Revive-it-yourself – Potli Folk Art Kit

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December 15, 2010

How to be creative using ready do-it-yourself kit of Indian art and craft. Whenever we want to do some artwork, our choices are confined to few things available in the marketplace – fabric design, oil painting, water colours, paper and gum, etc. Many of us marvel at vividly painted folk art styles in exhibitions and wonder if it is possible to be creative using Indian art and craft material…

Warli, Madhubani, Patua, Santhal, Phad Painting are such exquisite folk art styles which appeal to young and old alike. How would it be if such difficult and intricate craft items are available in a ready do-it-yourself kit… sounds exciting?!

Kadam’s range of ‘Potli Educational Activity/Craft Kits’ have been designed to sensitize the children to the arts and crafts of India, in a hope that they can nurture our culture with pride and ensure its continuity. All the Painting kits also come with a DVD of five short animation films of folk tales from various parts of India, and based on the traditional art forms.

Craft Kadam Potli — Kadam Potli ready kit

Potli Educational Do-It-Yourself painting kits represent specific traditional / tribal art forms such as Warli, Madhubani, Patua, Santhal, Phad, Gond, etc. They also have kits on hand block printing, bead craft and shell craft. The objective of the kit is to familiarize children with these arts forms, tell them about the history behind the art form and its peculiarities. These kits also support the village artist, as a certain part of the proceeds from the sale is passed on to them. In a small way, this is a way to keep the art forms and our traditional artists’ vision alive.

Kadam is a Kolkata based voluntary organisation which is working towards creating employment opportunities for rural uneducated youth and teach basic professional skills to rural artisans. It is led by Pooja Ratnakar and Payal Nath, who are professional designers who have dedicated their career for folk art revival. Read more about the organisation here…

– Factfile –
Pic – Pooja Ratnakar
http://www.kadamindia.org

The Treasure Trove of Hyderabad Nizams – Part II

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Caleidoscope

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December 3, 2010

2

Read: The Treasure Trove of the Nizams part 1

Nizams sarpench — Bachkana Sarpench of young Nizam

The Hyderabad Nizam’s jewellery collection is said to have more jewels than all the collections of princes in India put together. Their jewellery designs are a synthesis of Mughal, Deccani and European influences. They reflect the culture of a dynasty that had its roots in the Mughal court, ruled the Deccan and was a staunch ally of the British Empire. The collection includes a number of Sarpenchs (bejewelled headgear), necklaces, waist-belts, buckles, bracelets, anklets, armlets, rings, pocket watches, buttons and cuff-links, to name but a few. All the jewels are flamboyant, yet, there are some pieces that stand out for their unique workmanship.

Most of the diamonds used in the jewellery came from the diamond mines in Golconda which were owned by the Nizams. This is why all the pieces invariably have diamonds that are either uncut or cut into magnificent pieces. They are made of gold, set with diamonds, emerald beads and cabochon rubies. There is a special one named ‘Bachkana Sarpench’ which was made for the young prince, Mehabub Ali when he ascended the throne. The brilliance of Golconda diamonds set in this piece outshines any other piece. A solitaire set in gold, with five smaller diamonds on each side, has on its top an exquisite bird crafted with small diamonds for its plumage and a ruby as its eye. Interestingly, the bird holds a tiny ‘taveez’ (lucky charm) in its beak. A diamond belt was made especially for the Nizam by the House of Oscar Massi Pieres of France.

Jacob’s Diamond, is a fabulous piece, weighing 184.75 carats. This sparkling beauty is double the size of the Koh-i-Noor diamond and is said to be the seventh largest in the world. It was acquired by the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahabub Ali Pasha in 1891 from a Jewish trader, A.K. Jacob and hence the name. Mahboob Ali Khan was convinced it was cursed and wrapped it in a dirty rag and tucked it away in the drawer of his writing table. The diamond was later found in the toe of an old slipper during the reign of the 7th Nizam, who had it mounted on gold filigree base. Mahboob Ai Khan may have been right: In 1972, the diamond became the centrepiece of a legal battle that lasted for 30 years and help contributed the downfall of its last owner Mahboob Ali Khan’s great grandson Mukarram Jah.

Nizams palace — Nizam’s Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad

The last and seventh ruler of Asaf Jah dynasty, Mir Osman Ali Khan, died in 1967, and immediately a feud over his vast property ensued among his 149 descendants. The Government of India stepped in when things went out of control. However, much of the Nizam’s jewellery collection was already looted by the time. It is stated the aged Nizam never allowed any audit of his jewellery collection and ensured that the dust settled on his collection is not cleaned, so that the glitter never hits anyone’s eyes!

Text by – Shalini Nair

Reference –
The Last Nizam by John Zubrzycki – 2006
http://mahabubnagar.tripod.com/nizam_jewelry1.htm
http://www.hamaraforums.com/lofiversion/index.php/t28241.html

The Treasure Trove of Hyderabad Nizams

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Caleidoscope

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December 2, 2010

6

The Last Nizam - Mir Osman Ali Khan — The Last Nizam – Mir Osman Ali Khan

Hyderabad was the largest princely state before it was merged into the Indian union in 1948 by Operation Polo. For nearly three centuries, Hyderabad State was ruled by the Nizams, who carved their kingdom in South India from the ruins of the Mughal Empire. In seven generations, Hyderabad Nizams amassed such wealth that the last Nizam was titled as the richest man in the world by the Time magazine. The last and seventh ruler of Asaf Jah dynasty, Mir Osman Ali Khan, famous for his idiosyncrasies, was also known for his stunning collection of jewellery.

Stunning is too lame a word to describe the exquisite craftsmanship of the famed Nizam jewellery. The sheer magnificence of rubies, diamonds, pearls, sapphires and other precious stones beautifully embedded in gold and silver, showcase the glory of the erstwhile Nizam. The total worth of 173 jewellery pieces (a fraction acquired by Government of India) is worth Rs 5,000 crore!

Nizam’s diamond belt

The last Nizam Osman Ali Khan’s collection included 25,000 diamonds, pearls the size of quail eggs and the famed Jacob’s Diamond. A set of 22 Colombian emeralds weighing 413 carats was so flawless that no jeweller had the courage to set them. One necklace comprised 226 diamonds weighing nearly 150 carats. It is said Osman Ali Khan used to handle his baubles as if they were marbles. The legendary Nizam’s Diamond weighed 400 carats and was said to be the second largest in the world. This diamond was lost and then discovered accidentally in 1870s near Shamshabad by a local goldsmith, buried in an earthen pot.

nizams jewellery

Read: The treasure trove of the Nizams part 2

Text by – Shalini Nair

Images – India Today

Reference –
The Last Nizam by John Zubrzycki – 2006

4 Tips for Organizing Your Fridge the Way It Was Meant to Be

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Caleidoscope

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December 1, 2010

0

You deserve to live a better lifestyle. Maybe you are familiar with tv on rent, but that’s not enough. You also need a well-organized refrigerator will make your work easier.

It’s not all about storing your items here and there in a fridge. There should be some order so that you can quickly locate anything whenever you need it.

To give you an insight, some things should always be kept at the bottom of your fridge. Some of these items include meat and dairy.

Besides, your fridge’s shelves and drawers should help you organize your items in your refrigerator without going through a lot of hassles.

It’s needless to say that you need to keep your fridge organized. You need to put things where they should be. It won’t just look good, but also be convenient whenever you want something.

1. Bottom Shelves

As said earlier, some things need to be kept at the bottom shelve of your fridge. Items like dairy products and meat should be kept at the bottom so that you don’t mix them with the other products you’d wish to put in your fridge.

Maybe you are wondering why you must keep your meat and dairy products at the bottom of your fridge.

Here is why: the bottom of your fridge is the coldest part, and therefore it will aid in keeping these products such as meat fresh.

Besides, you would not love drinks like juices to drip to your meat. So, the bottom of your fridge is the best for such.

Another point you should note is that you need to wrap well your meat before placing it at the bottom of your fridge.

You can do this by wrapping it using a transparent polythene paper and then putting it in a clean bowl. Don’t have a refrigerator yet? Don’t worry, you can go for refrigerator on rent.

2. Side Drawer for Condiments

Did you know that the side drawer is the warmest part of your fridge? Well, if you didn’t know, then now you know.

That said, it is evident that some items should be considered for such space. And you know what? You should keep your condiments in this section.

Besides condiments, you can also store a variety of items in this section. You can store your cooking oil, juice or even water in this section.

3. Upper Shelf Should Be For Items that Don’t Get Bad Easily

Surprisingly, the upper part of your fridge turns to be warmer than other regions in your fridge. As such, you need to store items that don’t go bad easily in this section.

Sure, you can store spreads like jam, hummus, and jelly in the upper section of your fridge. Besides, you have the freedom to store yogurt in this area too. And in case you were wondering, you can also put the leftovers in the upper region of your fridge.

4. Foods You Shouldn’t Keep in Your Fridge

Sure, there are certain foods that you shouldn’t keep in your fridge. It’s a surprise, but the truth is that you can’t store every food in the refrigerator.

Here are the things you should never keep in your fridge:

Coffee
Garlic
Bananas
Bread
Potatoes
Onions
Tomatoes

Final Thoughts

Arranging your fridge to look decent isn’t that easy, and most people fail when it comes to this. Fortunately, you now have the hacks.

An Obsession called Ilish Maachh

By

Trisha

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November 29, 2010

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Hilsa Fish Curry – Source

The Bengali Bhadralok have a fancy for many things and chief among them is fish or ‘Feesh’. It is a Bengali ritual for the man of the house to go to the market everyday to buy a fresh supply of fish. The queen of fish ‘Hilsa’ or Ilish fish, popularly known as ‘Ilish maachh’, in Bengali language, is the essential ingredient of Bengali cuisine.

Although, ilish maachh is a tropical saltwater fish (scientific name: Tenualosa ilisha), it thrives in rivers and estuaries. This fish is found in the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and of course in the Bay of Bengal. The Hilsa is also a fast swimming fish, so it can quickly cover kilometers and swim up the rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal. The marine Hilsa caught in sea is not considered as tasty as the fish caught in inland rivers.

Hilsa is mostly available during February-March and in the monsoon season from August to October, as it is a seasonal fish. It is soft and easily perishable. Therefore, it is very expensive and needs quick transportation, freezing and other facilities to maintain it, before it reaches the various fish markets across Bengal. During the rainy season, it is considered to be the most wanted delicacy, meant to stoke the taste buds of the Bengali palate.

Fishermen seeking the elusive Ilish – Source: Monsoon Lover

The two main varieties of Hilsa are the Padma variety, loved by the Bangali immigrants from Bangladesh, and the Kolaghat variety found in the tributaries of river Ganga, which is sweeter and softer. This sweeter variety is loved by the Bengalis in Kolkata. The Hilsa is full of tiny bones that require trained eaters/hands to handle.

Bengali Bhadralok ensure that atleast two Hilsa fish (Joda Ilish) are bought for the occasions of Saraswati puja and Lakshmi puja. On auspicious occasions like pujas, functions and weddings, this fish is prepared in several ways: smoked, dried, fried, baked, steamed or cooked in curry. It is also prepared by mixing Brinjal, curd and green banana. There are several simple and grand ways of preparing the Ilish, and here are some of the popular recipes:

Hilsa fish offered for sale in the market

There is the famous Shorshe Ilish or the Ilish Shorshe Bata, prepared with mustard paste, green chillies, and onions. It is a traditional and easy dish that can be prepared at home. Dahi Ilish is also an easy to serve dish, Bhapa Ilish (steamed Ilish) is a signature Hilsa dish, where fish pieces are mixed with paste of white and black mustard seeds, poppy seeds, marinated and then steamed in a particular way before being served in plantain leaves.

Ilish Maccher Paturi is where the fish pieces are smeared with turmeric powder, and put into a mixture of mustard paste, chili paste, yoghurt, salt and mustard oil, along with spices. Each spiced up piece is then folded in marrow or pumpkin leaf and the pieces are fried in oil. Ilish Maccher Jhol is also made in a somewhat similar manner with ginger paste, garlic paste and tomato puree, but it is mainly a curry preparation. Even the simple to make Illish Macch Bhaja is a mouth watering fried fish dish. Most of these dishes go well with steamed rice.

Daily ritual at the fish market – Source: $owmya

Not just Bengalis, even visitors from within the country and abroad, fall in love with Ilish delicacies once they taste it. Anyone fond of fish, will truly obsess over the Ilish for the rest of their lives. It is good idea to try it once, and decide for yourself!

Photo Credits:
Monsoon Lover
$owmya

Fact file –
Wiki Hilsa
http://www.bongcookbook.com
Wiki Bengali Cuisine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhadralok

7 Tips for Saving Money On Two Wheeler Insurance This New Year

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Caleidoscope

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November 15, 2010

0

Two Wheeler Insurance India — Image – Pixabay

A brand new year is waiting around the corner. You may have many dreams and wishes to achieve this new year. If one of them has been getting your own two-wheeler, then you must look to achieve the dream by all means. You will find many attractive schemes to buy a new bike around this time. Make full use of these deals and get yourself the two-wheeler you always wanted. And along with that, get a good 2 wheeler insurance plan too.

Tips To Save Money On Two-wheeler Insurance

Take a look at the simple tips mentioned below to save a lot of money on your bike insurance premium:

Choose the right kind of policy: Two-wheeler insurance is available in two forms – third party and comprehensive. You need to understand what each type of insurance provides. You then need to assess your own requirements. Then see which type of two wheeler insurance suits you the best. Choosing the right plan will ensure you get the correct value for the money you pay.
Compare: It is vital to compare two wheeler insurance. Unless you compare, you will be unaware of the cheapest option. Without running a comparison and picking up the first plan you see, you will most likely pay more than you need to. So do remember to compare two wheeler insurance before you make your final selection.
Install some safety devices: Your insurance plan offers cover against damages and thefts. So if you install some safety devices in your vehicle, it will automatically become safer. This will make it less vulnerable to robbery attempts. Your insurance premium will, therefore, reduce, owing to this fact.
Register in an automobile association: Members of registered automobile associations get motor insurance discounts. So enrol yourself in any recognized Indian auto association and get some great discounts on your 2 wheeler insurance premium.
Calculate the NCB and IDV properly: The next tip for you is to calculate your no claim bonus (NCB) and IDV properly. These two components play a very important role in bike insurance. You will stand to get heavy discounts when the NCB and the IDV are calculated properly. This will happen mainly when you go in for your two wheeler insurance renewal online.
Approach your existing insurer: Most people have existing insurance covers such as health insurance plans and home insurance plans. If you have some general insurance plans from a specific insurer, speak to them before you by your two-wheeler insurance plan. Many insurance providers offer loyalty benefits to their customers. If you do get some benefit, it will lower your two-wheeler insurance premium for sure.
Renew on time: And finally, you should never forget to renew your bike insurance cover on time. Opt for two wheeler insurance renewal online. It is very easy to renew your plan. You can do this in a matter of a few minutes. So never let your policy lapse as then you will unnecessarily end up paying a late fee. This will increase your bike insurance costs.

In a nutshell

As you can see, there are indeed some very effective ways in which you can lower your 2 wheeler insurance costs this New Year. This will help you to stick to your budget and will take you one step closer to owning your dream bike. So without wasting any further time, head to your bike dealer’s store. Get a good bike. And along with that, get the best possible bike insurance plan and keep your precious vehicle safe and secured at all times.

Different Types Of Sewing Machines

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Caleidoscope

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November 1, 2010

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Different Types Of Sewing Machines — Source – Anna L – Unsplash via Upsplash

There are various types of sewing machines out of which domestic and the industrial machines are the basic two types of machines. There are various types of sewing machines like the computerized sewing machine, embroidery sewing machine, button hole machine, etc. For home use you can buy the domestic sewing machine which is available in a variety of brands and features. The commercial sewing machine is faster than the domestic sewing machine and can handle large capacity of sewing work in a day. The industrial sewing machine is used in manufacturing units.

1. Domestic sewing machine

Housewifes as well as tailors use the domestic sewing machine. They can do all types of sewing work on most of the woven fabrics like cotton and silk. They cannot work on non-woven fabrics like lycra and stretchable fabrics. These are sewing machines which work at a slower speed. You can attach a motor to speed up the sewing work in a domestic sewing machine. Additionally, you can also change the feed, which is a part of the sewing machine in order to be able to work on non-woven and heavy fabrics.

A domestic sewing machine can be customized to be used on various fabrics, woven and non-woven. You can run a domestic sewing machine manually without the need of a power outlet as long as it is not attached to a motor. The electric power is required only when motor is attached to the manual sewing machine. The best sewing machine for home use is from the Usha or the Singer brand.

You can also use electronic sewing machine that comes with various features and mechanisms that lets you experiment with sewing techniques and designs in a better way compared to a domestic sewing machine. You can create decorative fabrics with motifs and designs using the electronic sewing machine. These machines are available in various brands and come in various features. The other types of sewing machines are as follows.

Embroidery machines
Sergers or overlocking machines
Computerised machines
Electronic sewing machines

The embroidery machines are available in manual as well as electronic form of machines. You can create embroidery projects in various threads, metallic as well as silk threads using these machines. Sergers or overlocking machines are used for professional hemming on the garments that are stitched. Computerised machines are programmable sewing machine where you can electronically set the type of thread pattern you need for sewing and craft projects. They come with an LED screen which displays the selection of the thread pattern. The computerised sewing machines have a USB port and a Wi-Fi connection that let you download the patterns from the computer to this machine. These machines are highly priced compared to the manual machines.

The electronic sewing machines have a foot pedal that is electronic and can be used to control the speed of stitching with a feature touch pressure. Unlike the manual sewing machines the electronic sewing machines do not require you to put pressure on the foot pedal. The electronic sewing machines are versatile for various types of stitching as well as craft projects. The embroidery machines are manual and the ones which are electronic have a LCD screen that show the selection of the pattern of the thread that is used for embroidery work.

2. Commercial sewing machine

These are heavy sewing machines that can handle sewing of volumes of fabric in a single day and works with a lot of speed. With these machines you can give a professional finishing to a garment compared to the basic finishing done by a domestic machine. Garments stitched on commercial sewing machines are durable and the stitch stays for the longer time. They are available in four types.

Cylinder bed sewing machine
Flat bed sewing machine
Free arm sewing machine
Post bed sewing machine

Commercial sewing machines are efficient and have many built-in features that the domestic machines do not have. Right from the needle post to the arm design, there are variations in each type of an industrial machine. They are not similar to each other. These machines need a separate motor and do not come with an attached motor. The cylinder bed sewing machine is used for making bags, shoes, and such sewing projects which have a thicker fabric with variable cuts and designs. There is a wide range of commercial sewing machine brands available in the market, so you must check reviews of these machines before taking buying decision.

Things You Must Know Before Buying Children Shoes

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Caleidoscope

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October 20, 2010

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Buying shoes for children and little children online has harmed me the most. In numerous occasions, I was totally off-base. At the point when the fit was correct, I was not content with the structure quality and the shoe fitting. Negative online shoe encounters are normal. I have discovered that the most ideal approach to buy the ideal shoes online is to have a go at something sensible. With legitimate schoolwork, you can stay away from normal entanglements and buy the correct pair. To kick you off, I’ve set out the 20 basic aides and tips for beginning. I have found the best way to get childrens shoes online at Baby Bootique.

Brand memory is once in a while disillusioned

Presently think about the best of your gathering’s shoes and break down them a piece. You will realize that there is a brand or brand that truly conveys inevitably. From excellent materials to rousing plans and structures, you are destined to have a shoe brand that possesses all the necessary qualities. For this reason, use brand memory to decide your next online buy.

Evade Modest Shoe Disorder

A huge extent of shoe buyers online experiences the ill effects of modest shoe disorder. This constant condition additionally shows up when you are taking a gander at a couple’s idea at a very limited cost. Because it is modest, numerous individuals will buy and it isn’t the most ideal approach to buy. Modest shoes need to address the entirety of your issues first.

Do some foundation perusing on new shoe brands

As demonstrated above, fresh out of the box new shoe brands need to substantiate them first. On the off chance that you truly need to buy another shoe brand, you have to find out about the organization behind the item.

Update your shoe size before buying on the web

Did you realize that your shoe size isn’t steady? Your feet might be long and long, and you ought to have the option to see them. No, for this situation, measure your feet to refresh your size.

Discover the motivation behind the shoes you need to buy

Shoes fill a great many needs. Considering this, you can search for potential shoes, official shoes, sports shoes, pads, heels. On the off chance that you are searching for easygoing shoes, you might need to think about shoes, pads, shoes and then some. As such, you have to confine your hunt with the goal that you can cover the best kind of shoe for your needs.

Pick your online retailer admirably

Many shoe brands won’t sell legitimately to customers. In such manner, online retailers will disperse various brands of footwear. Picking the privilege online retailer is fundamental.

Item data is everything

When buying on the web retailers and shoe brands on the web, you need explicit item data that you can discover.

Never buy shoes internet checking purchaser audits

Shoe Surveys You should have zero on. Regardless of whether you read a similar audit or numerous, hearing a vibe for the thoughts of others will make you increasingly mindful.

6 Gorgeous Cake Designs for Your 25th Anniversary Celebration

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Caleidoscope

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October 14, 2010

0

The 25th wedding anniversary is one of the biggest milestones in a couple’s life and that’s why it should be marked with a grand celebration. Maybe a get together with loved ones or a romantic holiday, it completely depends on how the couple wants to celebrate their Silver anniversary. But, the thing that one should not forget is a delicious 25th-anniversary cake without which the celebration may not be as memorable as one wants it to be.

So, if you are in quest of some gorgeous 25th-anniversary cakes, check out the options listed below and you will love these:

3 Tier-Black Forest Cake

The best thing about a black forest cake is that it can fit into every small or big occasion. Be it a birthday or an anniversary, a delicious black forest cake can always lift up the spirit of your celebration and make it more special. So, yes a mouth watering 3-tier black forest cake will make one of the best choice for your 25^th anniversary celebration.

Red Velvet Heart-Shape Cake

Well, completing 25 years with someone you love is a very special feeling which you should not hold back. Instead, express your deepest emotions of love, care, and affection for your partner by ordering a delicious red velvet heart shape cake. This cake will rekindle the romance in your married life and sweeten up your 25^th anniversary celebrations.

Purple Swirled Rose Cake

Do you know what a purple rose symbolize? It stands for enchantment. So, if you give someone a purple rose, it means that you have fallen in love with the recipient at the very first sight. Similarly, a delicious purple swirled rose cake will express your deep love for your partner and stir sweetness in your married life.

Metallic Silver Cake

No cake can be a more apt choice for a 25^th marriage anniversary than a metallic silver cake. Yes, silver cakes are in vogue these days and these cakes can instantly uplift the spirit of any special celebration. So, basically a silver cake is like any other normal fondant cake wherein the fondant is airbrushed in silver and then painted with various shade of metallic luster dust onto the cake.

Luscious Naked Cake

A naked cake has no or minimal outer layer of frosting. Therefore, in a naked cake, you can see the natural texture and even the filling stuffed inside. Some naked cakes have no frosting on their outer edge while some have just a wisp of buttercream. So, if you want to indulge into a complete new cake cum dessert, a naked cake will make an excellent choice.

Sugar Flower Cakes

Sugar flowers cakes are those where in the cake decorated with beautiful blooms which are edible and fake. Yes, sugar flowers are usually made using gum paste or fondant and then, placed on the top or side or edge of the cake. These types of cakes are ideal for an anniversary party. So, if you want to throw a big anniversary party on your 25^th anniversary then, order a sugar flower cake which your guests will surely appreciate.

Now that you have a number of beautiful cake design ideas, leave no stone unturned in making your 25^th anniversary a memorable one.