In this video, you will learn the intricate process of crafting a Cymbidium orchid flower from sugar paste. This detailed guide will take you through the steps of shaping, drying, assembling, and colouring the flower. By the end of this chapter, you will be equipped with the skills to create a stunning orchid flower that can serve as an exquisite decoration for cakes.

To make the column take a 24 gauge wire and bend a 5mm closed hook at the tip. Brush with egg white and insert into a ball of pale green paste. Press into the mould, then press the mould. Release from the mould. Use the ball end of the Companion Tool to press a hollow at the top then curve the column slightly.

Measure a small size ball of yellow paste, roll into an oval and press into the mould cavity. Flex the mould to remove. Brush a little egg white into the hollow at the top of the column and attach as shown in the video. Leave to dry.

For the throat take ball of pale green paste, roll into a sausage and place into the mould cavity. Press in using a cosmetic sponge. Press the Flower Pro Fan Veiner onto the back and remove from the mould. Brush egg white half way down the pollen tract and the same amount at each side. Attach the dry column yellow side down and wrap the throat around. Allow to dry.

Next, make the petals and sepals. Take 5 balls of paste and press each in turn into the mould with a cosmetic sponge. Form a central ridge in the paste with your fingers. Dip a 28 gauge white wire into egg white and insert half way into the sepal. Press the Flower Pro Lily Back Veiner or the Fan Veiner onto the back and remove from the mould.

Tape all the components using half width light green floral tape. Using tweezers, bend the sepals at the top of the stem. Take one of the sepals and assemble this 'head' sepal with the throat as shown, taping around a few times. Then tape in the two 'leg' sepals. Finally the right hand and left hand petals are taped in individually. Using pliers bend the top of the stem forward.

The colouring of the flower is an essential step in making the orchid come to life. Use daffodil yellow to colour the lines on the throat of the flower. Apply light apple green as the base colour, and use lime green for shading. For painting details on the flower, use a burgundy wine colour. Create lines and spots with different brushes to add depth and detail to the flower. Complete the colouring process by setting the colour with steam.

In conclusion, this guide provides a comprehensive process to create a beautiful orchid flower from sugar paste. The finished orchid flower can be used as a stunning decoration for cakes. The next chapter will guide you through the process of making a vanda orchid.