Wilton Leaf Tip

Need help with making the Wilton Rose?

I am taking the Wilton Course 1 and I am having some trouble. I make the stiff consistency icing and when I try to do the base, the tip doesn't come to a point no matter how lightly I pull on it. Also when I am piping the leaves, the edges come out cracked and not smooth. Then the last thing: The icing moves around on the needle despite the drop of icing I've used to hold it in place. My guess is that the icing is too stiff but any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

By the sounds of it either your icing is too hard, or your icing is drying out. Often times if the icing sits out in the air for too long it will start to dry out and then the edges of your leaves will crack.

I'm assuming you're trying to do a full rose on the rose nail. Are you piping directly onto the rose nail? or are you using a piece of parchment paper on the rose nail? (parchment paper is often use when making roses in advanced, so that you can make a bunch and freeze them). You don't need the parchment paper, especially for practicing.

If you're using the parchment paper approach try piping directly onto the rose nail.

If your icing isn't sticking to the rose nail, you can try stirring it some more, or putting it into your piping bag and rolling it around in your hands a bit to warm it up.

Caution though as warming the icing too much will cause your flower petals to wilt, and they will not hold their shape.

I'd recommend practicing with this icing if you can, but ultimately you'll have to make another batch of icing that's a little less stiff, and give that a go.

You could also purchase pre-mixed icing from your local cake decorating/craft store or bulk food store.

Hope this helps
Cheers

How to Decorate a Cake : Leaf & Vine Designs With Icing For Decorating Cakes