The Delights of Sugared Fruit and Foliage

You might not have considered a DIY activity such as sugaring fruit and foliage, but it’s a unique and beautiful way to add ornamental elements to table settings.  

It proved to be a good choice for several of my Natural/DIY themed shoots recently - I’ve included a few shots here. I especially love how it alludes to a luminous light frost on the foliage, and how it gives the pears a little added texture.

Whilst unique in style, sugared foliage and fruit are simple and economical to create, and have the added bonus of being environmentally friendly - just compost when your event has finished!

How To Sugar Fruit and Foliage

What you’ll need:

• White sugar 

• A paint brush (2cm wide or similar) or sponge brush

• PVA glue

• A small bowl + teaspoon

• Sheets of paper for glue + drying

• Fruit or foliage of your choice
  
  

To begin, place your sugar into small bowl. Add a large blob of PVA glue onto a piece of paper and then, holding the fruit or leaves by their stems, coat completely with glue using your paintbrush (I prefer to use a 2cm wide brush or a sponge brush works well).

Place the glued items into the bowl of sugar and then using the teaspoon, sprinkle the sugar over, until completely coated.

Leave to dry on a sheet of paper until the sugar hardens.

You’re now all done!

Try Experimentation

I have used sugaring in various shoots over the years - you can see a few examples below. Try experimenting with any type of fruit which takes your fancy like pomegranate, apples or limes.

Enjoy creating and have fun being your very own version of the sugarplum fairy!

Love Sandra xx