How can I make frosting that works well with intricate decorating?

My aunt used to decorate cakes and she always used royal icing for the more intricate designs on her cakes because it’s a bit more stiff than other frostings.

Here’s a basic recipe…

Ingredients:

3 egg whites

3 tsp cream of tartar

4 cups confectioners sugar (sifted)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients into a bowl and beat with electric mixer at low speed for 2 minutes. Set mixer to high speed and mixture for 10 minutes. Icing is ready when you can drag a knife through it leaving a clear path that holds its shape.

I would also suggest going to an arts and crafts store like Jo-Ann Fabrics or Michaels because they usually have some classes on cake decorating as well as cake decorating tools and books. Good luck!! :)