This book is a comprehensive how-to book about all of the most popular cake decorating techniques, including piped frosting, fondant, and hand modeled figures. For each technique, there is an overview of the tools and materials used and complete instructions with photos. The organization provides easy access to information with step-by-step directions and 600 full-color photos for clear understanding. Easy projects allow the reader to try the techniques in each section. Galleries of decorated cakes offer the reader examples and inspiration to pursue the hobby for themselves.
The Complete Photo Guide to Cake Decorating
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Sugar artist Carpenter (All About Candy Making) perfectly explains her book: 'If you are a beginning decorator, this book will serve as a step-by-step course in cake decorating. If you are an experienced or professional decorator, this book will quickly become your go-to guide when seeking out new techniques.' This is an all-inclusive look at how to make a stunning cake from start to finish. Organized in easy-to-browse sections, it takes readers through the process from preparation, tools, and recipes; to decorating techniques and templates; to extras to make your projects special; to a gallery of designs for inspiration. The numerous photographs are not only visually appealing but educational, and add to the quality of this exceptional work. Essential for anyone interested in baking and decorating cakes." - Library Journal
About the Author
Autumn Carpenter is a skilled sugar artist, demonstrator, teacher, and author. She is a third generation candy-maker and confectionery artist; growing up she worked closely with her mother on books, product development, and classes. Autumn demonstrates annually at the International Cake Exploration Societé and travels the US teaching her craft. She has self-published several books on cake decorating, cookie decorating, cupcakes, and candy making. She is part-owner of a retail cake and candy supply shop and has a successful web site: http://www.autumncarpenter.com and popular blog: http://autumncarpenter.wordpress.com.
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More About the Author
Autumn Carpenter is a nationally known confectionary artist, author and demonstrator. Autumn has been around cakes, candies and cookies her entire life. Some of Autumn's favorite memories as a youngster were the delicious candies from her grandmother's 3-tiered candy dish and her grandmother's huge group of "cake friends". As Autumn grew-up, she worked closely with her mother on books, product development and classes. Autumn demonstrates annually at the I.C.E.S. (International Cake Exploration Societé ). Autumn is co-owner of a confectionary supply store, Country Kitchen SweetArt- WWW.SHOPCOUNTRYKITCHEN.COM. Autumn also has developed a line of cookie and cake decorating tools that are distributed throughout the world. Products developed by Autumn are featured on her website, WWW.AUTUMNCARPENTER.COM. Autumn travels across the United States, sharing the craft of cookie decorating and other confectionary arts.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I had checked out the inside of this book online prior to putting it in my wish list. All the subjects it covers in the contents were everything I needed more information on. I am more the type to learn through not only reading instructions but more so visual-seeing the step by step pictures of how the product ultimately is made and finished. I think that for anyone starting out in making and decorating cakes, this is the best book to start out with. I wish that this book was available when i started because I have so many other cake books that covers a lot of separate things where as this book covers it all. Don't think about it, just purchase it! It's worth the investment in the end!!!
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Kasey
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book and i have to say it is worth every penny. This book covers everything and has pictures to show you everything.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Toni
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
From the very talented hands of Autumn Carpenter, comes this wonderful and detailed volume of cake decorating, born of her love of cake decorating and teaching. Her store, Country Kitchen Sweet Art, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana has all things related to cake decorating. And because of that love, plus the myriad of questions she has answered over the years and help she has given so many people in this field, especially those first starting out, she has compiled this manual.
It is written on thick, solid paper with bright colors and clear photography, mostly step-by-step tutorials. It is a heavy book that measures approximately 8"x11" in size so its large and with easy print. It is divided into 4 sections and is color-coded on the page headings.
This would be an excellent book for any beginner, and for those with a need for a good reference book. The photographs are in color, and in ordered numbered. I would venture to say that just the sequential photography alone could suffice for someone for whom English isn't a primary language. Projects are also included at the end of each chapter.
All aspects of cake and cupcake decorating have been covered so that if you see something that you would like, you should be able to do the same, perhaps with a wee bit of planning. Also, many of the tools that are used are easily accessible from craft and hobby stores, and when needed, there are plenty of US companies that can be contacted for the rest.
The four section ares:
SECTION ONE:
Basic Cake Preparation
Every tool and cake decorating toy needed for all the projects in this book, and then some, are listed and shown along with an explanation of each. Some things are the "extras" that are nice to have while others can be improvised, and then there are those that you need to have in order to accomplish a project. This covers pans to flower-making tools to machines, bags, and molds.
Baking the Cake/Cupcakes, Torting (cutting crosswise), and Filling
This pretty much covers what you do to make those lovely cakes turn out perfectly shaped so that you can begin the outside work.
Now, while she then gives a great deal of icing recipes, she has not included any batter recipes but does encourage cake mixes.
She gives recipes for making fondant and gumpaste; these can also be easily purchased if you choose not to make these from scratch. Sometimes it's easier in time and money to purchase them as they can be labor intensive, but certainly are not discouraged.
The next area she teaches is color, glorious color! This was a fabulous chapter on coloring with pastes and liquids and the choices you make with the mediums you use. She has provided several color wheels to help you get to your preferred shades.
Now, not all people like fondant, etc. on their cakes. So the choice left is either whipped cream or buttercream. Whipped cream has a very delicate stability and you are limited on time and temperature because of it. But the other alternative is buttercream and it can be a great medium; if you do it the right way, with either a smooth or textured finish, it can look as spectacular, or even better, than a solid covering. This was a wonderful section and if you think about it, this can really be a showstopper if the buttercream is covered in sparkling sanding sugar; a beautiful twinkle under the lights!
Next is ganache, fondant with/without texture, applying fondant to shaped cakes (shaped cakes are always a challenge for me so this was a great section!) as well as cupcake coverings. Cakeboards and how to stack cakes are also taught; the stacking taught is for simple cakes. Anything elaborate such a topsy-turvy, or large party/wedding cakes were not discussed; the foundation of stacking is basically the same with those but they require more detail and were not part of this lesson.
The shelf life of cakes, how soon to bake in advance, transporation, etc follow but it is in the "Cake and Cupcake" chart that you really get a gem of information. Knowing how much to fill a pan and how to determine covering size, baking times, servings, etc is crucial if you are planning because you don't want to waste time or money. Ms. Carpenter has wonderfully given us some great charts to use to help us in this endeavor.
SECTION TWO:
Piping Techniques
How do you use bags, how do you make bags, as well as piping tips available, are part of this lovely chapter. Then its on to piping itself with all the borders and weaves and squiggles and lines you can use to neaten up a cake. How to write with stamps and free-hand completes this part of the chapter. Then it was on to basic flowers.
Next is Royal Icing and it is a great medium! It's a soft, liquidy sugar mixture that hardens into beautiful candy pieces. She gives quite a nice sample of candy pieces along with the templates needed to reproduce the ones taught. The next step in Royal Icing is "run-in" sugar where you can make large pieces/plaques for a cake as well as cake collars. Brush embroidery is another fantastic skill that anyone can use and I highly recommend this to a beginner because, not only is this gorgeous on a cake or cupcake, but it is a sure confidence builder!! She ends this chapter with Royal Icing Stringwork, and if you enjoy those cakes of yesteryear such as in the Lambeth and Victoria era, this chapter is for you! While it is a very basic lesson, this will ensure your confidence to go to the next level.
SECTION THREE:
Fondant and Gumpaste Accents
Woo-hoo!! Fondant and Gumpaste!! Tools, machines, silicone molds, cutters, cookie cutters, patchwork cutters, picks, and plungers are all tools in your decorating arsenal to make long-lasting decorations for people to keep for a long time.
Flowers
This is a great section as you learn to use flower formers as well as make free-hand flowers that will grace your cake or cupcake and add that touch of beauty from "nature".
Bows, frills, and ruffles, drapes, smocking, , curly streamers, eyelet, and quills are extra beautiful choices to add to your project to enhance that special look. Next up is hand-modeled people and animals to make your project extra personal for someone special (the facial expressions are priceless).
SECTION FOUR:
These are all the miscellaneous techniques that are the finishing touches. The one I enjoy the most is the sanding sugars, or sparkles, on a cake. The use of dusts and powders can add a real "wow" factor as well, and shading can be a real draw for the eye.
Stencils, frosting sheets, chocolate transfer sheets, chocolate panels, chocolate molds, use of The Cricut machine, and gelatin round out this final chapter.
I am so pleased with the way that Ms. Carpenter has pulled together all the essentials of cake decorating and placed them in a neat, organized, and visual manner to help bring to the eye and mind, the beauty of cake decorating. Those who enjoy this art or who are just starting out, will really use this as a basic manual of reference. Peace!
It is written on thick, solid paper with bright colors and clear photography, mostly step-by-step tutorials. It is a heavy book that measures approximately 8"x11" in size so its large and with easy print. It is divided into 4 sections and is color-coded on the page headings.
This would be an excellent book for any beginner, and for those with a need for a good reference book. The photographs are in color, and in ordered numbered. I would venture to say that just the sequential photography alone could suffice for someone for whom English isn't a primary language. Projects are also included at the end of each chapter.
All aspects of cake and cupcake decorating have been covered so that if you see something that you would like, you should be able to do the same, perhaps with a wee bit of planning. Also, many of the tools that are used are easily accessible from craft and hobby stores, and when needed, there are plenty of US companies that can be contacted for the rest.
The four section ares:
SECTION ONE:
Basic Cake Preparation
Every tool and cake decorating toy needed for all the projects in this book, and then some, are listed and shown along with an explanation of each. Some things are the "extras" that are nice to have while others can be improvised, and then there are those that you need to have in order to accomplish a project. This covers pans to flower-making tools to machines, bags, and molds.
Baking the Cake/Cupcakes, Torting (cutting crosswise), and Filling
This pretty much covers what you do to make those lovely cakes turn out perfectly shaped so that you can begin the outside work.
Now, while she then gives a great deal of icing recipes, she has not included any batter recipes but does encourage cake mixes.
She gives recipes for making fondant and gumpaste; these can also be easily purchased if you choose not to make these from scratch. Sometimes it's easier in time and money to purchase them as they can be labor intensive, but certainly are not discouraged.
The next area she teaches is color, glorious color! This was a fabulous chapter on coloring with pastes and liquids and the choices you make with the mediums you use. She has provided several color wheels to help you get to your preferred shades.
Now, not all people like fondant, etc. on their cakes. So the choice left is either whipped cream or buttercream. Whipped cream has a very delicate stability and you are limited on time and temperature because of it. But the other alternative is buttercream and it can be a great medium; if you do it the right way, with either a smooth or textured finish, it can look as spectacular, or even better, than a solid covering. This was a wonderful section and if you think about it, this can really be a showstopper if the buttercream is covered in sparkling sanding sugar; a beautiful twinkle under the lights!
Next is ganache, fondant with/without texture, applying fondant to shaped cakes (shaped cakes are always a challenge for me so this was a great section!) as well as cupcake coverings. Cakeboards and how to stack cakes are also taught; the stacking taught is for simple cakes. Anything elaborate such a topsy-turvy, or large party/wedding cakes were not discussed; the foundation of stacking is basically the same with those but they require more detail and were not part of this lesson.
The shelf life of cakes, how soon to bake in advance, transporation, etc follow but it is in the "Cake and Cupcake" chart that you really get a gem of information. Knowing how much to fill a pan and how to determine covering size, baking times, servings, etc is crucial if you are planning because you don't want to waste time or money. Ms. Carpenter has wonderfully given us some great charts to use to help us in this endeavor.
SECTION TWO:
Piping Techniques
How do you use bags, how do you make bags, as well as piping tips available, are part of this lovely chapter. Then its on to piping itself with all the borders and weaves and squiggles and lines you can use to neaten up a cake. How to write with stamps and free-hand completes this part of the chapter. Then it was on to basic flowers.
Next is Royal Icing and it is a great medium! It's a soft, liquidy sugar mixture that hardens into beautiful candy pieces. She gives quite a nice sample of candy pieces along with the templates needed to reproduce the ones taught. The next step in Royal Icing is "run-in" sugar where you can make large pieces/plaques for a cake as well as cake collars. Brush embroidery is another fantastic skill that anyone can use and I highly recommend this to a beginner because, not only is this gorgeous on a cake or cupcake, but it is a sure confidence builder!! She ends this chapter with Royal Icing Stringwork, and if you enjoy those cakes of yesteryear such as in the Lambeth and Victoria era, this chapter is for you! While it is a very basic lesson, this will ensure your confidence to go to the next level.
SECTION THREE:
Fondant and Gumpaste Accents
Woo-hoo!! Fondant and Gumpaste!! Tools, machines, silicone molds, cutters, cookie cutters, patchwork cutters, picks, and plungers are all tools in your decorating arsenal to make long-lasting decorations for people to keep for a long time.
Flowers
This is a great section as you learn to use flower formers as well as make free-hand flowers that will grace your cake or cupcake and add that touch of beauty from "nature".
Bows, frills, and ruffles, drapes, smocking, , curly streamers, eyelet, and quills are extra beautiful choices to add to your project to enhance that special look. Next up is hand-modeled people and animals to make your project extra personal for someone special (the facial expressions are priceless).
SECTION FOUR:
These are all the miscellaneous techniques that are the finishing touches. The one I enjoy the most is the sanding sugars, or sparkles, on a cake. The use of dusts and powders can add a real "wow" factor as well, and shading can be a real draw for the eye.
Stencils, frosting sheets, chocolate transfer sheets, chocolate panels, chocolate molds, use of The Cricut machine, and gelatin round out this final chapter.
I am so pleased with the way that Ms. Carpenter has pulled together all the essentials of cake decorating and placed them in a neat, organized, and visual manner to help bring to the eye and mind, the beauty of cake decorating. Those who enjoy this art or who are just starting out, will really use this as a basic manual of reference. Peace!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
Excellent pictures and details. Great learning tool for different techniques and practices for cake decorating. I will use this book for many cakes!
Published 1 day ago by Valerie L Pitka
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Helpful..Super pictures & Detailed.
I looked at a lot of books before buying this one. I am glad I did, its cheaper than books by other high profile bakers & chefs yet delivers what you need to know about baking,... Read more
Published 4 days ago by Ash's mom
5.0 out of 5 stars
The complete photo guide to cake decorating
I really enjoy reading this book. This will
be my go to book. Thanks for all the help. I can't wait to start baking.
be my go to book. Thanks for all the help. I can't wait to start baking.
Published 8 days ago by Maxine R Snipes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great pictures...Detailed intructions.
I bought this book for my 11 year old who has taken an interest in cake decorating. When the book arrived i was very pleased to see it struck a good balance between illustration... Read more
Published 14 days ago by Umm Aasiyah
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Book
This book is very detailed and is a big help in decorating. I like the pictures and the explanations! Read more
Published 15 days ago by Chantel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it love it love it.....
I love this book. It's so clear and I love how the author has pictures of the tricks and techniques. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Working gal
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a GREAT book!
I normally do not leave comments for the products I buy but I felt that this book needed at review! It is absolutely wonderful! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Christine F. Dunn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
I bought the kindle version and I love it. The steps are easy to follow. I like the step by step photos.
Published 1 month ago by Yash Abreu
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
GREAT BOOK! CAN'T WAIT TO TRY THESE TECHNIQUES!!! EXCITED ABOUT MAKING CAKES AND DECORATING THEM. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE.
Published 1 month ago by Christina
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cake Decorators must have
This is a great book with awesome pictures and instruction. Everything is explained very well so you can try new techniques.
Published 1 month ago by June L. Reid
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