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The Magic of Cake Decorating

Cake decorators are not born; you too can learn how to decorate a cake like the professionals. Have you ever watched Cake Decorating shows on TV and had that “walking into a home smelling of freshly baked goodies feeling”?

“Cake Decorating Is An Art…And You Are The Artist.”

An Expression of Art

Even if you have never decorated a cake, I am sure that you appreciate and enjoy some of the beautiful mouth-watering masterpieces created on shows like “Cake Boss”, “Charm Cakes” and others. The creations improve year after year and one sometimes can not believe that underneath those incredible models is a ‘lump’ of sponge cake. Some of them even appear to be animated. These are artists expressing and displaying their talents.

You can learn how to incorporate awesome design elements into transforming any mundane baking into a creation to be admired by all. More importantly, it can be your very own creation and bring you a sense of fulfillment and pride. Learn how to craft those romantic Fondant Roses, realistic leaves and fruits to adorn an Anniversary Cake. You can make that Spaceship for your son’s birthday and Ken’s car for your daughter’s sleep-over.

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Throughout our lives, we laugh, we cry…we eat cake!

Don’t just get a kick out of watching how Cake Boss makes these masterpieces but learn how they do it and experience the same enthusiasm and pleasure that they display. Besides starting a new hobby or putting extra joy into your cake-decorating hobby, you can amaze your friends with your new-found creativity. Become responsible for the physical manifestation of pure joy in your family – give them cake.

Just imagine being responsible for the cake decorating for all the functions which you attend in the next year. Weddings, birthdays, graduations and a host of other special occasions could all be centered on one of your creations. All celebrations could have one of your beautifully decorated and sculptured cakes as the centerpiece. If you have the desire to decorate cakes; go ahead and learn.

Cupcakes are a novel way of decorating a table for any occasion. Use cupcakes to tastefully decorate any clear table space. Learn to make Vegan cupcakes for vegan and vegetarian friends. There are many available recipes and ideas to cater for  everybody’s individual preferences. You need not be afraid to experiment and use your own initiative and imagination when it comes to decorating centre pieces for any social gatherings.

Selected Information about the Kopy Kake – Cake Decorating Printing Technique

Article by Oasis Cake and Candy Supply

Enlighten your buyers and improve the margins! Now you are able to produce beautiful, personalized decorated cakes with the touch of a push button. This system uses FDA approved inks. There are individual ink tanks in the printer – No need to change all colors when one runs out. The Kopy Kake Frosting Sheets are so slim they join right into the frosting.

The Kopy Kake Kwikscan IV System Consists Of: (1) Kwikscan IV Scanner, Printer, Copier (2) 8

Start Your Own Cake Decorating Business at Home – part 2

Article by Andy Cakes

There is a lot more to starting a cake decorating business than just the making and decorating of cakes. You need to plan and promote your business, you need to do market research, and you will need to deal with tax, health, and maybe commerce departments. You will also need a basic understanding of business accounting before you start so you can keep track of expenditure from the very beginning (and of course the profits which will naturally follow!) It is important to develop your competency in all these areas at the same time that you are perfecting your cake decorating skills, and then you will be ready to launch your enterprise in a professional and profitable manner. Here are a few things to consider (in conjunction with the tips presented in part 1 of this series):

Presentation How well you present yourself and your cake will determine whether you are seen as a professional, skilled operator, or just an amateur who doesn’t really know what you are doing. This applies just as much to your general business practises as it does to the cake itself. Have your samples, photos, and price lists laid out cleanly and clearly, ready to show clients. Give them a copy of all other relevant information laid out in a simple, clear, and professional manner. Make sure you are dressed in a tidy and professional style when dealing with clients, and pay particular attention to personal hygiene and grooming – this is important in any food related business for obvious reasons. Always be punctual – whether for the initial consultation or for the delivery and installation of a cake – nothing is more bad mannered than lateness, and it creates additional stress for people who are already operating at a high level of tension, like a bride on her wedding day. Taking care over details like these will instil confidence in your clients that they are dealing with someone competent who takes pride in the service they are providing.

Know your limitations and work within them. There is no point in offering to create an extravagant three tiered wedding cake with sugar sculpture flowers and figurines if your experience is thus far limited to three Elmo birthday cakes, and a chocolate mud cake for your sister’s graduation dinner dessert. Different types of cakes require different levels of skill and experience, and until you have mastered them, you are best advised to stick with what you know, while always seeking to expand your skills and repertoire. Eventually you will be able to offer a full range of designs for all types of occasions, but this is an ongoing process.It is also important not to over commit. You know what you are capable of, so don’t contract to deliver ten cakes on the same day if you know you can only manage two. If you cannot fit a request in, recommend the person to another supplier – they will appreciate this and remember you next time they need a cake. This is far preferable than promising something you cannot deliver, or turning up with an inferior product because you have had to do a rush job. Anyway, if you are so busy that you have to turn away business, you must be doing something right, and it will add to your reputation if people know they have to book you well in advance.

Use technology There are all sorts of mechanical devices you can use to make the creation and decoration of a cake easier – food processors, electric knives, electric beaters – but don’t overlook the fact that there are also a lot of technological advances you can use in the management and promotion of your cake decorating business. Websites, photo sharing sites, e-mail, digital photography, and digital video cameras can all be used to your advantage in this very visual of enterprises, and don’t forget the accounting and bookkeeping programmes that are available. And communication – the technology now available for maintaining contact with friends, family, and business contacts is ideal for running a cake decorating business from home, and can only increase your networking and promotional capabilities. Take advantage of it.

About the Author

Andy is fascinated by the craft of cake decorating, and spends a lot of time researching it online. He especially loves admiring the stunning creations of other people that make him envious. For further information on starting a cake decorating business at home go to http://www.squidoo.com/startingacakedecoratingbusiness

Become A Part of the Cake Decoration Trend, Learn Secrets on Where to Purchase

Article by Oasis Cake and Candy Supply

If you ever questioned how the cake decorators make those unbelievable looking cakes, I’ll let you in on a couple of of their secrets. To begin with, you do need to know several basic techniques and these techniques are easy to find via an internet search. The point of this article it to show you from where the cake decorator buy.

Bakery Crafts

Frosting Recipes and Cake Decors for Ba Shower Cakes

Article by Jim Mendez

Baby shower is that once in a lifetime experience for any mom-to-be so it is important to make it really special and memorable. This you can achieve by making and coming up with the best frosting recipe that you can drum up and the best cake décor that you can creatively design as well.

Here are some of the different types of icing you can use for baby shower cakes:

Quick Buttercream

1 pound sweet unsalted butter 1 pound icing fondant 1/2 tsp vanilla Yields 2 pounds 3 cups

Use a flat beater or mixer to cream the butter. Add fondant gradually while beating. Time – about 12 minutes

Cream Cheese Icing

10 oz of cream cheese 14 oz of icing fondant 7 ounces of shortening Yields 2 pounds 3 cups

With a flat beater, beat cream cheese while adding icing fondant a little at a time. Mix until smooth, add shortening, mix all together until smooth and light. Time 10 to 12 minutes.

Remember that your cake decoration for a baby shower will be the centerpiece for the baby shower. There are plenty of places to get ideas for making wonderful baby shower cakes on the internet, or you may want to make up your own design. In any case you can use one of these great icing recipes.

Buttercream 1-2-3

3 Tblsp. Meringue Powder 1/2 cup water 3 cups of Icing Sugar 1 cup Sweet Butter 1 cup shortening Vanilla to taste. Yields 4 cups

Place water, meringue powder, and sugar in a bowl. Beat with a beater until mixture makes peaks (7 to 10 minutes) Add soft butter, shortening, and vanilla Whip until fluffy and all lumps are gone

Flavoring your buttercream icing.

Amounts are based on flavoring one cup of icing.

Nougat 2 Tbsp Hazelnut paste (melt over low heat)

Mocha 1/2 tsp instant coffee dissolved in 1/2 tsp water. 2 Tbsp Semi-Sweet chocolate-melted

Cocoa and Oil Mix 3 Tbsp cocoa powder and 2 Tbsp veg oil into a paste.

Lorran Oils- 10 to 12 drops

Vanilla- 8 drops

Lemon Flavor- 6 drops lemon oil and 2 Tbsp Lemon Butter

Of course, you can use these recipes on any cake decorating design. The baby shower cake is usually a smaller cake with whimsical or heartwarming decorations in a baby theme. In times past, the decorations for baby shower cakes were limited, now they can be found everywhere. Craft stores usually have a variety of ready-made cake decorations for your baby shower cake.

Whether you are a pro or a novice it is fun to do a baby shower cake decorating project. You can choose to buy the decorations, or make your own with icing. You can use your skills and imagination to make your baby shower cake outstanding. You will be elated when everyone compliments you on the beautiful baby shower cake.

About the Author

Get ideas on how you can create an appealing cake décor for your baby shower cake.

Some Ideas For Cake Decorating

Article by Marie Castell

You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make delicious or beautiful cakes. All you need is the know-how with a little bit of practice. Of course the right tools will go a long way in your cake decorating endeavors. Here are a few ideas you might like to try.

Every cake worth merit starts with a smooth icing. The cake needs to cool completely before they are iced and decorated. To keep crumbs from ending up in your icing and ruining the look of your cake, start with a thin base coat of frosting that is not quite as stiff as the regular layer will be. Once this coat is on, set the cake in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This will set the icing and any crumbs will be caught in this first layer. Now you can spread a regular layer of icing without worrying about crumbs.

Use an icing spatula to apply and smooth the second coat of icing. Once the icing is on the cake, start smoothing on the sides by running the spatula around the perimeter of the cake. One trick for smoothing the frosting is to dip the metal icing spatula in cold water, this will aid in smoothing the frosting. To smooth the top, dip the spatula in cold water and holding it horizontally over the top of the cake. Start at the point farthest from you, holding the spatula with both hands, skim the top of the icing by bringing the spatula straight toward you.

Some cake decorators say learning to smooth the icing is the hardest part of cake decorating. Practice will make you a pro in no time. Once you have it down, show it off because even a cake without many cake decorations will make a perfectly elegant offering.

It is tradition to have a cake baked by a bakery, or to have a relative bake a cake for the event. If you are the designated cake decorator, you may be looking for a new idea for your next creation.

Below are a few cake decorating ideas:

- Characters: There are hundreds of famous characters to use for cake decorating. You can make any cake special by drawing in Dora the Explorer, or Blues Clues. Or you may want to cut up the cake to make the entire cake into a favorite character.

- Holiday Themes: I remember when bunny cakes became popular at Easter, Wilton has pans and decorating supplies for all holiday cake decorating designs. A heart on Valentine’s day, or a 4 leaf clover on St. Patrick’s day is a wonderful way to say happy holidays.

- Themes: Maybe you would like to go with a 50′s theme, underwater adventure, sport theme, or a roaring 20′s theme for your cake decorating. Use your creativity and find a theme that will thrill the person you are making the cake for, and the guests. You may want to have a masquerade party in that theme. Whatever you decide, have fun.

It has become tradition to have astounding cakes at every celebration. Knowing that you are the one who is artistic enough to make this cake, and the praise you will receive from others, will give you a great satisfaction.

About the Author

Marie Castell is a free lance writer and editor who loves to educate people in many different topics like cake decorating, cake decorators. She writes for free education online websites.

How To Decorate Cakes – Make Your Cake Stand Out

Everyone seems to enjoy cakes that are baked at home, it is a wonderful surprise on special occasions. When you are the one bringing the cake, you probably will want the cake decoration to stand out, and look a bit more professional than those you make for your family at home. I have put together a few ideas you may want to try.

Cake Decorating Themes

* Fun and activity: These cakes are full of color and whimsical design. The use of different shapes, Balloons, circles, stars, clouds, and other interesting designs will help to make your cake decorating the talk of the party. With the use of animal crackers, you could make a zoo or farm cake. Your imagination can take you anywhere.

* Say it With Flowers: The use of floral patterns in soft shades, are perfect for cake decorating. The addition of a few green leaves make this type of cake decoration an excellent choice for any special occasion. Flowers are great on wedding cakes, birthday cakes, mothers day cakes, and for other happy celebrations.

* A Little Romance: Romantic cake decorating is perfect for sweethearts day, valentines day, a birthday for a husband or wife, or a wedding anniversary. You can make any color  frosting, including the favorite of the person or people you are baking the cake for. You can add hearts, cupids, or anything that will remind the guests what the celebration is about. Use your imagination and make it a little jazzy without going overboard. Just a bit of glitter or candies that sparkle should do the trick.

* “What’s Up Doc”? : Younger children (and some that are over 90) love cartoon characters as much as they love cake. This is why it is a great idea to combine both when decorating a cake for the birthday of someone who loves these whimsical critters. You can either draw them in icing and color them in, or use molds and fondant to make the characters. After they are made, they can be colored before they are placed on the cake. So invite Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Taz, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Garfield, Donald Duck, or any of the many cartoon characters that have stolen our hearts and funny bones, and are doing the same to our children, to the party.

There are some supplies that are essential when you are thinking about cake decorating, these are:

* A professional icing smoother or thin metal spatula. This tool will help you to cover your decorated cake with an even layer of icing, and to make the frosting very smooth so that it can be decorated. This will make the cake look as if a pro did it.

* The use of decoration Molds is a very easy way to make figures and objects to use in cake decorating. You will probably want to start with the basic shapes like circles, squares, or triangles, until you are sure of how to perfect the process. You can move from that to flowers, numbers, and characters. Some molds also have text so you can add a message.

* Icing bags are an absolute essential if you want to do any type of cake decorating. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to use it as you would an ink pen, except it is held with both hands. One hand is used to apply steady pressure on the upper part of the bag, while the other guides the tip to make the decorations.

* The use of frosting flowers that are already made for you is a less time consuming way to add beauty to your cake decorating.

* Edible glitter and colorful sprinkles are a great way to spruce up your cake decorating design. These small additions could be just the thing to give your cake that finishing touch.

* Edible color sprays are quite easy to use, especially when you are using a template. It can be the difference between a cake decoration that is blah, to one that has everyone complimenting you on your artistic ability.

* You can also print out edible photographs of the graduate, that fish that almost got away, or a wedding photo of the bride and groom, the way they looked when they were married to place on their 50th anniversary cake. The paper these edible images are printed on is also edible, so you can place the whole thing on the cake.

* A cake stand will make your creation stand out, especially a glass stand.

Cake Decorating Tips for Fondant

Article by Lindsay Pollard

Many people do not know what the term “fondant” means. After all, it’s not a term used in every day language; that is, unless you bake cakes and other sweet desserts for a living. Fondant is actually a sugary icing that covers traditional cakes made for christenings, weddings, anniversaries, baby and bridal showers.

Also known as sugar paste, fondant is made up of gelatin and confectioner’s sugar. This sugar paste can be rolled, kneaded, molded, embossed and cut into various shapes. When it’s used to cover cakes, it gives a smooth area in which it can be decorated; it also keeps the cake’s freshness. Here are five fondant cake decorating tips you can use as you bake

Tip 1 – Using Fondant

There are two ways to obtain fondant: you can create it yourself or you can buy it already rolled to cover the cake. You also have the option to make your fondant from a packet mix. However you make it, if you’ve got any leftover icing, store it for no longer than two months, in a bowl with a tight fitting lid to protect it from the air.

When using fondant, it’s important to know three skills:

KneadingMixingRolling

If you don’t have the rolling skill and you’ve never rolled out pastry dough, think about joining a class that will teach you everything you need to know about fondant icing.

If you’re going to use rolled fondant, there are five ways to help you cover your cake.

Place a light coating of buttercream icing.Press the fondant to a proper consistency.Roll the dough without letting it stick or crack.Lift up the dough, wrapping it completely over the cake.Use a smoother to shape the sugar paste on the cake, which will remove any bubbles.

You can also do poured fondant, which will give you a flat and semi-hard surface that allows you to do any cake decorating. You’ll also see that poured fondant gives the icing a shiny surface.

Another application to use for rolled fondant is to cover the cake board. The board can be decorated exactly the same colors as the cake, which flows outward from the cake. Another cake decorating tip is to cover the cake board with a contrasting, but complimentary, design from your cake. For example, you choose to build a home as your cake design. Consider making the house sit on a cake board of green grass. This gives it some class and style.

Tip 2 – Coloring and Flavoring Fondant

There are two ways you can color your fondant. You can either pre-tint it or color it. You can also find multi-packs of already colored fondant for your cake decorations. There are three steps to fondant decorating you need to follow to have it colored properly.

Make a ball but roll the icing dough.Use a toothpick to add in your color; however, do it a few at a time.Press the ball until its color is entirely blended.

Want a marbleized effect? Roll out the dough before the color is fully mixed and press two colors together to get this effect.

Tip 3 – Fondant Decorations

When you’re ready to attach decorations to your fondant cake, do so by gently brushing it using a damp brush and pressing them carefully into the cake.

Here is some cake decorating tips to remember when working with fondant.

When you’re making cutouts, be sure to use a cookie or fondant cutter.If you want ribbons, use a ribbon cutter and/or embosser. A ribbon cutter can make the ribbons wavy, zigzag or straight.Include rufflesin your design.Be sure to cut and sculpt different shapes including flowers and animals for your cake decorating design.Affix the designs to the cake and fill them in with royal icing of different colors.Fashion ropes using a sugarcraft gun or using your hands, twisting them collectively to produce an edging effect.

Finding More Cake Decorating Tips

When you’ve never worked with fondant, you may be surprised to learn that you can do all kinds of creative things with it. Be sure to look at plenty of cake decorating tips to give you ideas on designs. You’ll find some are rather complex while others are much simpler. Be sure to experiment with this ingredient before you undertake a project. If you want to try two colors with one type of decoration, you may be surprised by the outcome you get.

About the Author

Learn more about taking cake decorating courses to get more cake decorating tips. Plus whether you are a beginner or expert cake decorator you can expand your understanding and techniques by with cake decorating books.

Cake Decorating Designs for Beginners

Article by Jake Clark

Getting to know the basics of cake decorating designs is something that you’ll need to know in order to make extraordinary cakes. You don’t need to be a great artist or sculptor to make an extraordinary cake that will amaze your family and friends.

You just need to get some basics down and understand how some of the decorations are made and their ingredients. Once you understand how to do this you can make more intricate designs and maybe even start your own cake business. You’ll find that once you start showing off your cakes, people will be glad to pay you for making them one.

Don’t waste your time or money on things that simply just don’t work. Trying to make an exquisite cake using trial and error will cost you in the long run and you may just get frustrated and quit before you ever get it right for one cake. Multiply that by the kinds of cakes you want to make like birthday, wedding, anniversary, or some other special occasion and you’ll understand the costs involved. Are you going to use trial and error for all those cakes? I would certainly hope not.

Once you get the basics of cake decorating down you can move on to making your own decorations rather than purchasing them. Most of these decorations are simple and easy to make plus you may have an idea for something that you can’t really buy. If that’s the case you’ll need to learn how to make it from scratch.

Don’t go about cake decorating blind folded like so many do. Odds are even if you have a friend that is in the same business they won’t tell you everything you need to know for the simple fact that they may be scared you’ll take some of their business. It’s best to get a guide that shows you exactly what to do and what recipes to use to make your cakes. You’ll be decorating cakes in no time.

About the Author

Get more information on cake decorating designs at our website. Don’t waste any more time or money on cake decorating designs that just don’t work.

Cake Decorating Designs Everyone Can Do

Many people think that extravagant cake decorating is only for the pros and you need to go to some culinary school for years before you can make great cake decorating designs.

Although going to culinary school and practicing cake decorating for years should defiantly have you at the top of your game for cake decorating, it’s not really a requirement for the beginner. Just by knowing a few simple tips and tricks you can start making cakes that will amaze your family and friends.

It’s always best to start small and work your way up. Get a cake design in your head or maybe even jot it down on a piece of paper. It shouldn’t be to extravagant to start with. Remember you need to start small. Once you’ve got it down to the way you want it too look, then you can figure out how to make the decorations and what sort of ingredients you’ll need to make your cake.

You don’t want a regular old sponge cake with a little flower on top to represent a major day in your life such as an anniversary, birthday, or wedding. You want an over the top, highly decorated, looks like it cost a small fortune cake. Nothing else will do, especially when it comes to our loved ones. Making these cakes doesn’t have to be expensive and difficult to make. You can create a lovely cake for a fraction of what you can buy one for. You’ll be amazed at what you can do with these techniques.

You just need the tools and information to build that perfect cake. Knowing the information the pros have can greatly improve your chances of making a masterpiece cake. Cake decorating designs is one of the most sought after information right now. You can get more information from our website.