Gumpaste Tool Kit for flower-making - Page 6

Hadn't really thought of that because I use them so seldom. My flowers are all wired and usually hang upside down to dry. I think the only thing I have ever used a former for was a orchid.

You are welcome Moni. Once you get those tools you will really enjoy working with gumpaste. I think the metal ball tool makes a huge difference.

My first suggestion is to try Nicholas Lodge's gumpaste recipe. I don't use any cornstarch or powdered sugar, I do lightly grease my cel board with Crisco and then wipe with a paper towel. I knead my gumpaste on the board and then roll small amounts, just enough to make all the petals I will need. Keep the remainder covered with plastic wrap and put it into a zip lock storage bag. I keep mine in the fridge and just bring it out to warm to room temperature before using it. The only way I can describe how the gumpaste should feel is you should be able to pinch the full amount of gumpaste with your thumb and fingers and not have the paste stick to you. If it sticks to your fingers it is too soft and you need to knead in a bit more powdered sugar. If it feels hard and not pliable you can knead it a small amount of Cricso, just a dab or two, knead until it feels pliable. I would also suggest you invest in Nic's book "A Potpourri of flowers" it has 15 flowers with color photos, instructions and some patterns. Different flowers need to be rolled thinner, some thicker. For instance a Tulip or Magnolia has thicker petals than say a Sweetpea or Freesia. Thinning on the foam pad with a metal ball tool is really only meant to thin the edges or ruffle them.
http://www.nicholaslodge.com/gumpaste.htm
https://internationalsugarart.com/cgi-bin/store/shop.cgi?storeid=1&c=search.htm&categories=0003

How thin? Well, I can't watch you doing them so can only guess you may be applying too much pressure. On a longer pointed petal like a daisy, try holding the metal ball like a pencil, with the ball half on the edge of the petal and half on the foam cel pad. start at the top right side and go all the way down to the pointed tip, stop and go back up to the top left side and do the same thing, stop at the point of the petal. If you are rolling the paste thin enough before cutting your daisy you may not even need to thin the edges. I use the plunger type cutter which veins the flower as it cuts it. If you don't have that type use either a Dresden tool or the dull edge of a butter knife and make a line from the top to the bottom of each petal directly through the center. You want an indentation but don't press too hard or you will cut through the petal.

As for the petals not cupping up, if you don't have a flower former here is what you can do. Use a drinking glass, take a square of foil wrap just large enough to fit over the mouth of the glass and about halfway down the sides. Mold the center of the foil wrap over a rounded object, something like a tennis ball or an orange. Lay the foil over the glass with the cup shape fitting inside the glass, smooth the foil down tightly around the sides. While your flower is still fairly fresh, stick the wire directly into the center of the foil and let the flower settle in, rearrange any petals that may fold or twist out of shape. Let the flower dry in this shape for at least a few hours, overnight is even better. The next day loosen the foil from the sides of the glass and carefully lift it up from both sides until it is free of the glass. Turn the flower over into the palm of your hand and slide it away by pulling the foil off from the flowers wired stem. Carefully lay the flower petal side down on a piece of paper towel to air dry on the back. When it is completely dry it is ready to dust with petal dust and steam to set the color. If you want your petal more closed as in a bud, make a large hook in the end of the wire, stick it into the edge of a block of styrofoam, move the foam to the edge of your table or countertop, weight the center of the foam with a can of soup or something heavy enough to keep it from tipping over. Suspend your flower so it is hanging free in midair and not touching the table top.

I recommend the Potpourri book over his other books only because it has nothing but gumpaste flowers. If you want to learn other techniques of decorating his other books are very good as well.

I don't think it is sad at all Jeanne, very cute for a first try. You might want to roll the paste a bit thinner and if you want the petals to cup up as you mentioned, try that foil wrap in the drinking glass, it works well if the flower is still soft. And if you want to separate the two layers of petals so the top petals stand up a bit more than the bottom. Cut little tiny squares of a soft foam like they use it packing cases. While the paste is still soft, lift each petal of the top flower one at a time and slip a little square of foam under each petal, leave it until the flower is completely dry and then carefully pull out each piece of foam with a pair of tweezers.

The other thing I noticed is you can see the shiny glue or water you used to attach the center. If you were going to dust the flower with petal dust that spot would not accept the color. You have to be careful and just use as little glue as possible for that reason.

You're welcome Jeanne. It could very well be your gumpaste, I have never used pre-made gumpaste. I use Nic Lodge's Tylose recipe and it works very well for me.
http://www.nicholaslodge.com/gumpaste.htm