I am looking at getting into the world of gumpaste flowers and have been looking at various companies' tools. I know I can get the new Wilton set in a case w/ a palette knife at Hobby Lobby. I also saw these at Global SA. Does anyone have these- the price is reasonable, what should I get to start???
http://globalsugarart.com/product.php?id=21555

If you are just beginning I would recommend getting the new Wilton kit and practice with it. After you get good and if you choose to pursue gumpaste flowers I would recommend getting the PME stuff. It's far more pricey but I think it's much better quality. Hope that helps some!

I have the old Wilton set (green ones) bought it a few years ago and they have held up fairly well. I use them for both fondant and gumpaste flowers however I would love to have a metal ball shaping tool. The added benefit to getting the wilton set is at hobby lobby or michaels you can always use a coupon. Good luck!

The only problem I could see with the tools in your link was that the ball tool has seams. These can make lines and usually stick to gumpaste. This, in turn, will make you crazy.

The black gem tools are more expensive, but are smooth. I still use them even with fancier tools that I have collected over the years. I started with the Wilton, and as quickly as I could, I moved to other brands. The JEM tools were my next set. Here is the link: http://www.countrykitchensa.com/catalog/product.aspx?T=1&ShopId=38&CatId=527&SubCatId=222&productId=2008

Cutters can be made with templates or free-handed. I've even made my own when needed. Call me crazy.

HTH

Michele

Im new too, i got the wilton set, So far so good. I got it at hobby lobby with a 40% off coupon.

I'd really like to know if anyone has the Marcella Sanchez ones (see link above).

I am also new to gumpaste flowers and found out really quick how exspensive it can be. I found that Donna Dewberry has started a line of tools and cutters for clay that I found at AC Moore. She has the ball tool which comes 3 in the pack (all different sizes and they are metal not plastic) for about $10.00 and with a 50% off coupon I only paid $5.00. She also has leaf cutters. Go to the clay section and look for her stuff.