Here are some links showing examples of Patchwork creations. Take a peek and see if this is the effect you need for your cake.
http://www.countrykitchensa.com/catalog/mini.aspx?T=1&SubCatId=1590
http://www.patchworkcutters.com/catalogue.asp
you can use them to emboss then paint the piece. You can cut different colors out and layer them for a more 3d effect. you can use pieces of different cutters together to make all kinds of designs.
The ideas are really limitless, if you have the time to play with them. I prefer to emboss and paint unless i'm doing a piece ahead then i sometimes layer the different colors
just wanted to add, if you look in my photos at the haunted house wedding cake, the ghosts, witch, bats and windows are done with these cutters. The ghost wedding couple is done free hand. But just about everything else on that cake is done with the patchwork cutters.
grama_j,
I have a few of these cutters and I think they're a little tricky when different colors are used for one decoration. I only use them now when I'm doing one color and not a 3D effect. I'll try to explain the 3D part as best as I can.
You have to roll the gumpaste(you can color it) over one area of the cutter and remove. You then roll the gumpaste(a different color) over the next area of the cutter again and remove. You stack the cut out pieces according to the color and design so they're raised, not flat. You must use Crisco each time when you roll the paste over the cutter or it will stick. The details can be very intricate and I found difficult to remove when the gumpaste got stuck. Hope I explained that the right way.
If you look in the top left hand corner of my picture, you will see a patchwork cutter design. The book is black(one layer, the diploma is white(second layer) and the cap is maroon(third layer). It took me many attempts to get it right. I'm sure they're easy to use once you get the hang of it but I tend to get a little impatient. These are popular in the UK, so maybe our friends from England can give us some hints about how to use these. The photos from the websites are beautiful and you can make some gorgeous creations. If only I had the patience!
Hope this answered your question.
Maryann
Thanks,
I have been looking at the links you left for me, and thanks for the description of how to use the cutters... I am in the Uk but don't know anyone else who uses these....
I have a few on order... I can't wait to try them... so many ideas.. so little time....
Anne
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