How to make a fondant/gumpaste Bow

Here I am making a stripped bow with two colors. You could use just one color and skip the extra step making a simple bow.
I prefer to use 50 fondant and 50 gum paste.


When I'm working with two strong contrasting colors I prefer to work on them one at a time rather than switching hands so as to avoid any color bleed.
Start by rolling out your first color for the bow. I'm using white here.

Its best to roll it thin so it will look more natural and delicate.

Cut two of these into same lengths. Mine are 5 x 3 inch

Now keep them aside.

Next roll another long strip for the tails, cut in half. And make the V as shown. Approx about 6 inches long

Make a third small strip for the center loop. Approximate about 4 inches long.

 Place them between two plastic sheets to avoid them from drying. Like so...

Now lets work on the second color. The red stripes.
Roll our your red fondant.

Then cut out the strips, you can use a tool as shown or a knife too.. 

 Now start placing the strips on all your cut out pieces with a dab or water.

DO NOT use too much water; as the dark color will bleed into the light colors.

Time to shape the bow.
Take the two first pieces you made for the loops. Place the stripes facing downward. Place a clean tissue or soft cotton in the center;

then fold over like so..

 I prefer to cut out a bit of the sides and then pinch the edges together with the dab of water.

You can either place them flat on the cake like this or standing up as I do on this cake.

Now take the two tails and pinch the tops together like so....

Position the tails the on cake with a dab of water.

Next place your bow loops.

 Next, take you center loop. Cut to the desired length if necessary and position with both ends inwards.

 Do the same on the back too. Position the end inwards. This is the back of the bow. Note the loop.

And there you have it. A perfect fondant bow. Leave the tissue inside the loops until the bow dries. Once dried carefully remove them out.

Variations - 

• You can make the bow with one single color and luster it giving a more shiny appearance. 
• You can use just one strip along the center. 
• You make a dotted bow. Just make dots with a piping nozzle in the size you want, place them on the fondant. Roll lightly with your rolling pin so they blend into the base color. Then cut out your pieces.
• You can also emboss the fondant with a print mat or embossers. On the bow below, I used my basket weave rolling pin.

I hope you learned something.
Until next time. Happy cake decorating.
Veena
If you liked this post please consider subscribing to my blog and sharing my post with your friends.
Veena Azmanov
Veena's Art of Cakes
Unforgettable Cakes for memorable occasions
Website - www.veenaartofcakes.com
Blog - http://veenaartofcakes.blogspot.com/
You tube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/veenamiranda?feature=mhee