Does anyone else have this problem: I can't get my roses to look like roses! They look more like carnations! They edges are ruffled looking, instead of being smooth. Anyone know how I can remedy this??

What type of bc are you using? I found that if it is all shortening it tends to be rougher edges. Wilton sells bc icing in a can that makes a smooth rose.

Maybe try mixing butter and shortening for the bc recipe?

I've taught Wilton classes before, sometime's it's the consistency of the icing. Maybe add ever so slightly water to adjust the stiff consistency. You still want it stiff but that's why the edges crack.

your tip might be to tight....open it up a little

I have the same problem. I use 1/2 shortening, 1/2 butter in my icing. Even when I took the Wilton classes and used the class buttercream, my roses still came out ruffly!! I'd love to know the solution to this one, too!!

What littlecake said is most likely your problem. Take a flat screwdriver and open up just a little the narrow end of the rose tip, this should help. BTW I don't change consistency of my icing from one application to another I make medium stiff consistency and use it for everything. icing, writing, borders, roses, it is much less time consuming. I use my bc icing its a little different than most others, check it out, its in the recipe section. It's called Jibbies white velvet buttercream.

Jibbies

Thanks, Jibbies, I'll give it a try!

Thanks all! I'll be sure to try these suggestions!

I was going to give a try to jibbies bc, but I got a blank page on her recipe too. ...?

Jibbies recipe was blank for me too, but then I clicked on the "printer friendly version" button and it came up just fine.

I also use a medium-stiff consistency as well, I also add Piping gel to my icing when I make it. This tends to help. I add 1 tablespoon of the piping gel to my shortening mixture for a 6 cup batch when I start my icing. HTH

I get your point....but I actually made these ruffly on purpose!

I think I was trying to go for that "Victorian" look.

I, too, think that if you need absolutely perfect, non-ruffly roses....Wilton Buttercream works perfectly.