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.
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