I really like the black cutters from Patchwork Cutters. Especially the set: Butterfly, Ladybird & Bee. The set do come with instructions on how to use the cutters but I have found my own way to work with the cutters. I find my way a lot more easy, even if it seems time consuming at first….
Let me show you how I do it!
This is what I use:
Butterfly, Ladybird & Bee set from Patchwork Cutters
Gum paste (white or colored in the colors that you like)
Non stick work board
Rolling pin
Cornstarch for dusting your work board
Cardstock paper (to make small drying racks)
Exacto knife (scalpel)
Cutting board (when working with the exacto knife)
Plastic wrap
Paper towel
Optional:
Lustre dust
soft brush
Note: Remember that the exacto knife is very sharp, so be careful when working with it!
Step 1:
Take the cardstock paper and fold it down the middle. Then fold each side back again and you now have a “V” shaped rack for the butterflies.
Step 2:
Take your gum paste, knead and roll it out on a little cornstarch. It should be about 1-2mm thick. Take the cutters that you want to use and emboss the gum paste.
Step 3:
Transfer the embossed piece of gum paste to the cutting board. Cut out all the butterflies roughly with the exacto knife and place a piece of plastic wrap on top.
Step 4:
Take out 1 butterfly at a time and cut it out with the pointy tip of the exacto knife. Always cut from “A to B” instead of doing the cutting in one go. The more times you do it, the faster you get. Just don’t cut your fingers!
Step 5:
Take up the butterfly and smooth out any rough edges with your fingers.
Step 6:
Gently bend the butterfly and place it in the “V” rack. Continuing making more butterflies if needed or if you just want to stock a little on your cake decorating supply.
Step 7:
If you like, you can give the butterflies a little color with some lustre dusts and a soft brush. Do this before you place the butterfly in the “V” rack.
Let the butterflies dry for a couple of days before gently packing them in airtight boxes with some paper towel between the layers.
More butterflies? See my tutorial on how to decorate sugar cookies with rolled fondant
Happy Caking!
Louise
Hi,
what do you use to make the butterflies. I have been on the hunt for something like that but I can’t seem to find anything. Where can I purchase one or what is the exact name. Thank you in advance for your time and help.
Desiree
Thank you for laying out the steps so clearly and simply! I’m hoping to make these butterflies to decorate cupcakes for my sister’s first baby shower. I can’t wait to practice and make these little gems! Thank you again!
dear louise
I need the gum paste recipes
i am a bigginer
i really enjoy your site
please make a barbie doll cake ,
Thanks <3
I use this one: https://www.wilton.com/forums/attachments/NLTlyoseGumpaste_226092.pdf
I dont know how to make gum paste
do you buy it ready or you make it?
please let me know
Thank you
I make it myself
Those butterflies are AMAZINGLY beautiful and what a great tutorial on making them using the gum paste. Very informative..great for decorating some equally amazing cakes!
I have these cutters also. I love them, even if they are a bit fiddly to work with. I use three different coloured fondants for a rainbow look, and marbelling looks great too. Love your site
A great tutorial on how to cut butterflies perfectly. Very neat work and well done. I had been looking for this as I just made a cake so its time to decorate it now with butterflies and other objects.
E’ tutto meraviglioso sul tuo blog. Bravissima!
what do you mean by “kitchen paper”? lol
Sorry, but I cant figure that one out…Do you mean Paper Towel, parchment paper, or wax paper?
Oh sorry of course I meant paper towel 😉 Will correct that. Thx
Wonderful Tutorial, thank you for sharing <3
Why don’t you just cut them out with the butterfly cutters instead of an exacto blade?
Of course I could do that only that I have tried these different cutters so many times and end up with either a broken piece or the gum paste simply not release from the cutter. I find this way with the exacto blade just as easy 🙂
Very cool.
I’m glad to know you used to cut the shapes with a knife, and that I’m not the only one. I love Patchwork Cutters, but I found not so easy to use unless with your method.
🙂
beautiful!!!!
Great tips! I love these cutters but they are a bit tricky to work with, espesially if the gumpaste sticks to them, will try this method next time! Thanx Louise
The butterflies look lovely! A great tutorial! Thanks for sharing 🙂