Hi everyone,
I really would like to get into making sugar flowers. How do I start? Any great dvds, books, classes out there? How did you start? What did you find most helpful in your learning process? Thanks in advance, P

I'm actually wanting to learn this as well! I bought the Wilton kit tried it last night. They say in the book it's "easy", but I laugh because my flower looked like a dried piece of crap...LOL! For me, trying to learn from the book was awkward.

I looked up some videos on youtube. Edna's (toedna1) are great to watch. I hope watching her demonstrations will help. Plan to follow them this weekend.

I'm curious to hear what recommendations those who are experienced give

Definitely use Ednas youtube tutorials! They are awesome! Just keep practicing is all I can tell you, they are super fun once you get the hang of it.

Lol Maria!!

What, you've never heard of the rare Crapoglossum amabile - commonly known as the "forget-me-not" or in this case, the "please-forget-it-existed".

Haha!

I'm super interested in this subject, as I too would like to start making flowers!

There is a thread on there that will direct you to tons of places to learn how to make sugar flowers. I do not know how to link the thread but here is the name of it.

EDNA is great - there are also a lot of others on UTube that have great techniques.

Name of thread is; Tons of FREE FLOWER TUTORIALS! Check It Out!!

I'd LOVE to see them made, unfortunatly on dial up I cant get youtube. LOL I have to rely on pictures, and wiltons book is SOOO not helping me. My tulips looked like.... well playdoh tulips that my kids make. LOL

I'm not necessary looking for free tutorials, but rather instructional dvds, books and classes to make lifelike flowers. Wilton does not count. And all I see on youtube is rose and calla lily by Edna. I would love to know where the professionals go to learn to create their sugar flowers...

I know what you mean. I have dial up also and doesn't always work well. I also have the same Wilton book you are talking about. When I made the tulips I just modified a little with the ruffling, I also placed the petals in an egg carton to hold together. They came out okay. Next time I make them I will make better use of color and shine them up a bit. I have a pic in my file - Basket of Flowers I think I called it.

However, I have had luck with Globalsugarart.com, they have tons of great books and videos by Nichols Lodge and other top artist that may help.

That's what I'm looking for. Thanks for the info. And he is in Atlanta, very doable drive. Thanks a bunch!!!! Any other ideas?

Thanks caralinc, I guess I need to see if the library has some of them. Lord knows I cant afford to buy them. LOL

I'll check out your pic and get back to you next week LOL dial up does SUCK. I zip along at 24.6-

The flower in your pic is very pretty. I wont even post my failed attemps.. well except the hybiscus.. and thats cause I am proud of the rest of the cake. LOL

I love Scott Woolley's sugar flower book. It's very comprehensive and generally gives very good instructions. It's my "go-to" book when I need to learn a new flower. It problably helps to have at least one sugar flower class first just to get the hang of it but then it's pretty easy to teach yourself. And then practice, practice, practice!!! Each one will get better. Nicholas Lodge is definitely a good choice also. Alan Dunn has great books but many of his flowers are more obscure. Good luck!

Marie925, I just wanted to tell you to not get discouraged using the Wilton book - IMHO the instructions are awful! Edna's tutorials on Youtube are great, and I would definitely suggest checking on the flower tutorials thread mentioned above.

Check out Jennifer Dontz' classes. Great teacher!! www.jenniferdontz.com or www.sugardelites.com

Try Nick Lodges website he has all sorts of DVD's that given great instructions.
He also has a series of books:
- The International School of Sugar *raft 1-3 (books 2 &3 cover more on sugar flowers)

Also I use Alan Dunns books:
- Sugar Roses
- Sugar Orchids
- Exotic Sugar Flowers

Angela Priddy has a book called:
- Sugar *raft & Cold Porcelain

& Lastly I get monthly the following magazine they have great instructions on sugar flowers as well.
- Cake Craft & Decoration

If you can take classes from the following instructors their classes on sugar flowers are fabulous:
- Nick Lodge, Pat Trunkfield, Keith Ryder, Collette Peters, Toba Garrett, Sylvia Weinstock, Ron Ben-Israel, Beth Parvu, Diane Gruenberg, Elanor Rylander, & of course Kim Morrison.

Pebbles1727, Nicholas Lodge will be having classes in Atlanta. I can't remember the dates, but I'm sure his website will have some info.

Thanks you all so much, that's exactly what I was looking for : )

This link is invaluable!

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-654803-free.html+flower+tutorials

edna has dvd's out on flowers as does Nic Lodge - all of them are great