Fondant bugs, a worm, ladybug, and bumble bee to top cookies, cupcakes, and cakes.
how to make fondant bugs
These fondant bugs are super easy to create and would make great toppers for cookies, cupcakes or cakes. (See the end of this post for notes on supplies and some tips for working with fondant. Click on any picture to enlarge.)
NOTES on SUPPLIES:
Find the rolled fondant and the confetti sprinkles (Wilton brand fondant) in any major craft store.
You can also find food coloring and edible pens in the craft store, though I use Americolor soft gel pastes and gourmet writers, which are a tad harder to find.
Click on the links for more information.
TIPS:
To tint fondant, knead a drop of food coloring very well into a palm full of fondant.
Add drops until you reach desired color. Be warned! This can stain your hands, especially the black, so if you’re a hand model, don’t make these the morning of the shoot.
If the fondant gets too sticky to work with, just let it sit out at room temperature uncovered for about 15 minutes. Y
ou want the fondant to stay pliable so you can squish pieces together and they adhere to each other, but not so mushy it is sticky and clings to your fingers.
The minute the fondant starts to annoy you, let it sit out a bit.
to make a worm you will need:
white rolled fondant
electric green food coloring
small confetti sprinkles
black gourmet writer
1. Prepare lime green fondant (See tips on preparing fondant at the end of this post.)
2. Roll pea-sized pieces of green fondant into balls and squish gently together, larger in the front, trailing to smaller sized pieces.
3. Adhere two small, white pieces of confetti sprinkles to the ball in the front. If needed, wet your finger and dab on the back of the confetti.
4. Draw eyes with the black gourmet writer.
to make a ladybug you will need:
white rolled fondant
red food coloring
black food coloring
black gourmet writer
1. Prepare red and black fondant (see end of this post for tips on working with fondant).
2. Roll a red ball and flatten underside.
3. Roll a smaller black ball and press on the front of the red ball.
4. Draw dots with your black gourmet writer.
to make a bumblebee you will need:
white rolled fondant
yellow food coloring
black food coloring
black gourmet writer
jumbo confetti sprinkles
wax paper
rolling pin
sharp knife
1. Prepare yellow and black fondant (see the end of this post for details).
2. Roll a yellow ball. Well, more of an ovoid shape. Flatten the front a bit and pinch the other end into a bit of a point.
3. Roll black fondant thinly between two pieces of wax paper. Let set about 10 minutes. Cut thin strips with a sharp knife and wrap around yellow body. Press gently to adhere.
4. With marker, draw eyes. Insert 2 light yellow confetti sprinkles for wings.
Baking Momma says
These are definitely the cutest bugs I have ever seen. Thanks for the tutorial.
cookies and cups says
very cute! I want to make garden-themed cupcakes now!
Bethie says
Adorable.
James ~n~ Amber says
I love bugs !!! Fondant bugs that is. I've only ever made some ladybugs, but I've been needing a reason to make the little catterpillars. So cute !
jami says
Super cute! Any tips for making a fondant bi-plane? I am trying to figure out how to make the top wing stand up (3D) but not fall over or crush the rest of the plane. Thanks!
Jackie at PhamFatale.com says
It seems like a super fun project for the kids to do with me. Thanks for sharing!
Chic Cookies says
Thanks all! Jami–I'm pretty new to fondant. Are your trying to make a big biplane? (Like to fit on a cake?) I've never worked with it, but I've also heard gum paste is often better for such things, as it dries harder. Fondant will stiffen, but not as much. Are you also using supports between the wings? Like fondant (or gum paste) rolled into a bar shape? I think bi-planes have those anyway. Very ambitious task!
Mom2Be says
these are sooo cute! : )
ipiet says
such a cute bug 😀
the twins says
so cute!
vincent says
Hello,We bumped into your blog and we really liked it – great recipes YUM YUM.We would like to add it to the Petitchef.com. We would be delighted if you could add your blog to Petitchef so that our users can, as us,enjoy your recipes. Petitchef is a french based Cooking recipes Portal. Several hundred Blogs are already membersand benefit from their exposure on Petitchef.com. To add your site to the Petitchef family you can use https://en.petitchef.com/?obj=front&action=site_ajout_form or just go to Petitchef.com and click on "Add your site" Best regards, Vincentpetitchef.com
Katie K. says
WOW. Do make your own fondant? I really need to start using it however satin ice isn't available to me and wilton tastes horrible in my opinion! These are adorable!
Chic Cookies says
Thanks! Katie K.–Making my own fondant is on my to-do list, but I haven't done it yet. I heard marshmallow fondant is a good alternative, so when I get my kitchen back (mid renovations) I'll try it out and post on it. I use fondant so sparingly because I agree about the taste. Blech.
BOUTIQUE COOKIE says
They are cute!!!
Kerry_Kid Giddy says
I hands down LOVE the bumble bees!!!
Anonymous says
SOOOOO cute! I have a wee one who wants a bug cake this year and love these ideas, thanks! How long in advance can you make the bugs? (I've never used fondant before, but want to try it) thanks!!
Chic Cookies says
Thanks Anonymous! I usually make the fondant toppers the day before and leave them out at room temp to stiffen. You can make them up to a few days ahead, though the longer they sit out, the harder they get (fondant isn't super tasty anyway, so I usually don't even eat it. Just pick it off the cookie or cake and eat the good stuff). You can also put them in a tupperware a few days out so they don't dry super hard.
Anonymous says
Thanks very much for the tips and advice! Can't wait to mske these and see them on his cake…thanks again for sharing!!
The Sweet Fairy Cake says
Oh my gosh! These are so adorable!! Cute!! Thanks so much for the tutorial! I was looking to make a bee! And by the way I loved your site! Congratulations!!! 😀
dana says
wow!!this looks soo adorable these are soo cute….Happy new year!!!