The Daisy Collection
Why not make some Sugarpaste Flowers with our step-by-step guide to Daisies?
-
Master your sugarpaste Daisies with our online guide.
Daisies are one of the largest flower families, which mean that they are widely used by cake decorators and sugarcrafters. Some of the bestknown flowers from this family include Chrysanthemums, Gerberas, Marigolds, Asters, Common Daisies, Pyrethums, and Helichrysums. Although the number of petal sizes, layers and colours may vary the process for making these flowers is the same.
-
Tips
-
-
- Before cutting any petals always ensure that the paste is moving on the work surface.
- The clip that secures the 5 cutters together is also designed to be used as an ejector for the smaller sizes. One of the ‘T’ shaped arms is finer and this will fit into each petal in turn to eject the cut paste.
- Always eject the petals first, before removing the centre.
- When cutting out the larger sizes it is essential to ensure that the pressure is applied to all the petals. To achieve the best cut, place the fingers on the top of the petals and move the cutter back and forth gradually working around the cutter.
- When handling the cut out larger shapes use a small palette knife.
- Because daisies have many fine delicate petals it is very important to make sure that the flower centres and petal layers are well secured together. Attach them not only in the centre but also at the base of each petal to strengthen the complete flower.
- Daisies are ideal as ‘off-wire’ flowers. Simply work from the outside petals towards the centre. A small ring of paste attached to the cake can be used as a former under larger flowers.
- When using strong wires for larger flowers, remember that the petals may be shatter from the vibration if the wires have to be cut again after the flower is complete. Therefore try to make the flower on the required wire length.
- It is easier to make daisies if the centres have been prepared in advance and allowed to dry.
- The calyx for many daisy flowers is also the shape of the petals, therefore simply use the smaller size of daisy cutter.
- Use the Chrysanthemum Leaf Cutter or the Creative Leaf Set to complement the flowers.
-
-
Chrysanthemums
-
-
- For a flower using all the sizes of cutters use a 20/22 gauge.
- The centre can be prepared from either a ball of paste attached to a hooked wire and allowed to dry, or by binding the end of the wire with half width florist tape, hooking the wire and continuing with the tape to achieve a shape similar to a cotton bud.
- Cut out an attach the smallest petals ensuring that the centre is completely covered, a minimum of two layers.
- Work through the graduated cutter sizes again using a minimum of two layers of each size. As the flower becomes larger allow the petals to either dry or settle in between the layers. It may also be easier to support the flower with a former.
- These multi-layer petal flowers come in many varieties with the petal curving either up or down. Place the cut out shape onto a firm foam pad and use the flute modelling tool, drawing the tool from the tip of the petal towards the flower centre.
-
-
Gerberas
-
-
- To prepare the centres, mould a piece of paste into a Mexican Hat shape and place into the hole in the firm foam pad.
- Using a ball tool to hold in place use the veining tool to pick out a circle of random markings. Ensure that these markings also cover the edge.
- Attach a hooked shape wire and allow to dry. For the very largest flowers this will need to be a 2o gauge wire. Paint or dust the centre as required.
- The sizes of the petals and the number of layers will depend upon the variety, but in most cases they will need to be either veined or curved.
- As with all large flowers, a former helps to hold the flower in shape as it dries.
-
-
Marigolds, Pyrethums etc…
-
-
- The centres for these can be simply prepared using a fine sieve to emboss a button shaped piece of paste.
- Attach to either an ‘L’ shape of wire and allow to dry. The size of the wire will vary according to the flower size 24/28 gauge.
- Colour the centre as required either by brushing with powder colour or painting finer detail.
- The petals can be finished in many ways before securing to the centre by:
- Veining with the Flute and Vein tool.
- Using the Multi-Flower Veiner.
- Widening and frilling each petal using a cocktail stick.
- Curving the petals in the same way as the Chrysanthemums.
-