The name Ranunculus is late latin for 'little frog', from rana 'frog' and a diminutive ending. A reference to the many species being found near water, like frogs. They are a large genus of about 600 species of plants in the Ranunculaceae - members of the genus buttercups.
(source: Wikipedia)
In the interior of the Pacific Northwest of the United States the buttercup is called "Coyote’s eyes". In the legend, Coyote was tossing his eyes up in the air and catching them again when Eagle snatched them. Unable to see, Coyote made eyes from the buttercup.
I absolutely adore the beautiful flowers created by Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet! I especially adore her Ranunculus flowers.
In nature, I am attracted to their brilliant colours, and their simple, yet complex, petal structure. As Michael MacCaskey puts it in an article in the National Gardening Association - ... their multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper-thin petals resemble origami masterwork.
Now, my petals aren't paper-thin, nor do they resemble origami masterwork. Still, I am quite pleased with the outcome, as I did these without the help of a tutorial. The next time I make them, I will certainly approach them with the above description in mind.
Until then, here's how I made my Ranunculuses! (I get a kick from saying that)
Note: The slide that shows a photo of the tools includes a white veiner. You will notice later in the slideshow that I used a green veiner. I found the larger petals were too big for the veiner I intended to use and switched it after i had taken the photo.
Don't they just put a smile on your face? What's your favourite flower?
I hope you've enjoyed this post. Would love to hear from you - please consider leaving a comment below.
Paula Kelly-Bourque says
I just love the gold patterns on the cake and your flowers are blowing me away. They are gorgeous!
Cakewhiz says
Omg! I am in awe of this cake! It's beautiful and your work is so neat! I like making and decorating cakes too and can't wait to try and make these flowers! Thanks for sharing this tutorial. 🙂
- abeer @ http://www.cakewhiz.com
I Sugar Coat It! says
hanks you so very much, Paula! For all your wonderful comments and for sharing my work!! xoxo
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thank you for visiting and commenting! Would love to see your flowers once you make them!
Deb says
Your ranunculus tutorial is amazing! A most maginficent cake!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thank you kindly, Deb!! So very sweet of you. 🙂
Alejandra says
I just found you on facebook and now your blog!!! You are truly amazing on everything you do and specially sharing to all of us outhere who like baking, decorating,etc..... Love your sites!!! and of course your work!!!! So happy to found you!!!!!
Regina @SpecialtyCakeCreations says
I was always fascinated by that crepe paper like texture of ranunculus. Lovely tutorial, so cool to see a video by you 🙂
Regina @SpecialtyCakeCreations says
You have an awesome gumglue container with the brush built in. Looks like nail polish and saves washing one tool 🙂 I also find that when adding flower petal upside down works better. I usually built some make shift set-up from stuff I have in the kitchen to prevent curving. I just bend a hook into the wire end and hang them up.
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thanks, Regina! I am still working on perfecting this flower - was not completely happy with my first.
I Sugar Coat It! says
I have a few of those gum glue bottles - most cake decorating places carry them now. They come in so handy. 🙂 I follow the hang technique for most flowers, but these became quite heavy once a few rows of petals were added - I was worried the weight would cause the wire to slide out of the bulb when hung upside down.
I Sugar Coat It! says
Not sure how I missed your note, Alejandra... Thanks so much for your comment and for stopping by!
I Sugar Coat It! says
wow awesome tutorial! i dunno how many times i've googled "ranunculus sugar flower tutorial" and didn't find much... ! thank you for sharing! ^__^
I Sugar Coat It! says
So pleased you like! I couldn't find any either, so did my own!