Almond Art

NEW: Metallic Liquid Colours

2011-11-07T12:51:00.000Z

25ml Bottle

Strong, vibrent metallic liquid colour suitable for mixing and painting that is ready to use straight out of the bottle.
Once finished, screw on the cap and wash your brush using clean water. No solvents required.

Radiant Metallic Paint
Ready To Use
Easy-to-clean your equipment after use
Once dry the lustre pigment is sealed within the surface - no dust or smudges!
Apply with a brush for fine detail work
Apply with an EasyCover sponge for large area coverage (may require 2 coats)
Use with an airbrush for a smooth finish (No need to thin)

100% Edible, Kosher, Halal, GM Free, Nut Free, Gluten Free, Suitable for Vegetarians

Making A Model Monkey

2011-05-16T12:00:00.005+01:00

All sizes referenced in this tutorial are from this modelling size guide

What you'll need:

For the Monkey's body you will need a ball of brown sugarpaste (size 15) on the size guide and a smaller ball of pink sugarpaste (size 12) for the tummy. Form both into teardrop shapes, push your thumb into the body to make a dent big enough to take the tummy. Now with a moist brush dampen the dent and place the pink teardrop inside, both teardrop points should be going in the same direction. Press the tummy into the body maintaining the teardrop shape, you should finish with one large two toned body approximately 2"/5cm high as shown in the image below.

For the legs and arms you need two balls of brown sugarpaste (size 12), these are rolled into a sausage shape about 5"/12.5cm long. The legs are then curled around the body and fixed with water. Then flatten them at the front and mark toes on with a veining tool. The arms should wrap around the top of the body but do not secure them in place just yet, cut fingers into the flattened ends with a craft knife.

The tail is made from a ball of brown sugarpaste (size 9) and roll it into a sausage shape about 5"/12.5cm long, then secure into place under and at the back of the legs. Curl it forward and cut a fringe at the end. The head is made from a ball of brown sugarpaste (size 11) and the face a ball in pink (size 7). These are both shaped like a pear and the face is stuck onto the head in much the same way as the body was achieved.

Next we need to make two ears from two balls of brown sugarpaste (size 6), stick these into place and shape with a ball tool. The nose is another ball of brown sugarpaste ball (size 4), place this in the centre of the face and make two nostrils with a bulbulous cone tool. The mouth is another but smaller ball of brown sugarpaste (size 3), stick this into place under the nose and make a single larger impression to create an opened mouth with the bulbulous cone. Mark on a tummy button with the same tool.

Attach the head to the top of the body, wrap and stick the arms around the base of the head to hold it in place. The eyes are placed in two sockets made using the bulbulous cone tool and are 2 small balls of white sugarpaste followed by two smaller balls of black for the pupils. Always put the black pupils off centre, it gives your creation more character and stops it from staring at you!

Tips & Ideas:

Change the colour pink to light brown for a less feminine monkey.
When modelling always start with a smooth round ball, free of cracks and marks.
Try using chocolate sugarpaste instead of brown sugarpaste for a tastier monkey.

Easy Rolled Rose

2011-02-07T13:45:00.000Z

Making roses can be a daunting task for someone not accustom to the art of flower making. So in time for valentines we've made a step by step guide to making quick and simple rolled roses.

Step 1:

Take a ball of red sugarpaste about the size of a malteaser, then roll it into a sausage about 5-8cm (2-3") long.

Step 2:
Flatten the sugarpaste using a rolling pin or your fingers. We found using your fingers resulted in a bumper piece of paste that when turned into a rose gave a better, more natural look.

OPTIONAL: Pinch or roll one of the sides of the paste much thinner than the other, this will give the petals a thinner more realistic look.

Step 3:

Roll the paste up as shown below. We found rolling the paste at about a 20 degree angle produced the best results.

Step 4:

Very carefully cut the excess paste off the rose making sure you don't crush it in the process.

Step 5:

Using a small ball of green paste, about the size of a pea, flatten into a circle approximately 2-3mm thick. Using scissors or a sharp knife cut the disc as shown below. Then fold in the widest points to create a simple rose leaf.

Step 6:
Leave to dry and then attach to your cake, cupcake, cookie or any other treat with either edible glue or some royal icing.

Try different amounts of paste, different thicknesses, different lengths and different rolling techniques to achieve an array of rose styles.

NEW: Sparkling Sugar Crystals

2011-01-13T16:27:00.001Z

NEW: Sparkling Sugar Crystals

50g tub of individual sugar crystals with a semi-translucent, pearlescent or metallic finish just like a real crystals and gems! Excellent for sprinkling on cupcakes, desserts or for use in sugarcraft however you may see suitable.

click here to see the full range

Snowman Cupcakes

2010-11-17T14:00:00.003Z

These wintry snowman cupcakes are great for a festive celebration. They're easy and fun to make, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to get the kids involved in a little baking this Christmas.

You'll need:
Cupcakes
Butter Icing or Frosting
Palette Knife
White Sugarpaste
Black Paste Colour
Orange Paste Colour
Red Paste Colour
Large Circle Cutter (50-60mm diameter)
Edible Glue
Brush
Marzipan Knife

All of the above equipment can be brought from our cake decorating and sugarcraft online store.

Mix up some frosting or butter icing (we're using our own American Style Chocolate Frosting.) If you're making your own butter icing why not try our butter icing recipe.

Spread a thin layer of the frosting or butter icing over your cupcake with a flat blade palette knife.

Next we need to cover the cupcake in white sugarpaste for the snow of the snowman. They'll be quite a lot of sugarpaste on the cupcake so we're using Almond Art Sugarpaste which has a slightly vanilla flavour. Use a circle cutter and cut out a circle of sugarpaste approximately ½cm thick and roughly the size of your cupcake (this is generally around 50-60mm in diameter. We're using the largest circle cutter from the FMM Geometrical Cutter Set)

Place the disc of sugarpaste on top of your frosting/butter-ice and press the edges down to completely cover your cupcake. If you're using chocolate or a bright coloured frosting be careful not to get any on your cupcake top as it will easily mark.

Colour some white sugarpaste with liquorice paste colour and roll it into a ball (about the size of a cherry.) Divide the ball into 2 pieces, one slightly larger than the other. Mould the larger piece into an oblong, roughly the width of a stamp. With the other piece roll it in to a sausage half the width and slightly longer than the other. Press the two pieces together and arch slightly to create your snowman hat.

Every snowman needs a carrot nose, take a small ball of sugarpaste coloured with tangerine paste colour (slightly larger than a pea.) Roll it in your hands until it is smooth and crack free. Using your finger roll the ball off centre, the ball will change into a teardrop, continue to roll until your left with a cone as shown above.

Mix up some red sugarpaste using christmas red paste colour for your snowman's scarf, roll thinly and cut a strip approximately ½cm wide and slightly shorter than the width of your cupcake. Now cut a second strip the same width but only about half the width of the other. Place the shorter piece at 90 degrees to the other as shown above. Add detailing to the scarf if you want.

Next your snowman needs some eyes and a mouth. Roll some small balls of black sugarpaste, you'll need 7 balls in graduated sizes. Alternatively you could pipe the eyes and mouth on using black icing.

Next you need to assemble your snowman cupcake. Using some edible glue stick the scarf onto your cupcake. Then line the hat up and glue in the position shown above (the hat should hang over the edge slightly.) Next glue the eyes, mouth and then nose onto your snowman.

If you're making lots of snowman cupcakes you could try making each one unique. Changing the number of balls used to make the mouth will alter the snowman's expression. e.g. only using 1 larger ball for the snowman's mouth will make him look like he's shocked or surprised. You could even try altering scarf colours, hat designs or even adding a sprig of holly. In fact why stop at snowmen? You could make a whole host of Christmas characters using the same ideas.

Time saving tip: You could use pre-coloured regalice instead of colouring white sugarpaste yourself.

Easy Butter Icing Recipe

2010-11-16T14:00:00.005Z

A popular and well known icing that is quickly made, using half the weight of butter to icing sugar. The flavour and colour may be altered by adding different flavourings and colours.

2 tsp milk
240g icing (confectioners) sugar, sifted
120g unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract

1) Place the butter in a bowl. Using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy.

2) Stir in the icing sugar, milk and vanilla extract until evenly mixed. Then beat the icing well until light and smooth.

Flavourings: Replace the milk and vanilla extract with orange, lemon or lime juice and 2 tsp finely grated orange, lemon or lime zest. Alternatively you could add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder blended with 1 tbsp of boiling water.

Colourings: We recommend using a paste colour as it won't alter the consistency of the icing. Dust or liquid colours can be used but you may need to add more or less icing sugar to keep the same consistency.

To note: Strong or pure vanilla extract can alter the colour of your butter icing.

NEW: Chocolate Flavour American Style Frosting - 700g

2010-10-22T15:08:00.000+01:00

American style frosting, perfect for cupcake toppings. Can also be used for filling cakes.

Delicious, smooth, creamy frosting free from artificial flavours and colours.
Use straight from the pot, spread or piped and can also be whipped to create a lighter frosting.

More flavours coming soon.

12 Steps To The Perfect Cake Covering

2010-10-13T15:13:00.001+01:00

1. Find what works for you

You're unique, what you like others might not, from your taste in music, clothes, food to cars, holidays and much more. The same applies to sugarpaste, each brand is slightly different. It’s important you find a brand you like and can work with.

2. Temperature, temperature, temperature

Sugarpaste is basically glucose and icing sugar, therefore for better or worse it’s consistency is dictated by temperature. Sugarpaste that’s too hot will be sticky, leave marks and not hold its shape well. On the other hand sugarpaste that is too cold will be hard, difficult to work with and can crumble and tear. So it’s important you learn to manage the temperature of your sugarpaste.

Large quantities of sugarpaste are best stored out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Then the day before you want to use it store it at room temperature.

3. Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail!

If covering a cake is all about obtaining and maintaining the correct working temperature you need to make sure your paste isn’t going to sit there getting too hot or cold while you get your things ready. So make sure you have everything you need at your disposal and you have enough room to work in.

4. Measure twice, cut once

When you think you’re ready to cover your cake, stop. Look at your cake more closely. Are there any special points you need to take into account? Things like sharp corners or odd bumps in novelty cakes can ruin the finish if you go in all guns blazing. Plan what you're going to do, where you need to be careful and after you’ve read the rest of this guide how your going to do it.

5. What you knead to know

Kneading your sugarpaste is all about getting heat into it. Use the heel of your hands to compress and push the sugarpaste away from you, then fold it back over itself, turn the sugarpaste and repeat. After a few kneads, fold the sugarpaste in on itself to create a flat top. If the top is stress and crack free, its ready to roll.

6. Rolling out the sugarpaste

Rolling out sugarpaste is an art in itself. To start, dust the working area with a light covering of icing sugar. If your rolling out coloured icing you need to use as little as possible, especially with black, red and dark blue. Using a non-stick rolling pin and gently roll the sugarpaste. After a few rolls turn the sugarpaste round 90°, DO NOT turn it over. Continue to roll and turn the paste, check it can move freely from the table, if not, use some more icing sugar. Roll the paste to approximately 1cm/½inch thick. You should now be left with a rough circle of sugarpaste without any cracks or imperfections.

7. Avoiding air bubbles

Even the best decorators will get air bubbles in the paste from time to time. If you do, use a sharp knife or pin to burst the air bubble. Then use your finger to push out all the air from one end of the bubble to the other.

8. The big secret

I’ve been drumming into you that covering a cake is all about the temperature of the sugarpaste. Well I’m not about to stop now, although you got plenty of heat in the paste when you kneaded it most of this will now of dissipated and you’ll be left with constantly hardening paste. So the main secret for covering a cake is as follows. Using the palm of your hand, rub the surface of the sugarpaste. It should start to become shiny, do this until the whole surface is polished.

9. Covering the cake

You need to work quickly here to keep the heat in your sugarpaste. Fold the sugarpaste over your rolling pin and place on the cake polished side up (as you had it on the table). If the top of your cake is flat, use the rolling pin and gently roll the paste onto the top of the cake. This will remove any air bubbles.

10. Gently does it

Carefully hold the sugarpaste off of the edges of the cake. Then using your hand, in a cupped shape, gently push the paste against the cake in a controlled way, making sure you exclude any air. Once you’ve got it placed correctly cut off most of the excess (leave approximately 1cm.)

11. Repairing cracks

A sharp corner, drying paste, too much pressure. Cracks can appear in your sugarpaste for many different reasons. Even using all of the above techniques it still can happen from time to time. However there are ways of covering them up or even repairing them completely. Cracks are due to the paste being stretched too far. Most cracks can be repaired by simply rubbing around and moulding the sugarpaste together.

12. Smoother operator

You now need to smooth and polish the surface of the sugarpaste to perfection. Use a ‘smoother’ to achieve this finish, this will stop you leaving marks and finger prints in/on the paste. Once you’ve smoothed the cake, cut off the remaining excess paste, then using the straight edge of the smoother neaten up the cut.

NEW: Cupcake/Muffin Tulip Wraps

2010-10-07T14:17:00.001+01:00

Available in chocolate brown, white & caramel.
Make coffee shop style cupcakes and muffins using these great tulip cupcake/muffin cases.

NEW: Cupcake Cases!

2010-09-27T15:48:00.000+01:00

New paper cupcake cases are now available to order from our website.
We've got a selection of colours in both 36pk or larger bulk packs of 180.
Colours include: Black, Chocolate, Orange, Yellow, Red, Pink, Green, Blue & Purple.

Pack of 36 only: £0.99
Pack of 180 only: £3.99

Christmas Shop Now Online

2010-09-21T16:14:00.001+01:00

Our christmas shop is now online.

We've a whole range of festive decorations and supplies.

Add a special touch to your christmas cakes, cupcakes and other sugarcraft and baked goodies.

New christmas products include:

NEW - Claydough Santa in Chimney

NEW - Christmas Design Cupcake Cases

NEW - Christmas Tree Ribbon/Banding

Cupcake Sprinkles!

2010-08-26T13:44:00.001+01:00

Red Heart Cupcake Sprinkles
http://www.almondart.com/shop/info_4_3807_.html

Multi Coloured Sugar Stars
http://www.almondart.com/shop/info_4_STARQ.html

Multi Coloured Confetti Sugar Sprinkles
http://www.almondart.com/shop/info_4_3809_.html

Number Sparkler Candles

2010-08-03T11:26:00.000+01:00

Number sparkler candles 0-9 - Only 99p!

Add a sparkle to any cake with these superb number sparkler candles.

Numbers approximately 65mm - 70mm high with 110mm pick

INDOOR FIREWORK
Non-hand-held sparklers, spent sparklers remain very hot.
WARNING: This device is not a toy; it must not be used by any children under the age of 18.

Pink & White Spiral Cupcake Stands

2010-07-01T14:49:00.001+01:00

Pink & White Spiral Cupcake Stands/Tree

The perfect way to display: Cupcakes, Desserts, Petit Fours, Canapes, Fresh Fruit, Easter Eggs and many other sweet and savory foods.

Holds 19 cupcakes
Individual wire baskets
Elegant design
High quality
Versatile
No assembly required
Non toxic
Durable
Easy to wipe clean

460mm (18") x 330mm (13")

Only £19.99

Almond Art White Flower Paste

2010-06-25T14:54:00.000+01:00

New & Improved; Almond Art White Flower Paste

Ideal for all of your flower making projects
Available in 200g or 500g

200g - £4.00
500g - £7.95

Almond Art Ivory Sugarpaste

2010-06-02T12:07:00.000+01:00

Almond Art Ivory Sugarpaste

Following from the success of our own white sugarpaste, we decided to start stocking an equivenlent ivory version. Still with the same great taste, consistancy and almost the same great price.

Available in 2.5kg & 5kg.

2.5kg - £7.55

5kg - £14.75

2010-05-14T09:06:00.000+01:00

Piped Mini Rose Buds - 30pk

30 Hand made royal icing rose buds.
Each bud is approximately 15mm tall x 12mm wide.
Great for tops of cupcakes, plaques or celebration cakes.

Available in White, Pink, Lilac.

New claydough cake toppers.

2010-04-21T12:01:00.000+01:00

Man Relaxing
Reusable Claydough Model - Only £2.70

Lady Cake Maker
Reusable Claydough Model - Only £3.40

BRAND NEW, Almond Art Chocolate Sugarpaste

2010-04-15T16:57:00.000+01:00

A rich, tastey, easy to use, rollable chocolate sugarpaste.
It can be used as a cake covering or used for models and detailing.

Available in either 1kg, 2.5kg or 5kg packs.

1kg - {AACHOC1} - £4.50

2.5kg - {AACHOC25} - £11.00

5kg - {AACHOC5} - £18.75

Stylish Cupcake Design Aprons & Oven Mitts

2010-03-11T16:28:00.001Z

Unless you've been living under a cake decorating rock for the past year, cupcakes are the new craze. We'll be adding plenty of new cupcake and bakeware products over the next week, but to start off what better to bake cupcakes in, than a cupcake apron?

Cupcake design betty style apron.
840mm (33") high x 880mm (34¾") wide

Form fitting & flirtatious, these Betty style aprons are the perfect kitchenwear! Constructed in a lightweight 100% cotton fabric.

Only £14.99 - Click Here For More Information

Or what better to remove you freshly baked cupcakes from the oven than cupcake design oven mitts?

Cupcake design oven mitt.
330mm (12¾") high

Constructed in 100% cotton fabric outer.

Only £4.99 each - Click Here For More Information

Double Sided Food Pens

2010-03-03T11:50:00.000Z

We're now stocking a new and exciting range of double sided food pens.

These 2 sided, quick-drying food pens have a thick and thin nib, allowing you to work on whatever scale you require, from bold colour work right down to the intricate details of a model!

The pens let you write, draw and add detail including lipstick or eye lashes to a model or logos and sponsors to your favourite team shirts, the possibilities are endless.

They're suitable for vegetarians, Kosher, Halal and are GM free!!!

With 23 to choose from you're sure to find the colour you need.

Moist Carrot & Raisin Cake Recipe

2010-03-01T11:08:00.007Z

Carrot & Raisin Cake:

Makes 2 x 1lb loaves.

250g carrot; peeled & grated
110g raisins
170g light muscovado sugar; sifted
170g vegetable oil
3 large eggs; beaten
140g self-raising flour
1½ level teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 good grating of nutmeg
1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Optional Topping:

lemon juice
100g icing sugar

Want to make less? Simply half the ingredients for a single loaf.

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/ Gas 4).
Whisk together the sugar & oil, then whisk in the eggs.

Step 2:
Sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg & bicarbonate of soda.
Fold this into the mixture using a wooden spoon.

Step 3:
Stir in the carrots and raisins and combine thoroughly.

Step 4:
Tip equal quantities of the mixture into parchment lined 1lb loaf tins and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 30-40 mins, or until well risen and firm to the touch.

Step 5:
Place the tin on a wire rack to cool for 30mins, then carefully invert the cakes on the wire rack to cool completely.

Topping Suggestion:

To make the frosting, sift the icing sugar into a bowl add the lemon juice and beat until smooth.

Pour over the cooled cakes and allow to drizzle down the sides.

Product Reviews

2010-02-12T15:20:00.002Z

In our effort to keep you topped up with important information and details on every product we sell, our new website has the added feature of product reviews.

Simply navigate to any product on our online store. Click the "Product Information" button, from here you can see product details and larger images.

The box on the above is where you find all the information on each product, the box is also tabbed to save space. To access the reviews simply click the reviews tab.

The contents and possibly size of the information box will now change. The reviews tab will be highlighted and the last 5 reviews for this product can now be seen. If an item has more than five reviews and you want to read them all then simply click the link that says how many reviews there are in total (eg. "7 Reviews".) In this case this product has yet been reviewed by any of our customers.

If you have experience using the product why not let other users know what it was like, how easy it was to use, if it tasted nice or whether you know any tips that might help other people get the most out of it.
Writing a review is simple, firstly click the "Be the first!" or "Write a review" link (which ever is applicable.)

Then simply fill out the appropriate boxes. The summary is the header your review will have (eg. "Really nice but..." or "FABTASTIC",) the next box is the main content to your review (for more information on what to write and what not to write please visit http://www.almondart.com/shop/Product_Reviews.html.)
Next is the rating, this will be averaged with everyone else's ratings to give an overall product rating.

Then it's all about you, but we don't want to know everything! Your name and where you are is all the rest of the customers need to see (don't be too specific with your location, for example don't write "15/16 Faraday Close" write "Clacton-on-sea" or "Essex").

PLEASE NOTE: Your email address will not be displayed on the internet, in any promotional material or given to a third party.

When you've filled everything in click submit.
Now you might be thinking... "Where's my review gone?"

You'll notice that your review isn't yet shown on the website. Before any review is posted on our website it will be moderated to make sure it doesn't contain any offensive material, give away too much personal information or include spelling mistakes. Once we've checked it over and uploaded it to our website you and every other customer can view it.

So what are you waiting for... give it a go!

12" Cube Box

2009-10-08T09:42:00.011+01:00

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE!

SAVE £4.95
List Price: £4.95 each - Buy 2 for £9.89 GET 1 FREE
These easy to assemble boxes are designed to present and transport your American style stacked cakes.
Make up Instructions are included.12x12x12"

Other great offers also available @ almondart.com

Almondo Bear on Twitter!

2009-09-29T16:15:00.003+01:00

Born in the 20th but very much in the 21st century. Almondo Bear is on twitter, follow him for updates, new products, special offers, promotional codes, and much more.

Alternatively you can visit our website and look for yourself at www.almondart.com

Christmas Shop Now Open

2009-09-29T16:12:00.000+01:00

Christmas is just round the corner, be prepared with our great range of christmas stock:
Serviettes & Novelty Loo Roll
Cool Party Stuff
Cake Decorations
Edibles
Boards, Boxes & Trimmings
Books & DVDs
Cutters & Miscellaneous