A sugar shaper, sugarcraft gun, sugar extruder, clay gun…is a wonderfully clever cake decorating tool known by many different names. It is a tool I wouldn’t be without! It’s part of my essential cake decorating kit. I have had one ever since I started decorating 25 years ago and now I have three. Why? Well I am hoping by the end of this post you will know. But first of all let me explain the tool itself.
What is a sugar shaper?
A sugar shaper, or sugarcraft gun if you prefer, is a really useful gadget that allows you to
make uniform shapes from different types of edible paste. Sugarpaste, modelling paste, pastillage, marzipan, modelling chocolate etc. The tool, fits neatly into the palm of your hand so you can easily squeeze out shaped pieces of sugar. Each pack includes 16 different discs shapes, so lots to play with. PME piping tubes can also be used without the use of an adaptor for even more options.
Cake inspiration – examples of shapes made with a sugar shaper
I am always using this highly versatile tool so have many, many, many cakes that I could share, however I thought you might to see a few examples from my ‘Mini Cakes Academy‘ book. I hope they inspire you:
Let me show you how a sugar shaper works
In this video, originally filmed live on facebook, I explain how to use a sugar shaper successful, the paste you need and most importantly, the consistency that the paste must be. I hope you find it informative but if you have any questions after watching please ask in the comments box below.
If you don’t already possess one of these fabulous, extremely useful tools and you’d like to own one one yourself, remember we stock sugar shapers in the Lindy’s Cakes online Shop. I wouldn’t sugarcraft without one!
I hope I have inspired you in one way or another…
Sweet wishes
Lindy
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Teri says
Helllooo from sunny Southern California! Love the new site! And just watched the sugar shaper tutorial, lots of good info.
Thank you again for sharing your love of sugar crafting Lindy!
Lindy Smith says
Hello Teri
So good to hear you love the new site, it’s been a real labour of love but so worthwhile. There is still lots to do, including updating some of these blog posts but I’m thrilled finally to be able to share the site and our new branding. I plan to add many more posts like this to inspire you.
Sweet wishes
Lindy 😀
Double S says
I bought one of these years ago, useless piece of kit. Could never get more than a couple of inches squeezed out at a time before the handle was right next to the barrel.
Lindy Smith says
Hi Crescent Cakes, as will all bits of kit, it’s all about learning the correct technique.
Can I persuade you to try your tool again? I think my how to video should help. It explains which paste to use, how to make the paste soft enough even for the tiniest of holes. I also show you how to use the pump action to build up the pressure within the gun so that the paste extrudes easily and effortlessly out from the tool. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll be using it for all sorts of things…I use mine all the time 😀
Louise Bassos says
What book are your vintage cotton reel in.And do you have a video on how to make them.
Lindy Smith says
Hi Louise
Vintage cotton reels are in my mini cakes academy book: https://lindyscakes.co.uk/shop/Lindy-Smiths-Mini-Cakes-Academy-Book-p70418445 I’m afraid there isn’t a video on how to make them but the book gives you step by step instructions.