At just 11 years old, Elizabeth Gentry already has big plans for her future in cake decorating.
Now in her third year exhibiting decorated cakes through 4-H, Gentry has discovered a creative outlet that keeps challenging her to improve. This year’s project, a detailed cow cake, took nearly 12 hours to complete as she carefully piped every strand of fur and focused on even the smallest details.
“It’s fun because you get to put your artistic part of yourself into the cakes and I just really enjoy doing it,” Gentry said.
Gentry received a blue ribbon for her cake decorating this year.
Her interest has grown beyond the annual fair. She has taken cake decorating classes to sharpen her skills and plans to continue decorating long after her 4-H projects are complete.
Next year brings a new challenge as she moves into the intermediate division, where exhibitors can create two-tiered cakes.
“So, I plan on doing a two-tiered cake that is way taller, way more icing, and it’s going to be really cool,” she said.
While cake decorating has become one of her favorite projects, it is only one of many activities that keep her busy. Gentry also participates in sewing, foods, preserved foods, fashion revue and archery, embracing a variety of opportunities to learn new skills through 4-H.
