EARLENE'S PART
Cold porcelain is our subject for tonight.  I asked Nicholas Lodge to do two days of the recent week class in the cold porcelain.  Simply because I had seen a little of it and some of what I had seen was very bad and completely turned me off.  But I had seen a couple of things that were well done and thought we probably needed to know at least a little about it.
   Cold porcelain is a non-edible product that is basically handled like gumpaste in making figures or flowers.  The main difference is that large figures need to have armatures inside of the cold porcelain and just the "skin" on those pieces is done of cold porcelain.  The other difference is the shrinkage.  It shrinks about 20% as it dries.

   The cold porcelain we worked with in class Nicholas imports from Beatriz Titi Pena in Argentina.  It comes in a sealed pack of 7 ounces of the dough.  It has a pleasant smell and a smooth feel.  This brand retails for $8.99 for the 7 ounces.  I did talk with a representative from creative cutters this afternoon.  Geraldine had given me a sample of their cold porcelain at the ices convention last year and when we open it the smell was not pleasant.
  That was a test run without the preservative in it.  What they now sell has the preservative in it and has no odor.  If you would like more information from them about this product and all the tools to work with the cold porcelain you can e-mail them at cakeartistry.com  and ask for the fact sheet on cold porcelain.

Nicholas has five absolutely beautiful magazines with cold porcelain projects in them.  Beatriz titi Pena is quite an artist.  It gives you many of the steps that it takes to create these projects.  But these magazines are written in Spanish (I think)  the nice thing is that there are black and white duplications of those magazines in English for those of us who do not read Spanish.  The magazines run about $10 each.

Another difference we found with the cold porcelain is that you need to work with a slightly thicker piece for making your flowers because of the shrinkage.  What you would roll very thin to make in gumpaste you would want a little thicker in cold porcelain.

CCChefDol:  Nick said we could even cover paper mache
Kak decor1:  is the cake iced in it or just for decorations?
CCChefDol:  just decorations

I bought several magazines from Nicholas that have absolutely amazing flowers, figures, birds and etc in them.
  Very beautiful work and they certainly don’t have that plastic look that I first associated with this product.
  When you use this product straight from the packages it has a translucent look - or plastic.
  When it is dry you can almost see through it.
  To prevent this Nicholas instructed us to add some titanium white oil paint to the dough to help make it opaque.

He suggested that if we want to make flowers and leaves to match the gumpaste flowers on the cake that we make them slightly larger to allow for the shrinkage,  we used children’s glue to hold them together and it took very little of that.  Painting with oil paints or the regular dusting powders we use on gumpaste was done while they were still wet (but set) and then the finished flowers were sprayed with clear acrylic spray to set the colors and protect them from being washed or wiped off.

The cold porcelain should not be used with the gumpaste on the cake because it is a non-edible product.  There was some discussion in the class of a person in California who was being sued for using them directly on a cake.  You can use them for ornaments to match the flowers on the cake but you would need to sit them on a gumpaste circle or put them into an arrangement so that the flowers will not actually be sitting on the cake.

Other than that you work with this product basically just like gumpaste.  It doesn’t dry quite as fast and that allows you to have a little longer to play with the detail work.

Another neat tool that has come from these cold porcelain projects is the cutting sheets.  Those sheets come with an assortment of flowers, leaves and etc on them.
  You roll out the cold porcelain.  Lay it over the clear plastic cutting sheet and then roll your rolling pin or large Cel stick over the cutting edge and it cuts the shapes very nicely.

Cake Wmn:  Dol, do you have those sheets too?
CCChefDol:  Sorry, we don’t

  I especially liked the Gerber daisy sheet.  It has two sizes of the daisies and two sizes of leaves.
    Those Gerber daisies are not easy and these cutter sheets look the perfect shape and size to make those a little easier.  The other nice thing about these cutting sheets is that all the pieces of a flower such as an orchid are  right together on that sheet.

Icing Wiz:  Gerber Daisy! I love them you have a mold for them?
CCChefDol:  I had to make Gerber daisies for that cake and didn't have the mold!!!

    I am always looking through my drawers of cutters looking for one of the cutters that goes with another cutter.
  For instance most orchids take at least three distinctively different cutters to make the one orchid.  So you have to find all three of those cutters to make that one flower.
  These sheets eliminate that hunting the cutters time.

It was fun to play with and has such possibilities.  For instance if you wanted to make a small arrangement for your bathroom with your knowledge of flowers.  You can do that with this medium.  If it gets dusty - you just wash it off and put it back out.  You have to remember that stamens made from cotton thread or regular stamens aren’t really washable.  In class we made those from fishing line and very briefly waved them over a burning candle to make the little balls at the ends.  Then they were painted with oil paints for the particular flower they were needed for.
A very interesting medium that I sure wish I had some time to play with.

Instead I must get started making gumpaste flowers for the wedding cakes ahead of me.  No time to play or waste not that the season is upon us.

DOLORES' PART "Cold Porcelain - this is like gumpaste...more explanation in the chat"

WHAT WE CAN DO WITH IT:  We can make all types of flowers just like we do with gumpaste. We can also make other novelty figures too. Nick Lodge had a beautiful dove made of cold porcelain.

MAIN POINT: It IS porcelain, not the baked kind. We use it cold and let it dry. Cold Porcelain IS NOT edible. It won't hurt you if you do eat it. Like many other items we use --- its NOT toxic. --- At LEAST the kind WE used is not poison! Some of it is, so be very careful!!! Nick heard about someone who put these flowers on a wedding cake and are being sued. We do not know if she used the toxic kind. And this is all we know. Nick recommends that you not insert any of this into the cake. They can be arranged in ways they don't touch the icing. IF they must touch the icing, then protect it so they don't touch the icing. Besides liabilities, the icing may ruin the flowers that could otherwise be kept for a lifetime.

WAT IS IT? How many of you have actually heard of or worked with cold porcelain? I had been introduced to it several years ago. Betty May was demonstrating how to make roses with it at ICES. The point at that time was that it wasn't nearly as fragile as gumpaste. But it looks the very same. Betty held a rose 1 1/2-2 feet above the table and let it drop. It didn't break! At that time cold porcelain came to us in  powder form. Now we can buy the dough all ready to use. I like this best because I don't have to worry about consistency.

THE DIFFERENCE: There isn't much difference between cold porcelain and gumpaste, except that you use real Elmer's glue instead of gum glue, to fasten petals together. Then also, Nicholas made flower centers using a styrofoam shape. This is a good idea...saves on dough and besides, cold P. shrinks. This takes care of it.
COLOR: You can use your petal dust the same as with gumpaste. But also, you may color the dough using acrylic colors too.

Cold Porcelain shrinks as it dries. The items you make will actually become a little bit smaller. It will take several days for items to become completely dry. You can either use petal dust to bring out color in leaves, or you can brush them with shortening. Using shortening they'll be shiny like real leaves.

INSTRUCTIONS: If you need books with directions, I like Oscar Pena's series. His wife does the wonderful items and flowers shown in the books. Their books are in Spanish, but the English version is included with the Spanish version. These books are available through Nicholas Lodge. I bought 4 dif. books. I don't know if there are more. Oscar Pena and his wife were at ICES last year. Maybe they will be there this year too (with a booth). I still have not received my order from Nicholas so I can't promise you the books. Beatriz Pena lists a recipe for cold porcelain in her book: Porcelana Fria, Book 1. It contains Oil, glycerin, cornstarch and benzoate...whatever that is. She shows to add these ingredients into a pan and cook it.

CLASSES: IF you ever have the chance, do take a class on cold porcelain. Nicholas Lodge is my choice for a teacher. Maybe someone will demo it at ICES too. That would be a good introduction. Nick will be at ICES. He can be reached for schedules at nicklodge@aol.com *more below!

Icing Wiz:  a lady from Miami did a large cala lily in cold porcelain
RClark8352:  ChefDol/ChefPwd what is cold porcelain?
Minna111:  Dee. I dont know I'm wondering if it was real
CCChefDol:  RC...it is a dough that we form realistic flowers with
CCChefDol:  VERY realistic
RClark8352:  Is there a recipe for this? recipe below
CCChefDol:  RC...I'll give the ingredients in a while, but buy the dough
L2jlu2:  where can i get this magazine in Spanish or English?
CCChefDol:  It is SO important to have the right consistency and not worth making
Minna111:  I just saw a few of Nicholas' soft cover books for around 5. each
CCChefDol:  L2...at ICES!!!!!!
RClark8352:  Dol, where is this dough found?
CCChefDol:  ...if they break...just hot glue them, honest!
CCChefDol:  I have it for sale
CCChefPwd:  You can order it from Dee or from Nicholas
CCChefDol:  pretty flowers for our cakes DSk
CCChefDol:  Nick isn't sending my order even though Sue called him. (Finally got it… when you order, expect an order from him in around 4 weeks!)
Kak decor1:  does it keep fresh indefinitely? I mean before its used..about drying out.
Icing Wiz:  it is non edible Kak it should last forever?
CCChefDol:  I don't know if it keeps...would dry up if not kept tightly covered
Themecakes:  Do you like it better than gumpaste, dol/pwd?
Cake Wmn:  Creative Cutters was working on a formula that was food safe - did they say if theirs is?
CCChefPwd:  While it is in the package it will keep a long time.
CCChefDol:  Theme, it is not edible...I like it the same as far as how workable it is...very good to work with
GumSeeMow:  Theme: Please be careful when talking of GUM cakes:)
CCChefDol:  Cake...Pwd has a sample...she'll explain
CCChefPwd:  That sample did not have the preservative in it - the reason for the odor. The new stuff they have now for sale is odorless
CCChefPwd:  You can request a fact sheet from creative cutters on the cold porcelain by E-Mailing them.
TP4JB:  Are there a lot of requests for cold porcelain or is it more for shows?
Kak decor1:  this stuff must be amazing!
CCChefDol:  I sprayed gumpaste plenty of times with that very same spray - same brand too
Themecakes:  I've never tried gumpaste or cold porcelain - which is easier for a beginner?
RClark8352:  Kak, so amazing I can hardly catch up.
CCChefPwd:  Some of the shows will not allow it because you shouldn't actually use them on the cake
CCChefDol:  TP...use it the same as gumpaste but for items meant to be kept forever
CCChefDol:  Theme...I'd do the gumpaste first I think
Kak decor1:  is there a good book for teaching gumpaste?
CCChefDol:  Pwd...could you really tell it from GP?
Minna111:  I'd like to make some picture frames like the ones they sell at  Cracker Barrel for so much money.
CCChefDol:  Kak...get our Wilton gumpaste kit for starters
CCChefDol:  GP is easiest
Kak decor1:  is everthing included?
CCChefDol:  YES Kak it is...book and cutters, but not the gp
Dose57104:  I have Wilton's gumpaste set, it was good to start with.
CCChefPwd:  After it is dry you can tell the difference.  It is lighter and just has a slightly different appearance.
CCChefDol:  Wiltons gets you started cheapest too
Kak decor1:  are the instructions clear?
CCChefDol:  yes Kak...but we are also here for you
Thinkchoc:  didn't know there was another chat
L2jlu2:  i started with the wilton, it had everything in it.  its good when your starting out
Themecakes:  Why does it need to be sitting on something - will it break down??
Kak decor1:  ok, still haven't done fondant, but have several articles
Minna111:  I have a new email address - merlene@cakedecorator.zzn.com
CCChefDol:  I also started with wilton...got it free in a 30 min. contest at a cake shop
Icing Wiz:  Kak fondant is easy
CCChefPwd:  It is non-toxic but is not edible - so I don't know exactly why it shouldn't touch the cake
icing.  We were just told that we should keep them separated
Kak decor1:  never tried anything fancy, just plain ole stuff
CCChefDol:  My daughter did it too and she'd never even touched the stuff. She did better than me
CCChefDol:  I agree pwd, maybe that in CA was the other type
Themecakes:  Why was that person sued???
CCChefDol:  we don't know anymore details...Theme
CCChefPwd:  Some of the cold porcelain contains formaldehyde in it. What we were using doesn’t.

CCChefDol:  so does diet coke LOL
Minna111:  aspartame contains formaldehyde, too
Icing Wiz:  ohhhhhhhhhhh
CCChefDol:  right on Minna
Dose57104:  You've got to be kidding Minna ? !!
CCChefDol:  Minna is correct...get it 80 degrees and it changes to poison
CCChefDol:  about aspertame and it becoming poison when heated to 80 deg. then turns to formaldehyde
Minna111:  and that means your coffee is killing you little by little if you use equal
Kimfess:  Minna--Actually formaldehyde is a preservative.  So maybe it's extending, not killing us.
Minna111:  Kim, then why don't I look younger?

PjW10:  COLD PORCELAIN RECIPE
2 tblsp. of baby oil
1cup of Elmer’s glue
1/4 cup of cornstarch
Place in a saucepan and cook on the lowest heat for 16 to 20 minutes
Turn out on to a cornstarch dusted board and knead in an additional 1/4 cup of cornstarch or enough
to make a smooth non_sticky paste to roll out, use cold cream instead of Crisco to grease the board with
alos, if you want your porcelain to be white and less translucent
Use white titanium acrylic paint and add to paste till you reach the desired color. You can tint it any color by using acrylic paints also. Hmmm< don't know but that recipe came from Linda Reece and she's been doing a lot with it
Oh! Make sure you store it in an airtight container!

JWGPKG:  Doesn't Geraldine also use another ingredient - remember she gave us some, Sheila?
GOOO8:  what?  cold cream?
CCChefDol:  Nick used Noxema...smelled good
CCChefPwd:  That dough really feels good and using cold cream on your hands made your hands feel
CCChefPwd:  We were told to use oil paints instead of Acrylics
GOOO8:  Pam/Sheila, are you referring to the sodium benzoate (preservative)
JWGPKG:  Benzoate, that's it!
RClark8352:  And this is how you make cold porcelain?
Swtelegnt:  Pam, Linda got this recipe from Maureen Stevenson Of England
JWGPKG:  Just as well.  I hear that ingredient I mentioned is expensive,anyway.
RClark8352:  Dol, do you use gumpaste tools to form flowers?
CCChefDol:  yes RC
CCChefDol:  the same RC
CCChefPwd:  Use the same gumpaste  equipment
Swtelegnt:  We made some of her Victorian Ladies, and flowers for a class
RCrigger:  Question: How long will it last in an airtight container
CCChefPwd:  I don't know RCrigger - I think he said we could freeze it.
PjW10:  Linda makes her birds and fairies from it, and you can't tell the difference
GumSeeMow:  RC: It will last forever, but you wouldn't want to eat it:)
Swtelegnt:  Yes, dolls!  They look like Figurines
CCChefPwd:  It is so light weight and you can take more time with it than gumpaste
CCChefDol:  I also liked the fact that I could take my time...not to worry about it drying out
GOOO8:  I learned of cold porcelain and worked with it just in January at Daytona
Swtelegnt:  I use it alot, for Keepsakes
CCChefPwd:  The neat thing is we can make gifts for friends and family with this using our gumpaste
Icing Wiz:  I did notice cold porcelain holds up better than gumpaste. They don't break as easy
RCrigger:  I am going to make flowers for my vases in my home
CCChefPwd:  Much sturdier than gumpaste
PjW10:  you can actually drop it and it doesn't break..well, not easily
Ploeger642:  I have seen people do beautiful florals and take and drop it on purpose to prove how strong
Minna111:  Those little music boxes that Liz McMillan use to make would be really nice with this porcelain.
GOOO8:  Gumpaste/Pastillage/Fondant question:  in a class I took I was told not to use one of these for bodies because it will explode.  Which one of these is it (bacteria gets worked into it)
JWGPKG:  I think, Janice, that you have that problem if you mix two of those mediums.
       Janice - you need to use FRESH gumpaste for dolls or they can explode. This is what I was told.
JWGPKG:  Problem primarily occurs when you do large pieces only.
CCChefPwd:  Gumpaste will explode if the gumpaste is old.  The outside will dry faster and the insides sometimes firments before it drys through and it causes the body to explode
Swtelegnt:  The demo for cold porcelain is 11am Sunday  with Andrew Caron, Foliage and greenery

L2jlu2:  Where can i get these books?
GOOO8:  In Geraldine's class she mentioned a cold porcelain book that was written in English . . .
GOOO8:  Modeling in Porcelain by Tombi Peck and Alan Dunn
Tch2morrow:  Alan Dunn has a cold porcelain book and so does Margaret Ford.
CCChefDol:  I just got a book by Alan Dunn, but I don't think it was that...didn't notice porcelain
CCChefPwd:  His books are gumpaste I think
Tch2morrow:  This is 'Modeling in Cold Porcelain' by Alan and Tombi Peck

ICES:
MHohimer:  Nad, I have an ICES packet ready to mail you tomorrow.
CCChefDol:  MH...  I got confirmation back from Gayle McMillan that she got
my daughter's registration. ...is it ok to register them now?
MHohimer:  Yes, Dol.
Nadgabjoe:  I made my plane reservation waiting on the hotel
CCChefDol:  Thanks...will do asap
CCChefDol:  We need to have someway to ID each other who are online???
MHohimer:  Dol, I agree -
CCChefDol:  We had an AOL pin but so many want to be in on it and don't have AOL
CCChefDol:  someone not on aol asked me that today
Reachnkidz:  What registration are y'all talking about?
MHohimer:  For ICES Cake convention
CCChefDol:  Reach...there is going to be a BIG cake show...maybe 1000 cakes!
Nadgabjoe:  What can we expect at the convention
Reachnkidz:  Where is the convention-and where?
CCChefDol:  Convention-Kansas City Aug 29th
Kak decor1:  july
CCChefDol:  Reach...check it all out here: http://www.ices.org
CCChefDol:  Nad...expect THE best!
MHohimer:  You can expect a great time at Convention - lots to do.
Nadgabjoe:  I'm very excited
L2jlu2:  Lisa, i will be sitting next to u at ices
L2jlu2:  I am doing everyones name tags
Kak decor1:  Thanks to you all, I've got 2 roomies, so I get to come to KC
Kak decor1:  will there be a demo of this at ICES?
CCChefDol:  Kak...yes yes yes!!!!
RClark8352:  kak, are you going to ICES
CCChefDol:  so many you can't see half of them kak
Kak decor1:  yes!!!
Kak decor1:  are you, rc?
Icing Wiz:  hey for the convention can we put some kind of thing on us that says we are a cake chat with our screen name so then we can say so your so and so. ..
PjW10:  I think we need badges or something!
Minna111:  Icing, how aBOUT A GUMPASTE aol EMBLEM
L2jlu2:  Sheila , we are wearing green ribbons for the NY, maybe you can do something like that
Ploeger642:  Icing you could work it into your design but no signage
CCChefPwd:  You bet Icing we will talk about that closer to convention
Icing Wiz:  what design and what do you mean by signage?
Ploeger642:  We could all do the green ribbon thing
Graceswede:  I wish I could go Maybe I will win the big game pray that I do
Minna111:  we all wear churn dash name tags in purple & white
RCrigger:  mabe everyone should wear a pair of lips (chat)
Ploeger642:  Pick a color that just means  we are all chat buddies and where it.  No state association
Graceswede:  navy blue
Icing Wiz:  how about Purple? That's ices color, isn't it?
RClark8352:  Dol, you've been to lots of shows.  Do I need to take anything other than myself
Bridal1:  Money, RC
CCChefDol:  RC...a cake you like to do more than any other
CCChefPwd:  A sugar entry RClark
Kak decor1:  orange is nice!
TP4JB:  what is the cost at the convention?
CCChefDol:  It is $95.00 for the whole show...plus room and food, 2 meals furnished I think
Ploeger642:  $95. for early registration - June 1 deadline
Kak decor1:  pam, my flight will cost about 200 for kc
Bridal1:  $95 for Missouri if you hurry!
Minna111:  i need hotel phone#
CCChefDol:  Minna...check my web site It is there I think
Kak decor1:  how do you join ICES?
Minna111:  www.ices.org
MHohimer:  Carolyn, should we tell them to be patient about ????
Bridal1:  No, keep 'em guessing Millie
CCChefPwd:  Just send $27 the membership chairman
Graceswede:  How much is the KC convention
MHohimer:  I have an ICES membership form - is that what you need?
Minna111:  Or a check to Gayle McMillan 4883 Camellia Lane, Bosier City, LA 71111-5424
Bridal1:  $95 for KC registration
Kak decor1:  didn't know if I should join or not
JWGPKG:  I bow to Earlene - much more knowledgeable.  Took in so much that weekend!
RClark8352:  Minna, I'm glad you gave her name. I wasn't sure if that was the correct person
CCChefDol:  All the ICES convention is now on the ices.org web site...all of it
Bridal1:  Oh, yes Kak you need to join
Graceswede:  can you send me information on Kc convention
Kak decor1:  you can mail it to me will email you my addressagain
Minna111:  grace I think it's online
MHohimer:  Grace send me your mailing address
Bridal1:  Just go to the ICES website and it even has the registration form
CCChefDol:  Grace...it is all here: http://www.ices.org
Kak decor1:  ok, that would be easier
CCChefPwd:  We gave out all we had at the DOS.  Empty handed now.  :-(
Minna111:  www.ices.org
Bridal1:  you need the red brochures Pwd?
Kak decor1:  besides the convention, what do you do in ICES?
Graceswede:  ok will check it out might be able to come
CCChefPwd:  We are already working on the one for 10-2000\
Bridal1:  get 11 newsletters per year Kak
CCChefDol:  Kak...our state DOS for one
Icing Wiz:  Kak Florida has about 4 DOS a year
CCChefPwd:  I think I have one of the red ones left.  So yes I could use a
few more of those to
CCChefDol:  newsletters have color pictures of cakes
Minna111:  you meet the most wonderful people in the world
Kak decor1:  already have, minna
CCChefDol:  cake decorators are the nicest people in the world
RClark8352:  Don't mean to sound dumb, but what is DOS?
CCChefDol:  DOS=day of sharing
Ploeger642:  Day of Sharing - Local meetings
Kak decor1:  day of sharing
Swtelegnt:  Pwd, Contact Nanett she will send you more,nghenderson@erols.com
TP4JB:  How many times is there a DOS in Ohio?
CCChefDol:  Ohio meets twice yearly. Last Sundays of Apr and Sept but we changed for this big regional DOS to May 1 & 2 we have a meeting, demos etc
Minna111:  I go to quilt shows now, and they are nothing like cake decorators
CCChefDol:  Minna are they nice too?
Minna111:  they're nice, but cd are wonderful
Kak decor1:  ok, ya'll talked me into it
CCChefPwd:  Day of sharing.  Where you get to see demos and meet other local decorators
GOOO8:  what are quilters like?
Bridal1:  why Minna?>
Icing Wiz:  no, I was just saying florida cause I don't know how often other states meet
Graceswede:  do they have conventions in ATLANTA
Minna111:  It's a differnet environment
MHohimer:  The next best to cake decorators - I'm a quilter too
Minna111:  many quilters are nurses, big $$$ earners, etc - very different
Ploeger642:  Fl has Mini Class Weekends too
MUSEUM WITH CAKES!
Minna111:  Gum have you seen the FL cake in the museum?
GumSeeMow:  Minna: Okay. I am in FL.
Minna111:  Its in Orlando, you should go see it
Ploeger642:  It's worth the trip
GOOO8:  Are you referring to Mercedes' work at the Orlando Science museum
GOOO8:  When I visited, it was in the cafe area but heard it has been moved, exactly where in the
GumSeeMow:  Minna: Just south of Tampa. Bradenton.
GOOO8:  in the museum I am not sure
CAKES:
Kak decor1:  what are some of the cakes like at ices?
GOOO8:  fantastic work.  a MUST see.
Bridal1:  Kak, they are wonderful from all over the world
CCChefDol:  Kak...like nothing else in this world! Fabulous I mean that
CCChefPwd:  Kak - everything imaginable and some you could never imagine in your wildest dreams
Kak decor1:  and you want me to bring one?
Swtelegnt:  Kak, only one word comes to mind as you go through the room "WOW!"
Bridal1:  Yes, Kak we even have youth tables of cakes
RClark8352:  Does everyone bring a cake to the DOS?
CCChefDol:  RC...not nearly everyone to DOS but bring if you have something nice
GOOO8:  I am distressed over what to bring as a display for ICES
CCChefPwd:  Not to the DOs RClark.  To the ICES convention
Ploeger642:  GOOO Don't Stress Bring: Sugar egg, cookie bouquet, gingerbread, etc
Bridal1:  anything Goooo
CCChefDol:  no RC
Minna111:  I had more fun with her at the TX show than I have ever had in my life at any show
RClark8352:  thanks for clearing that up.
GOOO8:  I feel like anything I do has been done by all y'all before  LOL
Minna111:  g0008 but you pt your own touch to it, and that makes it different
RClark8352:  I wouldn't want to walk in the place with a cake and be the only one.
CCChefDol:  RC..it’s only caring...only bring one if you have something great.
Ploeger642:  Your idea is still your idea - Make it customized to you
CCChefPwd:  Especially if you have never gone to a DOS before.
Cake Wmn:  Goooo yours would still be different!
Bridal1:  Not a cake convention if we don't have cakes and you get a special pin if you bring a cake or display.
RClark8352:  So the convention is better than the Dos
Cake Wmn:  RC, does't have to be GREAT just what you would not mind sharing!
CCChefDol:  RC...by ALL means!
GOOO8:  That's why we have to start formulating now KAK
Bridal1:  just make one of your normal cakes - it doesn't have to be out of this world.
CCChefDol:  ICES is the ultimate
CCChefPwd:  The convention is a brain stuffer - running out the ears idea recharger
Minna111:  Well any Beany baby or Ferbie on a cake is sure to be a hit
    Okay….but copyrighted cakes will NOT be displayed in our ICES newsletter. We can’r do that.
Bridal1:  best cakes are ones we can go home and duplicate
CCChefDol:  just make a cake for ices...a good idea you have - to just share with us
GOOO8:  Pwd   you described exactly what I am expecting ICES to be
JWGPKG:  When I saw "working" washing machine gumpaste display in Orlando convention, knew I was out of my league!
GOOO8:  It's okay to decorate a dummy, right?
CCChefPwd:  I have been to all but two of the conventions and always learn more every year
CCChefDol:  GOOO sure
Bridal1:  yes, we take dummies!  LOL
Ploeger642:  Besides you FL girls it's by state and we don't want to not have our fair share there
Kak decor1:  my usual cakes are just too ordinary for ices
CCChefDol:  Kak...you just take something thats a good idea to share
CCChefPwd:  Ordinary is what is practical to share with other decorators
Bridal1:  no, not so Kak
RClark8352:  So, I should save my money for the conventions instead of DOS?
Cake Wmn:  You don't even have to take a cake - can take a cake topper you
GOOO8:  That would definitely lighten the load
CCChefPwd:  RClark the DOS is local and the convention is International
Cake Wmn:  First timers, be sure and plan to stay for Sunday Night Sharing!
Icing Wiz:  Kak quit putting yourself down. All levels of cakes are needed
Bridal1:  plain is fine.  We all do plain stuff and like to see more of it
CCChefPwd:  It takes all levels to be helpful to all decorators
GOOO8:  Nuuro, we'are also discussing the national cake convention held annually (ICES) It's in July and we're getting revved up about it already
Cake Wmn:  Sharing Night can see lots of things you may have missed in demos
Ploeger642:  If it's to bad we'll but youth on it - Just kidding
Kak decor1:  but anyone can do that
BRINGING YOUR CAKE ALONG:
TP4JB:  How do you take your cake on the plane?  Do you carry it the whole way?
CCChefPwd:  On the plane put it in a box with windows in it so others can see. But, it needs to fit overhead or under the seat.
Kimfess:  You can also send your cakes by UPS.  A friend sent 4 from DC to St.Paul last year with no damage.
CCChefDol:  really Kim, did they arrive ok?
Minna111:  Kim that's amazing, I'd never dreamed they could deliver them safely
Bridal1:  I'm trying to write up an article for the newsletter on shipping cakes
Kimfess:  They all came through fine.
Bridal1:  I shipped mine to California in '86 - did fine - was UPS
Nadgabjoe:  Are there any additional charges
RCrigger:  purchase the box
Nadgabjoe:  Will there be classes that we can take at the convention
CCChefDol:  Definitely – 4 days non stop! Earlene and I are both doing one! Mine is ‘a wedding cake from start to finish’
RClark8352:  Pwd, are the DOS at least worth going too?
CCChefPwd:  You bet RClark.  We had a fantastic DOS a few weeks ago.

A NICHOLAS LODGE CLASS SCHEDULED FOR NEXT YEAR. DON’T MISS IT!
CCChefPwd:  You can be the first to know......  I have just confirmed the dates for the Nicholas Lodge class next year.  It will be October 15th for the DOS and October 16th to the 20th for the gumpaste flowers class.  A deposit of $100 will be required to reserve your space in his class.  Date the checks 7 - 1 - 2000 and mail them to Earlene Moore, 1323 E. 78th,  Lubbock, Tx 79404.  They will not be refundable  after the 7 - 1 - 2000 deadline.  Anyone canceling after that date will forfeit that deposit and a person on the waiting list will be contacted to fill that vacancy.  More later on my web page at http://hometown.aol.com/pwdsugar/index.html of the exact flowers we’ll be making
CCChefPwd:  You can E-Mail him at NickLodge1@aol.com
CCChefPwd:  Norcross
Ploeger642:  Just outside of Atlanta
CCChefPwd:  6060 McDonough Drive N.W. Suite D
CCChefPwd:  Phone 770-453-9449
CCChefPwd:  We had Nick here in Lubbock for a weeks class a couple of weeks ago
CCChefDol:  school...went to classes with Nicholas Lodge in Lubbock at Pwd's
Ploeger642:  Nick's doing our Mini Class Weekend in January in FL
CCChefDol:  Joe...Pwd is making arrangements to have him back next October too
CCChefPwd:  You will love him Ploeger - he is so organized and very sharing with his knowledge
Ploeger642:  I know he was a dream to work with for our convention too, Can't wait

FRANCES KUYPER:
CCChefDol:  have you all seen Frances Kuyper on the Howie Mandell show????
Minna111:  yes isn't she a hoot?
MHohimer:  Yes, Frances was cute, enjoy her
CCChefDol:  She was on the other day in a nudist colony
CCChefPwd:  I guess I am going to have to start tuning in to Howie
Bridal1:  Frances - nude????????
CCChefDol:  Not quite…only saw her from above her waist from the back….she was on today. One day she was picking up young guys and got one to come with her too.
Minna111:  I love singing with Frances
CCChefDol:  Frances is a riot!
CCChefDol:  Fran was my trainer - wilton way back
Swtelegnt:  dol, that must have been a blast to have Francis as a teacher!
CCChefDol:  She was really good....always telling something to help - tips
CCChefPwd:  Francis is a one of a kind lady........
MAMATENN:   Francis will be in Memphis for 1 day in April  for airbrushing.

COOKIE CUTTERS AND GB HOUSES:
TP4JB:  My problem is I decorate more gingerbread than anything.  Houses don't fit into small boxes.
Minna111:  I love doing Gingerbread
GOOO8:  I miss my gingerbread since Christmas now.
TP4JB:  I cut each house by hand.
TP4JB:  I made 300 houses in December.  Pre-made cutters would help.
Bridal1:  300????????
TP4JB:  Basic house shapes.  Squares, rectangles and fronts and backs.
TP4JB:  One house I do is about 3 foot high.
TP4JB:  Any idea where I can get cookie cutters made to order for cutting gingerbread?
CCChefDol:  TP...I know a cookie lady and she just bought them and re-bent to suit herself
TP4JB:  Dol- I need some pretty large cutters.
Kimfess:  Sometimes at craft shows you'll find people who do cookie cutters.
Minna111:  I had cutters made for many style and sized houses. makes
CCChefDol:  TP...buy large cutters and bend them. Bet it would do fine
CCChefDol:  what shapes TP?
Nuuro:  hey, i'm just asking u a question, that's all.
Minna111:  I used to save the cutters on waxed paper, etc, and bend them to shape, too
MAMATENN:  there is some cutters on the market
Kak decor1:  pretty good..
RCrigger:  hello Kim cassanova rules
PjW10:  TP?? are you working for Jimmy Carter??
Kimfess:  Hey RC!
Bridal1:  Nuuro, if you're serious, we'd love to help, but...................
Kak decor1:  get any good mail yet?
Minna111:  TP yes and some of the rectangular cutters can be used for many parts of many houses
Cake Wmn:  Minna would they last very long?
Minna111:  well they did when I took good care of the, you have to be careful with them.
I have hundreds of cookie cutters, wish I could find a  collector that would give me a good price for the whole thing It was one of my collection hobbies I got in to.
TP4JB:  Minna-Are they copper?
Bridal1:  I bet if you contacted a cookie collector club, you'd sell them
Minna111:  no, just plain old tin, or plastic
Kimfess:  Minna, I know someone here who is real big in the Cookie Cutter Collectors club.
MAMATENN:  there is a gal in Nashville that has copper cutters for a house.
Kimfess:  Do you want me to give her your address?  She doesn't have e-mail.
TP4JB:  Nashville's not too far away.
TP4JB:  I'd love the address.
Bridal1:  there is also a cookie cutter convention every year
MAMATENN:  Enchanted Gingerbread corp. 3748 Moss Rose Dr. Nashville, Tn. 37216-4320

COLLECTING:
RClark8352:  kak, do you find baking products on ebay?
TP4JB:  Minna- have you tried E-Bay?
RCrigger:  minna maybe you should put the cutters on ebay.com
Kak decor1:  have got lots of Wilton books from there -have gotten the Wilton books from 76 to present
CCChefDol:  you can find anything on ebay.com
MAMATENN:  i could get her address for you.
Minna111:  I'm amazed at the prices cake books go for on ebay
Ploeger642:  We'd all love the address
Minna111:  I have a gold mine sitting here on the shelves
Minna111:  that would be interesting
BOOKS:
CCChefPwd:  Anyone interested in a Lambeth book?
Minna111:  I also have a signed Larry Powell
CCChefDol:  which one Pwd?
Icing Wiz:  I love Lambeth but that book is too expensive
Minna111:  I have a Lambeth and a Zenjer and a signed Richard Snyder
CCChefDol:  I got an email today offering the Lambeth and Larry Powells'
Bridal1:  Larry Powell commands about $125
CCChefPwd:  The big one.   A lady here in Texas has one for sale
GOOO8:  wooah
CCChefDol:  I have both
Minna111:  That's not much considering it can never be printed again
Cake Wmn:  Have all of you been getting message about woman with powell and
lambeth books
CCChefDol:  One of the Lambeth books isn't so good...no cakes in it...older I think
PjW10:  I saw that too, were'nt they asking $500 for the Lambeth!
CCChefPwd:  WOW  $500
Minna111:  I'll sell mine for $500.00 !!!!!
Bridal1:  You better hold onto that Kak!
CCChefDol:  I won't sell mine for that
CCChefPwd:  Probably half of my book collection is signed
TP4JB:  MAMA- do they only have gingerbread cutters?
MAMATENN:  only gingerbread
PjW10:  ooops, make that $200
CCChefPwd:  But not that one.  I do have a friend who has an original Lambeth book that was sent to her father by Mr. Lambeth along with a hand written letter from him.
Minna111:  Richard Snyder gave me mine and took me out to breakfast,  then hailed a taxi for him & I to get to the show in MI
CCChefDol:  I have signed ones by R. Snyder
Minna111:  I picked up Larry Powell at the airport in TX and worked his booth and he gave me his book
Graceswede:  I have 2 books of richard syder that I bought on EBAY

OVENS:
TP4JB:  In regards to ovens, does anyone use a larger than standard in their home?  Looking for one.
Bridal1:  I have a convection TP
CCChefPwd:  I have a Viking that is a big one along with my commercial oven for cakes
TP4JB:  Where did you get the ovens?  Price estinate?
CCChefDol:  TP - I LOVE mine! It is called Deluxe. would give you their ph # if you email me
TP4JB:  Great DOL.  E-mail you at the shop?
CCChefDol:  here: proicer@one.net
CCChefPwd:  The Deluxe is what I have also.  Great oven
TP4JB:  How many cookie sheets can you bake at once?  Is it a convection?
CCChefDol:  holds 6 full sheet cakes. We had special cookie sheets made...great big ones
CCChefPwd:  Don't you have two ovens DOL with three shelves in each oven. I have one oven with four shelves
CCChefDol:  TP...nobody is nicer to you than Deluxe...trust them
CCChefDol:  Pwd...yes, but they connected them and we can't take it apart at
CCChefDol:  TP - they are in Florida...very nice and NO problem whatsoever, bringing it to me!

THOSE ROSE PETALS: )
PjW10:  <~~~ bringing rose petals
CCChefPwd:  Bring on the rose petal Pj.   I will look forward to seeing those at convention
Ploeger642:  That's it!  Silk rose petals so we all know we are cake buddies
PjW10:  Silk petals on our tags!
CCChefPwd:  PJ I think we should all take rose petals just for a grand presentation at his feet.
CCChefPwd:  Silk sounds like a great idea.  Easier to clean up after we have made our point.
Ploeger642:  Not on our tags we'll get in trouble.  We can safty pin to shirt.
CCChefDol:   but we should all meet at Nicholas booth and watch Pj throw her rose petals, right gang?
Graceswede:  right
CCChefDol:  i think thats a great idea...but Nick is so neat, maybe he will get mad at us
Ploeger642:  We need to pick a time.
CCChefPwd:  We might have to catch him outside of his booth
CCChefDol:  Pj will throw gp rose petals at the convention : )
CCChefDol:  maybe we better go outside LOL
PjW10:  I better start them huh..LOL!
Kak decor1:  pj, I've heard about these rose petals before, that's the story behind it?

DOS’s:
Kimfess:  If anyone is in the MD, VA, WV, DC-area, we are having a weekend of sharing at the end of April 23, 24, 25--info at www.cakeclub.com.
Tch2morrow:   Grace - GA ICES meeting May 21 in Thomson.
RClark8352:  Will there ever be an ICES in PHILADELPHIA.  We don't get anything here.
Kimfess:  Pennsylvania ICES members have to put in a bid to have the show in Philadelphia!
RClark8352:  Kim, are there any Penn. members?
Kimfess:  Yes, lots.  In fact, they had the convention in Hershey in '92.
RClark8352:  Kim, how could I get in touch with these members.
Kimfess:  The ICES state rep for PA is Jackie Nelson. Her e-mail address is nelson@redrose.net. She can tell you what's going on in PA
 Kimfess:  2000 ICES is in Detroit.

CarolA5238:  Dee, Pwd, Did you ever hear of coloring gumpaste or fondant deals with color felt tip marker
CCChefDol:  with felt tip it would be dark

LILIES ON FOIL:
Kak decor1:  had a terrible time with my Easter lilies made from royal
CCChefDol:  Kak...royal i. needs to be freshly made and the perfect consistency
Kak decor1:  made it fresh, but my flowers stuck to the foil!
CCChefDol:  lilies...I use tip 67 or 68 & med. fl nail
Kak decor1:
yup, just what I used. Never had them stick to the foil when dry before good thing I made tons extra!
CCChefDol:  I have had them stick only once, never grease
Kak decor1:  oh, was afraid to have grease of any kind
CCChefDol:  Kak...they say to grease the foil and wipe it so not too much
Tuppy 2:  I spray pam on my foil....  very very lightly...  mine don't stick!!  :)
CCChefPwd:  You can spray with pam but it will take them longer to dry.
Kak decor1:  thanks, will try that next Easter...LOL
CCChefDol:  wont stick if you spray, right
Dose57104:  Won't pam break down royal ?
Kak decor1:  salvaged enough I think
CCChefPwd:  Right.  You can lightly grease what you are going to pipe royal onto without breaking down the royal.  It will only break down if you get the grease mixed into the icing.
Kak decor1:  never knew that
Tuppy 2:  mine icing doesn't break down with pam...
CCChefDol:  Once I greased my wax paper to do lace points and they fell off! I wiped it off too...but they did fall off, never greased again
Kak decor1:  thought everything had to be grease free
CCChefPwd:  If you get to much grease on the wax paper - you are right - they will fall off.
Kak decor1:  don't have trouble on wax paper
CCChefPwd:  I grease the wax paper and then wipe most of it off.  Just leave a light coat on the wax

CAKE SHOWS:
Tuppy 2:  i'm entering my first cake show this month.. any hints that you can share???
CCChefPwd:  Just do the best you can Think and something original - not a copy of something in a book
CCChefDol:  Tuppy...original, no plastic and do your best with colors and precision in decorating

PWD’S COOKIES:
CCChefPwd:  I just got an E-Mail with a recipe for Easter Story Cookies this evening and I forwarded it to all in my address book .  It is an absolutely delightful way to share the Easter story with children.  E-Mail me if you would like me to forward this recipe to you also.  That recipe just came in about 30 minutes ago.  It is wonderful.
Thinkchoc:  I just read that recipe on my e-mail, it was really great for a family to do together
Kak decor1:  it sure is, pwd
L2jlu2:  thanks earlene, that was so cute
CCChefDol:  sounds great pwd

ROYAL ICING WITH PIPING GEL - HOW TO MAKE YOUR PIECES STRONGER:
LauraJMD:  Is it ok to use piping gel and royal icing together...ie. touching each other...?
CCChefDol:  yes...there is no grease in gel
CCChefPwd:  Sure laura you can even mix them together to make your royal stronger
Tuppy 2:  I add piping gel to my royal icing when I do brush embroidery...
CCChefDol:  you could put royal i. flowers ON buttercream iced cake too
Kak decor1:  didn't know gel would make royal stronger
CCChefPwd:  I add piping gel to the royal for lace points also
CCChefDol:  gel makes it rubbery for a long time.
LauraJMD:  I wanted to put royal figures on piping gel..ie..water slide figures on piping gel water.,.
Dose57104:  How do you keep from getting bubbles in royal icing?
Kak decor1:  how much long to dry?
CCChefPwd:  That sounds cute laura
LauraJMD:  would the gel break down the figures?
CCChefDol:  Dose....smash them out with a spatula or mix on lower speed
CCChefPwd:  Beat it by hand with a fork or on a very low speed on your mixer
Kak decor1:  got 2 roomies for KC!!!!!  Thanks a bunch
Dose57104:  Good idea I never thought of that, thanks DOl
CCChefDol:  no Laura but gel won't dry or crust
CCChefPwd:  Never beat royal on High.
L2jlu2:  Anyone coming to ices in NY please wear  a green ribbon so that we know you are from dolores board, so we can all meet