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Highlights
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1. Painting the cake
Paul starts by layering and adding texture through painting the cake.
2. Cutting out the petals
In the templates tab on this page you will find the drawing Paul used as a template to create the petals, but feel free to create your own.
3. Shaping the Petals
Paul shares some create techniques for shaping the petals, and importantly how to ensure that they dry in the desired shape.
4. Dusting the petals
It’s time to get the dusts out! Paul skilfully brings the petals to life with some great brushing techniques.
5. Wiring the petals
Time now to starts assembling the flowers, but first Paul starts by wiring up the petals.
6. Adding the stem leaves
Next stage is to get the leaves added to the stem.
7. Dusting the stems
Now Paul dusts the stems.
8. Attaching the irises
All that’s left to do is attach the irises and there you have it, a quick, effective, abstract iris wedding cake design.
9. Other Ideas
Paul shares some different ways to use the skills learned in this tutorial to enhance your portfolio.
10. Pro Lesson
Paul shares his costings, suggested retail price and some different ways to make extra profit!
Step into the world of floral cake design with this inspiring Abstract Iris Wedding Cake tutorial by Paul Bradford 🌸✨
This step by step class is packed with great techniques you can use again and again, perfect if you want to elevate your wedding cake designs with confidence and creativity.
Paul breaks the process down clearly, showing you how to transform a simple cake into a striking, artistic centrepiece that feels contemporary, elegant and expressive.
What you’ll learn 👇
🎨 Painting abstract colour with petal dust
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How to build soft, painterly layers directly onto the cake
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Creating movement, depth and contrast without overworking the surface
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Choosing colours that feel bold yet wedding-appropriate
🌼 Making petal templates from real flowers
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How to study real iris petals for shape and flow
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Turning natural forms into reusable templates
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Improving accuracy while keeping an organic, hand-crafted feel
✂️ Cutting and wiring sugar petals
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Best practices for cutting clean, professional petals
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Correct wiring techniques for strength and flexibility
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Tips for working efficiently without damaging delicate sugar work
🌸 Moulding, shaping and dusting petals
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How to mould petals so they look natural, not flat
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Creating realistic curves, ruffles and movement
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Dusting techniques to add depth, softness and lifelike detail
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a deeper understanding of abstract cake artistry and refined sugar flower work. You’ll also gain the confidence to adapt these techniques to other floral designs and colour palettes 💡
Whether you’re designing for modern couples or looking to refresh your wedding cake style, this tutorial will help you create cakes that feel artistic, intentional and truly unforgettable 💍🎂
Don’t forget to share your interpretations of this wonderful cake with Paul and the rest of the CakeFlix community on our Facebook group.
View hundreds of more world-class tutorials only at www.cakeflix.com.
