Gum paste can be modeled to resemble rosebuds as well as roses in full bloom.
Gum paste is a soft, pliable sugar-based ingredient that can be molded to resemble realistic flowers. Because gum paste can be colored with food dye, it can be made to match any wedding or party color palette. For added realism, cake artists add special decorating powders, such as luster dust or pearl dust, which add a metallic sparkle to the flowers. Some gum paste modeling requires the use of specialized tools that are available for purchase at craft and cooking stores.
Instructions
Prepare the Rose Petals
1. Roll the gum paste to a uniform 1/16-inch thickness on a cutting board with a rolling pin.
2. Cut out two sets of petals using the cookie cutter.
3. Separate the petals of the cutouts with a paring knife.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of cornstarch onto the foam pad and place a petal in the center of the foam.
5. Gently roll the ball tool over the middle of the petal to create a curl in the petal.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 above for the remaining petals.
Make a Rosebud
7. Wrap a petal around the toothpick with the point of the petal facing upward.
8. Brush the lower half of the petal with adhesive.
9. Rotate the toothpick slightly and wrap a second petal around the first.
10. Brush the lower half of the second petal with adhesive.
11. Rotate the toothpick once more and wrap the last the other two to create a rosebud.
Attach the Outer Petals of the Rose
12. Brush adhesive on the pointed end of a petal and attach the petal with the rounded edge toward the top of the rosebud. Attach the other two petals in the same manner.
13. Gently pinch the outer petals of the rose and pull outward to shape the rose.
14. Attach additional layers of petals to the outer levels of petals to make larger roses.
Tags: petal around, , adhesive Rotate, adhesive Rotate toothpick, Brush lower