Hi Shirley I was wondering what size metal ball tools do you feel are most benifical for someone just starting out in gumpaste? Thanks
I like one that is completely metal, with a medium sized ball on one end and a smaller one on the opposite, I have three that are graduated in size. All the same length but with different size balls. I use the medium one for nearly everything. I got mine from Sugar Bouquets all those years ago, but I see some on Global Sugar Arts that are very similar, made by Celcakes
#18717 Medium
#18839 Small
http://www.globalsugarart.com/catalog/category_677_Gumpaste_Tools_Modeling_Tools_page_4.html
Thanks Shirley a couple more ? for you where did you purchase your cel board I can't seem to find one that size they are all smaller. and your cel pad should I get one with or without the holes? Thanks again for all of your help 
I got my cel board years ago from Sugar Bouquets, now out of business. But Global carries the large size and as a bonus it has that hole for the Mexican Hat flowers like Stephanotis. So I would go for that one.
http://www.globalsugarart.com/catalog/category_677_Gumpaste_Tools_Modeling_Tools_page_2.html
On the foam cel pad, either is good, with or without the hole. If you have the cel board with the hole you wouldn't need it on the foam pad, but it's up to you. I do very few flowers that require the Mexican hat. But nearly all the flowers and leaves I do are wired and require the ridges cel board.
Here is a set of tools that I found on Ebay. they might be a little less quality then shirley's but it's a good start. just highlite that and paste into your address bar:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SET-OF-20-SHAPES-BEIGE-MODELING-TOOLS-DOUBLE-ENDED_W0QQitemZ200089745974QQcategoryZ46281QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here is a set of tools that I found on Ebay. they might be a little less quality then shirley's but it's a good start. just highlite that and paste into your address bar:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SET-OF-20-SHAPES-BEIGE-MODELING-TOOLS-DOUBLE-ENDED_W0QQitemZ200089745974QQcategoryZ46281QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I wouldn't suggest any plastic tools if you can help it. The metal ball tools are so much better and I only see one or two of those modeling tools that you would ever use. It looks like kind of fun set, but I don't know how practical.
ShirleyW- Have you used the any of the Tulip molds on that link you posted? I've been looking for metal tools, but all I can find are the round tools (the ones with the ball on one end in sm,med and lg). Do they make more or does anyone know of a place to get them.
Scroll down to the celcakes ball tool, medium and small.
http://www.globalsugarart.com/catalog/category_677_Gumpaste_Tools_Modeling_Tools_page_4.html
ShirleyW-
http://www.globalsugarart.com/customer/search.php?substring=tulip
I saw some beautiful tulips on one of the cakes in your photos. What tools do you use to create those?
None of those are exactly like the one I have but the American cutter and veiner on page 2 look the closest.
I found some nearly exactly like the set I have, these are from Creative Cutters in Canada, scroll down to Tulip FF800
http://www.creativecutters.com/LISTPRODUCTS.CFM?mcat=12&who=4
ShirleyW - thank you for being so willing to supply us with links for products you use. Your WONDERFUL!!!!!
Your quite welcome. Hopefully someday the CC shop will carry all these wonderful gumpaste items and you will be able to buy everything you need in one location.
Shirley, with the wealth of information you have and are willing to share with us, this thread should be made a Sticky too!
It is eventually going to be many many pages long, I'm sure.
I noticed in your spot-light info, that you use a Kenwood mixer. I have one too, and I love it. My mother had a Kenwood Chef and I bought myself a Kenwood Chef Major. It's great!
Karen
Shirley,
I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS on being in the Spotlight! I love your cakes and your great generosity. You are always willing to share your knowledge with everyone!! Thank you for being so helpful!
I agree! Thanks from me, too!!! kjt
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