I need to make a handle for a baby carriage. I wanted to use wire for strength and cover it in gumpaste. Is there a way to do this neatly? In the past when I have tried to cover something with gumpaste it has been difficult to get an even, smooth finish without lumps or areas of unevenness. Is there an easier way?
Thanks!
As another thread pointed out, wire (unless it's some sort of surgical steel that's specifically made for food-contact or medical use) in direct contact with food is most definitely not "good eats."
And since a wire handle encased in gum paste (or anything else, for that matter) wouldn't be edible anyway, why not go with some sort of plastic handle that's approved for food-contact use? Unless you're doing this for some sort of competition in which everything visible has to be edible . . . .
Use the cloth covered florists wire because the gumpaste will stick to it better. Add in tooth picks that stick out at both ends to stick the handle into the cake. The wire will be completely covered as far as the cake's edibility is concerned.
But use the right gumpaste--use the Lodge recipe or something comparable that has tylose or gum tragacanth or karaya added in measurable quantities. NOT Wilton mix-at-home. NOT MMF. NOT fondant unless you added more tylose.
I shove the end of the wire into the end of my clay gun. The gun is fitted with a round die the size of the handle I need. Have someone hold the wire and perhaps push it towards the gun a bit as you crank the handle.
This gets the wire covered. From there, roll it between two dowel rods the size of your handle to smooth it out more.
Thank you all for your suggestions.
hbquikcomjamesl, I am aware that wire isn't "good eats," and I never use it in my cakes. I am making the carriage as a topper (which will be on a board of its own). The handle is bent so I need to use a medium which can be bent.
Thanks again everyone.
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