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VIDEO: Say hello to the real Sugar Babes
The delicate art of sugarcraft explained by professionals
Sugarcraft supremo Sylvia Kidby's interest in the intricate art of icing started with a Road to Damascus moment at a Bedford WI exhibition.
"I saw a cake, the likes of which I'd never seen before," the septuagenarian said, eyes lighting up at the memory. "It had collars, runners, a picture. I said to myself: 'I've got to learn how to do that.'"
Now, 30 years later, the Milton Keynes-based mother-of-two is one of the top sugarcraft exponents in the country – on a par with internationally renowned Alan Dunn. "I'm good, he's better," she smiled.
Sylvia was invited to the Luton branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild (BSG)to show members how to make lisianthus and snapdragons. The former junior school teacher is adept at fashioning more than 80 different varieties of flowers from sugar paste.
"Roses are easiest," she said. "I've never cracked gerberas because of the breakage factor – even when they're made from petal paste. Freesias look simple, but they aren't." Her favourites are flame lilies: "They look spectacular but are relatively easy" – but she also enjoys making hollyhocks and snapdragons: "Because they're more of a challenge."
Former BSG president Mary Moatt, 71, of Limbury Mead, is founder member and chairman of the Luton branch. The retired Cardinal Newman home economics teacher – who's taught sugarcraft in her time – said: "It's lovely creating flowers. I love doing little primroses that I can just do with my fingers – a lot of them demand proper cutters."
Widow Edna Moore, 74, of Eaton Bray, described herself modestly as "just a novice." But she's already made several stunning sugarcraft bonsai. "I just love Japanese maples," she said.
"I've always been interested in flower arranging and now I've started doing cakes. I'm really enjoying it and thinking about maybe doing some proper training."
Luton branch secretary Suzanne Ware, of Leagrave, saw an ad for making sugar flowers in the Luton News when her son was five. She soon mastered the skill and joined the committee – "Because I'm quite nosey," she joked. "I've held almost every post."
One of her claims to fame is a sugarcraft Luton Town Football Club crazy hat which has been on display in Wardown Museum and which also raised more than 400 for charity.
"You need a certain amount of expertise, then you get hooked," she said. "We're hoping to appeal to a new generation of young mums. Several of our branches run cygnet groups for children –the nearest one is in Bletchley."
More people are becoming entranced with sugarcraft – this year's annual exhibition at the NEC in November has been extended from two days to three because of public demand.
If you'd like to join the Luton Branch contact Suzanne on 01582 594902 or email suzanne.ware@btinternet.com
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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