Gumpaste flower help
Hello, All. I've been praticing making flowers with gumpaste and having a heck of a time. I've been using Edna's video's, and Way beyond cakes video's just to name a few. I'll pause every little step so that I could do what I just saw and I just can't get it to do what I see them doing. My gumpaste almost ALWAYS crack/split/crumble at some point. I used Wilton's Gum Paste Mix and followed directions when I mixed it which I then seperated for different colors that is wrapped in plastic and keep in an air tight container. When I squeeze them, they feel soft and pliable for working with. I would try going around the edges as Edna does but my gumpaste either cracks or becomes smashed. My ball tip is plastic not metal like the one Edna uses. So the question is, what am I doing wrong?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dee on
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Been trying to make gumpaste flowers and I finally made a few great ones compared to the previous ones I've made. I've seen a lot, and I mean a lot of video's but this video was the one that did it for me. My lil roses are so cute and adorable and I'm really proud of myself. Will be uploading a few pics shortly. Here's the winning video that let me get it finally. http://ning.it/uDwwqO Thanks Goreti, Cindy, & Linda on your tips which played a major part in my success.
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Permalink Reply by Goreti on
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That is wonderful. I love gumpaste flowers although I'm no expert that's for sure but still love to try. Can't wait to see them.
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Here's my roses, and a couple of butterflies. They're not the best but I'm very proud.. :)
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Permalink Reply by Linda Wolff on
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You go girl! Now it's just up to practice, practice and more practice. I found that out for myself, that the more practice I had, the more I felt comfortable with the feel of gum-paste, and how it works and how long it takes to dry, etc. You are on a roll, now, Dee! lol I'll bet everything you make for a while will have gum-paste flowers and butterflies!! lol (I know that is what I did-make the same over and over for a time while getting the hang and the feel of gum-paste).
Dee said:Here's my roses, and a couple of butterflies. They're not the best but I'm very proud.. :)
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Permalink Reply by Cindy Zoesch on
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Dee, good for you! When I saw your inital post I did not understand that you were using the Wilton mix. When I make mine I use the Wilton gumtex and glucose. The gumpaste recipe is on the cans of both. You have to let it sit for 8 hours is the only problem. The good news is you can freeze it and it keeps a long time. I just slightly defrost and break off a chunk when I want to use it and put the rest back in the freezer. It is very cost effective to use these two products. As I said in my earlier reply, only put in some of the pwdr sugar, about half, and then let it set for the 8 hours. When you want to use it add in the sugar until you can work with it. Don't be afraid to add shortening when working with it, also a little on your fingers to prevent sticking. Remember, every expert was once a begginer! Each time you will improve.
Linda Wolff said:You go girl! Now it's just up to practice, practice and more practice. I found that out for myself, that the more practice I had, the more I felt comfortable with the feel of gum-paste, and how it works and how long it takes to dry, etc. You are on a roll, now, Dee! lol I'll bet everything you make for a while will have gum-paste flowers and butterflies!! lol (I know that is what I did-make the same over and over for a time while getting the hang and the feel of gum-paste).
Dee said:Here's my roses, and a couple of butterflies. They're not the best but I'm very proud.. :)
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Dee, thanks for sharing that video! what a great idea, I will be able to share that with some ladies in a half way house that I am going to teach some basic cake decorating. They don't have money or access to a lot of supplies, so this will be perfect! PS, I always use my coupon and shop at Joann's for the gum paste supplies.
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Permalink Reply by Steven Tessler on
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Satin Ice gum paste works well too.
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Permalink Reply by Connie Taft on
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I do not have alot of experience with gumpaste flowers, but here is a video of some flowers that we made here at PhotoFrost that were fun and easyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wOom0cxXuI. I grant you they will not give you the same effect as the beautiful gumpaste roses but they are nice and they are easy to make. I suggest just trying it out with some plain paper to get the hang of it and then you won't waste your sheets. I
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@ Linda - Thanks for the encouragement and yes flowers/butterflies will be praticed for lil while till I perfect them. As for the ck gumpaste, can't find it local so will have to order online soon as the holiday season is past.
@ Goreti - Thanks for the tip about the 50/50 mix. It did change the feel, and elasticity of it although when I tried to do the flowers with the ball tool it would still tear/rip. Will continue much pratice using that technique, maybe I'm putting to much pressure, idk. It just looks so easy in the video.
@ Cindy - Thanks for your support also, and the video really is/was a great idea. I know it really helped me and sure it'll help your students as well.
@ Steven - Planning on trying the Satin Ice products one day, I've heard a lot about it and anxious to get them a try.
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Permalink Reply by Melanie on
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I started making my flowers with the pre made Wilton gum paste and that worked pretty well while I was learning how to shape petals. It gets pretty expensive though so I started making my own using Edna's gum paste recipe and it works just as well. I find that when I mix fondant and gum paste 50/50 I can't get the petals to thin out as much as with gum paste alone but that's just me. You have to work quick with gum paste as it dries very quickly but you can keep the petals and the gum paste your not using at the time under a plastic tupper ware container to avoid it from drying out prematurely. I learned how to make flowers using Edna's videos also and what I did was watch a video 3 or 4 times right before I made the flowers and kept the comp close at hand in case I needed a quick reminder.
The plastic ball tool will sometimes stick to your gum paste so if I find mine starting to stick I let the gum paste dry out for just a few moments and then try again. The thinner the gum paste, the frillier you can get the petals. A good tip I learned was to roll it out very thinly until you can sort of see the surface of whatever you are rolling it over like the counter, etc. Also, when you're using the ball tool, the tool has to be half on the edge of the petal and half on the foam pad. I usually apply some pressure but not too much that you're tearing the gum paste, just enough to have it make a gentle impression in the foam. The metal ball tool is soooo much better than the plastic in my opinion. Sculpey's makes the one Edna uses and you can find it for about $10 online.
Sorry for the book =)
Hope this helps!
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