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ISOMALT ??

post #1 of 21
9/13/09 at 9:24am
Thread Starter 
I posted this in the How do I section - and thought I might get some answers here.......

I have some I have already purchased from GlobalSugarArt.com - and I have read several different threads on the subject with confliciting advice. I want to make jewels out of silicone molds (already have them made) What is the best way to melt the isomalt?? Plain - nothing added, adding some water, adding some corn syrup???? (there are no instructions on the packaging)

Do I melt it on the top of the stove, or in the microwave??
Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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post #2 of 21
9/13/09 at 9:43am
hi, are you saying ... you have a block of isomalt.. already to use for the molds. i do have it that way.. from kathy scott... and her molds.. if . that is the case.. then you melt you some isomalt in a little (i use a little silicone cup that came in her kit.. you can also cut up these silocone that sells at michaels to make a single cup.. melt you some in the microwave.. and pour into your molds. is this what you are asking.. i bought some plastic molds from country kitchen at convention and their great little book on all this too.. so these plastic molds i got from them.. withstands very hot heat. hope i have answered your question...
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post #3 of 21
9/13/09 at 9:54am
Hi Loucinda, I've never used Isomalt but I have a quick question for you....where did you buy your jewels mold??

Thank you!
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post #4 of 21
9/13/09 at 10:00am
Thread Starter 
NO - I have the bag of isomalt crystals (CK brand) NOT the block that Kathy Scott sells. I have both molds (the ones from countrykitchensa . com AND the silicone ones I made myself)

I need to know what to do with the crystals.......(add water, don't add water, add corn syrup, add nothing????) and which melting procedure is best - top of stove or in the microwave??
I know to use a silicone container to melt in the microwave if I go that direction.....just not sure if that is the best way to melt the crystals.

I made my own molds from food safe silicone I bought at Michaels in the clay section, and the plastic jewels from the bead section.

Thanks icer for trying to help me out!
Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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post #5 of 21
9/13/09 at 10:20am
Thank you Loucinda... I went to Global Sugar Art and looked under Isomalt and they tell you right there how to use it. I'll put the link here for you to see I hope that helps you.
http://www.globalsugarart.com/?id=21

About the molds...you made your own??!! wow...you know, I've thought on making my own molds too, but haven't been brave enough yet icon_redface.gif LOL
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post #6 of 21
9/13/09 at 10:34am
Thread Starter 
Rosie - thank you so much. I really feel like a dunce!! (NEVER thought to look at their site!)

Making your own molds was not hard at all. Buy the food safe silicone form Michaels (it is about $20 - but use a coupon and it is lots cheaper) You mix the two compounds together and then put whatever you want a mold of in it! I just bought some of the cheapo plastic jewels (and cleaned them off good with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol) In 20 minutes, you have a mold!
Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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post #7 of 21
9/13/09 at 6:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loucinda

Rosie - thank you so much. I really feel like a dunce!! (NEVER thought to look at their site!)

Making your own molds was not hard at all. Buy the food safe silicone form Michaels (it is about $20 - but use a coupon and it is lots cheaper) You mix the two compounds together and then put whatever you want a mold of in it! I just bought some of the cheapo plastic jewels (and cleaned them off good with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol) In 20 minutes, you have a mold!

HI Loucinda, ahhhh please don't feel that way, you don't know how many questions I ask here...and even though I can look somewhere else I always feel that the experts here have a better answer icon_smile.gif...
Thank you so much for the tips in making your own molds, I must try!!
oh and I just remember something...long time ago someone told me that if I wanted to make different color gems/jewelery to just melt (in the microwave) jolly rancher or life saver (hard-candy) of different colors and then fill your molds. However, I've never tried this method myself, but I thought I mentioned it to you...

Good luck with Isomalt!!
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post #8 of 21
9/13/09 at 7:27pm
Thread Starter 
I tried the jolly rancher thing, and that did not work out for me. They were all sticky and a mess when they were done.

I am going to attempt the isomalt tomorrow - hopefully I will have some success with it!

Thanks for all the advice in all the questioning I have done for this subject....I just don't want to screw up!
Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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post #9 of 21
9/16/09 at 10:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loucinda

I tried the jolly rancher thing, and that did not work out for me. They were all sticky and a mess when they were done.

I am going to attempt the isomalt tomorrow - hopefully I will have some success with it!

Thanks for all the advice in all the questioning I have done for this subject....I just don't want to screw up!

Hi Loucinda, sorry the jolly rancher didn't work icon_sad.gif...we learn something new everyday!
Good luck with the Isomalt and tell us how it worked for you. I don't have a need for jewels, but I'm tempted to try just to practice icon_biggrin.gif
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post #10 of 21
9/18/09 at 8:21am
Thread Starter 
OK - I have tried 2 different types of isomalt now, one is the crystals from CK the other is the already made up stuff from Kathy Scott. Both times the jewels look perfect when I first make them - nice and clear, no bubbles. After they set for a day, they are completely cloudy looking, and sticky.

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone know what I can do to make them work properly? (I live in Ohio, not horridly humid)
Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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Knowledge is a candle that when shared, doubles the light, but the insecure person believes knowledge is a candle that is diminished when it is split between two wicks.
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post #11 of 21
9/18/09 at 8:34am
I have very little experience with sugar/Isomalt, but I do know that humidity will cause clouding. Sugar attracts moisture, and, while Isomalt is far more stable than sugar, it will become sticky and cloudy in humid conditions. I have tried storing Isomalt and sugar in my house (coastal swamp LOL), and it will cloud. I have stored sugar bottles in an air-tight container with Damp-Rid in the box (in a separate container so that it can't touch the sugar), and they keep perfectly. I have read that Isomalt can be melted down without any water whatsoever, and that may help in humid conditions. I tried making jewels several years ago with both sugar and Isomalt, and they all clouded if left out.
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post #12 of 21
9/18/09 at 8:37am
I did not use water with my isomalt--but when re-using it I did--it gets wonky after you re-melt endlessly practicing on stuff.

And you can certainly remelt it.

Are you getting it to a good temperature? Using a thermometer?

Using plastic gloves to handle it helps with fingerprints.
 
 

 

 

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post #13 of 21
9/18/09 at 10:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loucinda

OK - I have tried 2 different types of isomalt now, one is the crystals from CK the other is the already made up stuff from Kathy Scott. Both times the jewels look perfect when I first make them - nice and clear, no bubbles. After they set for a day, they are completely cloudy looking, and sticky.

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone know what I can do to make them work properly? (I live in Ohio, not horridly humid)

Hi Loucinda, I'm sorry that happened to you...I can imagine how disspointed.
Is there a way you can write a note to someone in Global Sugar Art?? maybe they can help since they sell Isomalt....??
"Life is short...eat cake!"
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post #14 of 21
9/18/09 at 10:31am
I've posted on several isomalt threads today and I'm repeating myself--but unless it's wrapped to keep out the moisture in the air, it does degrade fast. Not a lotta shelf life.
 
 

 

 

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post #15 of 21
9/18/09 at 11:01am
Loucinda

When I attended the Cke Show in Va. Geraldine Ransom gave a great class on Isomalt and making jewels. I think she has the instructions on her website www.creativecutters.com. HTH

Elaine
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