Fondant - Gratitude #21

For a long time now @branlee87 has been encouraging me to write about my cake decorating, how I do it, the problems I face and how I solve them. I’ve been wanting to do it too but didn’t quite get to it 😅

So today I’m going to start with an introduction to my cake decorating journey. Then we’ll get into the nitty gritty.

When I first started my tiny home-based cake business all the designs were made with buttercream. They were very much like what you would get from a confectionery shop. The difference was mine were done with much care and precision 😁

I first drew the character on a piece of parchment paper and cut it out. Then I pinned the cut out piece onto the cake and applied frosting around it. I carefully removed the paper and filled in the design free-hand.

These were made more than 14 years ago. Not bad, eh?

But when I discovered fondant everything changed. It was a whole new ballgame. Designs and technique got pretty intricate and sophisticated.

I don’t buy fondant, I make my own. I got the recipe from a cake decorating book my sister from the UK bought me. I find it more convenient that way because I can always whip up a fresh batch whenever I need it.

I made my first proper novelty cake in 2011 for my niece. It was a fondant-covered cake with 3D Angry birds, pigs, wooden blocks, nest with eggs, bombs, and a catapult!

I was very nervous because it was a large cake and had a small sculpted tier on top of it. And I had to make all those little 3D birds and things! Luckily Jack was around to help me. It turned out very nice, if I may say so myself ☺️

Not only did my cakes look nicer now, they also cost more. The only down side is they take up a lot of my time. I am very fussy with the details of my work.

I decorate my cakes at night when the temperature is cooler and everyone’s gone to bed. Something that should take a couple of hours to complete would take me several, sometimes till morning!

My pricing was lower than other bakers because I didn’t feel confident charging more. It was only recently that I was brave enough to increase my price and to my surprise my clients were okay with it. Should have done it sooner.

Here are some of my 2D design cakes and cupcakes. I’ve sure come a long way!

 

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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://crazymum.vornix.blog/2018/06/28/fondant-gratitude-21/

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