| Making gum paste decorations is an art in itself. | | | | detailing, and assembling each creation. |
| The results are durable and can be saved as | | | | - Keep the gum paste covered at all times and |
| souvenirs long after the cake has been eaten. | | | | wrap it tightly when you put it away - just like |
| Following are some cake decorating tips to help | | | | other malleable substances, it is not workable |
| you along the way as you explore experiment | | | | when it dries out. |
| with gum paste: | | | | What Tools Do You Need? |
| - Purchase gum paste at a local arts and craft or | | | | You can purchase a tool kit or only tools that will |
| cake decorating supply store - some enthusiasts | | | | suit your current project. Some of the tools that |
| make their own, but you may want to skip this | | | | are handy for working with gum paste are: |
| step at first. | | | | - Dog bone shaping tool - helps to shape flower |
| - Familiarize yourself with the many colors | | | | petals |
| available. You can add color yourself with a gel or | | | | - Shell tool for making lines on flower petals |
| paste - or purchase colored gum paste. | | | | - Umbrella, Ball, and Veining tools are other shaping |
| - When coloring be very careful to not use too | | | | tools specifically designed for flower making |
| much color gel or paste. Knead in tiny amounts at | | | | - Cutters |
| a time. Application with a toothpick helps you to | | | | - Foam surface to cut on |
| control the amount you use. | | | | - Heavy gauge wire for spearing a piece while you |
| - Start with simple projects first and then | | | | work on it |
| progress to more complicated ones. A lily is one | | | | - Small brushes. |
| of the simpler flowers. Also try creating your own | | | | Finding More Cake Decorating Tips |
| fantasy figures, such as a teddy bear or gnome. | | | | Unless you are a very artistic person or have |
| - You don't even have to make your own | | | | experience making decorations with fondant, the |
| flowers - you can purchase them at a bakery or | | | | most efficient route for acquiring skills will be from |
| cake decorating supply center. Ready-made | | | | an experienced instructor or even an instructional |
| flowers are also useful as templates you can | | | | video. This is probably the most practical gum |
| copy. | | | | paste cake decorating tip, that is: Attend a class |
| - Give yourself lots of time if you are planning to | | | | or workshop to gain a solid foundation in the skills |
| make your own decorations - especially if you are | | | | you need to work with gum paste. This |
| inexperienced. You can achieve wonderful, colorful | | | | foundation will be the springboard for your own |
| results, but the work is very detailed and time | | | | personal style and creativity. |
| consuming - involving cutting, molding, shaping, | | | | |