I broke down & bought a cake lace mold & mix. Pretty easy to make & use & so cool. My husband was fascinated by the lace. I heard there is a home made mix on here somewhere which I will try. I had air bubbles on the lace & was told to let it rest covered about 20 mins. I used the mix the mix by Clare Bauman's. This was on a six inch cake. The cake started to bulge after awhile so use a firm icing dam. I used Alan from GSA's own mat & I think using the little tool he suggests is the only tool needed. I bought the one recommended with the mix which was kind of helpful in removing the lace from the mold. The rose was purchased pre-made.