10 May 2026 A touch of wonder

By Colleen Holt

Baking can be a lot of things to a lot of different people. For Leslie Martin of Searcy, it’s a way to bring joy to family and friends — and to help a lot of folks she doesn’t even know.

As a self-taught baker, she has used her life experiences to create an endeavor that not only gives her joy but also gives back to a community she truly loves. Operating a home baking business under the name Oven Art Creations, Leslie’s interest in baking began out of necessity. She needed some specific cupcakes, and no one else could deliver.

“I couldn’t find anyone to make Elmo cupcakes for my son’s birthday and decided to make them myself,” she said. “I have learned through online tutorials that other bakers have been kind enough to share, and through trial and error. I am always learning new tricks and techniques to make my baking the best it can be.”

Working from home has given Leslie a certain amount of freedom that she really enjoys. Oven Art Creations can be found on both Facebook and Instagram. Her creations run the gamut from simply decorated cookies to elaborate cakes that are perfect for a variety of occasions.

“I started baking for family and friends. When my special needs son became homebound, it became a way to earn a little income after I stopped working outside my home. I absolutely love the freedom that working for yourself provides. I consider it a great blessing to have something I can do at home.”

Leslie said she has always been artistic, and decorating sweet treats is a great way to show off those talents. “I most enjoy baking and decorating custom cakes, but cookies and cake pops are high on my list also. I have always loved drawing and making figures with Play-Doh. Who knew I was practicing all those years?” she said.

When it comes right down to it, Leslie is especially drawn to helping those who might need a hand up, a place she knows well. Having grown up in the Central Arkansas area, she moved around a lot as a child and as a teenager. “As a former foster child, my heart is drawn to the Imagine and Believe organization, which is a nonprofit dedicated to helping foster children and their families,” she said.

According to its Facebook page, Imagine & Believe of Searcy serves as a support to area foster and adoptive parents by operating a boutique filled with children’s clothing, diapers, and necessities.

“I also enjoy helping Jacob’s Place, a nonprofit housing shelter in Searcy that works to help families get back on their feet. I have been homeless as well. It really can happen to anyone and it’s not always in our control. Everyone needs a hand up sometimes, and I believe that when we are blessed, we are called upon to bless others in whatever way we can.”

Sometimes, just a small bit of dough, sugar and sprinkles can be the best medicine, and Leslie is able to provide that shot in the arm. “I am an Icing Smiles cake contributor and Cookie Club member. I bake and mail cookies to a medical child in our area once a month, and I bake and decorate ‘dream cakes’ for Icing Smiles birthday/celebration cake recipients. Icing Smiles is a wonderful organization and I’m all about spreading smiles!”

Super Spread

Amazonian harvest food tray

Diana Prince’s Pretzel Sticks

Power Pops

Golden Lasso Bites

Leslie Martin’s Wonder Woman Cupcakes

Leslie frosted the cupcakes with buttercream frosting that was dyed red, blue and yellow. She used fondant to create the stars on the cupcakes and cake pops, as well as the Wonder Woman emblem on the fruit tray.

Vanilla buttercream frosting

4 sticks unsalted butter (softened)

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 tsp. salt • 1, 2-pound bag powdered sugar

Splash of heavy whipping cream

Mix butter, vanilla and salt until the consistency is creamy. Add powdered sugar a little at a time until combined. Mixture will be thick. Add heavy whipping cream slowly until you reach desired consistency. Color with food-safe icing colors and use to decorate a cake or cupcakes.

Small batch of 

marshmallow

fondant 

1 cup mini marshmallows 

1/2 tsp. water ª 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract 

1/8 tsp. salt • 1/2 cup powdered sugar 

Microwave marshmallows and water for 15 seconds. Add vanilla and salt and stir well to combine. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time and mix until you have a soft Play-Doh-like consistency. If it is too soft, add more sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Turn the fondant out on a clean, dry surface dusted with cornstarch. Rub a little shortening on your hands to keep from sticking and knead the fondant until smooth. Cover fondant with shortening and wrap in plastic wrap. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use. This is great for making cupcake toppers or as a fun afternoon project for all ages! Add a little food-safe icing color to make it fun!