I was challenged to do a Construction themed baby shower cake last week...here is a little picture tutorial for anyone that needs ideas.
When I decorate cakes..I rarely have a plan...which makes it a real challenge..but with a little research....ideas come just in the nick of time!
I searched for toys to put on the cake to no avail. NO Bob The Builder anywhere!!! I really liked his little saying...Can we do it..Yes, we can!!! or my version..Can "I"...for encouraging challenges in crafting.
I found also with this cake that by frosting the first layer lightly while still a bit warm and then putting in fridge. It kept in the moistness for a really great cake!! AND... my new decorating icing is soooo SIMPLE. Of course I didn't make any roses..but it worked with the star tip.
I put my borders on first using the same tip but letting out more icing for the bottom border for a larger affect. It's all in the hand motion and pressure of the decorating bag. When mixing my colors ( I use the food coloring PASTE of Wilton..the little bottles water down your icing!!) and while mixing, liked the little bit of white mixed in...made a nice affect. If you can tell in the pics? More so on the bottom border. I then, added the little dots on the sides...I get carried away!!!
Practise on wax paper first and then scoop up your icing to reuse in the bag to get the look and size you desire.
I went to the Wilton website and found they have printable downloads of patterns and was so excited to find exactly what I needed! THANKS WILTON!!!
I printed the page..cut out shapes and then used a toothpick to trace the shapes onto the dried icing.
I then began the task of "decorating". I first outlined the shapes and then filled in with the star tip.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to write and then the LIGHT BULB hit...YES!!
Baby Daniel under Construction!! Perfect since he isn't born yet!!
at the last minute, I remembered I had little plastic pacifiers for decorations and this was the perfect size for my "baby" face.
(by the way..was made by first drawing a circle with icing and filling in..then adding features and curls..the ears were outlined and then smoothed in)
ICING: I used 3 CANNED vanilla icing...powdered sugar to the consistency I wanted with a little half & half!! PERFECT icing for the entire cake! I've labored hours over the right consistency for decorating before..and I don't like shortening in my icing. SO...VOILA. I did it!! Yes, I did!!!
note* cream cheese canned icing..leaves an after taste. Vanilla works perfect.
I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial and that it's a help to anyone in their cake decorating journey. All mine is self-taught..so I know..YOU CAN DO IT...tooo!
See you again soon with another CREATIVE HEART CRAFT...
HOPE
