How do you get the edges darker and the color to fade away from the outer edge of the rose. I do not like to color the gumpaste, looks to uniform in color. I tried painting the petal dust on with vodka and it was blotchy and did not look good. I tried the dry petal dust and it went on very dark where the brush touched the flower and lighter everywhere else, so I ended up with one dark spot.

Thank you in advance for your help

Nicholas Lodge mixes the dust with cornstarch to get a softer color, and brushed it on dry using a stiff brush, and a tiny amount of dust.

I think you're just going to need to practice with the dry lustre dust. Try tapping off your brush to get the bulk of the dust off, that way you shouldn't end up with dark spots. It does take practice, but that's the way to do it.

Your brush can make a big difference too. Try to get a really fluffy soft one, that will keep it from being too concentrated in one area.

Good luck, hope this helps!

Samantha

don't mix the dust with vodka. you use it dry. tap it onto a paper towel before applying to the flower. And apply in the direciton you want the color to fade (in this case, from the edge inward). And you need to color roses as you makethem - you can't get the brush into the inner petals after you have put on the outer ones

I am so happy to hear the petal dust should be used dry! I really did not like the look of the dust mixed with vodka. I will try all of the techniques you all suggested. I love making the gum paste flowers. They are so delicate and beautiful. Now, with your help, I will be able to color them to look more realistic!

Thank you all again!

I had to tell you that vodka is out of question. I tried it and it really did mess up my dear project! Like everyone else said above, they are right by applying it dry.

I love this site! You all know soooo much about everything! I am getting better and better at my techniques because of all of you!

PS I would love to take a Scott Woolley course! His flowers are so beautiful.

I have used a variety of things, from non toxic chalk to petal dust. When using the petal dust you use it with high content alcohol... mixed thoroughly, the aim is that when you paint it on, the alcohol dries instantly leaving the petal dust... it should not be blothchy. Alternatively if you have enough alcohol and petal dust mixed, you can dip the rose in it.

karen

When I do roses I like to color the gumpaste in three different shades, using the darkest/strongest color for the bud and the three first petals and so on. When dry I use a petal dust slightly darker/stronger in color and brush just the outer edge of the petals.
Kajsa

I don' t think there is a need to mix the petal dust with anything liquid. Reading information from several people who are known for ther gumpaste work, I've never seen anything about mixing the petal dust with alcohol for most coloring effects. Nor was that ever mentioned in the class I took - but if it works for you, great.

Thanks for all of your comments. Perhaps, I'll do some roses white and color them with the petal dust and color some gumpaste in a variety of shades of Piink (favorite color!!)

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to help me with my ever continuing education in "caking"!!

Love to all of you!

I agree with coloring the gumpaste different shades-darkest in the center. ALso, if you dust it before it is completely dry, the color sticks better, or breathe onto it just before you dust. Yes, I know it sounds icky, but hey, the person who eats my sugar flowers deserves to die!!! Take it up with Alan Dunn. That's where I got it from.

Thanks for your advise leta, I will use my breath to help with the dust!! I do not have a problem giving breath to my sugar flowers either!