I began using shaped sheets of beeswax for decorating gingerbread about ten years ago. Originally just as small accents in the form of leaves or flowers. However, when I was preparing my author's exhibition at the museum in Kojetín in 2021 (Czech republic) and was coordinating it in the tones of Haná folklore, I couldn't ignore the rich yellow embroidery typical for aprons and scarves of women's festive folk costumes.
At that time, I somewhat modified and completed this type of decoration combining Madeira patterns and fine grid lace with beeswax in the sense that the individual motifs are inspired in shape and composition by the traditional embroidered ornaments of Haná folk costumes.
This technique shows best on classic gingerbread shapes with a sufficiently large surface.
Haná decoration is time-consuming and, in addition to experience with Madeira decoration and flooding larger surfaces, it also requires a considerable amount of imagination. You need to know how the pattern will look as a whole and especially where you will place the wax sheets. These need to be cut out and gently shaped in your fingers before starting the actual decoration, so you can then insert them into freshly applied icing, as they hold best this way.
Only after perfect drying can we sensitively fine-tune the whole with elements of white embroidery.
I use Haná decoration on classic gingerbread shapes with a sufficiently large surface, but in certain variations, I also use it on shapes that are original in form, folded and layered motifs.
Inspiration for you
Notice that the beauty of this decoration is further enhanced by the interplay of brown, white, and warm yellow colors.
Watch the tutorial video
Learn what you'll need to make components from wax sheets.
Watch the 1st tutorial video
Learn how to prepare components for your gingerbread from wax sheets.
Watch the 3th tutorial video
Get started with decorating the gingerbread, remember to let the contours dry for a while and only then apply white icing.
Watch the 4 th tutorial video
After the white icing has thoroughly dried, decorate the gingerbread to its final version.
Tip for you
Try shaping wax sheets "just for fun." Once you have a larger quantity, start "playing" with them and arranging them together on a base in different ways. You'll be surprised. Not only will various patterns begin to form under your hands sort of incidentally, but you'll also find wonderful relaxation in this creative activity.