I have the book "A Potpourri of Flowers" by Nicholas Lodge.

What does he mean when he says take a number 7 ball, or number 3 ball or, a number 10 ball of gumpaste? I gather he is reffering to different size balls of gumpaste but what do the numbers mean? What size is a number 7 ball?

Also:
If you make the gumpaste using his recipe and the egg whites, is the gumpaste flower safe to eat? Some kids I know will try it if possible?

Nic sells a gauge with holes in it that are numbered for each size ball.

There is a little guide that he sells that has holes in it and the size corresponds to that. For the gumpaste I just buy already made.

I normally buy pre-made gum paste, but maybe you can substitute powdered egg whites if you're unsure about regular egg whites. Not sure how it would turn out as I've never tried it myself for gum paste.

He sells, stuff. i own it.

All he wants you to do is have a concept.

You, can do it,

I had classes under N Lodge in January and he made the gum paste in class and said it was fine to eat it but he didn't know why anyone would. LOL
I've made it since then, using his recipe with no problem. HTH

Good luck!! I just made my first flowers this weekend and it was a lot of fun. A little time consuming but the final outcome was awesome and everyone was amazed that they weren't real. Just keep your patience!!

He has a form. If you own his books you can copy and cut.

i own the form. It's great for his stuff. Honestly, it's all about figuring out how to get it done. Lots of cussing is involved.