Learning to make and decorate cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious can be a challenge, but with the expert guidance of renowned confectionery artist Autumn Carpenter in First Time Cake Decorating, your goal is within reach. Are you an absolute beginner when it comes to cake decorating? Then help is at hand. Like having your very own instructor at your side, this book guides you carefully from your first nervous buttercream icing to confident gum paste accents. After a thorough description of equipment and the baking process, learn: How to make and apply a range of icings and fillings Piping techniques, from basic balls and stars to leaves, borders, and flowers How to make fondant and gum paste accents using a pasta machine, a clay extruder, molds, and cookie cutters How to create gum paste flowers, bows, ruffles, animals, and people Additional techniques for adding flair with stencils, shimmer, and air brushing Each of the projects included in this book introduces you to new concepts and skills. Full-color photos, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips help you learn the fine points of cake decorating while designing and making beautiful cakes for any celebration. There’s a first time for everything. Enjoy the journey and achieve success with First Time Cake Decorating! Each book in the First Time series distills how-to guidance and advice from an expert on a specific topic into targeted step-by-step instruction geared toward the absolute beginner.