Decided to try and make a large fantasy peony, I used wilton fondant and it is taking days to harden (maybe it never will all the way?!?) I love the size of this flower but I would like it to look a tad more realistic even though it is a fantasy type flower. Any tips?

Looks way better than the first peony I tried to make.  

Maybe more layers of petals and a bit more "body"  --a little fluffier in effect.

This is based on other peony photos I have seen, I am not good at them at all, yet.

thank you, yes I was thinking maybe 2 more layers before the center but it started getting kinda thick! next time I'll thin the petals more

AUse gumpaste. It dries faster and you can roll it thinner.

AI agree about using gumpaste to make flowers, it dries in a day or two depending on humidity (nr. 1 enemy of it), and you can roll it really thin. There are many variations on gumpaste recipes, some can roll paper thin even, giving it a much realistic effect to flowers of delicate petals.

As for your peony, I would make a bigger center, and "wrap it" with smaller petals that curved around it, giving that part a lot more body, almost making an open ball around it, if I make any sense. If you study the real flower or a photo, you will notice it's quite fluffy! You can achieve more "fluffiness" drying the petals separated one from another with some foam bits and pieces in between, or kitchen paper.

Some peony tutorials recommend making a center with a Styrofoam small ball covered in small petals, like a flower that is not fully opened yet but still has a lot of fluff.

Another item to consider is colour. I'm not sure if you're using petal dusts on your flower?, they sure make a difference in bringing flowers to life :)

HtH!

you can dry things upside down too

thanks for the tips! yes I did use some rose colored luster dust but the flash on my camera obliterated that in the pic. I have made a few gumpaste flowers and yes I think I will stick with that for a more realistic look. Fondant is cheaper so I practiced with that :) I also think a styrofoam ball is a nifty idea. Ok peony round 2 coming up!