Even beginners can achieve beautiful flower decorations with these three easy-to-follow cupcake decorating techniques by Lauren at One More Cupcake (www.onemorecupcake.co.uk)

TECHNIQUES PIPNG BUTTERCREAM, USING CUTTERS, MAKING A TWO-TONE EFFECT, CREATING FLOWERS 

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YOU WILL NEED

  FOR THE CUPCAKES

• 110g (4oz) unsalted butter

• 110g (4oz) caster sugar

• 2 medium free-range eggs

• 110g (4oz) self-raising flour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

FOR THE BUTTERCREAM

• 400g (14oz) icing sugar

• 200g (7oz) unsalted butter

• food colouring: pink, blue and purple

EQUIPMENT

• electric whisk or stand mixer

• silicone spatula

• ice cream scoop or spoons