Just curious
I've been asked to do a wedding cake in november for a friend, and she wants diamantes/gems on the cake in a quilted effect... is there anywhere special you guys get gems from or do u just use the ones from the craft stores?
thanks heaps
-- Fi
You can buy molds to make gems here http://www.firstimpressionsmolds.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=12 or buy them made here http://www.thejewelsofdenial.com/catalog.php?category=1 though I have heard mixed reviews about them. It would be pretty easy to just make them with a mold. HTH's a little. 
I have the medium size mold from first impressions. You'll want the small mold. I got the mold in the mail about a week after I placed the order, which considering they make the mold upon you placing the order is very fast turnaround! The mold is very high quality. I haven't had time to play with it yet, but I'm very much looking forward to doing so.
Oh cool prterrell.. I didn't know they made the molds to order. Glad that you have a good report on them too. I am itching to order some molds.
the jewels of denial are really cool! (I'm saving that website!) Elegantlacemolds has a jewel mold. (not sure what sized you need) Also Cakes by Sam: http://www.cakesbysam.com/store/cart.php?target=product&product_id=22180&category_id=266
Everyone says to be sure to oil your molds before pouring the sugar.
Here's a hard candy recipe from Lorann Oils:
Microwave Hard Candy Before you begin, we recommend that you read our section on candymaking tips.
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ dram LorAnn flavoring (1/2 tsp.*) (as desired)
LorAnn liquid food coloring (as desired)
Powdered sugar (optional)
Sucker bags (optional)
Twist ties (optional)
*Please note that our Cinnamon, Clove and Peppermint flavors are particularly potent. You may wish to reduce the amount used for these flavors
Directions:
Have all ingredients and tools assembled and within easy reach of the microwave. Lightly spray cookie sheet* or the cavities of clean, dry candy molds with cooking spray (we recommend PAM). Insert sucker sticks. (If using two-piece plastic or aluminum molds, insert sticks after candy has been poured into molds.) If using molds, you may also want to spray a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray. If after pouring the candy into the molds you have excess candy, you can pour it onto the foil.
Thoroughly mix sugar and light corn syrup in a 4-cup microwave-safe glass measure. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for
3 minutes and 15 seconds.*
Remove from the microwave and carefully remove plastic wrap. Quickly stir the sugar mixture and then cover with a NEW sheet of plastic wrap. Microwave on high for
3 minutes and 15 seconds.*
Remove from microwave, carefully remove plastic wrap and stir with a clean spoon. After boiling has ceased, stir in coloring and then flavoring.
Pour syrup quickly, but carefully using a spoon to control flow, onto prepared cookie sheet and foil or into the waiting molds. As the sugar mixture begins to set up, you may want to score with a large knife to mark squares. Break into pieces when cool. Do not refrigerate.
Cool completely. Lightly dust with powdered sugar on both sides, brushing off excess. Break into small pieces. Store in airtight containers between waxed paper. If making lollipops, place into sucker bags and secure with twist ties.
*Another alternative is to pour the hot candy onto a heat-resistant surface covered in powdered sugar. When the candy is slightly cooled, it can be cut with well-oiled scissors into pillow-shaped pieces.
*Please Note: All microwaves are not created equal. This recipe is designed to work in a standard household microwave with a power rating between 600-700 watts. Mini-microwaves and/or commercial microwaves are not recommended.
Here is a great discussion on it. Even mentions how to use jolly ranchers to make them yourself=) Jen
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-269843.html
Please, no "save" posts per Jackie, and member requests:
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-2822433-.html#2822433
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-295773-.html
Thanks for your cooperation!
Looks like you could just crush up some Jolly Ranchers in a zip lock bag, put them on the stove, and melt, and pour into molds.
I have crushed them up before and made window pane cookies and it made a really nice stained glass effect, but that was just dropping the crushed pieces directly on to the cookie sheet inside my dough cut out.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%