I have made 400 gumpaste roses and they turned out beautiful only they are very dull looking. I thought about adding some luster dust but im wondering if that would make them lose there form. Since everyone here is so wonderfully smart and talented I know someone will have an idea!

The dust makes them look very different (I don't care for it). It's great for a whimsical look, but if that's not what you're going for, I am not sure you'd like it. Try one and see what you think.

Can you make the inside bud a pale, pale yellow? That may give it some depth.

I cant change the color I have already finished them and after 400 I think my hands will be hurting for a while!!! I just trying to think of something to take the dullness away. Luster dust probably wouldn't work. I know someone has has this problem before! Anyone?!!!

I don't have an answer for you but 400 roses WOW! I can't wait to see what you are doing with those!

I'll be forming them into bouquets that will go on top of the cakes. It's a 4-tiered with 6 - 8" forming the bottom. adding 4 satilite cakes, a 3-tiered grooms cake. 300 decorated cookies and 400 mints! Pray Pray and Pray for me. This is hands down the largest i've done yet. Crappy thing is its for a relative and im not getting a dime not even supplies! She's lucky I love her so much!!!! Weddings a week from Saturday. I'll post pictures right after.

If you do decide to dust your roses with color, I would go with petal dust. It has a matte finish and not so metallic like the luster dust.

I used a metallica burgandy on some roses on my photos posted. It looked great. Luster or petal dust is a must do! Your poor hands. Use vodka or gin since it costs less than lemon extract. Make sure the roses are very dry since adding the dust temporaily makes them wet.

Dust with DRY petal dust. Then to set it, put a pan of water to boil. Once you have a good head of steam very quickly whip each flower through the steam the put them in a DRY place to set. This gives a nice glaze without looking shiney

Those are some very very helpful suggestions. Ive never used luster dust. When you say dust dry will it adhere to the already dry roses.? Im wondering when i turn them over through the steam will it fall off immediately? Thanks so much for everyones help.

My thoughts ( or hopes) exactly. Im not complaining shes my neice and I just love her death! However, there will be 500-600 people so maybe lots and lots of orders!

godsgrace,

That is wonderful of you. I hope it's your "gift" to her. You shouldn't need to give her a cash gift on top of it all. Besides, with 400 to 500 guests, she will get lots of money!

WOW! Not a dime huh?? You must really love her!! I can't wait to see the pictures!!

The roses will be fine if you put them through the steam quickly - you are looking only to SLIGHTLY mist them so the dust will adhere. Next time you make roses (or any gum paste flower) - apply the dry dust right to the gum paste before it dries.

Dry dust onto a dry flower gives a very subtle tint and looks much more realistic. You have to whip the flower through the steam really quickly so it just moistens the outside which again sets into a very subtle glaze. Remember though don't keep all your flowers near the pan of boiling water or the humid atmosphere will affect them. Just bring a few at a time into the room where you're steaming

I think the first few ill be a bit nervous lol. But im giving it a shot. The dull flowers are driving me crazy!!!. Thanks for all your help.