Creating an Isomalt Pond

Today we will make the base pond and add the elements created in previous blog posts to get a great little pond scene.  

First use some aluminum foil, you will want to use a non-stick foil or if you do not have a non-stick foil use foil that you spray with cooking spray and then lightly wipe the excess off leaving a thin layer of spray.  

Wrinkle the foil up a bit, then smooth it back out.  The wrinkles add additional dimension to the back side of the isomalt.  Next manipulate the foil to build a dam to keep the isomalt contained when pouring out the pond.  Place the foil onto a silpat to help protect your workspace.

I used CakePlay Blue Isomalt Nibs, but you could use clear and add blue food coloring.  Place the nibs in a microwave safe container with a pour spout to melt, warming in 15-30 second increments until fully melted.  Stir with a bamboo skewer and let sit to allow bubbles to dissipate.  Then pour the isomalt onto your prepared foil.  Maybe you can aim better than I do and actually keep it all in the dam.  

You don't have to fill the entire area -- this is just a guide.

Once the isomalt is fully cooled gently pull the foil away from your pond.  

Invert onto a silpat and peel back the foil.

Place the pond the cake board or a cake top.  Using isomalt as your glue start adding in all of the elements created from out previous blog posts.

Dragonfly Directions

5 Petal Flower Directions

 Butterfly Directions

Log Directions

Koi Fish Directions

DTC Products Used:

Koi Fish
Dragonfly
5 Petal Blossom
DTC Alstoermia Leaf Veiner
Butterfly Regular Wings
Butterfly Monarch Wings
Pear Tree Bark
Gecko
Anthurium X-Large

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

Need another idea for your silicone molds?  How about some homemade sidewalk chalk?

First get all of your supplies collected. 

1. Molds of your choice
2. Plaster of Paris
3. Powdered tempra paint in color of choice
4. Bowl for mixing the chalk
5. Water
6. Spoon
7. Knife 

Mix together 1 cup of plaster of paris with 3/4 cup of water.  Add colored tempra paint to get desired color.  Blend well and let stand for a  few minutes.  Line up your molds so you are ready to pour.

Pour mixture into the molds.  Just a little hint here - DO NOT lift the mold and drop to get out air bubbles like you do with chocolate.  This could result in a huge mess and sidewalk chalk mixture all over your laptop.  Of course - I'm just guessing that could happen?

Allow the chalk to set and then remove from the mold.  I was able to remove them from the molds after 45 minutes.  Then set the chalk pieces aside to dry thoroughly - this takes approximately 24 hours.

Now, I'm all ready for warm weather to get here so I can go out and play!  In the meantime, Jax and Mari ran outside for a quick test.  Future note -- add a little extra color -- the pink was a tad light.  

Mari was cold and wasn't staying outside any longer!

Molds used:

Gecko Mold

StarFish Small

StarFish Medium