target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="#fb3_img_img_824d99b4-53b8-5419-8900-4d8fbdf59b64.jpg" alt=""/> Two cake smoothers with handles (2) For smoothing sugarpaste when covering cakes – use two together for a professional finish.
Specific Modelling Tools
A whole book could be filled talking about these, as there are so many different varieties available. However, I use the white plastic set that has a number on each tool. I refer to the number on the tool throughout the book. They are inexpensive, light and easy to work with, and are available to buy from my website (see Suppliers, page 126).
Securing and Supporting Your Models
Sugarpaste models need to be held together in several ways. Small parts can be attached with edible glue (see page 26), but larger parts, such as heads and arms, will require additional support.
Throughout the book I use pieces of dry spaghetti for this purpose. The spaghetti is inserted into the models – into the hip, shoulder or body, for example – on to which you can attach another piece – the leg, arm or head. Leave 2cm (¾in) showing at the top to support the head, and 1cm (3⁄8in) to support arms and legs.
The pieces will still require some edible glue to bond them, but will have more support and will stay rigid. When inserting spaghetti to support heads, make sure that it is pushed into the body in a very vertical position otherwise the head will tilt backwards and become vulnerable.
I recommend using dry spaghetti because it is food and is much safer than using cocktail sticks or toothpicks, which could cause harm, particularly to children. However, I would always advise that the spaghetti is removed before eating the cake and decorations.
Sugarpaste models sometimes need to be supported with foam or cardboard while they are drying to prevent parts from flopping over or drooping down. Advice on where this may be necessary is given in the project instructions.
Basic Shapes
There are four basic shapes required for modelling. Every character in this book begins with a ball; this shape must be rolled first, regardless of whatever shape you are trying to make.
Ball
The first step is always to roll a ball. We do this to ensure that we have a perfectly smooth surface, with no cracks or creases.
