Gum Paste for Flowers

Ingredients

• 4 oz. gum tragacanth
• 2 lbs. 10 oz. warm water
• 5 lbs. powdered sugar
• 10 oz. cornstarch
• 15 drops acetic acid

Directions

1. Soak the gum tragacanth in a clean bowl with warm water for 24 hours.

2. Pour out the water and rub the gum through a fine sieve onto a clean marble slab.

3. Sift the powdered sugar and cornstarch into separate piles.

4. Add the acetic acid to the soaked gum, then slowly mix in the sugar with your hands until smooth.

5. When the mixture is stiff, add the cornstarch and work it into a smooth, soft paste.

6. Place the paste in a covered crock for 12 hours before use.