutely gorgeous:
These cakes are beautiful,but will never be decorated by me.I do not have 40 hours to devote to the decoration of one cake.I am also put off by cakes covered entirely in sugarpaste,I want icing,on cakes that I can eat.