I have been asked many times if the figures on my cakes are made from moulds.

This started me thinking, if I could make moulds, from the figures I have made, how quick and easy it would be to reproduce sugar crafted figures – not pieces that look manufactured by machines. This would be a new concept in moulds for sugarcraft.

These new moulds will produce figures that look hand made, making it quick and easy for beginners. The experienced cake decorator will be able to alter and adapt the finished figures for their own designs.

About The Moulds
The moulds are made from high quality silicone and will not rip or tear under normal use. Before using, wash in warm, soapy water. To dry quickly for re-use, use kitchen paper. Every mould includes full instructions giving the size of the piece of paste to use in grams and which colours to use to finish.

Using the Moulds
Dust liberally with icing sugar, shake, then turn over and tap out excess. Check the size piece of paste you will need on the instruction sheet with the mould. Roll into a smooth ball then flatten slightly into a shape similar to the mould making it easy to push into all areas. Brush lightly with icing sugar and place in mould. Press into the shape. The paste should be flat and level with the mould and should not be over the edge. If you have too much paste it can be trimmed with a sharp knife or the PME mould paste trimmer, (if paste moves when doing this you could have double imprints so remove paste and start again). Use a sawing action usually from the centre of the paste to try to avoid lifting it.
When ready to remove, twist mould slightly, turn over and flex. If you have any difficulty, see hints and tips.

Hints and Tips
1. I have found the best paste to use is half flower paste and half sugarpaste (modelling paste). However, do bear in mind that some pastes are softer, therefore you may need two thirds flower paste and one third sugarpaste. Even hot or cold hands will make a difference.
2. Marzipan can be used but if too soft will be tricky. Add tylo (CMC) powder until the correct consistency is reached.
3. Squires Kitchen Cocoform is excellent if you require a chocolate paste.
4. Always dust the mould well with icing sugar (or cornflour – see which works best for you), then tap out excess.
5. If you are not getting enough detail, check that you are pressing in firmly and your paste is not too stiff. Deep and detailed areas e.g. bride’s headdress in wedding car mould can be corrected by placing a small piece of paste in first.
6. If the figure is not releasing easily, check no.1, 2 & 4 above. Beginners may find it easier to divide the moulds into sections i.e. the teddy bear can have the head and body moulded separately and then joined together on the cake.

Colouring
Icing can be coloured with paste colour before placing in the mould. I like to dust the figures then paint in any detail where needed. A selection of different size dusting and paintbrushes will be useful.

Always rub powder colour well into brushes on kitchen paper, making sure there is NO loose powder before applying to figure.
Some figures have very small eyes. The best way to colour is to dip the tip of a cocktail stick into black paste colour, then touch sparingly onto face. Practice this on some spare icing first. The black paste colour should be like a thick liquid and not set. Only mark the eyes when the face has been coloured.

Alternatively the figures can be painted. Again use dust colours (not paste) and mix with isopropyl alcohol (thinning solution) for best results. Good results will not be achieved with vodka or gin. Experiment with consistency of colours and brush size on spare paste before applying.