Perfect the art of piping—and discover techniques for turning a simple design into a stunning cake.

Many people shy away from even trying their hand at piping. This chapter, taken from The Contemporary Cake Decorating Bible, will help demystify the art and inspire you to perfect the technique. The basics are not difficult to master—having the correct equipment and icing consistency is key, whether it's buttercream or royal icing. Then, all you need is practice to become familiar with the amounts of pressure required as you pipe. Lindy Smith shows you how to pipe swirls, peaks, daisies, and roses with buttercream, as well as dots, hearts, drop line work, and brushwork embroidery with royal icing.