With hundreds of techniques and over 1,000 photos, this is "an all-inclusive look at how to make a stunning cake from start to finish . . . exceptional" (Library Journal). This clearly organized resource is like having a cake decorating workshop in a book. Discover useful tips for embellishing with buttercream, royal icing, fondant, gum paste, and more. The easy-to-follow instructions and 1,000+ photos include techniques for piping, string work, creating and shaping a variety of flowers, molding chocolate, and adding patterns with stencils. Cake pro Autumn Carpenter shows how to create striking florals, borders, and accents with silicone molds, hand modeling, pastry tips, cookie cutters, and more. You can also take your skills up a notch and wrap a cake in chocolate, make decorations with isomalt, and use gum paste for quilling. Try new techniques with confidence, and get inspired by a gallery of colorful ideas for holiday cakes, birthday cakes, children's cakes, wedding cakes, and special occasion cakes. This detailed book includes: ·Cake preparation and baking basics ·Recipes for fillings and icings ·Ideas and instruction for decorating cupcakes ·Piping techniques for making lifelike and fantasy flowers, eye-catching borders, distinctive lettering, and more ·Instructions for creating appealing accents like beading, ropes, and lace using fondant and gum paste ·Key decorating tools and how to use them ·Techniques for incorporating airbrushing, edible frosting sheets, and chocolate molding for one-of-a-kind designs, and more