This my first attempt. I do not get it. I used Wilton recipe and wilton recipe. The gumpaste rested too. I will not be making gumpaste flowers for a long time to come for a cake. But I do want to learn. Mind you I have been watching videos on this and reading every thing I can. And as it starts to dry some of it is crumbling. Can anyone help me?

Trying again

My picture will not upload.

you might have more luck if you post your picture in the gumpaste gallery and then just put a link in your post..

HTH
Jane

if it is crumbling, then there is something wrong with your gumpaste.

Are you keeping the gumpaste you don't use well covered? I put mine in a plastic bag and place a wet cloth over the bag. I only take out what I'm going to be working with at the moment.
Did you color yours? Some colors make gumpaste crumble easily, I don't know why. Usually strong colors.
I think you need to give a few more details as to what you're doing.
Marie

try adding a little crisco to the gumpaste if it is a bit dry and like the others said, make absolutely sure you have the rest of the gumpaste in a baggie or similar..not exposed to the air.

I am keeping it covered. I am trying to acheive a burgandy or maroon color. What cutters do you all use?

Trying again

I have the Wilton Gumpaste rose cutter (the one that comes in that gumpaste kit)..works OK..
I have the Wilton fondant all in one rose cutter too...
These are both plastic but work Ok for me (beginning stages)

ShirleyW does awesome gumpaste flowers and she is very very helpful..you could PM her and she would probably advise you.

Jane

Here I am Jane. Tammy I don't know what else to tell you, same suggestion, knead in a bit of shortening and maybe try nuking it for a few seconds at a time in the microwave, then knead it till smooth. Be careful of hot spots in the paste though, you can burn your fingers. Wilton gumpaste is just awful stuff to work with. If you have any fondant and Tylose powder you could knead a bit into the fondant and try using that rather than the gumpaste. It makes a softer paste than gumpaste and takes a bit longer to dry but it can work.
I know you are frustrated but really the roses in the photo aren't bad, the color is pretty, as I mentioned in the PM, just roll the paste a bit thinner for the petals.

Try using half fondant and half gumpaste.

your gumpaste looks too dry. have you added cornstarch to it?

also - it looks like you are using the right petal cutter, but you appear to be attaching the petals upside down - the teardrop end is the bottom. and it looks like you are using petals slightly too small for the size of the base you have made.

your color is 100% fine. the next stage is dusting them. which is what gives you the deep deep red you want. I dust roses as I go along (let each set of petals dry slightly (which makes it easier to attach he next row, too) and then dust with a reddish color luster dust - i also dust again after it is completely dry and then steam over a kettle).

If you use a luster dust, then when you steam them they take on the tiniest bit of a dewy/shiny appearance (depends how much dust and how long/often steamed).

I agree with ShirleyW. For strong colors like burgundy, I always use tylose paste.
Marie