In thisvideo, we delve into the art of creating realistic holly and mistletoe leaves, along with their accompanying berries, using moulds and gum paste. This process enhances the aesthetic appeal of cakes, cupcakes, and other confections, especially during festive seasons. Let's explore the steps to mastering this craft.

To begin with, prepare the gum paste and condition it with a bit of vegetable shortening or white vegetable fat. This gives the paste more malleability, making it easier to work with. For the holly leaves, press the conditioned gum paste into the holly leaf section of the mould. Ensure the paste fills all the intricate details. Once filled, use a cosmetic sponge to remove any excess paste, leaving a clean edge around the leaf. Flex the mould to release the leaf and place it on a foam pad. The process is similar when you come to make the mistletoe leaves.

To create the berries, press the conditioned gum paste into the berry section of the mould. For a single berry, use a small amount of paste. For a cluster, fill the mould with more paste. Once the mould is filled, use a cosmetic sponge to remove the excess paste. Flex the mould to release the berries.

To create wired berries, prepare three 26-gauge wires and tape them together using floral tape. Trim the wires to about 5 millimetres in length. Press the conditioned gum paste into the berry mould, ensuring it overfills the mould. Insert the taped wires into the paste while it's still in the mould. Once the wires are securely in place, flex the mould to release the berries.

For a shiny finish on the berries, apply a thin layer of vegetable shortening or white vegetable fat. Alternatively, use confectioner's glaze or two sprays of lacquer spray for a more glossy finish.

With a bit of practice and creativity, you can create stunning holly and mistletoe decorations to enhance any festive confectionery.