Daisies are one of the largest flower families
and therefore widely used by cake decorators and sugarcrafters. Some of
the best known flowers from this family includes Chrysanthemums, Gerberas,
Marigolds, Asters, Common Daisies, Sunflowers, Pyrethums and Helichrysums.
Although the number of petal sizes, layers and colors may vary the principles
for many varieties are the same.
Tips
1.
Before cutting any petals always ensure that the paste is moving on the
work surface.
2. 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.
3. Always eject the petals first, before removing the center.
4. When cutting out the larger sizes it is essential to ensure that the pressure is applied to all of the petals. To achieve the best cut, place the fingers on top of the petals and move the cutter backwards and forwards gradually working around the cutter.
5. When handling the cutout larger shapes use a small palette knife.
6. Because daisies have many fine delicate petals it is very important to make sure that the flower centers and petal layers are well secured together. Try to attach them not only in the center but also at the base of each petal to strengthen the complete flower.
7. Daisies are ideal as Off Wire flowers. Simply
work from the outside petals towards the center. A small ring of paste
attached to the cake, can be used as a former under larger flowers.
8. When using strong wires for larger flowers, remember that the petals may 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 length.
9. It is easier to make wired daisies if the centers have been prepared in advance and allowed to dry.
10. The calyx for many daisy flowers is also the shape of the petals, therefore simply use the smaller sizes of daisy cutters.
11. Use the Chrysanthemum Leaf Cutter or the Creative Leaf Set to compliment the flowers. Chrysanthemums.
2. The center 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.
3. Cut out and attach the smallest petals ensuring that the center is completely covered, a minimum of 2 layers.
4. Gradually work through the graduated cutter sizes again using a minimum of 2 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.
5. The multi layer petal flowers come in many varieties with either the petals curving up or down. Place the cut out shape onto a firm foam pad and use the Flute/Dresden modeling tool, drawing the tool from the tip of the petal towards the flower center.
1.
The centers for these can all be simply prepared using either a piece of
tulle or a fine sieve to emboss a button shaped piece of paste.
1.
To prepare the centers, mold a piece of paste into a Mexican Hat shape
and place into the hole in the firm foam pad.
2. Using either a ball tool or finger to hold in place use the veining tool to pick out a circle of random markings. Ensure that these markings also cover the edge.
3. Attach to a hooked shape wire and allow to dry. For the very largest flowers this will need to be a 20 gauge. Paint or dust the center as required.
4. The sizes of petals and the number of layers will depend upon the variety, but in most cases they will need to be either veined or curved.
5. As with all large flowers a former may help
to hold the flower in shape as it dries.