Chapeau de Gateau

Chapeau de Gateau packaging in Weddingbells!

2009-12-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Weddingbells magazine celebrating their 25 th anniversary! I was delighted to contribute to their stylish wedding favours.

Happy 50th Birthday Celebration!

2009-11-17T04:59:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe but my big sister Rebecca, turned 50 years this month! As I wasn't able to attend the party, I sent out a celebration cake topper to crown the striking croquembouche! Looks like it was a hit.

Ribbon Bracelets

2009-11-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I wrapped these wooden bracelets with Mokuba ribbons. It was tricky at times going around the curves, but lots of fun coming up with these various colour ways.

New C'est Joli necklaces

2009-11-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm very pleased with the outcome of these new looks. It is so great to work out the colour combinations. I love working with colour!!! These necklaces make a bold statement, but again are very lightweight.

2009-10-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Diana at Papillon Cakes in Regina for contacting me to order a cake topper! She was recently at a Trade show displaying more of her wonderful cake creations.

Fab Fall Fashions

2009-10-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Great to be featured in Elle Canada's selection for Fall accessories. Both pieces can be found at Make You Look!

Happy Wedding Day

2009-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

My client was very kind to send along photos of her wedding cake and Chapeau de Gateau wedding topper. A lot of work was put into creating this dramatic chic wedding cake creation from I do Wedding Cakes. The bride, cake designer Olivia, and I collaborated on the colour choices and the overall look. Our goal is always to make the cake look amazing, and to have a happy bride and groom. It was a stunning success!!

Cords and Piping

2009-09-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Scribble Crazy!!!

2009-09-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

Just a great look with a bright Tshirt!!! My belle makes it look very youthful and fun.

Scribble Rope Necklace

2009-09-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest look from the C'est Joli line. I've called it "Scribble" because it reminded me of just that; lots of loops, swirls and movement. It's lightweight, a real bonus because of the size, and very playful!!

C'est Joli NOW!!!

2009-08-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to Made You Look and Now Magazine for featuring some braided bracelets in their Style section. The bracelets are on their website to purchase online.

Pretty in Pink

2009-08-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

Very Frou Frou! Here I tried out some new metallic ribbons with pale pink satin and incorporated some rhinestone for added sparkle. I wanted the overall feel to look very frothy and very decadent.

2009-08-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jason at Blue Six Creative a collective of Toronto Wedding and lifestyle photographers who recently profiled my work on their lovely blog. I'm truly delighted being profiled as a local vendor and appreciate the support!!

2009-08-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

It' s always lovely to receive compliments on my work and this one was especially nice.

"I received my necklace and just wanted to say how incredibly happy I am with it. Not only does it have the sparkle that is advertised, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate the light weight of it. If a necklace is too heavy, I usually get a headache and can't wait to get it off when I get home. However I do not even feel the weight of this necklace on me. It is truly spectacular."

Ribbon Boutonnieres

2009-08-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

I'm loving creating these little keepsake ribbon boutonnieres. They are have turned out very precious, definitely intricate and absolutely charming. A stylish option for those with allergies!

Red Carpet Glam

2009-07-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

Sarah from Made You Look has featured some of my C'est Joli accessories to buy online. She was recently on Breakfast Television showing off red carpet looks and one of mine was an alternative how to get it look!

Golden Anniversay

2009-07-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

My friend Paula requested a celebration cake topper for her parents who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. For this design I choose to layer soft tones of gold ribbon and added in some metallics. I hope they have a wonderful celebration.

Yellow Christening dress

2009-07-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the lovely christening dress design by the local toronto company Moka Collection. I was commissioned to add numerous handmade flowers and rosettes for the gown. The result: an eye catching unique gown. The theme colours were carried through to a cake topper as well.

Wedding Bells Material World Story Fall/Winter 09

2009-07-19T09:10:00.001-07:00

Hurray it's on the newsstand now! I was delighted to contribute to this story as it was an opportunity to show ribbon, ribbon, ribbon!!! The cake topper is shown on a fabulous fun cake creation from I do Wedding Cakes and the place card holders were designed to complement the invitations of

Sweet Penelope.

Wedding Bells Material World Fall/Winter 09

2009-07-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

The magazine commissioned a custom floral ribbon bouquet in delicate yellows. It is a gorgeous keepsake and could be transformed and enjoyed through the years.

Sweet boutonniere. Luxe pale yellow ruffled organza flower, enveloped in pleated green satin. Metallic gold accent.

Ribbon placecard holders

Variety of coursages in colour palette. Nice to have options of several looks in a group.

Summer Groove

2009-07-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Just put some new bracelets into the store and loved playing with the great colour and textures.

A sure-fire way to add some punch to a sweet summer ensemble!

New floral themed looks on Canada AM

2009-07-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of the floral brooches and boutonnieres Chapeau de Gateau contributed to the Wedding Bells segment on CTV's Canada AM airing Monday July 6th.
I'm delighted that they will feature some new designs!

C'est Joli necklace in Aug. issue style at home magazine

2009-06-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

"Former style at home design intern Alison Dawson's new jewelry collection has us bewitched and beribboned. This fanciful, fluid necklace is cleverly fashioned from rayon ribbon piping." Found locally at Made You Look.ca

Peonies

2009-06-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

I bought these beauties for the store today and used a delicate light pink lace on our standard Ikea vase. The flowers are so lush, romantic and feminine. Just gorgeous!!!

Graduation Celebrations!!!

2009-06-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

Why not a fabulous Chapeau de Gateau cake topper to have as a charming keepsake for a special celebration! The mortarboard was a very fun addition.

Sunflower Yellow

2009-06-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty pleased with the outcome of this sunny yellow topper. The client loves sunflowers and commissioned some custom flowers to put on a child's dress. I then used a mixture of sunny yellows for her cake topper and I think it turned out very happy!

Old World Lux

2009-06-02T18:08:00.001-07:00

My client fell in love with this gorgeous metallic lace paired with a lux double sided satin. There is an aged feel and grace to this one.

Party Looks

2009-05-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Quite handy for my gal that her Mom can help out in the accessory department. Adie sports a charming flower hairpiece created with black satin and shiny urushi tape.

Chain Collage Necklace

2009-04-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Necklaces this season are so inspiring and truly make a big statement. They were a jump start for this new C'est Joli piece. I rummaged through my collectibles, and using an array of materials, some sentimental (Mom's old watch) layered on the textures. And yes! even ribbon in this whole crazy fantastic mix!

2009-04-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks Rosie at Wedding Bells for commenting about my Spring Boutonnieres!

Faux Flowers
Posted on April 15, 2009
Categories: Flowers
Received an email from Alison at Chapeau de Gateau (chapeaudegateau.com). She was updating us on what’s new, hip and happening in the ribbon world. I’m a fan of her items and was really excited to see that she’s been expanding her creative ribbon talent into other wedding elements. Saw this cute boutonnière and just had to share with you. It’s a simple and foolproof way to guarantee that your flowers won’t wilt.

An Old Favorite

2009-04-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

I made this brooch a couple of years ago and it is still one of my favorite styles. It just has the right mixture of subtle dusty pink ribbons combined with beads for some glitter and texture. All my favorite materials together.

As well, a big thank you to Brett aka Style Sleuth at Style at Home Magazine for mentioning Chapeau de Gateau in a recent post. It's an honor to be included with others S@H alumnus! Now it's time for Lights! Camera!..

To make lovely things, lovelier

2009-04-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

Kudos to my fellow Mokubite(?) Devon, on her new endeavor Dagworthy. She is setting new standards in the world of stunning, whimsical hair bows. All made by the way, using the exquisite Mokuba range of ribbons and trims. Check out her collection online and at numerous locations around town. They'll make heads turn!!

Spring Boutonniere

2009-04-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to David at Wildhagen Hats for being my model.

New Multi Strand Necklaces

2009-03-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Dropped of some new necklaces at Made You Look on Saturday and was delighted with the response. These C'est Joli necklaces layer on ropes and cords to create a dramatic impact, yet are incredibly light weight.

Ssh... new love: Paper!!

2009-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Whilst visiting mon cheri in Antwerp last week, we took in this amazing show at the Fashion Museum. It exhibits a vast collection of mostly dress dating from pop themes of the 60's to present day and head pieces from the Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2009 collection - all made from paper!! Lots more inspiration and perhaps a new material for Chapeau de Gateau to try!

Pop Art Dresses

Chanel Show Headpieces

Oops, Hair Dress!?

Origami inspired

Hot Off The Press!

2009-03-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

Cord Metallic Necklaces

2009-03-17T19:29:00.001-07:00

New looks for the C'est Joli Accessory Line. They can be found in my Etsy shop!

Black and White Organza Bouquet

2009-03-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

I loved the way this ribbon bouquet worked out!! It is so feminine and pretty, yet modern and edgy. I think using the black border helps give it a modern twist on a classic bouquet. There is a double layer of black eyelet lace around the edge, which makes it really pop.

What's New On The Shelves

2009-03-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm guilty ADD -Alison's Design Disorder. I do get side tracked from time to time and it is especially hard in my day job, working around such beautiful ribbon. I'm constantly thinking of what I'd like to try next...

Here are some of my necklaces that incorporate Mokuba ribbon, cords and laces.

Ribbon Colour Theme

2009-03-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

I've put together a collection which utitilize the bride's theme colours of plum, purple and violet. These colours will be followed through out the wedding in various elements. Trying to extend some of the looks in a different manner as well. Could that Brooch have been on the cake topper? How else could that place card holder be used? Here's what has happened so far!

The Bouquet

Classic creams with purple accents with the flowers and bow

Corsage

Corsage on cake topper

Boutonniere

Place card holder and later used as a stand for a photo/card

V & A: My Beautiful Paper Hat

2009-03-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

Simon's double take with rocket tubes at sides and back

Adie models Ben's feather/origami fastenator

Adie's princess tower hat with flower

Ben's shark/alien news

Alison's captain hat with sports news and flowers

Decided to take a break from ribbon for an evening and had some fun with kids and friends to create paper hats! I was inspired by the exhibit showing the V & A in London,

Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.

You can create your own look and submit the photos to their group on Flickr

Accessories in Etsy Shop!

2009-02-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

I've started including other ribbon accessory pieces in my etsy shop. You'll be able to see the ribbon jewellery and other bridal party items, such as place card holders and more!

Ribbon Love

2009-02-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Heartfelt Valentines wishes!

Why Knot Chapeau de Gateau?!

2009-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

How cool, my friends Leigh + Aldo's wedding from this past August, is featured in the 'Real Weddings -Toronto' section of The Knot. There's my cake topper!! Cake: She Takes the Cake.

Yes it's really ribbon...

2009-01-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

Well it's actually piping. It was lots of fun twisting and turning the tape to create these new looks. It's pretty dramatic on a simple top.

Organza Rosette

2009-01-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is a new style for the C'est Joli line. It's a crisp, yet sheer ribbon that has been twisted and gathered to create these voluptuous folds.

C'est Joli Accessories

2009-01-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peak of new designs from the C'est Joli ribbon accessory line. Some are special occasion and some are purely fun chic fashion!

Colette

2009-01-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

I've designed Colette using some exquisite metallic laces from the Mokuba collection.

They are soooo gorgeous and add a perfect amount of sparkle!

Thanks again to Patricia at Patricia Cakes for providing me with an

such an elegant cake to showcase my cake toppers.

Ma Belle, Adrienne

2009-01-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

Finally one claimed for my beautiful daughter.

The flower which is made using single sided satin rayon and has such

pretty luminescence...just like her.

Classic Elegance

2009-01-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

The Wedding Co. show took place at the Carlu this past weekend and I was delighted to collaborate with Patricia Cakes and to have one of her beautiful cakes to display a new Chapeau de Gateau cake topper. I love the tonal patterns and textures mixed with a huge taffeta ribbon flower lined with delicate ruffle. An afterthought was to have a detachable flower to be worn as a brooch, -talk about multifunctional! The weekend was a success in meeting many fellow vendors and excited brides and grooms to be.

Chic Chocolate

2009-01-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

This is another collaboration between Patricia Cakes and Chapeau de Gateau. I love the design that Patricia created to complement my "Andrea" cake topper. It looks so fresh and modern. It would also be very easy to translate into other colour combinations. Maybe traditional tailored black and white?

Chapeau de Gateau's 1st anniversary!‏

2009-01-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

I'll be exhibiting in the round room where I hope to meet many brides and vendors to show the latest ribbon designs from Chapeau de Gateau and accessory line C'est Joli.

Ribbon-inspired items are being heralded by The Wedding Co as one of the Top 9 trends for weddings in 2009, so I'm excited to be part of their show!

January 9 - 11th

The Carlu

Pretty in Pink -Lola

2008-12-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

This new Chapeau de Gateau cake topper was named for a lovely young girl named Lola who is particularly fond of pink. The playful, almost cheeky design is not unlike the bearer of the name. Maybe she should have this topper for her 5th birthday!

Burst sign

2008-11-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

It was an interesting request, a door sign for a popular flower shop called Burst. The co-owner Dale has been very complimentary of the Chapeau de Gateau line and hoped to add some of that look and commissioned ribbon sign. I think the result achieved the request for handmade and couture feel.

C'est Joli Wedding Brooch

2008-11-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

My chic french friend Geraldine, recently asked if I could design a brooch for her friend who was getting married and this was the result. I used beautiful stitched satin, delicate gold trimmed lace, and a gold cord that has a filament inside and gives great movement. It is a favorite. The bride apparently wore it on her jacket.

Double Bow Demo

2008-11-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.houseandhome.com/video/index.php?giftwrapping&s=3&v=137

If life was like a box of chocolates...

2008-11-13T04:52:00.000-08:00

My friend Barb was visiting Chatsworth house in Derbyshire recently and took this picture of ribbon chocolates. I think it is absolutely brillant!!!

It’s All Tied Up! & on Video Too!

2008-11-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

As previously mentioned, I was delighted to work with (Canadian) House and Home magazine for their Holiday Gift Wrap Story. Not only can you see the photos of the gorgeous ideas in the November 2008 issue, but now you can see me do a demonstration on video. Watch as I tie the classic double bow using gorgeous ribbon from Mokuba. And if you haven’t been to Mokuba, now’s your chance to catch a glimpse of the inside. So watch me tie up this story: http://www.houseandhome.com/video/index.php?giftwrapping&s=3&v=137

Best of Bruxelles

2008-10-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Finally here are some more photos of my trip to Bruxelles last week. I was lucky to revisit many of my favorite neighborhoods and friends. It is always inspirational to faire lèche-vitrines (window shopping) and admire the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture .

A stunning necklace made of paper disks and felt pompoms.

The Grand Place where most building date mainly from the late 17th century.

The city of beer and of waffles!!

Mokuba Christmas Gift Wrapping Story

2008-10-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again and have I got great gift wrapping ideas for the upcoming holidays... they all include ribbon! There are numerous varieties to choose from in the aisles at Mokuba & I enjoyed the design challenge, focusing on the options that work with this year's seasonal colour palette of gift wrap. It was really fun tying and bowing the looks for this story. You can see what I did & get inspired by picking up the latest issue of Canadian House and Home magazine (November 2008, page 116). Try your hand at a classic double bow and with a bit of practice, your gift will surely impress!!!

Front page Style Me Pretty!

2008-10-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

It was such a huge thrill to get a phone call from Michelle, telling me that Chapeau de Gateau was going to be on THE front page of Style Me Pretty!! Thanks so much to Abby and her team for featuring my recent work, and getting the word out about my newly launched shop on Etsy! As a Toronto member of her Little Black Book of vendors, I'm very proud to be included with such a talented group of people. It's great to check in and see the Real Weddings and stunning inspiration boards. I really appreciate the support. A grand merci!

Martha comment!

2008-10-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

Fortunately Chapeau de Gateau has been profiled on several wedding blogs, but I found this recent one very charming, as it refers to my cake toppers as having a "Martha-chic" feel to them! What a compliment-thanks! I really like to design cake toppers that have a fun fresh graphic look to them. And without a doubt, Martha Stewart Wedding magazine is a constant source of inspiration.

Now I await to hear Martha's opinion!!

J'adore Laduree!

2008-10-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Chapeau de Gateau went on a inspiration trip this week! Well truthfully it was one action packed day in Paris. And merci to mon Cheri, I was able to tag along on one of his trips!! It was a stunningly beautiful warm fall day, perfect walking weather, and I visited some of my favorite haunts, the most special being the patisserie Laduree. I visited their location on Rue Royal which is the original tea shop and purchased their famous Macaroons. I'd have to say the salted caramel is now my new favorite. The elegant store is full of character and exquisite pastries. Pastries called Religieuses are pictures above. I love their colour palette and ultimately their chic pretty delicious creations. Look for some Laduree inspired Chapeau de Gateau cake toppers.

Shop Open!

2008-10-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

I've officially posted a few cake toppers and my ribbon place card holders on Etsy!! This is a new venture for me, and I'm excited to see how all of this will work. My pal Stefanie at Heartbeat, is a computer genius in my books!! Many thanks!!! She was very helpful in the set-up and designed the eye catching header. She told me that eventually I'll get the hang of things...

Mokuba Toronto Fall Window Display

2008-09-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

As a part time employee at the fabulous Mokuba ribbon store in Toronto, one of the perks is contributing to the window displays. They are usually well admired and always a fun design challenge. I admit window display would be one of my secret career passions as well. These are the mock ups for the new display that should be up in a couple of weeks.

My co-worker Matilda Carlsson, who is a Swedish illustrator by trade, created all of the elegant silhouettes. Now I'm starting to design their looks with numerous ribbons featuring some current colour trends. The problem is how to narrow down the choices!

Queen of Cake and Chapeau de Gateau

2008-09-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to have the opportunity to show my Chapeau de Gateau creations at the Dufflet store on Queen Street. There you will find the sample above, keeping in the Dufflet colour theme! - along a book of images of recent CDG designs. All toppers are named for easy reference for brides to consider as the keepsake on their delicious wedding cakes. Dufflet cakes and pastries are a celebrated institute on the Toronto scene.

Marketing Ideas

2008-09-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sending out this eblast to my contact list to inform them of the other ribbon related products that Chapeau de Gateau creates. My ribbon brooch accessories are under the name C'est Joli, and the look I'm after is fresh, pretty and chic (of course!). They are found at a lovely bridal shop called White Toronto.
Andrea the owner has used them on flower girls slashes and found they really added that finishing touch.

A Happy Bride To Be

2008-09-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

I was very pleased to receive this lovely message from my last client. Let's hope every bride feels this excited!!

Hi Alison
Steven brought it home late last night.
It is just gorgeous - exactly what I wanted! :)
Thank you so much and I just can't wait to use it for our cupcake tower - it will look absolutely stunning
I may contact you again before the wedding for some of my other needs - I may get brooches for my bridesmaids.
Thanks a million,

Packaging Ideas

2008-09-12T04:49:00.000-07:00

This is the package my clients received that contained their Chapeau de Gateau topper. I found an appropriate size box and liked the idea of wrapping the topper in tulle. Very bridal. May need more refinements along the way. The cake topper has the names of the bride and groom and date of their wedding on the bottom like the example above.

Matthew Mead Productions

2008-09-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

I was very excited that I could contribute to Matthew Mead Style gorgeous new website format. My orange topper was in the style section for Summer 2008. He's already onto Fall 2008! I really love his wonderful layouts and he has an amazing colour sense. Check in for wonderful styling and entertaining ideas.

First time pros

2008-09-02T18:13:00.001-07:00

You'd think that they had done it before, but no, after 12 years Leigh and Aldo celebrated with family and friends and tied the knot. It was a stylish late afternoon ceremony and dinner reception. U2's 'Beautiful Day' blasted out after vows were shared as an omen for their future together. Thanks to Camilla Pucholt Photography for the great cake images. I hope Leigh and Aldo will bring out their CDG topper for their first anniversary!

Leigh and Aldo's Wedding Day

2008-08-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's Leigh and Aldo's wedding today! Leigh is a co-partner of the couture stationary company MiMa Design. I'm delighted to attend their wedding and create a CDG topper for their beautiful cake. I dropped it off yesterday at the cake shop, She Takes The Cake, and I think it will look lovely. More pictures later from the event.

Luncheon Centerpieces

2008-08-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

This was my first centerpiece commission for a luncheon that took place in May. My client was not having a cake, but wanted something with that Chapeau de Gateau flair. I think we really succeeded. Her florist Trevor did an excellent job complementing the hatbox bases.

Thanks to Frank for his fabulous shots and sharing some suggestions for growing a new business. You can check out his other work at: Micheal Francis Photography

Full On Fushia

2008-08-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased to have a full shot of the collaboration with Papillon cakes as well. The layering of the gold and fushia is so rich. This is one statement cake!

Fabulous Fushia

2008-08-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Diana at Papillon Cakes for the great photo of my topper. It is such a striking combination.