In this video the focus is on the creation of the peony leaf using the Flower Pro peony leaf mould and veiner. This tool can be used to create single or triple leaf formations for the peony. When crafting peonies, the colour of leaves can vary significantly, but for the purpose of this instruction, a basic screen gooseberry colour is used.

A number seven size ball of paste is used for the single leaf. If creating a triple leaf, a number seven size ball of paste is used for the main leaf and two number six size balls for the additional leaves.

To begin, take the number seven size ball of paste and condition it into a carrot shape. This shape is then placed into the mould and pressed in. If creating a smaller leaves on the triple formation, take two number six size balls of paste and blend them together with the larger piece. This creates the triple leaf piece.

Once the paste is in the mould, a cosmetic sponge is used to work the paste to the end of the leaf. The Dresden tool can also be used to further blend the paste together.

The next step is to add a wire to the leaf. A 24-gauge wire coated in egg white is slid into the leaf, going about a third of the way into the top piece. The mould is then flexed to release the leaf. The leaf can then be turned over onto a pad and the edges worked with a small companion tool or a medium ball tool.

The leaf is then dried in a former, ensuring that it is positioned symmetrically. Once dry, the leaf can be taped with floral tape.

The next step is to add colour to the leaf. This is done by brushing a foliage green colour around the edge of the leaf. A darker green is then used to create a stripe down the middle of each of the lateral veins on the back of the leaf.

A touch of the colour used on the peony flower is then added to the very base of the leaf. The final step in the leaf creation process is to steam the leaf to set the colour and then lightly spray it with lacquer.

Once the leaves are prepared, they can be attached to the peony flower. The final result is a beautifully crafted peony flower with accompanying leaves, ready to be added to any cake or display.