Gum Paste Baby Bib Cake
by Jo Ellen Simon NE
Sketches, Layout & Editing by Diane Shavkin NY

 
I asked Jo Ellen to please do an article for my viewers using my original, sketched designs.  She graciously accepted.  The purpose was to give ideas on what can be done with sketches/patterns.  I am very grateful for her, as usual, fantastically, well done pieces of work.  

 

 
 
To Make the Roses:

Cut 5 heart-shaped petals and lightly ruffle the edges.  Overlap each petal until a full circle is formed.

Take a 24 gauge wire and make a hook, wind yellow thread around your finger 40 times and hook the wire through the loop and twist. 

Thread the wire through the rose center and leave to dry.

To Make the Baby's Breath:

Cut out 4 small 5-petal flowers.  Thread each flower onto a 30 guage wire until all 4 are on.  Pinch together to form flower.  Make buds by forming a bud and etching into the bud for character.  The flower petals may be formed into a bud that appears to be opening up.  Do this in different stages for interest.


To Make the Bib:

Roll out fondant and cut desired chape.  Quickly, take a small leaf cutter and cut out leaves here and there.  Then, remove the pieces and cut out green leaves to put into the leaf holes.  Now, cut out various sizes of 5 petal plunger cutters and overlap some.  Cut out lavender petals to fit in the spaces.  Work from the background forward.  This is called Vincent Marquetry for Kerry Vincent of Oklahoma who created this idea.  With a round toothpick, frill the edge to form a ruffle and cut 2 strips for the ties.  Make 2 small bows and attach to finish off the bib at the area where the tie meets the top part of the bib.


Baby Faces:

Use a mold to mold the face or roll out a piece of flesh-tone fondant or gum paste.  Use a gum paste tool to make the eye sockets, and mouth.  Add a tiny, round piece of flesh-tone gum paste for the nose.  Make tiny, white balls for the eye balls.  Use a non-toxic, felt-tip pen for the pupils.  Add hair with softened royal icing.  Face may also be made with thinned-down, royal icing.  Drop small amounts onto waxed paper to form raised balls.  When dry add the royal icing hair and facial features.  Let dry.  Make a shaped-blanket for the laying-down baby.

The thread is cut and a molded baby face is placed in the center of the flower and glued in place with royal icing.


 
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