Flower paste

Mix the fondant and CMC together and leave to stand overnight. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight plastic container.

Rub a very thin layer of Holsum on the work surface. Roll out the paste thinly and cut out 5 large rose petals. Curl the edges with a bone/ball tool on a petal mat.

Stick petals with petal glue one at a time on the cake, to form the first row of petals.

Roll out some more paste and cut 5 smaller rose petals. Curl the edges and stick them on top of the first layer.

Cut 5 smaller petals for the middle layer and stick them into the centre. You can support the flower petals with tissue paper to keep them in place. Remove the tissue paper when dry.

Roll a ball of flower paste and use petal glue to stick it in centre of flower. Finish by pressing stamens into the centre ball.