I am entering my first competition in a few months and it is national wide (just found that out) I would like to make sugar/gumpaste peonies for one of the cakes. Ive never made these before and I was Just wondering if anyone had a template or if there is some sort of cutter... I have tried to look on the web for some instructions but had no luck... so if anyone can help or give me any tips please reply, email or PM me Thanks

Sugarcraft has a set of peonie cutters you may like. Good luck!

Lee, I got a dvd from:

http://www.internationalsugarart.com/cgi-bin/store/shop.cgi

There is a DVD or VHS on Gardenia and Peony. DVD is $19.99 and VHS is $14.99

I got my cutters from:

www.globalsugarart.com

mine are the ones from Sunflower Sugar Art.

Happy baking!!

Here's a link to peony cutters.

Delicate-Lee, I have seen instructions in Nicholas Lodge's book (International World of Sugarcraft) - from memory it is volume 3, but not sure. Perhaps you could see if your library could get it for you.
I think he made a ball on a wire, let it dry, then attached the petals around it, overlapping, and putting the flower on a cupped former so the petals stay put. Beautiful flowers, peonies. I would love to see your finished cake!
Who is organising the competition, and can anyone go to look at the cakes?

hazelnutty, you could contact the Australian National Cake Decorators Association. I'm sure they can tell you more. They hold the National Seminars.