Fun and Original Character Cakes. Maisie Parrish

Measuring cups (12) For measuring out powders and liquids quickly and cleanly.

      * Flower stamens (13) For creating whiskers or antennae on sugarpaste animals and insects.

      * Non-stick flexi mat For placing over modelled parts to prevent them from drying out – polythene bags can be used instead.

      * Cake boards (14) For placing cakes on prior to covering with sugarpaste for a professional-looking result.

       Specific Modelling Tools

      A whole book could be filled talking about these, as there are so many different varieties available. However, I use the white plastic set that has a number on each tool. I refer to the number on the tool throughout the book. They are inexpensive, light and easy to work with, and are available to buy from my website (see Suppliers, page 126).

       Securing and Supporting Your Models

      Sugarpaste models need to be held together in several ways. Small parts can be attached with edible glue (see page 23), but larger parts, such as heads and arms, will require additional support.

      Throughout the book I use pieces of dry spaghetti for this purpose. The spaghetti is inserted into the models – into the hip, shoulder or body, for example – leaving approximately 2cm (¾in) on to which you can attach another piece – the leg, arm or head. The pieces will still require some edible glue to bond them, but will have more support and will stay rigid. When inserting spaghetti to support heads, make sure that it is pushed into the body in a very vertical position otherwise the head will tilt backwards and become vulnerable. Spaghetti can also be used for weaving around to make baskets, such as in the Easter Bunnies cake on page 34.

      I recommend using dry spaghetti because it is food and is much safer than using cocktail sticks or toothpicks, which could cause harm, particularly to children. However, I would always advise that the spaghetti is removed before eating the cake and decorations. If you would prefer to use pastillage sugar sticks instead, you can find the recipe for these on page 22 – but these should also to be removed prior to eating.

      Sugarpaste models sometimes need to be supported with foam or cardboard while they are drying to prevent parts from flopping over or drooping down. Advice on where this may be necessary is given in the project instructions.

       Basic Shapes

      There are four basic shapes required for modelling. Every character in this book begins with a ball; this shape must be rolled first, regardless of whatever shape you are trying to make.

       Ball

      The first step is always to roll a ball. We do this to ensure that we have a perfectly smooth surface, with no cracks or creases.

      For example: If you pull out the ball at the front, you can shape it into an animal’s face.

       Sausage

      From this shape we can make arms and legs. It is simple to make by applying even pressure to the ball and continuing to roll, keeping it uniform thickness along its length.

      For example: The sausage shape when turned up at the end will form a foot, or can be marked to make a paw.

       Cone

      This shape is the basis for all bodies. It is made by rolling and narrowing the ball at one end, leaving it fatter at the other.

      For example: The cone can be pulled out at the widest part to form the body of a bird.

       Oval

      This is the least used of the basic shapes, but is used to make cheeks, ears and other small parts. It is made in the same way as the sausage, by applying even pressure to the ball, but not taking it as far.

      For example: Smaller oval shapes can be used for ears.

       Creating Animal Characters

      Using the basic shapes as a starting point, you can create a vast selection of different animals full of personality and charm. Each project gives detailed instructions for creating the featured characters, but here is a sample of some additional animals with advice on how to model them. Use these examples to practise and hone your modelling skills before you launch into the cake projects.

       Mouse

      Mice are well known for causing trouble and can be great characters to have on a cake. They come in many sizes and shapes, but all have shared characteristics. The shorter the nose the cuter the mouse will look; if it gets too long it will start to look more like a rat. Three basic shapes are needed: ball, cone and oval.

       Monkey

      This cheeky money is almost the same as the mouse, but we make him with balls of different sizes. His tuft of hair at the top makes him look really cute. He can be made using eight balls and sausage shapes for the eyebrows.

       Lion

      The lion is, of course, the King of the jungle, but my lion has such a sweet innocent look, he couldn’t harm anyone. He is made from six balls, plus one large and one small cone shape.

       Rabbit

      This happy-go-lucky countryside resident is always ready for his next meal. He is full of character with his cross-eyed look and long ears. His eyes are close together and he has a distinctive goofy smile. He is made using eight cone shapes, five balls and four ovals.