Join Chef Nicholas Lodge for part 2 of this detailed video guide that will lead you through creating vivid Chinese Lanterns and Autumn Cosmos, perfect for enhancing any fall-themed floral arrangement for cakes or home décor.

Chinese Lantern

Materials Needed:

• Tissue paper
• 22 gauge wire
• Light green floral tape
• Orange paste (sugar or air drying clay)
• Flower Pro Multi Leaf Veiner
• Flower Pro Five Petal Rose Cutter

To begin fold a rectangle of tissue into eight layers lengthwise. Hook a 22 gauge wire over one end of the tissue, and use pliers to secure it. Wrap the tissue around the wire to form a basic ball shape. Wrap the structure with light green floral tape, using the No.3 cavity in The Measuring Mould to assist in shaping. 

Prepare two small balls of orange paste. Slide each up the wire, attaching them with glue, ensuring smooth coverage over the tissue structure. For sugar paste use egg white or piping gel to glue and for air drying clay use PVA glue or a hot glue gun. Roll the orange paste through a pasta machine set to number 4. Using the medium Flower Pro Five Petal Rose Cutter, cut out petals and place them in a Stay Fresh Folder to prevent drying.

To assemble the lantern apply glue to the paste and ball, then attach each petal by gently pressing it onto the glued surface. Secure each by overlapping slightly with the preceding petal, using the needle end of the Companion Tool for precision. Once all petals are attached, brush the inner tips with glue, gently bring them together to form the lantern’s tip, and allow to dry upside down.

Tape up and down on the wire just below the lantern. Dust with vibrant orange, adding apple green at the top and red towards the point. Steam to set the colours and apply a light lacquer spray for a glossy finish.

Autumn Cosmos

Materials Needed:

• 22 gauge wire
• Light green floral tape
• Lemon yellow paste
• Flower Pro Ultimate Sunflower & Daisy Mould
• Harrison’s Yellow, orange, and red dust colors

Wrap the wire with floral tape to create a compact base. Attach stamens cut to size around the taped wire, then mold lemon yellow paste around this base to form the spiky center of the cosmos.

Roll out yellow paste and cut using a small Flower Pro Five Petal Rose Cutter. Place petals in the Stay Fresh Folder. Vein and curl each petal using the Flower Pro Multi Leaf Veiner and Companion Tool for realistic detailing.

Attach petals around the center, ensuring they overlap for a natural look. Dust the petals and center with vibrant autumn colors to enhance the realistic appearance.

Allow the cosmos to dry in a shaped former to maintain its curved petal structure. Once dry, assemble with other floral creations or display as a standalone piece.

Both Chinese Lanterns and Autumn Cosmos bring a unique touch to any fall decoration, offering a mix of vibrant colors and realistic textures that celebrate the essence of autumn. Follow these steps to create your own botanical art that captures the spirit of the season.

This video tutorial was originally filmed for the Flower Pro Members Club. Please be aware this club has since closed. This video has been re-posted here for educational purposes.