Royal Icing Umbrella

The 2012 Olympics sure have had their share of rain! When I drove from California to the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002 I don't even think I had an umbrella in the car. Tonight's post is a tribute to all those spectators standing in the London rain, who refuse to let some uncooperative weather come between them and the games. All you'll need to pipe umbrellas are stiff consistency royal icing in any color you like, round tip #10, petal tip #101, round tip #4, parchment paper squares, a glue stick, a flower nail, a Styrofoam block to rest the nail in, and a dusting pouch filled with a 50/50 blend of cornstarch and powdered sugar. Start by sticking a parchment paper square to the flower nail with a dab from the glue stick. 

 Hold the #10 tip just above and at a 45 degree angle to the surface. Pipe until a ball forms, then slowly move the tip along the surface while continuing to pipe. Gradually decrease pressure, then stop and pull the tip away. Neaten the tip with a fingertip that you've touched to the dusting pouch, if need be. Pipe one of these shapes for each umbrella, and allow them to firm up a little.

 Switch to the #101 petal tip and pipe the ruffle at the wide end, holding the narrow end of the tip outwards. Move the tip up and down as you pipe to form the ruffle.

 Here's another view of it:

 Now is a good time to switch to a contrasting color, unless you're going for a monochromatic look. Using the #4 tip, pipe the ferrule (pointy end) by holding the tip against the narrow end of the umbrella shape. Squeeze briefly, then stop pressure and pull the tip away.

 Tuck the tip into the ruffle and pipe the curved handle.

  Don't wait until a rainy day to pipe these umbrellas; they'd be perfect cupcake toppers for a shower of any sort!