Knead the gum paste until smooth and pliable. Using a toothpick, add bits of colour (if desired), and knead until well combined and smooth.

Tip: Keep gum paste covered with plastic at all times that you are not using it - it will dry quickly when exposed to the air!

Roll the gum paste out onto a clean surface greased with a bit of shortening, until it's quite thin (about 1/8" or so). Cut out circles, and remove the trimmings from around them. Wrap up the trimmings in plastic, and cover the circles in plastic as well, careful to keep them sealed from air exposure.

One at a time, remove the circles from underneath the plastic to make the roses. Dust the surface of your foam with cornstarch in a tea ball, and pat your frill tool on the cornstarch as well. Begin frilling the edge of the circle, moving the frill tool back and forth along the edge until it is very thin and ruffled.

Using the small spatula or knife, cut the circle in half and stretch it out with your fingers a bit until it is the shape of a snow pea.

Begin making your rose by curling a piece of gum paste, frilled side up, into a spiral shape, pinching the gum paste together at the base. Wrap this into a neat rose bud, and leaving a little bit of the first petal loose. Tuck the next petal inside the edge of the first one, and continue wrapping the rose into a spiral.

Tip: If you lightly moisten the edge of the petal with water, the rose will stick together better. DO NOT MAKE IT WET - Just damp will do the trick nicely.

Continue wrapping petals around until the rose is your desired size. (See notes for how many petals to use for different sizes of roses.)

When your roses are done, gently press the base onto a flat surface, and allow them to rest overnight to dry. Dry completely before using. Store your finished roses in a cool, dry place in an airtight container lined with a clean tea towel or paper towel.