Gingerkitten,that stickybowl looks great !!! It's on my list !!

I use empty babyfood jars to mix my powder colours in , stick lid on when you're done !!

OK I know you're gonna laugh...but I retrofitted a basic bench scraper by cutting out a chunk of the plastic handle, and I embedded a small level so I know when I smooth the sides they're straight up and down.

DelightsByE, that is an awesome idea! I am truly impressed!

I use :
- eggs cartons
- polymer clay tools
- plastic cups.
- cones.

I've started using the turntable wheelie thing from my microwave to ice my cakes because I dont have a proper cake turn table one.. yet!

Wow!! Gretat tips. I guess mine would be when doing FBCT (frozen buttercream transfer) I bought
a clear piece of plexiglass and tape the wax paper on it so that way you can look at the transfer before you freeze it to see how its going to look.
Note :I put the plexiglass right in the freezer

thanks gingerkitten, that would be great. I am really getting stuck into this cake decorating and all these things help!

My homemade flower nail . A wooden dowel ran thru a pencil sharpener
and a wooden toy wheel from Wal-mart craft section. Works great and keeps roses from sliding off when tilt the nail. I stick a piece was paper
on the nail for each rose.

You all are the best insperation.... I went out today to Michaels and spent alot of time on the clay Isle. They have tons of fun stuff there.. I bought the Makin's Professional Clay Machine www.makinsclay.com with 40% off coupon of course. They have many cutters and molds with the clay also.... Also took a look at the rubber stamps and found some insperation over there too.

Good old smooth plastic place mats make great surfaces for rolling out gumpaste and fondant for small things like flowers.

Love this thread....

I use my potato ricer for hair and pasta. Its a bit thicker than a garlic press and works like a champ. Not sure if someone else previously mentioned this? I have a headache from reading all the great posts!

Elle McG

I haven't read the whole string so I apologize if someone already said this - I cut the "no slip" stuff that you put under rugs and put that between the cake board and whatever plate (0r whatever) it's on to keep it from scooting around.

Use the palm of my hand as orchid veiner.

so far (very new)

-plastic putty knife for smoothing

-cake board on top of a crisco can for a decorating cake stand

-paint guide for smoothing the top of cakes

i took my husband's brand new tackle box to store tips and colors in. all those compartments just waiting to be filled with more of stuff

This is the best thread ever!! The only thing I use that I haven't seen listed is an exacto knife. I love it for cutting out detailed pieces of fondant as well as curving lines. About half the things I used to use for scrapbooking have been converted into decorating supplies!

Make-up brushes (unused, of course. With a face like mine....)
Great for dusting with chalk or lustres - and there is a size for every job!

i love the bubble wrap and tuna can use.
i use the cans that spaghetti sauce and tomatoes come in whenever i need an unusual size cake.
-a toothpick for making impressions in daisies.
-spackle knife for icing cakes.
-cardboard box covered with a sheet, a display when taking pictures of cakes.
-$5.00 toolbox for keeping supplies in.

save

There are some very creative people out here! I've used everything from Pringles cans to electrical wiring conduit! Necessity IS the mother of invention!!

I use a pie server to get wide smooth edges. Also the jagged edge is great for zig zag edges.

When I buy my kids play dooh I buy 2 that way I can use em for cakes! They have got great animal cut-outs and little sticks with animal prints that I am dying to use!

You all are so clever and inspirational!

I use the mini ice trays that come in a compact refridgerator for mixing luster dusts, powdered colors and either vodka or lemon extract.