In this video, the focus is on crafting a realistic Oncidium Orchid using sugar paste. This detailed guide will take you through the process, from moulding the individual components of the flower to the final assembly and colouring.

Start by making the orchid throat. Take a 26 gauge white wire, dip into egg white and insert into a ball of yellow paste. Press into the mould and fill the area with the paste. Use your fingers to create a slight ridge down the centre. Remove from the mould and pinch the back a little to create a tubular shape. Allow to dry.

Fot the sepals and petals, shape a ball of yellow paste into a sausage approx. 18mm (3/4 inch) long. Insert the needle end of the Companion Tool half way down the paste, remove then press an umbrella tool into the hole. Use scissors to cut half way down, following the five lines created by the umbrella tool. Open up and press into the mould cavity using a Dresden tool. Remove from mould and ruffle the wing petals using a medium ball tool.

Make a hole on the front with needle end of Companion Tool. Brush egg white at the base of the dry throat and thread through the hole. Shape the paste down the wire and trim to 1cm and leave to dry.

The next step is to colour the flower. Use dusting powders and food pens to achieve a realistic look. Start by applying an orange dusting powder to the edges of the throat and the petals. To add further detail, use food pens to create small dots and lines on the petals and the throat of the flower. Start with an orange pen, then add some details with a chocolate brown pen for a slightly darker shade.

Finally, steam the flower to set the powder colour and intensify the shades. Be careful to ensure all components are linked together before steaming. Once the flower has been steamed, it is ready to be used in arrangements with other types of orchids or flowers.