How to Create a Sugar Craft Rose

Sugar craft roses can be an elegant touch to a cake for any occasion! These intricate flowers will be sure to impress others. Following these simple steps will be sure to turn the tedious task of making these into an enjoyable activity.

Estimated time of completion: 5-10 minutes to create the rose centers plus 24 hours to dry, 15-30 minutes for the remaining rose.

EditSteps

EditMaking the Rose Center

1. Make the rose core. Roll a small ball of gumpaste into a tear shaped center.
   
   • Make the rose cores a few days in advance to allow them to dry.
   • The size will vary according to your desired flower size  In general, it will be about the size of a small gumball.
   • In general, it will be about the size of a small gumball.
2. Create a base. Place a toothpick in the bottom of the thicker side and let dry for about 24 hours.
   
   • These can be held up to dry by sticking the other side of the toothpick into a Styrofoam block or plastic cup.
3. Make as many centers as roses needed.
   

EditCreating the Rose

1. Color the gumpaste. After wearing gloves, use a toothpick and dip the edge into the desired gel paste color and mix it into the gumpaste. Knead until thoroughly mixed.
   
   • Choose colors that match your theme.
   • Make a small amount of green for the calyx of the rose.
2. Roll out the gumpaste. Use the rolling pin to roll out the colored gumpaste for the rose petals on the rolling mat.
   
   • This should be rolled out to about thickness.
   • Cover any remaining gumpaste that is not in use so that it doesn’t dry out.
3. Cut the petals. Use the tear-shaped cutter to cut out the rose petals.
   
   • Around an average of 15 petals will be used for each rose.
   • This will vary and mainly depend on the desired rose size.
4. Shape the petals. Take each petal and place it on the foam pad one at a time. Use the ball tool to gently rub and outline the edge of the tear shaped petal. You may have to go over it once or twice to get the desired effect.
   
   • Be careful not to rub too hard or you may rip the petal.
   • This will give the rose a natural look.
   • You may want to put a very small amount of cornstarch on the pad to prevent the gumpaste from sticking.
5. Make the "glue". Using a small bowl, mix some water and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix with the brush.
   
6. Stick the petals onto the rose. Use the brush to dab a small amount of this “glue” to the petal, then place the petal onto the core of the rose.
   
   • The first few petals should be close to the core, but as the layers add, begin to open up and spread apart the petals more.
   • You may curl out the petals to add a nice touch to the rose.
7. Continue to build your rose. Continue this technique until the rose seems full and you have reached your desired size.
   
8. Add the finishing touches. Flip the rose upside down gently, and let the flower petals fall naturally. This will give it another natural feel.
   
   • Be sure the rose doesn’t slip off the toothpick.
9. Secure the petals. While the rose is still upside down, gently press the petals to the base of the rose to assure good attachment
   

EditCreating the Calyx

1. Create the calyx. To create the calyx, use the green gumpaste created and roll it out to about a thickness as well.
   
   • Use the calyx cutter to cut the shape.
2. Attach the calyx. Dab some of the “glue” onto the calyx, and thread it through the toothpick to the bottom of the rose.
   
   • Doing this upside down may be easier.
   • Gently and slightly roll out the ends of the calyx to create a natural feel.
3. Add the final touches. After attaching the calyx, you may remove the toothpick and let the flower dry.
   
   • You may attach to a cake after it dries.

EditTips

• If you do not have cornstarch at home to create the “glue”, using just water should be fine as well.
• Using too much glue will begin to have a reverse effect and break apart the gumpaste. If the petals begin slipping around and moving around too much, try adding some cornstarch to dry it out. Remember to only dab a small amount using the brush to attach.
• Gumpaste dries very fast. Keep it covered at all times if it is not being used. If it begins to crumble, try kneading it then covering it. If too much damage has occurred, you may have to throw it away and use new gum paste.
• After gumpaste dries, it becomes very fragile. In cases where roses fall or petals break off, it is always safer to make extras.

EditWarnings

• Be sure to cover the gumpaste when not being used with plastic wrap. Gumpaste dries out quickly and begins to crumble.
• After gumpaste dries, it becomes very fragile. Handle the completed roses with care or they may begin to break or crack.
• Wear gloves when coloring the gumpaste. Wearing gloves will help keep your hands clean from the dye which is difficult to wash away. Make sure to knead on an easily wipe-able surface.
• Be careful when flipping the roses upside down that the rose does not slip off the toothpick and breaks.

EditThings You'll Need

• Gumpaste
• Gel paste colors (desired color for the flower, green for the calyx)
• Toothpicks
• Roll and cut mat
• Small rolling pin
• Fondant shaping foam sheet
• Gumpaste tool set (ball tool needed)
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Small bowl
• Small Brush
• Tear-shaped cutter
• Calyx cutter
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic cup or small Styrofoam block
• Plastic gloves

EditSources and Citations

• [1] Large Rose Centers. Caljava Online. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1NiDZVv
• [2] GUMPASTE 101: BEGINNERS BASICS AND COOKIE CUTTER FLOWERS. The Diva Dish. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1mhWu3m
• [3] Miso. (2012). Fall Flower Centerpieces. The Cake Blog. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1NiDZVx
• [4] Louise. (2007). How to Make a Sugar Rose. The Cake Journal. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1NiDZVy
• [5] Battemberg Lace and Peace Rose Cake decorating tips and more. Marivi’s SugarCraft Boutique. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1mhWu3o
• [6] Full Bloom Fondant Rose. Wilton Industries. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1NiDZVz

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