I have been working on orchids for an upcoming wedding cake I have.

Usually my mom (who also decorated cakes) would be my critical eye and adviser but sadly she is no longer with us.....I wanted so badly to use Alan Dunn's method of making these flowers (also Tombi Peck's method btw) but was having great difficulty figuring out the instructions given in his book......but perseverance pays off and I am feeling better about them......here they are please let me know what you think. :)

Sometimes when you work for a long time on something you loose your critical eye. :)

Very  very  lovely.

I can't look at sugar flowers without expecting to see the real thing and those are beautiful x

(The  hobbyist is the worst critic...if we don't try to sniff it..it ain't working?)

There was a wonderful" sugarflorist"   (that was her name on here)  around 2/3 yrs ago, her work was wonderful.

RYLAN  (another member, passed on but so loved)  has myriads of sugar flowers if you search for them in the search bar above.

www.duskyroseveiners.o.uk   is another resource  (used to be all on here )

You will be impressed and among a peer group and that's the bottom line isn't it?

We  want to be reviewed and critiqued by peers, not the 5 petal cutter enthusiast?

You hit the nail on the head cakebaby 2 thanks for the direction and for your opinion :)

I see they aren't dusted yet, that in no way takes away from the integrity of the design.

I can see it in my minds eye.

Eager to see finished product x

I too am a flower enthusiast (Florist to trade)

I love them in all forms, art sugar and of course the real thing LOL.

Your work makes me smile...not cringe...always an indication lol  xx

Cakebaby2 I am a primary school teacher and a general perfectionist......cannot help it.......I am so happy they make you smile...(they do that for me too).....these dendrobiums are dusted lightly with greens and snowflake white......it was done on purpose as the other flowers are quite colourful...have a look

Catalayas 

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I lost half of my message LOL.....here are the flower choices...

Oh my giddy aunt!! They are gorgeous!

Utterly gorgeous!

This is what gets me in trouble...I cannot praise mediocrity...and that's not cool nowadays?

I guess I preach to the converted in your line of work?

Everyone "gets a prize?"

In my opinion we do a disservice to all, by praising that which is "also ran", Racing analogy..    The Grand National?

LOL!

One word m'dear... Carravaggio.....V

That "Painter of Light"  chappie?

Lovely to make your acquaintance keep aiming upwards..it can only improve in the craft x

Actually I was "almost" a primary school teacher here in Uk, many years ago.

Come from a long maternal line of them..

Had my 3yrs of a B.E.D done, one more and dissertation to go when my youngest son made his debut (on a blue strip) lol

Decided actually raising them was better than theorizing about it a'la Jordanhill Uni....most of them had no kids..but my God they were experts on the education and raising of them?

Very pleased as well to make your acquaintance Cakebaby2  and I do agree I wish not to be praised for that which is not worthy of praise....and although praise is wonderful....the criticisms in my esteem make me better...help me to see where to improve....because I believe there is always room for improvement....and BTW Mother is first teacher :)

I did not start off wanting to be an educator....and it is such a hard job....but I get a sense of purpose and joy from it as I also do from cake design and flower decorating.....It allows me  to let go my cares and worries (at times) and allows me to focus on ONLY ONE THING.....making that petal....putting together those parts....dusting that flower....its like meditation :)

It also makes me feel close to my mom....I was once her critical eye in my younger years ......here is the cake she did for my wedding...it was one of Tombi Pecks creations which I loved from the moment I saw it and which she was able to lovingly recreate :)

I miss her every day :)

Best to you. I also lost mine and I assume I am much older than you

My mother was a very religious RC.

Me...naw  not so much, my children even less so.

My abiding memory is of my 15yr old son...all shaved head and leather whispering the Hail Mary to her as she slipped away.

Nothing I could have done would have given her more comfort..and I have to say, me more peace.

If her life was made peaceful by the beauty of trying to recreate the humblest flower..to the orchid in whatever medium she chose, we are blessed by remembering that and perhaps find a little solace in trying to emulate it.

Your work is a fitting testimony to her x

Your wedding cake is sumptuous! What joy she must have felt making that for you x