Hi there,
I am just still working out some kinks with my cakes. I have a pirate cake I need to make for a 17th birthday party. Not sure yet on the cake flavour, probably a madiera vanilla, with chocolate buttercream frosting. It will be a sculpted cake, but not overly large. My birthday girl requested no fondant, which I think is going to make this harder than it has to be. Would you ice with two shades of brown and then using a knife add a wood pattern? Or would you make strips out of modelling chocolate and add them individually? My other option would be royal icing, but would it dry to quickly to pattern them? Any other ideas out there? I am so willing to listen. If you have links to what you think I am looking for, that would be great too. Thanks so much.

mj

I only use fondant for accents as most of my folks just want buttercream. So, when I need woodgrain, I smooth my buttercream and then place a Viva towel where I want the wood. I then use the back of a knife (not the sharp blade) and lightly press it into the wood. It works well for me. If you look at my pics (I'm just a hobbiest so I know I have a long way to go), you will see the technique on the tiki totem pole and on the chalkboard teacher appreciation cake.

Good luck!

If I was using butter cream I would use a tip 47 or 48 flat side and make planks. Then take a knife and add the wood grain.

thanks so much, I will try the paper towel, and also the tips. I will see what works best for what I am envisioning. Thanks so much for the help and etr2002, your cakes are beautiful.

Thank you for complimenting my cakes. Good luck with the woodgrain!

Erica