Book excerpt: A compilation of the best-selling International School of Sugarcraft Book One and Book Two, now available in a more affordable single volume. Making a cake and decorating it beautifully for a special occasion deserves a round of applause, and with The Ultimate Guide to Sugarcraft, the praise will keep on coming! This book is divided into two parts, with each section comprised of a set of 20 lessons. Part One teaches how to make perfect cakes, icings and frostings, as well as master ribbon work, frills, collars, lettering, modeling and piped decorations. It is the ideal foundation for people who have never decorated a cake before—and an excellent refresher for those who already have some basic skills. Part Two builds on that foundation, teaching the intricate skills of tube and brush embroidery, lace, fondant, figure modeling, sugar-flower sprays, bas relief, pastillage and filigree. Packed with ideas, each one illustrated with color photographs and accompanied by step-by-step instructions, this inspirational guide is written by six internationally acclaimed sugercraft artists, each one chosen for their expertise in a particular field of sugarcraft. This is the most comprehensive sugarcraft and cake decorating book ever published. This cake decorating guide contains over 70 ideas for cake decorations and designs.