I'm not really in a location to take classes from the "big names" and can't afford to travel at this point. But I want to move past the basics. How did you learn to make flowers? What tools should I buy (brand, etc.) I have some of the International School of Sugarcraft books- are they a good place to start?

This is an awesome kit with lots of cutters and very clear directions and it's not expensive! I started with this after reading that many I admire started with this kit.
It's a Wilton Flower Making Kit

http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E30D6EB-475A-BAC0-5E5EF66C57041711

Hope this helps!
Marie

I suggest you pick one flower, and start there. Get a good ball tool (i have a metal one that is my favorite) Get the cutters/veiners for that flower. Scott Clark Woolley has very good cutters and veiners that are reasonably priced.

Then if you can buy a fresh flower so that you can take it apart and study it. Then go from there for your colors and layout of the petals.

I think its best to perfect one flower before moving on to the next. One of the easiest flowers to make in gumpaste is the Calla Lilly it is a great place to start with.

You can also check Youtube for tutorials. It is a great way to visualize the process.

Youtube baby.... Watch all you can

There are some really great DVDs out there. Scott Clark Wooley's are top notch, but very expensive. Nick Lodges are great too and much more reasonably priced.

I can honestly say that I learned more from the DVD's than from any of the classes I have taken. You can start and stop the DVD and work right along with them.

What State are you in?

Here are some links! I went overboard, but I love tutorials! Some of these are cake tutorials also!