I finally got around to using one of my wilton fondant and gumpast molds, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well they worked. I used MMF with some tylose/CMC to make approximately a 50/50 mix, and instead of dusting with cornstarch I lightly greased with cornstarch, and I also popped them in the freezer for 5mins to minimize distortion.

Anyway, the buttons turned out great (I thought!), and the borders I tried were cute too (I only used one on the cake, but I tried a couple to see how they came out). However, I was not happy with my joins between the pieces of border, they are REALLY obvious. I considered covering them with a small button, but decided that would make the design too busy.

So, does anyone have any advice/tips on how to make the joins less noticable? I did wonder about over-laying the ends of the pieces I need to join, and then cutting through both layers with an exacto knife, then removing the cut off ends of each piece so that they meet better... Of course I thought of that too late! Are there any better ideas? I like the molds, but they are pretty short so there are lots of joins, even on a small cake...

Here is the cake... http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2392184/raspberry-pink-button-baby-shower-cake

Thanks!

You can't really make them go away completely, but I find that by cutting them cleanly with a sharp knife on at least a 45 degree angle really helps minimize their visibility.

HTH
Rae

Ooh, great tip! I have done that before for joining rope borders, didn't even think of it for this kind - although for a thinner border cutting at an angle will be trickier, I would think. I will definitely try it though. Thanks SO much for replying, I really didn't like how mine had turned out.

I just noticed you're not so far from me, I'm down in Medina, just getting started as a (very small) business. I have a quick question for you, if you don't mind. I also make cookies, and have been trying to do some market research about who else in the area does decorated (RI) cookies, so I can get an idea of how to price. I haven't found many (if at all), except a few at our local farmers market. Are there any cookie people that you know of in the greater cleveland area, especially to the south? I'm expecting to stay very local, as I am not looking to get big, but just want to know what's out there.

Thanks again,

AnnieBee

Hi, Annie.
I really don't know of anyone who does RI cookies specifically, or with any regularity.

2 decorators that I'm friends with--one in Avon & one in Brunswick--each charge $1.00 per linear inch for basic designs. I believe that includes simple bagging. Very complicated cookies are higher.

I charge the same, but I generally work with fondant or modeling chocolate, rather than royal.

HTH
Rae

Thank you Annie for posting this question. I was wondering what to do this week when I use a Wilton mold for a border effect as well! And thank you Rae for posting this great suggestion. I will try it as well

Rae

Thanks so much for your input on the cookies, Blakescakes. I had read of that type of pricing structure before too, but wanted to check as obviously things can vary greatly regionally. Of course now I have to see if people will pay that much... I noticed today at the Starbucks counter in my Target that their pastries/muffins/slices of pumpkin bread go for $2.25. Unfortunately I am guessing that there is a difference in what people will pay (or at least want to pay) for a one-at-a-time snack vs when ordering 2 dozen decorated cookies at $3 each... But who knows - I suppose the trick is to somehow market to the people with more disposable income

AnnieBee

Whenever I have come across the problem of mold joins I have added a decorative element at that junction so that it is not visible and looks like part of the original design. HTH