Tappit – Funky Alphabet Lower Case

Tappits are super simple to use. Wash in warm soapy water before use. Make sure they are completely dry.

Rub a very small amount of white shortening (Crisco or Trex) over the surface of the letter you want to cut out.
Roll out a thin narrow strip of gum paste or half fondant and half gum paste. Pure fondant sticks and doesn’t roll thin enough.
Allow the paste to dry for a couple of minutes even lifting it and allowing both sides to dry a bit.
Make sure this paste moves on the board.
Position the letter over the paste. Press down and scrub on the surface to get a clean cut.
Lift the cutter and the paste should be in the cutter.

This is the part where everyone has the issue:

If the letter is near the end of the strip, grip the cutter at the very far end from the letter or number that is to be cut with your thumb and forefinger. Now, as close to the cut letter as you can get, whack the cutter against the table or counter gently at first then a little bit harder if needed. The letter or number should pop out onto the surface. If the letter is in the middle of the cutter, then grip at the very end, again with your thumb and forefinger. You are going to whack the opposite end against the table or counter. Be sure to place your hand under the cutter in order to catch the cutout as it pops out.

After use, be sure to wash in warm soapy water to remove any shortening or cornstach.

Note: Some people prefer to tap the cutter on a corn starch puff instead of the light coating of shortening. Either way will work but I have found the shortening to be the easier.