How to make Gumpaste Filler Flowers

Recently, I am findng myself  in awe at the works of Jacqueline Butter of Petalsweet, a sugar artist who makes wonderful edible flowers. I wish I can attend one of her classes, but since I cannot go to California or Georgia, I am settling at looking closely at her work and teaching myself through trial and error  Trying to acquire a result close to her work  (in my dreams).

I still have to perfect my roses, hydrangea, peony, ranuculous, lily but I think I'm quite satisfied with my filler flowers. It is the easiest one to make, I know.  So I thought I'd share with you all how I made these filler flowers.

Here's the step-by-step instructions with pictures on how I made my filler flowers:

Filler flowers can be made in so many ways. I have tried the step-by-step instructions below with the use of a cutter and without a cutter. I prefer using a cutter for ease and much nicer look of the  petals.

Cut a #24 guage wire into three or four parts. Using a long nose pliers, make a hook at one end of the wire.

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You can use gumpaste or fondant, however gumpaste dries faster and dries well compared to fondant. So for making flowers, it is advisable to use gumpaste.


Roll a piece of paste   into a ball, about 1-1/2 cm in diameter.
You can change the size to your preferance.

Make one end into a pointed cone.

With the use of a pointed tool make a hole by inserting the toll into the center as shown in the picture.

Note: If you do not have a cutter, this is part where you need the scissors.
 Make five small equal incisions to make the petals.

Pinch the base of the cone using your fingers to flatten.
And then using a small non-stick rolling pin,
roll out the base until it becomes thin forming a "witch hat".

Note: Skip these steps if you do not have the cutter.

Get your medium blossom cutter and place it over the top of the "witch hat".
Cut out the blossom shape and remove the excess gumpaste.

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Now to insert the wire. Dip lightly the hook into an edible glue (or water) and insert it through the throat of the flower. Do not worry if the tip of the wire shows , it will be covered with a yellow gumpaste or you can leave it as is.

Edible glue: I used 2 tablespoons of warm water to a quarter teaspoon of Tylose Powder and allow the Tylose powder to melt.

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Using a petal pad and a medium ball tool, smooth round the edges of the petals.
The paste should be very fine.
Transfer to a thicker/softer petal pad, using the small ball tool, very gently ball the petal until a gentle cup shape is obtained.

Roll a tiny peice of yellow gumpaste for the center of the flower.
Glue in the middle of the flower.
Paint the end of the flower using a flat brush with green petal dust.

Here is a picture of two filler flowers done using a cutter.
Another picture of a bunch of filler flowers without using a cutter.

Hope you enjoy my little tutorial. If you have any question, please feel free to leave a comment.

Happy Caking!