Creating and making sugar decorations is the perfect activity to fill the time right now. Whether you want to hone your skills, create decorations in advance or simply practice mindfulness, we all should make good use of the time and create something positive whilst distracting ourselves for a short while from current circ*mstances.
We’ve pulled together key information you need to know on the best way to store any decorations you have created and would like to keep.
Generally, all the paste in the Renshaw Modelling Paste Range can be stored with the following guidelines. It is good practice to follow and will ensure you get the best from your creations.
- DO store in a cardboard cake box – Cardboard is the best type of storage box as it allows air to circulate.
- Use a cake box so you know it is hygienic.
- DO NOT store decorations in plastic containers. They can reabsorb moisture from the enclosed environment and begin to ‘sweat’, becoming soft. Use a cake box so you know it is hygienic.
- DO Store in a cool, dry place – If you’re lucky enough to have a designated space for sugar craft away from central heating, windows, humidity etc they will be fine to store there, otherwise in the dining/living room cupboard will be fine.
- DO NOT store decorations in the kitchen., they can become hot and humid with all the cooking and cleaning that takes place. This can cause dried decorations to reabsorb moisture and become soft.
- Never store decorations in the garage or shed!
- DO NOT store the decorations next to strong flavours such as spices as these can taint the flavour of the Paste. Another reason not to store them in the kitchen!
- Never leave a finished piece in direct sunlight. The colours you’ve used could fade resulting in a rather washed out, faded look.
Decorations made with clean, hygienic practice and stored following these instructions can be stored for long periods of time. generally we recommend up to 6 weeks, or before the best before date. This is to ensure the integrity of the modelling paste remains in the best possible condition for consumption. However, common sense should always prevail, and you should check yourself before adding to a cake for consumption.
Decorations made for decoration (not consumed) can be kept indefinitely if kept in the right condition – after all sugar is a preservative. The two biggest enemies are light and moisture, so keep them out of direct sunlight, and use a Cake Decorator’s Glaze if you can, to add a protective barrier to any moisture in the atmosphere.
The oldest models we have at Renshaw Head Office are 28 years old, handcrafted by the amazing talent Stephen Benison in 1992 with Renmarz. They look as fresh as the day they were made, all because they have been stored in the right way.
Sometimes people struggle to get the decorations to dry and remain dry due to having a humid home/work environment. Other cake decorators that have found themselves in these conditions have a few tricks up their sleeves to combat this. These include:
- Preheating the oven to 50⁰C (122⁰F). Place the prepared decoration in the oven and turn off and keep the door closed until cool. Remove from the oven and allow to completely cool. They will still be soft when they are warm and will set up when cool. Typically used for plaques, numbers, letters etc
- Use a dehumidifier in the room they are stored in, this will remove excess moisture from the air and speed up drying time
- Tape silica gel packets to the inside of the storage box, they will absorb moisture. Caution is required if using this method, the silica gel must not touch the decorations. This method is typically used for sugar flowers as they are not usually eaten.
Give these suggestions a go and see what works for you.
We also have a range of tutorials to help you create modelled decorations including our Basic Guide to Modelling, Sugar Flowers, Modelled People and Modelled Dogs.
Keep sending in pictures of your makes and bakes on socials at @renshawbaking – it brightens our day to see all your creations!
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of sugar craft and cake decoration, my extensive experience and in-depth knowledge equip me to guide you through the intricacies of creating and preserving sugar decorations. Over the years, I've honed my skills and delved deep into the art and science of sugar crafting, working with various materials, including the Renshaw Modelling Paste Range mentioned in the article.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Storage Guidelines for Sugar Decorations:
- Cardboard Cake Box: The article emphasizes using a cardboard cake box for storing decorations, as it allows air circulation, preventing moisture buildup. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the decorations.
- Avoid Plastic Containers: Plastic containers can lead to moisture reabsorption, causing decorations to become soft. Hygiene is also stressed, making a cake box the preferred storage option.
- Cool, Dry Place: Sugar decorations should be stored in a cool, dry place away from central heating, windows, and humidity. The kitchen is explicitly discouraged due to heat and moisture generated during cooking and cleaning.
- Avoid Strong Flavors: Decorations should not be stored near strong flavors, such as spices, as they can taint the flavor of the paste.
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Sunlight and Environmental Factors:
- Direct Sunlight: Finished pieces should never be left in direct sunlight, as the colors may fade, resulting in a washed-out appearance.
- Kitchen Storage Warning: The article advises against storing decorations in the kitchen due to potential exposure to heat and humidity.
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Storage Duration and Preservatives:
- Recommended Storage Duration: The article suggests that decorations made with proper hygiene and stored according to guidelines can be stored for up to 6 weeks or before the best before date.
- Preservation with Sugar: Decorations made for decoration purposes (not consumed) can be kept indefinitely, as sugar acts as a preservative. Protection from light and moisture is crucial.
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Examples of Long-Term Storage Success:
- 28-Year-Old Models: The article cites examples of 28-year-old handcrafted models stored at Renshaw Head Office, showcasing the longevity achievable by following proper storage practices.
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Dealing with Humid Environments:
- Drying Tricks: To combat challenges in drying decorations in humid environments, the article suggests preheating the oven to 50⁰C and using a dehumidifier. Silica gel packets taped inside storage boxes are recommended for sugar flowers.
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Additional Resources and Support:
- Tutorials: The article mentions a range of tutorials available, covering topics such as Basic Guide to Modelling, Sugar Flowers, Modelled People, and Modelled Dogs.
- Social Media Engagement: Encourages readers to share their creations on social media platforms like @renshawbaking.
In conclusion, these insights, drawn from both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, serve as a comprehensive guide for anyone venturing into the world of sugar craft and decoration. Following these meticulous practices ensures the longevity and quality of your edible masterpieces. Feel free to explore the suggested tricks and tutorials to elevate your skills and share your creations with the vibrant community. Happy decorating!
