Impression Mat - What Am I Doing Wrong?
Decorating By christeena Updated 11 Sep 2006 , 3:21am by christeena
I bought a Diamond impression mat from Earlene's and tried to use it on a crusting buttercream cake. It was 10 " round and the mat was so stiff that I couldn't get a good impression. I can see how it would work okay for square cakes (which I rarely make) but it just wouldn't flex enough for me to use on a round cake. The other problem was trying to match up the pattern. I'm glad it didn't cost much 'cause I'm about ready to pitch it in the trash!! Is there a trick to using it on a round cake??
christeena--
Don't try to flex it at all. Put your cake on a turntable and press mat into cake on one end and run other hand on the mat as you lift up the starting end. Don't go all the way to the end of the mat or you will have a line every time. Stop just short of the end and reposition mat so that diamonds line up. At the last one--the diamonds probably won't line up so that will be the back of your cake.
Hope that helps--it takes a few tries but you will get the hang of it.
THANKS! I was trying to hold the entire thing around the cake! I get it now. I'll have to do a practice cake just to try your technique, Mac!! How sad is that!!
christeena--
Not sad at all...I did the same thing. I tried to curve it around the cake...a whopping mess. Had to refrost it 3 times before I finally figured out how to do it. Now it's my favorite technique. People will think you are so clever. "How did you get all of those lines so perfect?" They will ask. I don't lie...I tell them it takes practice... 
It will get easier with time, but I have now done quite a few with the impression mats. You could also try softening the plastic a little in hot water before you use it to make it bend around the cake easier.
Mine doesn't really flex either and I do like Mac. Kind of rock it. I also find it helps if you dust the mat w/ powdered sugar each time you do an impression, so that it doesn't stick.
Crap, I'm going to have to buy a new impression mat! I accidently put my mat in the dishwasher (it's an automatic reflex!)!! It is now horribly disfigured!! I won't order from sugarcraft 'cause their shipping charges are ridiculous. I'm sure Earlene's would like my order!!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
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