Hi all! When making a gumpaste tiara what is the easiest way to roll out the pieces you are using to shape your tiara? I've heard mention of clay guns or cookie presses? Is that the best way to go? Thanks
Paige 
.......I've heard mention of clay guns or cookie presses?........
Yes, either of those will work. It still is hard to press the gp thru though 
Soften the gp some by adding fat (Crisco) until it is like chewed gum. That helps some but increases the drying time and to some extent the strength.
If you don't have a clay gun, you can do this method to make uniform "ropes" to make the tiara. Roll a piece of softened gumpaste into a rope with your hands, lay it on the counter top (or on a vinyl mat) and then use a fondant smoother to roll it back and forth, the more pressure you use on it, the thinner the rope will be. The fondant smoother will "even" out the rope and will make it nice and smooth. (hope this makes sense)
Thanks! Any ideas how much either a clay gun or cookie press will run me?
the makins green extruder is about $16 on amazon.com. Another really easy way to soften gumpaste/fondant for use with an extruder (clay gun) is adding vegetable glycerin.
Does it have to be a gumpaste tiara? Because I find the royal icing method much easier (see the tutorial on CC).
IMO - the gumpaste tiaras are much stronger than the ones made of RI. I have made several of both kinds, and prefer the gumpaste ones hands down. They are not nearly as fragile. (I have also made them of white chocolate too)
Here is a pic of the last one I made from gumpaste:
See, I could never pull that off, keeping the gumpaste even and in line like that.
OK - here is the top secret way to keep it all even and nice.
1. You want the pieces on each side to match in length, so make one rope and cut it in half - use each piece of THAT rope to make the same 2 designs (mirrored) that way each side has the same exact length of rope. (make sense? - I hope so)
2. To keep the gumpaste sticking - I take an oatmeal canister, tape the design on it, tape a piece of wax paper on top of that, then LIGHTLY grease the wax paper with shortning. The gumpaste will stick to that, and doesn't slide. (I also will take a dishtowel and lay the oatmeal container down at an angle to help it stay where I want it to)
3. Let it dry a day or so on the oatmeal container, then gently remove it (so it is off the wax paper) and let it dry another day or so - it will be "free standing" for the last drying, so the back of the tiara can dry too.
4. After completely dry, then paint it however you want. I use a brush, but you can use an airbrush too. I prefer to use the airbrush paints, they dry quicker than the gels do.
I forgot - I also make the "balls" (see my tiara) to put where there are intersections of the gumpaste. It makes it look nicer - no rough edges showing! I put them on slightly flattened.
When you are done with your design, make a thicker rope and put that at the bottom edge of the tiara to cover all the rough edges at the bottom edge (again, see the pic I posted above to see what I mean)
If you have any other questions, just ask! 
(and thank you for the nice comments on my tiara!)
Thank you, Loucinda. I think when I tried the tiara, my gumpaste was probably too stiff and I didn't have enough shortening on my work surface.
I have a tiara coming up this weekend. I'm going to give it another shot with your recommendations.
Thanks a bunch!!!!!!
I forgot to tell you to use gumglue at each intersection of ropes. Even if it is tiny place - put a dab of gumglue there to help it be stronger. Make sure you do this at the bottom edge too where you attach the larger rope as the base.
Gumglue is just a tiny bit of gumpaste dissolved in water for those who don't know how to make it.
And thank you again for the nice comments! Post pics of your pieces so we can see them when you are done!
Sooooo glad I found this post since I'm making one of these this weekend. Thanks for the tips!
Jumped in to check out ideas, but I am actually making a crown, still good info. Wanted to add I like the tiara pic!
Where did you guys find your template for the tiaras? I did a google search, but didn't really find one I wanted.
DianeLM, both your tiara and the diamond pattern are awesome! Loucinda, waiting for your tutorial...
Hi,
I have been searching the forums for a tested gumpaste tiara with tips, and i really find this thread helpful!
Having a princess themed cake on saturday, cant wait to make it !
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