Sunday, July 20, 2014

Searching For Gelatin Art Supplies

By Paulette Mason


The use of gelatin has come a long way since it was used to create desserts in molds in the 1920s. Chefs and artists have experimented with it over the years, using it in all kinds of unusual ways. One of the most popular applications today is for use in 3D specialty cake decorating. This has made it very popular and gelatin art supplies are available from many stores, including those found online. The fact that these supplies are widely accessible, means that more individuals have the opportunity of trying their hand at this art form.

Who knew that a colorless protein made by boiling the skin and bones of animals would offer such interesting possibilities? When it is immersed in a liquid, it absorbs the moisture and swells, causing it to gel. This quality made it perfect for use in food and it was soon being used in both sweet and savory foodstuffs from aspic to mousses. The confectionery industry also began to utilize it extensively in products such as nougat, Turkish delight and jelly beans.

One of the ways in which it is most widely used today is in creating decorations for cakes. Stunning 3D creations can be made using tools that are easily purchased online. Even beginners are catered for by these stores and they can buy kits containing all the items they need to start making decorations. Veining sheets, texture sheets, wires, scissors and brushes are just some of these items.

A veining sheet is simply a plastic sheet containing images. These are detailed, line drawings of blossoms, leaves, fairy wings, dragonflies and even church windows. A texture sheet is used for creating items such as 3D bows. These sheets are made of clear food grade washable plastic and are therefore re-usable.

These sheets are purchased individually or in packs. Once the gelatin has been mixed with water and heated, it is simply brushed onto the images. Color can be added to the mixture before applying it and this usually blends in easily to the heated mixture. It needs to be left to set thoroughly before peeling off. Images are then trimmed into shape and assembled.

When working with such a product, understanding its qualities is important. It has to be mixed with a liquid in order to hydrate it and it needs to be thoroughly mixed to be most effective. It quickly turns into a solid if unused but fortunately, it can be heated up again in order to make it into a liquid once again.

How quickly and how strongly it sets, depends on various factors. The concentration is one of these factors as are the time left for it to set and temperature. The longer the mixture is left, the more solidified it becomes. The cooler the temperature, the quicker it sets.

There are other tools that can also be bought to make your tasks easier such as brushes, spring scissors and wires. A big help for a beginner is to view an instructional video on exactly how to use the various products. Some sites provide such videos freely and one can follow the process step by step to master exactly how to create the most beautiful decorations.




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