How Do I Make Roses That Look Like Roses?
Decorating By knj Updated 8 Jul 2006 , 9:28pm by LittleLinda
Oh don't feel bad I just finished course 1 and my roses look like there wilted and retarded.But my instructor made me feel good saying it was my first time trying.Keep practicing like I do they will get better with time.I hope my roses can look like some of the one I've seen on this website.
If you use a icing with just the crisco type shortening & no butter or margarine, roses work better.
Don't give up!!!!! It may be that you icing is not stiff enough. If it is to thin you will definitely have problems. If it is to stiff you will also have problems. Just play with the consistency and keep practicing and all of a sudden the perfect rose will appear!!!!!! Good Luck!
My poor wilton instructor had to keep drilling it in my head to TURN the flower nail, not my hand thats trying to pipe the rose. Also, it is SO TRUE that the icing consisitency makes a HUGE difference!!
Maybe you could post a picture so we can see them. It might be easier for us to help you.
I know I had a lot of problems (and still have some problems) making good roses. The first problem I had to fix was to turn the nail counter clockwise instead of clockwise. I don't know why but it made a huge difference. Practice, practice, practice!!! Good luck!
I can do piped roses and Fondant, although I prefer Fondant.
But I can make a descent looking piped rose, I struggled for a while by practicing..Keep practicing..Practice makes perfect...Those grocery store cake Roses are not the best looking either.. They look like they do them in such a rush. But people buy them. I'm sure you'll get good at it in no time.. 
I've found that my roses look better if, instead of holding the flower nail straight up and down, I tilt it towards me. Also, remember to "let the tip do its job". The tip will automatically cause the icing to furl a bit for the petals. When you pipe each petal, let the icing tell you when to turn the nail; it will almost turn the nail itself if you allow the tip to make the petal. I don't know if you can picture this very well, but try it and you'll know what I mean.
A good way to practice your petals is by making "mouse ears" on your fingers first. Hold your piping bag still and just pipe on your hand. If your angle is correct, little "mouse ears" or petals will form on your hand. This is a good way to get the hang of making petals with the tip.
Also, try using a tip 97 for your roses. I think they look prettier.
Oh, and your icing consistency has a lot to do with it, too. Try to make it the softest consistency possible that you can still make a firm base with. I know this is easier said than done, but you'll get it. Just keep trying.
KNJ....I hear you. 
I praticed for 8 hours on my roses and only one came out looking like it might be a rose. My instructor, like your's is very encouraging. She told me the technique was correct, all I needed to do was practice my execution. Learning to work with the icing you make, the pressure you need to apply, when to let off pressure, and of course the weather, are things we will learn as we practice. No I don't have it down yet but I refuse to quit. 
Good luck
My first rose from my first Wilton course looked like a head of cabbage! I realized that my flower nail was too small for the tip I was using. Each petal was hanging onto the wax paper but off the edge of the nail. Keep your petals close to the base.
I agree with the earlier post. Make sure you're rotating the nail counter clockwise, unless you're a lefty, in which case you should rotate clockwise.
I don't make roses that often, and I always have to remind myself to rotate the nail the right direction. It really makes a huge difference.
Also, as others have said, you want to be sure your icing is stiff so you don't get droopy petals.
I have the best luck making roses with royal icing. I will make up a big batch of royal icing and divide it into portions which I color yellow, pink, lavender. Since the royal icing keeps so well, I always have roses on hand for last minute cake orders.
Keep practicing, and you'll find what works best for you. Good luck!
People who make beautiful roses do it with such ease that it makes me feel totally inept! I finally figured out that my icing was not stiff enough. Also if the weather is warm you have to keep your icing cool. I started out making them the other day and the first ones did fine but once the icing got a little warm, they started drooping. I am going to keep practicing until I get it right!! I can make them but not to look the same every time. I guess Mother Nature doesn't make them the same every time either though!!! 
Diane
Don't get discouraged, it takes a lot of practice. Try using a different consistency of icing. My instructor was from an adult ed. class and gave me this recipe 13 years ago. Maybe it will work for you... 2 lbs confectionary sugar, 1 and 1/3 cups of Crisco and 1/2 cup of water with flavoring of your choice added to water. Try adjusting your water to change the consistency. The more practice you have, the better you will get. Having patience also helps. Good Luck!! Vicky
I keep them in the freezer in Tupperware. They are easier to handle frozen anyhow.
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