Hello all!
Can anyone recommend a good gum paste flowers book? I'd like to purchase one but don't really know where to start. I've taken the Wilton course, but I'd like to learn other flowers too, like hydrangeas, etc. Thanks!

I can't recommend a book you should buy, but I can tell you about one I don't like.

I recently bought Simplifying Sugar Flowers by Alison Procter, and am now returning it. I was looking for a book on simple and easy sugar flowers, but this book is all about wired flowers for sprays and such.

Actually, that's the only book I do have on sugar flowers (Proctor) and I totally don't like it either. I find all the flowers, well, not very attractive. So I agree with you on that. Any others out there?

Lesley Herbert's Complete Book of Sugar Flowers. That is the one I refer to.

I love Scott Clark Wooley's book. I use it all the time! He also has some free downloads on his website.

alan dunns books are really good too (all wired, but there are lots of detailed pictures). he has loads, and i can never remember which ones ive actually seen - but it may be your library has some, and you can see some of the pages on amazon too.

jane price's the home guide to cake decorating is a good book in general, but does a simple guide to roses and sweet peas too, which i have used.
xx

all of alan dunns sugar flower books are amazing. and realistic..

Another medium would be Nicholas Lodge's DVDs...They are incredible and he is an excellent teacher...He has numerous titles...Look up his website and call his shop...They can direct you to the appropriate DVD for the types of flowers you want to learn how to make...There is a DVD that includes Hydrangea.

Paul

I also have Scott Clark Woolley's book. I think it works for me because I also have some of his DVDs (which are VERY expensive). Without them the techniques may not be so straight forward to follow but like I said, it works for me. I really would suggest a DVD first and then when you're comfortable doing a few then maybe invest in a book. Nicholas Lodge and Jennifer Dontz have affordable DVDs on flowers and Jennifer has a new one on flower arranging.

I have Scott's book and not his DVDs. My guess is as long as you take someone's hands-on class, you will be able to follow his book. I've had no problem. I teach myself new flowers all the time with his book. I would LOVE his DVDs but won't splurge on the price (at least not yet).

I love all of Alan Dunn's books. The book Sugarcraft flowers from Claire Webb is also pretty good. I have a book from Paddi Clark but don't like it that much, I have the same problem with Proctor, her flowers just don't appeal to me that much.
I adore the book of Sylvia Weinstock. It is expensive and doesn't contain instructions, but if you are (a bit) experienced in flower making it contains a wealth of new ideas!
By the way, you might want to check out the website of chef Lori Ann Blethen. It contains a video in which she shows how to make hydrangeas. Very informative!

You can put me down for a vote for Scott Clark Woolley's book also. I wish I could afford his DVDs but I find his directions very concise and his flowers are incredible.

I too have Nicholas Lodge videos, they are great. Looking for someone specific on how to make a gladiolus.

The only book listed on Amazon for Scott Clark Wooley is $400!!! Is that the book you all are referring to?????????????????????????????

Alan Dunn's books are amazing.

Yes, that is the book but it's currently being revised and out of print so people are just being greedy and silly. Try his website (cakesbydesign.cc) and see if you can contact him and he might help you out. My copy was about $30 I think.