Hello everyone the other day i found a bucket of gumpaste lying around in my closet i think its been there for less than a year, i popped it open and tried to make some designs with it but its so sticky that chunks of it sticks to my hands its unmanageable. i dont really do alot with gumpaste mostly with fondant does anyone know why this happens? could it be old?

If it is just sticky, you may be able to salvage it by kneading in a 50/50 powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture. That's what I do and it works great. However, if it is oozy and slimey, just toss it.

ditto what stlouiscake said. When you're not using it, try keeping it stored in the freezer to extend it's shelf life. I have been told in the fridge most gumpastes will last a few months, but in the freezer it will/could last indefinitely. Sometimes it will take me an entire year to go through a batch, but as long as it's in the freezer I have never had problems

yes, add a little powder sugar or cornstarch, or these two mixed . be sure you have your hands lightly greased with crisco. if it is really bad, then throw it away... i do freeze mine for a long time. i take it out of container. or if make it from scratch, i take small pieces and knead it really well, then wrap in saran wrap.... then put these individual ones in a freezer bag and freeze. take out what i need each time. hth