I've finally begun to make gum paste flowers and will be taking a course on Gelatin (bows, flowers, butterflies, etc.).

Online it says to use Japanese PAPER (NOT cloth) covered wires for all gelatin work since the cloth may unravel. I've also heard that paper covered wire is "the best" for use with gum paste creations.

Where is the cheapest place (including shipping) to purchase wire in bulk, and what gauges are best? I've tried my local cake specialty shops and craft stores and they have a very limited (and expensive) selection. I'm learning that it takes a LOT of wires to make stuff! If I'm going to be paying shipping, should I order 200-300 of each wire?

What do all of you knowledgeable decorators suggest?

The Japanese wires by Sunrise are excellent, that is what I use for my gumpaste flowers. You can buy them at Global Sugar Art. I also use the CK brand wires from CK Products which are also good and a bit cheaper. I prefer Sunrise.

Jennifer Dontz sells Japanese paper covered wires.

Thank you for the replies so far.

I would also like to know which GAUGE wires are best for gum paste flowers.

Something heavy like a gerbera daisy
Something light like a sweet pea
Something medium like a Star Lily

The gauge wire depends on how heavy the petal is in size and thickness. I generally use a 26g for most petals. You could probably use a 28g for the sweet pea and other petals that size, but the 26g works fine too if using Sunrise for the most others. Remember you are going to wire the petals together and don't want the wire too flimsy to hold the petal in place. I use 24g for larger leaves and petal like the hydrangea leaves if I am using Sunrise, but 26g if I am using CK. If you are making a center piece for the flower like for an orchid throat or rose center use a heavier gauge wire like a 22 or 20. depending on the size. For the Gerber I think the 26 or 24 would be fine again depending how big and heavy the petals are.

I use Michaels wires for the center pieces like rose centers, orchid throats since they are cheaper. But for the petals and leaves I use the good wires.

Hope I didn't confuse you and this was helpful from my experience only. This is all based on Sunrise and CK wires since different companies gauge isn't the same I found out. Even Sunrise and CK brand wires are different weight for the same size wire. I think it has to do with the quality.

A lot is trial and error and I believe preference too.

Sincere thanks to everyone!