ok cc again I need your help, I am making a iris cake similar to the one in my photos, Now the one in my photo I just played around and came up up this. I have seen here that for the tulip and other flowers they put wire at the base of the flower petals then dry them and wrap together to make the flower. My wires kept falling off and tearing the 50 /50 gumpaste and fondant petals. I think I need more detailed help. I am going to get a tape or book but I have a cake due in 2 days and I have broken petals everywhere now. Please help

I use all gumpaste, no fondant in my flowers and they dry harder. You might try that.

Exactly how are you attaching the wire?

I have been placing the wire towards the bottom of the petal aprox 1 1/2 up the flower, have tried less then that aprox 1 inch also (still no luck)
I placed it 1) on top of the petal with a coat of fondant gumpaste mixture on top to cover wire, also tried 2) a thicker base of the petal and insert wire into the base *also tried to place a very small hook at top of wire to "Grab hold" each time it breaks where the wire is.

The wire I am using is a thin flower wire not very thick but not the thinnest out there. ,I let the petal dry for 1 day, maybe I should have let them dry longer?

**thank you for all your help, and trouble shooting for me ( I was afraid if I did all gumpaste that it would Break at the wire and be a very fragil flower? any suggestions?

You may need to use all gumpaste. I would be careful moving it then letting the petal dry before handling it any more.

You are using covered wire aren't you. Uncovered (not wrapped with paper) doesn't work.

I let them dry at least a day and even then, I have had them break.

Thank you for all the help, the wire I was using was unwrapped, someone here had photo instructions and they didnt show that they were wrapped, I am going to try them again with all gumpaste and wrapped wire. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP will let you know how it turned out

brenda

that will make all the difference in the world.

the wrapping give the gumpaste something to grab on to.

I should know, I made that mistake too.........

we live and learn

I want to thank you your help ladies. Your knowledge,experience, and advise helped give me encouragement to complete my flowers. I have completed my double iris cake for a friend's mom's 96th bday I couldnt attach a photo but it is the first in my photos with the light pink cake they requested. cc is yes the best!

I purchased a bearded iris cutter and was promised instructions -- the cutter and mould arrived, but the instructions haven't arrived yet. I'm trying to complete my "iris" cake, but it is kind of impossible to do without instructions.. Does anyone have instructions for making a gumpaste bearded iris? Thanks!