It’s easy to add extra wow factor to your sugar decorations by using a variety of finishes to create special light-catching effects.
To give your decorations a gold or silver metallic finish, the first step is to create the item in either grey paste if you are going to paint it silver or in beige or teddy bear brown if you are going to use gold paint. The technique for mixing the dust solution will work with any dust colour whether plain or shimmering – simply use a mini spatula to place a small amount of dust onto a saucer or in a paint palette and add a little alcohol. You can use a regular white spirit such as gin or vodka, or use a specialist product called isopropyl alcohol. Add a little at a time and mix with a paintbrush until you have the desired consistency. As you paint with the mix the alcohol evaporates, so add a little more to maintain the right consistency.
Edible shimmering flakes for decorating are available from specialist cake-decorating stores and online suppliers, along with non-toxic glitters. To add a touch of sparkle to your decorations, dip a dry, fluffy paintbrush (no. 8 pony) into the shimmering flakes and tap it above your cakes – do this sparingly for the best result. But for some details, such as the glasses for the Pop Idols cakes (see pop idols) or the fairy wands (see fabulous fairies), total coverage is what you want. Simply paint the paste item, such as a star, completely with sugar glue and then tap the shimmering flakes above it until it is covered. Lift with a mini palette knife and tap off the excess above a piece of baking (parchment) paper – the excess flakes can then be returned to the pot.
To create a realistic water effect or just to give some attractive shine to simple features such as eyes, add a touch of edible clear gel (piping jelly). It stays looking wet and will make your cupcake decorations extra glossy.