This comprehensive and accessible guide to cake decorating teaches all of the techniques and tricks that aspiring sugarcrafters need to create stunning and impressive cakes. Everyone will think these amazing cakes came from the best bakery in town! First Steps in Cake Decorating reveals dozens of expert cake decorating ideas that are simple to achieve yet look stunning. All the most popular methods of icing and decoration are covered, including buttercream, sugarpaste, chocolate, marzipan and flower paste. Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions explain the basics of preparing and using different types of icing, illustrated with step-by-step color photographs. There is a delicious array of fantastic cakes here to suit adults and children alike. Beginners will pick up the basics fast, and even experienced cake decorators will find inspirational new ideas. About All-in-One Guide to Cake Decorating: A complete, structured course in the beautiful art of cake decorating from first steps to expert skills. Teaches techniques that can be used to decorate all kinds of cake from a novelty birthday cake to a memorable wedding cake. Over 300 instructional step-by-step color photographs show how to decorate more than 50 finished cakes. Clearly written, straightforward text covers every aspect of sugarcrafting skill. Includes covering cakes, filling and layering, icings, chocolate, sugarpaste, marzipan, piping, flower paste, and quick and easy decoration ideas. ""A 'must have' for anyone with the slightest interest in cake decorating"" -- Publishers Weekly

Methods of decoration -- Materials -- Tools -- Decorating soft, damp pieces -- Impressions and textures -- Textures -- Paddling -- Inscribing -- Agate -- Agate paste -- Preparing Egyptian paste -- Sculptures using Egyptian paste -- Egyptian paste jewelry -- Decorating leather-hard pieces -- Fluting -- Faceting -- Open-work 1 -- Open-work 2 -- Carving -- Cloisonné -- Relief -- Repeated relief -- Preparing engobes -- Engobes applied with a paintbrush -- Paper resists -- Combing -- Marbling -- Oxides using engobes -- Burnishing -- Incrusting -- Mishima -- Decorating dry pieces -- Oxides -- Sgraffito on oxides -- Wax resists -- Other resists -- Sgraffito on engobe -- Decorating bisque-fired pieces -- Under-glazing using ceramic pencils -- Under-glazing using pigments -- Cuerda seca -- Decorating glazed pieces -- Resists -- Over-glazing -- Oil-based over-glazing -- Superimposing glazes -- Sgraffito.

Discover easy, accessible, and fun techniques for making beautifully decorated cupcakes with Cupcake Decorating Lab! This inspiring guide starts out with basic techniques, such as frosting cupcakes with an offset spatula; using a piping bag and tips; flooding cupcake tops with icing; frosting with chocolate ganache; and tinting buttercream. The labs in the book cover a wide variety of exciting decorating techniques, such as how to make sugared and candied fruit and flower garnishes; stamping, stenciling, and piping on fondant; and scroll work, writing, and borders. You’ll also find fun ideas for children, weddings, holidays, entertaining, nature themes, and more. Plus, the author includes all of her favorite cake and icing recipes! Create the most delicious and stylish cupcakes imaginable with Cupcake Decorating Lab!

TECHNICS AND TIPS FOR FUN AND FANCY CAKES BAKED WITH LOVE.

An indispensable compendium of essential knowledge and troubleshooting tips. Tapping into the hottest (and most persistent) trend in the craft cooking market, this book is crammed with information on the art and craft of using fondant. Today, a tastefully decorated cake is expected for birthday parties, weddings and any important celebration. A simple iced cake without a handmade fondant character or flowers is downright dull, no matter how good it may taste. 200 Tips for Cake Decorating shows why fondant is so popular. Its smooth surface, vivid colors and moldable texture allow bakers to roll it, cut it, model it and color it. With basic skills and minimal equipment, bakers can create entertaining toppers for cakes and cupcakes. The book includes make: Fondant Basics -- A beginner's kit, improvising tools, fondant recipes; coloring, flavoring and storing fondant, transporting cakes Covering Cakes and Boards -- Sponge cake and fruitcake; slicing, filling and covering with buttercream; rolling out fondant; stacking cakes, covering cake boards, using supports, ribbons Decorative Techniques -- Tools and molds; painting, frills and fancies; models, cutters and crimpers; piping, lacework, dots, broderie anglaise, writing Modeling -- Making figures, personalizing characters, making animals and flowers, recipes. "Try It" panels encourage bakers to use their own creativity when making decorations and models using simple, innovative techniques. "Fix It" panels show how to solve problems, improvise and avoid disasters. What makes this book extra special is that almost all of the techniques and designs are achievable without having to buy special equipment. Beginners can start with what they have in their kitchen and add tools as they progress, making this a practical guide for all cake decorators.

Comprehensive guide includes 27 authentic, ready-to-use, full-size patterns for restoring and decorating trays, tinware, boxes, rockers, chairs, walls, and more. Complete instructions.