Diaper cakes, or towel cakes?

Add comment December 4th, 2007

Natalie Leal’s new business serves both of the above.  Ray’s Flower’s and Gifts, at 1016 Ralston Road, Machesney Park, carries fresh flowers, plants, and gifts — including the “cakes.”

The “diaper cakes” — with the “cake” part made of diapers and the decor of washcloths, t-shirts and bottles — are sold as baby gifts. The “towel cakes” — made of, you guessed it, towels — are for wedding or anniversary gifts. They’re modeled on 12-inch bases like real layer cakes, said Leal, and can be custom made in the couple’s colors or with their registered gift towels.

Leal just moved to the Rock River Valley a year ago from Wyoming, and opened her shop in October. This is her first time owning a flower shop, but she comes by it honestly: Her mother was a florist and her dad Ray was the “green thumb lawn guy.’  Ray passed away two years ago, and Leal named her new business in his honor.