1. Bend a small hook in your wires using the needle nose pliers.

2. Roll moss green gumpaste centers into a ball about the size of your smallest rose cutter.

3. Use piping tips to make circular markings and the knife tool to make vertical markings all the way around.

4. Dip the hook end of the wire in gum glue, insert in the center about halfway; let dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

5. Roll out desired color of gumpaste very thinly (almost transparent). Cut out 10-15 petals.

6. Working with 3 or 4 petals at a time, use the ball tool on the thick foam to thin the edges of the petal. Cup the petal by pressing in the middle of the petal with the ball tool. Keep remaining petals covered so they don’t dry out.

7. For petals with more texture that work well for an open ranunculus, use your thin foam and roll the skewer over the petal.

8. To apply petals, paint gum glue on the flower center. The first row should have 5 overlapping petals. Apply gum glue after each petal to attach the next one.

9. Continue adding rows of petals and every 2-3 rows use a larger cutter for the petals. While the petals are still pliable, use the skewer to adjust the petals.

10. Allow the flowers to dry for at least 24 hours before putting them on the cake. You can use the plastic flower former to help hold the petals up while it dries.

Click here to see more by Anna Craig of Sweet On You Designer Cups & Cakes, British Colombia