Our vision is to be known for inspiring creativity, delivering exceptional bespoke cakes, and empowering individuals through transformative, hands-on teaching. At Cornelli, we envision a world where every celebration is made sweeter and more personal through the artistry of sugarcraft and the joy of creation.
Cornelli Sugarcraft Specialist was founded in January 2006. Having started cake decorating at the age of 14, it was a bug that has never got old. Following various evening courses, by the time I was 18, I was employed by one of Hertfordshire's leading bakeries to make sugar flowers and wedding cakes. Having gained a wealth of experience, I went on to do a City & Guilds teacher training course, and taught for West Herts College for several years and also for the previous incarnation of Cornelli. The opportunity arose to take on the shop, and Cornelli was born. The rest is history! The tiny haven of cake decorating delights, is a firm favourite on Wendover High Street, and I am so happy to still be offering the personal service that you really can't get anywhere else!
I live in Stoke Mandeville with my daughter and run the shop in Wendover whilst doing the hands on cake making and personal one-to-one and small group lessons. I have also co founded Cake Party - a social cake event concept, with Tracey Mann (Tracey Mann Cakes - cake decorator, tutor and author).
I specialise in flower sugarcraft, modelling and royal icing techniques. It is my aim to inspire you to create and supply you with everything you could possibly need to make your ideas come to life.
Debbie’s love for cake decorating began at the age of 14, sparking a journey of creativity and passion. She immersed herself in evening courses, refining her craft and mastering intricate techniques. This dedication led her to work at a prestigious Hertfordshire bakery, where she specialized in designing exquisite sugar flowers and creating stunning wedding cakes—an early glimpse of her incredible talent.
Debbie’s desire to share her passion led her to complete a City & Guilds teacher training course. As a teacher at West Herts College, she inspired countless students, passing on her knowledge and skills. These experiences not only enriched her expertise but also solidified her role as a mentor in the world of sugarcraft, earning her recognition as a trusted educator.
Debbie founded Cornelli Sugarcraft taking over what was The Cake Factory, bringing her vision to life on Wendover High Street. The shop quickly became a treasure trove for cake enthusiasts, offering an extensive range of decorating supplies and bespoke creations. Debbie’s talent and dedication made Cornelli a cornerstone of the community, beloved by professionals and hobbyists alike.
Cornelli blossomed into a hub of inspiration and learning. Debbie expanded her offerings with hands-on classes and private lessons, welcoming decorators of all skill levels. Her innovative spirit led to the creation of “Cake Party,” a social event celebrating the joy of cake decorating. With her captivating window displays, Debbie continuously delighted and inspired the local community
Cornelli continued to thrive, offering not only cake decorating supplies but also additional services like tin and stand hire, helium balloons, and party essentials. Debbie’s team of skilled decorators shared her ethos of personalized service, ensuring every customer felt supported and inspired. Cornelli remained a cherished part of Wendover High Street, sparking creativity in all who visited.
After 19 successful years, Debbie made the difficult decision to close Cornelli’s physical shop and transition to an online model. This bold move reflected her adaptability and commitment to evolving with her customers’ needs. Cornelli’s spirit remained strong as it embraced a new way to connect with its loyal audience.
Today, Cornelli thrives as an online destination for cake decorators everywhere. Debbie continues to share her artistry through bespoke sugarcraft decorations and custom toppers, inspiring creativity in homes far beyond Wendover. Her journey is a celebration of skill, passion, and the enduring joy of sugarcraft.
Cornelli is a "Come and Visit" shop, There is such a treasure trove of goodies that we encourage you to come and take a look for yourselves. Not only do we have a huge range of supplies and equipment, but we will offer excellent advice, ideas and even show you how to use the products before you buy on our in store demonstration table.
If we don't have quite what you need, you can pre order handmade sugar flowers, fondant models or personalised card cut cake toppers to your own specification.
As well as a comprehensively stocked shop, the inspiration levels are strong!! The store window is changed every few weeks, showcasing new products, moulds, cutters and clever little tricks and ideas which you are definitely encouraged to photograph, copy and try for yourself on your next cakey project. The Cornelli Window has become quite a feature on Wendover High Street, often dividing opinion, but always a much looked forward to talking point.
When you are planning a party, the cake is obviously the most important thing in our opinion, however we know there's more to it than that. Cornelli also provides a really useful tin and stand hire service, helium balloons, and decorations, as well as party tableware and packaging.
Don't forget the regular classes, catering for beginners and skilled students, covering many aspects of cake decorating techniques or you can book a private lesson, tailored to your interest.
What a fantastic emporium for all things cake making!
OMG I’ve just tried Debbie’s recipe for her never fail sponge & it’s blooming AMAZING!! It’s easily the best cake I’ve made! Such an excellent tutor with her sugarcraft flowers where I’ve been several times but have never tried the cake recipe!! No looking back now that’s for sure…. It’s all in the math (that is so Uber easy!!) thank you oh great one!! Xxx
Cannot rate Cornelli highly enough. Such amazing customer care. First time decorating a cake and was attempting my step daughter’s wedding cake. Debbie was so kind and patient. Not only doing a little demonstration in the shop to make sure I really understood how to do flower paste but sharing hints and tips as well as posting out extra supplies and being there on the end of the phone for questions. Just amazing. Wealth of knowledge. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.
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