Color is a pretty difficult thing to explain. I think in a lot of ways it's in the eye of the beholder...sometimes subtle differences are huge depending on who's looking.
Using experience and a handy color chart from a veteran cake decorator, I tried to put together a little guide to refer to while mixing icing colors.
Keep in mind the sample colors might not be EXACT, but they are a general idea. {Its VERY hard to make mauve on the computer}
Overall, it's handy and can lead you in the right direction if you get totally lost.
Here are a few of my most asked about colors:
My favorite purple to use is equal parts regal purple {or violet} and electric purple to brighten it up =)
My favorite green is a mixture of leaf green and egg yolk yellow, I'd say 3 parts leaf green+1 part egg yolk yellow
And my favorite pink is a mixture of tulip red and deep pink. I am not sure about actual amounts, just don't go overboard!
A little note about red. I ONLY use tulip red. Most reds taste icky. However Witlon makes a no-taste Red. I used to think this was my only option, but by chance I learned that tulip red shade of other brands, is a no-taste red. HOWEVER, take note: Depending on brand, tulip red can vary in shade. I've found that Americolor tends to be a little more orange-y than the CK brand...so if you would like the color to be a little richer of a red, I'd suggest CK. I almost exclusively use the Americolor only for the reason that it comes in 13.5 ounce bottles, BUT I like them all =)
Another tip for red icing. No matter what shade you decide to use, make it a few days ahead of time. Reds, browns, blacks, and purples tend to develop significantly in a day or so. It will save you a lot of color, and some possible weird icing issues to use less and wait!
Also, don't waste icing! Sometimes it's hard for me to remember how I made a color because I use what I call the "Preschool Method".
It all goes back to simple colors. Yellow and blue make green, red and yellow make orange, you get the idea. If I need green, I begin with any leftover colors I have, and alter it from there.
For example, if I have leftover blue, I add a little yellow. If have have leftover blue and yellow, I mix them. I try never to waste anymore than I have to.
I also have a list of favorite colors that I cannot live without. I pretty much exclusively use Americolor. Here they are:
- Tulip Red
- Deep Pink
- Orange
- Egg yolk, Lemon, and Electric Yellow
- Leaf Green and Avocado
- Royal, Sky, Electric and Navy Blue
- Turquoise
- Regal and Electric Purple
- Violet
- Super Black
- Deep and Electric Pink
- Warm and Chocolate Brown
- Ivory
If you still have trouble, there are colorwheels availiable for purchase from most cookie and cake decorating supply stores.
Normally, I would wait until I could perfect this until I posted, but I think it's helpfulness outweighs the UGLY.
Please forgive my primative illustrations. I am an unlikely blogger who's having to learn all of the computer skills that I missed in high school!
My mom who was also my computer teacher, was always on my case about not listening in class, and now I am PAYING for it!
I plan on tweaking this as soon as Mom comes over to help me, LOL. I'll also get her to make it into a printable chart. I hope this is helpful!
*A few I forgot...My favorite lime green {used as an accent on the daisies above} is electric green with one drop of electric blue and Tiffany blue is 3 parts royal blue+1 part leaf green.
*A few I forgot...My favorite lime green {used as an accent on the daisies above} is electric green with one drop of electric blue and Tiffany blue is 3 parts royal blue+1 part leaf green.
