I Just Cannot Make A Carnation!
Decorating By ChoueiriCakeCo Updated 1 Apr 2010 , 2:31am by ChoueiriCakeCo
I don't know what the problem is! Carnations seem like one of the easier flowers to make, but no matter how many times I try it just doesn't work! When I use gum paste it cracks when I try to make the ruffled edges, when I'm using fondant it's too soft and just turns into a blob, and the 50/50 method is still too dry and stiff. What am I doing wrong? This flower is driving me crazy 
How thick are you rolling them out? Are you keeping them covered while you are not working with it? How many are you rolling out at a time?
Do you have any pictures of what you have done?
I have the wilton flower book and am trying to follow the instructions on there (so I've rolled it to about 1/8" thick). With the gumpaste, it's cracking so much that it's falling apart when I try to shape the petals. I know it's too dry but I'm not sure how to fix it (it's premade gumpaste, also by wilton). I have some fondant that I added tylose powder to, so i'll try that and see if it works better.
I would also prefer to make the carnations without having to use a wire. Any idea of how I could achieve this?
I can't do them either! I have the same problem...can't ruffle the edge for anything. Grrrr. I've literally sat there with a book open to the carnation instructions, looking back and forth at the picture, my flower, the picture, my flower, etc. I've reached the conclusion that I'm NO GOOD at gumpaste flowers PERIOD. I think I'm going to get Nicholas Lodge's basc flowers dvd. It's got to help, lol. Good luck to you!
How thick are you rolling them out? Are you keeping them covered while you are not working with it? How many are you rolling out at a time?
Do you have any pictures of what you have done?
I don't have any pictures, but I do keep them covered and I'm using the wilton circle cutters and cut out only 3 at a time (But I couldn't even get those three pieces to work).
I'm not sure how they are done in that book, but I do teach them in the Wilton Fondant and gumpaste class.
When I roll my gumpaste out of the petals I roll it paper thin. I don't use the pink o rings, as I think it is better if you do go thinner than that. You want to be able to see through them. If they are too thick it doesn't want to thin on the edges and the shape distorts.
Another thing could be if you are pushing down to hard when you are doing the edges. It is hard to explain how hard is hard enough though.
What do you mean it is cracking so much when you try to shape the petals? (Again I don't know how the directions in that book go.)
Don't roll out too many at a time, and keep them covered while you are working on them. The air will dry it out. If your gumpaste feels a little dry, put a smear of crisco on your hands and work it into the gumpaste.
In the Fondant & Gumpaste book you actually make a carnation base that is not on a wire or anything.
When I try to ruffle the edges it kinda just cracks or breaks off. I've been adding crisco but it's still not helping. I'm trying with the fondant and tylose but it's still a bit too soft. I'll try to soften up the gumpaste again and try what you said.
Thank you all so much!
I mix fondant and gumpaste...no specific ratio...just 'til it works like I want it to. I roll out 5 circles per flower. Until you get the hang of it, I wouldn't roll any more than 5 discs at a time. Once you get the groove for it, add more increments of 5...keeping them all under plastic until ready to ruffle...remove one at a time to ruffle. Place a disc on the thin foam square, using the tool with the ball on one end and the curve on the other, wiggle it side to side in sections around the outer edge of the disc, until all is frilled. Placed completely frilled disc onto the thick foam pad. Make 4 more of the frilled discs. Once you have 5, place a bit of gum glue in the center of 4 of the discs. Stack them on top of each other...ending with the one without glue. While they're stacked on the thick foam, take the ball end of the tool and press in center. Lift up the stack, still on the end of the ball tool...remove it from tool end, brush some glue on the inside and a bit on one side of the outside. Fold toward the glued on the outside. Bring the bottom side together, while rolling it between your fingers (this creates the elongated area where the calyx will go. Nestle carefully in a clean styrofoam egg carton(I position them in those recessed area between egg holes so that the calyx area doesn't get bent).
Sounds like it might be getting too dry. Are you working new a fan or under a ac/heating vent?
Are you rolling the gumpaste out on cornstrach or powder sugar?
Personally I like to roll them out on the practice board. On it I don't have to use anything to keep it from sticking but you can always use a little smear of crisco too.
I can do the ruffling, but the problem is my gumpaste. It's so dry and dries out after only about a minute (I don't have any fans or heat on). It wasn't this dry when I first used it and I'll probably have to make or buy a new batch. I do have some fondant that may hold it's shape, so I'll be trying that along with all of these helpful tips. I'm taking a break before I lose my mind 
Thanks everyone 
I'd start with a new batch of gumpaste. Wilton sells a can of the gumpaste powder that just needs water added. It's very easy. I use my 40% off coupon from Michaels. For storage, I wrap my gumpaste (and fondant) in seran wrap and then place in a ziplock bag away from any sunlight. For long storage of the gumpaste, I think Wilton says to put it in the refrigerator. Also, make sure that whenever you use your gumpaste you spend some time working it in your hands until it softens. Other than that, it's just practice, practice, practice until you get the hang of it. Some people can pick it up easy, some have to work harder but either path will bring you to the same exact place! HTL
I'm not sure how they are done in that book, but I do teach them in the Wilton Fondant and gumpaste class.
ChoueiriCakeCo, I don't know if this helps or not but I have made carnations according to the instructions in both the Gumpaste Flower book and the Fondant and Gumpaste class and the ones from the Fondant and Gumpaste class were much easier and, IMHO, much prettier.
I have a major problem with them too. When I try to ruffle the edges it just smooshes or spreads, not ruffle! I that problem while doing the Rubrum Lily as well.
I'd start with a new batch of gumpaste. Wilton sells a can of the gumpaste powder that just needs water added. It's very easy. I use my 40% off coupon from Michaels. For storage, I wrap my gumpaste (and fondant) in seran wrap and then place in a ziplock bag away from any sunlight. For long storage of the gumpaste, I think Wilton says to put it in the refrigerator. Also, make sure that whenever you use your gumpaste you spend some time working it in your hands until it softens. Other than that, it's just practice, practice, practice until you get the hang of it. Some people can pick it up easy, some have to work harder but either path will bring you to the same exact place! HTL
That's the same gumpaste I have now, If I get a chance I'll buy a new batch. It worked very well when I first bought it, maybe I over microwaved it when I was trying to get it to soften?
...I have made carnations according to the instructions in both the Gumpaste Flower book and the Fondant and Gumpaste class and the ones from the Fondant and Gumpaste class were much easier and, IMHO, much prettier.
I wish I could take classes! That may be what I need, these flowers are a pain to learn on my own 
I'll try with new gumpaste and practice, practice, practice!
Thanks again, everyone 
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