I’m making gum paste flowers and the gum paste is drying out faster than I can get the petals on. What’s going on? I keep everything under plastic and wrapped very tightly when not using. As soon as I start rolling out the GP I then put under a sleeve and then continue to shape the petals and they are very dry and so they crack and can’t be shaped. I have added some shortening but do I need to add more. What will happen if too much is added?  I’m going to start making peonies and I can’t have this stuff cracking. Am I doing something wrong? Please help. I have brand new GP high quality.

I always use Nicholas Lodge's recipe for gum paste and have never had this problem.  You can help the pliability of your gum paste by adding a little glycerine or fresh egg whites.