1. Wash the tips in hot water. 2. Cut the tip of the pastry bag, leave 1-2 mm length to let the tip pop out of piping bag. 3. Insert the Russian tips in the bag. 4. Put the buttercream in the pastry bag. Buttercream must be firm, room temperature, not too soft. 5. Place the Russian tips to the cupcake/cake base,squeezing gently and you will get a flower out of it. 6. Clean the end of the tips 7. If the buttercream is too soft the buds will be closed. Pop in the fridge,if necessary. 8. After use,wash in hot soap water and dry.