Ranunculus Flower Template

Ranunculus Flower Template

Let me show you an easy way to make a wafer paper ranunculus!  This wafer paper flower is simple to make, but looks absolutely stunning.  In no time, you'll feel confident adding wafer paper flowers to your cakes like a pro.

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What is Wafer Paper?

Wafer paper is an edible paper that is made of either rice or potato flour.  I found mine on Amazon and got a 100 pack for only $20. This will last me a long time, so it was worth the cost!  If you want to start small, you can buy smaller packs by Intricut Edibles.

This paper is very fragile and prone to cracking on its own.  To make the paper pliable, we're going to add water and piping gel.  When you add water, the wafer paper will stick to itself like glue! But be careful, water can melt it completely if you add too much.

How to Make a Wafer Paper Ranunculus

If you've never made a wafer paper flower before, you could always start with my simple wafer paper rose.  The ranunculus is still easy to make, but it is just a smidge more involved. Once you're done, you can color the wafer paper flower however you like.  I learned how to make these from this video by Very Cherry Cakes .

Supplies

• Brushes
• Wafer Paper
• Piping Gel
• Scissors
• Toothpick (optional)
• Dry Tea Towel
• Damp Towel
• Circle Cutters in 3 sizes – 1", 1 ½", and 2" (But I've used biscuit cutters as templates too)
• Edible pen (if you need to trace your circles)
• Water or Wafer Paper Glue
• Foam Ball – 1.5"

Steps (Video Tutorial Below!)

1.  Cut out your three different sized circles.  If you have craft cutters, this will make the process extra easy and fast.  I didn't, so I used my edible pen to trace some biscuit cutters. Then I used the circle as a template to cut out all the others I needed.  I used 8- 12 of the small and medium circles and about 5- 9 of the largest size. Cut extra, just to be safe.
2. Cut a slit about halfway up each of your small circles.  Dip your small paint brush into some water and pat off the excess on the back of your hand or a towel.  Brush along the slit to moisten. Then pull the two sides of the slit together to cup the circle. Press lightly and it will be stuck together.  Set aside and repeat with the remaining small circles.
3. Place one of the small circles on the foam ball and brush with water.  Gently, but firmly, press and mold the petal onto the ball. If necessary, use some piping gel to help the petal stay put.
4. Repeat with the other small petals, overlapping the petals as you go, to create the first layer.  That should take about 4 or 5 petals. Make sure they meet at the top and you cannot see the foam ball.
5. Add a second layer of small petals over this first layer.  The first layer should be flush with the foam ball. For this second layer, you can begin to leave the tops of the petals slightly off of the ball to create an opening effect.
6. Repeat steps 2- 5 with the medium circles.  It's very important that the tops of these petals do not touch the top of the ball.  They need to be lifting up. Attach the petals at the base only.
7. Repeat steps 2- 4 with the large circles.  It's very important that the tops of these petals do not touch the top of the ball.  They need to be lifting up and out. Attach the petals at the base only. For a larger wafer paper ranunculus, add a second layer of the large circles (like in step 5).
8. Ta- Da!  Let the wafer paper ranunculus dry and firm up a bit and then you can add some color.

Or Just Watch!

In this video, I used my new craft cutters which made the process much quicker and neater.  I also used wafer paper glue instead of water.And I also made a mini wafer paper ranunculus!  With a mini foam ball, you can make different sizes for your cakes.

At the end of the video, you'll also get to watch me add the wafer paper flowers in a cascade down my cake.  They look great on cakes and keep very well.  In fact, I like to make more than I need and just store them in a container for future designs!

Tips & Tricks

• You will not need a lot of water to create the cupped petals.  If you use too much or press too hard, they will disintegrate.  But that's why you cut extra circles!

• When attaching the petals to the foam ball, you will need to use a bit more water.  If water isn't cutting it, use piping gel. Just be careful because it is very sticky.

• I like to let the wafer paper ranunculus dry for about 15 minutes after each layer of petals.  This just helps to prevent it from getting too wet and gives me a chance to prepare for the next layer.

• If you use an edible pen to trace the circles, you will end up with ugly black lines on your circles.  Use those ones as your test flower.

• Create different sized flowers by adding more or less petals or by using different sized circles and balls.  Have fun and create variety with your wafer paper flowers!

• I like to use wafer paper glue instead of water.  Cut up some scraps of wafer paper as small as possible.  Then add enough water to make a paste or gel.  Let that mixture sit for a few hours.  It should have the consistency of piping gel.  Add more wafer paper scraps to thicken, and water to thin.

How to Color Wafer Paper Flowers

Wafer paper presents several issues when adding color.  It's fragile and has an uneven texture for starters and it is very sensitive to moisture. But there are a few easy methods that will give you different looks.

Supplies

• Petal Dust
• Piping Gel
• Edible Gold Paint
• Paint Brushes (small and fluffy)

Using Petal Dust

The easiest way to color your wafer paper ranunculus is with petal dust.  Use a fluffy brush to pick up petal dust, tap off any excess. Then just brush it onto the flower.  I like to concentrate the color in the center and work my way out. Go back in with a dark shade of petal dust and use a small tight brush to add the pigment to just the edge of the flower petals to add dimension.

For a more saturated look, combine petal dust and piping gel in a small bowl.  I've only used this technique with my simple wafer paper rose. However, you could certainly try painting each layer of petals with this mixture.  But, while it is more saturated, the color will be a bit uneven due to the texture of the wafer paper.

Touch of Gold

I decided to add a classy touch of gold to my wafer paper ranunculus.  Mostly to cover up the unsightly marks from my pen! First I tested my edible gold paint on a scrap of wafer paper to make sure it wouldn't disintegrate.  With a tiny brush, I painted a gold trim onto several wafer paper flowers.

This created a beautiful effect.  I'm not sure what would happen if you used more gold paint though.  It could over saturate the wafer paper, or it may work great. At the very least, it is a great way to add interest and class to a wafer paper flower.

How to Apply Wafer Paper Flowers to a Cake

Okay, now you've got an arsenal of wafer paper flowers.  Time to decorate! I think it's best to have a variety of sizes and colors when decorating a cake.  Throw in some simple wafer paper roses too.  It keeps things interesting.

To apply a wafer paper ranunculus to your cake, simply add a little bit of frosting or ganache to the bottom of the flower.  Gently, but firmly, press the flower onto your chilled cake. Hold for a few seconds and you're good to go!  Because of the foam ball, the wafer paper ranunculus is actually quite light and won't fall off the front of your cake.

Create Some Magic

If you're like me, I think you're going to be surprised with your abilities to make such beautiful, delicate flowers with this technique.  While the wafer paper ranunculus looks stunning , it really isn't difficult to make.  Give it a try and I know you'll be a big fan!

My Favorite Products for this Tutorial

Source: https://www.bakesandblunders.com/how-to-make-a-wafer-paper-ranunculus/

Posted by: adeyosketch.blogspot.com

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