In this video, we show you how to create realistic poppy buds and seed heads using sugarcraft techniques. This tutorial is designed to provide clear, step-by-step instructions, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cake decorators.

To make a closed poppy bud, start by making tape buds using 26 gauge wires wrapped in half width light green floral tape around the end three times. Press a ball of green paste into the small poppy bud mould cavity. Brush one side of a tape bud with egg white and press into the paste bud. Flex the mould to remove. Leave to dry for 2-3 hours. Press another ball of green paste into the bud mould and brush with piping gel. Press the dried half firmly onto the half in the mould. Flex the mould to remove. Bend the wire over your thumb so the bud faces down.

For an open bud, make a floral tape bud as before, this time using 24 gauge wires. Brush a tape bud with egg white and insert into a ball of red paste. Press the paste into the small bud mould, rotate 180 degrees and press again. Remove from the mould. Flatten out the top edge with your fingers, then use a Dresden Tool to ruffle the edge on both sides. Leave to dry. Press a small ball of green paste into the small bud mould with a ball tool to create calyx. Place onto a cosmetic sponge, textured side face down, then make another. Brush egg white two-thirds of the way down the centre of both then attach the small bud so that both calyx halves cover where the paste joins on the bud. Bend over your thumb to give a natural look like before.

When making a poppy seed head, make tape bud using a 20 gauge wire. Add two more 22 gauge wires and wrap tape down to the wire. Press a ball of light green paste into the poppy seed head mould. Brush the tape bud with piping gel and insert at an angle into the paste. Press down and fully embed into paste positioned so the wire sits in the channel. Flex the mould to release. Mark a series of holes around the top with the Companion Tool and leave to dry for 4-5 hours. Press another ball of light green paste into the poppy seed head mould. Apply an egg white and firmly press the dry half to the half still in the mould. Flex to release from the mould. Continue to mark the line of holes around the soft side then leave to dry.

In the next video you will learn how to add colour and assemble the elements you have already created to make stunningly realistic poppies to make floral arrangements for cake decorating.