Fondant

Kim Simons standing beside a life-sized deer cake sculpture in an autumnal scene.

How and why I made a life-sized deer cake

“Would you be interested in making a life-sized mounted deer cake for my hunting camp’s one-hundredth anniversary?” I’ve had many an offbeat conversation with my friend …

Three fondant-decorated cupcakes designed as a pig, cow, and sheep farm animals

Make a double-stuffed farm animal cookie

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I love animals. And I’m proud that the same love of animals has also manifested in my kids. My son Corey, for example, is a 6-foot-2-inch …

Fondant-covered musical instrument cookies

Make these musical instrument cake toppers

I’m pretty sure that everyone in the world loves music in some way, shape or form. I know I do. Early on in my life, I wanted to play the drums. But my father, being of a certain age from …

A cake decorated as a picnic scene with fondant hamburger, hot dog, and corn on a checkered tablecloth

Make these summer picnic treats from fondant

Summer means picnics to me, and not just any picnics. It means gigantic picnics hosted by the Volunteer Fire Department Ontario Hose Co. #3, out of Liberty, NY—my hometown.

A three-tiered cake decorated with colorful watercolor-style frosting and gold sprinkles is topped with a large, vibrant orange and red flower made from edible wafer paper.

Make this autumn flower cake topper

“Why make art with food?” It’s a question I’m asked every once in a while when people find out what I do, and it’s a good one. After all, food does seem like a …

A detailed fondant cake topper features a smiling scarecrow with curly blonde hair, a red shirt, and a brown hat with a small black crow perched on it, set against a backdrop of colorful autumn leaves.

Make this cute scarecrow cake topper out of fondant

I have always loved fall. In our corner of the world, it is absolutely beautiful. When I see brightly colored leaves on mountain trees against a blue sky, I feel invigorated. I feel that Mother …

A red, white and blue teddy bear made from fondant sitting on a wooden surface

Make this cute teddy bear out of fondant

As I write this, I’m anticipating June 14 in a big way. Not because June 14 is Flag Day, although that was always a big deal in my house growing up (more on this later). No, I’m …

A red fondant gnome with a white beard and green hat holding a holiday ribbon

Make this holiday gnome out of fondant

My mother was born on Christmas Day, which is why her name is Carol. But to hear her tell it, that wasn’t necessarily a great thing—at least for her. She was the youngest of four in a …

A sculpted bald eagle head made from fondant with feather details and an American flag background

Make this liberty eagle out of fondant

I have always loved birds—raptors, in particular. When I see a hawk in flight, I know I’m going to have a good day. I have also always been proud of where I come from—Liberty, …