Wednesday
Jan212009
Taking it to the Sweet: A Cupcake Street Art Installation
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 
Sometimes life sucks. We're talking about the little things that can wear on you in a big way: long commutes; waiting in line; dealing with rude people; being broke.
It was with these stressors in mind that we dreamed up an installation project small in scope but big in touchy-feeliness: we made a batch of fake cupcakes with uplifting phrases attached, and placed them throughout our neighborhood.
Told you it was touchy-feely.
Here's what we did:
First, we made up a batch of faux cupcakes using plaster of paris. (Cakespy Note: If doing it again we might not use the silicone baking cups though, because they have a built-in fill line which showed up in our finished cakes.)
Then we attached little flags to each, with cute sayings.
Then came the fun part: we let 'em loose around town. Here are some of the highlights:
A park bench got a whole lot sweeter with a cupcake that said "You're super sweet";
On top of a "No Parking" sign, a cupcake declared "People like you. Really";
Atop some foliage, stressed passersby are reminded to "Remain Calm";
Perched atop a hydrant, one cupcake urges you to "Eat More Cake";
On someone's garden patio, there's a reminder to "Relax!";
At a bus stop, weary travelers are told to "Have a very sweet day!";
Smokers may want to be cool, but this cupcake urges them to "Stay Cute!";
On an entryway, one cupcake reminds that "You deserve a treat";
And finally, an ATM got a whimsical upgrade with a cupcake bearing the saying "The economy will be OK".
But on to the big question: Why?
Well, it's not too complicated. You know that we're strange little darlings, we spies. We liked the idea that the novelty of finding such an unusual art object in an unexpected spot might give viewer pause. Perhaps coming across one of these little cupcakes it made them smile, or maybe it annoyed them as a piece of rubbish. Maybe it made them scratch their head and wonder why. But in any instance, the ultimate goal was a repreive--a momentary escape from everyday worries, and a small reminder that yes, life can be strange--but sometimes sweet.
What happened to the cupcakes? Beats us, though if you live in Seattle, you might just find a sweet surprise where you least expect it.
tagged cake art, cakespy mischief
cake art, cakespy mischief
Reader Comments (76)
That was an adorable idea and a perfect way to get a "smile a day". We never really know how much our little acts of random kindness effect those around us, whether we know them or not. Kudos!
I think it would be pretty darn cool to stumble upon a random cupcake! Love it!
Tania
LOVE it.
I know I would want to eat a cupcake like these ones but I also know that I wouldn't dare eat some random food I found on the street.
Sad, no?
This sounds like a pretty good way to brighten not only your day, but others', too. Two thumbs up.
This is an awesome idea. It would have TOTALLY made my day to find one of these. I may have to send my friends out in Seattle to find one! I think making these in St. Louis would even put me in a better work mood!
I am just the sort of person who would have the best day EVER if I had spotted one of these. Take a trip to Chicago and make our streets sweet?!
Thank you for this levity in a very heavy time.
What a really nice idea! I'm sure these helped brighten up many people's day. I know I'd be smiling!
that's awesome! would definitely make me smile.
Awww! I wish I still lived in Seattle ...
Oh my gosh!!! This has got the be the cutest thing I've ever seen/read. I wish I could have found one, would have made my year :)
That's just too bloomin' cute! Made me smile and I'm 1000 miles away :)
A brilliant idea! So cute : )
THIS TAKES THE CAKE! the BEST entry i've seen today! cute! and if i saw one i'd so steal it and probably end up biting into the plaster!!!!
Honestly, I would probably have to sue you for a lot of money to repair my broken teeth resulting from trying to bite these super cute cupcakes.
Get ready, Cake Spy, find a good lawyer.
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:P I heart you guys for doing this. I;ll tell my friend up in Seattle to scope these out!
I love them, you're awesome!
oh I love this! It would totally make me smile to see one of those on a sucky day!
I love, love, love this idea! You have inspired me to pay this forward so to speak. Right before mid-term, I am always concerned for the students I see drooping in the halls - I just might have to have a study hard and it will be okay campaigne this Spring. Thank you for sharing such a treat! ~Kelly
http://www.deniablydomestic.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">unDeniably Domestic
Fantastic! Love it! Great idea. Bravo.
So awesome!
What a great idea!!! I know I would have probably tried to bite into one...they look so real! I love the "people like you" tag. :)
Wow, what an excellent idea! Sometimes your just having one of those days, and it is so nice to see something that will make you smile :)I hope the cupcake fairy comes to my town and leaves little cupcake thoughts of happiness around my neighborhood, wouldn't that be sweet!
Sandee - Cake Thoughts
oh! i have no words for this just : i love you !! :D
you are really great and inspiring
kisses from poland
Oh, this is fantastic! You could totally sell those too- Who wouldn't love to have plaster cupcakes in the lawn/garden instead of those hideous gnomes?!
I would have loved to run into one of these. Too funny.