A First-timer at Gumpaste Flowers

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Permalink Reply by Stampinsher on June 3, 2010 at 12:31pm

I am suggesting to go to your local cake or craft store and look for the Wilton package with the book and all the tools about Gumpaste. I purchased it and I'm sad to say, I have not even played with it yet. I looked at the book and it wowed me. But I'm a Beginner! Yes, listen to everyone who happens to leave you a comment. This site is a great place to learn! Have fun.

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Permalink Reply by lisa yanoschak on June 3, 2010 at 1:11pm

well, i hate to say you're in for an inventory of items! but no worry, you'll use the items forever! first and foremost you need gumpaste (wilton is what i use). i do a 50/50 mix of gumpaste and fondant. then you will need a small rolling pin to roll your gumpaste thin. calla lily and magnolia cutters, cloth wire, floral tape, yellow petal dust, pink pad from wilton, pink petal dust, wilton brushes, wilton gumpaste tools. if i forgot anything i'm sorry. also very important read and watch as many videos as you can on gumpaste flowers......some techniques are different so you need to find one that works for you. happy flower making! lisa

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Permalink Reply by Theresa Happe on June 3, 2010 at 2:54pm

We have a gum paste calla lily video in the video section.

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Permalink Reply by Jeanne on June 3, 2010 at 4:08pm

The Wilton set will leave you disappointed. The flowers you will make from that are really small and the tools aren't that great, but the WIlton pro tool kit isn't horrible. I suggest you get some better cutters or make your own templates. Making flowers isn't cheap to get into, but the previous poster is right... quality tools you will use forever.

I think a non-stick board to roll out your GP on and a good pad to thin and ruffle petals on are essential. A metal ball tool is MILES better than it's plastic counterpart as well.

Oh... and I have never liked the Wilton gumpaste. I make my own.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Murphy on June 3, 2010 at 5:09pm

Could you please share your recipe? And where would I find metal ball tools-I've looked in the stores and couldn't find such a thing.

Jeanne said:

The Wilton set will leave you disappointed. The flowers you will make from that are really small and the tools aren't that great, but the WIlton pro tool kit isn't horrible. I suggest you get some better cutters or make your own templates. Making flowers isn't cheap to get into, but the previous poster is right... quality tools you will use forever.

I think a non-stick board to roll out your GP on and a good pad to thin and ruffle petals on are essential. A metal ball tool is MILES better than it's plastic counterpart as well.

Oh... and I have never liked the Wilton gumpaste. I make my own.

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Permalink Reply by Gretchen Belsome on June 3, 2010 at 5:16pm

Go to Edna's website, designmeacake.com I love it... She has a tutorial on Calla Lillies, it is awesome. She also explains all the tools you need. I got some Bakels ( i think that is the name) gum paste from my local cake supply store, I really like it, very easy to kneed, my 10 year old even did it. I made my first gumpaste lillies a few weeks ago, they look better in the picture but I loved making them. I have been watching every gumpaste vidoe on here and youtube to see how they are done. Listen to the ladies here too... They know what they are talking about.

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Permalink Reply by jeri c on June 4, 2010 at 12:45am

I just spent a small fortune on gumpaste flower tools... and am loving it... I agree... start with the tutorials that are free before you start purchasing a lot of tools. They will give you ideas on what you need. I got my metal ball tools from Edna's website, designmeacake.com love them. Her new DVD is fantastic too. I prefer the metal cutters they make a nicer edge. The sunflower sugar arts cutters and molds allow you to cut the flower out and put it in the mold and vein it all in one step... much faster but a bit trickier to put onto the wires. And... be ready to invest in a variety of dusts... key to making them look real.

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Permalink Reply by Jeanne on June 4, 2010 at 8:22am

I use Nic Lodge's recipe. It's easy to make and works great. Dries nice and fast. That's what I don't like about commercially made GP... it doesn't dry fast enough. Good for figures, but not for flowers IMHO.

I think I have over $1500.00 invested in my gumpaste tools/cutters/veiners/dusts/et al.



Michael Murphy said:

Could you please share your recipe? And where would I find metal ball tools-I've looked in the stores and couldn't find such a thing.

Jeanne said:

The Wilton set will leave you disappointed. The flowers you will make from that are really small and the tools aren't that great, but the WIlton pro tool kit isn't horrible. I suggest you get some better cutters or make your own templates. Making flowers isn't cheap to get into, but the previous poster is right... quality tools you will use forever.

I think a non-stick board to roll out your GP on and a good pad to thin and ruffle petals on are essential. A metal ball tool is MILES better than it's plastic counterpart as well.

Oh... and I have never liked the Wilton gumpaste. I make my own.

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