How To Use Sugar Paste To Create Orchids?

Cake decorator Elaine MacGregor demonstrates how to create lifelike edible floral decorations using simple sugarpaste techniques. She demonstrates how to create detailed sugar flower orchids in gum paste using various techniques and hand painting to achieve the desired look. This week’s gumpaste moth orchid tutorial is by multi-award winning UK cake designer Cassie Brown from her book, The Kew Book of Sugar Flowers.

To create the orchids, cut stencils, spread flour, powdered sugar, or cornflour lightly over the work surface, and roll out the sugar paste. Place paper stencils over the sugar paste and, using a small amount of pink, color them.

To make the moth orchids, knead the fondant or gum paste and add a pinch of tylo powder for easier work. Roll a sausage of white flower paste and flatten it out to a thin consistency. Use a small rolling pin to roll a ridge along the edges of the sugar paste.

These gumpaste garden orchids, also known as spathoglottis, are perfect for birthday and wedding cakes and can be created using various techniques and hand painting.

How do you preserve sugar paste flowers?

It is recommended that sugar flowers be stored in a closed receptacle, such as a Rubbermaid tub or shipping box, with desiccant packs to prevent humidity, for extended periods. Furthermore, clear, UV-protected acrylic boxes are currently being tested to assess the impact of light exposure on the flowers. The author will provide updates on the storage methods and potential effects of light exposure on the flowers.

Will sugar keep flowers alive?

To maintain the health of flowers, add white granulated sugar to vase water to provide necessary nutrients for growth and development. To prevent bacteria growth, add vinegar to prevent cloudy water and disrupt stem water uptake. Mix two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with vase water before adding flowers. Cut flower stems at a 45-degree angle to increase surface area for water uptake. Place cut ends in water after removing them from the plant. Remove leaves below the waterline and change the solution every few days to replace evaporated or cloudy water.

This homemade floral preservative solution can also help revive wilting flowers by ensuring adequate water supply. Cut stems every time vase water is changed, and crush water-loving flowers like hydrangeas or irises to improve their health. Store flowers in a cool area away from drafts and heat sources, as cut flowers do not photosynthesize and do not benefit from direct sunlight. Storing bouquets overnight in the refrigerator can also increase their longevity.

How to keep sugar flowers forever?

To store sugar flowers, it is essential to dry them well, keep the air away, and store them in an airtight container with a lid. Add padding and fight humidity. Find a cool, dry place and avoid chilling. Making edible sugar flowers early can help prevent them from sagging when placed on the cake. Store them properly, as too much moisture can cause flowers to wilt. Sugar flowers can last for a long time if stored properly, so don’t be afraid to make them weeks in advance. The basic rule is to keep them cool and dry, as too much moisture can cause flowers to wilt.

Is sugar paste the same as flower paste?

Florist paste, also known as sugar paste, is a unique and versatile alternative to sugar paste, which is a fondant used on Christmas or wedding cakes. It becomes brittle and sets hard quickly, making it ideal for creating edible sugar flowers. Unlike sugar paste, which cannot be rolled out as thinly or hold its shape as well, florist paste is made from natural gum, fat, sugar, and egg whites. It is safe to eat, but the choice to eat an exquisite looking handmade rose is up to the individual.

To use florist paste, remove the required amount from the package, knead it well, and roll it thinly using a non-stick board and rolling pin. A small amount of vegetable fat, like Trex, can make the paste more pliable and easier to work with.

How long do sugar paste flowers last?

Sugar flowers are meant to be kept as a keepsake and not consumed, but they can be enjoyed by guests and brides. If kept in an airtight container, out of sunlight and dust, they will keep indefinitely. However, in humid environments, the petals may re-moisten and fade over time. Some families save a flower or element from each important celebration cake and incorporate it into their child’s future wedding cake.

Brides and clients often keep their sugar flowers and find creative ways to display them. One couple builds shadow boxes on each anniversary, representing one year together. This adds to their ever-growing collection and represents their married life together. Some re-arrange them under tall domes, while others display them under tall domes.

There are many creative ways to display wedding day keepsakes, and brides and clients are encouraged to share their images of their sugar flower displays.

How do you dry flowers in 5 minutes?

To facilitate the desiccation of flowers, it is recommended to commence the microwave heating process at a low temperature and allow it to operate for a duration of between two and five minutes. It is advisable to ascertain the extent of the drying process before increasing the temperature or duration of the heating cycle. Once the desired level of desiccation has been achieved, the microwave should be opened, the container covered, and the lid slightly ajar to permit ventilation.

How do you harden sugar paste?

The text indicates that a brief period of time should be allowed for the ingredients to harden, after which they can be formed into glass shards by placing them on a stand. Further guidance can be obtained from the original source.

Will sugar paste harden?

Tylo/Tylose Powder and CMC (Carboxymethycellulose) are similar ingredients used in cake decorating and modelling. When combined with sugarpaste or fondant, they speed up the drying process, making the paste stronger and harder. This is ideal for urgent needs or those needing a firm, weight-retaining paste. To use Tylo/Tylose Powder and CMC, it is recommended to add around 1 teaspoon for every 500 grams of fondant. Kneading the paste well is crucial for proper functionality.

Once added, the paste will be firmer and more similar to modelling paste. If adding CMC to sugarpaste for the first time, experiment by adding small bits at a time to achieve the desired consistency. It is important to note that every sugarpaste is different, so it is best to have a little practice run before adding a load in to avoid any issues.

Does sugar make flowers last?

To keep cut flowers fresh longer, dissolve 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons white vinegar in warm water. Cover cut stems with 3-4 inches of water, pour 1/4 cup of soda into the water, and use clear soda if using a clear vase. A spritz of hair spray can also help keep flowers looking fresh. Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar with the vase water, and change the water every few days to enhance the flowers’ longevity. This simple solution can help maintain the freshness of cut flowers for a longer period.

How do you dry sugar paste flowers quickly?

To dry sugar flowers, use an electric fan oven, especially if you’re in a hurry. High humidity levels can cause sugar flowers to become soft and not dry properly. This is similar to trying to dry laundry on a very humid day. The relative humidity, which is the maximum amount of water the air can hold at a specific temperature, can also affect sugar flowers. To combat humidity and keep your sugar flowers looking fresh, follow these top tips:

1. Use a fan oven to dry your sugar flowers.
2. Use a fan oven to dry your flowers quickly.
3. Avoid using a fan oven on hot or cold days, as it can cause the air to re- absorb moisture and soften the flowers.

What can you do with sugar paste?

Sugar paste, also known as fondant, is a paste used to cover cakes and create detailed decorations. Its fine structure and smooth kneading make it easy to create a sleek, satin-like look. Sugar paste is primarily made of sugar, with a sweet taste and white color, making it easy to color or use pre-coloured options. It is often compared to marzipan, which is fatter, less fine, and not as white as sugar paste. However, marzipan does not dry out, unlike sugar paste.

Our white sugar paste, Bright White, is super white and can be coloured in soft pastel shades and bright colors. FunCakes offers gel and paste colourings for this purpose. Start with a single drop for a soft shade and add more drops for a deeper or brighter color. Knead the paste until the colouring has completely spread over it, or knead half way through for a cool marble effect.

In summary, sugar paste is a versatile and versatile paste that can be used to create a sleek, soft look on cakes and create detailed decorations.