I do this and learned it from someone on here. I'm thinking of getting a small torch but I just use a starter, like you would a fireplace or gas grill w(can't remember exactly what to call it 
) I make my center cones, several of them at a time and have my wires cut and the loop at the end. I start the lighter and hold the loop in the wire until it becomes red hot. Then I just stick it in the end of the cone. It attaches immediately and I can start my roses that night instead of waiting overnight for them to set.
HTH!
wow, what a fantastic tip, i usually make lots of centers, glue them to wires then make my roses the day after! me thinks me wont have to wait any more wooh 
I share a lot of tips about GP roses in this thread: http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-622934-gumpaste.html
I've always heated my wires. The melted GP hardens instantly, and it smells like cotton candy.
Hi Mensch,
When you say it will hard instantly, will the whole bud harden or just the middle part? Will this also work for individually wired petals?
Doesn't it make it easier to work with them if the cone itself is hard?
Doesn't it make it easier to work with them if the cone itself is hard?
In my experience, no. It doesn't make much of a difference either way for me.
It doesn't matter to me either. Before I did this, I used to have a real problem with my cones sliding off to the side. Now that doesn't happen. I use this technique on all centers and it works really well, especially for large centers like peonies and magnolias. I still let those set overnight though because those need to harden up a little, but the cones stay on without falling over.
And Mensh is right, it smells like cotton candy and I love the sizzle. 
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