In this chapter, we'll explore the process of creating realistic lily buds using the innovative Flower Pro Lily Bud mould. This mould, part of the Flower Pro collection, allows for the creation of three different sizes of lily buds: large, medium, and small. The size of the bud you choose to create will determine the gauge of wire you'll need. For instance, an 18-gauge wire is recommended for a large bud.

The lily buds can be made to full length if they are intended for an arrangement or to be laid out on top of a cake. However, for a more compact arrangement, it's often more suitable to use half-length wires.

The process of creating the lily buds begins with preparing the wire. For a large bud, hold your thumb and finger approximately 25 millimetres or one inch from the end of the wire and bend it over with your thumb to create a shepherd's crook shape. Avoid using pliers for this step as they can create an unwanted crease. For medium and small buds, the hook should be about 20 millimetres and 13 millimetres respectively.

Next, take some floral tape, preferably half-width, and wrap it around the wire, starting from the hook and going halfway down the wire. This creates a loop at the end of the wire.

When it comes to the paste used for the buds, the colour and type can vary depending on the specific lily you're creating. For example, the larger buds for a Oriental style lily are made in white and then dusted for colour. Smaller buds, on the other hand, are typically made in a very pale green. For orange buds, orange paste is used.

The paste can be a mix of flower modelling paste or gum paste and rolled fondant, especially for white buds. However, for buds that need to match the petals' colour, straight petal paste or gum paste is used.

Once the paste is prepared, it's time to use the mould. For a large bud, a number 12 small size ball of paste is recommended. This is then rolled into a sausage shape, dusted with a bit of cornflour, and pressed into the mould.

The next step involves brushing a bit of egg white onto the hook of the wire and inserting it into the paste in the mould at a slight angle. The wire should be pushed just under the surface of the paste and go in about halfway.

After this, flex the mould to release the half bud. This half bud should then be left to dry for two or three hours. If you have a food dehydrator, it can be used to speed up the drying process.

Once the first half is dry, repeat the process to create the second half. After the second half is made, it's immediately joined with the first half while it's still soft. This creates a full bud with beautiful detail.

The bud can then be left to dry for another two hours. After this, it's ready to be dusted for colour. The colouring process will be covered in detail in Lily Mould & Veiner part 2.