Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A
Tiffany Lamp Shade
Hi Paul, thanks for an awesome lesson. My questions are: How do you know the sugarpaste used for the balls at the bottom of the lamp are the same size especially for someone like me just starting on cake decoration?
Secondly, what fondant (sugarpaste) would you recommend, as most of the store bought ones crack after decorating a cake.
Thank you
Hi Paul, thanks for an awesome lesson. My questions are: How do you know the sugarpaste used for the balls at the bottom of the lamp are the same size especially for someone like me just starting on cake decoration?
Secondly, what fondant (sugarpaste) would you recommend, as most of the store bought ones crack after decorating a cake.
Thank you
Hi idong40
Paul guestimates by eye the size of the little balls. If you feel you can’t guestimate as accurately you can cut the pieces and weigh them individually so they weigh the same.
Paul mainly uses Renshaws sugarpaste. You can see the packets behind him in the tutorials. Renshaws paste doesn’t suit everyone, it may be that they have slightly changed their recipe. He also uses other brands to try out. You’ll see the different types in some of the tutorials as you watch them.
As a beginner perhaps use supermarket brands for now and progress to other brands when you have more confidence. I think the only way to find a brand whch suits you is very individual and you’ll need to try some out to see the handling differences.
If your sugarpaste is drying and cracking, either knead a little shortening into it before rolling out or once you’ve decorated smear a very small amount on the more vulnerable places like edges and corners. You need just a very small amount. Using too much powdered sugar or corn starch during rolling out will also make the sugarpaste crack and dry. Avoid using too much and keep rotating the icing while rolling so it doesn’t stick to the surface. Keep practicing, all does become easier and clearer.
Some other brands:
Satin Ice
Sattina
Fondarific
Cova paste
Beau
Carmass Massa
If you google ‘ Different brands of sugarpaste’ you will see many others. You will also see reviews from some professionals.
On this site if you type in the search box ‘sugarpaste’, you’ll see lots of member comments. Not all the comments are relevant to your question, just pick out the ones which you think may be helpful.
Hope this helps, good luck with your baking and decorating!
