Do you have a cake that you would love to liven up, but you aren't sure how? Would you like to learn more about cake decorating, but you find it intimidating? Cake decorating can indeed seem intimidating. With its elaborate borders and turrets, fancy script and ornate scrollwork, cake decoration can seem like a difficult art to the novice. But it need not be that way at all. The simple truth is that there are many simple ways to liven up any cake. And in many cases, less can definitely be more.

Using Stencils to Make Your Cake a Unique Creation

What is one of the easiest ways to liven up any cake in a flash? Stencils are fun to use cake decoration accessories that can transform a dreary cake into something truly memorable in just a few minutes time. Stencils come in a variety of shapes and sizes and themes and can be used on just about any kind of cake. Where can you find stencils? Stencils can be purchased at any place that is well stocked in kitchen or baking supplies, including supermarkets, craft stores and kitchen supply stores. What should you look for in a stencil? There are many types of stencils out there. Look for stencils that appear sturdy, and which say that they will not absorb grease.

Tips for Using Stencils Effectively

Although there is no right or wrong way to use stencils, there are many tricks and tips for achieving the right kind of effect on your cake. First, always make sure that you let the frosting and icing dry to the touch before you apply any kind of stencil. Once the frosting and icing has been allowed to settle, spray the top of the stencils' surface with cooking spray. That way, you won't get sprinkled sugars sticking to the stencil. Also, the stencil will not stick to the cake or fall back onto it when the stencil is lifted. Place your stencil gently onto the center of your cake (or wherever you want the design to go), and then sprinkle colored sugar very evenly over the openings. You can also use powdered cocoa or powdered sugar, or any other concoction that you can come up with. Or you can simply use icing to fill in the stencil openings. Finally, gently lift the stencil, making sure not to smear any borders or frosting.

Add Festive Borders to Your Cake

Another easy way to liven up your cake is to add some festive borders. This is a very basic way to effectively bring life to an otherwise drab cake. There are three very basic borders that can help you liven up your cake.

Making a Star Border for Your Cake

First, you can use the popular number 21 star tip. Use a zigzag motion along the edge of your cake to create a great-looking star border.

Making a Pretty Shell Border

You can also use the star tip in order to make a classic shell border. To make the shell border, touch the star tip to the cake surface and squeeze gently. Then lift the tip a little and let the short loop of the icing roll down. Then you want to bring the tip down at an angle in order to form the "tail" of the shell. Repeat this pattern until you have a row of connected shells.

Making a Ruffle Border

Another very pretty and lively border is known as the ruffle border. There are two different border tips that can do this job effectively—the number 70 leaf tip, and the number 104 rose tip.