I've decided to treat myself to some stuff. (shhh, don't tell my husband). I have the basic things mostly Wilton stuff from Michael's. I want to get: a non slip mat for rolling out fondant, a couple of impression mats and some pearl makers.

Can you guys give me some advice on which brands are better? I can't afford to waste the money I spend so I need you.

Also what is something that you would recommend I have in my collection of cake decorating toys

Thanks

If I could give you any advice it would be to save your money on the non-stick matts and just go to Walmart, get 2 yards of heavy duty vinyl from the fabric department. While the nonstick matts work, they cost ridiculous amounts of money and often aren't big enough for the projects we do.

I cut the 2 yards into 2- 1 yard pieces and it is GREAT. Soak them in your bathtub filled with hot water for 10 minutes, pull them out and sanitize them with some vinegar water. Roll them and put them in a mailing tube.

VOILA. And compared to a 60 dollars non stick mat, this costs 6 bucks. That way you can get more toys with the same amount of money you want to spend.

Rachel

great idea will have to rember that

Rachel, are you talking about using this in place of something like the Silpat mats?

Only when it comes to rolling out fondant, yes. They are great and a heck of a lot cheaper. I sandwich the fondant between the two pieces, and when Ihave it the width I want it, I peel one layer off and move it onto the cake. There is no need for shortening, powdered sugar, or cornstarch at all. When you peel off one layer, the other layer holds onto the vinyl with static electricity, so you can literally pick it up and let it hang down and it won't fall off. It's SO nice.

Rachel

OMG! Literally 2 seconds after I typed this post I heard the garage door open. My DH is home from work early! I almost got caught red-handed with CC in hand!

I forgot about this Michigan / Ohio game today.

Anyways, mrsright41401 - I will try the vinyl instead. I'm always up for saving money.

Thanks for the tip... I haven't done much of anything with fondant yet, but I want to try. I will definitely try that! Thank you.

cocorum... sorry I don't have any advice for you - except you can't forget the big football games!! hahaha

www.globalsugarart.com has a different kind of bead/pearl maker that is cheaper and easier to use than the silicone mold ones. This site has a huge selection and their prices are very good. Just be careful that you won't go crazy shopping, he he he. Another good site to check out is www.countrykitchensa.com. They have great prices and good customer service. I have ordered from both these stores and never had any trouble. My recommendation would have to be the celpad from either of these stores. They cost a few bucks more than the Wilton flower pad but they work so much better!

thanks for the websites cakesbyanh.


What about these impression mates? do you just lay it over the fondant and them roll your rolling pin over it? http://globalsugarart.com/catalog/product_19111_Swirl_Lace_Mat_by_Geraldine_Randlesome.html
edited to add. I bought something that I thought was a mat and it was a sleeve that you put over your rolling pin but then you had to have that company's rolling pin which I didn't and it didn't fit.

Ok I'm giving myself a bump here. DH is working now and there is no football on for me to get caught

I was wondering is someone could recommend a video. Maybe for making sugar flowers. Somehow looking at a book just doesn't do it for me I need movement. TIA

Nicholas Lodge has some good videos and quite frankly there isn't anyone else I want to learn gumpaste from..

http://www.internationalsugarart.com/cgi-bin/store/shop.cgi