Monday Tutorials: Fall Acorn Topper/Border

Don't you just hate Mondays? The first day back to work or school after a (hopefully) relaxing weekend. The day goes by at glacial speed, and you look for things to distract you from what you need to do. Well, look no further!

Welcome to our Monday series of tutorials. Cupcake toppers, borders, cake decorating techniques, etc. Every Monday we'll post a new how-to, and you'll have enough time to practice it for your own weekend creations.

Let's kick off the cooler weather (you know, if you're in some other part of the country) with a fall classic--the acorn!

Here's what you'll need:

- a small rolling pin
- a fondant rolling cutter (or a small paring knife)
- a 1/2" circular cutter
- a 1/2" ball light brown fondant
- a 1" ball dark brown fondant
- a small paintbrush (not pictured)
- a small glass of water (not pictured)

Using your hands, roll the dark brown fondant into an oval shape. Using the tips of your fingers, pinch one end to form a small point. Set aside.

Roll out the ball of light brown fondant until it is about 1/4" thick. Cut a small circle with the 1/2" circular cutter.

Using the end of the small rolling pin, gently press down on the small circle to thin it out and widen it a little. It does not have to be a perfect circle!

Using the rolling cutter or knife, score shallow lines on the fondant in a criss-cross pattern. Make sure not to cut all the way through!

Flip the scored fondant over, and after dipping the brush into the water, brush some water on it.

With the light brown circle in the palm of one hand (wet side up), place the formed oval on top (the side without the point down), and cup it around the ball to attach. Or, you know, if there's a better way that works for you to put them together try that! Apparently we forgot to take a picture of this step.

Using a very small scrap of light brown fondant, roll a small piece between two fingers to make an elongated shape. Dip one end into the water, and press into the acorn to form a stem.

Voila! A simple little detail to make some festive cupcakes or to trim a fall cake.

What other fall toppers or borders would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers!

We're new in town...

Why, hello there! We're U of Cakes, and we're new in town! We teach cake decorating classes--in the convenience of your own home--in the Phoenix metro area. Want to learn? Just gather a group of family, friends, co-workers, enemies, or even complete strangers, and we'll come to you!

Have you always wanted to try your hand at cake decorating, but were too nervous to try it yourself? Or maybe all the gadgets were a bit daunting and you just want to take an afternoon to see if you're any good?

A U of Cakes class is a great new activity for a group of friends, a fun time when relatives are in town and you're looking for something new to do in Phoenix, and a great way to meet new people with similar interests.

Don't think you have enough room to host a cake decorating party? If you live in an apartment or other community with many amenities, reserve a party space in the clubhouse! Not sure if you can get enough friends together? There will be opportunities throughout the year to combine multiple smaller parties to one location, or ask your friends' friends to join you!

If you just want to see what it's all about first, subscribe to the U of Cakes blog! We'll post special offers, host giveaways, show you some cake decorating tips and tricks, and other cool cake stuff on the web.

We love hearing from our readers! Have a question about classes, or about a cake decorating technique? Visit the U of Cakes official website, go to the contact page, and e-mail us! (No spam, please--it's not nice!).

Until next time!
Kirsten @ U of Cakes