Ready to create a delicate Japanese anemone out of wafer paper? In this tutorial, you’ll learn essential techniques for crafting, wiring, and coloring wafer paper petals to design lifelike anemones for your cake decorations.
With its unique shape and range of colors, the Japanese anemone is an eye-catching choice that can add elegance and beauty to any floral cake arrangement. Traditionally, Japanese anemones symbolize anticipation and protection, making them a meaningful addition to your cake designs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned decorator, follow along to bring these gorgeous blooms to life. Watch the video tutorial, or read through the materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions below!
Download Wafer Paper Anemone Template
Get instant access to this and 37 more wafer paper flower tutorials and templates in my All-In-One Wafer Paper Ebook for just $19!
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Materials
- Wafer paper (0.27 mm or premium)
- Green gumpaste
- 22-gauge floral wire (green)
- 30-gauge floral wire (white)
- Yellow-tipped stamens
- Green and pink gel colors
- Food-grade glycerin
- Floral tape
- Wafer paper glue (find my recipe here)
- Confectioner’s glaze or gum glue
- Semolina or cornmeal
- Yellow petal dust
- Cornstarch
- My Wafer Paper Anemone Template (included in the ultimate All-In-One Wafer Paper Templates eBook for cake artists)
Tools
- Sharp scissors
- Foam petal pad
- Plastic spoons or petal formers
- Needle-nose pliers (for wire hooks)
- Flat brush
- Fluffy makeup brush
- Peony petal veiner
How to Make Wafer Paper Anemone Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Petals
Begin by cutting your wafer paper according to the flower template. You’ll need three petals in each size for a full bloom. Use sharp scissors or a cutting machine for precision.
If you don’t have a template, try sketching petal shapes freehand in small, medium, and large sizes—anemone petals are naturally irregular, so don’t worry about making them perfect!
Step 2: Create the Anemone Center
Roll a small ball of green gumpaste (about 1 cm in diameter) to form the anemone center. Insert a 22-gauge floral wire into the ball to act as the stem, and allow the center to dry.
Step 3: Add Pollen to the Center
Dip the gumpaste center into gum glue or confectioner’s glaze until it’s tacky. Next, roll the center in a mixture of colored semolina or cornmeal with yellow petal dust to create a realistic pollen effect. Let it dry briefly.
Step 4: Attach the Stamens
Cut the yellow-tipped stamens in half, then secure them around the center with floral tape. This adds a beautiful, authentic touch to the anemone’s center.
Step 5: Wire Each Petal
For each petal, apply a small amount of wafer glue to attach a 30-gauge wire to the petal’s backside. Let the petals dry thoroughly.
Step 6: Color and Shape the Petals
Mix a few drops of pink gel color with food-grade glycerin and water to create a light wash for the petals. Use a flat brush to apply color sparingly to each petal, then press each one onto a peony veiner for texture.
Dust the petal with cornstarch to prevent sticking, then place each petal into a spoon or petal former to shape as it dries.
Step 7: Assemble the Flower
Start by taping the smallest petals around the center, arranging them in a natural triangular shape. Gradually add the medium-sized petals, then the largest, working your way outward.
Step 8: Finish with a Calyx
Color and shape three green wafer paper pieces to create a calyx, then attach it to the base of the flower.
Cake Arrangements Featuring X to Inspire You
Time to Get Crafty!
Inspired to try your own wafer paper anemone? I hope this tutorial has shown you how fun and rewarding it can be to craft these lifelike flowers! Add them to your next cake for a touch of elegance and style.
When you’re done, share your creations on social media and tag me @FloreaCakes—I can’t wait to see how you bring these blooms to life!
2 Comments
I just don’t see the free template to download. Please help?
Under the video there is a block that says: DOWNLOAD FREE WAFER PAPER ANEMONE TEMPLATE
You need to enter your email address, so I can email you the template