Modern Cake Flowers
A first-of-its-kind live workshop for florists and cake designers!
3+ Hours of Instruction, Ready to Watch On Demand!
Plus Recipes & Resources!
hosted by:
Two of the most respected names in their crafts come together for an information-packed workshop unlike anything available for the floral and cake world. This is the cake flower deep dive you've been waiting for.
Need a refresh?
Could your approach to cake flowers use an update as you head into wedding season?
Join Heather Leavitt, renowned cake artist and owner of Sweet Heather Anne and floral artist and educator Sue McLeary of Passionflower Sue for Modern Cake Flowers, a much anticipated, information packed first of its kind cake flower workshop.
In this dynamic masterclass, Heather and Sue share their most current findings, methods, and perspectives on creating cake flowers that feel elevated, intentional, and beautifully executed. The aim is to equip you with techniques, systems, and solutions that serve you confidently through a busy season of weddings and events.
This isn’t just another cake flowers demo—you’ll gain:
- Streamlined approaches to modern cake flower design, from simple placements to sculptural forms
- Best practices for florist and cake artist collaboration — what to ask, how to communicate, and how to price your work
- Practical guidance on flower selection, conditioning, and the hydration chamber method
- Wiring and threading techniques for different flower forms, with an honest look at what works and what doesn't
- Design composition principles — proportion, physical and visual balance, and color — applied specifically to cakes
- Five modern, relevant cake flower designs demonstrated step by step
- A recording of the full session to rewatch and refer back to, plus notes and a supplies and tools list for all featured designs
The 3+ hour class focuses on these relevant topics:
- Toolkit, process & pricing — tools and supplies, how to collaborate with cake artists, and how to price cake flowers
- Reliables, best practices & hydration chamber — edible vs. non-edible guidelines, reliable flower selection, processing and prepping, and a hydration chamber demonstration
- Wiring & threading — approaches for different flower forms, including threading, wire and tape methods, and a candid conversation about the limitations of traditional wiring and taping
- Composition — form, color, proportion, visual and physical balance, and where to place flowers for stability and cake protection
- Simple construction — toothpicked and wired placements demonstrated on two cake designs
- Sculptural forms — fruit sculptures and floral sculptures demonstrated on a long cake and a three-tier cake
- Flower frames — wire frame construction demonstrated on a three-tier cake, including floating flower heads and strung tulip stem chains
- Q&A — all of your burning cake flower questions answered
This masterclass is for thoughtful, design-driven florists and cake artists who want their cake flower work to feel as considered and artful as their best event work — without the guesswork. Whether you're a florist navigating cake flower requests for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for fresh approaches heading into wedding season, Heather and Sue have you covered. We can't wait to share what we know!
Watch the recording at your own pace — *lifetime replay access included with registration.
WHAT WE'LL COVER
- Tools, supplies, and pricing your work
- Flower selection & the hydration chamber
- Wiring, threading, & floral placement
- Design composition & visual balance
- 5 modern cake flower designs, step by step
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Florist & cake designer collaboration
- Q&A - all your burning questions answered
- Session recoding to rewatch & refer back to
- Recipes and tools & supplies list
Can't make it live? Register and watch the recording on your schedule.
What People Are Saying...
Ashley
I decided to sign up for a one day private workshop with Heather to learn more about hand painting on cakes as well as talk about different business related topics. It was one of the best decisions I have made in a LONG time. I learned SO much in just a short amount of time and am kicking myself for not staying longer! Heather was so welcoming, kind and generous with her time and knowledge; and everything was so well organized from start to finish. I feel so lucky that I was able to visit and soak up just a tiny bit of her creative energy and unique approach to cake design. I left feeling so inspired and excited to apply these new techniques and practices to my own business.
Bree
Over the last couple of years I have attended different group classes as well as a private workshop at Sweet Heather Anne. It is a lovely business with even better people. It amazes me how generous the group has been with sharing their knowledge and expertise-never making you feel less than. Most recently, I had a private workshop with Heather, her first, and mine too! She is a gracious hostess making you feel welcome and at ease. I had the opportunity to not only work along side her, but ask her questions about everything from cake design, assembly, price and general business advice. I would highly recommend the opportunity to work with such a nice person who just happens to make the most artistic, beautiful cakes in Michigan.
Anne T.
I’m so glad I found you! It was really important to find a teacher that takes sustainability seriously and creatively taking that approach to the next level without selling out. Sue, you are the mentor I dreamed of learning from.
Lisa J.
Sue McLeary has been my guiding inspiration. She is my true North when it comes to sustainable floristry practices in a time when lots of folks claim to do it, but really don't. Her videos in the Virtual Studio serve as my primary go-to when I need a pep talk or help with mechanics before a big event. As a farmer and a florist, it's hard for me to travel for professional development, so I rely almost solely on her for my ongoing education and inspiration. She is a gift to the flower world, so generous with her knowledge. I'm so grateful for her mentorship from afar!
Althea
Was a great workshop! Thank you for sharing all your expertise!
Belle M.
I'm in so much awe of you two, Heather & Sue! So happy I took this course!
Cheryl A.
A phenomenal learning experience!! Thank you.
Debbie L.
It's such a great class. Thank you both so very much.
Jenae C.
All of this has been amazing. Stunning inspo and I can't wait to play!
Jessica K.
Thanks so much - so excited to try these designs!
Dawn
Amazing class, really helpful and brilliant teaching. Thank you, now I need to buy a faux cake to play with!
Fitzgerald
What a great class this is from two of the most talented and respected artists in the industry. Thank you!
Reina S.
The masterclass was AMAZING! Both Sue and Heather were fantastic; Sue is incredibly innovative.
Hi. I'm Sue.
With over 20 years in floral design, I can say with confidence, no matter where you are in your business, I’ve been there too! Having taught over 20,000 students, I am passionate about helping florists build their confidence and find their creative voice.
My work has been featured in leading industry publications and websites including Martha Stewart Weddings, Cosmopolitan, SELF, Flower magazine, Florist’s Review, The Knot, My Modern Met, Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Belle Armoire, Midwest Living, and Fusion Flowers.
I am an author of two books: “The Art of Wearable Flowers” and “Flowers for All,” both with Chronicle Books.
Hi. I'm Heather.
I’ve always been happiest when working on a creative project. That led me to Art School, and eventually studying abroad in Italy, where I fell in love with food. Cake design was a way to pursue my passions in both art and food, and I haven’t looked back since I started making cakes in 2005.
In preparation for opening Sweet Heather Anne in 2010, I poured all of my energy into honing my cake design skills and recipe testing. I was pretty naïve about most of the other steps involved in running a successful business, and my team and I have learned a lot of things the hard way. Now that I’m 15 years in, I’m excited to be able to share some of the knowledge that I’ve learned along the way. Running a cake business is tough, but incredibly rewarding if you can find a way to make a living doing what you love.
As an educator, I share techniques and processes to help you become a more confident cake designer and sell the work that inspires you. Designing with both fresh and sugar flowers is one of my favorite things to do, and I can’t wait to team up with Sue to share both of our perspectives. It’s my hope that our insight will be valuable to you no matter where you are on your cake flower journey.
Modern Cake Flowers
$129 USD (regular price $149)
Virtual Masterclass
>> Hurry! This offer won't last long! <<
Join Heather Leavitt, renowned cake designer and owner of Sweet Heather Anne and floral artist and educator Sue McLeary of Passionflower Sue for Modern Cake Flowers, a much anticipated, information packed first of its kind cake flower workshop.
In this dynamic, online masterclass, Heather and Sue share their most current findings, methods, and perspectives on creating cake flowers that feel elevated, intentional, and beautifully executed. The aim is to equip you with techniques, systems, and solutions that serve you confidently through a busy season of weddings and events.
Join two of the most respected names in their crafts come together for an information-packed, workshop unlike anything available for the floral and cake world. This is the cake flower deep dive you've been waiting for.
This masterclass is for thoughtful, design-driven florists and cake designers who want their cake flower work to feel as considered and artful as their best event work — without the guesswork. Whether you're a florist navigating cake flower requests for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for fresh approaches heading into wedding season, Heather and Sue have you covered. We can't wait to share what we know!
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the masterclass? Can I watch it now?
How long do I have to access the replay?
What if I have a question after the masterclass has concluded?
Do I need any flowers or supplies for this masterclass?
Do you provide subtitles or closed captions?
Can I download the video from the masterclass?
Does this have any points towards CFD/AIFD CEUs?
Inspiration Gallery ~ sample modern cake flower designs...
Explore these inspiring creations.
