How Did You Learn Gumpaste Flowers?

Decorating By flavacakes Updated 18 Jul 2007 , 8:54pm by majormichel

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flavacakes Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 7:37pm
post #1 of 25

I really want to learn how to make gumpaste flowers. The only class around me is the Wilton one and I'm not really that interested in that one. I've taken 1 through 3 but the fondant/gumpaste class doesn't seem to be what I'm needing.

So where did you all learn it? From books? If so which ones?

I bought just a rose cutter and a petal and leaf veiner and I'm not sure how to even use it!!! If anyone could help me out, please do.

Thanks!!

24 replies
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JoAnnB Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 8:18pm
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I started my first flowers using the Wilton gumpaste flower kit. It was an excellent place to start. Next, I purchased videos from Nicholaslodge.com

His instructions are excellent and his work is exquisite.

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chelleb1974 Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 8:22pm
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My vote is on Nicholas Lodge! If you can afford a class, I'd do that - but the videos are excellent too!!

I took my first class with him the beginning of June and can't wait to save my pennies for more!!!

~Chelle

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flavacakes Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 8:34pm
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I don't think a class with Nicholas Lodge is even possible for me. Are his books easy to follow?

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chelleb1974 Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 8:49pm
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Yes, but I think his videos/dvds are better! The instructions in the books are very good though!

~Chelle

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flavacakes Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 9:39pm
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I just checked out his website and I want to order some books or videos.

So...which ones would be good to start with?

Thanks guys!

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cheeseball Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 10:36pm
post #7 of 25

Try your local library; sometimes you can find really great cake decorating and sugar flower books which you can preview before buying. After you've been making them for a while though, I think you'll find your best flowers will be the ones that you've had a chance to look at an actual specimen so that you can see everything - you can take a flower apart so that you can see every little detail and how each petal curls

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jmt1714 Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 10:47pm
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I took one class with Scott Wooley and using that amazing knowledge taught myself everything else. well worth the $$$

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peg818 Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 12:26am
post #9 of 25

I'm mostly self taught, I read everything i can get my hands on. And then its a matter of pulling what works for you from all you've soaked up. Here is a good tutorial for roses, quite easy to follow i think And BTW took me along time to get roses. http://www.culpitt.com/index.php

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Daryn Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 12:32am
post #10 of 25

Wilton Class #4 - Fondant & Gum Paste

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vrmcc1 Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 12:46am
post #11 of 25

peg818

Thanks for posting that website. Lots of great step by step instruction!!

Val

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sweetbaker Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 1:37am
post #12 of 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by chelleb1974

Yes, but I think his videos/dvds are better! The instructions in the books are very good though!

~Chelle




Yes, get a DVD! I'm sure the books are good too but I have a few of his DVDs. I suggest the Gumpaste Roses and Wedding Cake Decorating Techniques. It's great for learning roses. The French Style Decorating DVD has instructions on tulips. If I ever have any extra money I would love to take a class with him if I had the chance, he's a great instructor...I saw him a cake show earlier this year giving a demo and just from that short time, it was fantastic (I wish I had paper to take some notes).

Elaine

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evieg Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 2:09am
post #13 of 25

if you want learn a really flowers in gumpaste you can used the dvd of ruthy miranda i learn to much see this site www.de-cakes.com

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evieg Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 2:10am
post #14 of 25

if you want learn a really flowers in gumpaste you can used the dvd of ruthy miranda i learn to much see this site www.deco-cakes.com

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Cake_Princess Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 3:01am
post #15 of 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by flavacakes

I really want to learn how to make gumpaste flowers. The only class around me is the Wilton one and I'm not really that interested in that one. I've taken 1 through 3 but the fondant/gumpaste class doesn't seem to be what I'm needing.

So where did you all learn it? From books? If so which ones?

I bought just a rose cutter and a petal and leaf veiner and I'm not sure how to even use it!!! If anyone could help me out, please do.

Thanks!!




I too only had Wilton gumpaste classes available in my area when I started. I figured anything is better than nothing. I needed to learn the basic things and I could figure the rest out on my own.

My Wilton gumpaste instructor was pretty awesome, I don't think she taught us one flower from the book that comes with the Wilton set, if she did she had alternate methods of making the flowers.

So if Wilton is all that's available to you at the moment take the classes and learn the basic things and grow from there.

I recently (this morning) ordered book I can't remember the name of it but as soon as I get it I will let you know.

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Cakepro Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 3:42am
post #16 of 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by evieg

if you want learn a really flowers in gumpaste you can used the dvd of ruthy miranda i learn to much see this site www.deco-cakes.com




Unless she also teaches in English, it doesn't do most of us any good. icon_confused.gif

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chelleb1974 Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 1:18pm
post #17 of 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by flavacakes

I just checked out his website and I want to order some books or videos.

So...which ones would be good to start with?

Thanks guys!




After thinking about it overnight, I would say to definitely get at least one video/dvd so that you can see his teaching style and stuff first hand, then get the books that have flowers that interest you. I think it's important to see it first because he demonstrates the techniques - which is what I needed the most!! That's the best thing I got out of the class I took.

The books/written instructions make a lot more sense once you've seen him demonstrate. I have the Potpourri of Flowers book and it's great.

I was going to suggest some videos to start with, but the darn website isn't loading for me.......I'll post my suggestions later!

~Chelle

Edited to add: Wouldn't you know as soon as I submitted my response the site loaded!! They sell way more dvds/videos than are listed on the site (www.nicholaslodge.com). From the ones listed on the site, I would probably start with the dvd/video catalog......it says he demonstrates how each different tool is used. I would get that and see what else you were interested in learning. You can also call them and I'm sure they would send you a list of the dvds/videos available in their store - they are all very friendly and helpful!!

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chelleb1974 Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 1:32pm
post #18 of 25

Ok - I keep thinking of more to say......sorry!

After watching him demonstrate the tools and how they are used - try applying those techniques to the Wilton Gumpaste Kit. There are a lot of different cutters in the kit, especially if you're not ready to shell out the $$$$ for metal cutters!

I think the Wilton set is good to find out if you like making the flowers before investing the money! I bought some cutters from him, but have been playing with the wilton set lately (I owned it long before taking his class) and the flowers are turning out much better than they had before the class! It's all in the technique!!

Even the wilton gumpaste tools (the green plastic ones) aren't all that bad to work with - though I personally prefer metal......but again, they cost more $$.

Ok - I think I'm done (at least for now icon_smile.gif )

~Chelle

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Biya Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 1:39pm
post #19 of 25

I haven't taken any of the classes. I bought the wilton gumpaste kit has most of what you need to get started. Then I practiced this was the first cake I made using the Wilton gumpaste kit and booklet. http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=674553


There are also a few tutorials I've gotten from posts on CC
http://www.culpitt.com/how-to.php?page=249
http://www.culpitt.com/how-to.php?page=249

This is a fun video clip to watch you can also pick up some tips from it
http://www.culpitt.com/how-to.php?page=249

I think once you get the basics down you can use your imagination along with inspirations from nature to make what ever you want.

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majormichel Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 2:32pm
post #20 of 25

I am getting into gum paste flowers, what are the basic luster dust colors do i need to get started with?

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chelleb1974 Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 2:36pm
post #21 of 25

In Nic's class, we used petal dust and then steamed the flowers to set the dust and produce a little shine.

I think the basic colors would be a pink, yellow, moss green, purple, and red. I think most flowers fall into those color categories. You can also make a dark petal dust lighter by mixing a little bit with some cornstarch!

~Chelle

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flavacakes Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 8:08pm
post #22 of 25

OMG! Thank you guys soooo much!!!

chelleb- Don't apologize for giving me info girl! I need all I can get. Thank you soooo much for the advice. As soon as I'm able to I'm going to order a dvd or two and then like you said, go from there. I'm so excited, I hope I'll be able to do it! My hubby will be thrilled to know I need MORE stuff! icon_lol.gif

Biya- Thanks for the links!! You cake is sooo pretty. Your flowers are awesome!

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majormichel Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 8:37pm
post #23 of 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by chelleb1974

In Nic's class, we used petal dust and then steamed the flowers to set the dust and produce a little shine.

I think the basic colors would be a pink, yellow, moss green, purple, and red. I think most flowers fall into those color categories. You can also make a dark petal dust lighter by mixing a little bit with some cornstarch!

~Chelle




Chelle - what do you mean by steamed the flowers?

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chelleb1974 Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 8:45pm
post #24 of 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by majormichel

Quote:
Originally Posted by chelleb1974

In Nic's class, we used petal dust and then steamed the flowers to set the dust and produce a little shine.

I think the basic colors would be a pink, yellow, moss green, purple, and red. I think most flowers fall into those color categories. You can also make a dark petal dust lighter by mixing a little bit with some cornstarch!

~Chelle



Chelle - what do you mean by steamed the flowers?





He filled a clothes steamer (American Tourister type) with water, turned it on and once it started steaming we passed the dusted flowers through steam 3,4,5 times. He said it helps set the dusts so they don't fall off or get brushed off. We didn't steam them until we were done with all the colors for a particular flower. It also gave them a slight shine - more than matte, but not glossy. I guess actually somewhere between matte and semi-glossy??? I don't know.......don't know paint terminoligy all that well!

~Chelle

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majormichel Posted 18 Jul 2007 , 8:54pm
post #25 of 25

Thank you, i really need to buy his DVD. He has alot of techniques.

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