Funky Tappits

Decorating By Kitagrl Updated 15 Apr 2010 , 12:27am by cakeaddiction

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Kitagrl Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 2:56am
post #1 of 32

I have used the small letter tappits and while I find them frustrating, I can usually do them pretty good.

Just used the larger funky tappits the other day and they were HORRIBLE!!!! They're so cute but...the first time I tried, the thin fondant was too moist. So I let a swatch dry for a little while I did some other things and then came back to it. This time they tapped out okay but still the thin connecting parts (like the "N") would still break off...I ended up having to piece a few together because I had already invested wayyyy too much time trying to tap out the names, and it was not like the customer requested it..its just an extra touch I thought would be nice on the cake.

What should I do differently? I find the smaller tappits seem to hold their shape a bit better...

31 replies
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bobwonderbuns Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 3:12am
post #2 of 32

You must have your fondant rolled out thin, and dry a minute or two or no tappit will work.

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tonedna Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 3:18am
post #3 of 32

Have you seen my tutorial on youtube? The tapping never worked for me.
Edna

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Kitagrl Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 3:25am
post #4 of 32

Edna I'll have to check that...do you have a link?

I do roll the fondant pretty thin, and I do let it airdry some...and it works great for me for the smaller tappits but man these funky ones were HARD!!!! It seemed like the heavy rounded ends would come out but then weight down the thin connecting parts and break them.

Maybe I needed the fondant even thinner...

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tonedna Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 6:28am
post #5 of 32

Here is the link
Is in between those videos. Is called Gumpaste lettering.
Works great with a celboard. Best thing I ever bought!
http://designmeacake.com/id41.html
Edna icon_smile.gif

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dalis4joe Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 7:50am
post #6 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kitagrl

I have used the small letter tappits and while I find them frustrating, I can usually do them pretty good.

Just used the larger funky tappits the other day and they were HORRIBLE!!!! They're so cute but...the first time I tried, the thin fondant was too moist. So I let a swatch dry for a little while I did some other things and then came back to it. This time they tapped out okay but still the thin connecting parts (like the "N") would still break off...I ended up having to piece a few together because I had already invested wayyyy too much time trying to tap out the names, and it was not like the customer requested it..its just an extra touch I thought would be nice on the cake.

What should I do differently? I find the smaller tappits seem to hold their shape a bit better...




Take a look at this......
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-6725157-.html#6725157

It will help.... I promise!!

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Kitagrl Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 1:48pm
post #7 of 32

Thanks!!!! I guess I'm not dusting everything enough. I just don't want dusty letters, but I guess that can be removed later.

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dalis4joe Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 2:38pm
post #8 of 32

yeah.... use clear spirits to remove dust.... others say they do it with shortening... haven't tried but you can see what works best for you.... after I dust mine... they looked nice and black with no redisue of powdered sugar at all

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Kitagrl Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 3:22pm
post #9 of 32

That's why, then....everything else I was doing fine...using silicone mat...rolling fairly thin...letting sit out for several minutes to dry.... but I was not dusting the top of the fondant, or the cutter.

Love this site!

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bobwonderbuns Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 4:26pm
post #10 of 32

When you are working with the funky tappits, can you check the Capital D please -- that's the only one I cannot get to cut on the inside (I think it's a defect because that part of the cutter is smaller than the outer edge cutter.) I just want to confirm mine is defective. Thanks!

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tonedna Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 8:58pm
post #11 of 32

What I dont like about using cornstarch is that for darker colors it makes the gumpaste too dusty. I prefer using vegetable shortening. But like everything is a matter of preferences.
Edna icon_smile.gif

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sadsmile Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 9:21pm
post #12 of 32

Hey I saw someone suggested using cling wrap over your rolled gum paste and then push the tappit down over that. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan on it.

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AngelaM Posted 27 Feb 2010 , 11:02pm
post #13 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by sadsmile

Hey I saw someone suggested using cling wrap over your rolled gum paste and then push the tappit down over that. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan on it.




Interesting...

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dalis4joe Posted 28 Feb 2010 , 4:15am
post #14 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by AngelaM

Quote:
Originally Posted by sadsmile

Hey I saw someone suggested using cling wrap over your rolled gum paste and then push the tappit down over that. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan on it.



Interesting...


hummmmm??/ Very INTERESTING! gonna try it first thing tmo..... that might work....

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tsal Posted 28 Feb 2010 , 11:52am
post #15 of 32

I use Edna's technique and it works like a charm. I highly recommend it. icon_smile.gif

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JenniferMI Posted 28 Feb 2010 , 4:35pm
post #16 of 32

Nic does his with that crisco method...I think it's much easier than banging them icon_smile.gif

Jen icon_smile.gif

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jovigirl Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 1:23pm
post #17 of 32

good morning, I've just purchased the funky tappit set & as suggested I've watched Edna's youtube video, however I only make a handful of cakes a year as I only make them for my closest family members. I've looked into purchasing a celboard as suggested by edna however they are really expensive where I live. Has anyone else used a different surface with success?
If so can you please ley me know ;o)

TIA

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Elaine2581 Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 1:37pm
post #18 of 32

I used the Funky letters last week and got pretty frustrated too. At first I thought my gumpaste was too thin because they just wouldn't come out without breaking. When I rolled it thicker, it left marks that I didn't like. Finally, I read the instructions that came with the set and it suggested pushing them from the front or releasing them from the back. I ended up rolling it thin, letting it dry just a little bit and then pressed them in and immediately pushed from the front when I could and used a sharp cocktail stick (toothpick) to release the corners and they fell out nicely without having to rap them on the counter. For other sets, I've always tapped them out on my Corian countertop and they worked great but these just did not work the same way for me.

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AngelaM Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 1:43pm
post #19 of 32

I recently tried the method mentioned earlier about putting a piece of plastic wrap over it and it works GREAT! It was so easy I thought I was dreaming. I put the piece of gumpaste on my silicone mat, place a piece of plastic wrap over it, press the tappit down really well. Then remove the tappit and the plastic wrap and simply peel the excess gumpaste from around your letter and leave there until it's dried enough to handle. Perfect! I don't know who came up with this method originally, but he/she is a genius!!!

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jovigirl Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 1:47pm
post #20 of 32

My tappit set is still in the mail... I think I will try the plastic wrap method hopefully it works ;o)

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MadMillie Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 2:00pm
post #21 of 32

The plastic wrap sounds like a winner to me. I have tried every thing else with no luck. If they do come out, they are always distorted.

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Marinette Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 2:10pm
post #22 of 32

use gump paste only... I dont have any problem. rollet and dry 4 a lil bit and cut.

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beamom Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 5:14pm
post #23 of 32

Often i spray a little pan release spray in them so that they release easy

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Mug-a-Bug Posted 9 Mar 2010 , 7:01pm
post #24 of 32

I used my funky tappits for the first time last night. I was expecting lots of trouble but it was so easy!!! Dust your surface (I did it right on my counter) with cornstarch and roll your fondant / gumpaste really thin. I think the secret is to let your piece dry a little before cutting. After I cut them I turned it over and rubbed the back with the edge of a dowel to make sure it was cut all the way through. Then just tap it out on the edge of the counter. I didn't end up with dusty letters but I guess if you do you could brush with a little vodka. HTH.

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jovigirl Posted 10 Mar 2010 , 1:27am
post #25 of 32

I really can't wait to get them in the mail now... icon_rolleyes.gif

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bobwonderbuns Posted 10 Mar 2010 , 3:43am
post #26 of 32

I love mine!! I do have problems with the capital D though, I think it's a defect in the cast. Other than that I love my tappits! icon_biggrin.gif

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Mug-a-Bug Posted 10 Mar 2010 , 3:44am
post #27 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobwonderbuns

I love mine!! I do have problems with the capital D though, I think it's a defect in the cast. Other than that I love my tappits! icon_biggrin.gif




Try rubbing the back of it with a dowel or something to make sure the entire thing cuts. HTH

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bobwonderbuns Posted 10 Mar 2010 , 3:47am
post #28 of 32

I do. The inside cut is not as deep as the outside cut. It's the only letter I have troubles with (which is why I think it's a defect.) Usually I have difficulties with letters with intricate pieces, not something like the capital D. icon_confused.gif Oh well. I'm not trading in my tappits, no sir! icon_lol.gif

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Mickeebabe Posted 14 Apr 2010 , 11:42pm
post #29 of 32

I bought the funky letter Tappits the other day and would like to try them out this weekend. I only make cakes for friends and family so I don't make that many. I want to use gumpaste. Can you buy gumpaste? Or is there a recipe where you only make a small batch?

Thanks. ☼


jovigirl - did you get your tappits? have you tried them out yet? I hope everything went well. icon_smile.gif

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Mug-a-Bug Posted 14 Apr 2010 , 11:55pm
post #30 of 32

Yes, you can buy gumpaste at HobbyLobby or Michael's; fairly cheap, especially if you have a coupon. I mix mine 50/50 with fondant. Have fun! icon_biggrin.gif

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