On to the chocolate printing
You're not actually printing on the chocolate, but adding an edible layer to a chocolate mold. Again, since the frosting sheets are white and will melt into whatever they are on top of, you will need to "paint" a thin layer of white chocolate over the frosting sheet before you pour on the milk or dark chocolate.

You'll need a few supplies besides the printer, edible inks and frosting sheets. These include candy melts in white and chocolate. They can be found in any craft store.

Then you will need candy molds and if you are making lollipops, you'll need the sticks, also available in the craft stores. Some of the larger craft stores like Michaels have a decent selection of candy molds, but if you can find a candy-making supply store nearby, you might want to check it out.

Just be careful, I went in for one mold and came out with 12! The last thing you will need is a paint brush. I found it much easier to paint the white chocolate on than trying to smooth it on with a spoon.

Then it's just three simple steps -- print your edible photo on the frosting sheet and cut it out. Place it face down into the chocolate mold. I used lollipops to make favors for my niece's communion as shown in Figure B.

FIGURE B


Photo chocolate lollipops make great favors. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Use the paint brush and paint a think layer of melted white chocolate on to the back side of the frosting sheet. Your microwave is the easiest way to melt the candy. Then place the lollipop stick into the slot in the mold and pour your melted chocolate -- milk, dark, mint, the melts even come in cool colors like purple and blue -- into the mold.

Let it set (I usually stick them in the fridge for about five minutes) and then pop them out of the mold.

Voila! Edible chocolate photos. Guaranteed to have your friends and family wondering how you did it!

Marcelle Costanza started crafting as a hobby over 20 years ago, making holiday gifts for family and friends and selling some items at local flea markets. When she got a PC in 1995, she became hooked on computer crafting. With the skills she acquired from computer crafting, she made a career change from medical practice administrator to graphic designer, desktop publisher, and webmaster. She launched her business, The Crafty PC, in 2000. For more information, visit http://www.thecraftypc.com.