Friday, January 18, 2013

Using Isomalt for Stained Glass Effects

Making a stained glass effect with isomalt is pretty simple...First, start with gumpaste that you roll out to about 1/8" thick.

Cut some strips in about  1/8" widths. Make them thinner if you want a pattern with smaller details.

Either use a pattern or just wing it...Shape the strips into shapes that are self-enclosed. For example, you can't use an S curve, you need to have it closed at some point on the shape so that you can pour the melted isomalt into it. I'm just winging it with this pattern for demonstration's sake. You can be as loose or precise as you want to. This one is totally freeform!)

Make your little design on a silicone sheet that you can pour the sugar on. The shapes don't have to be connected, but they need to touch when they're all put together. They also need to lie flush with the mat so that the isomalt won't leak under them when you pour it.

Melt one color of isomalt by putting it into the microwave for a minute, or until it's pourable liquid.

Pour that color where you want it on the design.

Melt your other colors and pour them into the framework.

When you pour the last color (in this case it's clear) pour it on the joins where the pieces touch each other to make sure that the gumpaste sections will be attached to each other. When you pick the piece up after it cools it should all be connected.

The piece will look nicest when it's up against a light source, but you'll be able to see the colors if it's up against something white, too. You can put it on the side of a cake against white icing and it will be visible.

You can also use this technique with royal icing that's well-dried as the framework, but the gumpaste will be fastest because you don't have to wait for it to dry. Using a pattern as a template and forming the framework over that will give you a design to work from if you don't want to do it freehand.



Jamie said...

I love this! So many possibilities too.

Kara Buntin said...

Yeah, it looks cool...And you can do some really complicated patterns if you make the framework with royal icing and let it dry well before pouring the sugar in. The gumpaste framework is faster but if you pipe out designs you can get much smaller cavities to fill.

Loving Traditions Cakery LLC said...

Hi Kara:
I love your blogs and your talent.
Thanks for all the things you say and share.
Some days I am soooooo busy but when I see an email from you I stop and read. : )
Have a great day.