Anamosa Mom Crafts Amazing Floral Cupcake Creations

There are many places in Eastern Iowa where you can order cupcakes and baked goods. But I dare say I've never seen any that are as beautiful and resemble actual flowers as the ones at Baked by Grace in Anamosa, Iowa. The stunning creations started as a hobby for a Jones County mom who eventually discovered a deeper purpose than just cupcakes.

According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, Trina Shaffer took up baking when she had her son five years ago. She found the new hobby an easy way to bond with her child. But with Shaffer also suffering from postpartum depression, the baking served a great purpose. She told the Gazette, "It just calmed me greatly."

After baking with her son Daniel for several years, daughter Grace arrived. And the Gazette points out that is when Shaffer's designs began to get more complex. Grace wanted her mom to try making more 'girly' designs. And after some online research, Shaffer discovered the world of floral designs. She began bringing her homemade goodies to share at church, and parishioners wanted to buy them! She watched videos on YouTube and studied real-life botany subjects according to the Gazette. Before she knew it, Shaffer was creating true-to-life cupcake bouquets.

The Gazette reports that Baked with Grace offers cakes, mini-cakes, and cupcakes that can be arranged into floral bouquets of up to 100 flowers. Shaffer's bouquets start at $45. They can be ordered via her website, or you can get more information on the Baked with Grace Facebook page. But Shaffer is sharing more than just baked goods. She is sharing her faith and how decorating cupcakes helped her navigate postpartum depression.

Shaffer has an upcoming book entitled 'Blooming Motherhood' that talks to new mothers about how to thrive while raising young children according to the Gazette. Shaffer said that she wanted to write a book that was encouraging and talked about her journey. Shaffer added, "Postpartum anxiety or depression is one of the hidden mental health struggles women face. I wanted to shine a light on what brought me here and why I decorate cupcakes now."

Just like the beautiful blooms on her cake creations, Baked with Grace is allowing Trina Shaffer to shine in the sun, and offering words of encouragement along the way. That is way more than just a cupcake.

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