In my younger, single years, I enjoyed scrap-booking. But because it’s one of those hobbies that take precision, commitment, and time, I completed my last book on our family travels before I even met my husband. And while it’s been many years since I’ve sat down to tell a story through photos, I still remember some of the basic techniques.
Wilton, the industry leader in cake decorating and food crafting, originated an innovative way to decorate cakes. Punch. Cut. Decorate! is like paper crafting…for cakes! Last week, I had an opportunity to get hands-on with the innovative new products and the instruction of one of Wilton’s in-house decorators. While we weren’t told exactly what we were doing, this little basket they gave us should have given me a hint:
Punch. Cut. Decorate! is not meant to replace the traditional art of cake decorating. Rather, it was designed to offer another way to decorate cakes with ease and precision. Whether you’re just getting started or an expert in cake decorating, you will be able to create amazing cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more!
Wilton’s new line of punches are designed to be used with an innovative product called Sugar Sheets. These colorful, edible sheets can be punched and cut to create incredibly easy designs. My favorite part about working with the sheets is that I can create almost perfect looking borders. All of the cakes below were created using Sugar Sheets:
So how easy is it to use the punches with Wilton’s new Sugar Sheets?
Whether or not you have any cake decorating or paper crafting experience, you’ll find it very easy to work with the new product line. The sheets come in resealable foil packs to retain their moisture. The key point to remember when working with Sugar Sheets is to prevent them from drying out. Before you remove the sheets from their packaging, plan out your design. After you have an idea of what you want your cake (or cookie) to look like, begin cutting your strips with a ruler and board and keep the rest of your sheets covered or in their packaging. You’ll want to cut your strips at least 1/2 inch larger than the design in the punches. Once you’ve punched out your design, you can attach it to your cake with a small amount of water or piping gel.
What about dimensional designs?
Because the sheets are bendable and pliable, you can create flowers,”fan”designs, and give objects dimension by placing them in a folded piece of paper or holder to dry. Here is a visual demonstration of creating a flower which simply involves rolling and pinching the sheets into a flower design:
You’ll want to create your dimensional designs first before applying them to your cake (or cupcake, cookie, etc.) Here is an example of some cupcakes created using dimensional designs:
What do the Sugar Sheets taste like?
Surprisingly, they’re tasty although not terribly sweet like I expected. I actually prefer their taste over the taste of fondant.
What else can the punches be used for?
One of my favorite aspects of working with the punches was using them with fondant (you can also use them with gum paste). The six of us collaborated together to decorate a 5-tiered cake and I think the end result was amazing.
Can I use my own punches with Wilton’s new Sugar Sheets?
Unfortunately, traditional paper crafting punches are not food safe and it will be difficult to clean them and ensure that the creations you make will be edible.
Since the concept and products are new, I’ll have much more to share with you about Punch. Cut. Decorate! Here is the cake I made using Wilton’s new Sugar Sheets:
Wilton’s new Sugar Sheets and product line for use with them will be available in May. Wilton will sell single sheets for $4 in 21 different styles, patterns, colors, fonts, and numbers along with 25 tools (cutters, punches, etc.). For more information, check back in May!
No compensation was received for this post. As a Wilton ambassador I receive products, information, and instruction at their headquarters.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Talk about making your life easier!! 🙂 Whoever thought these up is genius!
Wow now that looks like fun! I am going to have to check these out. Thanks for sharing. I hadn’t seen these yet.
I have had problems using these on cupcakes when they were applied directly to the icing. The colors ran and bled into the icing and made them look horrible! Am I doing something wrong?