Making Shell Borders

Shell Borders are a technique used in cake decorating to border your cake. It goes along the bottom edge of the cake and even along the top edge of the cake. Some cake decorators, including myself, use this border for the bottom edge of the cake. Then, typically use a reverse shell or rope border along the top edge of the cake. This is an easy technique to learn and you will use it a lot.

I have included an instructional video to help you learn to pipe shells. Below the video are the supplies used and written instructions as well.

Here is an example of a cake with a border made with shells.

Video - Cake Decorating Techniques 

Cake Decorating Supplies Needed

• Pastry Bag
• Coupler
• Frosting
  
• Star Tip #21

Making a Border with Piping Shells Cake Decorating Instructions

Along the bottom edge of your cake:

• Hold your bag at a 45 degree angle.
  
  
• Squeeze the bag, allowing the icing to fan out.
  
  
• Lift your bag up and away from you then immediately pull the bag towards you as you let off pressure.
  
  
• Stop squeezing and pull the bag away.
  
  
• Form the next shell on the "tail" or end of the last.
  
  
• Continue until the edge of your cake is bordered.