How to Make Gumpaste Ruby Slippers/Shoes

These ruby slippers were used on a Wizard of Oz themed cake. They can easily be personalized by changing the color or details.

In this tutorial you will use something called gum glue. You can easily make gum glue by mixing about 1 tablespoon of water and a 1/4 teaspoon of gumpaste. Stir the mixture as the gumpaste dissolves in the water. It can be stored up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

You will need...

red fondant/gumpaste mixture

shoe template

Exacto Knife

decorator's brush

gum glue (water and gumpaste mixture)

tissues or napkins

pre made red icing

tip #2

piping gel

red sugar crystals

Directions:

Step 1

Print out your shoe template on card stock (especially the base support ). Cut the pieces out and assemble the support.

Follow these steps to print your templates.

1. Right click on the image and select 'copy image.'

2. Open the program of your choice. Word and Paint work great.

3. Hit 'CTRL-V' to paste the picture on the page.

You now have the freedom to size the template to your needs.

***Decorator's Tip*** Making adjustments to your template is a great way to make your shoes unique.

Step 2

Using the red gumpaste, make the heels of your shoes and place them behind your base support. Be sure to use the 'sole' template as a guide for the shape of your heel.

***Decorator's Tip*** Make your heal slightly higher than the support and have it follow the angle of the shoe. This will give it a more natural looking arch.

Step 3

Roll out your gumpaste and cut out the soles of your shoe using the template and an Exacto Knife. Brush the top of the heel with gum glue and place the soles on the support base.

***Decorator's Tip*** I chose to leave the shoe lining/insert off my ruby slippers. If you will be using your insert, now is the time to roll out your gumpaste, cut out your piece and attach it to the sole of the shoe using a decorator's brush and gum glue.

Step 4

Roll out your gumpaste and cut out the tops of the shoe using the template and an Exacto Knife. Apply a small amount of gum glue around the edge of the toe and put on the top of the shoe. Use tissue or napkins to hold the shape until the gumpaste dries.

Step 5

Roll out your gumpaste one last time and cut out the back/side of the shoe using the template and an Exacto Knife. Just as before, apply a small amount of gum glue to the remaining edge of the shoe and attach the final piece. Use napkins or tissue to hold the shoe's form until the gumpaste dries.

The shoe will need to dry out for at least a day, maybe two. Once you feel they are strong enough, move on to the next step.

Step 6

Using a tube of pre made red icing and tip #2, fill in the gaps around the edge of the shoe and where the sides meet the top. This is also a good time to fill in any cracks in the gumpaste.

Step 7

Brush piping gel all over the shoe, inside and out. Finally, roll the shoe in red sugar crystals. All mistakes should be hidden and your shoe will sparkle in the light.

For another great gumpaste shoe tutorial visit www.how2cakes.com.