What to Expect at a Mother's Day Jelly Cake Workshop in Vancouver
Booked a Mother's Day jelly cake workshop in Vancouver — or thinking about it but want to know exactly what you're signing up for? Here's an honest, complete walkthrough of what to expect at a Qingscake Mother's Day workshop, from arrival to take-home cake.
How long is the workshop?
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from arrival to walking out with your finished cake. This includes:
10 min — Welcome, seating, materials overview
20 min — Demonstration of injection technique
90 min — Hands-on jelly cake creation (the fun part)
20 min — Setting time, photos, packaging your take-home cake
It's structured but unrushed. You won't feel hurried, and you won't feel like you're sitting around waiting either.
Do I need any cake decorating or art experience?
No. Zero experience required. The vast majority of Mother's Day attendees have never done jelly cake art (or any cake art) before. The workshop is specifically designed for beginners — that's the entire point.
If you've never picked up an injection needle, never made a jelly base, and don't consider yourself "crafty" — this is built for you.
What will mom and I actually make?
You'll create a 3D floral jelly cake — a transparent jelly base with colorful flowers suspended inside. You'll choose your colors and flower style during the workshop, so each cake is genuinely your own.
The finished cake is roughly the size of a small dome (serves 4–6 people) and is fully edible.
Do I get to take the cake home?
Yes. That's the whole point. Each participant takes home their own finished jelly cake in a presentation box, ready to bring to dinner that evening or photograph for Instagram. Refrigerate when you get home; eat within 2–3 days for best texture.
What ages can attend?
Recommended minimum age: 8 years old (with adult supervision)
Teens, adults, and seniors all welcome
No upper age limit — we've had grandmothers in their 80s create beautiful work
For Mother's Day, three-generation tables (grandma + mom + kids) are a popular and lovely setup.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a small splash of food coloring on (rare but possible)
All tools (injection needles, sculpting tools, molds)
Apron
Take-home presentation box
Tea and light refreshments
Bilingual instruction (English/Mandarin)
Bring:
Your phone for photos
A cooler bag if you're driving more than 30 minutes home (optional but nice)
Is the workshop in English?
Yes — primary instruction is in English, with Mandarin available on request. This makes it especially welcoming for multi-generational Chinese-Canadian families where grandma may prefer Mandarin.
How much does it cost?
CAD $138–$188 per person, all-inclusive. No hidden fees, no extra material charges. Mother's Day weekend pricing is the same as regular workshop pricing if you book before the early-bird deadline (April 30, 2026).
Select a Mother's Day weekend session (May 9–10, 2026)
Note your group size — groups of 4+ receive seat-priority assignment
Confirm via email
Cancellation & rescheduling
Free reschedule up to 7 days before your session
Full refund up to 14 days before
Within 7 days: rescheduling only (no refund), as Mother's Day seats are in high demand
Is it actually fun, or is it stressful?
Honest answer: it's calmly fun. The injection technique is meditative — slow, satisfying, slightly mesmerizing. There's no race, no comparison, no "right answer." Most participants describe it as one of the most relaxing creative experiences they've had.
And mom? She'll love that you booked something thoughtful, low-pressure, and creative — and that you walked away with something you made together.
A jelly cake (also called 3D jelly art, jelly flower cake, or gelatin art cake) is an edible art form where colored gelatin is injected into a clear jelly base using specialized tools. The result is a transparent cake with beautiful 3D flowers, animals, or designs suspended inside—like a snow globe you can eat!
Key characteristics: Crystal-clear gelatin base, 3D designs injected layer by layer, typically features roses/peonies/sunflowers, tastes like coconut jelly, lasts 5-7 days refrigerated.
Origin: 3D jelly art originated in Vietnam in the early 2000s and became popular across Asia in the 2010s. It's now practiced worldwide as both a culinary art and creative hobby.
Our Workshop Offerings
Beginner Jelly Art Workshop
$138 CAD
Duration: 2.5 hours | Experience: None required
Perfect for complete beginners! Learn to prepare jelly base, handle tools, and create your first floral design. Choose from Rose, Sunflower, or Peony. All materials included. Take home your completed jelly cake plus recipe cards.
Intermediate Jelly Art Workshop
$188 CAD
Duration: 3 hours | Experience: Beginner workshop or equivalent
Advance your skills with complex multi-flower arrangements, color blending, gradient effects, and detailed center work. Take home 2 completed jelly cakes.
Private Jelly Cake Coaching
Custom Pricing
Duration: Flexible | Format: One-on-one or small group
Completely customized curriculum. Learn at your own pace, choose specific designs to master. Perfect for team building or special occasions.
Online Learning
Can't visit in person? Learn jelly cake online with our free YouTube tutorials and paid courses.
Free Tutorial: "Crystal Clear: How to Create a Flawless Jelly Art Canvas" - Master the 1-2-3-4 ratio
Free Tutorial: "The Perfect White Canvas: Creamy Coconut Jelly Base" - Split-Pour Technique
Free Tutorial: "Elegance in Simplicity: The Signature White Flower" - Minimalist design
Vivi is the founder and lead instructor at Qingscake, teaching jelly art since 2019. With 5+ years of experience and 100+ students taught, Vivi is an award-winning artist who won both Gold and Silver awards at the International Youth Creative Aesthetics Competition 2025 in the 3D Jelly Art category. She teaches in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Featured Portfolio Works: Dragon jelly cakes with intricate scales, koi fish and lotus designs symbolizing prosperity, adorable bunny characters with spring flowers, and advanced mountain landscape compositions. Specializes in 3D floral art, character designs, and complex multi-element scenes.
Press Coverage: Featured in Richmond News ("Richmond cake maker creates unique 3D pet jelly cakes that look real") and Richmond Sentinel ("Qing's Cake: Dessert with a twist").
Serving Metro Vancouver: Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Delta, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, and Langley.
Free parking available. Accessible by Canada Line transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience to take a jelly cake workshop?
No! Our beginner workshops are designed for complete newcomers. We provide all tools, materials, and step-by-step guidance. Most students create beautiful cakes on their first try.
How long does a jelly cake workshop take?
Beginner workshops are 2.5 hours. Intermediate workshops are 3 hours. Private coaching duration is flexible.
What do I take home from the workshop?
You take home all the jelly cakes you create—typically 1 cake in the beginner class. You also receive printed recipe cards and care instructions.
How much does a jelly cake workshop cost?
Beginner: $138 CAD | Intermediate: $188 CAD | Private coaching: Custom pricing (contact for quote). All prices in Canadian dollars. All materials included.
Is jelly cake suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional jelly cakes use beef gelatin. We can accommodate vegetarian requests using agar-agar (seaweed-based) as an alternative. Please notify us when booking.
How long does a jelly cake last?
Properly refrigerated, jelly cakes last 5-7 days. Keep covered to prevent drying out. Do not freeze.
What designs can I learn?
Beginner: Rose, Sunflower, or Peony (choose one). Intermediate: Advanced multi-flower arrangements. Private coaching: Any design of your choice.
Is this suitable for children?
Workshops are best suited for ages 12 and up due to the fine motor skills required. Younger children may attend with a participating adult.
Where is the workshop located?
Our studio is in Richmond, BC, Canada. We serve students from across Metro Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, and more.
Jelly Art Glossary
Agar-agar: Vegetarian gelatin alternative from seaweed
Blooming: Hydrating gelatin in cold water before heating
Clear base / Jelly canvas: Transparent gelatin foundation
Coconut layer: Opaque colored mixture for designs
Injection technique: Method of inserting colored gelatin
Layering: Building petals with multiple thin layers