Cupcakes and borders
Use star tips for the highest impact with the least practice.
- #1M open star for tall cupcake swirls.
- #2D closed star for tighter ruffles.
- #21 open star for shell borders.
Real counter advice, real tools in stock, and no guesswork on tip size. Bring a photo, we match the tip numbers with you in person.
Start with result first. If you want bakery cupcake swirls, birthday borders, or simple lettering, we can get you the right tip numbers fast. Individual tips are usually $1 to $3 each, starter sets run about $12 to $20, and Russian tip sets are around $15 in store.
This look is achievable with a #1M or #2D and medium-stiff buttercream. If your frosting is too soft, we can help you adjust before you start piping.
If you tell us your project, we can narrow your tip choices in under two minutes at the counter. Most people do not need 30 shapes.
Use star tips for the highest impact with the least practice.
Round and petal tips cover names, outlines, and rose petals.
These are actual product photos from Gloria's Cake and Candy Supplies inventory.
Great if you want a broad starter range in one case.
About $12-$20 See piping tip sets
For grass texture, hair texture, and shag piping effects.
Usually $1-$3 Browse specialty tips
Quick flower tops for batch cupcake decorating.
Around $15 in store See Russian style tips
For basket texture and smooth side coverage passes.
Usually $1-$3 Shop basketweave tips
Useful for names and small detail control on cakes.
Counter price varies by size Browse piping toolsStart simple. You can get a clean cupcake swirl on your first attempt with the right tip and frosting consistency. We see first-time decorators do this every week.
| Factor | In store at Gloria's | Online marketplace |
|---|---|---|
| Tip size confidence | Verify in person | Guess from photos |
| What you spend | Buy only what you need | Often bundled kits |
| Project timing | Take it home today | Delivery window risk |
If your frosting is breaking, too soft, or your border keeps collapsing, ask us before checkout. A small tip swap or consistency tweak usually fixes it.
We are on Washington Blvd in Culver City. If you are heading over before you jump on the 405, call first and we can confirm stock on specific tip numbers.
Short answers, because most of these come down to which number and which icing consistency.
Gloria's Cake and Candy Supplies at 11117 Washington Blvd in Culver City sells individual piping tips starting at $1.49. We stock round, star, petal, leaf, drop flower, and specialty tips. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Call (323) 289-8807 if you want us to check a specific number before you come in.
The #1M (large open star) is the most common. One squeeze with a rotating motion and you get the classic bakery swirl. The #2D (large closed star) gives a tighter, more ruffled look. Both work with medium-stiff buttercream.
Open star tips (like #21 and #1M) have separated teeth that create defined ridges. Closed star tips (like #2D and #30) have teeth that curve inward, making smoother, more rounded ridges. Open stars look sharper and more textured. Closed stars look softer and more polished.
Start with three: a #1M for cupcakes, a #3 round for writing, and a #21 open star for borders. Add a #104 petal and a #352 leaf when you are ready for flowers. Five tips total covers most beginner projects.
A coupler lets you switch tips without changing bags, which saves time when you are doing multiple techniques with the same color icing. You do not strictly need one, but it makes multi-tip work faster. Large tips like #1M and #2D do not fit standard couplers, so those go directly in the bag.
Come by Gloria's Cake and Candy Supplies if you want to compare tip sizes before you buy. If you already know your numbers, order online for pickup planning.