Turning a cake into a work of art takes a special kind of talent that Hartland resident Maggie DeLauder has. Being able to create a totally edible 3-D cake that almost looks too good to eat is the stay-at-home mom’s special gift.

“I’ve been doing cakes for the family,” DeLauder said. “But to be honest, I’ve never had a cooking class and I’ve never had a cake decorating class in my whole life. 

DeLauder says she learned her skill by spending time with her grandmother, who was a chef, and who DeLauder says “always seemed to be cooking.” 

As her three kids grew older, DeLauder began experimenting with fun designs for her children’s classes, bringing in holiday cakes or birthday treats for her kids.

Eventually she saw a picture of a cake posted on Facebook done by a professional that DeLauder knew she could make. After posting some of her work, DeLauder started to receive requests for cake orders and her small business was born.

With a new name for her business, “Eat My Art,” DeLauder is now hoping to make a name for herself in the cake business by creating fun and tasty works of art.

Over the weekend, DeLauder’s Wizard of Oz cake was a big hit with the cast and crew of the high school’s spring play. 

“Rhonda (McConville- a parent volunteer) asked me if I would make a cake for them,” Delauder said. “And I just kind of went nuts with it.”

The cake, which took four days to complete, included the yellow brick road, Toto in his basket and Dorothy’s ruby red slippers that were completely made of chocolate and covered with candy melt and sparkly icing.

DeLauder says the ruby slippers and the witches’ hourglass were the biggest challenges for the cake but seeing the reactions from the young actors was worth all her effort.

"Kaitlyn (Barbee), she’s the one who played Dorothy, she was the first one to see it,” DeLauder said. And it was funny because her eyes just lit up.”

DeLauder's future business plans include having a tent at the Hartland Farmers Market where she will sell baked goods with photos of her cakes on display for taking orders. She will also be partnering up with a friend who does invitations and the two women will be at several bridal expos around the area as well.

This weekend, more of DeLauder's work will be available for the Hartland community during this year's Relay for Life where DeLauder will be part of the Hartland Moms team.

For more information on how to order an "Eat My Art" cake, contact DeLauder at maggie@delauderfamily.com or 734-474-1362.