Attaching Fondant/gumpaste To Wire
Decorating By springlakecake Updated 20 Nov 2006 , 2:26am by ShirleyW
How do you attach gumpaste/fondant flowers, leaves etc to wire? What type of wire do you use and do you have to cover the wire with something before sticking it into the cake?
don't get it TOO wet, though. I use egg white to dip the wire into.
The way you attach it depends on the leaf or flower you are making. Once you get the hang of it for one flower, it gets easier to figure out for others (imho).
PUtting the wires into the cake or not is a long standing debate here. Some do, some don't. I haven't killed anyone yet, and the person I learned from who has been doing this for a living for years hasn't killed anyone, but again . . . people have different opinions on the matter. Whatever works for you . . .
It depends on what type of flower or leaf you are making. Some flowers and leaves require rolling over a ridged cel board so you have a line or seam up the back of the petal, the wire is dipped in the gum glue only as far as it will slide into that seam or ridge. Other flowers that are are bit heavier or have large centers can be done by making a little hook in the end of your wire, just bend the end over, dip the hook into gum glue, slide the hooked part of the wire into your gumpaste center (such as for Calla Lilies) it will go in easier if you twist it slightly while easing it into the gumpaste., slide it in and then gently pull it back out a bit, the hook will then embed itself in the thicker part of the paste. Pinch the end of the flower center paste where it meets the wire at the bottom. This will give you a more secure center when they dry. Stick in a block of styrofoam to dry.
For the majority of flowers and leaves I use #30 gauge floral wire in white or green. White if the wires won't show in the arrangement, green if they will be visible.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%