How did you all learn how to make gumpaste flowers-books, DVD's, lessons? Need recomendations-thanks a lot!

I took my first lesson in gum paste from Sheila Brooks at the Cake Craft Shoppe in Sugar Land, Texas so I learned from a master right off. I then took a class from Eleonor Rielander and then - practice practice practice!!!!

I did take a class from Jill Maythem too!
My friend Jennifer Dontz taught herself - and now teaches others and I have taken 2 classes from her. She is fantastic.

I taught myself.. just jump in and give it a go. Don't be afraid to mess up.. it's part of the fun and learning process. I get cutters.. look up botanical info on the flowers.. and just have at it.

First, I took an wedding cake order that called for four dozen cattleya orchids, and learned how to do orchids using the Wilton set through trial by fire. LOL You can learn to do them yourself as many people do but it's infinitely easier when someone with major talent and experience teaches you hands-on. I've taken classes from Nicholas Lodge and Jennifer Dontz as well as have videos by Rosemary Watson and Michele Foster. I also have several dozen books on gumpaste flowers, including every one of Alan Dunn's books who is IMHO hands-down the most talented gumpaste artist on the planet. Now I am signed up to take another Nicholas Lodge class in a couple of months and can't WAIT!!

So, do it all!

Alan Dunn is a sugar flower GOD. His flowers could fool a bee. His roses.. OMG.. just beautiful. I would pay money just to touch his hands.

If you have access to good classes and can afford them they are invaluable.. but alas.. I am nowhere near any good classes.. so I am on my own.

i went to a class. id been looking at books for ages, but it made a lot more sense once id seen it live! but i would have learnt with books, it would have just taken a lot longer!
xx

I've taken private classes with Carol Lowe (a master in sugar flowers), public classes with Nick Lodge, videos with Scott Woolley, Nick Lodge and Michelle Foster. Have everyone's books from Alan Dunn to Leslie Herbert and then some. But with all of that it just comes down to one thing -- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!

Most of my learning came from books by various artists, a few classes, and a LOT of trial and error. Much of what I do is from trying an easier or faster way to get the flowers to look more realistic. Like bobwonderbuns said, practice, practice, practice.

If you can't take a class, try a video. Books are also good, but it's easier when you see the work in motion.

HTH

Michele

I also suggest you look at Tonedna's profile and look at her youtube videos...a great place to start and she makes GREAT flowers!

If you like someone's work and have an opportunity to take a class from them, my advice is do it!!! Quality classes usually will allow you to have a strong foundation to branch off on your own.

Jen