Welcome to Blossoms by Angelica

    Gelatin artistry is the transformation of dessert into edible, three-dimensional art. Created using clear beef or pork gelatin—or a vegetarian alternative made from konjac root—this medium becomes a transparent canvas in which intricate designs appear to float in suspension. Every piece is fully edible, delicately flavored, lightly sweet, and often enhanced with citrus notes that awaken the palate.  Often described as painting in 3D, gelatin artistry replaces traditional brushes with precision tools known as Gubia-needles, which allow the artist to sculpt petals, textures, and details from within the gelatin itself. While modern tools have refined the process, the origins of this art form remain largely undocumented, preserved through oral tradition and the teachings of veteran gelatin artists.  Gelatin desserts themselves date back centuries, with roots in medieval Europe, where early forms were made by extracting collagen from beef hide or pork and carefully clarifying it through repeated boiling. These early gels were used in savory preparations known as aspics and were once considered luxuries reserved for royalty and the elite.  Many gelatin artists believe that decorative gelatin techniques evolved in Mexico, possibly within convents during the colonial era. Catholic nuns—renowned for their mastery of confectionery—brought culinary traditions from Spain and other parts of Europe, preserving ancient Roman and Moorish recipes. In Mexican convents, sweets were not only an art form but also a source of income. Iconic confections such as rompope, an eggnog-like beverage originating in Puebla, are a testament to their culinary ingenuity. It is widely speculated that these same skilled hands may have developed early forms of decorated gelatin desserts.  Early gelatin designs were simple—nuts or fruits arranged atop clear gelatin, or floral shapes created by gently introducing colored mixtures into the gel using sharp tools or needles. Over time, techniques evolved dramatically. Artists began forming detailed pistils, baby’s breath, and layered petals, combining precise cuts with vibrant edible pigments to achieve lifelike realism.  Today, gelatin artistry has expanded far beyond floral designs. Contemporary artists create complex three-dimensional compositions including birds, butterflies, insects, landscapes, abstract scenes, and even human figures. Techniques now include watercolor effects, encaustic-style layering with edible pigments, intaglio carving, molding, and piping—treating gelatin much like buttercream or sculpting mediums.  Despite its evolution, the true originator of three-dimensional gelatin art remains unknown. What is certain is that the art continues to grow in creativity, complexity, and global appreciation.  Gelatin artistry is celebrated not only for its visual impact but also for its versatility. It pairs beautifully with cakes, fruits, and plated desserts, offering a unique sensory experience that blends elegance, flavor, and imagination. More than a dessert, gelatin artistry is an edible expression of patience, precision, and creativity. ​      

 The Gubia-needle is a precision tool created to make gelatin artistry more accessible, efficient, and expressive—designed by gelatin artist and educator Angelica, founder of Blossoms by Angelica.  When Angelica began her gelatin art journey in the spring of 2008, every design was created using a single hypodermic needle. As demand for her desserts grew—first through park sales, door-to-door orders, churches, and eventually catered events—she quickly realized that traditional tools limited both speed and consistency. To keep up with increasing orders, she began improvising with metal cutouts and glass droppers, improving efficiency but still lacking precision.  Shortly after starting her career, Angelica was invited to teach gelatin art at Cakewalk Chicago, a cake and candy decorating supply store on Chicago’s South Side. Teaching students of all ages—from children to seniors—revealed a critical challenge: many struggled with hand stability and fine motor control. Angelica recognized the need for a tool that would not only speed up the creative process, but also make gelatin artistry easier to learn and physically accessible.  In June of 2010, after extensive testing and design, Angelica completed her first custom tool, naming it the Gubia-Aguja, now known as the Gubia-needle. The name reflects its purpose and construction: Gubia derives from the Latin gulbia, meaning chisel, a tool used for carving; aguja is the Spanish word for needle. Combined, the Gubia-needle functions as both—a single instrument that allows cutting, shaping, and filling in one fluid motion.  Inspired by nature, Angelica continued refining the tool, developing specialized tips for petals, leaves, and intricate botanical details. In September of 2011, she officially released the Gubia-needles to the public through her website, marking a turning point in modern gelatin artistry.  Today, Angelica has designed over 150 essential Gubia-needle variations, with many available worldwide and others awaiting release. These tools have played a significant role in the evolution of gelatin art, allowing artists to create more realistic, detailed, and complex designs with greater ease and consistency.  Beyond innovation, Angelica’s mission has always been education and empowerment. Through workshops, publications, exhibitions, and her widely followed YouTube channel, she shares knowledge with students across the globe. She believes gelatin artistry is not about innate artistic talent—it is a therapeutic practice, a creative outlet, and for many, a meaningful source of income that can be built from home.  At its core, gelatin artistry fosters connection: between teacher and student, artist and nature, and people who share a passion for creating something both beautiful and edible. The Gubia-needle was created to support that journey—turning gelatin into a medium where anyone can create, heal, and share something truly sweet. 

 As the popularity of gelatin artistry has grown, variations and mass-produced tools inspired by the Gubia-needle have appeared in the market. While these replicas may resemble the concept, they do not reflect the craftsmanship, precision, or intention behind the original design.  Authentic Gubia-needles are individually hand crafted by Angelica herself, one by one, with careful attention to balance, function, and detail. Each tool is designed from years of hands-on experience as both an artist and instructor, ensuring that it performs seamlessly for professional results and student-friendly use.  The original Gubia-needle is not a factory-made product—it is an artist’s tool, born from practice, teaching, and innovation. This level of quality and refinement cannot be replicated through mass production. 

  As gelatin artistry continues to grow, mass-produced tools inspired by the Gubia-needle have entered the market. While some may appear similar at first glance, there are important differences in construction, quality, and performance. Authentic Gubia-needles can be identified by the following features:

• Individually Handcrafted Every original Gubia-needle is handcrafted one by one by Angelica, not manufactured in bulk. Each tool is shaped, refined, and finished by hand, resulting in subtle variations that reflect true artisan workmanship.
• Fully Soldered Construction Original Gubia-needles are completely soldered along the entire needle, creating a strong, seamless bond between components. In contrast, many mass-produced replicas rely on micro welding, which joins only small contact points rather than fully fusing the needle. Full soldering provides greater durability, stability, and long-term performance during repeated use.
• Superior Strength and Longevity The fully soldered structure of original Gubia-needles reduces the risk of separation, bending, or breakage over time—especially important when working within dense or chilled gelatin.
• Designed by the Original Creator Each design originates from Angelica’s years of professional experience as a gelatin artist and instructor. Every tip and angle is purpose-driven, created to form specific petals, leaves, pistils, and textures with precision.
• Balanced for Control and Comfort Authentic Gubia-needles are carefully balanced to reduce hand fatigue and provide smooth, controlled movements—making them suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
• Exclusive Availability Original Gubia-needles are sold only through Blossoms by Angelica and authorized channels managed directly by the artist. Tools offered through unrelated third-party sellers are not original.
•          Craftsmanship You Can See and Feel From the smooth finish to the clean edges, original Gubia-needles reflect meticulous attention to detail that mass production cannot replicate.  Choosing an original Gubia-needle means investing in a tool built with intention, experience, and respect for the art itself—preserving the integrity of gelatin artistry while supporting the original creator.