All I Want For Christmas is A Fondant Crimper

In the spirit of the season, I present a list of pastry tools I would love to add to my collection.  You may think my talent only comes from my wee little midget hands, but having the right tools in one's arsenal can increase efficiency and help create looks midget hands alone just can't achieve.  

For example, this Fondant Crimper Tool Set:

These funny looking do-dads are used to create pretty scalloped edges on cakes like this one here.  So cool, right?!

Cake by The Caketress

Cake by The Caketress

This Number Cutter Set would be handy for poignant birthday cakes.  I have a set of letter cutters I snagged at a garage sale for one dollar and I can't imagine life without them!

Bling is here to stay, folks.  Cake bling is no exception.  This Gem Stone Mold Set would be great for bedazzling wedding cakes or shaping booty for a pirate themed birthday.  The gems are made using Isomalt, a more stable form of sugar used for showpieces, pulled sugar, etc., and can be tinted any color.

I have some sculpting tools, but this complete set would  be handy for adding details to sculpted people, flowers, and creating textures on fondant.

Looking ahead to the future, when I have my own business and money grows on trees, I'm eager to being a collection of cake stands.  Right now isn't the best time (small apartment, no storage, often moving, clumsy cats), but I can dream {and I do it quite well}.

Via Fancy Flours

Via Fancy Flours

Via Classic Hostess

Source unknown

Source unknown, found on The Sweetest Occasion blog 

Source unknown

I could go on and on with those!  

With the business of the season, I hope everyone is finding quiet moments to remember the true meaning of Christmas and you are able to enjoy it with the ones you hold near and dear to your heart.  Cats included.

Love,

Rachel

Hip Update

Thank you Mr. Scott, you know me far too well.

Hi all,
I have a status update on my hip condition (out of the loop?  Read this).  After reviewing the MRI, Dr. Li is advising me to NOT go through with reconstructive surgery.  In his expert opinion, the bone would require extensive work, not only shaving but also grafting of bone harvested from a cadaver.  Even with the procedure, a total hip replacement would be imminent.  For this reason, he is suggesting I wait a few more years until I'm wearing bone-on-bone in the socket and my work is inhibited, and then getting the replacement.  It makes sense to me, because I think metaphorically:  You can put thousands of dollars into fixing up your old car, which will have to be replaced in the end, or you can wait until it dies to get a brand spanking new one.  Sooooo...somewhat back to Square One.  It's a pain {literally} that I have to wait for things to get worse, but I will tough it out.  For now, no heavy lifting, no marathons, no weight gain, moderate exercise, sitting when possible, and ibuprofen for pain. 

Thank you again for your support.  Now that my January schedule is open, I'm looking at some new possibilities...:)

Love,
Rachel