The International School of Sugarcraft Book One

I offer an advance warning in that this will be a rather long review, but because of the deep well of cake decorating instruction that this book offers, I felt it was worth the time. I've become a devotee of his, as countless others have over the years. I am basically a self-proclaimed, unofficial advertisement for his work because this gent is the real deal. To make a long story short................fabulous book by fabulous artists! Spend the money. Learn. Enjoy. Nicholas Lodge was a gifted artist from the get-go. Getting into the sugar decorating field was a natural choice for him but what made makes him stand out is his passion for this art form and therein lies the reason and drive for his success. This particular book was written in 1998 and he was in the midst of building his artistic empire. He had already written other subject-specific books regarding this sugar art but this is one of his definitive bibles that solidified his place as a master. Two more books in this series eventually followed that built upon mastering sugar work, and his schools of sugar art have since gotten a firm hold here in the US, as well as Japan and the Phillipines. Jane Murfitt is an equally distinguished author of cooking and baking books and is part of the teaching team that brings us this great teaching tool. Depending on your skill level, this book will either add to your knowledge or give you a knowledge base on which to build and enhance. If you should have the opportunity and the resources, getting Chef Lodge's DVD's and other tutorials that he has offered over the years, would be money well-spent. He also has accessibility through his website "www.nicholaslodge.com". This is a large, heavy, paperback book with full color, close-up, and clear photography to teach you each basic skill. You get step-by-step lessons next to photos so there isn't any guessing as to what he meant or what you need to do. And even if you're new to the sugar art world, he anticpates that with the most basic, but essential chapter, in the foundations of this sugar art tools and materials. Measurements come in both American and metric calculations. Also, templates are provided for everything offered in the line of scrollwork, shapes, forms, letters, etc. There are 20 lessons in all covered in 256 pages. There are many areas in which you might be able to improvise with certain tools or materials, but for others you will need to purchase the items, as it will make your attempts successful. Some of what he shows is a reminder of the artistry of Joseph Lambeth, who was the "father of cake decorating"; he wrote the tome "The Lambeth Method of Cake Decorating" back in the early 30's and his methods are still used today; Nicholas seems to be the modern day version of that master. Keep in mind that this is not a cake baking book per se; while it has basic cake batter recipes, this is a cake decorating book. You won't be given instruction of making topsy-tursy cakes or purse ca

It's great for anyone who wants to decorate your own cake but don't know where to start. It gives you the most details you should know and love to know, and easy to follow. I have a couple of cake decorating books, of course, this one is my favorite.

Great book for pastry fanatics and chefs alike!!! Very specific with images, graphic explanations, photographs, and everything is explained step by step. 100% recommended!!!!

This book is jammed packed with various Sugarcraft tips and information, as well as recipes for cakes,icings,and complete supply lists.It uses simple step by step formats with easy to follow instructions, the pictures are of good quality,and easy to follow with each step presented, you are not left hanging with missing steps to a design. The cake designs are elegant yet easy enough for a beginner to accomplish. Its full of wonderful templates to use as guides in the back of the book.It has wonderful step by step instructions to make sugar molds and how to shape and mold fondant characters, ribbons,frills,piping,lettering,surgarpaste flowers and covering cake boards. I would suggest this book to anyone wanting to get started in Sugarcrafting or wanting to advance their skills in it. Its a must have for your reference guide and book shelf....So glad I have a copy of this book in my own personal library. I know you will enjoy it as much as I have indeed.

This is an exceptionally good book if you're trying your hand at making fancy cake decorations for the first time. It is in full colour and gives extremely good illustrations of how to go about all the basic techniques. It covers everything; working marzipan, sugarpaste, butter icing, and royal icing - all kinds of uses. It is really the best book I've encountered so far. It also has some cake recipes as well as recipes for how to make the different cake coverings. Definitely a worthy buy.