Easy-to-complete technique combines using a bag and tip to pipe icing dots and then using the blade of a spatula to pull out one edge. This technique can cover small and large areas with stunning results.

The Zigzag is a popular way to fill in outlined areas, perfect for ribbed sweater and cuff effects. You can also use tight zigzags to cover the entire side of your cake?they look great!

Characters or designs are often outlined first, then piped in with stars or zigzags. Outlines can also be used for facial features.

Combine outlines and curls into icing swirls to add an impressive look with minimal effort. Swirls are the perfect technique to cover large areas such as gingerbread house roofs and cake tops.

An iconic decorative symbol representing European royal coat of arms. The swirled shells of Fleur de Lis represent a stylized lily.

There's no need to have a plain gingerbread house roof if you have a spatula on hand. Many different textures can be created by using a spatula to make a look of fallen snow, shingles and stucco.

Get a nice smooth finish to your roof with this simple technique. Leave it plain or add candy for a colorful touch.

Discover how adding a simple icing technique--a ?C ?-motion to icing outlines will highlight your decorating with fun and flair.

The star tip creates the most celebrated, easily accomplished decorations! The pull-out star technique can be used for fun, furry creatures, or for textured hair for your cakes.

Perfect for classic borders or cloudlike decorations, dots are a versatile technique that can be piped in a range of sizes. The dot technique can be used as a simple border for cakes and cookies, as well as for icing cupcakes or piping meringues.

The drop string is traditionally used as decoration on the sides of the cake and is the basis of more ornate string work. Called a "drop" string because the line of piped icing is allowed to "drop" or fall, by itself, before reattaching it to your cake. Pipe a row of single strings or multiple strings in rows of two or three.

The bead shape makes impressive borders outlines and accents on letters and designs; also a cute trim on clothing and gingerbread houses. The basis for making piped hearts and figure piping.

Icicles capture the magical moment of snow falling and gracefully trailing down a winter cottage. Add this magical look effect to roof edges, windowsills and trees.