Using the CelShapes (Lattice) mould :

Use a 50/50 mixture (50% of each) of Sugarpaste (Rolled Fondant) and Flowerpaste (Gumpaste), though you may need to adjust the proportions depending upon the pastes being used. Experiment to find what works best for you. The mould should be clean and dry and placed onto a non-slip mat. It should not be necessary to put cornflour (cornstarch) or trex (vegetable fat) into the mould. If the paste seems a little sticky, then lightly dust the paste with a little cornflour before placing in the mould - it is better to dust the paste rather than the mould.

STEP 1 : Roll the paste into a long sausage and lay over the mould and then press into the desired shape on the Lattice mould (see below, left).

STEP 2 : Using a fine palette knife, trim away excess paste, a small section at a time. It is important to cut into the paste at a slight angle to the mould surface and then, using a SAWING action, cut away with the knife fairly flat to the mould. Hold the paste firmly in the mould with fingers and move them down the paste as the blade cuts through the paste (see above right and also picture for Step 6 below).

STEP 3 : When a section of excess paste has been removed, smooth with a finger to reduce jagged edges and give a cleaner moulding (see above left).

STEP 4 : Peel out the lattice - it is often easier and more effective to turn the mould arround and gently peel out towards you so that the paste does not stretch (see above right).

STEP 5 : For longer pieces, the moulded paste can be moved along and then replaced in the mould and for the continuation, more paste can then be pressed in to the mould (see above left).

Hint : To join two lengths of lattice together, place one piece from one end and another from the other. Press paste over where they would join and trim away excess paste. You will not be able to see where they were joined!

STEP 6 : Trim away the excess paste again with the palette knife and cut away any excess sausage of paste and then smooth with a finger (see above right).

STEP 7 : Carefully peel out the paste from the mould (see above, left).

STEP 8 : The moulded pieces can be varied before being used to decorate and two examples are shown here. Split in two and place back to back or cut away triangular wedges (above right and below).

See the Sugar Gallery for some cake designs where the lattice has been used.