The Modern Monogram
Liz Shim
Class Preview
0:49
- In-depth Instruction; over 155 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction
2:48
In this brief introduction, meet instructor Liz Shim, the owner and head designer of Eat Cake Be Merry. Liz previews the wide variety of modern designs you'll create in each lesson and discusses the specific materials you'll need to complete the class.
Plaques & Cut-Out Letters
28:33
Gain the fundamental skills you'll need to start designing a variety of modern toppers. Liz gives in-depth instructions on how to work with gum paste to create colorful plaques. Learn how to select the best cutters for your projects, and see Liz's techniques for rolling out gum paste, cutting out clean shapes, and inserting toothpicks into different-shaped toppers. In addition, discover how to create a chic monogram using a template and a craft knife. Liz also demonstrates the best methods for mounting toppers on buttercream- and fondant-covered cakes.
Modern Metallics
24:31
Advance your skills by creating stylish metallic toppers. Liz walks through the steps of embellishing a topper with highlighter dust for a lustrous effect, then she demonstrates the correct technique for applying color with edible spray paint. Next, Liz details how to create another striking modern design -- a color-block monogram topper accented with gold foil. Finally, you'll discover Liz's tips for adding a variety of interesting textures to gum paste using templates, stamps and household items.
Silhouettes
12:10
Learn how to create silhouettes for a unique way to customize any topper. Liz begins by illustrating how to select the perfect image for your design. Next, Liz explains how to turn an image into a template in a few easy steps. Watch her simple technique for cutting out the silhouette and mounting it to a topper. Liz also shares other creative ways to incorporate silhouettes into your designs.
Gum Paste Bunting
23:49
Add a festive flair to your fondant-covered cakes with colorful gum paste flag messages and creative anchors. Liz explains how to determine the size of the flags -- and how to lay out the design -- using a hand-drawn template. You'll see Liz's process of cutting out two-tone flags and letters, as well as her technique for placing letters on each flag. In addition, you'll learn the best method of mounting the completed design to the cake. Watch as Liz finishes the look with creative bow and balloon anchors.
Wafer-Paper Flags & Bunting
15:53
Create attractive and modern flag designs using edible wafer paper. Liz shares her simple technique for drawing, tracing and printing out messages onto delicate wafer-paper flags, then demonstrates how to secure the flags to wooden skewers. Learn how to design messages on free-hanging banners by attaching decorative flags to baker's twine as Liz explains the best way to position a banner on top of a cake.
Watercolors
33:00
Discover how to use innovative watercolor techniques to create three different monograms. Liz starts by demonstrating how to paint an elegant floral design -- freehand and with a template -- using petal dust and lemon extract. Next, see how Liz makes bold, abstract watercolor designs with a simple ombré technique. Plus, you'll learn how to master Liz's process for painting monogram negatives with stickers.
Chalkboard Effect
14:09
Round out your repertoire as you learn how to achieve a monogram with the popular chalkboard effect. Liz shares her tips for making black gum paste, then details how to transfer a design from template to topper. Get in-depth instruction on how to paint designs with petal dust and food gel. In addition, Liz shows you how to freehand a monogram using a coating chocolate wafer. Add a splash of color to your topper as you paint in vibrant borders and accents.
Learn seven inspired cake topper techniques with countless variations alongside cake designer Liz Shim. Start by creating plaques with striking contrast or eye-catching cut-out letters. Achieve a brilliant look by making textured toppers that shine with metallics or a color-block look. Transform images into custom silhouettes for breathtaking toppers. Create darling gum paste bunting for messages with festive flair. Stake an inspired, individualized claim with fun flags or one-of-a-kind banners. Apply vibrant watercolor techniques for monograms with floral, ombré and negative space accents. Plus, discover how to make monogram toppers with a totally hip chalkboard treatment. Add modern magic to your cakes with supremely stylish custom messages.
Liz Shim
Liz Shim discovered her love of edible art as a teenager and went on to graduate from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu program at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Today, Liz is the owner and head designer of Eat Cake Be Merry, a cake studio serving the New York City area. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Brides, The Knot, People and Martha Stewart Weddings. Liz's cakes also have been named America's Most Beautiful Cakes by Brides magazine on multiple occasions, and she's been named one of Martha Stewart Weddings' Top Pastry Pros in America.
Bonus materials available after purchase