I am a relatively new decorator, but I have an idea for decorating a cake for Thanksgiving. I would like to have fall color leaves, what is best to use fondant or buttercream? Should I color fondant and use cookie cutters? I need some ideas.

Thanks for any suggesitons.
Grandma Sweetie Pie

You could use fondant or gum paste ... You could use your cookie cutters or you could get leaf cutters...

You can color the fondant ahead of time or your gum paste you could also us powder or luster dust to dust them if you want to ..


You could use buttercream and use a leaf tip and make them that way too ..

Thanks so much, you are always so helpful. I have never used the Luster Dust. Does come in colors? Where can I buy it. Will it give the leaves a shine?

Grandma Sweetie Pie

Here is a cake I did last year for fall using a lot of leaves.

Dawn's Autumn Harvest Cake

Here are a couple of tips:

I used fondant. I cut them out with fall leaf cookie cutters.

I used more than one color in each leaf... that's the biggest thing for a realistic fall look.

I made a little fall red, orange, yellow and brown. I pinch off just a hint of each at a time.Roll them together in a ball without mixing the colors then roll out on your cutting board. See how they look like leaves changing colors? And no two leaves will be alike. I keep rolling that little ball until I can't get anymore leaves out of it. Each time I reroll the fondant the colors merge a little more.

I made veins with the back of a pairing knife because I didn't have a veiner back then. I dusted each with a very watered down luster dust. Just enough for a sheen.

I then crumpled up tin foil in several little balls, allowing the leaves to dry on them. This gave them curves and bends found on drying leavs in nature. They were ready for cake placement the next day.

Here are some sugar cookies I made with the same fondant and rolling technique. These do not have luster dust. This just gives you a better view of the coloring:

Fall Cookies

Good luck!!

Thanks Cali4dawn,

I printed the info you sent me, I will start immediately making my leaves with your instructions. It was so helpful. With all the info I am receiving from the cake ladys on Cake Central, I will be a pro just like you and ladycake.

Again, thanks.

Grandma Sweetie Pie

I just made a pile of them over the weekend. I did exactly what the previou posters said, but I dusted them with 24kt gold dust I bought from a local cake shop.

I posted some pictures of them on my website...take a peek if you like!
(Look under 'Special Decorations')
http://community.webshots.com/user/amy28wedding

Thanks Ladies,

Amy28, I went on your site, your cakes are beautiful. I really appreciate all the help I have received. Thanks Ladycake, Cali4dawn.

Grandma Sweetie Pie

Amy I had to peek too.. They look great...

Well, I have two more ideas for your fall leaves. I use a candy mold that has a variety of leaves. Using the multi-colored fondant as described in one of the other replies, dust the mold with cornstarch and roll the fondant (or gumpaste) to be close to the size of the mold and press it in, smudging off the edges. Remove and place them on the edge of a tray or something to give them some shape. Brush excess cornstarch off with a soft paint brush. You can dust them with petal dusts to enhance the colors. If you are feeling lazy, check out www.cakedeco.com for ready made gumpaste leaves and flowers. You can also enhance their colors with the dusting powders.
Have fun,
stephscakes

Dear Ladycake & Cali4dawn,

I only meant the (PRO) as a compliment. Hope I did not offend anyone.

Thanks, for all your help and advise.

Grandma Sweetie Pie

[quote="Ladycake"]

No, you are not wrong. I wasn't even thinking in terms of being offended.... but hey!!!! You keep speaking for me and people are going to be getting ideas!!!!

Don't worry everyone. Vickie (Ladycakes) and I are good friends...she knows how I feel about most of this stuff. I'm just razzing her right now.

Grandma Sweetie Pie, I want to see your fall leaves when you make them!!!

OK. I will put a pictures on the site as soon as I possibly can.

Grandma Sweetie Pie

[quote="cali4dawn"]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ladycake

Quote:

Quote:

( Now I am speaking here for Dawn but I think she feels the same way correct me if I am wrong there Dawn)

but hey!!!! You keep speaking for me and people are going to be getting ideas!!!!

OH NO NOT that ... LOL ... I sure hope your partner is not over your showder reading this ... LOL

Yes Dawn and I are good friend if you could not tell and we like razzing each other..