Kyoto

When I first read about this contest, Kyoto immediately came to mind as a tee-to-cake inspiration.

The three layers were made using a basic white cake recipe and frosted with basic buttercream. Both the cake and frosting had chai latte mix substituted in place of the called-for liquid for that subtle spice-cake kick.

Royal icing was used for the fans and Wilton color flow icing for the clouds.

Painting effects were acheived by spreading out the tinted outline frosting and thinning with regular (brown) vanilla extract. Along with the main part of the sun, vanilla was painted on frosting imperfections around the rest of the cake to give it more of a watercolor paper look. The fans were highlighted with a brush of vanilla as well.

The various frostings, cake, clouds and fans were made after work over the course of a week. Actual cake construction and decoration took place on Saturday.

Thanks to Steph, Peyton, Jess, Jon, Jared, Ben, Matt, Dina, Danielle, Jason, Wesley, and Logan for cramming into my single-person-sized apartment and feasting on cake. And for the guys who fixed my car's brake lights afterward. I've got awesome friends!