Astounding cake creations

Like most people in lockdown, Clare Bolt had time to think about her future. 

What would drag her out of bed in the morning? Other than her children, husband or dog? She had been a dental nurse for 24 years and would miss her colleagues but she knew it was time for a change.

Clare has always loved making cakes and creating their visually impressive models for her friends and family -  she wondered if this could be her new career. Could she create the eye-catching cakes full-time for a wider audience?

Thanks to her close family network, with her parents Arthur and Biddy, and brother Darren in Okehampton, and sister Tracey in Exmouth, Clare was supported by everyone around her and made the leap to go into business by herself as ‘Clare Bolt’s Bespoke Cakes’.

Clare even uses some of her mum’s cake recipes. . .

‘My mum, being a farmer’s wife, was always baking, and she has taught me so much. My parents have always said I should do something with my art so they are very proud of my new career.’

Clare grew up in and around North Tawton and is a former Okehampton College student.

She met her husband Simon at Hatherleigh Carnival and moved to Winkleigh in 2001 before they married in 2003, and they have remained in the village ever since. It is where they have raised their two children Samuel, 16 and Rosie, 14.

Clare completed a BTEC in art and design when she was 17 at Exeter Art College but never pursued a career in the profession - until now.

Set up with all gizmos and gadgets a baker could ever dream of, Clare designs the cakes in the beauty of her own wonderful, light and airy kitchen. With windows on all sides (and above) and an abundance of space, it is a delightful haven for the artist to create.

‘I have been in business for over a year and I have to say my main priority is creating something beautiful. I am not the most “business minded” person but I don’t want it to be about money, I want it to be about beauty. I want to be able to offer something unique and personal. I like to hear about the people / person the cake or topper is for and put their personality into the cake,’ said Clare.

‘It’s intense work and I put a lot of research and thought into a design, but what I love the most is the variety. I like hand painting and incorporating the modelling into the creation.’

Clare aims to limit the amount of cakes she undertakes to three a week.

‘My favourite cakes include dogs, the moors and Devon. One of my favourite cake creations is pictured. It was for a lady who absolutely loves her dogs and walking on the moors, so if I can incorporate any local landmarks or anything else that represents the fantastic place we live I really love that the most, especially if they include animals - even cows! I just think it makes my creations that little bit unique.’

If Clare has any spare time she enjoys walking with her dog Rufus and meeting friends. She also enjoys drawing and painting, especially creating birthday cards for her close family and friends.

For more information visit Clare’s Facebook page ‘Clare Bolt’s Bespoke Cakes’ or email her on clareboltsbespokecakes@gmail.com