I am self taught with all baking and crafting that I do. Have made several cakes for family and friends. My daughter in laws birthday is Monday, and my grand daughter wants me to make her mom a cake with a shoe, purse and lots of jewels (specifically diamonds) on the cake. the purse and shoe are not a problem, but have never worked with sugar. Can anyone please help me by leading me in the easiest way to make the jewels. I have read about the isomalt, but no where here in my town sells it and no time to order. So if you don't mind helping a newbie with this, it would be very much appreciated.

Do you have moulds? If not, you really need to get them. You can make a simple hard candy recipe all over the internet) for making lollipops etc... But you also need a candy thermometer. You should color and flavour them too.They don't come out nearly as clear and nice as isomalt. It's hard to find isomalt, even in a big city. I mail-ordered a couple of bags so it's there when I need it - it lasts.

You can order edible gems online from several places. However, it sounds like time is an issue for you. One quick solution is to go to Michaels's crafts (or anywhere that sells Wilton) and buy some sugar gems sprinkles. I found them in red and pink. They can pass for gems too. I haven't found any other ready made gems, except online (Golda's kitchen, Global sugar art etc) Good luck!

there is a thread on here for gummy gems and jewels that might be helpful...it was about a week ago, looked really promising.