In this accessible, step-by-step guide, learn how to shape, twist, paint, and embellish artisan breads into showstopping edible creations.

Organized by season and covering all major holidays, Beautiful Bread presents professional baker Theresa Culletto's delicious ideas for every occasion, such as framed floral fruit bread for Mother's Day, pretzels with a twist (and that's no lye), themed dough-nations for bake sales, spiced pumpkin bread bowls for fall soups, and more.

Base recipes include challah, cracker, focaccia, lean, pita/naan, pretzel, pumpernickel, and savory and sweet buttermilk doughs. Have fun making:

Bread stalks
Edible baskets
Leaf branches
Quilted buns and bread bowls
Savory or sweet confetti bread
Sunburst breads
And even a van Dough focaccia garden

Then take your baking out of this world by learning how to make whole wheat and multigrain variations, natural food dyes, and even decorative frames for your carbo-licious creations. For beginners, Culletto offers a comprehensive overview of bread baking 101, including terminology, necessary equipment, how to work with starters, and more, and little fingers can help by placing decorations.

For seasoned bakers, she provides a plethora of inventive tips and techniques, including how to prep veggies, herbs, and other deliciously decorative ingredients; how to prevent scorching; and helpful storage info.

Gorgeous instructional photosaccompanying mouthwatering recipes will inspire you to embrace your creativity and bake in completely new, exciting ways. You'll be whipping up art you can eat in no time