Hello Everyone!

I have been trying to find out about getting my kitchen licensed (I live in MA), and don't think that I, personally, can. I had an idea that might work though and am looking for opinions from all my cc friends!

I just took one of Nicholas Lodge's gumpaste classes and want to use what I learned to sell the flowers. My idea was to advertise that I make floral cake toppers that will last indefinitely. I figure I'm not selling food so it would be like any other business.

What do you guys think? I know I need to call and talk to the Health Dept, but thought I would get opinions here first!

~Chelle

While there may be a decent market for them - I'd worry about shipping them. The possibility of breakage would be too great a risk for me personally...

I've bought tons of videos - and know how to make them myself, but I buy pre-made ones from P&H because I don't have the time. And sugar flowers are a lot of time, for not that much $$$...

Have you thought about other forms of cake toppers? I do clay scupltures of the bride & groom... made to their likeness.

Dear Brandi,

No I haven't thought of other cake toppers - this was the first idea I had. I was not going to ship them - just deliver them locally.

Thanks for your opinion!

I like the idea!

But, you have to consider...would you be serving customers in your area, or shipping? I know in my area there would not be enough demand to sustain a business of just gumpaste. However, if you are willing to ship you could broaden your client base!

Gmcakes,

Though I don't think I want to ship them - Initially I would be looking to service customers in my area. I may ship to some friends in different parts of the country to see how they ship.

Thanks!

I had saw a website that this woman did the same thing but she used cold porcelain instead of gumpaste. The business was for sale so I dont think she was making any money at it. But as long as its a side job, I dont think it could hurt to try!

Yeah - this wouldn't be my only income! I work full time as an accountant and actually love my job! It's just that I also love cake decorating and now, the gumpaste flowers. It would definitely be a side job!

Thanks!

Then I say Go for it!

I say go for it too!!! The idea about shipping to friends to see how they "weather" shipping is good. Also wanted to say congrats on your amazing weightloss-good for you!!

Thank you! I just have to figure out all the details now!!!

when you're ready to ship let me know. I don't have the time to make flowers like I want so I would definitely be interested in buying some, expecially if you would take special orders.

Leily,

I will definitely keep you in mind! I would definitely take special orders. You can take a look at the ones I've done my clicking my website link and then the link to my photos. The pics are in the Nic Lodge folders!

~Chelle

Chelle,

Where did you take the gumpaste flower class? I have been searching madly for classes in the New England area but can't find any. I live in Groton, CT and wouldn't mind traveling a bit... I am dying to learn gumpaste!!!!

Thanks,
Corin

I took the class at his place in Atlanta! I was quite an experience!!! I definitely recommend it to anyone who can afford it!

~Chelle

Uggghh! Thats a little far for me right now. To bad I didn't do it when I lived in South Carolina! Well, I guess I will keep looking. Let me know if you would ever be willing to teach a fellow Red Sox fan some gumpaste for some side cash!

Thanks,
Corin

In my area of California you can get a license to make and sell gumpaste flowers as ornamental decorations only, not to be considered a food product.

On shipping, this is very difficult. The flowers are so fragile and even though I used small pieces of foam between petals and wrapped each flower in foam and tape, bubble wrapped between layers I sent some off to one of the CC members and I think several petals did break. I should think making them of Cold Porcelain would be better because they dry like ceramic and are nearly unbreakable.

Thanks Shirley! Haven't considered shipping yet - don't even know how long they will take to make either! Definitely something to consider!

I had actually wanted to make and sell cake toppers too, but when I called our county health department, even though NO ONE eats gumpaste, it's considered edible, so I'd have to be making them out of a licensed kitchen yadda yadda...
Hopefully your area is more lenient, good luck!!!

thats true Shirley, I've never thought of cold porcelain! I'll have to look into it! My dream is revived! there's always a way...
I love this site...