Has anyone used pastillage before? Would this work for making roses and flowers the same way gumpaste is used? I use gumpaste and it never seems to completely dry unless it is extremely thin. If it is too thin, it breaks on me. After all the work it is very frustrating. I know, I know, practice, practice....
Does anyone have a good recipe for this? THanks
Vicky

Pastillage will not work for flowers. It does dry fast and hard, but it is way too brittle to work with in that way.

I suggest Nicholas Lodge Gumpaste. He also has a recipe on his website. Give it a try.

http://www.nicholaslodge.com/gumpaste.htm

What kind of gumpaste were you using?

BTW, I do have a pastillage recipe if you still want it.

strange someone should ask about pastillage I was with another decorator today and she was giving me some info on pastillage I need to make some placques to paint on and stick to the sides of a a cake with fondant she told me it takes a long time to dry but it dries hard and you need to work with it fast so I don't think its good for flowers she showed me some and its very thick. I have the recipe if you still want it.

Hi! I am interested in the pastillage recipe. My impression was that pastillage did dry hard and fast so that is why I was interested in it. I made a loop bow from Easy MMF and after 3 days it had not dried at all. I am wanting to make letters to stand up and other figures.

darkchocolate

Here is a tutorial:

http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=69493

scroll down about halfway--really far--for recipe instructions.

Here is my recipe:

1 Tbsp Knox unflavored gelatin
1/4 +2 Tbsp water
4 1/2 c. confectioner's sugar

Dissolve gelatin in water
Add sugar.
Allow to sit for 24 Hrs (double wrapped in plastic wrap inside a ziplock)

Remove the amount you intend to use. Sprinkle with more sugar and knead just before rolling or shaping. While working keep mixture(inside plastic wrap) covered with wet towel.

dust work surface with light coating of cornstarch.

Work quickly...it hardens fast.

You can use a small file or emery board to trim or smooth edges.

I substitute white vinegar for the water.

cut with paring knife, exacto, or pizza cutter. Can roll shapes also or use cutters. Glue dried pieces together with royal. (or hot glue) or candy syrup at hard crack stage.

Dry your pieces on flat foam pieces. Flip over after a couple hours or overnight.

You can tint the dough, or paint after pieces dry.


Hope that helps.

You can find a recipe on Shavkin.com. From my understanding pastillage is used more from structural items not flowers or delicate work.

Texas Sugar,

I am wanting to be able to make loop bows and I was unsuccessful with my Easy MMF. I have been on this board searching for ways to make the MMF dry. Do you think the pastillage would be the wrong way to go to make a loop bow? I am also wanting to make some baby booties and letters to stand up on a cake.

I would appreciate any help you can give me.

darkchocolate

Pastillage isn't suitable for loop bows as it needs to be rolled at least 3-4mm thick and it is prone to cracking when it's thin and bent. It's better for flatter thicker work. It's good for making cups, saucers, plaques etc. but not good for finer work.

TexasSugar,

Thank you so much for your reply. Unfortunately I am still unsure what to do.

Do you suggest using the powdered Gumpaste or the all ready made gum paste?

I want to make sure I understand your post, if I use the Gumpaste I won't have as much time to work with my bow or whatever I am making, but if I use fondant and gumpaste I will have more time?

What do you suggest would be the best thing for me to do? Use all gumpaste or a 50/50 mixture of gumpaste/fondant? Or buy the Gum Tex and add it to my Wilton fondant?

Sorry to be such a bother, but I want to do the best thing.

darkchocolate

I made my first batch of pastillage last night it dries rock hard. I used 1 cup stiff royal icing and tsp of gum trag then added icing sugar to make a dough until not sticky then rolled it out and made some sheets for painting on so I can attach to the sides of a cake with rolled fondant. It is very brittle so I don't think it will be good for a bow. To make a bow use 120z fondant add 1/2 tsp gum tex make sure you color your fondant before adding the gum tex or it will have specks in it. Should dry hard over night or sooner.

I've done the same thing as TexasSugar suggested, I just add Gum tex to my fondant. I've made 3 fondant bows using this technique and its worked every time. They are in my photos, you should let it dry for 24 hours or so until it is completely dry before you assemble it. I think I only waited about 13 hours for the colourful one and it still worked but it hadn't completely hardened.

What texasugar and others have said about pastillage is correct. It is more for structural use than anything else. If you ever watch the FN challenges, and you see white bases or forms, those are more than likely pastillage.

Although pastillage, fondant, and gumpaste start with the same basic forumulas, either have or are missing key ingredients which give the different media their form and function. For instance, pastillage is very stiff, whereas fondant is softer, and yet, gumpaste is the softest and most elastic of the three, each serving it's own purpose in our craft.

I have worked with pastillage in the past. Of the three mediums, I find it the easiest to work with because of it's stiffness, and the most difficult to keep up with, because it dries faster than the other two media do.

Theresa