Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope (second trial)

Sonja’s ( @iSugarfy (aka swissophie)) glass-like effect  (I wanted to make flat candy on cookies)

The skills Sonja used for her turtle of Practice Perfect Challenge #24

http://cookieconnection.juliau...terfly-metamorphosis

The reason why I wanted to learn from her is because she controls the amount of Isomalt perfectly even on each cell of turtle shell and they do not like just having poured melted Isomalt.   HOW TO CONTROL THE AMOUNT OF ISOMALT could be learned from Sonja.  

As everyone may know, everything Sonja makes is just masterpiece and I feel like I am at museum whenever I see her works.  I have been wondering how she did since I saw her turtle.  I gathered up all my courage and sent her message to ask her help. 

Sonja was busy with her projects but she told me the needed tool which is heat gun, procedure and what I should be careful.  When I could not make them, she gave me some more advice. 

Outcome is not good at all (actually awful) and I feel so bad because I could not make them properly even she gave me all instructions.  But I have learned a lot so I decided to post my clip.  I am getting better and could handle Isomalt after 2 whole sets of my cookies.  

This skill is totally different from the way I poured melted Isomalt to make dragonfly.

http://cookieconnection.juliau...com/clip/dragonfly-5 

One more person who helped me is @Manu biscotti decorati who made different designs with the same cookies. 

http://cookieconnection.juliau...ip/kaleidoscope-manu

This is wonderful and I asked her how she did.  She said this is not “skill” but how she did helped me make design. 

With those greatly nice people, I decided to make kaleidoscope which I really could not make for PBPC#23.

http://cookieconnection.juliau...-festival-in-my-town

It took really long for me to get a heat gun which was coming from overseas and I could not find another store which can deliver one to me right away.  I wish I had a little more time so I could do one more trial.

Just for the reference, followings are the mistakes I made. 

This was my plan.

My first colored set was just like my drawings. 

Isomalt did not go to the edge and border was burned.  I asked Sonja and I found out the temperature of my heat gun was too high.  Obviously I did not know how to handle heat gun.  First trial got all wrong.   Sonja asked me the temperature of my heat gun and I found out it was 650°C (1200F　what???) I was burning not only my cookies but also I would burn everything around me.   I am glad nothing wrong happened. 

I changed the colors just to refresh my feeling.  And I adjusted the temperature as Sonja told me but still some part was burned (green circled part), blue circled part is not melted well, red arrow parts, isomalt did not go to the edge.

My cookie had some air and it bursted   Because of the time difference between Switzerland and Japan, I tried to solve some problems by myself.  I was told to adjust the heat gun low speed but still it blows away Isomalt.  So I put some Isomalt on cookie and put them into microwave to make Isomalt stick each other, in that way my heat gun will not blow away Isomalt.   The result is:  Microwave burns inside of cookie, if the cookie has a little air in the cookie, it bursts.

I stirred isomalt with bamboo stick and icing was taken off.   I wanted to melt the Isomalt evenly and I thought stirring Isomalt while it is melting helps.  

Thankfully Sonja reviewed all my mistakes  and we exchanged a couple of more messages each other and finally I could figure out why I made all those mistakes. 

I tried to find the possible differences:  what she has and what I have

Sonja tried to tell me all details and cautions. 

1  The temperature of her heat gun can be set exactly, like 150°(302F) 160°(320F)　on the other hand mine has dial and setting is more blur.   200°(392F) is next to 100°(212F)  I do not even know that's really exact temperature.  

2  Her heat gun can melt Isomalt very fast but mine takes 5 to 8 times longer.  No wonder icing borders got burned 

3  Finally and this is the most IMPORTANT thing and after you read this part and if you re-read what I write, you will know why all those mistakes happened.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhjENzMfm58   This is the video I had seen before and I believed I could use Isomalt from bag directly on my cookies.   When I heard Isomalt, I could not think anything but raw isomalt. 

Sonja uses COOKED ISOMALT.   

If I could have done this skill easily, I may forget easily soon.  But since I did not have enough knowledge of Isomalt and I made all those mistakes, I could get sincere messages from Sonja to help me and she solved my problems.  Those messages are treasure for me now.  Thank you, Sonja I learned a lot and thanks to this challenge, I will never forget this long-distance help. 

@Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. Thanks again for your step-by-step detailing of what you did and learned. Much appreciated, as they are great teaching points for everyone reading! However, in the process of telling us about your mistakes, you forgot to tell us about (1) what a great idea this is AND (2) how well this terrifically challenging idea actually came out!  Plus, it's a big departure from what you usually do - I don't think there's a bigger risk-taker than you, and that is something I very much admire. (Just saying that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself! )

I love the puzzle look.  The Isomalt gives the cookies a whole new look! 

bette posted:

I love the puzzle look.  The Isomalt gives the cookies a whole new look! 

Thank you, Bette.  

Julia M. Usher posted:

@Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. Thanks again for your step-by-step detailing of what you did and learned. Much appreciated, as they are great teaching points for everyone reading! However, in the process of telling us about your mistakes, you forgot to tell us about (1) what a great idea this is AND (2) how well this terrifically challenging idea actually came out!  Plus, it's a big departure from what you usually do - I don't think there's a bigger risk-taker than you, and that is something I very much admire. (Just saying that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself! )

Actually I learned a very very important thing from Sonja.  I am going to add a little more.   I hope all of my mistakes help people who show how to handle ISOMALT to beginners.  Now @Julia M. Usher  do you think what I wrote is much better now??

Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. posted:

Julia M. Usher posted:

@Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. Thanks again for your step-by-step detailing of what you did and learned. Much appreciated, as they are great teaching points for everyone reading! However, in the process of telling us about your mistakes, you forgot to tell us about (1) what a great idea this is AND (2) how well this terrifically challenging idea actually came out!  Plus, it's a big departure from what you usually do - I don't think there's a bigger risk-taker than you, and that is something I very much admire. (Just saying that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself! )

Actually I learned a very very important thing from Sonja.  I am going to add a little more.   I hope all of my mistakes help people who show how to handle ISOMALT to beginners.  Now @Julia M. Usher  do you think what I wrote is much better now??

So sorry if what I said was confusing or came off as a critique. I was only saying you shouldn't be so hard on yourself, because your cookie is lovely! I also wasn't suggesting you didn't learn enough from Sonja or that you needed to give us any more info than you already had (you had already shared so much). I was only trying to be supportive of your work.

Julia M. Usher posted:

Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. posted:

Julia M. Usher posted:

@Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. Thanks again for your step-by-step detailing of what you did and learned. Much appreciated, as they are great teaching points for everyone reading! However, in the process of telling us about your mistakes, you forgot to tell us about (1) what a great idea this is AND (2) how well this terrifically challenging idea actually came out!  Plus, it's a big departure from what you usually do - I don't think there's a bigger risk-taker than you, and that is something I very much admire. (Just saying that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself! )

Actually I learned a very very important thing from Sonja.  I am going to add a little more.   I hope all of my mistakes help people who show how to handle ISOMALT to beginners.  Now @Julia M. Usher  do you think what I wrote is much better now??

So sorry if what I said was confusing or came off as a critique. I was only saying you shouldn't be so hard on yourself, because your cookie is lovely! I also wasn't suggesting you didn't learn enough from Sonja or that you needed to give us any more info than you already had (you had already shared so much). I was only trying to be supportive of your work.

Ohhhh 

This challenge was really challenging and dangerous, Ryoko! I am glad you are here safe and sound after using the heat gun at that temperature 😱!

I was so mesmerized by Sonjas turtle that I didn’t notice that was covered with isomalt. I had to go bck to her clip and read the tags. But you have noticed that from the beginning and did anything to try to recreate it on your cookies and made a connection with Sonja. I admire you for this.

Thanks much for your sweet comments about my work, Ryoko❣️

I wish we had had some more time to get this right, as the Kaleidoscope idea is such a wonderful one! How about you try one more time 🤩? With the original colors? I really liked the first cookie that you showed me, even with the blackened edge! But please, don't try to repeat that effect 😂!

OMG!!! My heart is still flattering, when I think of the metal melting 650°C you hit the cookie with 😱😱😱! For anyone wanting to try this, 160°C is the safe temperature to use! I turn it up to 250°C, but only for a few seconds, when I want to hurry it up a bit. Too long of this temp, and it will get the Isomalt bubbling, which you don't want! Also, start with the lowest fan speed setting and play with the distance to the cookie, until you have a good feel for it.

And a good heat gun with digital display is imperative for this! Ryoko is entirely too polite 😊, and not wanting to bother me, didn't let me know that she couldn't get the first and correct one she ordered, or I could've cautioned her about the settings...

So I feel all of this is really my fault, because I made it sound like I was too busy ☹️. But what I meant Ryoko, was only too busy to enter cookies of my own into this challenge. I only have the weekends for cookies, but I'm always available for corresponding during other days, too, especially with fellow cookiers who need help with something 😄.

If you'd have felt more comfortable contacting me, we'd probably have figured out earlier about pouring melted, and not Isomalt crystals! I'm so very sorry, this went the way it did, but as Julia already mentioned, your idea is still a terrific one, and your puzzle still came out lovely, despite all the difficulties ❣️

I was very happy that you contacted me, and wanted to learn this, and very honored too, as I love all of your creative work! So if you'd like to give this another try, please feel totally free to contact me whenever 😀!

Manu posted:

This challenge was really challenging and dangerous, Ryoko! I am glad you are here safe and sound after using the heat gun at that temperature 😱!

I was so mesmerized by Sonjas turtle that I didn’t notice that was covered with isomalt. I had to go bck to her clip and read the tags. But you have noticed that from the beginning and did anything to try to recreate it on your cookies and made a connection with Sonja. I admire you for this.

Oh Yes, Sonja's turtle is really beautiful.  What she did is very amazing.  

I am glad I did not burn anything but a part of my cookies. 

swissophie posted:

Thanks much for your sweet comments about my work, Ryoko❣️

I wish we had had some more time to get this right, as the Kaleidoscope idea is such a wonderful one! How about you try one more time 🤩? With the original colors? I really liked the first cookie that you showed me, even with the blackened edge! But please, don't try to repeat that effect 😂!

OMG!!! My heart is still flattering, when I think of the metal melting 650°C you hit the cookie with 😱😱😱! For anyone wanting to try this, 160°C is the safe temperature to use! I turn it up to 250°C, but only for a few seconds, when I want to hurry it up a bit. Too long of this temp, and it will get the Isomalt bubbling, which you don't want! Also, start with the lowest fan speed setting and play with the distance to the cookie, until you have a good feel for it.

And a good heat gun with digital display is imperative for this! Ryoko is entirely too polite 😊, and not wanting to bother me, didn't let me know that she couldn't get the first and correct one she ordered, or I could've cautioned her about the settings...

So I feel all of this is really my fault, because I made it sound like I was too busy ☹️. But what I meant Ryoko, was only too busy to enter cookies of my own into this challenge. I only have the weekends for cookies, but I'm always available for corresponding during other days, too, especially with fellow cookiers who need help with something 😄.

If you'd have felt more comfortable contacting me, we'd probably have figured out earlier about pouring melted, and not Isomalt crystals! I'm so very sorry, this went the way it did, but as Julia already mentioned, your idea is still a terrific one, and your puzzle still came out lovely, despite all the difficulties ❣️

I was very happy that you contacted me, and wanted to learn this, and very honored too, as I love all of your creative work! So if you'd like to give this another try, please feel totally free to contact me whenever 😀!

 

Oh Sonja, what a lovely person you are!!!  I really learned a lot and if I did not try this, I would never possess a heat gun for myself.  

Actually I like the color of my first set, too.   Yes, I would like to try them again.  But before that I need to cook Isomalt!!!   And I expect more cookies from you this year, too, @iSugarfy (aka swissophie).  You make us happy.  

Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. posted:

swissophie posted:

Thanks much for your sweet comments about my work, Ryoko❣️

I wish we had had some more time to get this right, as the Kaleidoscope idea is such a wonderful one! How about you try one more time 🤩? With the original colors? I really liked the first cookie that you showed me, even with the blackened edge! But please, don't try to repeat that effect 😂!

OMG!!! My heart is still flattering, when I think of the metal melting 650°C you hit the cookie with 😱😱😱! For anyone wanting to try this, 160°C is the safe temperature to use! I turn it up to 250°C, but only for a few seconds, when I want to hurry it up a bit. Too long of this temp, and it will get the Isomalt bubbling, which you don't want! Also, start with the lowest fan speed setting and play with the distance to the cookie, until you have a good feel for it.

And a good heat gun with digital display is imperative for this! Ryoko is entirely too polite 😊, and not wanting to bother me, didn't let me know that she couldn't get the first and correct one she ordered, or I could've cautioned her about the settings...

So I feel all of this is really my fault, because I made it sound like I was too busy ☹️. But what I meant Ryoko, was only too busy to enter cookies of my own into this challenge. I only have the weekends for cookies, but I'm always available for corresponding during other days, too, especially with fellow cookiers who need help with something 😄.

If you'd have felt more comfortable contacting me, we'd probably have figured out earlier about pouring melted, and not Isomalt crystals! I'm so very sorry, this went the way it did, but as Julia already mentioned, your idea is still a terrific one, and your puzzle still came out lovely, despite all the difficulties ❣️

I was very happy that you contacted me, and wanted to learn this, and very honored too, as I love all of your creative work! So if you'd like to give this another try, please feel totally free to contact me whenever 😀!

 

Oh Sonja, what a lovely person you are!!!  I really learned a lot and if I did not try this, I would never possess a heat gun for myself.  

Actually I like the color of my first set, too.   Yes, I would like to try them again.  But before that I need to cook Isomalt!!!   And I expect more cookies from you this year, too, @iSugarfy (aka swissophie).  You make us happy.  

So it's a deal ! Here's a video on how to cook Isomalt, but you've probably already looked into that yourself:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIeypSY2xM0

I definitely will post more cookies. Just did some Isomalt work myself . And your cookies rock... they make us even happier, cause they usually come with a free story as well!

Beautiful

Amazing job Ryoko!!!

Ryoko, what you did is AMAZING! I agree with Julia that you are a great risk taker and that you go for what you want to do and I admire you for that. You did a great job!

Cindy Velt posted:

Beautiful

Oh, thank you, Cindy

Evelindecora posted:

Amazing job Ryoko!!!

Evelin,  very complicated feelings.   Probably I could do better next time.

carouselselsel posted:

Ryoko, what you did is AMAZING! I agree with Julia that you are a great risk taker and that you go for what you want to do and I admire you for that. You did a great job!

This challenge was really difficult, Zara.  

A+ FOR EFFORT!

Love the efect!

Teri Pringle Wood posted:

A+ FOR EFFORT!

Yes! thank you for A+    Next time the result will be better, Teri

Cool Sweets posted:

Love the efect!

Thank you 

Julia M. Usher posted:

@Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. Thanks again for your step-by-step detailing of what you did and learned. Much appreciated, as they are great teaching points for everyone reading! However, in the process of telling us about your mistakes, you forgot to tell us about (1) what a great idea this is AND (2) how well this terrifically challenging idea actually came out!  Plus, it's a big departure from what you usually do - I don't think there's a bigger risk-taker than you, and that is something I very much admire. (Just saying that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself! )

I could not agree with Julia more! This is an AMAZING entry.  I so very much admire your artistic risk-taking, Ryoko, and your extreme dedication to this (and every) challenge.  

OMG!  I could not love this entry and this kaleidoscope idea more than I do! I am floored by how much time, energy and effort you put into this entry, Ryoko.  You are always pushing the envelope in these challenges, and this entry is a shining example of what these challenges are all about.  You took a TON of creative risks here, reached out for help when things didn't go as planned, and then kept trying and trying.  You are truly inspiring, Ryoko. On top of it all, I think your finished entry is terrific! 

@iSugarfy (aka swissophie), maybe you need to do an isomalt tutorial for us at some point.  That stuff scares me too!

Bakerloo Station posted:

OMG!  I could not love this entry and this kaleidoscope idea more than I do! I am floored by how much time, energy and effort you put into this entry, Ryoko.  You are always pushing the envelope in these challenges, and this entry is a shining example of what these challenges are all about.  You took a TON of creative risks here, reached out for help when things didn't go as planned, and then kept trying and trying.  You are truly inspiring, Ryoko. On top of it all, I think your finished entry is terrific! 

@iSugarfy (aka swissophie), maybe you need to do an isomalt tutorial for us at some point.  That stuff scares me too!

Oh, thank you so much, Christine @Bakerloo Station .  This is Practice Bakes Perfect Challenge so I wanted to show what I think "perfect" but I did not enough time (the deadline was not postponed, yet)   

I sincerely appreciate the help from @iSugarfy (aka swissophie) and I just thought my learning process and approaches to find what were wrong might help somebody in someway. 

It says "getting to know another cookier better while you tap his/her brain about decorating techniques!", I just took as it says.    Thank you, Christine, now I want to visit Sonja of swissophie someday. 

Bakerloo Station posted:

OMG!  I could not love this entry and this kaleidoscope idea more than I do! I am floored by how much time, energy and effort you put into this entry, Ryoko.  You are always pushing the envelope in these challenges, and this entry is a shining example of what these challenges are all about.  You took a TON of creative risks here, reached out for help when things didn't go as planned, and then kept trying and trying.  You are truly inspiring, Ryoko. On top of it all, I think your finished entry is terrific! 

@iSugarfy (aka swissophie), maybe you need to do an isomalt tutorial for us at some point.  That stuff scares me too!

Yes, Ryoko's persistence is inspiring, and she's the sweetest person to work with, too, so understanding and patient!

Isomalt requires respect, yes... I learned that after a 3rd degree burn on my palm, and it has its quirks, but once one gets a handle on these, it's a most awesome medium to work with, very versatile. I'll keep a tutorial in mind, Christine 😊...

Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. posted:

Bakerloo Station posted:

OMG!  I could not love this entry and this kaleidoscope idea more than I do! I am floored by how much time, energy and effort you put into this entry, Ryoko.  You are always pushing the envelope in these challenges, and this entry is a shining example of what these challenges are all about.  You took a TON of creative risks here, reached out for help when things didn't go as planned, and then kept trying and trying.  You are truly inspiring, Ryoko. On top of it all, I think your finished entry is terrific! 

@iSugarfy (aka swissophie), maybe you need to do an isomalt tutorial for us at some point.  That stuff scares me too!

Oh, thank you so much, Christine @Bakerloo Station .  This is Practice Bakes Perfect Challenge so I wanted to show what I think "perfect" but I did not enough time (the deadline was not postponed, yet)   

I sincerely appreciate the help from @iSugarfy (aka swissophie) and I just thought my learning process and approaches to find what were wrong might help somebody in someway. 

It says "getting to know another cookier better while you tap his/her brain about decorating techniques!", I just took as it says.    Thank you, Christine, now I want to visit Sonja of swissophie someday. 

Would love to meet you, too, Ryoko 😁! Some day, we sure will... @

How in the world did I miss seeing this gorgeousness @Ryoko ~Cookie Ave. !! Your entry and complete explanation of the process you experienced is very helpful to me as well. I struggle when working with isomalt for a lot of reasons. One of the biggest challenges is the heat of the medium. The fact that isomalt HAS to be raised to the temp of 320 degrees F and cools off so quickly when poured makes it necessary to work as quickly as possible. I've thought about investing in a melting pot that keeps the isomalt at the right temperature while you're working with it but that doesn't get around the issue of using such small amounts in varying colors to create smaller pieces. You went to the perfect source, @iSugarfy (aka swissophie), for help! She is beyond gracious and readily shares the knowledge of her own experiences ❤️. 

You did a GREAT job on this project!!! My hat's off to you for trying such a "challenging" project to submit to the 26th Challenge .

Awesome job ❤️

Wow Ryoko!!! Thanks god YOU did not burn yourself!!!! Wooow! This work was incredibly challenging!!! You have/ must give it another try and please tag meeeel!!! Exceptional learning!!!!! And i really LOVED the effect you achieved in that first photo and loved the colour of the edges. For me it is an exceptional work and congratulations for your work and desire to get the technique no matters if you put it at such a high and risky temperature. Woow! Isomalt is incredible, i think i do not dare to isomalt. Julia worked with it in a class over here and i was so impressed.

Your cookies is so alike to vitrofusion works my mother has done. I really loved the idea you were looking to achieve, i loved the effort and how you insisted to get it and think YOU SHOULD be proud with yourself and as Julia says: don't be that hard to yourself.

Your work outstands! Love,

Sil