How to Make 2-D Gumpaste Cutouts

Gumpaste can be used to make beautiful 3-D flowers as well as 2-D images.

Gumpaste seems like it should be tricky to work with, but that is not necessarily the case. Cake decorators form gumpaste decorations and apply them to a cake once they're dry. Gumpaste decorations are convenient for cake decorating, because they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to deal with other decorating elements at the last minute.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors (optional)
• Cornstarch
• Gumpaste
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Cookie sheet
• Small offset spatula
• Toothpick (optional)
• Paste food color in desired colors (optional)
• 1 tsp. vodka or water (optional)
• Small plastic cups or artist's palette (optional)
• Thin paintbrush (optional)
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. Find an image you want to make into a 2-D gumpaste cutout, and print it out. Cut the shape out, so you have a template for your gumpaste.

2. Dust your work surface with the cornstarch. Unwrap your gumpaste and knead it on the work surface for a few minutes. The gumpaste will feel more pliable and slightly warmer.

3. Coat your rolling pin with cornstarch. Roll your gumpaste until it is about 1/4 inch thin. Lay the template on your gumpaste, and cut around it with a sharp knife.

4. Dust the cookie sheet lightly with cornstarch. Lift your shape out of the gumpaste with the offset spatula and lay it on the cookie sheet, being sure that it lays flat. Allow to dry.

5. Dip your toothpick into your paste food color. Scrape the small amount of food color into your small plastic cup. Add a few drops of vodka, and stir with the toothpick. Use your paintbrush and paint your cutout. Allow to dry. This is optional, but it will add a pop of color to your cutout. Store in an airtight container until you need it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can mix the paste food color into the gumpaste when you knead it, if you need a base color that is different from the standard white. Remember that gumpaste will dry lighter in color, so you'll want to make your gumpaste a little darker than you intend it to be.

• You can find cookie cutters in the appropriate shapes and use those to cut out your shapes. Be sure to coat your cookie cutter in cornstarch before you use it.

• The thinner you roll your gumpaste, the more fragile it will be. However, thinner gumpaste dries faster. Just keep in mind the intended size of your piece and that a larger piece will need to be thicker to support the weight.

• You can use water instead of vodka, but vodka evaporates faster and keeps the surface of the object from becoming gummy too quickly.

• Gumpaste pieces are fragile and can break and crack. It's good to make double of any piece you use so that you have a backup.

• Under-kneading gumpaste can cause it to crack. If you have problems with your pieces cracking excessively, you should mix in a little vegetable shortening. If you continue to have issues, you can mix gumpaste with fondant icing.

References

• Baking 911; Decorating 101: Gumpaste and Sugar Paste; Sarah Phillips
• The Sugar Lane; Answers to Your Most Asked Gumpaste/Fondant Questions; October 2008