Topsy Turvy

What kind of birthday cake can you make for a 27-year-old man? Hopefully, in most cases he’s past the action figure/superhero stage. No favourite toy, literary character, or comic strip will fit the bill either. The go-to generic solution – flowers – is definitely out. And what if he’s not a sports fan?

Enter the ambigram – where your name is spelled out right-side up and upside down – in stunning calligraphy. It’s a terrific novelty piece and great conversation starter. No question, it’s a bit of a puzzle to decipher (the relatively easy one above spells out David). Can you solve this one? Solution below.*

Full discolosure: These ambigrams are the brainchild of my brother, Jonathan Mishkin (I know, slightly different last name. What can I say? He lisps). Much more creative than I, he can design an ambigram out of any name – and in many different styles.

I know what you’re thinking. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to order an ambigram to grace my invitation or bentchers (wedding, bar mitzvah, baby naming) and then get a cake to match? Be the first on your block! Act soon, before you start seeing them everywhere….

* Solution: Happy Birthday Benjy or Benjy Happy Birthday depending on which way you read it. Don’t believe it? Just flip your computer screen over.