This video tutorial will provide a comprehensive walkthrough of the process to make beautiful sugar maple leaves and Japanese maple leaves, from the initial preparation of the modelling paste to the final touches of colouring and glazing.

To begin, prepare the modelling paste. For sugar maple leaves, use a mixture of 50% flower modelling paste and 50% sugarpaste. For a more autumnal look, add a small amount of autumn leaf gel colour to the paste. For Japanese maple leaves, use a red flower modelling paste and add a little brown and yellow to achieve a terracotta colour.

To make the large maple leaf start by taking five half length 26 gauge white wires and wrap half width brown floral tape starting 5cm from the top. Fan out the bare wires at right angles and line up the angles to match the veins in the leaf mould cavity. Fill the leaf cavity with paste and then line up the veiner with the centre of the mould and press to texture the back of the leaf. Flex the mould and release the leaf. Apply a little edible glue to the five bent bare wire ends and gently press each wire to the back of the leaf, lining up with the veining pattern. Bend the wires to shape the leaf to your liking and allow to dry.

When making smaller leaves using this mould a single wire is all that is needed. Apply this whilst the paste is stil in the mould, using the wire channel as a guide. 

Once the leaves are dry, apply the dust colours. Start with the lightest colour and gradually add the darker colours, focusing on the edges and the centre vein of the leaves. Use a soft brush to apply the dust, and remember to dust both the front and back of the leaves.

After dusting, steam the leaves to set the colours. This will also give them a slight sheen, similar to real leaves. Finally, assemble the leaves into sprays or arrangements as desired. Use floral tape to secure the wires together, and trim the ends of the wires to the appropriate length.

By following the steps described in this video, you can create beautiful, realistic sugar maple leaves. These can be used to decorate cakes and cupcakes, adding a touch of nature and a burst of autumnal colour to any creation.