Introduction to Sugar (Gumpaste) Flower Making

This is a simple introduction to sugar (gumpaste) flower making, based on common questions asked.

If you are totally new to flower making it is best to start with some simple leaves – this will get you used to using the paste (rolling and cutting), wiring, taping, shaping and dusting. Then move on to a simple open flower and build up from there!

GENERAL POINTS

Find a good reference source – a real flower/leaf, or quality pictures from the web or books.

When making a new kind of flower do not expect perfection first time, it rarely happens…

Never try to make flowers in a rush or when you are tired – guaranteed to go wrong!

Try different pastes to find one that suits you (and the environment you live in) best.

Expect a few ‘rejects’ – use these to test new ideas on before throwing away – e.g. dust a different colour or in a different way, or use them to practise steaming or glazing etc

If possible, invest in a good book or tuition with someone whose work you admire.

ABOUT YOUR FLOWERS AND LEAVES:

Stamens: use natural looking stamens. Flex these slightly to bring them to life and dust (soft colouring) or paint (bold colouring) to match your reference source.

Wires: use the right gauge wire for the item you are making. If you are making very delicate items e.g. Lily of the Valley flowers on 30g wires, use a stronger wire (say 26g) for the stem – this will allow you to ‘stagger’ the wiring and taping (tape on your first bud, tape down, cut wire just past where you add the next one, and so on) thereby achieving a more natural looking stem.

Petals/Leaves: use quality cutters and veiners to achieve a good finish. All petals/leaves have some movement in them, curve the whole petal/leaf and/or the edges as required to achieve a natural shape.

Stems: these need to be taped neatly. Again, add natural curve to your stems.

Colour: use sympathetic colours to dust – apply your main colour first and then any complementary or contrasting colours as required. Dusts are expensive, so if the next colour you have is too dark, mix a little with a lighter shade to achieve a subtle variation – test the hybrid colour on a tissue before applying to your piece. Remember the reverse of the petal/leaf may be entirely different – this is important when trying to achieve realism.

Hope the above helps :-)

Above all, ENJOY!
Mandys Sugarcraft

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