How to Make a Large Fondant Rose

What Materials and Measurements Do I Need to Make a Large Fondant Rose?

To create a large fondant rose, you will need the following materials and measurements:

Fondant or Gum Paste: Approximately 1-2 pounds of fondant or gum paste, depending on the size of the rose you want to make. Adding a small amount of tylo powder to the fondant can help improve its strength and durability.
Tools:
Rose petal cutters in various sizes (e.g., 5-petal cutters, larger rose petal cutters for outer layers)
Rolling pin (preferably a large, thin rolling pin to roll out the fondant evenly)
Non-stick board or surface
Corn flour duster
Ball tool for cupping the center of petals
Toothpick for shaping and attaching petals
Wire (18 gauge) and florist tape for the stem (optional but recommended for stability)
Edible glue
Color dust or luster dust for finishing touches (optional)
Colors and Brands: You can use any brand of fondant or gum paste, but popular brands include Vizyon, Saracino, and FMM for tools and cutters. Using multiple tones of fondant can help create a more realistic look.

Knead the fondant or gum paste until it is pliable and easy to work with.
Dust the non-stick board and rolling pin with corn flour to prevent sticking.
Roll out the fondant very thinly, so you can see writing through it if you place a piece of paper underneath.
Use the rose petal cutters to cut out the petals. Press down firmly and twist the cutter to ensure a clean cut.

Thin the edges of each petal with a ball tool and cup the center to give it a natural shape.
For the first layer, attach the petals to the cone in a sequence (e.g., petal 1, 3, 5, then 2 and 4), overlapping them slightly. Use edible glue to secure the petals.
Repeat this process for multiple layers, each time using slightly larger petals and ensuring they overlap and are arranged naturally.

Allow each layer to dry slightly before adding the next. For fondant, this might take a few hours or overnight, depending on the environment. For gum paste, it can dry more quickly.
Once all layers are attached, allow the rose to dry completely, which can take 24-48 hours depending on the material and environment.

Use edible glue to attach the final layer of petals.
For a more realistic finish, you can add color dust or luster dust to the petals and center of the rose.

To prevent wilting, ensure that each layer of petals is allowed to dry sufficiently before adding the next. Using gum paste, which dries faster, can also help.
If petals do wilt, you can use a small amount of edible glue to reattach them and reshape as needed.

To maintain color vibrancy, use high-quality fondant or gum paste and avoid exposing the rose to direct sunlight or moisture.
Applying a thin layer of varnish or confectioner’s glaze can help protect the colors and give the rose a glossy finish.

Handle the petals gently to avoid breakage. If a petal breaks, you can repair it with a small amount of edible glue or replace it entirely.

Creating a large fondant rose can take several days, depending on the drying time between layers:
Preparing the fondant and cutting out petals: 1-2 hours
Attaching the first layer of petals: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Adding subsequent layers and allowing them to dry: 2-4 days
Final assembly and drying: 1-2 days

Fondant or Gum Paste: 1-2 pounds can cost between $10 to $30, depending on the brand and quality.
Tools: Rose petal cutters, rolling pin, ball tool, and other necessary tools can range from $20 to $50.
Miscellaneous: Edible glue, color dust, and other materials can add an additional $10 to $20.