I've never done scroll work on the side of a cake before. I'm planning on covering this cake in fondant and using RI to do the scroll work, but I'm not sure what to do after that . Does everyone just free hand it or do you all use some type of template or stencil? If templates are used, do you just do it on the counter and transfer onto the cake once it sets up? Which brings me to another question...since this is a round cake, if you do transfer it from a template, do you have to let it set up on the side of the same cake pan you used to bake it in so it has the same curve? Also, how do you get your scroll work pattern to match up where the end meets the beginning? UGH...so confused with sooooo many questions! Any advice is much appreciated - Thanks!

What kind of scroll work are you wanting? I free-hand mine, but there are some nice templates for them too....I'll see if I can figure out where I got them.

I have several types of presses that when gently pressed into fondant leave a pattern that I then go over with BC. If doing the pattern all the way around I break the cake up into sections...think of doing the pattern at 12 oclock, then 6 oclock then 3 oclock then 9 oclock. At that point I'd see if there was room to add the pattern in btween those or choose a smaller complimentary pattern to insert. HTH

I am wondering the same question. Do you make the patterns or do you buy them? If you want to make a pattern to put on the cake, what do you do? Thanks!!

where do you buy these presses from? Do they have a different name? I usually see moulds, impression mats or cutters. I haven't seen impressions scroll patterns

the presses are sold by wilton and you can get them at the craft store (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, A.C. Moore, Joann's Fabrics, etc.)


The beauty of scrollwork is that it doesn't HAVE to match up.........it's so busy that nobody will ever notice if you throw in a few off sized scrolls, or add a few extra swirls here and there to make the pattern come together at the start/end of your pattern!!

Here is a cake I just did, and I did start with the wilton presses (the green ones), but I had such a hard time following the EXACT curve of them and wasn't happy with the look, because in some spots you could see the line made with the press just barely next to my piped line. So I did the rest of it freehand (about 3 scrolls were done with the press) and none of them are even and none of them match up, but the overall look is what you see, not the little tiny differences between the scrolls. I'm sure if you really study this cake you'd notice (since you're a decorator) all the differences between the size and shapes of these scrolls and that no two are alike, but the customers have NO CLUE!! They see the final product and it's just a busy scrolly cake lol

Practice on a flipped over cake pan until you get fluid and comfortable with the motion of the scroll and then just hold your breath and have at it!! You may surprise yourself!!

Thank you so much for sharing. The bride isn't picky about the design; she just wants scroll work on the sides of the smaller tiers. I will definitely try to find a press, but if I can't, how do I use a template. I'm trying to picture out how you transfer the design from the paper to the cake? The only thing I can figure is using RI to trace onto wax paper and then peel and stick....is that what you all would do?

BTW KHalstead, your cake looks great! )

mine came in a box of about 8, and i found another on at a thrift shop yes, don't forget to use your coupons

You can make your own scroll patterns with the strip of metal that you use for cutting the waxed paper or aluminum foil that comes in the box. I have taken the metal strip off a used box, straightened it out with a pliers- to flatten the little nubs that hold it onto the chipboard of the box. Then using a needle nose pliers I have bent it into the shapes that I like. You can cut it off any length you need. Then just use the jagged side of the pattern to imprint your fondant. I have used it to mark buttercream cakes all the time.

What a great idea sewsweet2. I'll have to try that. Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all of your suggestions

KHalstead I love your cake too. The scrolls look very nice. Do you mind telling what size tip that you used to pipe with? Thanks Pam

leily-

I have a whole box full of them, I've collected. If you were closer I'd give you a few. I keep the foil patterns I've made in a plastic deli potato salad container so if I need it again, I've got it already made. It's great for making swag impressions to pipe over because you can always bend it slightly or elongate it slightly to fit between register marks you've made when you divid your cake into sections.

Excellent tip sewsweet2! Thanks for sharing

KHalstead, your cake is gorgeous!

Can't wait to try this method!

hi are you sure you want to use ri it will be really crunchy. i have the one's from wilton and found a set at a thrift store yea, i do henna and i't based on a lot of scroll work, go to site the henna page, you can click on a book for patterns in a pdf file and print out what you like, it will show a pattern but if you keep going it will show you how to enhance the pattern, and if you use wire or foil twisted for the base you can look at your picture to enhance the scroll work

sewsweet2 you are brilliant, that is one of the best ideas I have seen. Thank you.

You can also design your own impression mat by taking wax/parchment paper and drawing out your design and then using your glue gun to give it dimension and pressing that into your fondant. Good luck!